Things to do in Amsterdam Netherlands
- Laura
- 3 days ago
- 7 min read
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For such an overcast city, Amsterdam has a certain zing. Full of looping canals and bike riders, the city has a vibrancy that contrasts with its rainy weather. Renowned for its narrow houses, coffee culture, and Red Light District; Amsterdam is a jumping off point for many cruises and land tours. Whether you have a few hours or days, our article will point you to the best things to do in Amsterdam Netherlands.
Amsterdam is a fun mix of old and new. It is a city with a rich artistic heritage enlivened by a liberal atmosphere and spirited night life. Trips to the Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House, and Red Light District are popular as well as walking and biking city tours. In this article, we highlight 10 of the top things to do in Amsterdam Netherlands.
AMSTERDAM NETHERLANDS TOURS
AMSTERDAM WEATHER
Temperatures in the summer average in the 70-80s F (July and August); and in the 30-40s F in the winter (January and February). Amsterdam experiences year-round frequent clouds and rain. November is the rainiest month. The fewest wet days are from March until May.
BEST TIME TO VISIT AMSTERDAM NETHERLANDS
We consider the months of April, May, and June to be the best months to visit Amsterdam. The weather is warm, the tulips are in bloom, and crowds are not at peak. The months of September and October are also a great time to go.
TIP: Whatever month you choose to visit, it is wise to keep your itinerary flexible. Check the radar each day for rain, and alter your plans accordingly. Randy and I had planned a long city walk, but with heavy rain we changed course and utilized a hop-on hop-off canal boat tour to get around.
The canal boats offer 24 and 48 hour ticketing. The comfortable (and warm) boats are a convenient and affordable alternative to walking, with stops close to most major sites.
Find Canal Boat Tickets
HOW TO GET TO AMSTERDAM
By Airplane
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) is the city’s airport. Reach the city center from AMS by bus, train, or taxi. Click here for flight information to Amsterdam.
By Train
Amsterdam Centraal is the city’s main railway with connections to many European cities. You can walk to the city center from the train station. Click here for information on train routes to Amsterdam.
AMSTERDAM NETHERLANDS HOTELS
Amsterdam is located at the head of the IJsselmeer Lake. From this body of water, a belt of canals divides the city into a series of districts. We suggest you look for lodgings in the Amsterdam Canal Ring. From this area, you can access all major attractions.
Consider these well-reviewed Amsterdam hotels:
Monet Gardens Hotel: Cost effective, 4 Star, Boutique Hotel with Bar
The Hendrick's House: Boutique 17th Centure Canal House on waterway
Hotel The Craftsmen: Craftsman style with touches of luxury
BEST THINGS TO DO IN AMSTERDAM NETHERLANDS
EXPLORE AMSTERDAM’S CANALS & BRIDGES
The Amsterdam Canal Ring (aka Grachtengordel) is a web of concentric, semi-circular canals surrounding the city’s historic center. Built in the 17th century, the main cluster of canals (Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht) have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
A product of the Dutch Golden Age, the network features 165 canals and some 1,500 bridges. The streets bordering the canals are lined with distinctive tall, thin canal houses and city landmarks. The canals themselves host colorful houseboats and water traffic. Taking a canal cruise of this unique area is a “must” on your list of what to do in Amsterdam Netherlands.
Try these Canal Cruises in Amsterdam:
VISIT THE ANNE FRANK HOUSE
The Anne Frank House is a museum that tells the story of the life and death of diarist Anne Frank. At the museum, view the cramped living arrangements that Anne and her family endured hiding from the Nazis.
Arranged in two side-by-side houses, visitors first tour where Anne lived. Then, guests immerse in Anne’s experience with exhibits featuring photos, videos, and original items from her life. We recommend you buy tickets in advance, and arrive early in the day at this popular site.
Learn About Anne Frank:
GET YOUR ART-ON AT A MUSEUM
Amsterdam is full of art from the Dutch masters. While in the city check out these museums:
Rijksmuseum: The National Museum of the Netherlands displays work by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh. See over 8,000 pieces of art spanning from the middle ages to modern times.
Van Gogh Museum: The museum is devoted to the life of Vincent Van Gogh. It possesses the largest collection of paintings by Van Gogh in the world.
Rembrandt House: Rembrandt lived in this house from 1639 to 1656. The museum is full of reproductions of the Dutch artist’s paintings, furnishings, and tools.
Book your ticket to the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, or Rembrandt House:
GEAR UP FOR THE RED LIGHT DISTRICT
The Red Light District in Amsterdam’s city center is a lively area that includes a number of strip clubs, peep shows, cannabis-coffee shops, museums, and heritage sites. Nowhere are Amsterdam’s liberal values and tolerant atmosphere more apparent than in this district.
During the day the area has a gritty, but family-friendly vibe. The Red Light District comes alive after dark as the sex shops, bars, and prostitutes sitting below their red (and blue) lights animate. Neon lights illuminate and the area bustles between 10pm and 2am. TIP: Pics and videos are forbidden.
Exploring the Red Light District:
TAKE A DAY TRIP TO THE DUTCH COUNTRYSIDE
The region surrounding Amsterdam offers great opportunities for interesting day trips. At the Zaanse Schans area see Dutch windmills, wooden houses, and learn about the traditional art of clog making. Visit the charming fishing villages of Volendam and Marken. Or, from March until Mid-May visit the tulip fields of Keukenhof Gardens.
Book day trips from Amsterdam:
SEE AMSTERDAM’S HISTORIC SITES ON A WALKING TOUR
A walking tour of Amsterdam’s historic center is a great way to take in the city’s heritage sites and culture. Make sure to include these landmarks in your itinerary:
Dam Square is the city’s original marketplace.
Koninklijk Paleis (Royal Palace) is still used by the King.
Nieuwe Kerk is a 15th century church.
Oude Kerk is the city’s oldest church with a wooden vaulted ceiling from medieval times.
Book a historic walking tour:
CLIMB THE BELL TOWER AT THE WESTERKERK CHURCH
The Jordann district is a beautiful area of the city filled with scenic canals, fanciful bridges, and elegant canal houses. Westerkerk Church resides in this neighborhood. Visit the church to admire its distinctive green copper dome. Climb the spire for great city views.
After touring the church, find the Homomonument. This monument, located behind the church, was built to commemorate the persecution of gay men and women. It is reported to be the world’s first gay monument.
Try this Highlights & History Walking Tour
TRANSPORT LIKE A LOCAL ON A BIKE
There is no better way to see the city than like a local. It is estimated there are more bikes in Amsterdam than residents. A popular place to bike is the Vondelpark. There are several bike rental kiosks in the 120 acre park. See statues, fountains, ponds, and parakeets.
TIP: Move over for the locals - who have little patience for dawdling tourists! A tour is recommended to learn about local biking customs and culture.
Hop on a bike to explore the city and beyond:
DISCOVER AMSTERDAM'S MARKETS
Amsterdam has some fun and unique shopping venues to discover. In the Joordan neighborhood stroll through the world’s only floating flower market at the Bloemenmarkt. At the Albert Cuyp Market browse the largest open-air street market in Europe. Finally, at the NDSM Wharf Artist Community shop for arts and crafts in an old shipyard that is now home to pubs, galleries, and buskers.
ENJOY AMSTERDAM’S NIGHTLIFE AT REMBRANDTPLEIN
Don’t leave the city without exploring its exuberant nightlife. Rembrandtplein (Rembrandt Square) is one of the liveliest areas in the city after dark. Filled with hotels, cafes, clubs, and entertainment venues you can eat, dance, listen to music, or see a show. Look for seasonal festivals and performances in this area.
Fijne dag (Have a good day), Laura and Randy
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