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Amsterdam is the most populous city and capital of the Netherlands. People know Amsterdam for many things including its rich artistic history, famous canal system, and gable facade houses all coming from the 17th century Golden Age in the Netherlands. Check out below for the top 10 things to do in Amsterdam when you visit.
#10. Van Gogh Museum
One of the best things to do in Amsterdam is visit the Van Gogh Museum. In fact, it is one of the most popular museums in the whole world with over 2.3 million visitors in 2017.
The museum houses the world’s largest collection of Vincent Van Gogh artwork and work. There are over 200 of his paintings, 500 of his drawings, and 700 of his personal letters. Some famous pieces include Avenue of Poplars in Autumn (1884), The Potato Eaters (1885), The Yellow House (1888), and Sunflowers (1889).[1]I am Amsterdam – Van Gogh Museum
In addition, the museum also houses various works of art from famous artists. A few include Auguste Rodin, Jules Dalou, and paintings by Émile Bernard, Maurice Denis, Kees van Dongen, Paul Gauguin, Édouard Manet, Claude Monet, Odilon Redon, Georges Seurat, Paul Signac, and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec
#9. I amsterdam letters
One of the things to do in Amsterdam is take a picture with the ‘I amsterdam’ sign. The sign is more than 6.5 feet tall and 77 feet wide. The sign started as a marketing campaign for the city, but quickly became much more to the city. I has become a phrase that residents of the city use to proudly identify where they are from.[2]I am Amsterdam – I amsterdam letters
There are three signs located in the city. Perhaps the most famous one is behind the Rijksmuseum. The second one is located at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The last one is constantly moving throughout the city. You can find it places such as fairs and other festivals throughout the year.
#8. Cycling in Amsterdam
The Netherlands is a bicycle country and Amsterdam is no different. In fact, there are over 847 thousand bikes and over 248 miles of bike paths in the city. Sometimes, there are so many bikes riding around the city, that traffic is not caused by cars, but by the bikes themselves. As such, cycling around the city is both one of the best ways to get around as well as to see what it is like to live like a local. You can easily rent bikes with companies such as the famous Yellow Bike rental company to explore the city on your own. However, if that is not much your style there are also plenty of guided cycling tours that cater to all sorts of tastes and interest that can take you around the city.[3]I am Amsterdam – Cycling in Amsterdam
#7. De 9 Straatjes (The 9 Streets)
Amsterdam is known for its canals and the houses and streets around thing. In fact, one of the things to do in Amsterdam is visit the De Negen Straatjes or ‘The Nine Streets’ area. This small neighborhood exemplifies the quirky nature and photogenic styles of Amsterdam. Here you can many speciality stores, designer as well as vintage shops, and comfy cafes. [4]I am Amsterdam – De 9 Straatjes (The 9 Streets)
#6. Amsterdam’s Canal Ring
After visiting the neighborhoods along the canals, one of the things to do in Amsterdam is actually travel along the canals. The people in the Netherlands built the canals in Amsterdam during the 17th century. Since then, the beautiful canals have become intertwined in the history of the city.
Fortunately, there are several different types of activities that you can participate in that take place on the canals from cultural and sporting events to tourist tours.
There are many different festivities that take place on the canal. One of the most popular is King’s Day which takes place at the end of April.[5]I am Amsterdam – Amsterdam’s Canal Ring The day celebrates the birth of the King of the Netherlands. If you are in Amsterdam during this time, you will get to see people dressed in colorful clothing celebrating on barges floating down the canals.
However, you don’t happen to be in the city during any special holidays, don’t worry. You can still take a tour on the canal. In fact, it is one of the best ways to get an introduction to the city.
#5. Amsterdamse Bos
If you want to get a bit of nature, one of the things to do in Amsterdam is visit the Amsterdamse Bos. The park is about 2,500 acres or about 3 times larger than New York City’s Central Park.[6]Gemeente Amsterdam – History of the Amsterdam Forest The city started building the park in 1934 in order to help with the unemployment crisis at the time. However, due to the political events of WWII, they didn’t finish planting the last tree until 1970.
There are many things to do in the park. One of the most famous is the Bosbaan. It is an artificial river made specifically for rowing and rowing races. In addition, the Amsterdamse Bos also has many recreational areas for families, places to run, ponds and streams for swimming, farms with petting zoos, open air theaters, and even areas for camping.
#4. Eat Amsterdam Street Food
One of the best things to do in Amsterdam is try the street food. The most famous street food you need to try is raw herring.[7]TimeOut – 20 essential thing to do in Amsterdam In fact, pretty much anywhere you go in town, you will be able to find a street stall selling some. However, some of the best places to get it include Stubbe’s Haring. In addition, while herring is good any time of the year, the best time of year to get it is between May and July. This is because at this time, it is at its freshest and sweetest flavor.
However, there are many more types of Dutch food you need to try. If the raw herring is not quite up your alley, you can try Kibbeling. It is a deep fried white fish, that you usually eat with mayonnaise and herb sauce with a lemon. In addition, don’t forget to try Snert. It is a type of split pea soup with celery, leeks, onions, and pork. It serves as a great winter snack.
After you have had your fill with savory foods, don’t forget to get something a bit sweet to eat as well. One of the most popular things to get is Stroopwafel, a tying of thin waffle with sweet syrup. In addition, make sure to try Poffertjes, a type of battery pancake with powdered sugar.
#3. Anne Frank House (Anne Frank Huis)
When in Amsterdam, make sure to visit the Anne Frank House. In fact, it is one of the most important things to do in Amsterdam. It was in this house, that Anne Frank, while in hiding from the Nazis for around two years between 1942 and 1944, wrote her journal, which later became a best selling novel.[8]U.S. News – Anne Frank House (Anne Frank Huis)
Inside the museum, you can experience the emotional but educational tour through the photographs, historical documents, belongings, and films, of Anne Frank, the people hiding with her, as well as those who helped them.
#2. Leidseplein
Amsterdam is famous for many things. One of the most famous areas in Amsterdam is the Red Light district. However, this area might not be for everyone, especially for those with families. If you are looking for something a bit tamer, one of the things to do in Amsterdam is go to Leidseplein or Leiden Square.[9]U.S. News – Leidseplein
This area is the center of entertainment in the city. It is located on the southern end of Amsterdam’s canal ring. Here you can find movie theaters, nightclubs, concert venues, coffee shops, and even casinos. There definitely is something for everyone in Leidseplein.
#1. Rijksmuseum (State Museum)
After checking out the ‘I amsterdam’ sign, make sure to head into the Rijksmuseum. In fact, it is one of the best museums in Amsterdam. The musuem features an impressive collection mainly features work for the Netherlands between the 15th and 17th centuries. However, there are also works from other places as well.
In all, at any one time, the Rijksmuseum puts on display 8,000 pieces. However, the musuem’s total collection of of around 1 million pieces. The massive collection comes from throughout history dating between 1200 and 2000. Some of the most famous pieces include works by Johannes Vermeer, Frans Hals, and Rembrandt.[10]U.S. News – Rijksmuseum (State Museum)
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