Amsterdam Activities & Guided Tours

Best activities, guided tours and excursions from Amsterdam

All the information about guided tours, activities, and excursions in Amsterdam. Tips for walking tours, boat trips, experiences, and fun activities with kids in Amsterdam.

1. Guided walking tours

Discover Amsterdam on foot with an experienced guide and experience the city up close. During one of the guided walking tours below, you will hear the stories behind the facades, learn about the city’s history, or discover hidden places you might otherwise miss. For example, choose a highlights walk along canals, squares, and important things to do in Amsterdam. Explore the Red Light District with a guide on this Red Light District tour, where you will learn all about the history of this area filled with prostitution and coffeeshops, or join this Anne Frank walking tour, an impressive tour that teaches you more about the story of Anne Frank while taking you past historically important locations.

2. Boat tours

The one activity you simply shouldn’t miss during a city trip to Amsterdam! If you want to experience the city in a different way, a canal cruise is highly recommended. From the water, the city feels completely different: stately canal houses and characteristic bridges are even more impressive when seen from a boat. As you glide past well-known and lesser-known spots, you’ll learn more about the history of Amsterdam and life along the canals. There is a wide range of Amsterdam canal cruises available, from classic boat tours to atmospheric evening cruises and luxury boats with snacks and drinks. Below you’ll find a selection of the most popular boat tours:

• Classic canal cruise
• Evening cruise
• Smoke and lounge cruises, for a cannabis- and smoke-friendly canal cruise.
• The Amsterdam Light Festival is an annual winter event that transforms the city into a magical spectacle of light. Artists from all over the world create spectacular light installations along and on the canals, bridges, and quays. During this period, the Light Festival boat tour is highly recommended.
• View the complete range of canal cruises, including dinner cruises, drinks cruises, and exclusive private boat tours.

3. Bike tours

A bike tour is one of the most enjoyable ways to explore Amsterdam. Together with a guide, you’ll cycle past famous Amsterdam sights and lively neighborhoods, while learning more about the city’s history and everyday life along the way. Amsterdam is made for cycling, which you’ll immediately notice thanks to the relaxed pace and excellent bike paths. A bike tour is the perfect activity for anyone who wants to experience Amsterdam like a true local. I personally had great experiences with this highlights bike tour by BajaBikes, where a guide takes you past all the main highlights.

4. Food tours

With a food tour, you’ll taste Amsterdam in an authentic way. Guided by a local expert, you’ll discover flavors that are characteristic of the city and the Netherlands, such as traditional snacks like bitterballen, herring, kibbeling, and poffertjes. For example, join a food walking tour through the Jordaan, a historic neighborhood known for its cozy cafés and specialty shops, each with its own story. Or take part in a syrup waffle-making workshop and learn how this typically Dutch treat is freshly prepared.

5. Excursions from Amsterdam

From Amsterdam, many wonderful destinations are within easy reach for an unforgettable day trip. Visit the Zaanse Schans and stroll past working windmills, wooden houses, and traditional crafts that bring the Holland of the past to life. Combine this with a trip to the charming harbor towns of Volendam and Marken, famous for their fishing harbor and local traditions. In spring, millions of flower lovers travel to the Keukenhof, where colorful tulip fields and flower beds create a spectacular display. Discover the full range of day trips from Amsterdam and be surprised.

6. Evening activities

A fun evening activity in Amsterdam is taking a boat tour, preferably one of the drinks boats or dinner cruises. The city also truly comes to life at night during a tour of the Red Light District.

7. Things to do with kids

Amsterdam offers plenty of fun activities for children. Below is a top 10 list of recommendations for things to do in Amsterdam with kids:

1. NEMO Science Museum: An interactive museum where children learn about science and technology through play. Everything can be touched and tried out. The rooftop terrace also offers a great view over the city.
2. Pancake Boat: Eat and cruise at the same time. During the canal cruise, children can enjoy unlimited pancakes while seeing Amsterdam from the water.
3. ARTIS Zoo: One of the oldest zoos in Europe, located right in the city center. It features a planetarium, aquarium, and plenty of space to explore. Next to ARTIS you’ll also find Micropia, a unique museum about micro-organisms—surprising and educational for curious kids.
4. Upside Down: A colorful and playful museum full of illusions and upside-down rooms. Perfect for funny photos and lots of fun with children and teenagers.
5. Ripley’s Believe It or Not: A museum filled with bizarre objects. The optical illusions and interactive games are surprising and fun for curious kids.
6. THIS IS HOLLAND: A spectacular 5D flight experience over the Netherlands with wind, scent, and motion effects. Educational and impressive, suitable for children aged around 5 and up.
7. Syrup waffle making workshop: Learn how to bake stroopwafels yourself and taste them fresh off the iron. Fun, tasty, and typically Dutch.
8. Barbie The Dreamhouse Experience: A pink, imaginative attraction where children can explore the world of Barbie.
9. Madame Tussauds: Take photos with lifelike wax figures of celebrities, athletes, and superstars. Fun and accessible for families.
10. AMAZE: An audiovisual experience with light, sound, and special effects. Especially popular with older children and teenagers who enjoy immersive experiences.