20 Must-Do Things in Amsterdam: A Local-Friendly Travel Guide

Explore the best things to do in Amsterdam with this local-friendly travel guide. Discover top attractions, hidden gems, seasonal events, and unique experiences, and tips on where to eat, shop, and explore like a local.

Picture this: you're cycling down a narrow cobblestone street, canal houses leaning over you like curious neighbors, when suddenly you smell fresh stroopwafels from a street cart. A few minutes later, you're standing face-to-face with a Van Gogh masterpiece that makes your heart skip a beat. That's Amsterdam in a nutshell - a city where every corner surprises visitors.

Sure, everyone's heard about the canals and museums, but Amsterdam has so much more that most visitors never discover. The things to do in Amsterdam range from world-famous art galleries to cozy brown cafés where locals have been gathering for centuries. Then there are street markets buzzing with energy, while there are also lush parks for those looking for quiet escapes.

If you’re wondering “what to do in Amsterdam?” You’re at the right place. This Amsterdam travel guide will explore the top attractions that you must see in the city, and many more activities you can enjoy. We'll also discuss how to stay connected in Amsterdam with Jetpac eSIM. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a week-long adventure, these experiences will help you understand why Amsterdam captures the hearts of millions of tourists every year and locals who call it their home!

Must-Do Things in Amsterdam

Here are the top 20 must-do things to do in Amsterdam:

1. Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is one of the best places to visit in Amsterdam. It houses the best Dutch art collection in the world. You’ll see the famous Night Watch, and also explore the quieter galleries containing masterpieces not many people know about. The way natural light streams through the main hall makes even ordinary objects look special, and you can easily spend a whole day here without getting bored.

2. Van Gogh Museum

If you’re a fan of Van Gogh’s art, you won’t miss this one! It’s one of the best places to visit in Amsterdam. Van Gogh Museum showcases his work chronologically, so you can follow his journey from his early, dark paintings to those famous bright yellow sunflowers. It is one of the best things to do in Amsterdam.

3. Anne Frank House

Standing in the small rooms where Anne Frank and her family hid for two years during World War II makes her diary feel incredibly real. The house looks exactly as it did when they lived there, which makes the whole experience quite emotional. You need to book tickets months in advance because this is definitely one of the most important places to visit in Amsterdam and is pretty much booked out, especially in peak season.

4. Dam Square

Amsterdam's main square stays busy every day with street performers, tourists, and locals rushing to catch trams. You never know what you'll see here since every event is a surprise in a good way; maybe you'll see a political protest, someone playing violin, thousands of people trying to take the same photo, or something else, who knows!

5. Jordaan District

The Jordaan used to be where working-class families lived, but now it's full of trendy galleries and expensive restaurants. Still, you can find traces of the old neighborhood in the narrow streets and small squares. You’ll also see the unique Brown cafés tucked into corners serving the same customers who've been coming for decades, and the whole area feels like a village inside the big city.

6. Red Light District

Everyone visits the Red Light District, whether they admit it or not. It’s on every visitor’s Amsterdam itinerary. Beyond the famous windows, this area contains some of Amsterdam's oldest and most beautiful buildings. These narrow houses have been here for centuries, and the district's history goes much deeper than what most tourists see. Just keep your camera away unless you want some very direct feedback from the workers.

7. Vondelpark

Vondelpark is one of the most popular places to visit in Amsterdam. The park gets crowded with people, especially in the summer season, when families come here to enjoy picnics and joggers weaving between drum circles and couples having serious conversations. The park features ponds and clusters of trees, and there's always something happening here: free concerts, outdoor theater, or just people enjoying Dutch summer weather while it lasts.

8. Bloemenmarkt (Flower Market)

The floating flower market really does float on the canal, which sounds touristy but is actually quite charming. The vendors know everything about bulbs and flowers, and they're happy to explain what will actually survive the trip home in your suitcase. The market looks genuinely beautiful, especially during tulip season.

9. Begijnhof

This hidden courtyard sits right in the city center, but most tourists walk right past the entrance without noticing it. Step through the small doorway and you're suddenly in medieval Amsterdam, with tiny gardens and houses that lean at impossible angles. It's free to visit, completely quiet, and feels like discovering a secret that's been hiding for centuries.

10. Canal Ring

Everybody knows about the Canal Rings, and it’s famous not only for the canal ride but also for the houses located around it. Wealthy merchants competed to build the most impressive houses along the water, which is why you see those tall, narrow buildings that seem to lean over the canals. Every bridge gives you a different view, and each one somehow looks better than the last.

11. Museumplein

Museumplein is a large public square that connects Amsterdam's most popular museums and gives everyone space to rest between cultural visits. When the weather's nice, locals spread blankets here and enjoy the surrounding views. There are also many cozy cafes in the square for those who want a cup of coffee and a light snack.

12. Albert Cuyp Market

This is one of the most popular markets in Amsterdam, stretching through several blocks of the De Pijp neighborhood, selling everything from fresh vegetables to vintage clothes to delicious stroopwafels. Locals come here to shop for groceries while tourists hunt for souvenirs and try Dutch snacks.

13. Westerkerk

Westerkerk is Amsterdam's most important Protestant church. If you climb the tower (and you should, if your lungs can handle it), you get amazing views of the city. It’s located just a few steps away from the Anne Frank House, so you can plan your visit to both attractions in one day.

14. Heineken Experience

This former brewery turned into a tourist attraction that allows visitors to experience the making of the world’s famous beer. You’ll not only get to see the process of beer making, but also taste it. There are many tours to choose from; some combine the cruise tour with other museums. This is one of the unique things to do in Amsterdam that you’ll truly enjoy.

15. Artis Royal Zoo

The Artis Royal is one of the oldest Zoos in Europe. Apart from the animals, you’ll also see some beautiful 19th-century buildings. Don’t forget to visit the Micropia museum, which is the first and only museum in the world that shows the tiny world of microorganisms. It makes the invisible visible, helping visitors learn about these small creatures and their role in our lives.

16. NEMO Science Museum

That green building shaped like a ship contains interactive science exhibits that make learning genuinely fun. Visitors can explore different scientific ideas through fun exhibits, interactive experiments, and hands-on activities. Not many people know that you can also visit the rooftop of NEMO, which turns into a playground in the summer season, where everyone can sit down, relax, and even enjoy food with panoramic views of Amsterdam. And, it’s free to visit!

17. Amsterdam Museum

This museum shares the story of the city from its roots as a small fishing village to becoming a bustling international hub and a tourist hotspot! The exhibits are interactive and engaging, helping visitors learn not just about the city's growth but also the challenges it faced along the way.

18. Prinsengracht Canal

Amsterdam's longest canal shows how the city's architecture evolved over time. You can see everything from cramped medieval houses to grand mansions built by merchants who clearly had money to spend. You’ll also see houseboats; some are permanent homes, while others are floating sheds that are not well-maintained.

19. Leidseplein

Leidseplein is Amsterdam's busy square that is famous for entertainment, nightlife, and is also a central hub for public transport. You’ll also notice street performers here, along with many restaurants and bars. It's definitely touristy, so expect it to be a bit crowded as it’s a party square.

20. Rembrandt House Museum

The Rembrandt House Museum is a unique place that celebrates the life and work of the famous artist Rembrandt. It is the only museum in the world fully devoted to him. You can explore the house where Rembrandt lived and created art for 19 years, producing many of his greatest works. This is a great opportunity to step back into the 17th century and discover more about Rembrandt as an artist and a person.

Explore Amsterdam Like a Local

The best way to see Amsterdam is on a bike, because that's how locals get around every single day. Bike rental shops are everywhere, and there are dedicated bike lanes that connect to every part of the city. You can walk around the Jordaan District and explore small galleries, vintage shops, and brown cafés where people sit in the same spots every afternoon. De Pijp is another great neighborhood you should definitely visit. Here you’ll find local markets and restaurants selling authentic food.

You can also cycle along the canals, which will give you beautiful views of the historic center, but riding through residential areas shows you how contemporary Dutch people actually live. There are plenty of coffee shops to stop by and rest while watching daily Amsterdam life unfold.

Seasonal Experiences & Events

Do you want to visit Amsterdam for the tulips? Or Christmas markets or anything else? There are many things to do in Amsterdam in each season. Here is what you should expect:

Spring (March - May): Tulip Season and King's Day

Amsterdam is famous for its tulips, and spring is the best time to see them blooming everywhere. Keukenhof Gardens, about an hour from the city, features millions of tulips in incredible displays. You’ll also find local flower markets overflowing with fresh bulbs you can take home. If you visit during the tulip season, don’t miss the King's Day on April 27th, when locals celebrate with street parties and canal boat parties that are worth watching.

Summer (June - August): Outdoor Festivals and Canal Rides

Amsterdam gets crowded with people in the summer season, but in a good way. Locals as well as tourists come to enjoy vibrant festivals, outdoor concerts in Vondelpark, and long evenings on canal-side terraces. The city's festival calendar explodes with events from classical music to electronic dance parties that take over whole neighborhoods. If you’re into outdoor fun and parties, plan your visit during the summer season.

Autumn (September - November): Museums and Cultural Events

Cooler autumn weather makes it perfect for exploring Amsterdam's museums without the crowds. You’ll see exhibitions and theatre shows everywhere. October also hosts the famous Amsterdam Dance Event, with clubs and venues hosting everything from intimate shows to massive warehouse parties. If you want to visit Amsterdam without crowds but in pleasant weather, you should plan your trip in autumn.

Winter (December - February): Light Festivals and Cozy Cafés

Winter might sound unappealing, but Amsterdam Light Festival turns the canals into an amazing art display worth experiencing, even in cold weather. Even the Brown cafés turn into cozy, warm spaces where locals gather around small tables to talk about football and politics. And not to forget, the amazing Christmas markets of Amsterdam that transform it into a fairytale.

Amsterdam's Best Museums & Cultural Sites

We’ve already discussed the cultural importance of Amsterdam, but here are some other museums that history and culture lovers must visit:

Moco Museum

The Moco Museum features contemporary art by well-known artists like Banksy and KAWS. You’ll find a huge collection of modern, digital, and contemporary works of art here. They often change exhibitions, so there is usually something new to see. It’s in the city center, so you can easily fit this into your sightseeing itinerary.

Stedelijk Museum

If you are a fan of modern art, you should visit the Stedelijk Museum. The museum houses a collection of about 90,000 objects collected since 1874. Situated in a building that literally looks like a bathtub, you’ll find artworks of an array of artists, including Picasso and Warhol.

Amsterdam Pipe Museum

This unusual museum celebrates tobacco pipes from around the world, showing surprising connections between smoking traditions and art across different cultures. The museum is located in a charming canal house that enhances the experience of its exhibits, which showcase history from different times and places around the world.

Unique Amsterdam Experiences

Amsterdam offers experiences you can't find anywhere else, from canal cruises that show the city from water level while guides share stories you won't hear anywhere else to the museums like no other in the world. The floating flower market lets you buy flowers from boats, while cheese tastings in shops that have been operating for centuries introduce you to flavors you may have never tasted before.

Small brewery tours provide alternatives to the Heineken experience, with local brewers explaining their craft while pouring samples straight from the tanks. These unique experiences allow you to enjoy every bit of Amsterdam and make unforgettable memories.

Where to Eat & Drink in Amsterdam

Here is where you should eat and drink in Amsterdam to experience the best of Dutch cuisine:

Traditional Dutch Cuisine

Amsterdam offers a hearty food scene that features comforting dishes perfect for cold winters. If you try fresh stroopwafels from street vendors, you'll notice they taste much better than the packaged ones sold in shops. Properly made bitterballen, a popular snack, pairs wonderfully with local beer in the city’s cozy brown cafés. Plus, you can find herring stands throughout the city that serve this traditional Dutch dish just right.

Food Markets and Halls

For a taste of local flavors, head to the Albert Cuyp Market, which is the heart of Amsterdam's food scene. Here, you'll find fresh fruits and vegetables alongside local snacks and international foods that reflect the city’s diverse culture. Another great spot is Foodhallen in Oud-West, a modern food court where you can sample everything from traditional Dutch cheese to unique fusion dishes, all under one roof.

Brown Cafés and Local Bars

Amsterdam's brown cafés are famous for their warm, inviting atmosphere, characterized by wooden walls darkened by years of use. These traditional pubs offer a great selection of local beers and jenever, a strong Dutch gin, along with simple snacks perfect for chatting with friends. Many cafés host events like live music or quiz nights, making them a great way to mingle with locals and experience the city’s social vibe.

Shopping & Souvenirs in Amsterdam

Amsterdam shopping includes everything from expensive boutiques to flea market treasures. The famous Nine Streets area has independent shops selling unique items like vintage clothing and handmade jewelry you won't find elsewhere. Visit Kalverstraat for mainstream shopping needs, while you can find souvenirs in the local markets.

Dutch cheese, stroopwafels, and locally made gin make for delicious gifts. Many shops now focus on sustainability, letting you support local artisans while finding something special. There are also some flea markets where you can find interesting vintage items at good prices.

Parks & Outdoor Activities

Vondelpark spans 120 acres of green space where both locals and visitors can relax, jog, or enjoy the lively atmosphere. In summer, there are outdoor theater performances that attract crowds who enjoy watching while lounging on the grass. You can rent bikes or boats, stroll along picturesque trails, or visit the goat farm inside the park, making it a fun spot for families, especially those with kids who want to play.

Day Trips from Amsterdam

The Netherlands is small enough to explore easily, making day trips from Amsterdam a great option to see more of the country. With excellent train connections, many destinations are just an hour away. These trips let you experience different aspects of Dutch culture, from charming villages to the stunning flower gardens that the country is famous for.

Stay Connected with an eSIM in Amsterdam

Amsterdam sightseeing is more fun if you’ve access to the internet and can share all the amazing moments with your friends and family.

Avoid costly roaming fees by using a Jetpac eSIM for Netherland during your trip to Amsterdam. It activates instantly as soon as you land, so you can start using your phone right away. With multi-network coverage, you’ll stay connected across the city without hunting for Wi-Fi. It’s an easy, reliable way to stay connected and use maps, WhatsApp, ridesharing, or any other app without any hassle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 2 or 3 days enough to explore the city?

Yes, 2-3 days gives you enough time to see Amsterdam's main highlights. You can easily visit the top museums, take a canal cruise, explore different neighborhoods, and enjoy the local food.

Are museums closed on any days?

Most Amsterdam museums stay open seven days a week, but many close on major holidays like Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Some smaller museums might close on Mondays, so it's worth checking individual museum websites before planning your visit.

How expensive is Amsterdam?

Amsterdam sits in the higher price range for European cities, similar to London or Paris. Expect to pay €15-25 for restaurant meals, €4-6 for coffee, and €25-40 for museum entries. Budget travelers can keep costs down by staying in hostels (€30-50/night), eating at local markets, and using the excellent public transportation system. Mid-range travelers should budget around €100-150 per person per day, including accommodation.

Can I use an eSIM in Amsterdam to avoid roaming charges?

Absolutely! eSIM technology works perfectly in Amsterdam and throughout the Netherlands.
If you’re visiting, getting an eSIM for Netherlands is one of the easiest ways to stay connected.
Services like Jetpac offer affordable data plans that activate within minutes, letting you avoid expensive roaming charges while staying connected for navigation, translation, and sharing your travel photos.