You’ve heard about the best museums in Amsterdam like the Van Gogh Museum, the Anne Frank House, the Rembrandt House, and neighborhoods like the Red Light District – but what are some of the other best things to do in Amsterdam?

Enjoy a mesmerizing art light show at the Fabrique des Lumières, and witness eye-widening views of all of Amsterdam from the 20th-floor rooftop of the A’DAM Toren Lookout.

Be where the locals are, and go flea market shopping at IJ-Hallen and Waterlooplein Market, and then hit up the picturesque Jordaan District, or grab a beer under a windmill at Brouwerij’t IJ! By night, get some laughs at Boom Chicago!

Feel the energizing vibe of modernity, history, and tradition come together in the eclectic city of Amsterdam! From its UNESCO-protected canals to its 17th-century gabled houses, bike culture, world-renowned museums, and numerous other unique attractions and activities to check out!

Amsterdam effortlessly blends all interests into one, making it a destination that caters to all tastes and interests. Join us on this exciting journey as we uncover the best tourist attractions in Amsterdam!

1 – Vondelpark

Vondelpark, Amsterdam

Enjoy the great outdoors in Amsterdam’s largest park, Vondelpark, a 150-year-old park named after the Dutch poet Vondel with tons to do!

From live music and dance performances in its open-air theater to walking around its scenic paths and herb gardens, or a quaint picnic in the park, Vondelpark is always a good idea!

If you have kids, take them to enjoy the 6 separate play areas, and kid’s themed activities!

To explore the area more, check out the best bike tours in Amsterdam, many of which pass through Vondelpark, as well as other nearby landmarks. Bike down paths like the Vondelstraat, beautifully lined with traditional Amsterdam-styled homes.

bike tours in Amsterdam

2 – Van Gogh Museum

Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Visit the award-winning Van Gogh Museum, and finally see some of Van Gogh’s most famous pieces from The Bedroom to a few self-portraits, and beautiful landscapes.

Learn about Van Gogh’s early years, and step through the Van Gogh’s Stories exhibit to learn the answers to a few most asked questions like “Where is the Starry Night portrait? ” and more!

Make sure to book your tickets ahead of time to reserve your time securely. If by the time you want to book tickets they are sold out – make sure to check out our guide on how to securely score last-minute tickets to the Van Gogh Museum with us!

Van Gogh Museum tickets & tours

See also: Van Gogh Museum Last Minute Tickets – It’s not Sold out!

3 – Amsterdam Canals

Amsterdam Canals

View the panoramic scenes of 17th-century homes, flowers, and landmarks on an Amsterdam Canal cruise!

Whether you want to enjoy the day scenery of the city with its buzzing streets and ambiance on a 75-minute canal cruise, or you want to experience a 1-hour canal ride through the city with a bonus day trip to the Dutch countryside – take your pick through the list of the best Amsterdam canal cruises available!

Enjoy night vistas on an evening dinner and drinks cruise, or if you want to cruise through the city with hop-on hop-off privileges, check out the hop-on hop-off bus tour with a canal cruise included!

Amsterdam canal cruises

Hot tip: Explore the iconic canals with the best boat tours in Amsterdam, offering a unique perspective on the city’s historic architecture and picturesque waterways.

4 – Oude Kerk Amsterdam

Oude Kerk Amsterdam

Stumble into one of the oldest buildings in Amsterdam, the Oude Kerk Amsterdam (old church), brimming with cultural activities, galleries, and expositions to check out in the heart of the historic center!

Often referred to as the “Living Room of Amsterdam” this historic church was renovated to become a cultural space where thinkers, creatives, and the public come together for discourse, so be sure to see what’s happening! Mainly housing contemporary art and a few historical art pieces, check out the live poetry slams, music concerts, and debates!

While you’re visiting, check out the 700-year-old church, taking in its large stained-glass windows, high arches, and detailed stonework.

5 – A’DAM Toren Lookout

A’DAM Toren Lookout, Amsterdam

Reach the height of 20 stories to the A’DAM Toren Lookout and enjoy spectacular views with a meal or a thrilling adventure up high!

Offering a stunning observation deck with uninterrupted views of Amsterdam and its charming canals as far as the eye can see, the lookout point also features a free audio guide to learn about all the city’s landmarks! Enjoy a delicious meal with impressive views at the Panorama Restaurant, or stop by for drinks!

For the thrill seekers, hang out 100 meters over the city on the “Over the Edge” swing. If that’s not enough, check out the Amsterdam VR ride for a lifelike rollercoaster!

6 – Anne Frank House

Anne Frank House, Amsterdam

Learn about the story behind one of Amsterdam’s most famous past residents, Anne Frank, at the Anne Frank House.

Enter the tiny attic behind the bookshelf where Anne and her family and another small family (8 people total) lived secretly between the years of 1942-1944. Learn about Anne Frank’s story at the museum, read passages from her diary on the walls, and peer into the different personal belongings of the family members.

After a visit to the Anne Frank House, check out an Anne Frank tour in Amsterdam, walk through the Jewish Quarter, and visit other Jewish sites like the Portuguese Synagogue and more throughout the city.

Anne Frank tours in Amsterdam

7 – Hop on Hop off Bus Tours

hop on hop off bus tour in Amsterdam

Relax and sit down to see all the best tourist attractions in Amsterdam right from the open roof of a hop-on hop-off tour bus!

The cool thing about booking a hop-on hop-off bus tour experience is that not only do you get to ride around the city’s main landmarks, learning about them from an audio guide, but many bus tours come with a bonus canal boat tour!

Get driven around the city’s main sights both on the road and through water, with this incredible tour package! Get a local perspective of the city, floating through the city’s scenic and abundant canals, and snaking through the city!

hop on hop off bus tours in Amsterdam

8 – Jewish Museum

Jewish Museum, Amsterdam

Visit the only Jewish Museum in the Netherlands, and learn about the Jewish community in Amsterdam with an all-inclusive activity that includes a visit to the most notable landmarks and sites.

Your ticket includes entry to the Jewish Museum with an audio guide and a visit to the Portuguese Synagogue. At the museum, you’ll walk through the chronological order of Jewish history from persecution to life in the Netherlands, while looking at the themes of religion and tradition.

Enter the historic Portuguese Synagogue with an audio guide, and learn about the oldest Jewish libraries in the world, and the first few founders of the Jewish Quarter in 1616.

Jewish Museum tickets

9 – Royal Palace

Royal Palace, Amsterdam

Learn about Amsterdam’s royal past at the Royal Palace, when you book a tour with an audio guide showcasing the palace, and all its fascinating rooms, the role of the royals, and learning about the “Dutch Golden Age.”

The palace is still very much decorated in 17th-century furnishings, adding a historical and regal layer to the experience, and today, it’s also still used for special royal ceremonies by the family like state visits and receptions.

Wander throughout, admire the historic decor, including art pieces and sculptures by local and important artists, and in the spring, admire the stunning vision of colorful tulips decorating the palace’s front lawn!

Royal Palace tickets

10 – Amsterdam Centraal

Amsterdam Centraal

Check out the second busiest train station in the Netherlands called Amsterdam Centraal, located a 9-minute car ride from the city center of Amsterdam.

A buzzing transportation hub, you’ll find yourself visiting the Amsterdam Centraal on your trip through Amsterdam whether you’re taking the train in or out of the city, or if you’re traveling within the city, as many buses, streetcars and even canal ferries make a stop there.

Duck inside to see the beautiful Neo-Gothic and Renaissance Revivalism architecture and the incredible domed roofs over the train.

Pro tip: don’t want to lug your luggage around the city? Check out the luggage lockers available inside!

11 – Rijksmuseum

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Art lovers, book your tickets to visit the Rijksmuseum, the national Dutch art museum in Amsterdam, showcasing the best of Duch art by artists from Van Gogh, Vermeer, Rembrandt, and more!

Considered to be one of the best art museums in the world, the Rijksmuseum is located at Museum Square, conveniently located near the Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, and other must-see museums in the city.

Wondering about all the museum ticket options and guided tours available? Check out our Rijksmuseum Tickets Price Guide to learn about all the ways to book your tickets!

Guided tours are available in multiple languages, including sign language!

Rijksmuseum tickets & tours

See also: Rijksmuseum Tickets Price – All you Need to Know

12 – Artis Royal Zoo

Artis Royal Zoo, Amsterdam

See the animals in the wild, surrounded by botanical beauty at the Artis Royal Zoo! Known as the oldest zoo in the Netherlands, and 5th oldest in the world!

From elephants to giraffes, jaguars, lions, monkeys, and more, enjoy the sight of over 900 different animal species in one place!

At the botanical garden, check out the Heimans Oak, one of Amsterdam’s oldest trees from 1750, and enjoy a stroll through the manicured gardens.

Extend the fun, and visit the zoo’s other attractions from the planetarium, the arboretum, and the aquarium to the specialized Artis-Groote Museum and Artis-Micropia microbe museum (the first of its kind in the world).

Artis Royal Zoo tickets

13 – Hortus Botanicus

Hortus Botanicus, Amsterdam

Learn the fascinating history and uses of Amsterdam’s oldest botanical garden, Hortus Botanicus.

Dating back to 1638, Hortus Botanicus at the time was the place where doctors came to pick up herbs and plants to create medications to treat their patient’s illnesses. In addition, the Hortus Botanicus was often the where doctors and apothecaries studied medicinal plants and herbs and took examinations.

Admire the blooms from tropical orchids to ferns, and carnivorous plants, and stroll through the stunning Canopy Walk. From the medicinal herb Snippendaal Garden to the Large Pond, and a few Crown Jewels, like the Palm Greenhouse, this is one of the best tourist attractions in Amsterdam!

14 – Fabrique des Lumières

Fabrique des Lumières, Amsterdam

Get a larger-than-life art experience at the Fabrique des Lumières, an art space with more than 100 projectors and an encompassing soundtrack to take your senses to the next level.

Rotating different artists’, check out whose art is on display, and get a completely immersive experience walking into a blank space overtaken by dozens of moving images of the artists’ most famous works.

Can’t make it during the day? Check out the Summer Nights Exhibits! Between July 8th-August 6th and August 7th to September 3rd, you can experience the works of Jimy Nelson and Gustab Klimit during special evening hours, from 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM.

Fabrique des Lumières tickets

15 – Eye Film Museum

Eye Film Museum, Amsterdam

Get an eye for film at the Eye Film Museum, a cultural space dedicated to Dutch and International film, focusing on artists that create movies that go beyond the typical blockbusters.

As you walk through the museum, learn about some of the important film authors, what experimental cinema is, and the different genres in which experimental cinema plays with.

From equipment to final product, you’ll leave the museum with an increased understanding and appreciation for this style of movie-making, and even knowing a few names in the experimental cinema industry making waves.

The museum is free entry, but to view a film, book your tickets on the museum’s website!

16 – The Upside Down

The Upside Down, Amsterdam

Feel your world turn upside down in a head-scratching adventure at The Upside Down, an optical illusions museum with various art-themed rooms that’s taking Amsterdammers for a spin!

Described as an amusement park, nightclub, and museum all in one, this museum space with 25+ experience-filled rooms is a guaranteed whirlwind of fun waiting to happen! Step inside the trippy Royal Room, jump into the surprising white ball pit, step inside the Dutch Design Room, or get your selfie inside the all-pink private jet!

The fun is endless and perfect for a rainy day activity in Amsterdam, with tons to experience that you’ll just have to see for yourself!

The Upside Down tickets

17 – IJ-Hallen flea market

IJ-Hallen flea market, Amsterdam

Check out the biggest flea market in Europe called IJ-Hallen Flea Market!

Housing over 700 varying stalls and stands selling everything from shoes, clothing, accessories, furniture, jewelry, food, and other fun tidbits, the open-air, weekend-only flea market is the place to go for a little taste of local Dutch life.

Make sure to bring 6 euros for your entry, and 2.50 euros if you have any kids, and in general, it’s a good idea to bring cash as many stands don’t accept cards. A tip to score good deals is to visit the flea market on Sunday afternoons! To get there, simply take the ferry from Amsterdam Centraal.

18 – NEMO Science Museum

NEMO Science Museum, Amsterdam

Tap into your brainy side at the NEMO Science Museum, brimming with funky and cool exhibits about the way technology and science shape our world, and have an impact on our everyday lives!

Check out the space with over 19,000 items telling the story of human ingenuity, from a Walkman player to a lamppost, a refrigerator, a car, and more! See previous versions of items that we have today from a toaster oven to a phone, admire their designs, and analyze how these items look different today!

The NEMO Science Museum integrates daily life with science and technology in a fun, interactive way, making it one of the best wacky tourist attractions in Amsterdam!

NEMO Science Museum tickets

19 – Arena Stadium

Arena Stadium, Amsterdam

Cheer on the AFC Ajax football team at their home at the Arena Stadium! The Arena Stadium is the largest sports stadium in the Netherlands and is located in the city’s southeast area.

Though it’s almost always hosting soccer games, the Arena Stadium also hosts the city’s largest concerts and other fun events happening in the city. Those who are fans of soccer should check out a game, or opt for a stadium tour of the facilities inside!

On a stadium tour, you’ll have the doors open to walk through usually private areas that not many get a chance to see when attending an event, starting at $22 USD.

Arena Stadium tours in Amsterdam

20 – Rembrandt House Museum

Rembrandt House Museum, Amsterdam

Retrace the steps of one of the Netherlands’ best artists, Rembrandt, at the Rembrandt House Museum. A space where the famed artists lived and worked between 1639-1658, the house-turned-museum is located in central Amsterdam.

As you navigate the home, seeing where Rembrandt lived and saw inspiration in everyday life, you’ll see who he was as a person first and an artist second. Enjoy the 17th-century decor inside, and of course, all of his art displayed around the house.

From sketches to drawings and paintings, see what his art style was like, and what made him a world-famous artist. Book your tickets early, and enjoy your complimentary audio guide!

Rembrandt House Museum tickets

21 – This is Holland

This is Holland, Amsterdam — credit to THIS IS HOLLAND

In for another trippy tourist attraction in Amsterdam? Check out the This is Holland 5D flight experience!

This is Holland is one of Amsterdam’s newest attractions that features a flight simulator that takes you realistically through the sky, passing over some of Holland’s most impressive and recognizable sights, allowing you to see all of the Netherlands in one go!

The 9–minute experience showcases the Netherlands’ top 22 most popular locations, which come to life thanks to the use of water and wind effects. So if you’re ready to fly through the Netherlands without the price of a private helicopter, then check out This is Holland!

This is Holland tickets

22 – Moco Museum

Moco Museum, Amsterdam

See all the different forms of modern and contemporary art pieces at the Moco Museum, with a few locations throughout Europe, including Amsterdam.

What makes this art museum stand apart from others is its focus on “non-traditional” modern artists, such as the world-known Banksy and local Dutch modern artists like The Kid, reinventing art as a way to communicate strong messages sometimes literal, and sometimes artfully.

Inside, check out the Digital Immersive Art display, which is an art display designed to communicate the importance of connection, through a brightly lit room with kaleidoscope rotating images inside a mirror space.

Tickets for the Moco Museum start at $25 USD.

Moco Museum tickets

23 – WONDR Experience

WONDR Experience, Amsterdam — credit to WONDR Experience

Cut loose for a moment while exploring Amsterdam’s cool things to do with a fun stop at the WONDR Experience!

Overflowing with colors, creativity, funky spaces, and a little bit of magic, the WONDR Experience will leave you in wonder as you let loose and embrace the power of play within the walls of this very fun museum.

Get on the twisty slide, and end up in a ball pit, jump to your heart’s content inside the trippy mirrors and lightroom, and look around you as you take in the room with all the funky items hanging from the ceiling, and so much more!

WONDR Experience Tickets

24 – Begijnhof

Begijnhof, Amsterdam

Take a tour of one of the oldest residencies in the city at Begijnhof, where a local Catholic group of women lived.

Dating back to the 14th century, when the Catholic religion was not allowed to be practiced, the women were allowed to maintain their beliefs and ways of life within the Begijnhof because it was private property.

Today, explore the beautiful courtyard, gardens, and historical homes surrounding the space, and don’t forget to stop by the chapel behind the buildings. Check out the Houten Huys, one of the last 2 remaining timber houses in Amsterdam.

The Begijnhof is free entry, however, be mindful that people still live there.

25 – Basilica of Saint Nicholas

Basilica of Saint Nicholas, Amsterdam

Pay a visit to the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, the Catholic church dedicated to the patron saint of the city.

Built in 1887, the Basilica is centrally located across the Central Railway Station, in the city’s old Center District. From the outside, take in the church’s Neo-Baroque and Neo-Renaissance facade, and its two towers with rose windows in between.

Inside, look towards the altar and see the image of the crown of Maximilian l, as well as numerous religious murals throughout the church. Check out the 19th-century Sauer Organ, which is oftentimes played during free concerts and church services.

The Basilica of Saint Nicholas is free to enter.

26 – Stedelijk Museum

Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam

Immerse yourself in Dutch design when you visit Stedelijk Museum, also known by locals as the Stedelijk. Inside, you’ll find large collections of modern and contemporary art, by some of Amsterdam’s biggest artists.

Check out the museum’s website to see upcoming events happening at the museum, from family-guided tours every Saturday to a self-guided tour completely directed to you via WhatsApp, and a 15-minute beginning lecture and explanation on what modern art is and what it consists of for those who don’t know, and other fun and funky activities.

View the permanent exhibits at the museum with focuses on different artists from the 50s-80s, and more!

Stedelijk Museum tickets

27 – Jewish Quarter

Jewish Quarter, Amsterdam

Learn about the deep history living within the Jewish Quarter in Amsterdam. The historic quarter existed way before WWll, in the 16th century, and it was even the home of some of Amsterdam’s famous like Rembrandt, and the birthplace of Baruch Spinoza, a famous Dutch philosopher.

The Jewish Quarter started in 1593 when Sephardic Jewish people from Portugal and Spain were seeking refuge after being prosecuted. They moved to Amsterdam, a place where they could practice their religion, and settle.

Join a Jewish Quarter tour, and see and learn in-depth more about what daily life was like, and even what the district and city suffered during WWll.

Jewish Quarter tours in Amsterdam

28 – Madame Tussauds

Madame Tussauds, Amsterdam

Get close to your favorite celebrities at Madame Tussauds, a world-known wax museum with wax figures of your favorite celebrities, historical figures, political figures, and more!

Situated close to the Royal Palace, Madame Tussauds is the perfect rainy-day activity to explore while visiting Amsterdam. Even though Madame Tussauds has international locations, visiting the one in Amsterdam also includes getting to see and know a few historical Dutch figures that you won’t see anywhere else.

Get a selfie with Johan Cruyff, a famous Dutch soccer player, or even a few influencers!

Depending on your ticket, access the Amsterdam Dungeon, an interactive walkthrough of Amsterdam’s darkest periods.

Madame Tussauds tickets

29 – Red Light District

Red Light District, Amsterdam

One of the top tourist attractions in Amsterdam, the Red Light District attracts over 2 million visitors annually!

Popularized by its erotic museums, its high concentration of sex workers, strip clubs, and the historic district in the city where brothels were located dating back to 1385, the Red Light District is as much a historical district as it is about eroticism.

The atmosphere is different based on the time of day you visit, daytime is more quiet, while nighttime is more lively, specifically after 11:00 PM.

Want to learn more about Amsterdam’s most unique districts? Join a city walking tour for additional insight into the city’s varied districts!

Red Light District tours in Amsterdam

30 – National Maritime Museum

National Maritime Museum, Amsterdam

If you’re a fan of maritime history, check out the National Maritime Museum, known as one of the most visited museums in Amsterdam, holding numerous pieces of ship history, and maritime collections!

Pass through its fascinating exhibits, sharing everything from the stories of men who have sailed the seas, and share how sailing has changed their life, to a collection of artifacts found from shipwrecks, and art inspired by the sea and different ship vessels.

Sitting in front of the museum is the restored VOC ship, which you’re able to walk into and see the small quarters inside, from the Captain’s Cabin to sleeping quarters, and more!

National Maritime Museum tickets

31 – Ripley’s Believe It or Not

Ripley’s Believe It or Not in Amsterdam — credit to Ripley’s Believe It or Not

Surround yourself with some of the world’s most interesting people, and record-breaking facts at Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum!

Stop by, check out the exhibits throughout its 5 floors, and have a mind-bending experience seeing interesting artifacts and learning captivating facts from all over the world like the case of the woman with the longest neck or the world’s tallest man! Step inside the 5D cinema, or walk through the trippy spinning tunnel!

Check out the different Ripley’s Believe it or Not ticket options available to enter the bizarre museum, from skip-the-line tickets or even combination tickets with a 1-hour canal cruise included with your museum ticket!

Ripley’s Believe It or Not tickets

32 – Skinny Bridge

Skinny Bridge, Amsterdam

Also known as the Magere Brug, the Skinny Bridge is Amsterdam’s most famous bridge out of its 1,200 bridges! It is known as the skinniest bridge in the city because, at one time, it could only fit 2 people walking side by side.

However, legend says that the bridge may have been named after 2 sisters who each lived on the other side of the bridge, and crossed it daily to visit each other.

Today, the skinny bridge can accommodate much more traffic, and it is a beautiful spot to check out especially at night when the lights of the bridge turn on, illuminating the structure.

33 – Jordaan District

Jordaan District, Amsterdam

Get lost in the charm of Jodaan District, centrally located in the city, and offering views of historic 17th-century homes, dozens of lively restaurants, bars, cafes, charming canals passing through, and central to some of the city’s most popular points.

Though today it looks like an affluent area to spend a few days in, historically speaking, this district was once considered a working-class neighborhood for many years, with many refugees fleeing to Amsterdam for a better future, and residing here.

On a Jordaan District tour, you’ll get even more historical insight into this highly sought-after district, while also getting local recommendations and what to see and try there!

Jordaan District tours in Amsterdam

Hot tip: The best city tours in Amsterdam offer a captivating journey through the city’s historic canals, vibrant neighborhoods, and iconic landmarks, and the best walking tours in Amsterdam cater to all interests.

34 – Heineken Experience

Heineken Experience, Amsterdam

Get a beer crash course and tasting in one go at the Heineken Experience!

Visit Heineken’s oldest brewery, and see the behind-the-scenes of what it takes to brew these famous beers, from the process to the technology used, and learn about the people behind the brand. Try your hand at pouring a Heineken properly, and learn how this local brand gained world recognition!

When picking your Heineken Experience tickets, you’ll get to choose between the classic tour and tasting at the end, the Rock the City Heineken Tour with Canal Cruise, the Heineken Tour and rooftop experience, a Heineken Tour with a soccer stadium tour, and more!

Heineken Experience tickets

35 – House of Bols

House of Bols, Amsterdam

Check out another spirited activity in Amsterdam, and that is a cocktail and genever experience at the House of Bols.

Known as the world’s first cocktail brand, when you venture through your self-guided tour of the House of Bols, you’ll feel all your senses stimulated by sight, sound, taste, and smell.

The space resembles a bit of a sophisticated science laboratory and will showcase the different processes of drink creation, from distillation to maceration, and percolation.

See it all come together at the tasting, or hit the bar afterward! Depending on your House of Bols ticket, you can also access a cocktail workshop or a Bols cocktail course!

House of Bols tickets

36 – Boom Chicago

Boom Chicago, Amsterdam — credit to Boom Chicago

Have a laugh at Boom Chicago, Amsterdam’s improv and comedy club buzzing with a good time waiting to happen.

Made up of a very talented group of international comedians, singers, writers, and performers, enjoy an evening of entertainment from skits, Saturday Night Live-style shows, music improv, and hosting several world-renown comedians performing their shows. Come see what these comedians have up their sleeves, and get ready for a fun night!

Make sure to buy your Boom Chicago tickets ahead of time, and choose between different packages which include food and drinks with your ticket, or just general entry. Comedy shows are performed in English.

Boom Chicago tickets

37 – Body Worlds

Body Worlds, Amsterdam

Learn about the fascinating world of the human body at Body Worlds! From plastinates formed into human parts and bodies, to real human organs, are all on display to teach the public about the different organs and ways in which our bodies operate on a daily.

A museum with exhibits created by Dr. Gunther von Hagens and by The Happiness Project Amsterdam, Body Worlds uniquely takes you on a journey through the body on sports, diet, and mood, and how all of these elements are seen within the body.

With over 200 unique plastinate models and other immersive exhibits, you’ll get to know yourself from the inside out!

Body Worlds tickets

38 – Amsterdam Dungeon

Amsterdam Dungeon

Step inside the animated and creepy Amsterdam Dungeon, an interactive theater show in which you get to learn the history of some of the dark, and scary parts of Dutch culture through the talented and creepy performance of numerous, talented actors.

From medieval torture to the Plague, characterizing historic villains, and more, the Amsterdam Dungeon performers do a great job of offering an entertaining time teaching you history through theatrics, and a little bit of dark humor.

Located in the center of Amsterdam, the Amsterdam Dungeon is easy to find and a great spooky activity to add to your Amsterdam itinerary! Tickets start at $25 USD.

Amsterdam Dungeon tickets

39 – XtraCold Icebar

XtraCold Icebar, Amsterdam

Have a cold one at the XtraCold Icebar, a unique bar whereas the name says, everything from the chairs to the walls, and the glasses are all made of ice!

With temperatures looming around -10 degrees C/ 14 degrees F – you’ll be equipped with a warm jacket, as your drink stays cold inside the bar. Choose between a winter-themed cocktail, or an ice-cold Heineken, and don’t forget to grab a selfie inside the bar that looks straight out of the North Pole!

Stop by two bars within the experience, from the “heated” front bar to the ice bar, and along the way, collect tokens to trade for beer!

XtraCold Icebar in Amsterdam

40 – Pythonbrug

Pythonbrug, Amsterdam

Walk the topsy-turvy Pythonbrug, also known as High Bridge, an award-winning bridge located a 13-minute bike ride to the east of the city center.

Connecting two islands, Sporenburg and Borneo, the 90-meter-long Pythonbrug is a fun footbridge that is safe to ride your bike over, or simply take in the incredible architectural work of the red bridge.

Located in a residential area, the trip to Eastern Docklands is a fun experience to get to know more of the city’s neighborhoods and everyday life, while bumping into some fascinating architectural art!

41 – Cheese tasting

cheese tastings in Amsterdam

From Gouda to Edam, Beemster, and Limburger, the Netherlands is known to supply the world with some of the creamiest, most pungent, and most flavorful cheeses!

The best way to sample a little bit of everything is to join a cheese tasting and try for yourself why Dutch cheese is so special, and what traditional recipes are made with special cheeses.

Choose between a classic cheese tasting that takes place in the Dutch countryside, or opt for the adventure classic boat cruise with cheese and wine option! Check out the cheese tasting that includes a trip to the Zaanse Schans Windmills, where you’ll even try on some clogs, all in one go!

cheese tastings in Amsterdam

42 – De 9 Straatjes

De 9 Straatjes, Amsterdam

Do some shopping and people-watching at De 9 Straatjes, one of Amsterdam’s premier neighborhoods known for its shopping streets, buzzing with life, cafes, and restaurants!

Its name is translated into “The 9 Streets” and is located in the middle of the canal belt, which is a series of 4 canals and 9 streets with gorgeous views of 17th-century canal houses.

Only a 5-minute walk from the Royal Palace and a couple of minutes walk from the Anne Frank House, the area is a great location to peruse a bit, do some window shopping, and admire the architecture, even if shopping doesn’t appeal to your plans.

43 – Brouwerij ‘t IJ

Brouwerij ‘t IJ, Amsterdam

Try out the 7 beers brewed all year round at Brouwerij’t IJ! A brewery/tasting room housed inside an old public bathhouse, situated right beside a towering windmill.

Located a 7-minute bike ride from central Amsterdam, the Brouwerij’t IJ is not so commonly known by tourists visiting, so you’ll find the crowd to be a bit more local. However, visitors are more than welcome, especially on the beer-tasting tours offered inside!

Choose between taking your tasting under the windmill called Proeflokall de Molen, or on the magnificent terrace of Proeflokaal’t Blauwe Theeshuis. Make sure to check the operating times, since they vary at both locations.

beer tastings in Amsterdam

44 – Waterlooplein Market

Waterlooplein Market, Amsterdam

Go shopping in one of Amsterdam’s oldest markets at Waterlooplein Market, a 19th-century market with more than 200 stalls selling artisan-made items, souvenirs, clothing, local food, and more.

You can find the Waterlooplein Market centrally located in the heart of Amsterdam. Since its opening, the market has historically always been oriented towards youth culture, style, art, jewelry, and trendy items, which is still very much present today.

The market is open 6 days a week, between 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM. Pro tip: cards may be accepted at some stalls, but make sure to bring some cash to avoid running into any issues.

Visiting Amsterdam on a budget?

Get acquainted with the lay of the land in Amsterdam with a free walking tour! Walk with a local, and visit the different landmarks on foot, learning about their significance!

Another way to get access Amsterdam’s main sights on a budget is to get the I Amsterdam city card! Enjoy entry to 70+ attractions, plus meal discounts and free unlimited public transport!

Final thoughts

We hope you got some inspiration from our list of the best tourist attractions in Amsterdam!

From unique museums like Body Worlds to the Eye Film Museum, and experiences like the House of Bols, among world-class museums like the Rembrandt House and the NEMO Science Museum.

From De 9 Straatjes to the Jordaan district – where will your adventures and curiosities take you?

Happy travels!

Table of contents:

44 Best Tourist Attractions in Amsterdam