Top 7 Things to Do in Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is famous for its intricate canal system, rich artistic heritage, and unique narrow houses featuring charming gabled facades – all legacies of the Dutch Golden Age of the 17th century. This post lists some of the top things to do in Amsterdam.

I immediately fell in love with Amsterdam when I first arrived. The canals gave it such a cool and unique feel, and the vibe was really eclectic and artsy. But make sure that you watch out for bikes when you’re walking around!

Things to do in Amsterdam

Stroll along the canals

The canals in Amsterdam were a feat of engineering when they were first created in the 17th century. Today, they are an integral part of the charming and unique character of Amsterdam and have even been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Go for a flower tour

You’ve probably heard of the famous tulips of the Netherlands. See them for yourself with a flower tour! You can search for tours on GetYourGuide.com.

Visit the Flower Market

You can take home a piece of Dutch culture and try to grow some tulips yourself with the flower bulbs for sale at the Flower Market.

Experience Dutch arts and culture at the Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands. It is dedicated to showcasing Dutch arts and history.

This museum’s collection includes pieces from world-renowned masters like Johannes Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Vincent Van Gogh.

See world-famous paintings at the Van Gogh Museum

See the iconic paintings of Vincent Van Gogh in person at the Van Gogh Museum. This museum houses the world’s largest collection of paintings by Van Gogh and also contains work by several of Van Gogh’s contemporaries.

Check out a more modern spin on art museums at the Moco Museum

The Moco Museum is an independent museum located in the museum district of Amsterdam. It is dedicated to exhibiting modern and contemporary art and making the art world more accessible to today’s audiences.

Go for a walk through Vondelpark

One of the most popular parks in Amsterdam, Vondelpark is the perfect place to go for a walk or sit and hang out for a while.

Where to stay in Amsterdam

Overall, hostels are quite expensive in Amsterdam, so try to make your plans early if you can. You may also want to try to plan your trip to fall on weekdays, as prices might be slightly lower.

MEININGER Amsterdam City West is a good balance between quality and affordability for backpackers and budget travelers if you can book far enough in advance to get a good price. However, if you’re looking to save money, I suggest searching both Hostelworld and Booking.com for other options.

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There is so much to see and so many cool things to do in Amsterdam! I hope this post gives you some ideas for your trip. Enjoy your time visiting this charming city in the Netherlands!

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