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15 best things to do in amsterdam
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items Are you planning your first trip to Amsterdam and trying to figure out the best things to do with just a few days?
Amsterdam may look small on a map, but once you start planning, you quickly realize it’s hard to pack everything in without overdoing it. And there are so many museums, markets, food spots, and tours, that it’s hard to know what’s actually worth it...
Amsterdam may look small on a map, but once you start planning, you quickly realize it’s hard to pack everything in without overdoing it. And there are so many museums, markets, food spots, and tours, that it’s hard to know what’s actually worth it...
Map
If it’s your first time visiting Amsterdam, this would be my first stop to prioritize, especially if you land early in the morning and need time to just wander and get adjusted to the city.
Before I arrived in Amsterdam, I thought there were only a few of those picturesque bridges over the canals. Luckily, this is not the case!
Turns out, the entire canal district in the center of Amsterdam (called Grachtengordel) is full of beautiful canals, bridges, and views. Don’t worry about visiting a certain street, just give yourself time to get lost and explore!
Before I arrived in Amsterdam, I thought there were only a few of those picturesque bridges over the canals. Luckily, this is not the case!
Turns out, the entire canal district in the center of Amsterdam (called Grachtengordel) is full of beautiful canals, bridges, and views. Don’t worry about visiting a certain street, just give yourself time to get lost and explore!
Wander the Canal District
Another great way to get acclimated to Amsterdam (especially on your first day) is by taking a walking tour with a local guide!
I almost always try to do some kind of walking tour when I visit a new city because it really helps you understand the layout of everything when you first arrive.
And, walking tours (especially in a place like Amsterdam) give you so much context for what you’re seeing. It’s one thing to walk past canals, churches, and historic buildings, but it’s another to actually understand the history behind them!
I almost always try to do some kind of walking tour when I visit a new city because it really helps you understand the layout of everything when you first arrive.
And, walking tours (especially in a place like Amsterdam) give you so much context for what you’re seeing. It’s one thing to walk past canals, churches, and historic buildings, but it’s another to actually understand the history behind them!
Take a Walking Tour
Visiting the Anne Frank House was easily the most impactful thing I did in Amsterdam.
And if it’s your first time visiting, I personally think it should be the number one priority for your trip.
And if it’s your first time visiting, I personally think it should be the number one priority for your trip.
Visit the Anne Frank House
The Rijksmuseum, is the national museum of the Netherlands and is dedicated to Dutch arts and history!
Explore the Rijksmuseum
After wandering through museums, I always crave fresh air and the outdoors. Luckily, Amsterdam’s largest park, Vondelpark, is not far from the Rijksmuseum!!
Walk Through Vondelpark
A canal cruise is one of those classic Amsterdam experiences that’s 100% worth doing, even if it’s considered “touristy”!
You’ll already see the canals a ton while walking around, but getting out on the water gives you a completely different perspective of the city!
You’ll already see the canals a ton while walking around, but getting out on the water gives you a completely different perspective of the city!
Take a Canal Cruise
I’ll be honest.. I wanted to skip the Heineken Experience on my trip to Amsterdam!!!
I thought it might be one of those overly touristy things that wasn’t really worth it. But i ended up going anyway after a friend told me they enjoyed it, and it ended up being so fun!!
I thought it might be one of those overly touristy things that wasn’t really worth it. But i ended up going anyway after a friend told me they enjoyed it, and it ended up being so fun!!
Visit the Heineken Experience
After doing something more touristy like the Heineken Experience, I love adding a more local experience to the itinerary.
Brouwerij ’t IJ is the perfect option! It’s a local brewery underneath a windmill on a canal – it doesn’t get more Dutch than that!
Brouwerij ’t IJ is the perfect option! It’s a local brewery underneath a windmill on a canal – it doesn’t get more Dutch than that!
Visit Brouwerij ’t IJ Windmill Brewery
If you love food (especially street food), you have to add Albert Cuyp Market to your Amsterdam list!!!
Wander Albert Cuyp Market
Dam Square is right in the center of the city and surrounded by some of Amsterdam’s most well-known landmarks, like the Royal Palace and Nieuwe Kerk.
Explore Dam Square and the Waterfront
If you’re anything like me, one of the best parts about visiting a new city is trying the local food!! And Amsterdam did not disappoint in this department.
Try Traditional Dutch Food
The Red Light District is one of the most well-known (and controversial) parts of Amsterdam, and I do think it’s worth seeing at least once, even if it’s just out of curiosity.
If you’re traveling with kids, I’d recommend going during the day when things are much more low-key. But if you want to see it at its busiest, go at night.
If you’re traveling with kids, I’d recommend going during the day when things are much more low-key. But if you want to see it at its busiest, go at night.
Visit the Red Light District
If you have an extra day in your itinerary, I highly recommend getting out of the city and seeing a different side of the Netherlands!! I actually spent 4 days total in Amsterdam and used my last day for a trip to see the tulip fields in Lisse.
Take a Day Trip Outside the City
If you’re not visiting in the spring, another great day trip option from Amsterdam is a trip to Zaanse Schans!
Windmills and Cheese in Zaanse Schans
Shop for unique vintage clothing, books, and crafts in this scenic canal-belt micro-neighborhood.
Discover the Nine Streets (De 9 Straatjes)