mUST DO THINGS IN AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam is one of the most picturesque and fascinating cities in Europe! It’s a destination with beautiful canals, charming houses, and lovely flowers. It’s a popular place to visit because it’s eclectic. No matter what you’re there for, you will find some great must-do things in Amsterdam.
I fell in love with its beauty. At each turn, the canals adorned the city with bikes and flowers. The city is full of energy and delicious food. You can learn about its history at one of the many museums. Or, you can simply shop or walk around the city.
Must Do Things in Amsterdam
Table of Contents
Things To Do in Amsterdam
Wander the City
You can capture the beauty of the city by getting lost in the lovely streets of Amsterdam. At every turn, you find charming setups. The canals are lined up with bikes and oddly it feels they were purposely placed along the canals to adorn the city. You can stop and take pictures of the flowers and walk into the stores. This is by far the best way to enjoy Amsterdam.
Sunset Canal Cruise
Perhaps one of the most relaxing and peaceful things to do in Amsterdam is to take a sunset cruise. There are all types of cruises down the canals but I recommend one with fewer people that at least serves drinks. I went on a one-hour cruise with less than 12 people. The cruise served us drinks and had a guided tour. I paid about 20 Euros, enjoyed the sunset, had a couple of drinks, and learned about Amsterdam.
Rent a Bike
Amsterdam is popular for bike riding and there is no shortage of rentals. There are so many bikes on the streets that I would think twice before crossing. Don’t say I didn’t warn you! But if you do ride, you’ll be fitting in perfectly with the locals.
Visit Famous Museums
From the Van Gogh Museum to Anne Frank’s House, to the Rijksmuseum, or the Heineken Experience, the options are many if you want to learn a little history in the city. I was fortunate to visit the Van Gogh Museum but my arrival in the city was last minute and I didn’t get to see Anne Frank’s house. Make sure to reserve ahead of time for that one.
Eat Local Food
Who doesn’t love trying local food? I sure do! Whether you go on a food tour or explore the food on your own, I recommend trying a few local favorites. They say the origin of Frites (fries) comes from the Dutch people. Not sure if that’s true or not, but don’t miss a chance to taste them in the Dutch style. Another favorite is Stroopwafels. These delicious treats are wafers filled with caramel and are quite tasty.
Visit the Flower Markets
What makes the city so beautiful are the many flowers that are everywhere. Just outside the city, there are flower fields that you can drive by and see. The tulip fields are quite popular during the spring season! But in the city, there is even a floating flower market called Bloemenmarkt where you can pick out a bouquet.
Check Out the Bar Scene
This is not everyone’s scene, but the Red Light District for me was mainly about the restaurants, drinks, the vibe, and the busy scenery. Although many people come to this area because of the coffee houses and brothels, you can easily ignore it all to enjoy the culture of the city instead. This area has so many delicious treat shops too. This made me wonder if it was because stoned tourists come out hungry.
Vintage and Designer Shopping
For those who like shopping, you can find both designer and vintage. The two most popular shopping spots in the city center are Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat. If you’re looking for art and antiques, you will find them in Spiegelkwartier. Lastly, if you are looking to do some retail shopping, head over to The Utrechtsestraat.
Photograph the "I Amsterdam Sign"
Once upon a time, the famous “Iamsterdam Sign” sat in the city center. However, the sign was drawing too big of a crowd and it was removed. The sign returned to the city though, but it moves around. During my visit, all I did was go to Amsterdam Central Station, took the free ferry across the river and the letters were there. Don’t forget to research where the letters are placed when you visit.
Where to Stay
Amsterdam is not cheap, especially in the summer. I recommend finding a place ahead of time if possible. If you’re a solo traveler, staying near the city center is best. But if you’re on a budget, you can stay a little outside of the city center. I stayed at the Generator Amsterdam hostel. Not necessarily budget-friendly, but it was nice, and getting to the center was a short ride away.
What to Pack For Amsterdam
Travel Booking Resources
Book Your Flight:
To find cheap flights, check Skyscanner and Google Flights. These search engines check airlines to find you the best deals. The more flexibility you have, the better flight deals available.
Book Your Accommodation:
Booking.com is my favorite booking site for hotels but it also shows great deals on hostels and apartments. Plus, when you reach Genius Level, you get special discounts, included breakfasts, and upgrades on some hotel rooms. Hostelworld is specifically for budget travelers who enjoy hostels. This is the best place for finding great options.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance and Visa Applications:
Travel insurance will protect you against theft, injury, illness, and cancellations. Sometimes unexpected things happen during a trip and protections will keep you covered. Two great options are: Safety Wing and World Nomads. Also, iVisa can help you get a visa if you need one.
Book Tours:
Sometimes the best way to see a place is through tours. I recommend checking out Get Your Guide for some fun and unique adventures wherever you go.
Check out my other travel resources to help you book your trip!
Disclaimer: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and purchase a product, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Please note I only recommend products and brands that I personally use or have used and believe in.
