With its intertwining canals, adorned with arched bridgeways and bicycles galore - you’ll just know when you’ve arrived in Amsterdam. Netherlands’ capital city offers a unique escape that offers so much for the travellers that journey there. Between its liberal attitudes and diverse attractions, there are plenty of things to do in Amsterdam to keep you entertained. Whether wandering through its cobblestone streets or cycling along its world renowned bike paths, Amsterdam offers a perfect blend of history and modern allure. In this blog, we’re going to help you uncover all that Amsterdam has to offer, from sightseeing and adventures through to their delicious food and drink scene.
Top Things to Do in Amsterdam
There’s so many incredible things to do in Amsterdam, which is why so many tourists flock here. So, we’re going to start our guide by narrowing down your options, so that you can plan your trip perfectly - fitting in some unique experiences as well as hitting all of the best things to do in Amsterdam along the way.
Van Gogh Museum
Let’s start our tour with a classic - the Van Gogh Museum. Anyone who visits Netherland’s capital is likely to have this at the top of their list of things to do in Amsterdam. Whether you’re a fan of the arts and culture scene, or simply want to say that you’ve seen his famous ‘Sunflowers’ on display in all its glory - at €34 a ticket you can tick it off your list.
Anne Frank House
No visit to Amsterdam is complete without taking the time to step back into this pivotal part of history. The Anne Frank House is the renowned hideaway of the young Jewish wartime diarist and you can visit the secret annex for yourself, all whilst learning more about hers and her family’s harrowing story.
Keukenhof Botanical Garden
If you’re visiting Amsterdam during springtime, a visit to the Keukenhof Botanical Garden is an absolute must on the list of things to do in Amsterdam. The gardens come to life with a stunning floral display where you’ll witness a show of colours that is like nothing you will have experienced before. You can find the famous tulip fields of the Netherlands scattered far and wide, but if you’re staying in Amsterdam, the Keukenhof botanical Garden is a sure bet for you to enjoy the rainbow that will greet you.
Canal Cruise
Amsterdam’s infamous waterways offer a unique way to explore this fascinating city. After spending time leisurely strolling over the bridges that connect this city, during one of Amsterdam’s canal cruises you can experience life from the water when you’ll pass underneath the arched bridges instead. Your guide will give you a tour from the narrowboat, explaining more about Amsterdam’s architecture and history as you navigate your way through the canals.
The Best of Amsterdam’s Food and Drink Scene
After seeing all of the things to do in Amsterdam, you’re bound to have worked up a hearty appetite so, if, like me, you love to get a taste for the local cuisines when you’re away, then you’re in luck. We’re going to let you in on some of the traditional food and drink offerings that you’ve got to try whilst you’re in Amsterdam, as well as some of the best spots for you to get a taste.
Must Try Dishes and Where to Try Them
Stroopwafels
Stroopwafels are an iconic dessert in Amsterdam - thinly baked waffles filled with oozy caramel; the perfect treat for any sweet tooth. Enjoy the traditional Dutch dessert with a fresh cup of coffee and you’re in for a taste sensation. You can find bakeries that offer stroopwafels dotted across Amsterdam, but for a real treat we would recommend heading to Rudi’s Original Stroopwafels.
Appeltaart
Keeping things sweet, on the Amsterdam food and drink scene - you need to sample a Dutch appeltaart (that’s an apple pie to you and I). Not just any apple pie though, the Dutch have a way with pastry that takes this simple yet effective dessert to a new level. With the addition of raisins and heartwarming spices, topped off with freshly whipped cream - this is any pastry lover's dream. To find a great appeltaart in Amsterdam, seek out De Laatste Kruimel where you can experience both sweet and savoury offerings.
Bitterballen
Next on our Dutch food tour, we’re satiating your savoury taste buds with bitterballen - a crispy, deep fried ball with a savoury mixture of either veal ragout or beef. Topped off with a dash of mustard, they make for a delicious snack. If you’re wanting a unique experience to savour these crispy treats, as well as looking for fun things to do in Amsterdam, you can book a food and canal tour to indulge your taste buds as well as your adventurous side.
Herring
Another famed local dish in Amsterdam is the herring - a local delicacy you won’t want to miss as you embark on your Dutch culinary journey. The locals savour their silver fish dishes by preserving their catch in brine to create a tasty sandwich filler. Or, equally delicious served with onion or pickle for a salty, zingy concoction that will make your mouth water. You’ll find the traditional Dutch herring almost anywhere in Amsterdam, so choose your favourite serving suggestion and tuck in.
From trips on the water, to exploring the city on a bicycle, there are so many amazing ways to experience Netherland’s capital city. Whether you’re on a whistlestop tour and visiting for a weekend, or are staying for a longer trip - there are so many unique things to do in Amsterdam and a whole load of experiences to entice every type of traveller. As you plan your trip, use our guide to help you find the best of Amsterdam’s food and drink scene as well as hitting those must-see spots around the city. Once you’ve visited, you’ll get a taste for why the locals here love their city with such gousto - their famous catchphrase being “I amsterdam” - embodying the spirit of this incredible capital city. Book your trip to experience it for yourself.
