Amsterdam offers a wealth of experiences, from renowned museums and picture-perfect canals to lively neighborhoods, eclectic architecture and lush green spaces. Below, we share some of the best things to do in Amsterdam, all recommended by Fora travel advisors.
In October 2024, Fora Advisors attended a familiarization trip to the Netherlands and Belgium. The team spent four days in Amsterdam, split between visiting the city’s best accommodations — you can check out our Amsterdam hotel recommendations — and enjoying its highlights. Additionally, several advisors actually live (or used to live) in the city. Melding both perspectives, we’ve created a five-day sample itinerary below, with additional recommendations for things to do in Amsterdam and insider tips.
Connect with a Fora Advisor to receive expert advice planning your own Amsterdam itinerary. With your input, they’ll tailor your travel plan to fit your interests and budget with insider recommendations and tips. Your advisor can also book your hotel in Amsterdam and unlock complimentary VIP perks.
Day 1: Enjoy an Amsterdam canal cruise
A canal tour in Amsterdam is the perfect way to start your morning. Amsterdam’s canals are a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll wind your way through historic neighborhoods, under scenic bridges and past 17th-century architecture and landmarks.
“A canal cruise is my top pick for a first day in Amsterdam,” Fora Advisor Laura Vander Neut said. “With a knowledgeable guide, you’ll gain an excellent overview of the city's architecture and history.”
The best canal boats are helmed by knowledgeable guides who share insights about Amsterdam’s history, culture and the significance of its waterways. Depending on the tour, you can enjoy themed experiences, such as evening cruises with twinkling city lights or luxury boats with food and drinks. For example, Fora Advisor Chloe Kletsa noted that many canal tour options pair the experience with a Dutch cheese-and-wine tasting.
This is a “must-do activity,” Fora Advisor Ashley Farlow said. “Seeing Amsterdam from the water without the crowds is such a special experience.”
The Rijksmuseum
After your canal tour, visit one of Amsterdam’s prestigious museums for a window into local culture. The Rijksmuseum is celebrated for its vast collection of Dutch art and history. Located in an impressive Gothic and Renaissance Revival building from the 19th century, the museum houses masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age, including works by Rembrandt, Vermeer and Frans Hals. Highlights include Rembrandt’s “Night Watch” and Vermeer’s “The Milkmaid,” among thousands of other paintings, sculptures and other works.
“The Rijksmuseum is perfect for art lovers,” Fora Advisor Ashley Farlow said, noting that you may want to devote several hours to exploring its exhibits, as there’s plenty to see. Ashley added that there’s a Michelin-Starred restaurant,RIJKS®, on site with a famous beetroot mielle-feuille, a masterful layering of flaky French pastry and beurre blanc.
Related guide: A Local’s Guide to Amsterdam by Fora Advisor Ashley Farlow
Day 2: The Van Gogh Museum and Amsterdam’s culinary scene
On your second day, pair a visit to the Van Gogh Museum with visits to Amsterdam's top foodie enclaves. The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is dedicated to the life and work of Vincent van Gogh, home to the largest collection of Van Gogh's paintings and drawings. The museum presents a deep dive into the artist's evolution, from his early works to his later, vibrant masterpieces. Iconic pieces such as “Sunflowers,” “The Bedroom” and “Almond Blossom" are on display, and the museum also showcases letters, sketches and insights into the artist’s relationships and influences.
“The exhibits do a fantastic job of illustrating how Van Gogh’s style evolved over time and the ways his personal life influenced his work,” Fora Advisor Laura Vander Neut said (the Van Gogh Museum is her favorite in Amsterdam). “The museum-provided kids’ activities will keep younger visitors engaged, ensuring an enjoyable experience for the whole family, too.”
Ashley added that it’s worth investing in the optional headset the museum offers; it provides insightful context for many of the exhibits.
Jordaan food-tasting tour
Amsterdam’s districts and neighborhoods are abundant with eateries, both local and international. Its Indonesian food scene is particularly strong, as Indonesia was a Dutch colony before it gained independence in 1949.
“I was pleasantly surprised by the food offerings in Amsterdam,” Fora Advisor Nicole Beck said. “A food tour in Jordaan is a must do.”
Jordaan is an ideal neighborhood for a food- tasting tour, thanks to its rich culinary history and charming, narrow streets lined with diverse eateries. The area has a traditional Dutch atmosphere, Jordaan offers an array of local treats, from stroopwafels and poffertjes to authentic cheese shops and family-owned cafés serving herring and bitterballen. The neighborhood’s artisan markets and historic pubs also provide a taste of Amsterdam’s distinct flavors, while the lively and scenic canals create a picturesque backdrop.
Some of Nicole’s favorites were the aforementioned bitterballen, deep-fried beef ragout balls, and stroopwafels, sweet waffle-cookie sandwiches filled with caramel-like syrup.
“The Jordaan neighborhood is also perfect for those who want to stay in the canal ring and explore beautiful Dutch architecture,” Fora Advisor Ashley Farlow added.
Related guide: Local's Guide to Restaurants & Sightseeing in Amsterdam
Albert Cuypmarkt in De Pijp
The Albert Cuypmarkt in De Pijp is another fantastic spot for sampling Dutch and international flavors. As Amsterdam’s largest and most famous outdoor market, it features hundreds of stalls with everything from freshly made stroopwafels and traditional herring to exotic spices and global street foods. The market also reflects De Pijp’s multicultural atmosphere, with Surinamese, Indonesian, Turkish and Moroccan cuisines alongside Dutch specialties.
“Go for the food, but the shopping is also superb!” Fora Advisor Samantha Thompson said. (You’ll love the vintage clothing and variety of local goods.)
If you prefer more of a traditional eatery experience, Fora Advisor Ashley Farlow noted that De Pijp, the neighborhood where you’ll find the market, is also home to delicious restaurants and lively bars.
Day 3: Day trips out of Amsterdam
The greater area around Amsterdam is filled with attractions, from charming Dutch towns on the water to vast nature reserves and more. Our advisors ventured outside of the city to visit the Kröller-Müller Museum, set within Hoge Veluwe National Park.
The Kröller-Müller Museum is a little over an hour from Amsterdam’s city center by car — or you can take a train to Apeldoorn or Ede-Wageningen stations, and then catch a bus to the museum. There are also tours that provide round-trip transportation from the city.
Kröller-Müller Museum
The Kröller-Müller Museum houses one of the world’s largest collections of Vincent van Gogh’s works, second only to the aforementioned Van Gogh Museum.
“I recommend enlisting a museum guide for your tour,” Fora Advisor Gail Collins said. “Learning about Helene Müller and her husband, Anton Kröller, will only add to your enjoyment of the visit.”
You can admire nearly 90 paintings and over 180 drawings by the artist, including notable works like “The Potato Eaters” and “Café Terrace at Night.” The museum also features masterpieces by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Piet Mondrian and Claude Monet. Its renowned sculpture garden, one of the largest in Europe, displays an array of sculptures by artists like Auguste Rodin and Henry Moore, all of which are beautifully integrated with the surrounding landscape.
Hoge Veluwe National Park
Hoge Veluwe National Park is one of the Netherlands’ largest and most diverse nature reserves, with forests, sand dunes, heathlands and grassy plains. You can spot deer, wild boar and a variety of bird species in their natural habitat. Another highlight is the park’s network of free bicycles, which allows you to explore its 5,400 hectares along well-marked paths.
Day 4: Shopping and more Amsterdam museums
On day four, return to Amsterdam to take in the city’s best shopping and enjoy additional cultural attractions. Most attractions are within the Grachtengordel neighborhood, where you’ll find many of the best hotels in Amsterdam.
Shopping on The 9 Streets (De 9 Straatjes)
Great shopping is easy to come by throughout Amsterdam’s central neighborhoods, but The 9 Streets stand out for their concentration of boutiques, vintage shops and indie designer studios — not to mention a selection of restaurants and smaller eateries. Each street has its own character, with canal views and 17th-century architecture.
“It’s a lovely place to wander,” Fora Advisor Kara Kassuba said. “One of my favorite spots is Het-Oud Hollandsch Snoepwinkeltie, a charming old candy shop with an entire wall of black licorice varieties — a must if you love licorice as I do.”
Anne Frank House
Visiting the Anne Frank Museum is a powerful and moving experience that offers insight into the life of Anne Frank and her family during the Holocaust. The museum is located in the actual building where Anne hid for two years, and allows you to walk through the secret annex, preserved to reflect the conditions in which she lived. Original artifacts, photographs and Anne’s handwritten diary are all present. The museum also provides historical context about World War II and the impact of Nazi occupation on Amsterdam.
“Walking through the very rooms once inhabited by Anne and her family makes their story all the more poignant,” Fora Advisor Laura Vander Neut said.
If you’re interested in exploring this era further, Fora Advisor Ashley Farlow noted that there are plaques around the city, calledStolperstein, that commemorate Dutch Jews murdered under Nazi occupation. On Remembrance Day, November 11, volunteers clean the plaques in honor of those lost.
Stedelijk Museum
The Stedelijk Museum is a must-visit for contemporary-art enthusiasts. It offers a dynamic collection of modern works from both known — like Piet Mondrian, Kazimir Malevich and Jeff Koons — and emerging artists. The museum itself features a striking design, with bold, curved architecture complementing the avant-garde exhibits inside. Most exhibits show works from the late 19th century to the present. The museum also has impressive collections of graphic and industrial design, as well as digital art.
The Stedelijk is “thought-provoking and an amazing way to spend an afternoon,” Fora Advisor Samantha Thompson said. “The gift shop is also ‘chefs kiss.’”
Day 5: Explore rural Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s immediate countryside draws travelers from all over the world, especially in spring, when the fields are filled with blooming tulips. The contrast between urban and rural offers perspective on different lifestyles among the local Dutch.
The Zaanse Schans Windmills
Touring the Zaanse Schans windmills is an immersive way to experience traditional Dutch culture and history. The charming neighborhood of Zaanse Schans, in Zaandam, just outside Amsterdam proper, offers a glimpse into the past, with well-preserved windmills, historic houses and artisan workshops. You can explore the windmills, some of which are still in operation, and learn how they were used to grind spices, saw timber and produce oil. The experience is interactive, allowing you to climb inside the mills and observe the mechanics up close. Beyond the windmills, the village also showcases traditional crafts like clog-making and cheese production.
Keukenhof botanical garden
Visiting Keukenhof is a must for flower lovers and nature enthusiasts. Known as the "Garden of Europe," Keukenhof is one of the largest flower gardens in the world, and features millions of blooming tulips in dozens of different colors. There are also other spring flowers like daffodils, hyacinths and crocuses; vibrant displays are carefully arranged into stunning themed gardens. As you wander through the garden’s pathways, enjoy the fragrant air and take in the natural beauty against the backdrop of traditional Dutch pavilions and sculptures. You can also sign up for activities such as boat tours and flower-arranging demonstrations.
“Keukenhof is perfect in spring when the tulips are in bloom,” Fora Advisor Chloe Kletsa said.
Related guide: Traveling to Amsterdam in Spring to See the Tulips
The best things to do in Amsterdam: More ideas
Here are a few more things to do in Amsterdam, as recommended by Fora Advisors. You can also chat with an advisor directly for tailored recommendations.
Vondelpark
Vondelpark is Amsterdam’s largest and most popular park. It provides a peaceful escape from Amsterdam’s busy streets, with sprawling green lawns, tranquil ponds and pleasant walking paths. The park also hosts open-air concerts and events year round.
Fora Advisor Ashley Farlow described Vondelpark as the “perfect place to take a stroll or ride a bike.” She noted there are several cafés and a brewery on site, including notable family-friendly options like Groot Melkhuis and de Vondeltuin, which also have playgrounds.
Artis Royal Zoo
Artis is one of the oldest zoos in Europe, and offers a family-friendly experience with a wide range of animals, including lions, giraffes and elephants. The zoo operates a reputable conservation program, and also features an aquarium, planetarium and butterfly botanical gardens. Ashley said the zoo does events every Saturday night in summer, with live music and food.
Dam Square
Dam Square is the bustling heart of Amsterdam, home to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Royal Palace and the National Monument. The historic square is a popular gathering place for locals, and is surrounded by shops, restaurants and street performers.
Heineken Experience
The Heineken Experience is an interactive tour inside the historic Heineken brewery, where you can learn about the beer-making process, the brand’s history and its global impact. The tour includes exhibits, tastings and other hands-on activities.
Related guide: Off-the-Beaten-Path Things to do in Amsterdam
Museum Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder (Our Lord in the Attic Museum)
The Our Lord in the Attic Museum is, per Fora Advisor Kara Kassuba, a hidden gem in Amsterdam. The museum is located in the attic of a former merchant’s house attached to a 17th-century Catholic church, and dates back to a time of religious persecution in the Netherlands.
Fora Advisor tips for exploring Amsterdam
In addition to the best things to do in Amsterdam, Fora Advisors who went on the scouting trip offered a few tips to get the most out of the city.
You don’t need to rent a car (unless you’re exploring the Netherlands countryside)
Car-ready streets run throughout Amsterdam, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find parking almost anywhere within the city. The upside is that Amsterdam’s city center is highly walkable, and the city also boasts an exceptional public transportation system of trams, metros and buses. Water taxis are a scenic option; biking is intrinsic to the local culture. Unless you’re intent on exploring outside of the city at your own pace, you won’t get a lot of value out of a rental car. If you’re planning a road trip, Fora Advisor Chloe Kletsa recommended saving your rental days for travel between cities. Our take a train: They’re fast and reliable.
Amsterdam’s bike culture can be intense
Most locals in Amsterdam are highly proficient at riding bikes throughout the city.
“Unless you’re super confident, biking isn’t really that enjoyable,” Fora Advisor Samantha Thompson said. “Locals have a lot of unspoken biking rules and they will let you know when you aren’t following them. Walking is just as lovely!”
On the other hand, Fora Advisor Kara Kassuba recommended renting a bike for adventurous travelers. How you get around comes down to personal preference.
Save time to wander Amsterdam’s streets
The itinerary above is of the go-go-go variety, but remember that it’s just a sample travel plan. Sometimes, the best memories in new places come from exploring without a plan.
“Amsterdam is a terrific city for wandering, with endless discoveries,” Kara said. “I recommend not over-scheduling so you have time to explore.”
Book museum reservations in advance
If you’re visiting Amsterdam during peak travel season — late spring and summer, most years — book your museum reservations ahead of time. Samantha noted that you’ll avoid long lines and, in rare instances, won’t have to worry about being turned away because of limited occupancy.
Related guide: More Tips for Visiting Amsterdam from Fora Advisor Alyssa Gordon
Plan your trip to Amsterdam with a Fora Advisor
Get more recommendations for things to do in Amsterdam when you chat with a Fora Advisor. They’ll tailor your itinerary to your interests and budget, and can also help you decide where to stay in Amsterdam.
The best things to do in Amsterdam and related travel FAQs
Read on for a few more details on the best things to do in Amsterdam.
What is Amsterdam best known for? Is Amsterdam a family-friendly destination?
Amsterdam was once rather infamous for its open-minded approach to adult entertainment, but in recent decades, the city has evolved into a family-friendly destination. Today, Amsterdam is best known for its enchanting canals, historic architecture and artful cultural scene, which includes world-class museums like the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum. The city is also famous for its cycling culture and lively neighborhoods such as the Jordaan and De Pijp.
Related guide: A Local's Guide to Amsterdam with Kids
How many days do you need in Amsterdam to see everything? Can you make a shorter trip out of Amsterdam?
A stay of four to five days is ideal. This length of stay will grant you time to explore major museums like the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, as well as historic sites like the Anne Frank House and the city’s neighborhoods. That said, you can also enjoy a shorter trip by focusing on the highlights, such as a canal cruise, a few key museums and scenic areas like the Jordaan or De Pijp. Amsterdam’s compact size and efficient public transit make it easy to see a lot in a short amount of time.
Related guide: 3 Days in Amsterdam for First-Time Visitors
When’s the best time to visit Amsterdam? What’s the city’s climate?
Spring or fall are arguably the best times to visit Amsterdam. The weather is mild, with temperatures between 50–63°F, and manageable crowds. Spring does, however, bring travelers interested in the tulip blooms. Summer is warmer but comfortable, around 63–72°F, and tends to be the busiest travel season.
Don’t underestimate winter, though, when the city is less crowded and “ everything has a magical winter glow.”
Winter also brings more approachable hotel rates, and most of the city’s attractions are still open. Fora Advisor Chloe Kletsa recommended visiting during the holiday season to catch the annual Amsterdam Light Festival, when colorful light installations are found all over the city.
Are there any day trips from Amsterdam?
Amsterdam offers many fun day trips, each within an hour or so by train (you can also rent a car). The iconic tulip fields in Keukenhof Gardens are a must in spring, while the charming windmill village of Zaanse Schans provides a glimpse into Dutch history and craftsmanship. Nearby cities like Haarlem, with its medieval architecture, and Utrecht, with its unique canal-side cafés, are also worth visiting. The village of Giethoorn, known as “Dutch Venice” for its canals and boat-lined streets, makes for a scenic sojourn, too.
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