Anne Frank House
The Anne Frank House is arguably the one of the top things to do in Amsterdam. This is the building that the famous diary writer hid with her family from Nazi troops while they occupied the Netherlands. Anne’s father, Otto Frank, was the only surviving member of his family after the war. He helped to establish the house as a nonprofit museum in 1957. Visiting the house is truly taking a step into a haunted part of history, but incredibly important to understand first hand what many people went through during this dark period in Europe. We definitely recommend purchasing your tickets (at least 2 months) in advance to avoid waiting in long lines.
- Cost: €10.50
- Reserve spots online here: Anne Frank House Tickets
- Estimated time needed: 2-3 hours
Heineken Experience
The Heineken Experience is an interactive brewery tour. It’s interesting to learn about the history of this international brand. If you book your tickets online in advance, you get a designated time slot to enter, you can skip the line and you save 3 euros! It also includes a tasting halfway through the tour, as well as 2 Heineken beers at the end.
- Cost: €18 (online) €21 (in person)
- Reserve spots online here: Heineken Experience Tickets
- Estimated time needed: 2-3 hours
Keukenhof Gardens
The Keukenhof Gardens are a perfect day trip from Amsterdam. They are only open 2 months out of the year, from mid March until mid May, during tulip season. It’s about 40 minutes to get to the gardens using public transportation, so we recommend making a day of it if you can and pack a lunch! If you’re not comfortable taking the bus, you may want to consider a tour with transfers*. Check out our previous post dedicated to visiting the gardens here: Keukenhof Gardens.
- Cost: $42 (Entry ticket & transportation)
- Reserve tour here: Keukenhof Entry Ticket with Transfers*
- Estimated time needed: All day
Red Light District
The Red Light District is definitely an adult-only experience. Prostitution is legal in Amsterdam so storefront windows are lined with half-dressed women looking for customers. There are many sex shops, shows and café’s in this area. It’s such a unique experience, that it’s worth a stroll in the early evening before things get too crazy!
- Cost: Free
- Estimated time needed: 30 minutes – 1 hour
Canal Cruise
With over 165 canals, Amsterdam is often considered the Venice of the North. Taking a canal cruise* is a great way to take in the city. You can preorder a ticket online and go to any one of the 14 pick up stations to scan your ticket and join the cruise (no reservation required). If you’re visiting in warm weather, we also recommend the open boat canal cruise* with a bar onboard. Perfect for a Summer evening.
- Cost: €16 (Standard) $22 (Open Boat)
- Reserve spots online here: Canal Cruise Tickets* / Open Boat Canal Cruise*
- Estimated time needed: 1 hour
Brouwerij’t IJ brewery
The last remaining windmill in Amsterdam can be found next to Brouwerij’t IJ brewery. It’s a great spot to grab a flight of their blonde and dark beers and soak up the view.
- Cost: €5-8 (for a drink)
- Estimated time needed: 1-2 hours
I Amsterdam
The Iamsterdam sign is a newer symbol for the people of Amsterdam. Originally located in Museumplein, it was removed in 2018 due to the amount of crowds drawn to a limited space. You can find this famous sign at Schipol airport (outside arrivals 1) or in Sloterplas lake, a park area in Amsterdam.
- Cost: Free
- Estimated time needed: 15 – 30 minutes
JWO Lekkernijen
We don’t normally focus on specific food places when writing our city guides, but we had the best sandwiches at this local deli! If you’re visiting Amsterdam in nice weather, it’s the perfect spot to grab a to-go lunch. The people behind the counter asked us a bit about what we liked and created delicious custom sandwiches for us. Definitely let them take the reins since they know what cheeses and sauces go best with which meat.
- Cost: €5-10 (per sandwich)
- Estimated time needed: 15 – 30 minutes
Van Gough Museum
This museum is dedicated to the work of post-impressionist artist Vincent Van Gough and his contemporaries. It’s located in Museumplein, a neighborhood of Amsterdam with other museums.
- Cost: €19
- Reserve spots online here: Van Gough Museum
- Estimated time needed: 2-3 hours
Rijksmuseum
Rijksmuseum is a national museum dedicated to the arts and history of Amsterdam. It is also located in Museumplein, near the Van Gough Museum. We didn’t get the chance to visit on our last trip but it’s something on our list for next time!
- Cost: €19
- Reserve spots online here: Rijksmuseum Tickets
- Estimated time needed: 2-3 hours
Rembrandt House Museum
Going off the museum theme, Rembrandt House Museum is a historic home, turned art museum. Painter Rembrandt lived and worked in the house between 1639 and 1656. We didn’t personally get to visit this on our trip but have heard good things about it!
- Cost: €14
- Reserve spots online here: Rembrandt House Museum
- Estimated time needed: 1-2 hours
Jordaan Neighborhood
The Jordaan neighborhood is one of the more picturesque and artistic parts of Amsterdam. It’s a great area to take a walk and get lost in. Chances are you’ll stumble across some unique boutiques and modern restaurants.
- Cost: Free
- Estimated time needed: 1-2 hours
Dam Square
Dam Square is a central spot in Amsterdam used for many public events. During the holidays, there are Christmas market booths and attractions set up there.
- Cost: Free
- Estimated time needed: 15 – 30 minutes
Visit a pancake house
After all of that sightseeing you’re going to want to refuel! Amsterdam is known for their sweet and savory pancakes. We recommend Pancake Bakery. Although there was a line outside to get in, don’t be fooled – it moves quickly! The pancakes are large so if you’re not too hungry, we recommend sharing.
- Cost: €8-12 (per pancake)
- Estimated time needed: 1-2 hours
Amsterdam is a city full of life! I always dream about the day I’ll make it back there to stroll along the canals. We hope you enjoyed our City Guide filled with the best things to do in Amsterdam.
