Top Things To Do In Amsterdam: Ultimate Guide

Amsterdam is one of the most charming cities in the world. Below I have written some of the top things to do in Amsterdam as an ultimate guide. Being a tourist hotspot and Europe’s answer to ‘sin city’. The city is known for its liberal atmosphere and beautiful countryside. There are so many fun and unique experiences to enjoy while in Amsterdam, even if you have a tight budget. With reams of free things to do in the city so it doesn’t have to be an expensive trip either. So enjoy the amazing food explore the history!

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ANNE FRANKS HOUSE

One of the most iconic things that you can do in Amsterdam. Taking a tour of the Anne Frank house. You will receive an audio guide as you walk through the house. It’s important to book in advance maybe in 2 months beforehand as tickets tend to sell out very quickly! This is a great insight into Amsterdam’s history and a very interesting tour! Tickets start from €10.50.

THE RED LIGHT DISTRICT

Now I don’t know anyone who hasn’t heard of the red light district. From brothels to sex shops, It is an eye-opening experience! While it still has a lot of bad stigmas attached to it, The district is a lot safer and friendlier than it used to be. It’s definitely worth taking a wander mourned at night as the atmosphere is buzzing. Free to wander around.

AJAX STADIUM TOUR

One for the sports fans. This is one of the best stadium tours that I have done. We headed inside where we were met by our tour guide. They showed us the behind the scenes areas and press rooms. We even went down to the pitch and had the chance to take some awesome photos. This is a must for any football fan. Ticket prices start from €15.50 for a 75-minute tour.

GLOW GOLF AND BAR

If you are looking for something fun to do in the evening this is perfect for you. Glowgolf Amsterdam is a glow in the dark, 3d wearing, fun experience. This is for sure an entertaining alternative to do in the evening. Once you have finished playing your round of golf, hit the bar! Tickets are € 8.75.

XTRACOLD ICE BAR

This was probably one of my favourite things to do in Amsterdam. We headed into the bar and it was heaving. There were music and people dressed as pirates. We were given 3 drinks tokens when we entered as we waited for our turn in the main bar. The main room is awesome as you enter a -10 degree room! This is an awesome and unique experience. Remember to wear something warm! you will be given a coat and gloves. Prices start from € 22.50 (3 drinks of choice included)

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CANAL CRUISE

What better way to see Amsterdam but by boat! This is an awesome way to travel around the city without getting our feet aching! We saw all of the iconic sights through Amsterdam. We had an audio set so we learnt all about the city. These cruises are super fun and carry lots of laughs along the way! 75-minute tour costs €33.50.

AMSTELPARK

The park is a little further out than a lot of the other things on the list but it’s worth the trip out. The park is vast and beautiful. There is an animal area in the park with Lammas and even kangaroos. There is also a House of pancakes in the park which we had some lunch in and sheltered from the rain! This is a great place to walk around and take in the views. There is a beautiful river that runs parallel to the park which you can catch rower on. This leads to a beautiful windmill. This is free to do just remember you might need to take a cab to get there and back.

MOCO MUSEUM

Like modern art? always wanted to see a Banksy. Then you are in the right place. The Moco museum one of a kind. They have an interactive app that you can hover over some of the artwork to bring it to life. There are interactive installations though out the museum which gives it an edge. This is a super fun place to walk around and has some amazing art. Remember to book in advance as it gets very busy here and the queues can be right around the block. Prices start from €15.00.

VAN GOGH MUSEUM

Now once of the most iconic painters of all times! what could be better than seeing some of Goghs most famous pieces of work? A great way to spend the day come rain or shine. Tickets start from €19.

VONDELPARK

This is the largest city park in Amsterdam and welcomes around 10 million visitors a year! The park is full of dog-walkers and roller-skaters! This is a great spot to have a picnic or ride your bike! the park has wifelike and statues that you can look out for on your visit. Worth a stop by. In the summer there is open-air Theatre, dance performance and music. What a perfect ambience.

CHEESE MUSEUM

Cheese is a big part of the Dutch tradition with a lot of there cheeses being named after dutch cities. The cheese museum is just a stone’s throw away from Anne Franks house. Its a very small shop front so keep your eyes peels to make sure you don’t miss it. Inside the shop may be small but my they have any kind of cheese you can image! Upstairs you can take your pick and try out some of the most colourful cheeses you have probably ever seen! This is a great place to pop into, try something different and grab a great gift to take home! Entrance is free.

RIJKSMUSEUM

Showcasing world-famous masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age include the Milkmaid by Vermeer and Rembrandt’s Night Watch. With over 80 galleries and 800 objects sea paintings, There’s so much to see here! The building itself is beautiful and the gardens are fantastic. Most people know the building for the world-famous IAmsterdam sign which sits out the front of the building. Don’t forget to check out the oldest and most expensive book collection while you are here! Just the room itself is stunning to look at. Ticket prices are €17.50

BLOEMENMARKT

Located on the Singel Canal, This floating flower market is not to be missed. Amsterdam is known for its tulips, what better place to shop for some than here! This vibrant market is a great place to get a real sense of Amsterdam. Pick up a bag of buns and a Magnet and you are set for gifts! Free to walk around.

REMBRANDT HOEVE CHEESE AND CLOG FACTORY

If you want a sense of holland this is the perfect place. Just a short walk away from Amstelpark lies this hidden gem. We visited the factory and we pleasantly surprised by the friendly folk and tasty cheese. Inside you can see the whole works of how Traditional clogs are made and learn about there history. This is one of only a handful of Clog makers left in Amsterdam. This family-run business is sure to give you lots of laughs and a great afternoon. We came away with some stunning mini clogs to hand on the wall as the perfect Dutch souvenir. Free to walk around.

NEMO MUSEUM

This is a great place to take the kids. With interactive activities in every corner, they definitely won’t be bored. Being the largest science museum in the Netherlands there is plenty to do and see for kids of all ages. You can experience the joy of science and also technology through blowing humungous soap bubbles to watching an enormous experiment in a real laboratory. If you don’t have children but want a fantastic view of the city, Take a walk up the stairs, turn around and enjoy! The building has a fantastic open roof where you can sit and enjoy the views. There are also Lookout binoculars on the sides of the roof so you can gain a better view and point out all of the iconic buildings across the city. Ticket prices are €20 But enjoy the views for free.

HEINEKEN EXPERIENCE

Take a tour through the factory and enjoy tasting sessions and fun facts about the factory’s history. Along the tour you will learn about things from the logo to the process it takes to make the perfect beer. You will also receive free beers and a keepsake glass! The perfect afternoon for any beer lover! book tickets in advance to avoid missing out as these tours tend to sell out! Tickets from €18.

A’DAM LOOK OUT

This is an observation deck which reveals panoramic views of this beautiful city, Enjoy the 360-degree view from the sky deck. Thrill-seekers will love the over the edge swing. Europes highest swing stands 100 meters over the city. enjoy the elevator ride or interactive exhibitions and finish the day off with a meal at the Sky bar. Tickets start from €13.50 depending on which experiences you choose to take part in!

RENT A BIKE

With a current estimation of 881,000 bikes in Amsterdam, why not join the nation in seeing Dam by bike! You can not turn a corner or even walk out of your hotel door without seeing bikes! This is a cheap and efficient way to get around the city and a nice way to enjoy the parks! You can rent a bike from €14 a day.

Hopefully, this guide will ensure you manage to make the most out of your time in Amsterdam! If there are any other fun activities I have missed, let me know in the comments below!

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