Amsterdam Travel Guide- Best Things to Do & See
WELCOME TO MY Amsterdam TRAVEL GUIDE.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WHERE TO STAY
THINGS TO DO
RESTAURANTS
GENERAL TIPS
Amsterdam is one of those cities that feels like you are walking through a fairy-tale storybook. Between the canals, charming streets, historic buildings and bicycles flying past you, there is something beautiful around almost every corner.
I originally wanted to visit Amsterdam after seeing The Fault in Our Stars, and the city ended up exceeding every expectation I had. I spent six nights in Amsterdam, which gave us plenty of time to explore without feeling like we had to rush from one attraction to the next.
If you're planning a trip to Amsterdam, this guide covers where to stay, the best things to do, where I ate, and my tips for visiting the city—including what I think is actually worth your time and what you can skip.
Planning a longer Europe trip? You may also want to check out my other Europe travel guides for more inspiration.
Amsterdam at a Glance
How long to stay: 3–4 days is a great first trip, but I spent 6 nights and loved having extra time to explore at a slower pace.
Best area to stay: Jordaan is my favorite for a charming, local feel while still being within walking distance of many major attractions.
Getting around: Amsterdam is extremely walkable, and public transportation is easy to use. Just be especially aware of bike lanes when walking.
Don't miss: Anne Frank House, a canal cruise, Van Gogh Museum, Jordaan and a walking tour.
Best for: First-time Europe travelers, couples, solo travelers, food lovers and anyone who loves charming neighborhoods and walkable cities.
WHERE TO STAY in amsterdam
There are several great neighborhoods to stay in Amsterdam, but Jordaan was my favorite.
During my trip, we stayed in an Airbnb in Jordaan, and I loved being able to experience a quieter, more residential side of Amsterdam while still being close enough to walk to many of the city's major attractions.
Jordaan is known for its beautiful canals, narrow streets, independent shops, restaurants and cafés. It's also home to the Anne Frank House and is one of the most charming neighborhoods in Amsterdam.
If you prefer staying somewhere that feels more like a neighborhood rather than being surrounded by tourists, I would absolutely recommend looking at hotels in Jordaan.
When choosing your Amsterdam hotel, look at the neighborhood as much as the hotel itself. Amsterdam is very walkable, so staying somewhere central can make exploring much easier.
Hotels I Looked Into
I stayed in an Airbnb during my trip to Amsterdam since there were four of us and we wanted a little more space. But if you're looking for a hotel instead, here are a few that I looked into and would consider for a future trip!
Mr. Jordaan Hotel
Address: Bloemgracht 102, 1015 TN Amsterdam, Netherlands
A cozy boutique hotel located right on the Bloemgracht canal in the heart of Jordaan. It has that charming, quintessential-Amsterdam feel and is close to many of the city's attractions.
→Book your stay:Mr. Jordaan Hotel
Hotel Mercier
Address: Rozenstraat 12, 1016 NX Amsterdam, Netherlands
A stylish boutique hotel in Jordaan with beautiful Art Deco-inspired interiors, cozy rooms and an on-site restaurant and bar. A great choice if you want something a little more upscale while still staying in a charming neighborhood.
→Book your stay:Hotel Mercier
Pulitzer Amsterdam
Address: Prinsengracht 323, 1016 GZ Amsterdam, Netherlands
A luxury hotel spread across historic canal houses in the heart of Amsterdam's Canal Belt. It's a beautiful option if you want the classic Amsterdam experience with gorgeous canals, historic architecture and a more luxurious stay.
→Book your stay: Pulitzer Amsterdam
't Hotel
Address: Leliegracht 18, 1015 DE Amsterdam, Netherlands
A small, family-run boutique hotel in a historic 17th-century canal house. It's cozy, intimate and located on a quieter canal while still being within walking distance of many of Amsterdam's main attractions.
→Book your stay: 't Hotel Amsterdam
Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht
Address: Prinsengracht 587, 1016 HT Amsterdam, Netherlands
A luxury design hotel located directly on the Prinsengracht canal. The interiors are colorful and unique, making this a great choice for couples or anyone looking for a more upscale and stylish Amsterdam stay.
→Book your stay: Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht
This is has been wallpaper on my work computer since this trip!
Best THINGS TO DO in amsterdam
ANNE FRANK HOUSE
Address: Prinsengracht 263–267 Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Anne Frank House is one of the most important places to visit in Amsterdam and was one of the most memorable stops on my trip.
Visiting the house where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II is a surreal experience, especially if you grew up learning about Anne's story.
My biggest tip: book your tickets as soon as they become available.
Tickets are sold online only through the official Anne Frank House website and are tied to a specific date and time. New tickets are released every Tuesday at 10 AM CEST for visits six weeks later. Tickets can sell out quickly, so this is one Amsterdam attraction I would plan around rather than trying to fit in at the last minute.
Photography is not allowed inside the museum, which I appreciated given the nature of the experience. An audio tour is included with your museum visit.
take a WALKING TOUR of amsterdam
Meeting Spot: Dam, 1012 JL Amsterdam, Netherlands
Ticket Prices: Free
SANDMAN'S NEW EUROPE WEBSITE LINK
If you're visiting Amsterdam for the first time, I highly recommend doing a walking tour early in your trip. If you read my Barcelona Travel Guide, you know my favorite walking tour company is Sandman’s New Europe Tours. For those who don’t know, Sandman’s New Europe tours are FREE! All you do is tip your tour guide at the end. Each tour guide I have ever had is kind, knowledgeable and will spend time to answer any question you have. We did the Free Tour of Amsterdam first. During this tour we learned about the Dutch bike culture, walk through the Amsterdam’s iconic canals and bridges, gained an understanding of how Amsterdam was during World War 2 and how the red light district came to be. We booked this tour for our second day in Amsterdam and was able to see all of the big tourist locations during it. Doing walking tour as one of the first excursions is beneficial to me so as I am walking around the city for the rest of the trip, I can have a full understanding on the history of the city.
AMSTERDAM COUNTRYSIDE BIKE TOUR
Meeting Spot: Sea Palace Restaurant, Oosterdokskade 8
SANDMAN'S NEW EUROPE BIKE TOUR LINK
Another tour we did through Sandman’s was their country side bike tour. When doing my research on things to do in Amsterdam, I was like “okay biking is popular, let’s do a bike tour.” And boy, that was interesting.
The one rule of Amsterdam we learned quickly before the tour- DO NOT WALK IN THE BIKE LANE. Biking is the main form of transportation and the locals will run you over and they will not care at all.
We started the tour in the city and of course were struggling at first since none of us had been on a bike since childhood. Looking back, not even sure why we booked this tour. Immediately we get a comment from a local to our group “if you don’t know how to ride a bike, don’t do a tour.” So that just made us more anxious, but we were heading to the country side and had hope there would be less pissed off locals. We took a ferry across the river and entered to the more calm and quaint country side.
We were biking for a least an hour when I fell off my bike in front of our entire group. We were crossing over a bridge and had to take a quick left turn. From going down the bridge, my bike picked up some acceleration and in order for me not to fall into a river, I had to jump off my bike- in front of everyone. I did not get hurt as I landed in the grass, but my ego hurt more.
At the end of our tour our tour guide, we apologized for being so clumsy and he said “you guys weren’t the worst, but close to it.” Moral of the story, if you have been on a bike recently then you’ll probably be okay doing a tour. If not- just admire from afar. However, if you are up for the challenge, the sights you see on this tour are beautiful and peaceful. And you get to see an iconic windmill!
Would I do it again? Probably not — but that's mostly because I hadn't ridden a bike in years. If you're comfortable riding a bike, this is a great way to see a quieter side of Amsterdam.
VAN GOGH MUSEUM
Address: Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam, Netherlands
If you only have time for one art museum in Amsterdam, the Van Gogh Museum would be my pick.
The museum houses the world's largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh, including some of his most recognizable paintings. Even if you're not someone who normally spends hours in museums, I found this one easy to enjoy because you're able to follow Van Gogh's life and artistic development throughout the collection.
One important note: tickets are timed, so book ahead rather than assuming you can walk in. Current adult tickets are €25.
After your visit, walk over to Vondelpark and spend some time exploring or relaxing in the park. This is an easy combination to add to your Amsterdam itinerary because they're located in the same general area.
CANAL CRUISE
Address: Amstel 51F in front of the Hermitage Museum
Taking a canal cruise is one of the best things to do in Amsterdam for first-time visitors.
A canal cruise is a way to see the various neighborhoods of the city from another perspective that biking and walking can’t do. There are types of cruises for everybody- dinner cruises, history cruises even pizza cruises. But of course we chose the premium cruise with all the drinks included. We were definitely the annoying Americans but we had a blast.
The most interesting fact our tour guide mentioned is how many cars attempt to parallel park on the street and end up falling into the canals. So I did a quick google search and around 35 cars a year do end up falling in. The morbid side of me was really hoping to see that happen during this tour, but sadly did not.
A’DAM LOOKOUT amsterdam
Address: Overhoeksplein 51031 KS Amsterdam
A’Dam Lookout is an observation deck with a beautiful panorama view of Amsterdam. On the sky deck, there is the “over the edge” swing. It is Europe’s highest swing and literally swings OVER the building!!! Something I would never dare to do, but was fun to watch my friends do. A’Dam Lookout is across the river and taking a taxi or Uber would be the easiest way to get here.
HEINEKEN TOUR
Address: Stadhouderskade 78, 1072 AE Amsterdam, Netherlands
This is a fun option if you're looking for something to do in Amsterdam beyond museums and sightseeing. The Heineken Experience is located in the former original brewery of Heineken. It opened in 1867 and stayed there until 1988 when it was time to expand. During this tour you will learn about the company’s history and how they brew their beer. At the end of the tour you will receive chips for two free beers and turns into a fun bar to hangout in.
ALBERT CUYP MARKET
Address: Albert Cuypstraat, 1073 BD Amsterdam, Netherlands
Ticket Prices: Free
ALBERT CUYP MARKET WEBSITE LINK
If you want to experience a more local side of Amsterdam, check out Albert Cuyp Market in the De Pijp neighborhood. It's an open-air market with stalls selling everything from fresh produce and flowers to clothing, cheese and Dutch snacks.
Come hungry! This is a great place to try Dutch favorites like stroopwafels, poffertjes and cheese while walking around the market. Afterward, take some time to explore De Pijp, which is filled with restaurants, cafés and shops.
AMSTERDAM CHEESE MUSEUM
Address: Prinsengracht 112, 1015 EA Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Amsterdam Cheese Museum was visited by our group at least once a day, sometimes even twice. It is a small museum featuring the history of cheese making & tastings, plus a store with many cheeses. It is a two minute walk to the Anne Frank House, in the Jordaan neighborhood. If you are looking for a free thing to do and free samples- definitely a place to stop by! They also do have a cute photo booth downstairs.
THE BLOEMENMARKET
Address: Singel, 1012 DH Amsterdam, Netherlands
THE BLOEMENMARKET WEBSITE LINK
Amsterdam’s famous floating Flower Market. Take a moment to admire all of the gorgeous flowers. Remember if you are a US Citizen, you can only bring back bulbs approved with certificates by the US Government and will have to claim them while arriving at customs. I had to show the bags with the sealed certificates.
RIJKSMUSEUM
Address: Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Rijksmuseum is Amsterdam’s national museum with famous works from Rembrandt and Vermeer. The Rijksmuseum Museum was something we were rushing to do but had some extra time to burn and decided to go.
Outside of the Rijksmuseum is the “ I Amsterdam” sign. It’s a fun little photo op but be warned, if you go during mid day it is going to be packed and hard to get others not in your photo. Early mornings are the best to visit for less crowds. Also since this sign is a big tourist thing to do, most people are willing to take your picture if you take theirs.
If you're choosing between the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum and aren't particularly interested in art, I personally preferred the Van Gogh Museum. However, if you're interested in Dutch history and classic European art, the Rijksmuseum is absolutely worth considering.
RED LIGHT DISTRICT
Amsterdam’s De Wallen red light district is known to be the city’s most provocative area with window brothels, sex shops, live sex shows and museums all in one street. During the day there is not as much activity but during night time it is swarmed with crowds and the neon red lights illuminate the canals.
Not something I personally wanted to spend a lot of time in, but it something to stroll through in Amsterdam. Sex work is regulated and safe in this city and please be respectful. The most important thing to remember is not take photos of the women working. If caught, security will find you and take your phone.
COFFEESHOPS
In Amsterdam if you were to say “where is the best coffee shop?” you would might get a different answer than you would assume in the United States. A coffeeshop in Amsterdam is a shop where you can buy marijuana in. However, you have to remember that marijuana is not technically legal, just tolerated. That means smoke as much as you want in the coffee shop but not out in the streets.
Some suggested coffeeshops:
Coffeeshop Old Amsterdam
Address: Amstel 8, 1017 AA Amsterdam, Netherlands
Bluebird
Address: Sint Antoniesbreestraat 71, 1011 HB Amsterdam, Netherlands
Bulldog
Address: Oudezijds Voorburgwal 90, 1012 GG Amsterdam, Netherlands
Grey Area
Address: Oude Leliestraat 2, 1015 AW Amsterdam, Netherlands
420 Cafe
Address: Oudebrugsteeg 27, 1012 JN Amsterdam, Netherlands
Greenhouse Centrum
Address: Oudezijds Voorburgwal 191, 1012 EW Amsterdam, Netherlands
What I Would Prioritize in Amsterdam
If you're trying to decide what to fit into your itinerary, these would be my priorities from my trip:
Must-do:
Anne Frank House
Canal cruise
Explore Jordaan
Van Gogh Museum
Amsterdam walking tour
Worth doing if you have extra time:
Albert Cuyp Market
Rijksmuseum
Heineken Experience
A'DAM Lookout
Quick stops:
Bloemenmarkt
Amsterdam Cheese Museum
Only if you're comfortable on a bike:
Countryside bike tour
Of course, everyone's Amsterdam itinerary will look different, but these are the experiences I would prioritize based on my trip.
WHERE TO EAT IN AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam is a melting pot of people, which means you can get any type of food you would like. Some places are a hit or a miss so try to look at reviews before deciding to go there. If you don’t have cell service check to see if it has a Trip Adviser sticker on the outside. That’s usually a good sign it will be a nice choice! Below are a few place I went to while in Amsterdam-
The Pancake Bakery
Address: Prinsengracht 191, 1015 DS Amsterdam, Netherlands
The crepes…. that is all you need to know. If there is a line WAIT it out. The line moves quickly!
Le Petit Deli
Address: Tweede Egelantiersdwarsstraat 16, 1015 SC Amsterdam, Netherlands
If you do end up staying in the Jordaan neighborhood and want an actual coffee shop, Le Petit Deli is the one for you!
Salmuera
Address: Rozengracht 106, 1016 NH Amsterdam, Netherlands
We stumbled into this place and had the BEST experience. The staff was very friendly and couldn’t stop ordering more and more tapas!
Bakers and Roasters
Address: Eerste Jacob van Campenstraat 54, 1072 BH Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amazing brunch! The vibe is so cute in there too!
Vleminckk
Address: Voetboogstraat 33, 1012 XK Amsterdam, Netherlands
We searched high and low for this hole in the wall french fry stand. There was a long line waiting for these fries, but something you MUST get! I tried fries at another place and they did not compare to Vleminckk.
Original Stroopwafel
Address: Albert Cuyp Straat t/o 182 Stand 134, 1073 BL Amsterdam, Netherlands
The best and only place to get a delicious stroopwafel. Located in Albert Cuyp Market!
Some places we didn’t get a chance to eat at but looked great:
Bulls & Dogs
The Avocado Show
Café George
Omelegg
The Butcher
Foodhallen
Daalder
Bagels and Beans
Vegan Junk Food Bar
Dutch Foods to Try
You can't visit Amsterdam without trying some classic Dutch foods! A few things to look out for while you're exploring are stroopwafels, poffertjes, Dutch cheese, bitterballen and patat (Dutch fries).
My personal favorite was the stroopwafel—especially when it's warm and fresh from a market. You'll find them all over Amsterdam, so definitely grab one while you're walking around!
GENERAL AMSTERDAM TRAVEL TIPS
I felt very safe throughout the city but as always, watch your surroundings and belongings.
Watch the bike lanes. Seriously. Bikes have the right of way and can move much faster than you expect.
Book major attractions ahead. Especially the Anne Frank House and Van Gogh Museum.
Wear comfortable shoes. You'll likely walk much more than you expect.
Don't overplan. Amsterdam is one of those cities where wandering around the canals is part of the experience.
English is widely spoken.
Be respectful in the Red Light District. Never photograph the people working there.
Don't assume every attraction's hours/prices are the same as when you visited. Check the official website before your trip.
How Many Days Do You Need in Amsterdam?
For a first trip to Amsterdam, I would recommend 3–4 days.
That gives you enough time to see the major attractions, take a canal cruise, explore neighborhoods like Jordaan and De Pijp, and still leave some time to wander without feeling rushed.
I personally spent six nights in Amsterdam and enjoyed having the extra time. We could plan one main activity each day and spend the rest of the day exploring restaurants, canals and neighborhoods at our own pace.
If you have more than four days, Amsterdam also makes a great base for exploring other parts of the Netherlands.
Final Thoughts on Amsterdam
Amsterdam completely exceeded my expectations. I loved that we could have a full day planned around an attraction and still spend hours simply walking along the canals, stopping for coffee or wandering into a neighborhood we hadn't planned to visit.
If you're visiting for the first time, my biggest piece of advice is don't try to schedule every minute of your trip. Give yourself time to get lost among the canals—that ended up being one of my favorite parts of Amsterdam.
If you're planning a trip to the Netherlands, save this guide for later and check out my other Europe travel guides for more trip inspiration.
Until the next adventure,
xo,
Jenna
