Things to Do in Amsterdam

Amsterdam may have once taken on a mythical quality for those who have never visited. Too often, the capital city of the Netherlands was portrayed either as a quaint land of tulips, windmills and wooden shoes or as a party destination with a wild nightlife. 

The true identity of Amsterdam is more vibrant and nuanced than either of these caricatures, of course. Amsterdam is one of the rare European cities that has a contemporary feel while still retaining its old-world charm. The city is dotted with welcoming cafes, inviting parks and cultural attractions. It is eminently walkable and even easier to travel by bike, with great public transportation also available.

Amsterdam is also considered one of the safer large cities in Europe, and many of its inhabitants speak at least some English, making it a welcoming destination for U.S. families.

If you ever have the good fortune to visit, here are some suggestions for what to do in Amsterdam.

6 Things to Do in Amsterdam

Take in Museum Quarter

Three of the Netherlands’ most important art museums are within walking distance from each other in this quarter. Rijksmuseum offers an encompassing survey of Holland’s rich art history, including works by Rembrandt and Van Gogh. The Van Gogh Museum features the world’s largest collection of paintings by the famous Dutch painter. Be advised that tickets should be booked well in advance for this museum. For a different vibe, check out the Stedelijk Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art and Design, which also serves as a community art-making hub.

The Museum Quarter is lined with high-end shops and welcoming cafes. In warm weather months, you also can find great options for outdoor dining and street food.

Tiptoe Through the Beauty

Tulip season in Holland runs from mid-March to mid-May, and it is truly a sight to behold. If you happen to be in Amsterdam during the height of tulips, be sure to visit Keukenhof botanical garden, one of the largest flower gardens in the world. A short ride from the city, Keukenhof has some 7 million bulbs, making a vibrant backdrop for any trip photo. 

There are windmills in the garden, but there is also the historic Molen van Sloten Windmill within Amsterdam’s city limits. The 1847 mill is still in use today, and both the windmill and a connected museum are open to the public. Also, the bridges spanning Amsterdam’s canal system are picturesque. You can hop aboard one of several canal rides to pass under them all and be given a guided tour of the city’s history.

Walk Through the Markets

Amsterdam has many great opportunities for casual shopping. Most famously, the Albert Cuyp market in the city center is a three-block open-air market with an eclectic mix of wares for tourists and locals alike, and opportunities to snack on Holland’s famous stroopwafels and other foods. The ever-bustling Leidestraat is lined with shops offering high-end fashion at reasonable prices. And if you happen to be in Amsterdam on the holiday of King’s Day in late April, the city itself turns into an open-air market and street festival, with locals selling a little of everything on the sidewalk in celebration of the king’s birthday.

Experience World War II History

Holland is shaped by its World War II history, and the modern city wears this history in the open. The Anne Frank House provides a haunting glimpse of the city’s most famous refugee. Frank’s diary provided an important history of the horror of the Holocaust. Tickets for this small museum must be purchased in advance, as it is one of the most popular things to do in Amsterdam.

Also, the Verzets Resistance Museum documents the Dutch resistance movement’s efforts to fight Nazi occupation, as well as the fall of the Dutch colonial empire in the world’s post-war realignment. Throughout the city, you can also find plaques and artwork documenting the city’s wartime history.

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Animals Abound

Animal lovers can happily spend the day at Artis Zoo and botanical garden. The zoo has an impressive labyrinth of indoor and outdoor attractions. There you can also find Micropia, a museum dedicated to understanding microbial life. The Artis grounds include a large aquarium, but it is undergoing extensive renovations and will reopen in spring 2026.

Quirky Stops

Of course, Amsterdam does have a quirky and wild side. For family-friendly fare, The Upside Down Amsterdam is a relatively new museum, offering the perfect opportunity for seemingly gravity-defying selfies to send to friends. There also are micromuseums for all sorts of interests, including ones dedicated to Dutch cheesemaking, cat art and even historic smoking pipes.

Amsterdam is a culturally rich destination that is easy to get acquainted with. With so many attractions, however, it may take a lifetime of visits to get to know the city well.

Plan your trip to Amsterdam with a AAA travel advisor. Browse our Amsterdam vacations, then start making your dream trip a reality. Travel advisor services are included with your membership at no extra charge.

Have you ever been? Share your favorite things to see and do in Amsterdam in the comments below.