Top 12 Things to Do in Amsterdam｜First-Time Visitor Guide
Last Updated on 30/01/2025
Things To Do In Amsterdam - This article features a curated list of the Top 12 Amsterdam attractions, including iconic sites like the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, and Heineken Experience, along with helpful visitor information. You’ll find details on opening hours, tickets, official websites, and maps for each attraction. Many of these spots are included in the major Amsterdam city passes, offering a chance to save on travel costs with advanced planning.
Amsterdam Articles：Amsterdam City Guide｜Amsterdam Top Attractions Overview & Info｜Day Trips From Amsterdam｜Amsterdam City Pass Comparison
Amsterdam Passes：I Amsterdam City Card｜GoCity Amsterdam｜Museum Card｜Amsterdam Transport Pass
Amsterdam Top Attractions Map
This map includes topt attractions in Amsterdam and its nearby areas, along with my recommended restaurants and local delicacies.
The map is set to English by default. Simply click on the 'Enlarge Map' icon in the top right corner to switch to your preferred language!
Amsterdam Canals
Amsterdam Canals Overview
One of the best things to do in Amsterdam include exploring the city’s beautiful canals, which were built in the 17th century and are still in great condition today. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, you can experience these canals by boat, take a leisurely stroll along the banks, or rent a bike to cycle through, enjoying the stunning historical buildings and iconic landmarks that line the waterways.
How Long to Spend at Amsterdam Canals
- Boat tour experience: approximately 1 hour
- Walking: around 1.5 to 2 hours
Amsterdam Canals Opening Hours
- Open All Day
- Boat service hours vary depending on the season and company
Amsterdam Canals Tickets & Tours
- Amsterdam Canal Boat Tour Experience
- I Amsterdam City Card includes canal experience
- GoCity Amsterdam City Card includes canal experience
Anne Frank House
Anne Frank House Overview
Another best things to do in Amsterdam is visiting the Anne Frank House, the hiding place where Anne Frank and her family lived during the Nazi occupation. The house has been transformed into a memorial museum, displaying Anne’s heartfelt diary manuscripts, which offer a deep insight into her thoughts and emotions. Visitors can tour the secret annex where Anne and her family hid, and while photography is prohibited inside, the site continues to attract countless people eager to learn about this poignant chapter in history.
How Long to Spend at Anne Frank House
- 2 Hours
Anne Frank House Opening Hours
- Open daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, though hours may vary on weekends and public holidays.
Anne Frank House Tickets & Tours
- Tickets must be purchased on：official website
- Tickets must be booked on the official website at least a month in advance! If you miss out, you can try again a week before your visit, as a small number of tickets are released during that time.
- Museum Card Includes This Attraction
- You can also opt for additional options：Anne Frank's Life and World War II Walking Tour（ticket not included）
- GoCity Amsterdam includes Anne Frank Walking Tour (ticket not included)
Van Gogh Museum
Van Gogh Museum Overview
A top item on the list of things to do in Amsterdam is visiting the Van Gogh Museum, home to the largest collection of Van Gogh’s works in the world, with over 200 paintings and more than 500 drawings. The museum also regularly hosts special exhibitions related to Van Gogh and his contemporaries, offering a deeper understanding of the artist’s life and creative journey.
How Long to Spend at Van Gogh Museum
- 2 Hours
Van Gogh Museum Opening Hour
- Open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with extended hours until 9:00 PM on Fridays.
Van Gogh Museum Tickets & Tours
- Van Gogh Museum Tickets
- Museum Card Includes This Attraction
Rijksmuseum
Rijksmuseum Overview
A visit to the Rijksmuseum is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Amsterdam. This iconic museum houses a vast collection of Dutch Golden Age masterpieces, including Rembrandt’s renowned "The Night Watch". As you wander through the galleries, you’ll be surrounded by centuries of art and history. Don’t forget to explore the museum’s beautiful garden, where sculptures and art installations offer a refreshing contrast to the rich cultural treasures inside.
How Long to Spend at Rijksmuseum
- 2 Hours
Rijksmuseum Opening Hours
- Daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Rijksmuseum Ticket & Tours
- Rijksmuseum Tickets
- I Amsterdam City Card includes this attraction
- GoCity Amsterdam City Card includes this attraction
Royal Palace Amsterdam
Royal Palace Amsterdam Overview
The Royal Palace of Amsterdam, once a city hall, now serves as the venue for official events and receptions, making it one of the essential things to do in Amsterdam. Situated at the heart of the city, Dam Square is a lively hub surrounded by significant landmarks, including the National Monument, which honours the victims of World War II. This bustling area is also home to a wide array of shops, cafes, and restaurants, with street performers adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
How Long to Spend at Royal Palace Amsterdam
- 2 Hours
Royal Palace Amsterdam Opening Hours
- Daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Royal Palace Amsterdam Tickets & Tours
Red Light Secrets
Red Light Secrets Overview
The Red Light District Secret Museum is a unique attraction, being the only museum in the world dedicated to the theme of sex work. Located in one of the most fascinating things to do in Amsterdam, the museum explores the history and realities of Amsterdam’s iconic Red Light District. Visitors can delve into the area’s evolution and learn about the lives of sex workers through interactive exhibits and simulated working rooms, which offer a glimpse into their daily routines. Additionally, the museum provides insightful educational content on the legalisation of sex work, enriching your understanding of this complex social issue.
How Long to Spend at Red Light Secrets
- 1 Hour
Red Light Secrets Opening Hours
- Daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Red Light Secrets Tickets & Tours
Heineken Experience
Heineken Experience Overview
The Heineken Experience is a brand-centric museum that offers an in-depth look into the history of Heineken beer, making it a top choice for things to do in Amsterdam. Visitors can learn about the brewing process, explore the brand’s rich history, and take part in engaging, interactive exhibits. As part of your ticket, you can enjoy two to three fresh Heineken beers (though, I had to finish my partner’s because he couldn’t drink much, and for some mysterious reason, the staff gave us an extra one. Oh, and another appeared on the rooftop… That day, let’s just say my memory was a bit foggy!).
Ka's Tips：You’ve got to pay attention to the staff's explanations—because if you answer the questions correctly afterwards, you get an extra drink! That day, one of the group members was so eager to answer that they ended up scoring three drinks!!!
How Long to Spend at Heineken Experience
- For most people: 2 hours
- For beer enthusiasts: 3 hours
- If you accidentally get drunk: 4 hours
Heineken Experience Opening Hours
- Daily: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Heineken Experience Tickets & Tours
- Heineken Experience Tickets
- GoCity Amsterdam City Card includes this attraction
A’DAM Lookout
A’DAM Lookout Overview
A’DAM Lookout is an observation deck located in central Amsterdam, providing incredible panoramic views of the city. As one of the exciting things to do in Amsterdam, it also features a rotating restaurant and Europe’s highest swing, giving visitors a chance to enjoy both stunning views and thrilling experiences in one place.
How Long to Spend at A’DAM Lookout
- 1.5 Hours
A’DAM Lookout Opening Hour
- Daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
A’DAM Lookout Tickets & Tours
- A’DAM Lookout observation deck ticket and dinner voucher
- I Amsterdam City Card includes this attraction
- GoCity Amsterdam City Card includes this attraction
The Bulldog Coffeeshop (Cannabis)
The Bulldog Coffeeshop Overview
The Bulldog is one of Amsterdam's most famous coffeeshops, offering cannabis products and beverages. It's a must-visit spot for many tourists. I only tried the lowest dosage, and my reaction was being fully alert yet talking nonsense.
- Average spending per person：€15-€30
- Google Ratings：4.3/5
- Opening Hours：08:00-01:00
- Find The Bulldog Coffeeshop on Google Map
Important Notice：
Cannabis is not legal in the Netherlands, but there is a so-called "tolerance policy" (gedoogbeleid), meaning the law is not enforced for the retail of small amounts of cannabis for personal use in designated "coffeeshops." (Plain language translation: Cannabis is decriminalised in Amsterdam, but only for use within coffeeshops.) Everyone's physical condition is different, so please assess your own tolerance and control your dosage.
Red Light District
Red Light District Overview
The Red Light District is one of Amsterdam's most famous areas, known for legal sex work and its unique nightlife. The bars, nightclubs, and cannabis coffee shops offer a vibrant experience of the city’s after-dark scene. For those wanting to learn more about the area’s history and culture, guided tours are available for a deeper insight.
Red Light District Opening Hours
- Open all day, but it becomes more lively after 7:00 PM.
Red Light District Tickets & Tours
- The Red Light District is free to explore, but you can opt for a guided safety tour
- Amsterdam Red Light District and Coffee Shop Tour
Casa Rosso Theatre Sex Show
Casa Rosso Overview
Casa Rosso Theatre is a famous live adult performance venue in the Red Light District, with over 50 years of history. The performances are legal and strictly regulated.
Casa Rosso Opening Times
- Daily from 19:00 to 02:00
Casa Rosso Tickets & Tours
- Tickets can be purchased on-site, starting from €65 per person in 2024.
Albert Cuyp Market
Albert Cuyp Market Overview
Albert Cuyp Market is the largest open-air market in Amsterdam, offering a wide variety of fresh produce, clothing, and handmade goods.
Ka's Tips：I recommend trying herring! I originally went in with a "let's see how bad it is" attitude, but surprisingly, I ended up really enjoying it!
How Long to Spend at Albert Cuyp Market
- 1.5-2 hours
Albert Cuyp Market Opening Hours
- Monday to Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
- Sunday: Closed.
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