Amsterdam attractions & sightseeing

Top 20 tourist attractions, places to visit & things to do in Amsterdam

What to see in Amsterdam? Top 20 sightseeing, tourist attractions, must-see landmarks, highlights, places to visit and best things to do in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Top 20 Attractions - Things to do in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a city full of museums, canals, historic landmarks, and unique highlights. The capital of the Netherlands has much more to offer than just iconic Amsterdam attractions such as the Rijksmuseum, the Anne Frank House, and Dam Square. During your visit to the capital, you will discover a mix of culture, history, and modern urban charm. This is the top 20 of best activities, beautiful places to visit, sightseeing, and what to see in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Click on one of the must-see highlights and discover things to do in Amsterdam for more information about this museum, monument, or tourist attraction.

1. Must see: Rijksmuseum

^{Things to do in Amsterdam: visit the Rijksmuseum}

^{Admire Old Dutch masters at the Rijksmuseum}

The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands and the most visited attraction in Amsterdam. The impressive building on Museumplein houses a world-famous collection of art and history, with the highlight being The Night Watch by Rembrandt. You will also see works by Vermeer (such as The Milkmaid), Frans Hals, and many other masters of the Dutch Golden Age. In addition to paintings, the Rijksmuseum also features an extensive collection of ship models and historical objects. Thanks to its clear layout and modern presentation, the Rijksmuseum is a very accessible museum for learning more about 800 years of Dutch history. Read more about visiting the Rijksmuseum.

📌 Tip: To make sure you can visit at your preferred time slot, it is recommended to book tickets online.

2. Things to do: Canal cruise

^{See Amsterdam’s attractions from a boat}

^{Some Amsterdam highlights can only be seen from the water}

A canal cruise through the Amsterdam canals is one of the best ways to discover the city and should definitely not be missed during a visit to Amsterdam. From the water, you see the historic canal houses, bridges, landmarks, and houseboats from a completely different perspective. During your cruise past beautiful Amsterdam attractions, you will hear stories about the city’s history and daily life along the canals. You can choose from various types of canal cruises, ranging from classic tours to evening cruises and luxury boats with drinks. Make your choice from one of the canal tours below:

• Classic canal cruise
• Evening canal cruise
• View an overview of all canal cruises, such as dinner cruises, drinks cruises, luxury boat tours, and the winter Light Festival.

3. Highlights: Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum houses the largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh in the world. Here, you can follow the life and development of the artist through paintings, drawings, and personal letters. Famous works such as Sunflowers and The Potato Eaters attract millions of visitors every year (it is necessary to book your tickets at least several weeks in advance). The Van Gogh Museum provides extensive context about Van Gogh’s struggles and his sources of inspiration. Thanks to the clear chronological layout, you get a comprehensive picture of his life and artistic development.

4. Anne Frank House

^{Top places to visit in Amsterdam: the Anne Frank House}

^{Next to the Anne Frank House is the Westerkerk tower}

The Anne Frank House is one of the most impressive attractions in Amsterdam. In this former home, Anne Frank wrote her world-famous diary while she was hiding with her Jewish family during the Second World War. You visit the Secret Annex (the rooms behind the bookcase where they were hiding) and see original rooms, documents, and personal belongings. The museum not only tells Anne Frank’s story but also places it in a broader historical context, leaving a deep and lasting impression. Nearby is the Westerkerk tower, which Anne Frank could see from her home.

More Jewish history in Amsterdam?

Are you interested in learning more about Jewish history or the Second World War in Amsterdam? The activities and places to visit in Amsterdam below may also be worth visiting:

• We can also recommend this 2-hour Anne Frank walking tour, which tells the fascinating story of Anne Frank throughout Amsterdam. This tour does not include entry to the Anne Frank House but stops at many historically important locations.
• Visit the Jewish Cultural Quarter on the other side of the city center. The National Holocaust Museum tells the story of the persecution of Jews in the Netherlands during the Second World War. The Jewish Museum highlights daily life, cultural traditions, and historical events through the centuries. The Portuguese Synagogue from the 17th century is one of the best-preserved synagogues in the world. Its impressive interior and lighting by hundreds of candles make a visit especially moving (more info and tickets, also included in the popular I Amsterdam City Card).
• The Dutch Resistance Museum shows how ordinary Amsterdammers responded to the German occupation. Personal stories reveal courage, choices, and moral dilemmas, including resistance to the persecution of Jews, and provide a nuanced picture of this difficult period (more info and tickets).
• Throughout the city center you will see Stolpersteine, or stumbling stones. These are small memorial stones embedded in the pavement in front of former homes of deported Jews. They make history visible in the streetscape and invite reflection during a walk through Amsterdam.

5. Visiting the Red Light District

^{Visiting the Red Light District in Amsterdam Netherlands}

^{What to see in Amsterdam: Red Light District}

The Red Light District (called ‘De Wallen’ in Dutch) is Amsterdam’s prostitution area, with more than 300 workplaces for window prostitution. The name comes from the many red lights in the windows of these workplaces. The neighborhood also features many sex shops, coffeeshops, sex shows, and a marijuana museum. Besides the nightlife along the canals with narrow streets, you will also find historic buildings such as the Oude Kerk. During the day, the atmosphere is very different from the evening. Some attractions in De Wallen:

• The Prostitution Museum, also known as Red Light Secrets, provides insight into the history and reality of window prostitution. Here you learn, for example, what daily life is like and how regulations work (more info Prostitution Museum).
• The Oude Kerk ('Old Church') is the oldest building in Amsterdam and is located right in the Red Light District. This impressive Gothic church dates back to the 13th century and features, among other things, art exhibitions and a remarkable wooden ceiling (more info Oude Kerk).
• The Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum focuses on the history and use of cannabis and hemp (more information).
• A less touristy but very interesting attraction is Museum Our Lord in the Attic. This is a former hidden church (more information).
• On the edge of the Red Light District lies Chinatown around the Zeedijk and the Nieuwmarkt, the square near the distinctive Waag building.

6. Heineken Experience

The Heineken Experience is located in the former Heineken brewery near Museumplein, where Gerard Adriaan Heineken produced his first brews in 1864. The extensive tour of this interactive Heineken Experience tells you about the history, brewing process, and marketing of the Netherlands’ most famous beer brand. At the end, you can enjoy a freshly tapped beer (more info and tickets Heineken Experience).

7. Places to visit around Dam Square

^{The Royal Palace on Dam Square in Amsterdam city center}

^{The monument on Dam Square}

Dam Square forms the historical heart of Amsterdam. The many pigeons and street performers give the square a lively atmosphere. The main shopping streets Kalverstraat and Nieuwendijk meet at Dam Square, and the square is also home to the luxury department store ‘De Bijenkorf’ and the historic Hotel Krasnapolsky. The white National Monument on Dam Square was erected in memory of the victims of the Second World War. Other highlights and landmarks around the square:

• Royal Palace on Dam Square: originally built as the city hall in the 17th century, this palace reflects the power and wealth of the Dutch Golden Age. Today it is used for official receptions by the royal family. Visitors can admire several richly decorated rooms (📌 Tip: check this website to see when the palace is open for tours).
• Nieuwe Kerk: although the 'New Church' is no longer used for regular services, it plays a central role in royal events such as inaugurations and weddings. The church hosts changing exhibitions.
• Madame Tussauds: a museum with lifelike wax figures of celebrities (book your tickets online).
• Ripley’s Believe It or Not!: a striking museum focused on the bizarre and unexplained. Inside you will discover a collection of curiosities and optical illusions (book your tickets online).

8. Sightseeing: Jordaan

^{Typical facades in the capital of the Netherlands}

^{The Noorderkerk in the charming Jordaan district}

The Jordaan is a typical Amsterdam working-class neighborhood in the western part of the city center. The district was built in the 17th century and features beautiful canal houses, many restaurants and small shops, and is known for its traditional brown cafés with Dutch music. Very popular is the nearby shopping area of the famous ‘9 Streets’, located between the Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, and Herengracht. This network of nine small streets is known for its unique boutiques, vintage shops, concept stores, and specialty shops. During your city trip, the Jordaan is a lovely area to explore at your own pace.

📌 Are you a food lover? A fun way to explore the Jordaan district is with Jordaan Local Food Walking Tour.

9. Vondelpark

The Vondelpark is the large city park of Amsterdam. This public and elongated park is free to visit and features, among other things, ponds, fountains, statues, a rose garden, and a tea house. There are also cafés and terraces where you can take a break. Concerts and open-air theater performances are regularly held in Vondelpark.

10. Rembrandt House

^{Visiting the Rembrandt House}

^{Places to visit in Amsterdam: monument on Rembrandtplein}

The Rembrandt House is the former home and workshop of Rembrandt van Rijn, where he lived between 1639 and 1658. In this magnificent and stately building with period furniture, art, and objects, you feel as if you step back into the 17th century. Learn more about his life and way of working. The Rembrandt House also contains an extensive collection of Rembrandt’s etchings. From the Rembrandt House, it is also a pleasant walk of about 10 minutes to Rembrandtplein, where you will find an impressive monument of The Night Watch (more info visiting the Rembrandt House).

11. Begijnhof, a hidden attraction

The Begijnhof is a secluded courtyard that dates back to medieval Amsterdam. Originally, these were the homes of unmarried and devout Beguines, and most of the facades date from the 17th and 18th centuries. The beautiful courtyard with historic houses, a chapel, and the city’s oldest wooden house is a hidden gem in the city center. You can peek behind an inconspicuous entrance at part of the courtyard for free. The other part is closed to protect the privacy of the residents.

^{Hidden gems: Begijnhof}

^{Things to do in Amsterdam with children: NEMO museum}

12. What to do in Amsterdam with kids: NEMO

NEMO is Amsterdam’s science museum, designed to inspire young people in science and technology through many experimental setups. A fantastic interactive museum, especially when visiting Amsterdam with children. The striking green building on the IJ is located near the central station (Info and tickets NEMO).

13. Highlight: A’DAM Lookout

A’DAM Lookout is a 360° observation deck with the best panorama over Amsterdam’s city center and harbor. A special attraction is the ‘Edge Swing,’ the highest swing in Europe, where you swing on the edge of the 100-meter-tall building. Not a daredevil? Then enjoy a drink at the rooftop bar (info and tickets A’DAM Lookout). Nearby A’DAM Lookout is also This is Holland, an immersive 5D flight simulation that takes you over the most beautiful landscapes of the Netherlands (book your tickets online).

14. What to do in Amsterdam: Bike Tours

Do like the locals do! Amsterdam is a city with more bicycles than residents. A bike tour is the ideal way to see many Amsterdam attractions in a short time. You ride along canals, historic buildings, and hidden courtyards, often with a guide sharing interesting stories about the city. I personally had a great experience with this highlights bike tour by BajaBikes, where a guide takes you along all the main sights such as the Jordaan, Museumplein, the Canal Ring, and Vondelpark (more info highlights bike tour).

15. Maritime Museum

At this Maritime Museum, you travel through 500 years of Dutch maritime history, including the Golden Age, but also the current period of a country largely dependent on dikes. You have the opportunity to admire the replica of the old VOC ship ‘Amsterdam’, and the collection includes paintings, ship models, weapons, and world maps. A must-see for anyone interested in Amsterdam’s history as a trading and port city.

16. Rest of Museum Square

^{Museum Square with the landmark of the Concertgebouw}

^{Notable landmarks: Stedelijk Museum}

Museum Square ('Museumplein') is the cultural heart of Amsterdam and is home to several museums besides the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum. The square itself often hosts events and festivals. Other attractions around Museum Square include:

• The Moco Museum showcases modern and contemporary art, including famous works by Banksy, Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Yayoi Kusama, and other street artists. The museum is known for accessible, thought-provoking exhibitions and appeals strongly to a younger audience (more info Moco Museum).
• The Stedelijk Museum, housed in the striking building nicknamed 'the bathtub,' focuses on modern and contemporary art and design. The collection includes works by Mondrian, Malevich, Picasso, and contemporary artists. Explore paintings, sculptures, and innovative exhibitions (more info Stedelijk Museum).
• The Concertgebouw is one of the most famous concert halls in the world, known for its perfect acoustics (more Concertgebouw).
• The House of Bols Jenever Museum tells the history of jenever and liqueurs (more info House of Bols).
• The Diamond Museum tells the story of Amsterdam as a diamond city. Learn about diamond cutting and trade.

17. Day Trips from Amsterdam

^{Highlights in Holland: Keukenhof}

^{Things to do near Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans}

Amsterdam is an excellent base for day trips in the surrounding area. You can take a trip to the Zaanse Schans with historic windmills and typical Dutch crafts, and even combine it with the picturesque fishing villages of Volendam and Marken. The most popular attraction in March, April, and May is the Keukenhof. Keukenhof is a stunning park full of tulips and flowers. Delft, Giethoorn, and Haarlem are also popular destinations for a day trip from Amsterdam.

18. Artis

What to do in Amsterdam with children? Artis is the city zoo in Amsterdam city center and the oldest zoo in the Netherlands. Here you can see lions, monkeys, elephants, and many exotic animals, as well as historic buildings and beautiful gardens. The adjacent planetarium offers impressive projections on a giant screen, and the Micropia museum provides insights into microscopic organisms (info and tickets Artis).

^{Visit Artis in the city center}

^{Nightlife at Leidseplein}

19. Leidseplein & Nightlife

Leidseplein is the most vibrant square in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Around the square, you will find numerous cafés, restaurants, theaters, and music venues. During the day, it is a pleasant spot for people-watching and visiting terraces; in the evening, it comes alive with live music, street performers, and dance venues. Popular clubs like Paradiso and Melkweg are nearby, as well as many international restaurants. The square attracts both tourists and locals and is an ideal starting point for an evening full of entertainment.

20. More places to visit in Amsterdam

• Curious how wealthy families used to live along the canals? Visit the elegant canal house Willet-Holthuysen, home to an affluent family in the 18th and 19th centuries. You can explore richly decorated salons, a ballroom, and a charming city garden (more info Willet-Holthuysen). Alternatively, you can also visit Museum Van Loon, another beautifully preserved canal house on the Keizersgracht.
• The Cat cabinet is an eccentric museum entirely dedicated to cats in art. Paintings, drawings, and sculptures by famous artists depict cats in all forms. The small museum is housed in a stately canal house on the Herengracht (more info Cat cabinet).
• The Johan Cruijff ArenA is the largest stadium in the Netherlands and the home of Ajax. With this stadium tour, you gain access to the locker rooms, among other areas.
• The Flower market ('Bloemenmarkt') is the world’s only floating flower market, located on the Singel canal. Especially in spring, you’ll find tulip bulbs, flowers, and typical Dutch souvenirs.
• The STRAAT Museum in the NDSM warehouse is dedicated to street art and graffiti. Large works by international artists fill the industrial hall (more info STRAAT Museum).
• The Hortus Botanicus is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world. Stroll among exotic plants and tropical greenhouses. It’s a peaceful, green oasis in the middle of the city.
• The Albert Cuyp Market is Amsterdam’s most famous street market for fresh produce, clothing, and souvenirs. Located in De Pijp, it perfectly reflects the city’s multicultural atmosphere.
• Are you a food lover? Why not join a Dutch syrup waffle workshop or take part in this culinary walking tour to taste typical Dutch dishes like kibbeling, herring, and bitterballen.
• King’s Day, celebrated on April 27th, is the biggest national festival in the Netherlands. Amsterdam turns entirely orange and transforms into one big street party with music, flea markets, and boats on the canals.