10 Things To Do In Amsterdam

There’s so much to do in Amsterdam and the surrounding region. My family and I visited Amsterdam in August 2017 for 4 days and felt like we had done so much, yet not enough (there just weren’t enough hours in the day!). Obviously this means we will need to visit again in the near future.

Below, I’ve compiled a list of 10 things you should incorporate into your Amsterdam itinerary!

Sign Up for a Free Walking Tour:

My absolute favorite thing to do in a new city is sign up for a free walking tour right away. This is an inexpensive and neat way to get a quick overview of the city and ask the local tour guide the best places to spend more of your time at.

We signed up for Sandeman’s “Free Tour of Amsterdam” the day before. In just 2.5 hours, we walked what felt like 10 miles and had the chance to visit and learn about:
- The Anne Frank House
- The Dutch East India Company
- The Red Light District
- Hidden Catholic churches
- Dutch Art
- Smallest house in Amsterdam
- World’s first Stock Exchange
- and more!Everyone on the tour was extremely impressed with the tour guide – we even had lunch with him after! Make sure to bring cash to tip your tour guide at the end (technically the tour is free, but this is how they make their living).
Enjoy the Heineken Experience:

You’ll quickly learn why the Heineken Experience is called an “experience“. Not only do you get to visit a museum and learn about the history of the Heineken company and it’s origins, but you get to drink beer, play games and see horses! I don’t want to give much more away… but it’s definitely worth the trip.

Make sure to buy your tickets in advance as the line accumulates quickly. The ticket includes a self-guided tour around the museum and 2 beers! After drinking all that beer, pop into La Boutique Del Caffe just a few blocks away for some tasty salads and sandwiches.
Take a Canal Boat Tour:

Did you know that Amsterdam has over 1,500 bridges due to the many canals that zig and zag throughout the city? Known as the “Venice of the North”, traveling along Amsterdam’s canals is a must-do.

There’s a ridiculous amount of canal boat tour options, including the hop-on-hop-off tour, day canal cruise, historic tour, champagne cruise and beyond! Finding the right cruise for you isn’t too difficult – they’re all impressive.
Try Authentic Indonesian Food:

The relationship between the Netherlands and Indonesia began during the spice trade in the 16th century through the Dutch East India Company. In the mid-19th century, the Netherlands colonized Indonesia and remained under their rule until the Netherlands recognized their independence in 1949.

Thus, this forced relationship led to a fusion of both cultures. Today, there are approximately 1.8 million Indonesians living in the Netherlands (which accounts for over 2.4% of the population). So my point is… the food is AMAZINGLY authentic (if you go to the right place). We ate at Aneka Rasa which is not too far from Amsterdam’s Central Station. If you’re itching to know more… here’s a guide on the Dutch/Indonesian cuisine.
Visit Zaanse Schans:

Zaanse Schans is a picturesque windmill village in the town of Zaandam just outside of Amsterdam. Only a 15 minute train ride from Amsterdam’s Central Station and you’ll find yourself in this town!

You can walk around and take pictures by the windmills for free, but you’ll have to pay a minimal fee to visit the town’s museum, clog workshop, cheese farm and chocolate bakery. (It literally smells like chocolate the closer you get to the windmills. Here’s more info on these neat attractions! If you’re hungry, make sure to stop by Restaurant De Hoop op d’Swarte Walvis on your way back to Amsterdam. Another fantastic restaurant is Restaurant Puur Saen which is located near the train station at Zaandam – must try!
Travel to Haarlem:

Haarlem is one of those places you’ll regret not spending more time in. Located 20 minutes from Amsterdam, Haarlem is a charming, medieval city that you must visit. You will fall in love just walking from shop to shop and taking in the beautiful architecture across each sidewalk.

Make sure to stop by Jopenkerk Haarlem. This brewery/restaurant is located in an old, restored church – the stain-glass windows are amazing. Jopenkerk is also known for brewing old recipes, specifically from the 1400s. I suggest getting the beer flights (to find out which beer is your favorite) and the “croquettes“.
Find a Herring Stand:

After watching Rick Steve’s The Netherlands: Beyond Amsterdam, I was convinced I had to find a herring stand and eat some of this famous fish! Traditionally, herring is eaten by grabbing the fish by it’s tail, throwing your head back, and slowly lowering the fish into your mouth. Luckily, most herring stands now serve the fish to you sliced on a little plate and with a toothpick.

You must find a stand and try this delicacy – it was delicious! (Note: do not ask for sauce for your herring… you will be looked at very strangely. I know from experience.) We found this herring stand in the town of Haarlem along the river.
Pose at the ‘I Am Amsterdam’ Sign:

I’m sure you’ve seen it… the famous “I Am Amsterdam” sign. When I visited in the summer, trying to capture a good picture of this sign was nearly impossible due to the crowds. But if you’re looking for a place to “people watch“… this is the place!

We also got lucky with timing as we arrived when street performers were just beginning their set. It was truly entertaining!
Be Artsy at the Van Gogh Museum:

There was so much to do in Amsterdam, we barely had time to walk into a museum in the 4 days we were there. The one museum we made time to see was the Van Gogh Museum!

My favorite part about the museum was how you learned about Van Gogh’s personal life and history as you walked around the building as his art was displayed in chronological order along with a story of what was happening in his life during that time period. It was fascinating! Make sure to buy your tickets in advance, otherwise, the line is ridiculously long.
Stroll in a Park:

One of my absolute favorite parts about Amsterdam is the amount of parks they have spread across the city. The most famous park is called Vondelpark which welcomes nearly 10 million visitors per year. Over the summer, there are also free concerts given at the open-air theatre at the park.