The Best Things to Do in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is bursting with energy, history and creativity. The city is full of character, whether you love art, great food, nature or adventure. In this blog, we take you through the best things to do, from must-sees to hidden gems. Perfect for a day trip, a weekend getaway or simply discovering your own city from a different perspective.

1. Bike Tour with Flagship Amsterdam Biketours

There is no better way to get to know the city than by bike. With the bike tours from Flagship Amsterdam, an enthusiastic guide takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of the city. You’ll pass famous places such as the Jordaan and the canal belt, as well as lesser-known courtyards, parks and narrow streets you might otherwise miss. Along the way, you’ll hear interesting facts and entertaining stories, with plenty of opportunities to take photos. It’s the perfect first activity of your trip, as you’ll immediately know which places you want to return to later.

2. Canal Cruise with Flagship Amsterdam

After cycling, it’s time to relax on the water. During a canal cruise with Flagship Amsterdam, you’ll cruise through the city on a stylish open boat with a professional skipper and host. Glide quietly past impressive canal houses, bridges and historic warehouses while enjoying a drink and the atmosphere of the city. Beautiful during the day and magical in the evening, especially when the lights come on.

3. Heineken Experience

The Heineken Experience is much more than a tour of an old brewery. In this interactive museum, you’ll learn all about the brewing process and the history of the brand, while also getting the chance to pour and taste beer and play interactive games. It’s modern, playful and surprisingly fun, even if you’re not a die-hard beer fan. And of course, you’ll finish with a cold Heineken at the bar. You can also book a combination ticket that lets you take a canal cruise straight after visiting the brewery, the perfect way to complete your Heineken Experience.

4. ARTIS – Royal Zoo

In the heart of Amsterdam, you’ll find ARTIS, one of the oldest zoos in Europe. Wander among centuries-old trees and see lions, giraffes, zebras and penguins. The aquarium, planetarium and Micropia museum, dedicated to microorganisms, make it an incredibly varied experience. ARTIS is peaceful and green, making it ideal when you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

5. Rijksmuseum

A visit to Amsterdam isn’t complete without visiting the Rijksmuseum. Come face to face with masterpieces such as Rembrandt’s Night Watch and Vermeer’s The Milkmaid. But there’s much more to discover, including silverware, ship models, historic clothing and impressive sculptures. Even if art isn’t usually your thing, the atmosphere and grandeur of the museum are sure to impress. Tip: don’t miss the passage running through the building where cyclists ride underneath the museum.

6. Moco Museum

For a more modern take on art, the Moco Museum is well worth a visit. Here you’ll find works by icons such as Banksy, Keith Haring and Yayoi Kusama. The exhibitions are thought-provoking, colourful and Instagrammable while still offering plenty of substance. The museum is smaller than the Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum, so you can explore it in about an hour. Ideal if you want a dose of culture without spending half the day in a museum.

7. A’DAM Lookout + Over the Edge

For spectacular views over Amsterdam, take the ferry to Amsterdam Noord and ride the lift to the top of the A’DAM Tower. In just 22 seconds, you’ll reach the observation deck. From here, you can see the entire city, from Central Station to the harbour. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the ‘Over the Edge’ swing, which literally takes you over the edge of the building. Not for anyone afraid of heights, but definitely a bucket-list experience.

8. Noordermarkt

Noordermarkt is a typically Amsterdam square with a relaxed atmosphere. On Saturdays, you’ll find an organic market filled with fresh produce, handmade products and vintage clothing. The square is located in the heart of the Jordaan, one of the city’s most popular neighbourhoods. Combine your visit with a good cappuccino at Winkel 43, famous for its apple pie, or have lunch at one of the cosy cafés. It’s a wonderful place to wander around and escape the busiest tourist areas.

9. Rembrandtplein

Looking for a night out? Rembrandtplein is the place to be. During the day, you can enjoy a drink on a terrace and watch the world go by, but the square really comes alive at night. Clubs, bars, comedy clubs and traditional pubs offer plenty of choice. The atmosphere is lively, festive and unmistakably Amsterdam. You’ll also find the famous statue of Rembrandt overlooking the square.

10. All Out Arcade Hall

Fancy some competition and nostalgia? At All Out, you’ll enter a world of flashing lights, retro vibes and modern games. This arcade is the perfect place to have some fun, whether you love classic pinball machines, dance games or high-speed racing. You can play unlimited games for a fixed price, so you can stay as long as you like. Great with friends, for a date night or simply to let your inner child loose.

11. NEMO Science Museum

At NEMO, everything is about discovery. The building itself, a striking green ship-like design by Renzo Piano, is already an eye-catcher. Inside, everything is interactive: you can experiment, touch, build and test. It’s perfect for children but surprisingly entertaining for adults too. The rooftop also offers one of the best views over Amsterdam’s eastern harbour area, complete with places to sit and grab a coffee.

12. Vondelpark

Without a doubt, one of the best places to relax in the city is Vondelpark. You can walk, run, have a picnic or simply stretch out on the grass. There are playgrounds for children, an open-air theatre in summer and cosy cafés. At weekends, the park is full of Amsterdam locals starting their day with a coffee to go or ending it with a bottle of wine on the grass.

13. Attend an Ajax Match at the Johan Cruijff ArenA

Football is a huge part of Amsterdam, and few things are as exciting as watching Ajax play live. At the Johan Cruijff ArenA, you can feel the passion in the stands, hear the stadium sing and watch top-level football up close. Even if you’re not an Ajax fan, it’s a memorable experience. Tickets are popular, so make sure to book well in advance through Ajax’s official website.

Amsterdam is full of surprises, whether you’re looking for culture, relaxation or adventure. This list is a great place to start, but there’s still so much more to discover.

👉 Discover more tips and activities at Flagship Amsterdam!