unusual tours amsterdam

10 Unusual Tours to Take in Amsterdam

Amidst the hundreds of tours available in Amsterdam there are several more unusual excursions that deserve special attention. These offbeat, quirky and unconventional tours include airborne excursions over Amsterdam’s city centre and cheese tasting adventures by tuk tuk.

Helicopter experience.

During this exclusive tour above Amsterdam’s skyline, guests will fly over the city’s main sights and experience its charming historic centre from the air. The helicopter holds up to four passengers and it is possible to arrange smaller parties upon request.

Tuk tuk tour with cheese and wine

Due to their size and speed, tuk tuks are able to weave between Amsterdam’s many cycle paths with ease. This tour through the city’s centre is completely conducted by tuk tuk and passes by many famous sights including the Royal Palace . There’s also a cheese and wine tasting pitstop half way through the excursion at Henri Wellig Amsterdam .

Cultural ganja walking tour

Ever wondered how cannabis became legal in Amsterdam? Or why the drug is only available from coffee shops ? Then make sure to check out this 2-3 hour guided tour that retraces the history of cannabis in Amsterdam. There’s several smoke breaks throughout and the tour always stops at least two coffeeshops.

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Pedal boat rental

Amsterdam’s fleet of pedal boats mainly gravitate around the city’s iconic canal belt and roam freely through several historic waterways including Singelgracht, Prinsengracht and Liedsegracht. These leg-powered boats are available for 90 minutes and embark from three piers around Amsterdam.

Alternative tour

Throughout the late 20th century, many subcultures emerged in Amsterdam and helped shape the city’s political climate, urban layout and art scene. During Amsterdam’s Alternative Tour participants will learn more about these groups whilst discovering the city’s long list of left-field landmarks.

Panorama rail restaurant

This luxurious rolling restaurant departs from Amsterdam’s Centraal Station and then takes diners on a trip through Holland’s scenic rail network. The ride takes approximately three hours and passes by several glorious landscapes beyond Amsterdam.

Eat like a local in Amsterdam

After meeting their host, guests on this tour are shown around Amsterdam’s de Jordaan neighbourhood and told about this picturesque quarter’s fascinating history. The next portion of the evening takes part inside a 14th-century monastery, that has been converted into a townhouse, where guests sample an enticing selection of homemade Dutch delicacies .

House of Bols cocktail and Genever experience

Amsterdam’s oldest distillery offers a self-guided tour through its headquarters on Museumplein which ends with a cocktail sampling session inside House of Bols’ Mirror Bar. The tour covers several aspects of liquor production and professional mixologists are on hand to explain the art behind cocktail creation.

Small-group Amsterdam beer tour

This 12 person tour retraces the history of Dutch brewing by taking guests on an odyssey through Amsterdam’s most colourful and historic watering holes. After stopping by several authentic Dutch pubs and a delightful 16th-century cloister where nuns brewed their own beer caches, the tour ends inside the Red Light District’s only brewery.

Pancake Boat

The Pancake Boat moors on Amsterdam’s trendy NDSM-wherf neighbourhood and embarks on several voyages through the city’s docklands throughout the day. During this scenic voyage passenger are treated to an unlimited supply of delicious, freshly baked pancakes and unrivalled views across Amsterdam’s waterside vistas.

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25+ Amsterdam Hidden Gems & Alternative Tours for Your Visit!

By: Author Sophie Pearce

Posted on Last updated: January 12, 2024

Categories AMSTERDAM , HIDDEN GEMS , NETHERLANDS

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

Amsterdam is one of the world’s most popular cities that sees well over 8 million tourists visit every year. So, it can be hard to avoid crowds!

Once you’ve seen Damrak, the canals, Rijksmuseum, Van Gough Museum, and Anne Frank’s House you’re probably wondering what else there is to do in this canal city. 

It’s no surprise that over-tourism is stretching infrastructures to their limits and so this list of Amsterdam hidden gems should give you some alternative and off-the-beaten-path things to consider.

It’s a great way to discover something completely new and avoid some of the bigger crowds in the process. 

Here is a list of Amsterdam hidden gems and alternative tours in the capital of the Netherlands!

Amsterdam Hidden Gems & Alternative Tours 

1. hortus botanicus .

Did you know that one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world is in Amsterdam? It’s called Hortus Botanicus and was established in 1638 as a physic garden for medical healing. 

These plants were especially useful during the plague which saw thousands of victims needing treatment. 

Many of the exotic plants, like the coffee plant, we see here today were shipped to the city during the 17th century by the Dutch East India Company. 

Today, the Hortus Boticus has over 6,000 different plant species in its garden. You’ll find desert cacti, Amazonian lily pads, palm tree collections, and all sorts of rare flora and fauna. 

It’s a great place to find some peace and fresh air in the big city. You can wander around their greenhouses filled with palm trees or their three climate greenhouse filled with sky walkways.

Or, if you’d prefer, you can take a stroll in the peaceful gardens outside. It’s a huge place so leave enough time to explore.

There’s even a café to have lunch or a coffee break. It’s one of the best Amsterdam hidden gems. 

Hortus Botanicus is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm. They open until 9 pm on Thursdays and Sundays. 

Tickets are 12 Euros for an adult and 6.50 Euros for students and children. You get in FREE with the I amsterdam City Card. 

2. Rijksmuseum Library (Cuypers Library)

Now I know what you’re thinking, the Rijksmuseum should not be on this list of Amsterdam hidden gems!

It receives well over 2.5 million visitors every single year and it’s home to some of the most famous paintings of the Netherlands and the world. 

But, there are still some hidden gems inside this museum that most people miss whilst visiting the bigger exhibits. 

Although you’re probably eager to see Rembrandt’s Night Watch and Vermeer’s Milkmaid, don’t leave without visiting the Rijksmuseum Library!

It was designed by Cuypers and it will make you feel like you’ve travelled back in time! In fact, it’s the largest and oldest art library in the Netherlands.

Petrus Josephus Hubertus “Pierre” Cuypers was a Dutch architect who also designed the Amsterdam Centraal station – that’s why both buildings look so similar. 

As it’s a research library, you do have to be quiet inside to respect those studying. Also, you can’t take pictures on the first floor so if you want to capture it head up to the second. You’ll find the door to the library after the ship model of the William Rex! 

It’s honestly one of the prettiest libraries I’ve seen in Europe and I wish I could climb that spiral staircase and explore all the books. But, alas it’s for private study only.

The Rijksmuseum is open every day from 9 am – 5 pm. Adult tickets are 20 Euros. Anyone under 18 gets inside for free. It’s also free on the I Amsterdam City Card but you do have to book a timeslot. 

Related post – How to Visit Cuypers Library in the Rijksmuseum

3. De Beurspassage

After you’ve snapped some photos of the Insta-famous gingerbread houses of Damrak, make sure to visit an Amsterdam hidden gem nearby called De Beurspassage.

It’s a small passage constructed in the 19th century that links the two major streets of Damrak and Nieuwendijk by a shopping centre. 

As it’s in a popular area, you may find that it’s busy most of the day. But, if you visit early in the morning it will be deserted.

Everything in this passage has pretty nautical tiles from the ship wheels and anchors on the floor to the fish tiling and patterns up above. 

It’s also lit by beautiful chandeliers. It’s a great place to grab some photos so make sure to have your phone out to capture them. 

Make sure to appreciate the small details like the glass bull skull and fish fountain where you can grab some water to take with you! 

4. Hot tubs at the Volkshotel

If you were looking for something unique to do in Amsterdam, then you could soak in a hot tub above the city at the Volkshotel.

They have one sauna hut and three hot tubs in their Badplaats area which is located on the 8th floor. It provides spectacular views of Wibautstraat and over the city! You can see most of the main attractions from the top!

The Volkshotel hot tubs are open every day for hotel guests (and I would highly recommend staying there) but they do also open for non-hotel guests on Sundays from 12 pm – 8 pm. 

They usually have music, shows, art installations and events going on at this hotel on the top floor so make sure to check their website for what’s happening on your visit.

As an aside, the Volkshotel is a great place to stay whilst in Amsterdam. It has rooms for every type of budget and prices start from 79 Euros a night.

Click here to check out the Volkshotel website

5. Wetlands Safari of Watergang

Although Amsterdam is a big city with tall buildings, you may be surprised to know that you can travel just 10 minutes by bus to an emerald paradise.

The small village of Watergang in Waterland is one of the secret Amsterdam hidden gems. You’ll escape the traffic and be immersed in waterways that have been used since the 17th century! 

These waterways used to be a way for milkboats to deliver milk from dairy farms to the big city and they built a small church at the settlement that is still here today. 

It hasn’t changed much since then and it inspired painters like Rembrandt and Ruysdael. Artists you’ll most likely see in the Rijksmuseum!

A great way to explore these ancient canals is by canoe on a Wetlands Safari! Majel has been running her tours since 1995 and is an expert in this area.

You’ll pass through the small village, moorland meadows, small windmills, flora, and fauna. Plus, you’ll see lots of wildlife. It’s a great way to see what the Netherlands would have been like centuries ago. 

Click here to book a Wetlands Safari

6. Amsterdam Tiny Houses

If you’re passing by Westerstraat don’t forget to check out the Amsterdam Tiny Houses between numbers 54 and 70.

You may think it strange that the numbers jump from 54 to 70 and you’re probably wondering where the missing houses are.

Well, they aren’t missing anymore! You’ll notice a row of seven tiny houses stacked on top of each other between the crack of the door. These use to be ceramic but now are stickers.

In reality, the reason why there is a gap is due to the fact that there used to be a small courtyard here that had seven houses in it.

This spot is really very cute and such a unique find! Make sure to take a snap if you pass by.

7. The Fault In Our Stars Bench

Did you know that The Fault in Our Stars was filmed In Amsterdam? Although it was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster, you can visit where some of your favourite scenes took place around the city.

The most famous location has to be The Fault In Our Stars Bench which can be found at the intersection of the Herengracht and Leidsegracht canals..

I won’t give away any spoilers but quite a big scene takes place here in the movie! Augustus shares his big news with Hazel. You can visit to recreate the scene or just sit and relax for a while.

Although it is popular with The Fault In Our Stars fans, others may have no idea what this book or movie is and won’t get the excitement.

As it’s in a busy area, you can also expect the bench to be occupied. It’s definitely one of the more niche Amsterdam hidden gems.

Click here for a Google Pin for The Fault In Our Stars Bench

8. Sail the canals with Rederij Lampedusa 

It could almost be illegal to travel to Amsterdam and not sail on the canals whilst you’re here. But, if you were looking for an alternative canal tour of Amsterdam I would recommend sailing with Rederij Lampedusa. 

It’s a refugee boat trip that gives you a history of refugees in Amsterdam. From the human slave trade to Jews during the Nazi occupation and refugees today.

Your vessel will be a boat that was used to carry over a hundred refugees from Africa to Europe and was seized by the Italian authorities before coming to Amsterdam for these tours.

Your guides will be refugees currently living in the Netherlands who fled terrible conditions in countries like Somalia and Egypt. They will tell your their stories plus others about the city too as you sail along the canals! 

It was a very thought-provoking tour that inspired empathy and compassion towards people of the world. I would highly recommend it. 

Click here to book your boat tour with Rederij Lampedusa 

9. Swing over the A’dam Tower 

The A’dam Tower could be called an Amsterdam hidden gem in plain view. As it’s such a new building it’s not really well known yet and not many know you can go to the top floor.

You’ll need to get the free passenger ferry over to Amsterdam Noord over the River Ij to visit. You can catch it from Amsterdam Central station. These run every few minutes for 24 hours a day!

You should definitely take the chance to visit their top-floor observation deck which has unrivalled, spectacular views over the whole city. 

You’ll travel up to the top floor in their elevator with a funky light show at the beginning and the end. 

There’s a sky deck, restaurant, Heineken bar, interactive exhibition, and free audio guide about Amsterdam’s history and culture. Plus, lots of photo opportunities. 

But, the one thing you must do is their Swing Over the Edge! You’ll be lifted up over the edge of the building and you’ll get to swing over the top. It’s a little scary but really, really fun. 

I did this at night time and absolutely loved it as the moon and stars were out. You should give it a try as the views are incredible. 

Your I amsterdam City Card gets you free entry to the tower but tickets cost 6 Euros extra to swing.  

Click here to find out more about the A’Dam Lookout

10. Explore Mediamatic 

Mediamatic is an art centre that was established in Amsterdam in 1983. They are dedicated to the development of the arts and they regularly hold lectures, workshops, and events.

As well as exploring art, they are passionate about how art, design, and science can merge together to help the city and the world! It looks at preventing waste and pollution.

For example, they have now installed urinals outside of their buildings to solve the problem of people peeing outside residential buildings. They collect the urine, water it down, and then use it to water plants so there is zero waste.

Also, they have pigeon towers of mycelium waste from oyster mushroom farms and fish fertiliser from their excrement to grow their own herbs here. It’s very creative and innovative.

They have a science lab to study scents to further discover how our senses can provoke emotions and memories. There are lots of things going on to get involved with.

As well as their art events, they have a restaurant that you can book. You can dine in one of their glass greenhouses on the water’s edge. 

Click here to check what’s on at Mediamatic!

11. Take a walking tour with Tours That Matter  

There are plenty of walking tours that you can take in Amsterdam that will show you the main sites. But, why not take a walking tour that is educational, sustainable, and makes a difference? 

Tours that Matter is a company that aims to give a voice to the less heard and uses its walking tours as a tool for change.

Each tour uses stories from the past, present, and future to educate and make a difference in local communities.

We took a Fair Trade walking tour that explored Amsterdam’s dark past with the slave trade, the exploitation of other countries with colonialism, and how we can use these stories to pave the way forward today.

On your walking tour, you’ll get to enter local studios and shops and end your tour at the Cacao museum. You’ll learn how this tour gives back to the farmers, workers, and shop owners with fair trade.

There are also other tours on counterculture, fast fashion, racial tolerance, urban agriculture, and diversity. 

Or, if you’d prefer, why not visit a bicycle tour of the countryside where you can harvest your own vegetables and take a swim in freshwater?  

Click here to book a tour with Tours That Matter!

12. De Pijp ‘Wake me up when I’m famous’ bench

There are plenty of photo opportunities around the city but De Pijp is one of the best. Amongst the pancake bars, small boutiques, and cute cobbled streets you’ll find some amazing street art!

One of the most popular photo opportunities found here is the Wake Me Up When I’m Famous bench. 

It was made by the artists Rinus & Jurriaan van Hall. You can act like you’re sleeping to make a cool photo.

You’ll find this bench on Frans Halsstraat 64 near the Albert Cuypmarkt.  Click here for a Google Pin !

13. Eat at Restaurant Freud 

If you were looking to eat in a restaurant that makes a difference, I would recommend heading over to Restaurant Freud on Spaarndammerstraat.

The restaurant aims to assist both men and women with psychological vulnerabilities and aims to help over 70 people a week find their way back into work. 

Everyone has the right to protect their emotional, psychological, and social well-being and Restaurant Freud provides a safe working environment for its employees.

You can visit for lunch or dinner and treat yourself to their tasty menu of Mediterranean dishes. Every plate was filled with flavour and the service was excellent.

Click here to book your table at Restaurant Freud

14. Take in the views from NEMO Science Museum

The NEMO Science Museum is a popular place for locals and tourists alike. But, have you heard of their FREE rooftop terrace?

You can climb to the very top of the NEMO building via their sky walkway and be greeted with some spectacular views. 

It’s the highest city square in the Netherlands and you can find an open-air exhibition, terrace, and restaurant here. 

It’s only open from 10 am – 5.30 pm when the museum is open (but it still opens on Mondays when the museum is closed). It also closes in bad weather and on bank holidays like King’s Day. 

15. Buy artisan sweets at Polaberry

Polaberry is a beautiful Instagrammable bakery in Amsterdam that sells artisan chocolate treats, cake pops, and espresso coffee.

Founded by Polabur on Instagram, this bakery serves up the prettiest treats in the city. You can indulge in chocolate-covered strawberries, unicorn cake pops, and glittery doughnuts. 

They also make pretty boxes of sweets and bouquets. There’s so much to choose and it’s almost too pretty to eat.

If you make your way inside the bakery you’ll see their pretty flower wall display that’s perfect for taking a snap of you or your cakes.

I remember when this first opened and I’m so happy I finally got a chance to visit. The cakes were incredibly tasty and well worth the money. 

Polaberry is open every day from 11 am – 6 pm and can be found on Prinsengracht 232!

16. Visit Begijnhof 

One of the true Amsterdam hidden gems has to be Begijnhof which can be found behind a door on Spuiplein.

It was a courtyard established somewhere in the 14th century and is named after the beguines. These were a group of Catholic women who lived in a community together. 

Although they dedicated their lives to God and lived frugally, they had a little more freedom than they would in a traditional nunnery. 

When the Catholic faith was banned in the 16th century, this complex was the only Catholic institution allowed to exist as the houses were privately owned by the beguine! 

They did have to give up their Catholic chapel in favour of a Protestant place of worship. But, that didn’t stop the women from building their own hidden church behind several facades (a place you can still visit today). 

The most famous beguine was Cornelia Arens and you may see her gravestone in a gutter rather than the church. That was her wish to be buried there as she was being forced to convert to Protestantism!

The last beguine passed away in 1971 and there are no more living here today. But, you can still visit this hidden courtyard in Amsterdam to learn their history. 

17. Oudemanhuispoort Bookmarkt

I am an avid reader and so I love to find hidden or quirky bookshops wherever I go to purchase some reading for my shelves.

One of the best ones I saw was an Amsterdam hidden gem called Oudemanhuispoort Bookmarkt or the “Old Man’s House Gate”.

Hidden in a passageway that was popular with Van Gough, you’ll find a second-hand book market containing books, prints, music, and maps. 

The building used to be a place for the elderly but is now owned by the University of Amsterdam. You’ll pass through a beautiful green courtyard to access the stalls.

Oudemanhuispoort sells a wide range of both Dutch and English books. So, make some time to have look on your visit. 

18. Plantage Neighbourhood

Many people make a beeline to Anne Frank’s House to learn about the Nazi occupation and persecution of the Jewish people in Amsterdam and the Netherlands.

But, if you wanted to extend that learning, you could opt to explore the Plantage Neighbourhood in Amsterdam. 

Before the occupation, this was a large Jewish community and it still has lots of Jewish synagogues, buildings, and culture today. 

You can visit the Amsterdam Holocaust Memorial where there are over 100,000 bricks for each Jewish person sent to concentration camps. Also, you can visit the Jewish Memorial to Auschwitz Victims in Wertheimpark.

You’ll also see historic buildings like Entrepotdok, Artis publishers, the Trade Union Museum, Amsterdam Zoo, Hortus Botnicus, and more.

We explored the Plantage neighbourhood with Ruud Van Soest on a Stadswandelkantoor . Prices start at 17 Euros a person. 

19. Café de Sluyswacht

If you’re planning on heading to Rembrandt’s House Museum in Amsterdam, consider making a stop at the pretty Café de Sluyswacht after your visit.

It was a building originally constructed in 1692 for the sluyswacht aka the man who controlled the neighbouring lock. 

Now, it’s been converted into a charming bar with lots of character on the waterfront. You can opt to sit inside or outside.

Don’t forget to order some of their bitterballen or Dutch meatballs with your beer on your visit! You have to try some when in the Netherlands. 

20. Pick your own fruit at Fruittuin Van West 

I don’t know about you but I love visiting strawberry farms, pumpkin patches, and orchards where I get to pick and harvest my own fruit. 

Luckily, there is a convenient place just outside of Amsterdam where you can do this called Fruittuin Van West!

It’s a huge plot with acres of farmland where you can pick your own apples, mushrooms, berries, and vegetables. Plus, they have organic shops to buy locally sourced produce.

There is also a Tuin café on the premises where you can enjoy a fresh glass of pressed apple juice with an organic lunch. Or you can enjoy a slow coffee with a homemade cake!

The Fruit Garden of West can be accessed by bike in Tom Schreursweg 48. Or, you can take the 21 bus from Amsterdam Centraal station.

Click here to find out more on Fruittuin Van West

21. Tony’s Chocolonely Stores

If you wanted to try some Tony’s Chocolonely Chocolate whilst in Amsterdam then you should definitely make your way to their superstore.

The store is educational and informs you about the abuses happening in the cocoa industry and how your purchase can help make an impact.

You can make your own custom bar, try their new flavours, or take a picture at their mega-monster-super-choco-vending-machine!

They have a Super Store, Home Store, and their very own Tony’s Chocolonely Chocolate Bar located in Damrak near Dam Square. Here, you can order popping candy shakes, chocolate cake, and savoury snacks.

22. Restaurant Stork 

If you were looking for a tasty seafood restaurant in Amsterdam then I would head over to Restaurant Stork on the banks of the River Ij.

As they are located by the water they only use local fishermen to source their fish and the menu always has the freshest fish of the season.

You can treat yourself to one of their fruits de mer platters, juicy steaks, the catch of the day, and vegetarian dishes too.

The best part about this restaurant is the spectacular views over the city. Best paired with sunset, you can sip wine, eat good food and chat with friends on the water’s edge. 

Click here to book a table at Restaurant Stork ! 

23. Ons Lieve Heer op Solder (Our Lord in the Attic)

You can still find some Amsterdam hidden gems in the heart of the city centre and one of those is the Our Lord in the Attic Museum or Ons Lieve Heer op Solder.

Located in a 17th-century canal house, you can walk through the narrow corridors through a historic merchant’s house up to the top floor which reveals an attic church! 

You see, in the 1600s Catholicism was banned and so people had to find alternative places to practice their faith. These are called “schuilkerk” which translates to clandestine church. 

Ons Lieve Heer op Solder was commissioned by a wealthy merchant called Jan Hartman. It was here that Catholics in the city would secretly attend mass. 

It opened as a museum in 1888 and it’s a great place to learn about religious tolerance. There are also some spectacular views to be had from their top tower. 

You can visit with the I Amsterdam City Card. Tickets for an adult are 15.50 Euros a person. Children from 5 – 17 years pay 7 Euros. 

24. De Waag

The Waag or ‘weigh house’ almost looks like a medieval castle in the centre of the city in Nieumarkt Square. It’s the oldest non-religious building in Amsterdam!

It was originally constructed in the 15th-century and formed part of the Amsterdam City Walls as Sint Antoniespoort (Saint Anthony’s Gate). In 1617, it was repurposed as a weighhouse for weighing trade goods. 

It has had a colourful history since then and has played many roles over the years. It was a guildhall for trade, a museum, a fire station, and an anatomical theatre.

Today, the top floors are owned by the Waag Society whilst the bottom is home to the Waag Restaurant. 

Even if you don’t choose to visit the inside, you must visit the building as you can still see all the historical details left behind from centuries ago!

25. Kattenkabinet (Amsterdam Cat Museum)

I am a definite cat lover and I was so happy to see that Amsterdam has its very own Cat Museum called the Kattenkabinet.

It’s an art museum that is entirely dedicated to cats! It was created in memory of an old ginger tomcat called John Pierpont Morgan and was founded by his owner Bob Meijer.

You’ll find cat paintings, kitty drawings, feline sculptures, and works of cat art by famous painters like Pablo Picasso and Rembrandt. There’s also cat-inspired furniture and objects.

You can find this wonderful museum on Herengracht 497. It’s open from 10 am – 5 pm on weekdays and 12 pm to 5 pm on Weekends. 

You can use your I Amsterdam City Card to enter or tickets are 10 Euros for an adult. It’s 5 Euros for students and Children under 12 go free. 

26. 7 Houses Zevenlandenhuizen

If you love architecture then you must check out the 7 Houses Zevenlandenhuizen. These set of 7 houses are built in different styles that represent seven European countries.

It’s a commonly known fact that the narrower the house in Amsterdam, the less tax you paid. Hence why you see so many narrow houses along the canals.

But, architects started to get creative with the facades like Tjeerd Kuipers. He was commissioned by Sam van Eighen in 1894 to create these Seven Country Houses;

• Number 20 is a German-inspired Romantic style house
• Number 22 is France based off Loire Castle
• Number 24 is a Spanish house and is based on the Mudejar style
• Number 26 is Italy inspired by the Palazzo style
• Number 28 is Russia inspired by Orthodox cathedrals
• Number 30 is the Netherlands in the Renaissance Style
• Number 32 is England in a traditional cottage design

They make great photo opportunities as you’re exploring the city but be respectful of residents! You can find them in Amsterdam south near the Vondelpark on Roemer Visscherstraat 34II. 

Related post – How to visit Zevenlandenhuizen (Seven Country Houses)

Consider the I amsterdam City Card!

If you’re planning on visiting the main attractions and some Amsterdam hidden gems while you’re here, consider buying an I Amsterdam City Card .

It gets you free access to over 70 museums, city-wide public transport, a canal cruise, and bike rental. 

There is even an app that you can download to your phone. You can plan your journey and book timeslots to attractions that make it even easier to explore! 

You can buy 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120-hour cards depending on your holiday time and preferences. Then, you’re free to explore the city as you wish. 

Some attractions do need you to prebook your visit, so make sure to do that before you arrive. But, many allow you to go straight in.

Click here to read my complete review of the I Amsterdam City Card

How to visit Amsterdam

We all (hopefully) want to do our part to help the environment these days and that means cutting down our carbon emissions by using public transport and cutting down air mileage. 

Did you know that you can travel by train to Amsterdam from London in just under four hours?! 

Eurostar runs a regular service from Kings Cross St Pancras International station that stops at Brussels, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam!

With all the travel queues and airport stress this year, it’s a great way to travel to Europe and you’ll know that your suitcase is secure with you. 

Eurostar prices from London to Amsterdam start from just £50 one way. Click here to book your journey! 

Where to stay in Amsterdam

When in Amsterdam, where you stay can make a difference. Although staying on the canals may seem idyllic, the crowds and noise in those busy areas most definitely are not!

I stayed in the Volkshotel during my visit to the quiet area of Wibautstraat. It acts as a hotel, co-working space, spa, and club. Although it’s so quiet in the rooms you’d never know there was a club in the hotel.

The Volkshotel has some great room choices, ours was a mezzanine studio apartment. It had two floors and a fully functioning kitchen so you could make your own meals.

The huge continental buffet breakfast was served each day on their 7th floor which had incredible views over the city. There were plenty of places to relax and I miss it already.

Click here to book your stay at the Volkshotel 

Read more of my Netherlands travel guides

25+ things to do in Haarlem that make it worth visiting

A complete guide for Muiderslot Castle – Amsterdam’s Fairytale Fortress

How to visit the magical Amsterdam City Archive

Save these Amsterdam hidden gems for later! 

Third Eye Traveller was invited by Iamsterdam as part of their Sustainable Amsterdam Campaign. Although I was invited all opinions are my own. 

15 Unique Things to Do in Amsterdam that are Different + Fun!

Posted on Last updated: January 18, 2024

Typical Amsterdam activities can feel a bit touristy for seasoned travelers. While the city’s red-light district or the beautiful bridges and boat canals are always going to be an essential part of the Amsterdam experience, here are some of our favorite unique things to do in Amsterdam that will help you experience the city like a local and feel the true spirit of Amsterdam and its lovely surrounding areas in 2022. 

These things to do will be fun for travelers and might even surprise some locals with something different and out-of-the-box. Let me know which ones you enjoy in the comments below!

Before Visiting Amsterdam

Before you head to Amsterdam, you must know some things about this incredible city. This is the famous city where bikes have the right of way over people, with hundreds of canals, incredible architecture, iconic ‘coffee shops,’ and plenty of museums.

Amsterdam can get VERY crowded in the summer and quite cold in the winter. Many agree that it’s best to visit in the shoulder seasons, and also one of the best places to visit in Europe in June too. Make sure to check the weather before your trip!

Amsterdam has some iconic museums and attractions you can visit with the iAmsterdam City Card . Public transport is extremely efficient (although many choose to rent a bike) and Amsterdam is well connected with all of the Netherlands/Europe with busses and trains too.

Amsterdam is served by the massive hub of Schipol airport, which has many airlines that fly to many countries. If you want to explore Amsterdam on a layover, there are lots of reputable places to store your luggage in the city.

Mini Golf in the Dark

How many cities offer glow-in-the-dark mini-golf experiences to their visitors? The best thing about mini golf is that everyone can play it – you don’t need years of training to be decent at it. The glow-in-the-dark aspect adds an extra layer of excitement to the whole adventure, making the experience visually enticing and so much fun.

If you are in Amsterdam with a couple of friends or family, or maybe you are looking for a fun activity for a birthday celebration, this is a cheap and fun way to spend the evening as it only costs €8 for 45 minutes.

Food Tour in the Jordaan District

Food tours are often some of the best ways to experience a place and discover what gastronomy makes it unique, so I always recommend them! Getting away from. Jordaan is a more hipster area of the city and the absolute perfect place for a unique Dutch food tour.

Taste food at six or seven different places of all different kinds and flavors (yes, you heard that right – hello food coma). Of course you will also learn a bit more about the area in a more fun and tasty way!

Europe’s Highest Swing at the A’DAM Lookout

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Did you know that Amsterdam is the home to the highest swing in Europe? Apart from being simply fun, the A’DAM Lookout swing also opens up to the city’s best view since it is located at the top of the A’DAM Tower. Swing over the entire city, with views of the canals, city, port, and more.

Now, the swing is not for the faint of heart! If you’re afraid of heights, you can skip the swing and still see the view from the safety of the sky deck, behind the railing/glass. But if you are a true adventurer, opt for this epic and unique 360 swing soaring over the city.

The A’DAM Lookout and many other museums, bikes, cruises, and transport are covered in the iAmsterdam City Card. Book One Here!

Learn Some Science at Micropia, the Microbe Museum

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Yes, it’s true, there’s a museum all about MICROBES in Amsterdam. It’s weird, wonderful and so worth popping in to see what you find. It’s actually quite an enlightening visit as you would never guess (or think about) what a role microbes play in your everyday life, and how many places they live… in your food, as vitamins, and even on your body!

Learn about the roles of these tiny organisms and also see real scientists hard at work from the other side of a glass window. You’ll leave with a new appreciation for the unseen! (Also included in the iAmsterdam Pass)

Visit a Free Show at Vondelpark

Vondelpark is a beautiful park located in the city, a common place to visit in Amsterdam. But for one of the more unique things to do in Amsterdam, visit a show there in summer.

This time of year it turns into an Open light theater or “Opnelichttheater ” as the locals call it. During the summer, you will find various shows, workshops, Cabaret performances, and other events under the open light, as the name would suggest.

The park has its website where you can see the schedule for the upcoming shows, so make sure to go over it to find your perfect Opnelichttheater show.

Visit Electric Ladyland, the “First Museum of Electric Art”

If a museum of electric art isn’t unique, I don’t know what is! This museum invites you to participate in rooms full of fluorescent art in all kinds of neon colors illuminated by backlights. You can also see what different materials and minerals look like in normal light compared to fluorescent light, and see different art pieces in a (literally) new light too.

Albert Cuypmarkt Street Market

People in Amsterdam specialize in farmers’ markets, and this attitude is best demonstrated at Albert Cuypmark. From Monday to Saturday, Amsterdam’s biggest market is in full swing from 9:00-17:00.

Albert Cuypmarkt is the biggest daily street market in Europe. It’s not only food, though; people sell second-hand items, clothing, art, decor, etc. It is a unique environment that will inspire you to shop locally and intentionally even after your Amsterdam trip. 

Visit the Woonbootmuseum, House Boat Museum

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to live on a houseboat in Amsterdam, you can now do just that. Visit an early 1900’s houseboat whose owners have opened it up to the public along with plenty of information on the history of that particular houseboat and also houseboats in Amsterdam in general.

Check out a Music Festival

Amsterdam is one of the world’s music festival meccas, and there are dozens going on in and around Amsterdam during the summer months. From one-day events in the park to warehouse raves to three-day camping festivals, the Netherlands really have it all. Check out the best music festivals in the Netherlands to pland yours.

Check Out the Ice Bar

Speaking of unique things to do in Amsterdam, one of the most interesting destinations for locals and tourists is The Ice Bar. The temperature inside the ice bar never goes higher than -10°C. The bar serves a variety of ice cocktails, and the interior is unique and memorable.

Having to hang out in a freezing place helps break the ice, no pun intended. To get into the Ice Bar, you will need a ticket. The bar offers a variety of ticket packages for clients to choose from. One of these packages can get you an entrance ticket in addition to a cocktail and 2 beers for under €20.

Rijksmuseum Faily Game

The Rijksmuseum houses over 400 masterpieces from artists like Vermeer, Rembrandt, Jan Steen, and Frans Hals to showcase masterful and iconic art throughout the centuries. But, it’s one of the most well-known things to do here. For something more unique, try getting together with your family and friends to play the Rijksmuseum Family Game.

This game will make exploring the museum SO much more fun as you search for different quests throughout the museum experience with your own rented device. Find the secrets of the Rijksmuseum that have been hiding in plain sight!

The Windmill Tour

Windmills are an essential part of the Dutch landscape. That’s why it’s not surprising that there is also a 3-hour bike tour of the windmills, considering that country is probably the most bike-friendly in the world.

But if the 3-hour bike tour sounds a bit too exhausting for you, you can also take a Bus tour with the Canal cruise. The bus tour will take you to Zaanse Shans windmills, and the best part is that it is free! You can explore the Dutch countryside and leave the noisy city behind for a few hours. You can even hit up one of the famous Dutch cheese farms there. 

Fly High at the THIS IS HOLLAND 5D Flight Experience

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Book a spot in advance to check out what is SURELY one of the most unique things to do in Amsterdam… a 5D flight experience! This epic ride takes you up above a spherical screen and makes you feel like you are TRULY flying over different locations in the Netherlands in very high definition.

The 9 minute experience shows you over 20 different locations in the Netherlands and shows you a journey through past and present Dutch landscapes and culture.

Be Mortified at the Torture Museum

The torture museum is surely one of the most… interesting things to do in Amsterdam, and it’s exactly what it sounds like. This museum goes through all kinds of methods of torture that have been used throughout history. Some are brilliant(ly scary), some are just gruesome, and some are unexpected. You’ll have to visit to see for yourself!

Keukenhof Garden – The Famous Tulip Gardens

This last one is also technically outside Amsterdam, but it only takes an hour to get there, so you can go to the Keukenhof Garden during the day and still go out to party in Amsterdam in the evening. Keukenhof is one of the largest spring gardens in the world, and if you love nature and can appreciate beautiful scenery, it’s a must when going to the Netherlands. 

There is a direct bus from the city center to the gardens. To make the experience more enjoyable, you can also get a skip-the-line ticket to see the gardens without waiting in long lines. These gardens can get pretty crowded, especially in the summer. 

How to Stay Safe While Traveling Through Amsterdam

Like any popular tourist destination, Amsterdam has its fair share of scammers and pickpockets trying to make some money by taking advantage of inexperienced when going to crowded places; something to keep places is to carry a bag you can see and hold easily.

Backpacks are great for long roads, trains, and bus rides, but if you are going to a crowded bar, like, for example, the Ice Bar, it’s best to get a belt bag or something of a similar style. 

Apart from that, it’s important to start prioritizing digital safety. Most of us use Google Maps to get around a new town, look up popular cafes, and make plans for the evening. This also means that we are using public Wi-Fi at least from time to time.

This is especially dangerous when you go to a tourist-heavy city like Amsterdam, where scammers know that visitors will need to use public Wi-Fi, and they will most likely do that in the city’s busiest places. To keep using public Wi-Fi without giving access to your connection to hackers, use a VPN when surfing the web so that no one can access your personal details through an unsecured network.

Was that enough ideas for unique things to do in Amsterdam? Is there any more I should add to the list? Let me know in the comments below!

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• Netherlands

81 Fun & Unusual Things to Do in Amsterdam

As far as cities with bold personalities, it’s hard to go past Amsterdam as Europe’s most enthralling destination.

With such a unique geographical layout — one flush with bridges, canals, houseboats, and more — and an incredibly exciting culture featuring everything from world-class art to a sleepless Red Light District (not to mention the legal shenanigans), there’s no shortage of things to do in Amsterdam .

And with a wonderful mix of cultural attributes and hedonistic adventures, it’s an equally classy and lively destination for visitors of all types. When you’re not filling your brain with knowledge at the various museums and art galleries , you can relax in beautiful public parks, or sample some delicious treats.

Or if you want to get a little rowdier, hit up the trendy bars, or dive into some unique interactive exhibits. And you can even complement the experience with visits to nearby towns, all showcasing different sides of the Dutch experience.

Walk and bike, sit and sip, learn and laugh, as you explore every nook and cranny of this captivating city. You’ll soon see why it’s become an international destination… it’s not just the risque stuff!

1 – Cruise through the canals

No trip to Amsterdam is complete without seeing it from its iconic canals !

It’s a great chance to check out the city’s different neighborhoods and how they sprung up: the 13th-century medieval core built on swampland, the 1600s golden age-era, and the hip new neighborhoods!

Or take an evening cruise to see the beautiful city under lights.

Want to try your hand at captaining? Then rent a pedal boat and start exploring!

Navigate the many lovely routes of the canals, seeing classic Amsterdam tourist attractions and out-of-the-way spots, getting a  comprehensive view of the city.

It offers all of the fun of a traditional tour, with the added flexibility of self-guided excursions.

• boat tours in Amsterdam

Read more about the best Amsterdam canal cruises and discover the best boat tours in Amsterdam .

2 – Browse the Rijksmuseum

This museum is simply one of the world’s best.

Where else can travelers explore 800 years of Dutch art and history from the country that birthed some of the world’s greatest artists including Rembrandt and Vermeer, then settle in for a Michelin star meal at the onsite restaurant Rijks?

Visitors love Rembrandt’s The Night Watch.

• Rijksmuseum tickets & tours

Read more about Rijksmuseum tickets price .

3 – Take a cheeky tour of the Red Light District

Any list of things to do in Amsterdam has to include this risque segment.

Travelers are fascinated by the Prostitution Information Center which dispels myths and prejudices about the industry, and the Oude Kerk – Amsterdam’s oldest church which became wealthy when the nearby sinners would cleanse their spirits by donating a ‘sin tax’.

Squeeze your way through the narrowest street in the city, and check out the ambience at some historic pubs.

And of course, if you’re feeling more adventurous,  you can even explore more of the sex industry in the city, including the famous window shows.

These fascinating tours are a great way to see one of the city’s most infamous areas in a new light!

• Red Light District tours

4 – Visit Anne Frank’s House in the Jewish Quarter

One of Amsterdam’s most historic and enigmatic neighborhoods, learn about the city’s troubled past and how World War II affected the lives of all those in the city – but also how the Dutch resisted occupation by offering secret hiding places for Jews!

At its center is the famous Anne Frank house and her moving diaries.

You’ll learn all about the Frank family and their lives in this humble home, and how one teen girl’s diary changed the world forever.

Note that admission to the house costs extra, though it’s well worth stopping in at the end of the tour!

• Jewish Quarter tours

5 – Try some local crops with a coffee shop walking tour

Plenty of travelers choose Amsterdam for its cannabis culture, taking place largely within its ‘coffee shops’.

Let your guide show you the best shops and snacks, with samples of course!

You’ll even visit a coffee shop and order some goodies after your guide goes over Amsterdam’s best ganja finds, and shows you how to roll a joint (all legal in this city, of course).

Check out the iconic Grey Area, where celebrities like Snoop Dogg have paid a visit; or enjoy the wood accents and communal atmosphere of Original Dampkring , or swing by Green House United , where you can light up while watching a beautiful display of fish swimming through the aquarium built right into the floor!

Creative, classy, and communal, these spots are well worth lingering at.

6 – Become a connoisseur at the Heineken Experience

Get the scoop behind one of the world’s favorite drinks!

See how Gerard Adriaan Heineken’s beloved beer has been enjoyed for over 150 years with a glimpse into his vision, innovations, and the ingredients that go into the beer!

If the visit worked up a thirst, make sure to get yourself a glass before you leave.

• Heineken Experience tickets

7 – Absorb the mellow vibes of Candlelight Concerts

The stage is set. The musicians prepare their instruments. The concert begins, with the gentle flickering of flames in the background.

You’re at the Candlelight Concert series, and life will never be the same. With a soothing ambiance and world-class talent, it’s an intimate and stylish occasion for any music fan.

Relax to the sounds of Vivaldi, rock out to the music of Queen, or immerse yourself in the movies with a medley of film soundtracks.

• candlelight concerts tickets

8 – Go behind the scenes at the Johan Cruijff Arena Stadium

Football fans won’t miss the opportunity to step out onto sacred ground at Ajax’s home stadium!

Stand in the dugout and dressing room, and see the glimmering trophy cabinet that would make a goldsmith blush!

Finally, if you can, watch Ajax play and delight their home crowd for an intoxicating experience!

• Johan Cruijff Arena Stadium tours

9 – Explore Amsterdam on a hop-on hop-off bus and boat tour

With all the great things to do in Amsterdam, the bus and boat tour is a great way to get your itinerary in order!

Explore the city at your own pace and don’t worry about transport – hop on whenever you like, hop off wherever you like, and there’s always another one just around the corner, complete with an audio guide!

• Amsterdam hop-on hop-off tours

10 – Make your way to the Hague, Rotterdam, and Delft

Holland’s second city, Rotterdam , has a buzzing nightlife, as well as stunning architecture, so stay the night if you can!

Charming Delft is the resting-place of choice for most Dutch princes, but has plenty of incredible monuments and the world-famous porcelain factory!

Finally, The Hague ’s Peace Palace is a symbol of international cooperation and peace.

Hot tip; Check out our full list of fun things to do in The Hague .

11 – Embrace the passion of a F1 race in Zandvoort

Happening at the end of August every year, the Dutch Grand Prix is a highly anticipated event on the F1 calendar. Zandvoort, the circuit which sits about 30 kilometers west of Amsterdam, is one of the most challenging tracks on the roster, making the F1 weekend all the more thrilling.

Along with the racing action, there are always several high-energy concerts and parties happening around the city. With a 3-day pass in hand, you can enjoy all the festivities, including practice, qualifying, and the race itself.

Hot tip: try to secure seats in the Eastside Grandstand for spectacular views of turns 11 and 12.

• Dutch Grand Prix tickets

Sponsored placement

Sip and paint in the dark at this unique workshop!

This retro-futuristic experience combines the thrill of painting with a fluorescent twist, offering a brush in one hand and a choice of drink in the other. The musical backdrop adds to the atmosphere, making it a perfect outing for friends. By the end of the night, not only will you have had an unforgettable experience, but you’ll also leave with a personal masterpiece to proudly display at home.

• See price and reviews

12 – See Sunflowers at the Van Gogh Museum

200 paintings, 500 drawings, and 700 letters from one of history’s greatest artists take you not only through his artwork, but into his exceptional (although tormented) mind.

See just how his art has reached and influenced so many people, but only after a struggling Van Gogh had already given up on his aspirations.

As you explore the various galleries, you can learn all about the different movements that influenced him, and how he, in turn, impacted other artistic mediums.

And if you want even more context for the works you’re seeing, you can even book a guided tour!

• Van Gogh Museum tickets & tours

Sold out? Learn how to book Van Gogh Museum last-minute tickets .

13 – Do a city-wide scavenger hunt

There’s more to Amsterdam than meets the eye!

With your smartphone as your treasure map, you’ll get a thrilling tour of the city full of fun facts, hidden history, and recommendations of great activities off the beaten path.

Best of all, you can pause the hunt if you want to stay somewhere a little longer.

• scavenger games in Amsterdam

14 – Check out the beautiful Jordaan district

This is the part of Amsterdam you see on postcards!

The former working-class neighborhood is now hot property, keeping its rustic 17th-century charm intact.

Canals, courtyards, bridges, and backstreets are abundant – look out for young artists and entrepreneurs making their mark on the area while you listen to the tales of the magical Jordaan district.

• Jordaan district tours

Hot tip: Join the best walking tours in Amsterdam to explore the city’s artistic legacy, from the narrow lanes of the Jordaan to the grandeur of the Museumplein.

15 – Take the high road at the Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum

You’ll find this marijuana museum smack-bang in the heart of the Red Light District!

There are real plants growing along with pipes and paraphernalia from across the world, but visitors will be surprised at the many uses for hemp!

Fabric, food, fuel – there’s a reason why Holland became the hemp capital of the world!

• Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum tickets

Uncover Jewish heritage at the Jewish Museum

Visit the only museum dedicated to Jewish history in the Netherlands and uncover Jewish life and culture. At the Jewish Museum, you can tour the Portuguese Synagogue and pay your respects at the National Holocaust Memorial.

You’ll also be able to explore Jewish heritage through numerous artifacts and 3D presentations as part of this informative experience.

• See price & reviews

16 – Discover good fashion in Fashion for Good

Did you know we buy 60% more clothing now than in the early 2000s, but only keep each garment for half the time?

This causes severe environmental impact which doesn’t need to be!

Visit Fashion for Good and get the lowdown on finding clothes that are as stylish as they are sustainable, as big brands like Adidas and Lafayette jump on board!

17 – Discover how the city got so cool at the Amsterdam Museum

How did this awesome city produce artists, sportspeople, red lightworkers, and manage to colonize every corner of the world?

At the Amsterdam Museum, you can find out all about these amazing stories – and tons of obscure facts you may never have thought of!

Housed in an equally historic building from the 1500s, the collection features a nice mix of authentic artifacts and modern presentation techniques.

Get the lowdown on how the spice trade gave birth to the Amsterdam we know and love today in a totally interactive museum that will leave you appreciating the city on a deeper level.

• Amsterdam Museum tickets

18 – Read the Confession Wall at the Museum of Prostitution

The world’s only sex work museum!

It’s in a former brothel where visitors can see what it’s like on the other side of the Red Light District windows!

Learn how Amsterdam embraced sex work and the taboos, anecdotes, and dangers facing prostitutes.

Visitors love browsing the Confession Wall for juicy, eye-opening content.

• Museum of Prostitution tickets

19 – See a very out-of-place Church at the Oude Kerk

At the center of the Red Light District is … a Church?

Contrast doesn’t begin to describe it – Amsterdam’s oldest and most significant Church is surrounded by cannabis shops and brothels.

The Oude Church is decked out with art, yet more famous than its decorations is its reputation: they say people after a night of excess in the Red Light District would donate money to the Church!

• Amsterdam city tours

20 – Sip a few at the best rooftop bars

Blending style with delicious drinks, the rooftop bars of Amsterdam are some must-see spots!

Start things off right at SkyBar 747, where you can admire the airport with a celebratory arrival drink in hand.

Or get your winter sports fix at Floor 17 , with great views of curling and hockey matches.

And if you’re visiting during the summer, don’t miss Level Eleven, a seasonal pop-up bar with expertly curated gin selections.

Settle in and enjoy the scenery!

21 – Put on your detective hat and do an Escape Room

The world-famous Escape Room has been delighting people all over the world!

Enter a themed room like The Gallery or The Orient Express where all at once, the door behind you shuts.

All you have are 60 minutes, whatever is in the room, and your talented brain to solve the room! Are you ready?

• escape rooms in Amsterdam

22 – Go tilting at the Zaanse Schans Windmills

The most iconic Netherlands pics have to be the canals and the windmills!

Take a day trip from Amsterdam out to the stunning sea of different-colored tulips in the Dutch countryside, then the charming windmill village appears in front of you – a testament to the country’s aim to be more eco-friendly and cool all at once.

• Zaanse Schans Windmills tours

23 – Have a drink at the Mirror Bar at House of Bols

Step into the world of Lucas Bols, the brand providing Amsterdam with top-class liqueurs since 1575!

Experience the history through aromas, film, sound, and the Hall of Taste with all 38 liqueurs on show – before a bartender at the Mirror Bar will concoct one in front of your eyes to try!

• House of Bols tickets

24 – Get the best views of the city at the A’DAM Toren Lookout

With free telescopes and 360-degree views of Amsterdam from the observation deck , this is a great place to begin exploring the city!

For those who dare, the Over the Edge swing will stop you just short of launching into the city – meanwhile, party-goers prefer the Madam bar and nightclub to dance on top of the world.

25 – See the world’s largest flower garden at Keukenhof Gardens

15 kilometers of paths through 32 hectares of tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils feels like you’re walking through a giant painting!

The floral fragrances and flowers in any color you can dream of are literally at your feet. Travelers love the themed gardens, particularly the English garden, Japanese garden, and historical garden!

• Keukenhof Gardens tours

Read more about Keukenhof Gardens tickets price .

26 – Let your imagination come to life at Ripley’s Believe It or Not

This isn’t your ordinary museum!

This bizarre, eclectic place will freak you out, yet you’ll be unable to look away.

Whether it’s the shrunken heads, a robot made from car parts, underwater Amsterdam, or the world’s longest fingernails which when laid out are the length of a three-story building… you’ll never guess what’s next!

• Ripley’s Believe It or Not tickets

27 – Look inside yourself at Body Worlds

200 real people on display at an exhibition like no other!

The models seem like they can jump back into life at any moment, all showcasing the intricacies and vulnerabilities of the incredible human body!

The Happiness Project exhibition shows how happiness lifts our health, meanwhile, the adults-only basement exhibition may make your jaw drop!

• Body Worlds tickets

28 – Be the king or queen at Castle Muiderslot

If these walls could talk, they would tell a great story or two!

Luckily, a tour guide can take over the moat into this castle that’s over 700 years old, and tell you all the tales of this turbulent place!

It’s amazingly well preserved, down to the historical herbs growing in the garden!

• Castle Muiderslot tickets & tours

29 – Stroll through the Vondelpark

Amsterdam’s largest park is not just easy on the eyes, it’s full of activity and life!

Aside from the usual dog-walking and people-watching, the open-air concert hall hosts free dance, comedy, and music performances!

There are plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby, as well as a stunning statue of the poet Vondel surrounded by flowers.

30 – Spot wildlife and Van Gogh at Hoge Veluwe National Park

A little out of Amsterdam, the national park is a great place to hike or cycle while looking out for the deer, mouflon, and wild boar!

Although the park is just an hour from the city, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a piece of Europe’s rural past as you explore!

Wander through thick forests and admire the expansive plains, as you learn all about this valuable ecosystem and its remarkable residents.

Most travelers will then head to the nearby Kroller-Muller Museum, the second-largest collection of Van Gogh’s art anywhere in the world, and a 160-sculpture garden among the nearby nature!

• Hoge Veluwe National Park tours

31 – Ride a bike through Amsterdam

This is how the locals get around!

Local guides love leading bicycle tours where travelers can cover a lot of ground and get into those narrow streets for the city’s secret spots that only a local knows, in between stopping at the major landmarks and getting the lowdown on Amsterdam culture!

• bike tours in Amsterdam

Hot tip: The best city tours in Amsterdam cater to all interests, from cycling tours that follow the city’s bike-friendly paths to culinary walks that sample Dutch delicacies.

32 – Go canoeing in the Wetlands

For adventure-loving travelers, or anyone who just needs a few hours away from the busy city, the Wetlands are a great escape!

The rural Netherlands by the Wetlands is literally picturesque – Rembrandt painted it!

With birds tweeting and the aroma of wildflowers, this is a perfect setting for a sunset over the flat countryside.

• canoeing tours in Amsterdam

33 – Hit up the beaches of Zandvoort and Scheveningen

Craving a swim at the sunny beaches?

Zandvoort, known for being the home of the Dutch Grand Prix, and Scheveningen are two great seaside cities a stone’s throw from Amsterdam!

Travelers spend hours rolling down Zandvoort’s sand dunes and hitting the casino, or surfing and playing volleyball on Scheveningen’s beaches.

34 – Get on a segway

A guided tour on a self-balancing segway lets you do things you can’t do on a tour bus.

Zip by the canals, down Skinny Bridge, and through the Botanical Gardens while your guide captivates you with great finds, anecdotes, and local recommendations for things to do in Amsterdam!

And don’t worry, Segways are easier than they look!

• segway tours in Amsterdam

35 – Fly over Amsterdam in the 5D THIS IS HOLLAND experience

This brings a whole new meaning to Flying Dutchman!

Get the best of the Netherlands in this fully immersive sensory experience! Soar through the sights, sounds, and smells of Amsterdam and the Dutch countryside – all while putting your feet up in the flight simulator.

Fly over heritage sites, canals, windmills, and all! Or, if you prefer the real deal, you can opt to book a true flight experience !

• THIS IS HOLLAND tickets

36 – Meet Shrek, Van Gogh, and Nelson Mandela at Madame Tussauds

Artists, singers, royals, superheroes, Nobel Peace Prize winners, and more on display – then swing by the recording studio to belt out a tune and get the footage sent to you!

• Madame Tussauds tickets

37 – See Studio Irma at Moco Museum

Amsterdam’s contemporary art scene is as cutting edge as the grandmasters that came before it.

Banksy’s Laugh Now is a popular highlight for visitors, as is Dutch-born Studio Irma’s celebration of female artistry in her piece Reflecting Forward.

Studio Irma’s powerful art ensures all visitors to Moco return with a shared, empathetic understanding!

• Moco Museum tickets

38 – Be stimulated at the Sexmuseum Amsterdam Venustempel

This titillating museum touches on a taboo topic in a remarkably insightful way!

With a mixture of art, sculpture, humor, and eroticism, it looks at the role of sex in human life from the ancient Greeks, the steam machines used to cure ‘female hysteria’, and the increased sexual liberation of today.

Who says museums can’t be fun?

39 – Get a taste for Amsterdam on a food tour

Explore Amsterdam through your taste buds on private food tours to all of the local hidden gems.

Feast your way through the Jordaan district, where diverse and lively restaurants mingle with the vibrant energy of the city.

As you learn firsthand culinary secrets from your guides, you’ll also gain some new perspectives on Dutch society and history – with some pretty delicious results!

It is definitely the most delicious way of experiencing the culture and traditions of the city as you learn about all the rich history of authentic dishes including the signature stroopwafel – a delight for any sweet-tooth!

• food tours in Amsterdam

Hot tip: The best food tours in Amsterdam take you on a gastronomic journey through historic neighborhoods, tasting authentic Dutch bites along the way.

40 – Be scared out of your pants at the Amsterdam Dungeon

BOO! Scared? Okay, maybe not.

But the dungeon show will make your hair stand up on end!

Experience Amsterdam’s dark side with shows full of live actors, creepy history, jump-scares, gruesome sets, torture chambers, and a good dose of dark comedy!

Travelers are intrigued by the gallowfield, where all those sentenced to Death Row once congregated.

• Amsterdam Dungeon tickets

41 – Take a sketch class at the Rembrandt House Museum

Visitors can take paint and sketch classes where the great artist lived and worked until his bankruptcy.

The house and its decor scream 17th-century brilliance and exhibit Rembrandt’s rare pieces and personal collection.

To dive deeper into his art, there’s a display that uses modern technology to reveal details of his paintings that the naked eye can’t spot!

• Rembrandt House Museum tickets

42 – Cross the border into Belgium

Since Amsterdam is at the heart of Europe, travelers can take the chance to explore great places!

Bruges in Belgium – known as ‘the Venice of the North’ – is close enough for a half-day or full-day trip complete with beautiful water, famous chocolate, historic district, and bustling marketplace – with free time to spare!

Stop into some charming little shops for souvenirs, enjoy the unique city views, or relax and people watch in the public squares.

You can even stop by the Basilica of the Holy Blood and see a vial that supposedly holds the blood of Jesus himself – not bad for a day trip!

• Bruges tours from Amsterdam

Hot tip; Don’t miss our selection of fun things to do in Bruges .

43 – Just try the herring

Travelers might detect a strong fishy scent as they walk past food carts.

That’s the herring, and trying a plate is one of the most essential things to do in Amsterdam!

It’s not raw, and tastes like a salty sashimi.

It’s a perfect hangover cure, lowers cholesterol, and boosts the immune system. So go on, try one!

44 – Hit up a music festival

Every Easter, DGTL ’s eco-friendly festival unearths the top of underground electronica for a long weekend of hectic light shows, sick beats, and dancing like no one’s watching!

Loveland is another incredible electronica and techno festival, with a giant pool party!

Or for something completely different, Klassifest is all about classical music touching the souls of its listeners.

45 – Board a vintage ship at the National Maritime Museum

How did the Netherlands conquer the seas to have colonies from New York, to South Africa, and across to Indonesia?

They discovered new land – see the old atlases where they sketch it down for the first time!

Then follow the adventure of an 18th-century sailor as you board a replica period ship!

• National Maritime Museum tickets

46 – Walk Giethoorn’s Old Town

Drive out of Amsterdam on polder landscape – land which was taken from the sea – and head to one of Holland’s most scenic villages!

Cars are banned from the old city to preserve Giethoorn’s character, so you can only explore on foot or on a boat through its canals!

Visitors love the curious thatched-roof houses.

• Giethoorn tours from Amsterdam

47 – Take the ferry to Marken

Up until the 1950s, Marken was stowed away from the mainland where it built up a really unique character which it still has!

It was originally built in the middle of the Zuiderzee, an oceanic bay with incredible scenery.

The village’s distinctive traditional culture made it a magnet for anthropologists, and ever since the water was dammed, it has remained as a relic of yet another bygone era.

Check out the colorful wooden houses on stilts, the wooden shoe factory, the old-school fishermen on Lake Markermeer, and the lighthouse that brought them to safety.

• Marken tours from Amsterdam

48 – Haggle at IJ-Hallen flea market

Europe’s biggest flea market with 750 stands pedaling clothes, antiques, jewelry, books, furniture, and everything in between!

To get the most out of your visit, get in early before the good stuff goes, or come in Sunday afternoon when vendors will slash prices on stock they don’t want to take home.

And don’t forget to haggle!

49 – Find the Our Lord in the Attic Museum

Anyone walking past the 17th-century houses would miss it.

At a time where Catholics couldn’t pray openly, a Catholic Church hid in plain sight.

Visitors love walking through the corridors and staircases of an ordinary house, to find a church hidden in the attic that has escaped the public eye for centuries!

• Our Lord in the Attic Museum tickets

50 – Be dazzled at the Diamond Museum

Diamonds are forever – and so are the memories you’ll take from this museum!

This museum is definitely easy on the eye, and plain fascinating!

Learn how billions of years and a 200-kilometer journey from the center of the Earth goes into every diamond.

Visitors love the diamond ape skull and the diamond-encrusted Starry Starry Night.

• Diamond Museum tickets

51 – Experience 19th-century life at the Willet-Holthuysen

The glamorous house and its collection were left by the wealthy Mrs. Willet to the city of Amsterdam for all to enjoy!

Sitting proudly in the middle of town,  this opulent home was once home to one of the 19th century’s most prominent couples.

They were known for their impressive art collection and decorating skills, all of which paid tribute to the even more lavish Romantic era.

Stroll through the French-esque ballroom, the lush garden, and the museum with a collection of art and antiques – to get a taste of the life of the wealthy and their servants!

• Willet-Holthuysen tickets

52 – See real resilience at the Dutch Resistance Museum

It’s 1940 and the Germans have taken Holland. What do you do the next day?

Learn how the shocked locals were forced to drastically change their lives under the new regime; while finding ways to resist by smuggling weapons, hiding Jews, and cooking with flower bulbs!

It’s a tale of resilience and standing up under pressure.

• Dutch Resistance Museum tickets

53 – Dine at a Michelin-star restaurant

We get that you can’t have salted herring and pot brownies every meal.

Treat yourself to the sweet and sour contrasts in De Kas , the creative use of vegetables at Choux , the incredible Asian food and cocktails at Geisha , or the relaxed ambiance and simplicity of Elkaar – to name a few!

54 – Stay cool at the XtraCold Icebar

Literally the coolest bar in Amsterdam.

Swap your tees for thermals and gloves and chill out in the -10 degree polar pub where everything – even your chair and your glass – is made from ice!

The funky colorful lighting adds an incredible ambiance which is the perfect way to begin or end any night on the town!

• XtraCold Icebar tickets

55 – Travel the world at Tropenmuseum

This is a museum about the world with a slight twist.

Instead of trying to emphasize the differences between peoples and cultures worldwide, the museum invites visitors to find similarities and universal themes that connect everyone!

Get up close and personal with fascinating items from around the world, and see the unusual ways in which they relate to each other.

Along the way, you can delve into the themes that drive our personal lives, from worship and conflict to parties and grief rituals.

There’s even a junior wing of the museum to keep the kids entertained, making it a must-visit.

• Tropenmuseum tickets

56 – Go cheese-tasting with Henri Willig

Go behind the scenes at an authentic cheese factory as you sample the finest local cheeses with a matching beer or wine in hand!

Henri knows the As to Zs of all things cheese, visitors will learn a thing or two about how cheese is made, and how to tell your gouda from your goat’s milk.

• cheese tasting in Amsterdam

57 – Find Woodcutter at the Stedelijk Museum

Packed to the brim with dynamic modern-art masterpieces, this is heaven for art-lovers!

With the likes of Picasso, Cezanne, and De Stijl gracing its halls; visitors cannot stop browsing the 90,000-strong permanent collection including moving images, graphic design, industrial design, and installation!

Visitors also love hearing about the stolen masterpieces!

• Stedelijk Museum tickets

58 – Get the star treatment at the Hard Rock Cafe

You can’t have stroopwafel and cheese every night, so grab a hearty dinner at the Hard Rock! Munch on burgers, mac-and-cheese, ribs, or vegan options – they’re just some of the tasty food options on the menu.

After you order, be sure to check out all the rock memorabilia!

The cafe has Eddie Van Halen’s guitar and Marilyn Manson’s silver bodysuit on display.

59 – Be mystified on an evening canal cruise

Cruise your way through the evening as you are taken through the canals of the city, lit by thousands of lights along the bridges and buildings.

Amsterdam will feel like a fairytale as you sail through the city center and illuminated merchant houses.

If you are after a little evening romance, this is the experience for you!

• Amsterdam evening cruises

60 – Learn that size doesn’t matter at the Micropia Museum

Most travelers haven’t thought about microbes since high-school science, but they’re fascinating things!

We can’t even see them – yet they clean our water, cure diseases, and create energy!

Delve into the planet’s most important and successful critters and how much we need them at this award-winning museum which you don’t need a science degree to enjoy.

• Micropia Museum tickets

61 – Go on a brewery tour

Holland’s breweries are some of the best in the world!

As well as global names like Heineken, the more hipster craft brewery scene is serving up some incredible beers to delight your taste buds.

Going with a guide ensures travelers find their way to the best brewhouses, and get a sense of the history in every glass.

• brewery tours in Amsterdam

62 – Indulge yourself in a chocolate tour

Chocoholics and sweet-tooths will love checking this off their list of things to do in Amsterdam!

The city’s been slinging chocolate for hundreds of years and it’s absolutely perfect.

See how it’s made, try the samples, and learn a little about how it transformed from a rare delicacy to a common favorite.

• chocolate tours in Amsterdam

63 – Make some feline friends at the Cat Cabinet

The Cat Cabinet is the cutest and most cuddly canal house in town!

The cats basically run the house, you’ll see them on the vintage sofas, antique woodwork, and possibly scratching at the plush curtains.

They’re so adorable and friendly that you’ll pat them for hours and not notice the cat-themed art and paraphernalia!

64 – Take a class at FOAM Photography Museum

Still hunting that perfect Instagram pic?

One of Europe’s best photography museums with a mix of established artists and young talents is at your fingertips to inspire you with its eclectic display!

If that’s not enough, the museum also hosts tours, talks, and workshops to get the creative juices flowing for any aspiring artists!

• FOAM Photography Museum tickets

65 – Laugh your head off at the Boom Chicago Comedy Show

For over 25 years this hilarious show has launched the careers of comedians like Jordan Peele and Seth Meyers!

The show mixes improv, music, video, and witty writing to leave audiences in hysterics!

Audience members also love the full bar, along with exciting pinball machines and classic arcade games.

• Boom Chicago comedy show tickets

66 – See the magical Light Festival from the river

If winter nights seem gloomy and cold, this is for you!

Amsterdam waits for winter to illuminate its historic city with colorful light projections and cheerful sculptures, best seen from the water.

Sail past more than 20 intricate works, showcasing the city’s creativity in fine fashion.

You’ll soon find yourself in a world of wonder and excitement, as you cruise under brilliant arches, admire fantastical sculptures, and evoke your childlike sense of joy.

A guide will show you its highlights as you sip on a hot drink under a warm blanket to escape the cold!

• Light Festival tours

67 – Let the butterflies land on you at Artis Royal Zoo

From elephants to penguins, wolves to fish, and even a planetarium with daily shows – this zoo has it all within its charming 19th-century historical buildings!

Opened in 1838, this magnificent park is the perfect stop for science enthusiasts, with great opportunities to commune with hundreds of dynamic species from the air, land, and sea.

As you see amazing animals from all over the globe, you’ll also be able to enjoy some of the local nature, including some of the oldest trees in the city!

Travelers love the onsite restaurant by the aviary to sip coffee and watch the birds, as well as the thousands of colorful butterflies in the Butterfly Garden!

• Artis Royal Zoo tickets

68 – Show off your Dance Dance Revolution skills at TonTon Club West

Neon lights, retro arcade games, Japanese-American fusion food, and a place to dance the night away!

This cool and casual club is a unique night out in every way – chomp down a ramenburger, play some arcade shooters, and sip on an alcoholic milkshake to loosen you up for the dancefloor (or Dance Dance Revolution)!

69 – Ride the Baron 1898 roller coaster at Efteling Theme Park

This massive park is based on fairy tales and myths.

From the moment visitors enter through the House of the Five Senses, they are transformed into a place of wonder and fantasy!

There are water slides and roller-coasters for thrill-seekers, but the Aquanura is stunning: a fountain with four frogs doing a water ballet!

• Efteling theme park tickets

70 – Get some new threads at the Batavia Stad Fashion Outlet

Time for a new wardrobe?

250 of the top fashion and lifestyle brands like Hugo Boss and Armani with almost half offering 30% to 70% off ought to do it!

Outside of the trendy fashions, this outlet offers perfumes, chocolate, jewelry, and home items – so everything can be as cool as your new clothes.

• shopping tours in Amsterdam

71 – Be a kid again at the WONDR Experience

This takes all the fun of being a kid to a whole new level.

A giant ball pit, marshmallow pool, walk-through jungle, and karaoke booths are the perfect playground for adults – they are part of 15 play-areas created by some of Amsterdam’s most fun and artistic minds for grown-ups to embrace their inner children!

• see prices & reviews

72 – Get your clogs, cod, and cheese at Volendam and Edam

A retro fishing village, getting lost in Volendam’s seafood restaurants and its labyrinth of narrow streets is bound to end in you trying the local seafood (cod and herring are must-haves) and buying some fashionable clogs!

Then head to beautiful Edam to see how they make the famous cheese, before trying some yourself!

After stocking up on some delectable dairy, take some time to wander through the town’s historic streets, and admire some stunning architecture from the 1600s.

These lovely towns showcase the charms of the Dutch countryside, and offer some amazing chances to learn, relax, and shop – a perfect day trip!

• Volendam tours

73 – See a show at Ziggo Dome

With the likes of Trevor Noah, The Weeknd, and Snoop Dogg set to sell out the arena; the atmospheric Ziggo Dome is one of the world’s best concert halls!

Built in 2008, this renowned concert space was designed specifically for good acoustics, with a world-class audience experience as part of the bargain.

And its architecture reflects this democratic approach to live music; it’s designed to offer an equally good view and listening experience to all of its 17,000 audience members.

For travelers willing to splurge a little, try a pre-show 3-course meal in the Restaurant Member Lounge, which lets visitors get into Ziggo Dome through an exclusive entrance!

74 – Go Turvy-topsy at the Upside Down Amsterdam

Strike a pose and post this on your reel of things to do in Amsterdam!

As the biggest Instagram-focused museum in the city, it’s the perfect place to snap some memorable vacation photos – and get a little wacky in the process!

Explore 25 different creatively themed rooms, each exploring the concept of “New Dutch” style – a world of art and culture that transcends the standard imagery of flowers and windmills.

It will push your creativity and expand your mind as you make your way through this equal part museum, amusement park, and illusion hall – full of opportunities for that perfect mind-bending picture that will make you49 look twice.

75 – See a residence fit for a queen or a king at the Royal Palace Amsterdam

The (not-so) humble abode of the Dutch Royal Family is sure to make your jaw drop.

Visitors love the Citizen’s Hall – a 30-meter high room saturated with natural light, complete with glimmering marble floors inlaid with world maps, a throwback to Holland’s exploration days, and a 6-meter statue of Atlas holding the world on his shoulders.

You can opt to purchase your own ticket or visit the palace on a fun and interesting walking tour !

• Royal Palace tours

76 – Make science come alive at NEMO Science Museum

While you’re in the city, indulge your curiosity at NEMO Science Museum!

Although it’s geared toward younger travelers, people of all ages will love the hands-on scientific experience!

Hundreds of games and self-guided tours covering engineering to chemistry, and chemistry to the human body.

Explore five floors’ worth of adventurous experiments; dive into the human mind, surround yourself with giant bubbles, or walk in the footsteps of great innovators of the past.

When you’re done, check out the rooftop terrace for some underrated city views and decide where to go next.

• NEMO Science tickets

77 – Pick your next houseplant at Hortus Botanicus

One of the world’s oldest and most beautiful botanical gardens started as a place to grow medicinal herbs and plants and just grew from there!

Since 1638, this gorgeous set of gardens has been home to domestic and international plants, and its creative landscaping is half the beauty.

And during those frosty winters, you can head inside the sprawling hothouse and immerse yourself in a world of tropical plants and ecological design.

A couple of interesting nuggets for visitors are the 2,000-year-old agave cactus, and that a single coffee plant here is the ancestor of all coffee in Central and South America!

78 – Visit the Grave in the Gutter at the Begijnhof

This beautiful group of houses around a secluded courtyard was home to the Beguines – unmarried religious women who chose chastity.

According to legend, Cornelia Arents, a 17th-century resident of the convent, asked to be buried in the courtyard rather than the Presbyterian-run church.

After being entombed in the church, her coffin mysteriously turned up in a nearby section of land, and after multiple incidents, she was buried there, in keeping with her wishes.

Learn about the Miracle of Amsterdam where the holy bread was pulled from the fire intact, and see the flowers in the gutter where sister Cornelia Arens is believed to have been laid to rest.

79 – See a concert

Amsterdam has one of the best and broadest music scenes in the world!

Dauphine is an intimate venue with soul, funk, and R&B; Paradiso is a former church that puts on a pop music show; Bourbon Street is jazz heaven; and the beautiful Muziekgebuow aan‘t IJ has the best backdrop to classical music going around!

80 – Watch a film at EYE Film Institute Netherlands

For over 70 years, this museum has preserved Dutch film and spread the word on the truly unique and awe-inspiring Dutch film culture!

With a staggering 54,000 films in its collection, this museum is the perfect place to explore the art of Dutch cinema in all of its forms.

And with an incredible catalog that stretches from the beginning of the medium to the present day, you’ll be able to get a unique insight into the wide world of the movies.

Whether you want to learn a little more about film as an art-form, or just watch a classic or modern film in their state-of-the-art cinema; there is something for any film lover to enjoy!

81 – Meet your new best friends on a pub crawl

Experience Amsterdam’s famous nightlife!

Get ready to dance (and drink) the night away as a local guide takes you to the hip and energetic bars and clubs – while meeting the other travelers on the crawl.

With free drinks at every venue and bottomless spirits at the start, however, we can’t promise you’ll remember their names the next day!

• pub crawls in Amsterdam

How to get to Amsterdam?

Whether you’re arriving from the sky or the sea, there are some great transfers available.

Schipol Airport is a major hub for Europe and other international destinations, with lots of shuttles and private vehicles to choose from.

And if you’re embarking on a cruise, you can get taken directly to the port.

Where to stay in Amsterdam?

Surround yourself with history at NH Collection Amsterdam Doelen , which offers contemporary trappings in a gorgeous 17th century structure.

Or get a taste for the city life at Eden Hotel Amsterdam , a palatial building with great canal views and Rembrandt Square just around the corner.

CitizenM Amstel Amsterdam is the place to be for easy access to attractions like the Dutch National Opera & Ballet and the Artis Zoo, as well as a relaxed, upscale atmosphere.

Health and happy travel go hand in hand at Movenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Center , where you can come back from a day of exploring to enjoy delicious meals and a top-notch fitness center.

And as you enjoy the charming modern trappings of Joy Hotel , you can also enjoy the luxuries of the surrounding area, from restaurants and shops to a walkable metro station.

• best hotels in Amsterdam

Visiting Amsterdam on a budget?

Hit the streets and see the sights the local way, with some amazing free walking tours . Or buy an Amsterdam City Card to access some of the most beloved attractions with one convenient ticket.

Even better, you’ll be able to visit these sites at a discounted price, leaving even more money for further fun!

Where to go next?

From its striking architecture and historic neighborhoods to its gorgeous artwork and renowned green spaces, Rotterdam is a perfect example of post-World War II regrowth – and a great place for travelers!

And when you’re ready to explore some other countries, Brussels , the vibrant capital of Belgium, is just a short trip away. Looking to extend your trip? Make sure to check out Ghent and Antwerp , both fantastic destinations. If you wish to explore Germany, Hamburg is perfect for a romantic weekend gateway.

With its rich cultural and culinary scenes, Belgium is perfect for long-term exploring; but you can also soak up some of its delights on a day trip from Amsterdam .

Looking for more adventures?

Book a multi-day trip to absorb some of the area’s highlights, from parties to markets to windmills; or combine it with trips to other nearby showstoppers such as Paris.

Then keep exploring some of the other best places to visit in Europe – it’s a beloved continent for a reason!

With a stellar combination of easy travel and diverse cultures, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can hop from cityscape to mountaintop, weaving through little towns and gazing at world-famous monuments.

It’ll be a holiday like no other!

Final thoughts

There are plenty of adventurous things to do in Amsterdam, from the red light district to the marijuana cafes. But if you just focus on the risque aspects, you’re missing out!

With thrilling immersive experiences, world-class music and art, and centuries of rich culture, it’s the sort of destination that captures the imagination.

Long after you return home, your memories of Dutch adventures will linger… so get started with your planning!

Unique Things to Do in Amsterdam

Crazy things to do in amsterdam.

Amsterdam is a city filled with unique experiences that are sure to leave a lasting impression. From art and history to science and nature, Amsterdam has something for everyone. Here are some unusual and crazy things to do in Amsterdam that are definitely worth checking out. For those interested in science, the Micropia Microbe Museum is a must-see. This interactive museum explores the world of microbes and how they impact our daily lives. It's an educational and fun experience that is sure to leave you fascinated.

Art enthusiasts should head to the Van Gogh Museum to see the iconic Sunflowers painting up close. With the largest collection of Van Gogh's works in the world, this museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in art and history. To get the best views of the city, make your way to the A'DAM Toren Lookout . From the top of the tower, you'll have panoramic views of Amsterdam and the surrounding area. It's a breathtaking experience that shouldn't be missed.

Nature lovers should visit the Keukenhof Gardens , the world's largest flower garden. With over 7 million bulbs planted annually, the gardens are a colourful and stunning sight to behold. For something a bit more unusual, visit Ripley's Believe It or Not museum . Here, you'll find bizarre and strange exhibits that will challenge your perceptions of reality. History buffs should visit the Castle Muiderslot, a medieval castle that dates back to the 13th century. Visitors can explore the castle's towers, dungeons, and courtyards and learn about the castle's rich history.

For those who enjoy a good scare, the Amsterdam Dungeon is a thrilling and terrifying experience. Visitors are taken on a journey through Amsterdam's dark history, with interactive shows and scares around every corner. Whether you're interested in science, art, nature, or history, Amsterdam has something unique and exciting to offer. These unusual and crazy things to do in Amsterdam are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the city's many attractions.

Micropia Museum is a one-of-a-kind attraction in Amsterdam that lets you explore the world of microbes. It's an unusual thing to do, but definitely worth it. You can learn about the fascinating world of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms and see them up close. It's a great experience for both kids and adults alike, and a great way to learn about the science behind the world we live in.

Book Now: Micropia Museum Tickets

The Van Gogh Museum is a must-visit for any art lover visiting Amsterdam. It's home to the largest collection of Vincent Van Gogh's paintings, including his famous sunflowers. It's a unique experience to see his masterpieces up close and learn about his life and art. The museum also showcases works of other artists who inspired or were inspired by Van Gogh. It's an unusual thing to do, but it's definitely worth it.

Also Book: Van Gogh Museum Tickets

If you're looking for a crazy thing to do in Amsterdam, head over to the Mirror Bar at House of Bols. It's a unique and exciting experience where you can sip on cocktails and enjoy the atmosphere. The bar is filled with mirrors that create a surreal effect, and the bartenders are skilled at creating the perfect drink for you. It's a great way to try something new and unusual while enjoying the vibrant nightlife in Amsterdam.

You May Also Book: House of Bols Tickets

Keukenhof Gardens is one of the most beautiful gardens in the world and a must-see for anyone visiting Amsterdam. The garden is filled with over 7 million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, making it a paradise for flower lovers. The garden is only open for a few weeks in the spring, so plan your visit accordingly. Walking through the gardens and taking in the vibrant colours and fragrances is truly an unforgettable experience.

Click Here to Book Now: Keukenhof Tickets

Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum is one of the most unusual museums in Amsterdam. It's a great place to explore if you're looking for something unique and out of the ordinary. The museum is filled with strange and bizarre exhibits from around the world, including shrunken heads, a two-headed calf, and a collection of rare fossils. Visitors can also participate in interactive exhibits and games. It's a great place to spend a few hours and discover something new.

Also Book: Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum

Body Worlds is a fascinating museum that explores the human body and anatomy. It features a collection of real human bodies that have been preserved using a special technique called plastination. Visitors can see the different organs and systems of the body in great detail and learn about how they function. The museum also has interactive exhibits and displays that allow visitors to explore the body and its functions in a fun and engaging way. It's an unusual and educational experience that is definitely worth a visit.

You Can Also Book: Body Worlds Amsterdam Tickets

Experience the grandeur of the past and channel your inner royalty at Castle Muiderslot. This beautiful castle dates back to the 14th century and features a moat, drawbridge, and impressive towers. Explore the castle's interior, including the armory, kitchen, and impressive art collection. Take a walk around the beautiful gardens and grounds, imagining life in a different era. Don't forget to climb the tower for amazing views of the surrounding countryside.

Book Now: Muiderslot Castel Tickets

Art lovers will adore the Museum of Contemporary Art (Moco) in Amsterdam. One of the highlights is Studio Irma, an interactive art installation that allows visitors to experience art in a new and exciting way. The studio features a series of colorful, moving screens that respond to sound and motion, creating a unique and immersive experience. The museum also has an impressive collection of works by Banksy, Warhol, and other contemporary artists.

Also Book: Moco Museum Tickets

If you're in the mood for a thrill, head to the Amsterdam Dungeon . This attraction offers a unique and sometimes scary experience that brings the city's dark history to life. Explore the dungeon's interactive exhibits, including live actors and special effects. You'll encounter ghosts, witches, and other spooky characters as you journey through the city's past. With a mix of history, humor, and horror, the Amsterdam Dungeon is a crazy and unusual way to experience the city.

Must Checkout: Amsterdam Dungeon Tickets

What is the Mirror Bar at the House of Bols, and why is it worth visiting?

The Mirror Bar is a popular destination at the House of Bols, a museum and distillery in Amsterdam. It offers a unique experience where visitors can enjoy cocktails that are made with Bols liqueurs while admiring the bar's reflective decor. The bar's interior is made entirely of mirrors, creating a visually stunning atmosphere that is worth experiencing.

What is the Keukenhof Gardens, and why is it famous?

Keukenhof Gardens is a 79-acre park in Lisse, Netherlands, known for its vibrant tulip fields and gardens. It is one of the largest flower gardens in the world and attracts millions of visitors each year during its annual spring opening. Along with tulips, the park also features various types of flowers, fountains, and sculptures, making it a must-visit destination for nature and garden enthusiasts.

What is Castle Muiderslot, and why is it worth visiting?

Castle Muiderslot is a medieval castle located near Amsterdam that dates back to the 13th century. The castle features a moat, towers, and a drawbridge, making it a fascinating sight for visitors interested in history and architecture. Visitors can explore the castle's interior, including its medieval rooms and furnishings, as well as the surrounding gardens and courtyard.

What is Studio Irma at Moco Museum, and what makes it unique?

Studio Irma is an exhibit at the Moco Museum that showcases the work of Irma de Vries, a Dutch multimedia artist. The exhibit features interactive installations and audiovisual experiences that challenge visitors' perception of reality. It is a unique and immersive experience that combines technology and art.

What is the Amsterdam Dungeon, and what kind of experience can visitors expect there?

The Amsterdam Dungeon is an interactive attraction that takes visitors on a journey through Amsterdam's dark history. Visitors can expect to encounter live actors, special effects, and surprises around every corner as they travel through the dungeon's themed rooms. It is an exciting and somewhat scary experience that provides a glimpse into Amsterdam's past.

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10 Best Tours in Amsterdam

By Clodagh Kinsella

Knowing where to direct your steps in Amsterdam is far more complicated than just keeping an eye out for the constant onslaught of bikes: between the major museum renovations, the cutting-edge architectural innovation, and the chameleonic food scene, the city is enjoying a renaissance akin to its Golden Age glory days. While there are brilliant specialist operators running tours of the highlights—whether of food, art, or local photo opportunities—others, lingering longer in the memory, focus on the shadowy flipside to that 17th-century luminosity, from Amsterdam’s colonial past to its misprized sex industry. We've rounded up our favorites—be it an Amsterdam canal cruise, Amsterdam bike tour, Amsterdam walking tour, or one of the many highlighting the city's cultural offerings—including one standout through the Red Light District, to lead you in the right direction. No matter which one you choose, one thing remains: take to two wheels or the water if you really want to go Dutch.

Eating Amsterdam, Jordaan Food Tour Arrow

The Amsterdam spin-off of ace tour company Eating Europe—in six cities and counting—this isn’t a makeshift affair, and you’ll get well-produced local food maps as part of the package (but make sure to reserve ahead). The focus is very much on insider knowledge, with four-hour guided walking tours of the Jordaan district’s lesser-known corners, including a dozen stops for Dutch delicacies, and ample meet-and-greets with artisanal food heroes. Your companions: two historians, two professional chefs, and an architect—plus a local whose family have lived in Jordaan for generations, and an Indonesian/Dutch guide for explaining the former colony’s worthy contribution to the food scene. The vibe is fun and interactive, and the main course comes with an appealing slice of history on the side.

Black Heritage Tour of Amsterdam Arrow

Black Heritage Tours founder Jennifer Tosch is on a one-woman mission to shed light on the presence, and little told past, of the African diaspora in the Netherlands (she’s now added tours in NYC and, by request, Brussels). Rigorous, interactive three-hour boat trips are the big draw, luring two to 90 people via celebrities like activist and author Angela Davis (average group size is 10-20 guests). Eye-opening is the word here. Once you’ve been alerted to the hidden past of Amsterdam’s beautiful Golden Age museums and canal houses, you’ll start seeing signs of the city’s sinful colonial legacy everywhere. A visit to the Rijksmuseum (usually included) or Royal Palace won’t be the same again. Definitely book ahead—especially outside of summer, when trips are less frequent.

MokumBoot Arrow

There are a million Amsterdam canal cruises, and a million other tourists to take them. Sidestepping that, and exercising your navigational skills for two hours (or more, if you like) is a bit of a no-brainer. With a 50-strong fleet of slick monochrome electric motor boats, and six hire stations across town, this is the king of skipper-yourself boat rentals, but with the laid back attitude of a playboy prince. Not that they aren’t organized: Mokum (an old nickname for Amsterdam) take care of pillows (or ponchos and blankets, depending), suggested sailing routes, and instructions on how the boats work. Affable dock personnel go beyond, so you’ll get a super-clear brief on how to operate the boat, but if you want to escape the traffic or visit a particular spot, they’ll happily tailor your itinerary to that. For sunny weekends, reserve at least two days ahead to get the prime early-afternoon slots.

Architour Half Day Tours: IJburg & Golden Age Walk Arrow

As the market-leader for architectural tours in Holland, the brilliantly organized Architour can handle groups ranging from two to 240—whether town planning offices, Rotary Clubs, or architecture students. Their regular two-hour-long small group tours, for ten people max, and private tours, for up to 20 people, need advance booking. The two tours listed here are both on foot, though they also offer bike and canal tours. Directors Paul Vlok and Anneke Bokern (an architect and architecture journalist, respectively) have handpicked a dozen local architects to serve alongside them as guides. Fluent in Dutch and English (and some even German, French, and Japanese), all have personal insight into Dutch building culture, and how that stacks up against other countries, so no question is too specific.

Jessica Puckett

Caitlin Morton

Olivia Morelli

WeBike Amsterdam City Tour Arrow

Cycling is part of the Dutch DNA, and there are over 880,000 bikes in Amsterdam alone—though three-hour tours by this excellent indie outfit generally top out at around seven cyclists. Between the rave reviews online and the intimate numbers, it’s definitely best to reserve your slot in advance. Like many Dutch kids, mainstays Thijs and Jasper grew up on the back of a bike, and know how to combine humor with brilliant historical and architectural titbits. You’re not just following the leader here, but engaging in regular chat as you cruise from one fascinating spot to the next. If you want to bring babies or small kids, they’ve got the (well-maintained, comfortable) bike for that. In fact, there’s really no limit to the crowd you’ll be riding with, but safe to say that it’s not the same set that comes to Amsterdam for the weed and red lights, and people who never learned to bike really shouldn’t start here.

Context Travel's Rijksmuseum Tour: Crash Course Arrow

This is a formidable operation established and executed by tour experts, and you’ll only need to share the joy with five other equally sophisticated tourists. The Rijksmuseum docents are all art historians, ranging from Vermeer experts to TV personalities—so you can be staring at a Rembrandt in the company of an acclaimed author on the subject. Despite all this they don’t talk down to tour members, and many manage to be funny as well as brilliant (sigh). Itineraries are docent-dependent (and group-dependent), so it’s worth doing your research if you’re set on getting that Rembrandt expert, but in any case the master’s works will be par for the course—not least his masterpiece The Night Watch , enjoying pride of place at the heart of the museum. More obscure rooms are also on the agenda, and having a guide to navigate them may leave you with a lasting love of 17th century ceramics, furniture, or model ships.

PIC's Wallen Tour Arrow

Walking tours of Amsterdam’s Red Light District aren’t hard to find, but no other operator tells the story of the notorious neighborhood from the perspective of sex workers. Run by invaluable non-profit the Prostitution Information Center (PIC), walks aim to encourage an open debate about the misunderstood industry and increase respect for sex workers (the term preferred by prostitutes). Turn up to PIC’s community center, café, and exhibition space a few minutes before the tour—or come earlier to consult the sex library over coffee and cake. Guides are either ex-sex workers, ready to open up about their own stories, or researchers on the industry who are able to answer literally any query from how much money you can make in a shift to the ancient origins of the trade. Given PIC’s mission to change hearts and minds, there’s absolutely nothing rote about the delivery here—this is a real passion project for guides, and you might find yourself shedding a tear.

Amsterdam Photo Safari Arrow

This is really best for those with a vested interest, as the one-on-one attention is brilliant for making swift progress, and if you opt for a longer tour (they run from three to six hours, with four a recommended minimum) you’ll really be able to get off the beaten track. Your safari group might range from total amateurs getting to grips with the basics of composition to pros with pricy DSLRs looking for the inside scoop on the best places to shoot in the city. You can bring a friend with an iPhone or other handheld camera device for around 90 percent less than the regular tour price, so it might end up feeling like a private tour (those are available too, and are strongly recommended for people with mobility issues). Night safaris, beginning a couple of hours before sunset, are absurdly picturesque, as the lights start to come on over the city’s bridges, casting fairytale reflections over the canals (even amateurs will soon be capturing boats’ light trails with tips on the best long exposure settings).

Rederij De Jordaan Private Boat Tour Arrow

Slick, slick, slick. As VIP canal cruises go, captain Reinhard Spronk’s historic saloon boat tours (aboard 1932 teak beauty Welmoed , or 1908’s smaller Farahilde ) are really the business. He and his partner Miloe run the show, taking private groups (reservations necessary) on bespoke tours of Amsterdam’s legendary canals. Pick-up is from your waterside hotel or Cafe Van Puffelen, by their office. This is going to be the highlight of your European tour, combining an utterly beautiful vintage boat, the most sophisticated company in town, and (for a supplement) red roses, gourmet finger food, and bottomless champagne.

Brouwerij ‘t IJ Arrow

Compared to neighboring Belgium, the Netherlands isn’t exactly known as a beer powerhouse, but the big news is that the capital now has craft breweries to shout about. So skip the queues at the mammoth, more famous Heineken Experience, and head to signature local craft brewer ‘t IJ, which was raising the bar on specialty brews long before ‘small batch’ was a hipster rite of passage. Finding the venue, opened in 1985 in an old bathhouse, is child’s play: the biggest wooden windmill in the Netherlands is next door. Friday to Sunday afternoon tours of the Funenkade HQ are a snappy 20-minute crash course in the magic of malt, hops and yeast. With only 20 spots going, and no pre-booking, get to the bar early to grab tickets (a free beer is included with the entry fee). Don’t bother bringing your bachelor party though – after one too many messy experiences in the past, they’re now officially barred.

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Cruising, Walking and Cycling tours in Amsterdam

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Discover Amsterdam in a unique way and get acquainted with the 17th and 18th century merchant houses, the new architecture, enjoy a high tea cruise or take a look at how locals live during a houseboat walking tour. With the help of everyone at Unique Tours we will try to give you a memorable experience of our city Amsterdam.

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Went for a afternoon tea yesterday with 2 friends, the whole experience was amazing, good choice of very fresh sandwiches, tasty scones and lovely cheesecake. The staff were very friendly and accommodating, I look forward to my next visit!

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Home » Europe » Netherlands » Amsterdam

10 TOP Things to Do in Amsterdam

You’ve heard of global icons and Amsterdam brings home the bacon. No trip around Europe is complete without paying your respects to this megastar capital. 

Some people come for quaint canals, tulip season, and the laidback lifestyle. Others come for legal weed, hardcore drugs, and sex tourism. And that big ol’ spectrum means that you’re SURELY going to fit in here too.

But with such a vast array of unique things to do in Amsterdam for kids and adults alike, knowing where to start is key. It’s not cheap – and you definitely don’t want to get wrapped up in naughtiness if you’re here for niceness. 

There is a whole host of cool places to check out in Dam. We’re going by foot, bike, and waterways , but there are a few tricks to know to make your trip stand out from the rest.

From Van Gogh and the Anne Frank House to the notorious Red Light District, I’ll give you the full scoop. What’s worth it, and what’s worth skipping…

Here’s your guide to the weird and wonderful: 10 amazing things to do in Amsterdam today!

10 Top Things to Do in Amsterdam

1. get on your bike, 2. take a cruise on the canals, 3. learn about anne frank’s story, 4. stroll around in the canal rings, 5. trip out at the van gogh museum, 6. museums, museums, museums…, 7. take a day trip to keukenhof gardens, 8. get lost in the red light district, 9. people-watch in vondelpark, 10. experiment…, things to do in amsterdam: city map, how to get around amsterdam, faqs on things to do in amsterdam.

Whether you’re visiting Amsterdam solo, as a couple, with friends, family, or even people you just met, you’ve made a good choice. Unlike most places in the world, you’ll never run out of things to do in Amsterdam. So recommending the BEST is a task and a half…

But for you? Of course, for you, anything! Let me tell you about the top things to do in Amsterdam, no matter who you are.

The most unique thing about Amsterdam is the bike culture. Travelling The Netherlands by bike is insanely easy and the capital city abides by the exact same rules. Everything (and I do mean everything ) is super accessible by bike.

Pedal around beautiful Jordaan , park up at Nine Streets , or head up to one of my favourite hangouts in Amsterdam Noord . Search out secret spots and enjoy corners of the city you’d never find without a bike.

Pro Tip: You should definitely cycle through the Rijksmuseum tunnel at Museum Square. The tunnel is beautiful and there’s always people busking classical music in there. Honestly, you need to hear it – the acoustics are mad.

As well as being the cheapest way to get around, it’s also the fastest. With a bike, it doesn’t then matter so much where abouts you stay in Amsterdam . So while being one of the most quintessentially Dutch things to do in Dam, it also GETS you to fun things faster…

You know what they say: when in Rome, do as the Romans do!

If you’re looking to fall in love – oh my days, do a canal cruise in Dam. Get that tenderness flowing and enjoy the hive of Amsterdam passing by from the slow-paced stillness of the waters.

Nosey inside old merchants’s houses and duck your head under iconic bridges (all lit up elegantly at night time for extra romance). A canal cruise is a magical way to see the city and one of the best things to do in Amsterdam for couples. 😉

Pro Tip: There are maaaaaany cruise companies in Amsterdam, and funnily enough, I don’t recommend the commercial ones. Book yourself an experience to enjoy Amsterdam’s picturesque waterways with someone who really knows and loves the city. There’s so many kinds of cruises and tour operators to choose from, so find one that suits you…

The history of Anne Frank’s diary had a profound effect on the world. They learnt the story of an ordinary yet remarkable little girl – concealed with her family and other Jewish people – in a hidden annexe in a house in Amsterdam during Nazi occupation of The Netherlands in World War II. Being able to visit the Anne Frank House – where she hid for several years gives visitors a unique perspective of her irregular life as a young girl. 

It’s not a big place for obvious reasons, so you’ll only need an hour or so to go around the whole thing. But you can see a tastefully done exhibition and even see the bookcase that the family lived behind. It’s worth reading Anne Frank’s Diary – published by Otto Frank, her dad, after the war. 

Pro Tip: I can’t recommend enough booking your tickets in advance for the Anne Frank House Museum . It’s also best to go as early as possible in the day too; this way you’ll avoid too much queuing. If you’re on a short itinerary, you’ll be out in no time and cram loads more into your day.

Do you like the walking route? Well, you’ll love Dam. 

The main hub of things to do in Amsterdam happens within the canal ring. Here you’ll find all kinds of unique attractions, independent boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and coffee shops. You can follow your nose around and find all kinds of hidden gems in Amsterdam .

Dam Square is right in the city centre, with 15th century Nieuwe Kerk, the National Monument, the old Town Hall (now the Royal Palace ), and upscale shopping opportunities. 

Insider opinion: Needless to say, visiting the Royal Palace is touristy. Yet honestly, still a top thing to do in Amsterdam. It’s packed full of fascinating history and the city’s grandest architecture dating back to 1270!

One place that is so worth the hype in Amsterdam is the Van Gogh Museum. Situated in the heart of Museum Square , it’s smaller and therefore less exhausting than many other galleries, such as the neighbouring Rijksmuseum – which is still fabulous in a different way. 

Being the world’s largest collection of this genius’s work, you’ll be able to see iconic paintings including the famous Sunflowers. There’s no wonder why it’s the number-one museum in The Netherlands!

I met some cool people at one of the best hostels in Amsterdam and I am told that tripping on truffles in here is mental. Hey, I’m not recommending shit… but if you do… do it with friends.

I buzz off a good museum – and there is plenty in Amsterdam to visit. From the iconic Rijksmuseum displaying Dutch superstar, Rembrandt, to the Electric Ladyland Museum dedicated to fluorescent art, museums are always a great thing to do in Amsterdam when it’s raining.

Budget Tip: Many of the museums in Amsterdam are free with the IAmsterdam City Card . More than that, you also get FREE public transport too. They’re brilliant if you’re on a short itinerary in Amsterdam.

Museumplein (aptly named) is the central location for many iconic museums in Amsterdam. There’s a great lawn to hang out on here in the summer. There you’ll find the Rijksmuseum , Van Gogh Museum , and The Moco Museum displaying amazing art galleries from world-renowned modern artists like Banksy and Andy Warhol…

One of my favourite places to visit in Amsterdam is the Nemo Science Museum . What seems like a kid’s attraction (and in many ways, kinda is) is also a big playground for adults.

Basically, you’ll find any kind of museum to fit your personal Amsterdam Itinerary !

Easily, one of the best times to travel to Amsterdam is Spring. The flowers and, in particular, the symbolic Dutch tulips are all in spectacular bloom. 

For only 2 months of the year, the Netherlands iconic Keukenhof Gardens opens its doors to the annual, colourful presentation. I’m not one for big, touristy attractions but this is one that I loved and always recommend for things to do in Amsterdam in April and May. 

It’s worth planning a day trip out of Amsterdam to Lisse, where the gardens are, about an hour away from the city. There are plenty of buses to Keukenhof that run from Amsterdam or you can get a Combi Ticket where transport is included.

One unmissable thing to do in Amsterdam at night is go to the Red Light District. Not only is this an unbelievably unique thing to see in Europe, but distinctive the world over. Whether you’re in Amsterdam for a weekend or a week, you can’t miss it!

Let’s not beat around the bush (no innuendo intended!), sex tourism draws in a crowd to Amsterdam. As well as having a museum dedicated to prostitution, there’s even The Condomerie, a shop committed to novelty condoms. But along with legal prostitution held behind famous scarlet doors and the raunchy attractions, sex shops, and peep shows, it’s also just a lot of fun!

Bounce around coffeeshops, jazz bars, pubs, or simply a spot of people-watching… Whether you want to take part or not, there’s no harm in watching these sinful streets. Get to know De Wallen’s history , filled with stories dating back to the 13th Century, as it continues writing it’s unique narrative.

Vondelpark is the biggest urban park in the city. It’s one of the most popular places to visit , attracting a whole heap of people coming to hang out in Amsterdam city centre. You can catch a show at the open-air theatre, stop and smell the flowers at the Rose Garden, and even rent skates to rollerblade around the paths if you feel like it.

It’s a cool and free thing to do in Amsterdam. Even the shows at the open-air theatre are free, too.

The various restaurants and cafes located around Vondelpark, however, are not. But still, picking a spot on a terrace when the weather’s nice and chilling out with a coffee is a good way to spend your time.

Look, a lot of things that are not tolerated in many parts of the world are well embraced into society in The Netherlands. Amsterdam is a symbol of diversity to many. You can kinda be who you wanna be here, making it also one of the best places for LBGT travellers .

You can stay out a little later than usual, go window shopping, and drink a smooth craft beer by the canal. Try a space cake if you’re feeling it, a little cheeky puff of that joint, or even try legal psychedelics. Feel free to experiment if you’re having fun.

Of course, if we’re talking about things to do at night in Amsterdam, nightlife in Amsterdam blows the global scale with mental clubs and mind-blowing festivals .

Depending on what you’re into, you can go to the brutalist nightclub Shelter (hardcore only), the more fun, friendly Club X, or De School – inside an old school – to name just a few. The hedonist’s playground kicks off late about 11 pm.

Just remember: take it easy, look after your mates, and drink plenty of water.

Getting around Amsterdam is as easy as it goes. For starters, the city is extremely walkable (if it is not pissing it down with rain). Though you will be exhausted, walking around this remarkable city is highly recommended.

Your second option is public transport. Amsterdam is well-equipped with buses, trams, and even a metro. Although it’s far from the cheapest transport in the world, you do get what you pay for.

If you’re only staying in the city for a few days, your best bet is to buy a city card. As well as having a bunch of attractions included in the price, you get free public transport too. If that’s not for you, you can also get day passes that permit you on any transport in the city.

• 24 hours: €18
• 48 hours: €24
• 72 hours: €30

Although (I’m going to press this point again) no form of transport in Amsterdam trumps the bike. It’s the cheapest, fastest, AND most convenient way to get around. You can hire them all over the city and probably at your hotel or hostel in Amsterdam too.

Don’t Forget your Travel Insurance for Amsterdam

One thing’s for sure: Amsterdam ain’t cheap. So if something doesn’t go to plan, having the right travel insurance for The Netherlands can save you a small fortune.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

A little more? Okay, then, why not?

What are the best things to do in Amsterdam?

No Amsterdam trip is complete without cycling through the city, strolling along the picturesque canals, and (to complete the Dam Trinity) taking a canal cruise. Keukenhof Gardens are iconic and essential to visit if you’ve got a spring itinerary.

Are there any free things to do in Amsterdam at the weekend?

Oh yes, there always is. If the weather’s nice, you should definitely go and hang out in Vondelpark. Or, take the free ferry over to Amsterdam Noord. Keep an eye out for freebies at your accommodation too. Many of them have some of the best free things to do in Amsterdam and they really help to counter how expensive Amsterdam can be.

What’s the craziest thing you can do in Amsterdam?

Come on now, we’re a family show! If you want to know a few darker secrets from our archives, you’re going to have to sign up for The Broke Backpacker newsletter.

What are the best things to do in Amsterdam at night?

Obviously, visiting the Red Light District is where most people go for activities at night. You could also check out the famous In’t Aepjen bar or party the night away in one of the city’s epic clubs.inim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.

Amsterdam is definitely not an off-the-beaten-track destination. In fact, Amsterdam doesn’t have much of a shoulder season at all: high time is most of the time. So getting to most attractions early in the day is the secret to enjoying them without huge crowds.

Just remember, although Amsterdam IS a safe place to travel to, European capital cities still have their issues. Rest well, look out for your mates, and follow basic safety.

There are famous Amsterdam museums, unique things to do, and plenty of debauchery to take part in. From tulip festivals to live sex shows, there aren’t many places in the world with this spectrum of unusual things to do.

Take your time to soak in the sights around the canals and waterways. Peep inside historic buildings and canal houses. Visit the tiny yet iconic Anne Frank House.

Remember, there is a holy shit ton of canal bridges to get that iconic snap: so you don’t need to stop with the 35 groups of tourists fighting to get a photo at the first one they see. Keep walking and you’ll find the perfect spot!

• Check out our ultimate guide to backpacking in Amsterdam . 
• There are heaps of totally epic places to visit in Amsterdam . 
• Get planning your Amsterdam itinerary to maximise your experience. 
• Have a look at our guide to where to stay in Amsterdam to choose the perfect area!
• You’ll need a hostel in Amsterdam – it’s a great way to start your trip!
• Sort your international SIM card for Europe out to avoid unnecessary hassle. 
• Get yourself covered with travel insurance for The Netherlands before you leave.  
• Check out our ultimate Europe backpacking guide .
• Our in-depth backpacking packing list has all the info you’ll need for your trip.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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Local private guide in Amsterdam, also speaking French. | Customized, green, sporty & unusual tours.

Guided offbeat tours of Amsterdam by a passionate local private guide , who’s educational background is international tourism management. Local out of the box tour creator, organizer and sporty guide on foot, bike, footbike and inline skates for small private groups.

Join that private tour guide on a surprising unusual tour in Amsterdam. Go for that local style. And head with your city guide for the unexpected, for hidden gems and also for highlights in the capital of the Netherlands.

Unusual city tours in tempting Amsterdam and active countryside excursions above the capital.

This Amsterdam private guide web page gives you insight into the ways you can take advantage of my specialties, experience, (off-the-beaten-path side) preferences and qualities in the tempting dutch capital and in it’s surroundings: North-Holland.

I invite you to enjoy these rather unusual tours . And it is indeed again allowed (and a pleasure) to show groups (or couples) Amsterdam and tell you corresponding stories about this compelling city.

Lex van Buuren, local private tour guide from tempting Amsterdam (and its countryside)

recent customer reviews Amsterdam private tours 

Lex and the City with free publicity in well-known media with offbeat private guided tours.

In 2022 Lex has been guiding around National Geographic Traveler in the eastern part of Amsterdam. Check out the article:

Even an article in the Sunday Times. With our offbeat Amsterdam scooter tours. < < <Lex and the City scooting experiences, the only Amsterdam experience present in Sunday Times Magazine: “ Six of the best unusual city tours “.   1. The traveltext about this unusual Lex and the City tour

2. The whole article (paid)

Our former “inline adventure” with our skate brand Skate-A-Round in Barcelona was covered by the Guardian . (In 2006 already.) Sign up for the Lex and the City Facebook page for updates.

Local guide on French national television telling about the hidden gems of Amsterdam

French-speaking guide Amsterdam on TF1 8 O’clock news with an interview. August 2020:

Private tours Amsterdam : 5 specialties.

Five things that distinguish me and the tours in the capital of the Netherlands: The Lexperience top-5

• French speaking guide Amsterdam (I speak 4 languages ​​very well by the way: English, German and Dutch as obviously well.)
• Customized experiences (f-Lex) Also for people with disabilities in a wheelchair. High-end.
• Unusual Amsterdam experiences : off the beaten track . Like exploring trendy Noord . And: with out of the box style guiding.
• Active and sustainable (green) tours. (And sporty; if you prefer that.)
• Private off the beaten track excursions above Amsterdam, such as a tulip bike tour, biking to Zaanse Schans and a Texel tour on wheels.

Page en français | Deutsche Seite | Nederlandse pagina

Private bike tours: 5 Amsterdam biking ( L) experiences for groups

Private city bike-tours and off the beaten path experiences above Amsterdam as well.

• Amsterdam highlights bike trip.
• Custom bike tour.
• Unusual private bike tour (East Amsterdam, the North of Amsterdam. ..) including quite some hidden gems of Amsterdam
• The “surprise me” bike-tour
• All you can bike Amsterdam tour: 32 km and just in the city! :D

Lex and the City private bike-guides speaking French, German, English and/or Dutch Press the picture with the windmill for our dedicated “Private bike tours Amsterdam” page.

Off the beaten track bike excursions above Amsterdam

We can take you on a bike day trip to Waterland, Marken, Broek and Monnickendam. Starting at a bike shop near yourhotel.  Me as a private tour guide for one day. Appr. 55K of biking. Relaxed pace.

New page about the private tulip excursion by bike above Amsterdam ; one hour by train from the capital. North-Holland North . This is the unknown and largest (yes!) bulb & flower area of the Netherlands above Amsterdam. It is cheaper and more relaxed.

Or a unusual private guided bike excursion to the Zaanse Schans. Enrich your Lexperience by enjoying the area between Amsterdam and the Zaanse Schans by bike .

3rd private bike tour option above Amsterdam: daytrip Texel island , starting by car, minivan or train in Amsterdam. Other countryside Lex and the City bike day trips, like Waterland-East, to Zandvoort beach and along river Amstel. Lex and the City: the local who goes left where others go right.

Guiding in Amsterdam during international events. 

(Like SAIL 2025)

• Sport events, like the World Padel Tour
• Floriade: we’ve offered a private excursion by bike (or skate, or scooter / footbike) to the Floriade 2022 in Almere, starting in Amsterdam. Great dutch experience filled with nice bike paths, lake views, cows; the rural theme.
• SAIL Amsterdam 2025 is a great opportunity to enjoy an unusual private tour with Lex and the City. We have been specialized in sailing, are actually focused on the area where SAIL Amsterdam takes place and we can guide you during SAIL-2025 on the boat, bike, during a walking tour, on the scooter and even on inline skates.

Experience Amsterdam with exclusive and customized tours. (Like an incentive)

Customized experiences built within exclusive tours in Amsterdam. Explore the capital of the Netherlands with Lex and the City. Press on the picture to learn more about the opportunity to shape your incentive .

Private boat tour | Example of a guided company event starting from the windmill on the edge of East Amsterdam

Press on the picture for an impression and group review of this tailor-made sailing experience in Amsterdam on the canals and the rivers IJ and Amstel for EY. (It was for 65 persons, with 3 boats.)

Amsterdam private walking tour along highlights:

What moment to meetup with your private guide AMS?

I would propose as early as possible during you stay, as you can use the inspiration of the tour to make plans for afterwards without me. After breakfast is a good time by the way.

Adding local value to third parties like DMC’s, tour operators, agencies and hotels.

I would like to guide even more tours in Amsterdam in the upcoming months. :) For example, unusual group tours in French. Because of my history as a private guide, tourism student and guide in France, the French-speaking market is my language specialization here in Amsterdam.

Except for individuals and groups I have indirect customers. That can also be a Dutch company that has foreign colleagues coming over. Or an event agency. Of course also a DMC. Maybe a bicycle tour provider. Or a tour for the guests of a hotel . Guides for a tour operator. A colleague guide can also look for an enthusiastic guide because his or her group is too large for themselves.

In addition to tourist groups, I also like company outings, staff outings or a tour for a school or university. (And I have a lot of private tour guide experience in the city . ) The role of tour manager suits me too. Are you a travel agency? Question about your customer: is it their 1st time visit? ( I try to find out if I should focus more on the highlights or more on the unusual Amsterdam. )

In the following paragraphs you will read about my motivation and passion, 25 years of experience in Amsterdam and Paris and the international tourism courses that I have completed and completed in France, England and the Netherlands.

Experience as an organizer in Amsterdam | International training in tourism | 4 languages | International tour guiding

In addition to English, I speak French, G erman and Dutch. I have my international tourism management diplomas in both the Netherlands (NHTV Breda) and then also in England and France . (DESS Tourisme Bac + 5, at the Université de Savoie in Chambéry.)

Experience? Yes, Lexperience in my case. For the past 25 years, I have regularly been both a private tour guide and (often sporty) international guide. “Lexperiences” ahead as a tourist guide and tour leader in Cahors, Canet Plage, Mimizan, Nice, Saint-Jean de Luz and Paris. I have accompanied hundreds of different tours in Paris and in Amsterdam. (Lex has been living in both towns.)

I have been guiding in Amsterdam since 2005. International Tour groups. In Paris I have guided and told stories on the street since 1998. On inline skates, bike and walking. In the city of lights I have hired boats on the river Seine for mainly company events & teambuilding outings.

For French local tourism companies, Lexposure , the online marketing part of Lex and the City, also has (online) storyteller services as well: SEO copywriting and social media creation in Dutch.

French-speaking private guide who started in Paris and now provides local tours in Amsterdam: 1st specialty

This French family from Limoges sent Lex the photo by MMS afterwards. Accompanied by the short review below of the guided tour that started at their 5* Pestana Hotel in the Pijp and ended at the Waag on the Nieuwmarkt. (As well a place where Rembrandt played a role in history.)

Now for the review text that was attached to the picture MMS : Avec nos remerciements pour cette agréable visite. Bonne journée. Famille Mxxxx. Finally: local private guide Amsterdam Lex was asked for this tour by Amsterdam Odyssey , specialist in tailor-made high end tours in Amsterdam and partner of various five-star hotels .

Amsterdam East: an area specialty as organizer of city tours

Great starting point for getting to know the unexplored as well.

My 2nd specialty, if you like my 2nd USP, in addition to the French language, are private guided tours in East Amsterdam. Lex van Buuren is a local; he lives in Amsterdam East. Google also knows that, because Lex and the City is very easy to find concerning search terms with “Amsterdam East” included.

Go for the 1 hour offbeat private walk (or bike tour) in Amsterdam East , intended for the busy business traveler who has limited time.The tailor made experience starts from your hotel. East Amsterdam is a typical part of Amsterdam for an offbeat tour for private groups. Lex and the City, organizer of private city tours in Amsterdam, has been located here for a long time already.

The storyteller of Amsterdam-East is telling stories on the web as well; as a blogger and for local companies being their online content marketer.

Starting in East Amsterdam is great for a unusual Amsterdam private boat tour as well. We have nice route of 2 hours passing by a lot of highlights with your group. (Or we make one tailor made) I think the new terrace at Kop van Oost is very cool for the start of private boat trip. (Next to our only city windmill; Molen de Gooyer.)

We have been sitting there lately with a group of Internations expats for which I have organized a tour as well. (Chk the picture; me on the right.)

The 3rd Unique Selling Point: corporate footbiking / scooter private tours for companies and business people.

The big child with the international tourism management diploma and great love for moving in the city is fond about footbiking. And this private tour guide has now shared that passion with many people on the streets in Amsterdam. (Even with known ones.). It fits very well within the Lex and the City company mission. The page about footbiking | scooting in Amsterdam being a private corporate activity Amsterdam . This incentive tour page even contains a Youtube clip of the “business seduction footbike tour”.

The 4th USP: Private tour guide Amsterdam and mobile 80’s and early 90’s “in the mix” | During boat tours

During a company event on a private boat in and around Amsterdam I have discovered the need for a combination of a DJ with lounge music before and during dinner and dance music music after. While telling small entertaining stories about Amsterdam in-between. Read more about this unusual “in the mix role” (guide + DJ on the water) on the Lex and the City guided private boat Amsterdam page with customized tours. (To be found by pressing the picture with the group on the boat.)⇓

USP bonus track: french-speaking private skating instructor Amsterdam

(The 6th USP for outings in Mokum is, by the way , is a Private inline skating lesson in Amsterdam . It does not fit completely within the format of this page, so we count it halfway. Together 5,5 specialties in the field of guides and tours in Amsterdam. )

Sporty Amsterdam Bachelorette | Hen Party with that o ut of the box local private tour guide.

Rates for 2024 for unusual & highlights tours in surprising Amsterdam.

These are the rates for guiding, creating and molding the customized private tour / outing in Amsterdam . They are excluding other costs like rentals and drinks. Discounts are possible on the rates mentioned. Provided there is a good reason for it.

• The price for custom creation, organization and for that local multilingual guide is € 275,- including 21% VAT , for 1-10 people. For max. 3 hours. This includes thinking along with you, local knowledge and experience ( Lexperience ). An additional hour is EUR 60,-. For customized & exclusive tours the rates are higher and on de mand.
• Discounts are possible on the rates mentioned. Provided there is a good reason for it. For example: For small parties, we give a discount if possible. (Tip: think ant-cyclical.)
• We keep a maximum of 10 people per tour group; sometimes more. (Reason: safety, comfort and service) Multiple groups next to each other are possible.
• This price is based on a tour of maximum 3 hours. A total of € 60.00 will be added for each additional half hour.
• These rates are excluding materials like a bike (€ 14,50 for 2-3 hours at a bike shop) and excluding meals and drinks a.s.o..) 
• The (L) exclusive option, Customized memorable experiences and small scale exclusive tours in Amsterdam for the corporate market is treated differently. In this case we add custom recommendations before the day itself of any kind, no additional charge for any labor-intensive work and making reservations for tourism services.
• The passion of your experienced, private and local Lex and the City guide is included for a whole day of about 9 hours. € 685,- excluding VAT. Services except for our own (as mentioned here), like sights, restaurants, museums, bike rental, private boat  and drinks do not include our price.
• General conditions for the Lex and the City local private tours Amsterdam

We speak German, French and Dutch as well.

Call or E-mail that local private tour guide for an Amsterdam Lexperience :

+31655337726 | [email protected]

Volunteer during heritage day | Open Monuments weekend Amsterdam

A great way of ( Le ) xpanding my knowledge and network regarding the unknown Amsterdam , is being volunteer during the heritage days. (Open Monuments weekend) It takes place once a year. I have been guide volunteer at the following historic sites:

• Amsterdam School heritage “De Dageraad”, de Pijp. From there we (my collegue Bob Maas and me) have guided bike & footbike tours for kids and their parents in the area. (Including the Diamond quarter)
• Lloyd history tours in the Eastern Docklands (2 years)
• French-speaking guide Amsterdam at Windmill “De Otter” (check the picture here, Sep2020)

As a result of these volunteer activities in Amsterdam, I was offered the opportunity by the organization to participate in the following enriching heritage activities:

• A lecture on the history of brewing beer in Amsterdam. It took place in the former church “De Duif”, Prinsengracht.
• Another lecture, a year later at the same spot on the canal, on excavations in the town center;
• Guided tour with colleagues in the former “Scheepvaarthuis”. (The current Amrath Hotel)
• Lecture about the history of sports in Amsterdam. In the great venue “Vondelkerk”.
• reconnaissance of the Food center. (with the maire)

Contact with local private tour company Lex and the City: online and offline (tea time?)

I’d love to discuss the outing and the route over a cup of tea with you in your office or in a public place. I gladly offer that to you als an extra, in my case Lextra , service.

We can also discuss outings with more local guides Amsterdam ; I have a network of quality people. These city guides also have a good experience and will make it an interesting time during your private walking tour, guided boat trip , private guided bike tour Amsterdam or footbike tour in “Mokum”. (= nickname of AMS)

I even have a small network of French-speaking tour guides. +31655337726 | [email protected]

Private walking tours focusing on the highlights are possible as well. Hotels in the oldest part of town are perfectly located for Rembrandt theme kind of highlights. The Rembrandt House, Hotel de Doelen and de Waag are then sort of around your hotel and team up to a 1st theme already. A 1/2 day private walking tour is possible as well.

Development of new unusual bike tour concepts for Lex and the City: the 9 garden villages within Amsterdam. (In the North):

Guided tour in Amsterdam North (“Noord”)

Direct customers for private tours: the groups (or individuals) themselves

• People who speak French, English, German or Dutch
• Friend groups
• Bachelor parties

To tour operators, DMC’s, event agencies  and bike shops I ask:

• Is it a highlights tour or a specialised one?
• What kind of group is it?
• Hoe large is the group?
• Would like us to give you our best advice regarding hidden gem restaurants in Amsterdam?
• You want my tariff or do you have a fixed reward?

Large tour groups for Amsterdam: our standing point and policy

Taking a lot of persons to a restaurant or nightclub (and join them)  by 1 person is no problem. However for tours in the street with let’s say 40 persons at the same time, you’d need 5 local AMS guides.(5 groups from 8) The good news about that is, that you are then able to offer them different themes. For example, depending on their experience with Amsterdam. Or depending on what kind of means of transportation they’d like. (bike, footbike, skate, walking.)

Ten qualities of Lex and the City private tours in Amsterdam and North Holland

• Unusual private city tours with small groups throughout Amsterdam (including the North)
• 4-language local private guide Amsterdam with extra attention to receptive tours in French ; (Lex has guided in Paris; he even started there. He also has a French university tourism management degree; earned in Chambéry.)
• It’s in his name: he’s f-lex. He lives in the neighbourhood, he is a local , and can be there if he has the time.
• First specialist in the field of guided offbeat walks in Amsterdam East.
• Local guide with a lot of experience in the field of guiding on wheels.
• scooter/footbike. (Walking tours as well.) Working from a sustainable, green angle .

• Extensive knowledge about other parts of the Netherlands as well . Especially the area above Amsterdam: North Holland. tulips bulb fields, Texel island, Zaanse Schans. The outcome: off the beaten track tours in the countryside.
• DJ and private guide during customized private boat tours in and around Amsterdam. (Yes, both; “in the mix”.)
• Event guide: Guide Amsterdam Light Festival and with private tours during SAIL 2025 .
• Consciously looking for the hidden gems with your group and/or friends / family. (Without forgetting the highlights of our capital.)

We are (F)lexy and we know it. ;)

All Lex and the City Amsterdam services and experiences in English on one page .

Local French-speaking tour guide Lex and the City with offbeat walks, tailor-made private boat tours, inline skating adventures, corporate scooter tracks and unusual bike tours in Amsterdam.

All the things I am not-, do not- and cannot do- as a tour guide (a lot! :p )

Well, what can I say? What I am & do : I am a rather sporty local tour guide focusing on the Amsterdam who loves to take small groups of people on bike & footbikre & skate tours above Amsterdam as well.

And that’s it.

All the things I am not-, do not- and cannot do- as a tour guide:

Middelburg and Veere? I lived and worked there for 20 months but could not guide there. Arnhem? Kroller-Muller Museum & Park? I like it pretty much, but guiding? No, not me. Rotterdam? Keukenhof? I am probably that one guide who is NOT guiding there… (However I do know the Mini-Keukenhof in Anna Paulowna! Maybe in the future…I love the bulbs area above Schagen…my thing .) Large groups not split up into smallwer ones? Too large for us. :p Spanish? Tengo qué aprender español . Volendam? Nice, but not my thing as a guide at least. (The exception: passing by while touring on the bike or inline skate.)

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The 14 Best Amsterdam Tours

Dive into this famously liberal city and its beautiful countryside with the help of a guided tour.

Getty Images

Exploring Amsterdam via its famous canals is a great way to see the city.

Note: Some tour providers on this list may be running more limited operations due to COVID-19 or may impose testing or vaccine requirements. Check with your tour operator about availability before you book.

There are so many can't-miss sights in Amsterdam , from the Anne Frank House and the Rijksmuseum to the city's famous canals, houseboats and windmills. With the help of a friendly local, you're sure to see it all and gain some insider tips. After analyzing both traveler opinion and expert research, U.S. News determined the best Amsterdam tours. Whether you're hoping to walk or cycle your way through the city or even cruise its canals, you'll find each tour highlights the unique qualities only found in Amsterdam.

Stromma – Open Boat Tours Amsterdam

This cruise takes participants through the city's famous canals to view its top sights, including the Van Gogh Museum , the Amstel and more. Plus, because this boat is smaller than a normal tour vessel, you'll get to explore some of the lesser-seen waterways. Reviewers say this is a relaxing tour with captains who provide plenty of information. Boats run multiple times daily from three departure points; tours last about 75 minutes. Tickets start at 22.50 euros (about $24) for adults; children travel for half that. The company also offers dining cruises.

[ View & Book Tickets .]

Mike's Bike Tours Amsterdam – Countryside Bike Tour and Cheese Tasting

Get your fill of windmills and the beautiful Dutch countryside on this bike tour that runs up to 3 1/2 hours and covers about 10 miles. It also includes stops at a clog factory, a public park and a cheese farm, where cheese samples are offered to visitors. Reviewers praise the scenic countryside and the stop for the cheese tasting. They also appreciate the well-maintained bikes and the friendly guides. Tickets start at 42 euros (about $42) for adults and 39 euros (about $37) for youths ages 12 to 17; the trip is not suitable for children younger than 12. This tour runs daily at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The company offers many bike tours, including tours of the city and private cycle trips.

[View & Book Tickets: Option 1 | Option 2 .]

With Locals – The 10 Tastings of Amsterdam

Get a "taste" of Amsterdam on this guided food tour that features 10 tastings, including beverage samples. In-the-know locals lead the three-hour walk that takes you through the De Pijp area of the city, as well as an outdoor market. Food samples could include a stroopwafel (a wafer cookie), herring and local cheeses. Reviewers highly recommend this tour, describing it as "fun" and "flavorful." They also extol the guides for their friendly, cheerful demeanor. Ticket prices vary depending on how many people tour; a couple can expect to pay around 95 euros (about $99) per person. The tour runs Monday to Saturday at multiple times each day. The company also offers tours of the city by bike or boat.

Free Walking Tours Amsterdam – Classic Tour

Learn about Amsterdam, its liberalism and the Dutch culture on this two-hour walking tour. Stops may include the red-light district, the canal belt area, the Waag building and more. Keep in mind each guide takes a slightly different route. Reviewers highly recommend the tour for travelers interested in a brief introduction to Amsterdam history. Tourgoers also applaud the guides for their engaging, funny storytelling. Tours depart daily at 10:30 and 11 a.m. and 1:30 and 4 p.m. The tour operates on a pay-what-you-wish basis, but you'll need to pay a city-mandated entertainment tax of 1.55 euros (about $2). The company also offers a food tour and an alternative tour of the city that explores Amsterdam's counterculture.

360 Amsterdam Tours – Anne Frank Walking Tour

See World War II through the eyes of Anne Frank on this two-hour tour through the Jewish Quarter. Highlights include the Portuguese Synagogue, the Hollandsche Schouwburg Museum and the Anne Frank House. Reviewers praise the guides' storytelling abilities and their knack for weaving in a substantial amount of information about Amsterdam and its role in World War II. Tickets start at 28.50 euros (about $30) per person and discounts are available for children. Tickets do not include entrance to the attractions on the tour. Tours operate daily at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. The company also offers an Anne Frank bike tour, among other options.

Courtesy of Hungry Birds

Along this tour with Hungry Birds, you'll eat like the locals do and learn about their favorite spots.

Hungry Birds – Original Experience

This delicious trip focuses largely on Amsterdam's street food and shares information about the city's culture, daily life and the people who make the dishes. During the 4 1/2-hour outing, you'll sample plenty of eats favorited by locals and you'll also try traditional foods like herring and Dutch cheese. Reviewers say the tour includes plenty of food and is a great introduction to local culture. Participants recommend coming hungry. Tours are generally available Monday to Saturday at 11 a.m. and start at 89 euros (about $93) per person; children younger than 6 can join for free. Food and drink samples are included in the ticket price. If you want to explore on your own, try Hungry Birds' self-guided bike tour.

We Bike Amsterdam – City Tour

Sightsee your way through the city using the preferred method of transportation among Amsterdammers: a bike. On this three-hour cycling tour, you'll see some of the most popular neighborhoods, as well as hidden spots frequented by locals. Top stops on the tour, which is limited to 11 people, include Vondelpark , the Jordaan neighborhood , the Western Church and the Rijksmuseum. Reviewers say this is a great way to see the city and that guides maintain a comfortable pace. Tickets cost around 30 euros (about $31) for adults with discounted fares for children. Tours depart daily at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The company also offers a private bike tour and a countryside tour.

Lovers Canal Cruises – One Hour Amsterdam Evening Canal Cruise

See how Amsterdam comes to life after dark on this hourlong cruise that tours the incredible canals, traveling under illuminated bridges and past the historic city center. Boats are equipped with panoramic roofs, sliding windows and audio commentary. Reviewers say they enjoy seeing Amsterdam by night and that the audio guide is informative. Others wish the boat was less crowded. Tickets start at 19 euros for adults (about $20); children receive discounted tickets. Tours leave daily every half-hour from about 5 to 9 p.m. Lovers Canal Cruises also offers a variety of daytime cruises.

Those Dam Boat Guys

Over and over again, travelers praise Those Dam Boat Guys for a fun and informative tour of Amsterdam. During the canal cruise, guides share information about their city and offer helpful hints to make the most of your stay. Tours run on either covered or open boats (depending on weather and boat availability), so you won't have issues seeing the amazing sights. Up to eight passengers will be on the boat – another aspect of the tour travelers praise. Trips last about 90 minutes and run multiple times daily. Fees start at 29.50 euros (around $31) for adults. Private tours for up to 10 are also available.

SANDEMANs New Europe – Free Tour of Amsterdam

Learn about Amsterdam's rich history, including the Nazi occupation, its trade heritage and the city's enthusiasm for biking, on this three-hour walking tour. The excursion will also take you by the city's incredible canals, over its bridges and to see some of its best architecture. Reviewers describe the tour as "amazing" and say the guides are passionate and energetic about their city. Tours are free, but you will need to pay an entertainment tax of 1.50 euros (about $1.50) per person. Additionally, you are welcome to pay your guide what you wish at the conclusion of the tour. Tours are available daily at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; keep in mind you must reserve your slot online in advance. If you want to learn more about Amsterdam's famous red-light district, take the fee-based Red Lights and Dark Amsterdam tour.

Wooden clogs are one of the best-known symbols of the Netherlands.

Tours & Tickets – Countryside and Windmills Tour from Amsterdam – All-In Tour

Reviewers praise the number of activities packed into this nearly six-hour excursion and say the tour provides a great overview of the Netherlands. During the daytrip, you'll visit the village of Zaanse Schans to see more than 10 of the Netherlands' iconic windmills. Then, it's off to Volendam and Marken for a tour of a cheese factory and a wooden clog-making demonstration. Plus, along the way, you'll have access to an audio guide to enhance the commentary provided by your live guide. Tickets start at 45 euros (about $47) for adults and 22.50 euros (about $24) for children ages 4 to 13. Tours depart at 8:45 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. from Amsterdam Central Station from spring through early fall. Tours & Tickets operates multiple excursions in and around Amsterdam and Belgium.

Eating Europe – Jordaan Food Tour

Once a working-class enclave with roots dating back to the 17th century, the hip Jordaan neighborhood is the focus of this 3 1/2-hour walking tour. Learn about Jordaan's history, discover hidden areas and sample about 12 local delicacies from Dutch beer to apple pie to herring. Reviewers, who rave about the food, say this is a great way to sightsee through Amsterdam. Tours are available daily at 11 a.m. Tickets cost approximately 90 euros (about $94) for adults, 70 euros (about $73) for teens ages 13 to 17 and 55 euros (about $57) for children ages 4 to 12. Eating Europe also offers a food tour that includes a private canal boat ride.

FreeDam Tours – Free Walking Tour

For a crash course in the city's history, the future of the red-light district, Amsterdam's famous bike culture and lenient drug policies, consider this free walking tour. Along the 2 1/2-hour, 1.5-mile tour, you'll pass by a variety of popular areas, including Chinatown, the University District and the Royal Palace, among others. Reviewers recommend this tour if you're hoping to see a variety of top landmarks with a knowledgeable guide by your side. Tours operate daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and start at the Stock Exchange. There is no cost for the tour, but you'll have to pay the city-implemented tourist tax of 1.50 euros (about $2). The company also asks you to tip what you feel the tour is worth at the conclusion of the trip. FreeDam Tours also offers a private walking tour of the city.

Babylon Tours – Rijksmuseum + Van Gogh Museum Skip-the-Line Guided Combo Tour

If you're hoping to explore the artsy side of Amsterdam, this semiprivate tour is for you. Guides take you and up to seven other participants through both the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum to talk about famous and lesser-known Dutch painters, including Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh, of course. The roughly six-hour experience includes tickets to both museums, which get you to the front of any queues that form. Tourgoers admit it's a long day, but the art smart guides and incredible works make it all worth it. Fees start at 199 euros (about $208) for adults, 179 euros (around $187) for kids 10 to 17 and 139 euros (approximately $145) for children 9 and younger. The outing includes a stop for lunch, which is at your own expense. Tours depart at 10 a.m. daily. If you're short on time, Babylon Tours also offers shorter, two-hour strolls that visit just one museum.

You may also be interested in:

• Best Things to Do in Amsterdam
• Best Hotels in Amsterdam
• Best Places to Visit in Europe
• Best Paris Tours
• Best London Tours

Tags: Tours , Netherlands , Travel , Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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21 Unique & Weird Things to do in Amsterdam (Find Them All!)

• 07 July, 2021

Ask The Dutch Guy

• 12492 Views

This page may contain compensated links. For more information read our disclaimer .

These are the coolest weird things to do in Amsterdam that you’ll definitely be telling everyone at home about!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

❶ Map of Amsterdam Attractions ❷ Weird Things in Amsterdam List ❸ Unique Red Light District Attractions

❹ Weird Museums in Amsterdam ❺ Cool Hotels in Amsterdam ❻ FAQs

Amsterdam is one of the most visited cities in the Netherlands, Europe , and the world. Popular for its laid-back atmosphere, stunning water system, beautiful museums, and exciting nightlife, Amsterdam has everything!

If you’re looking for something unusual to do in Amsterdam, then you won’t have any problems finding them. Besides the popular attractions, there is some weird stuff to do in Amsterdam that you should definitely check out too.

If you are planning to see lots of museums and sights around Amsterdam, we suggest buying an I Amsterdam City Card , which also gives you a ticket for free transport around the city. It’s definitely worth the money.

Map of Weird Things in Amsterdam

This map shows you where all the weird attractions in Amsterdam are located.

To download this map, simply hit the frame icon [ ] in the top right-hand corner from your phone and it should open automatically with the Google Maps app.

Weird & Unique Things to do in Amsterdam

Ready? Now check out our list of unusual things to see in Amsterdam!

Play in Immersive Magical Art at WONDR

WONDR Experience blends visual magic with boundless creativity. It’s a confetti-sprinkled, creative world of colour and sensation that invites you to explore, regardless of your age. WONDR was designed in collaboration with Amsterdam’s most creative minds to create a place that tickles your senses and invokes inspiration, fantasy and pure joy.

Get lost in a jungle, dive into a sea of pink marshmallows, dance under a glittering falling sky, or jump in the largest ball pit you’ve ever seen. Let your imagination run wild in this one-of-a-kind place. Perfect for those looking for fun things to do in Amsterdam, or to brighten up your Instagram feed.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by WONDR – Experience Playground (@wondr.experience)

Go Fishing for Plastic

Did you know you can go plastic fishing in the city? Indeed, this must be one of the most unusual things to do in Amsterdam. Plastic Whale runs a 2-hour boat trip where you’ll be given your own fishing net to catch plastic with. You can do this while you see the beautiful sights of the city and learn more about it.

It’s one of the best tours in Amsterdam because aside from being able to explore the canals, you also get to help save the environment. It’s a win-win!

Ride on a Swing On Top of a Building

Looking for something a bit unusual, at the same time, will get your blood pumping? Head on over to A’DAM Lookout , located on the top of a 22-floor tower.

💡 Tip Grab the I Amsterdam City Card for free entry into A’DAM Lookout and loads of other activities on this list.

Aside from the panoramic views, you have the chance to ride the highest swing in Europe. Don’t worry; you’ll be wearing a safety harness as you swing 100 meters above Amsterdam.

Search for Amsterdams Blossoming Bikes

These artistic bikes, decorated in flowers, clocks and butterflies are the work of an artist by the name of Warren Gregory or The Flower Bike Man. He originally decorated his wife’s bike with flowers because she had trouble finding where she parked it in the chaos. He then moved on to decorating abandoned bikes and scattered them throughout the city of Amsterdam to bring happiness and smiles to passers-by.

Today, you will surely spot one or two of these pretty bikes along the canals and streets of Amsterdam. If you’re after cheap things to do in Amsterdam, why not make a hunt out of it and go search for the Flower Bike Man’s Blossoming Bikes?

Find the Kooky Tiny Hidden Houses

If you think you’ve seen it all in Amsterdam, think again. Likely, you haven’t seen the seven mini rowhouses here. The Jordaan area is one of the most popular neighbourhoods in the city, and it’s not only because it’s beautiful but it’s also because it contains hidden gems that will delight you.

Visitors to a certain street in Jordaan might come across some houses missing when counting down the house numbers. In fact, they’re still there but you need to get a closer look.

To see the tiny hidden houses, head to Westerstraat 54, 1015 ML Amsterdam. Look into the tiny crack between the row houses number 54 and 70. You’ll see seven miniature houses stacked on top of each other in a four-inch space between the buildings. Check out our unique things to do in Amsterdam map to find the exact location of the Tiny Hidden Houses.

This unusual attraction came about because there used to be a small courtyard through which the seven houses were accessible. However, the courtyard was closed down and some of the houses were merged, which is why the seven numbers disappeared.

It was the idea of a local advertising agency to answer the common question, “Why do the house numbers skip?” Brilliant, I must say.

Munch on Pizza While Boating

You’re bound to get hungry while you’re exploring all the unusual places in Amsterdam. So, take a break, and grab a slice of pizza… but with a twist. In Amsterdam, you can eat pizza in the most unique way possible – while in a boat on the canal.

💡 Tip Buy the I Amsterdam City Card for a free canal tour, transport, and loads of other activities on this list.

Grab your slice from Pizzeria San Marco, along the Amstelkanaal. San Marco isn’t hard to miss—the pizzeria is located within a former watchtower on the canal bridge. It’s best to call ahead and make sure you knock on the pizza window on the water to alert them of your arrival.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Meta Veerman (@metaveerman)

Search for a Unique Urinal

Okay, this may sound gross, but you need to see this particular urinal. The urinal in the city hall is actually a national monument. It’s a beautiful structure that that doesn’t look too much like a urinal from the outside. You don’t have to go in if you don’t want to! Just see it.

Check out our offbeat things to do in Amsterdam map to find the exact location of the urinal.

READ: Magical Treehouse Hotels to Visit in Europe

Visit the Memorial of Persecuted Gays & Lesbians

The Homomonument is located on the Keizersgracht canal. There is a pink triangle here that serves as a memorial to homosexuals that have been murdered throughout history. People who come here like to place floral wreaths on the triangle by the water.

Discover the Spooky House with Blood Stains

There is a building overlooking the Amstel River marked with reddish-brown symbols. You might think it’s common vandalism, but take a closer look and you’ll notice that it’s real blood. The locals believe that they are the bloody work of a mad ambassador who used to occupy the house.

The six-time mayor of Amsterdam, Van Beuningen, later moved into Amstel 216 and was rumoured to have bipolar disorder. It is said that during the height of his illness, people would see Kabbalistic signs painted on the facade of the building; and the tales say that he did this using his own blood.

Check out our weird things to do in Amsterdam map to find the exact location of the blood-stained house.

READ: Free Things to do in Hamburg, Germany

Take a Sweet Ride with a Twist

If you love sweets, specifically chocolates, I suggest you go on a chocolate tour in a vintage Fiat 500 . The tour will take you through the sweet spots in the city where you can try out different chocolates.

It’s such a dream ride—seated on a vintage car, munching on various chocolates. What could be more relaxing than that?

Search for the Secret Tiny Woodcutter

Among the many things that are hiding in plain sight in the city, one of them is a tiny statue of a woodcutter. You can find it in a busy square, between the branches of a large tree just across the Leidsekade from the American Hotel. Come closer and you will see a bronze statue leaning over intently, trying to saw the branch.

The Little Woodcutter is only 50-centimetres tall and it appeared on the branch in 1989 before Queen Beatrix’s birthday. Some locals believe that the piece was commissioned or created by the queen herself.

Aside from the woodcutter, other sculptures like this are scattered all over the city, such as the musician in the Town Hall and some miniature men climbing a wall in the Anjelierstraat. Why not see if you can find them all?

Check out our hidden things to do in Amsterdam map to find the exact location of the Tiny Woodcutter.

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Uncover the Mysteries of the Red Light District

The Red Light District, De Wallen, is one of the most unique places in Amsterdam and is under threat of gentrification. A neon-lit maze of medieval alleyways, coffee shops (ie. cannabis cafes), raunchy museums, gay bars, art galleries, sex shops, fast food, red-lit brothel windows, and seedy pubs.

Since 2020 tourists to Amsterdam can no longer take a tour of De Wallen in a measure designed to combat over-tourism. However, you may still do a self-guided audio tour of the area to discover stories, histories and facts. Just keep your wits about you, do not photograph sex workers, and watch out for pickpockets ( bring an anti-theft backpack to help you in this area).

There are lots of unique Amsterdam experiences to be had in De Wallen, so we have listed a few of the best below.

Honour Sex Workers (at a Church!)

Amsterdam doesn’t shy away from sex, the red light district itself is proof of that. Oude Kerk is one of the oldest churches in the city, but that’s not what’s unusual here. Standing in front of the church doors is a bronze statue named Belle. Belle is a monument to the sex workers of the world.

💡 Tip Grab the I Amsterdam City Card for free entry into Oude Kerk Church and loads of other activities on this list.

Also in the square, you will see a hand caressing a woman’s breast, which only shows that the city is active in the world’s oldest profession.

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Stop by a Weed Museum

Since you’re in for unusual activities in Amsterdam, there is a weed museum in the city. Yes, it’s unusual because you can’t find any other museum in the world that contains, erm, weed. The Hash, Marijuana and Hemp Museum has everything you need to know about the history and the future of cannabis.

💡 Tip You can download an audio tour that will guide you along Amsterdam’s 17th-century canals to Anne Frank House, the Hemp Museum, the Stock Exchange centre, plus the city’s notorious Red Light District.

The Hemp Museum contains old tools used for producing hemp, plus various ancient smoking devices. Here, you can get a deep understanding of the cannabis plant in the indoor cannabis garden inside the museum.

The museum’s aim is to educate visitors about how useful hemp, marijuana, and hash were in the past, and how they can be useful today. If you’re looking for cool things to do in Amsterdam for adults, this is it!

Visit a Secret Church… in an Attic

There is a canal house in Oudezijds Voorburgwal that looks like any other ordinary Dutch home. Originally, it was a residential house, and when you go inside, it just looks like a normal, old home. But up the narrow, steep staircase, up in the attic, you will find a miniature Catholic church. This is Our Lord in the Attic Museum .

The church is known as Schuilkerk (secret church) and was hidden away in the attic during the 17th century at the time when the persecution of Catholicism in the country was a thing. The Catholics were unable to hold mass in public, so Jan Hartmann converted the attic of his house to a church.

💡 Tip Grab the I Amsterdam City Card for free entry into Our Lord in the Attic museum and loads of other activities on this list.

The entrance to the church was through a fake door hidden in the living room. You’ll need to climb a tiny spiral staircase to reach the attic. The church can seat 150 people and is beautifully decorated.

The secret church is still in use today. Regular services and mass are held in the attic, so feel free to join in!

Have a Drink Where You Can Pay in Monkeys

Of course, that’s not something you can do anymore. Drinking is a common thing to do in Amsterdam; what’s unusual is where you’re going to have that drink. Café In’t Aepjen , located on the corner of the old Zeedijk, and near the red light district, is an unusual place to have a beer at.

In’t Aepjen means “In the Monkeys”, and it refers to the golden age of the Dutch Empire when sailors returned from distant colonies, short of money, and would pay using their acquired pets as payment for their ale. Eventually, the inn was overrun with monkeys that customers complained of fleas.

Today, the bar is decorated with monkeys everywhere you look. And just by being here will make you feel like you’ve been transported back in time—specifically when monkeys were still an acceptable form of currency.

💡 Tip You can download an audio tour of the Red Light District to listen to on your phone. Be immersed in the stories and history of Amsterdam’s most talked-about quarter, In’t Aepjen, Oude Kerk, the “secret” chapel, and lots more.

Squeeze into the Narrowest House in the City

The Kleine Trippenhuis, also known as Little Trip House, definitely stands out. It is actually across the canal from the city’s widest home Trippenhuis, which was built as the double-house residence of two Trip brothers and their families.

Then there is the Kleine Trippenhuis, which is only 8 feet wide. The bottom floor of the house is a shop, which means you can go inside and see how small it is. Prepare to squeeze yourself in.

Check out our amazing things to do in Amsterdam map to find the exact location of the Kleine Trippenhuis.

Weird Museums in Amsterdam

You’re spoiled for choice if you’re after a weird museum in Amsterdam. There are Sex Museums in De Walla, as well as two other unusual museums that we talked about above. Then, there are all the others! The Van Gogh Museum, please step to the side!

Consider getting your hands on an I Amsterdam City Card for free entry into many of the unusual museums on this list. It also includes a ticket for free transport around the city and entry into loads of other unique attractions too!

Plunge into the Electric Ladyland Light Museum

No, it’s not the album, but it’s still very interesting, and unusual. Amsterdam has a lot of museums, but the Museum of Fluorescent Light is so low-key that only us locals know about it. The museum showcases fluorescent minerals and once the visitor enters, they become a piece of the art in what’s called “Participatory Art.”

Check out our local things to do in Amsterdam map to find the exact location of the Electric Ladyland museum.

Marvel at Cuypers Library Architecture

Maybe you’ve heard of Rijksmuseum , but did you know it also contains the largest and oldest art historical library in the Netherlands? With floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, set in impressive 19th-century architecture including a spiral staircase, Cuypers Library is the perfect place to escape the crowds when visiting Rijksmuseum.

Alternatively, for those that like to solve puzzles and work as a team, the Rijkmuseum has an in-house escape room game that will allow visitors to immerse themselves in the museum. It is one of the most unique things to do in Amsterdam so don’t miss this opportunity!

💡 Tip Grab the I Amsterdam City Card for free entry into Rijksmuseum and loads of other activities on this list.

See Grotesque Medical Specimens at Vrolik

Here’s another museum where you can dive into total weirdness. This time, it’s in the medical field. Museum Vrolik in Amsterdam has a huge collection of gruesome medical exhibits. The museum holds over 10,000 medical and anatomical specimens that date back to the 1700s.

Since you’re down for trippy stuff, I suggest you don’t miss this one. It’s not every day you’ll find one-eyed creatures or preserved conjoined twins. Keep an eye out for the so-called mermaid fetuses as well. Oh, and the 16th-century bladder stone as big as a human fist is worth a look.

Explore the Curious Tiny Universe at Micropia

A science lover or unusual things just thrill you? The Tiny Universe at Micropia is one thing you can’t miss in unique Amsterdam. Here, you can take in stunning exhibits that focus on virtual reality and 3D equipment. What makes it even more interesting is you can watch scientists work in their labs.

💡 Tip Grab the I Amsterdam City Card for free entry into the Micropia museum and loads of other activities on this list.

You’re going to like it so much that you could spend one entire day here, and you wouldn’t even notice—that’s how fun it is!

Quirky Hotels in Amsterdam

Stay in the floating hotel: botel.

Botel must be one of the most unusual places to stay in Amsterdam! A quirky floating hotel where you can even stay in the letters that make up Botel on the roof!

The Botel is located on River IJ at the NDSM Wharf (a former shipyard) in Amsterdam. There is a free 10-minute ferry service to Amsterdam Central Station twice every hour. All rooms have spectacular land or river views as well as private bathrooms. There’s a bar and games room on the property plus they serve a decent breakfast. What’s not to like?!

An Unforgettable Local Experience at Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht

Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht, formerly Amsterdam’s Public Library, is now one of the most creative five-star luxury-lifestyle hotels in the city.

This unique hotel is situated a short stroll from the charming Nine Streets and bustling Museumplein. Enjoy the quirky Dutch-inspired interior design, enviable views over Amsterdam’s iconic Prinsengracht canal, the hotel’s secret garden, or picture-perfect dishes at the restaurant.

Be Delighted by Design at Hotel nhow

Said to be Amsterdams most Instagrammable hotel; inside and out is spectacular, quirky, and surprising! The iconic building, facing various wind directions, symbolises the melting-pot the city of Amsterdam has always been and continues to be.

Every single room at nhow Amsterdam RAI is intricately decorated with a desk for working, a private bathroom, and has amazing city views. The unique common areas are also a photographer’s paradise. To top it off it’s pet-friendly, close to the RAI convention centre and metro, and has a superb breakfast included.

In Conclusion

Whether it’s your first time visiting Amsterdam or you’ve been here several times, visiting these curious attractions will give you a thrilling experience. So, if you have plans to visit the city , try to do some of these weird activities and be sure to stay in one of the funky hotels in Amsterdam!

These unusual places to visit in Amsterdam will give you a different view, and who knows? You might appreciate the city more, or even better, the world. Now, go, and have a unique experience in Amsterdam.

Where Next? Free Things to do in Brussels

Unique Places Amsterdam FAQs

YES! If you are looking for unique things to do in Amsterdam, you will find you’re in paradise on Nieuwe Spiegelstraat, a street lined with antique shops, each with a story of Amsterdam waiting to be discovered. The most famous of which is Thom & Lenny Nelis Antiques, a shop dedicated to antique medical instruments and the likes.

If you are looking for the craziest things to do in Amsterdam (that are also legal), then we recommend you to check out A’DAM Lookout and ride in the highest swing in Europe. Also, don’t miss the Weed Museum, the eccentric medical specimens at Vrolik, and the opportunity to stay at the Botel Floating Hotel. Read more about these places in our full guide.

The red light district in Amsterdam is the heart of entertainment in Amsterdam. Undoubtedly, many of the unique experiences Amsterdam has to offer are located inside the red light district. hence, safety in the red light district in Amsterdam is of the utmost importance. Luckily, because of how famous the district is, the government has invested a lot to keep it safe. Certainly, petty crimes such as pickpockets are not unusual, but there are no serious crimes like mugging and the likes. Generally, the red light district in Amsterdam is very safe.

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Ask The Dutch Guy is your go-to guide when it comes to The Netherlands. The goal of Ask The Dutch Guy is to showcase the beauty of The Netherlands and to inspire others to explore the country. Read more about Ask The Dutch Guy at https://askthedutchguy.com . Follow him on Facebook and Instagram .

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40 Fun and Unique Things to Do in Amsterdam | 2024 (with Photos)

Nataša Obradovic - Travel Writer

Last Updated: January 4, 2024

Hey! How’s it going? I’m Natasha, and below you'll discover 40 fun and unique things to do in Amsterdam in 2024, complete with captivating photos. With my firsthand experiences and love for this amazing city, I hope this list helps you make the most of your trip and have an unforgettable time in Amsterdam!

Located in the heart of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is a vibrant destination that offers visitors a plethora of things to do, from exploring the city's many historic sites to enjoying a leisurely boat tour through its picturesque canals.

Amsterdam is much more than its coffee shops, red light district, and canals, though these may be the only attractions you are familiar with. 

In this post, we are going to break down 40 fun and unique things to do in Amsterdam that will make your trip unforgettable.

Most Recommended Thing to Do

Van Gogh Museum

Top Choice Hotel

Conservatorium Hotel

Our Top Choice Restaurant

Our Top Choice Bar for Nightlife

Best Time to Visit

Spring tulips, summer festivals, winter markets, anytime beautiful.

Average Temperature

Mild winters, cool summers in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Transportation Options

Bicycles, trams, buses, trains, boats, taxis, walking, scooters

Average Cost ($, $$, $$$)

My Top Recommendation

Amsterdam, the Netherlands, is a city that effortlessly blends a rich cultural heritage with modern urban vibes. One of my top recommendations for experiencing the true essence of this captivating destination is to rent a classic Dutch bike and explore the city like a local. Pedal your way through the picturesque canals, narrow cobblestone streets, and charming neighborhoods, immersing yourself in the city's vibrant atmosphere. Marvel at the stunning 17th-century architecture, hop off at traditional brown cafes to savor Dutch treats like stroopwafels and bitterballen, or simply take a leisurely ride in the iconic Vondelpark, Amsterdam's answer to Central Park. By embracing the bicycle culture of Amsterdam, you'll not only have a more personalized and intimate experience but also be able to uncover hidden gems that might have otherwise gone unnoticed.

No visit to Amsterdam would be complete without exploring its world-renowned museum scene. My personal recommendation is to visit the Rijksmuseum, a true treasure trove of Dutch art and history. Immerse yourself in the works of the Dutch masters, including Rembrandt's "The Night Watch" and Vermeer's "The Milkmaid," as you journey through centuries of artistic brilliance. Take your time to wander through the museum's magnificent galleries, experiencing the awe-inspiring beauty of these iconic paintings up close. Afterward, stroll through the museum's exquisite gardens and savor a moment of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. By indulging in the artistic wonders of the Rijksmuseum, you'll not only gain a deeper appreciation for Dutch culture but also create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

What You'll Need to Bring

Passport, comfortable walking shoes, clothing suitable for the weather, local currency, guidebook or maps, phone and charger, travel insurance, camera, toiletries, travel adapter.

What Not to Miss

Anne frank house.

• Rijksmuseum
• Canal Cruise
• Jordaan neighborhood
• Amsterdamse Bos
• Heineken Experience
• Bloemenmarkt (Floating Flower Market)

What to Avoid

• Overcrowded tourist areas
• Expensive tourist traps
• Illegal drugs and related activities
• Late-night cycling without proper precautions
• Ignoring bike traffic rules
• Tipping excessively at restaurants
• So-called "coffee shops" unless interested in cannabis
• Lack of respect for local customs and traditions
• Engaging with unlicensed taxi services
• Failing to reserve popular attractions in advance

Table of Contents

1. Van Gogh Museum

Let's kick off this list with one of Amsterdam's most popular gems. The Van Gogh Museum is one of the most visited museums in Amsterdam and a must-visit location for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

The Van Gogh Museum is dedicated to the life and works of the renowned Dutch painter, Vincent van Gogh.

The renowned and striking museum houses the largest collection of Van Gogh's artwork in the world, including many of his most famous works such as "The Starry Night" and "Sunflowers".

You can explore the museum's galleries and gain insight into Van Gogh's life and artistic development through interactive exhibits and multimedia displays.

2. Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House is a museum located in Amsterdam that preserves the former hiding place where Anne Frank, a young Jewish girl, and her family lived in hiding during World War II.

The Anne Frank House is dedicated to preserving Anne Frank's story and educating visitors about the experiences of Jews during the Holocaust .

Anne Frank's story is well-known around the world, thanks to her diary, which she wrote while in hiding. The Diary of Anne Frank provides a unique and personal account of life in hiding and the daily struggles that Anne and her family faced.

The Anne Frank House is a powerful reminder of the importance of tolerance and the consequences of hatred and prejudice.

The Anne Frank House also features exhibits on discrimination and prejudice, as well as interactive displays that encourage visitors to reflect on their own attitudes and actions.

3. City Center of Amsterdam

The historic city center of Amsterdam is a bustling and vibrant area that attracts visitors from all over the world. When you're looking for things to do in Amsterdam, the city center is a great place to start.

The city center is a hub of activity, with its many cafes, restaurants, and shops offering a glimpse into the daily life of this vibrant city.

The city center is home to many of Amsterdam's most iconic landmarks, including the Royal Palace , the National Monument , and Dam Square .

You can stroll through the narrow streets and charming canals of the city center, admiring the unique architecture and historic buildings that give Amsterdam its distinctive character.

4. Red Light District

Amsterdam's Red Light District is a unique and controversial area that draws curious visitors from all over the world. One of the most iconic things to do in Amsterdam is to walk down the Red Light District at night.

Located in the city center, this area is a network of narrow streets and alleys lined with windows where sex workers advertise their services.

Despite its notoriety, the Red Light District is a legal and regulated area that operates under strict guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of sex workers.

Visitors to the area are advised to be respectful and adhere to the rules and regulations in place.

The Red Light District is also home to many bars, clubs, and restaurants, making it a popular destination for nightlife and entertainment.

5. Explore the Nine Streets

The Nine Streets , or "De Negen Straatjes" in Dutch, is a charming and picturesque neighborhood located in the heart of Amsterdam.

As the name suggests, the area of Nine Streets comprises nine little streets that are lined with boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants .

The Nine Streets is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, thanks to its unique and eclectic mix of shops and businesses.

You can browse through vintage clothing stores, antique shops, and art galleries, or stop for a coffee or a bite to eat in one of the many cozy cafes and restaurants.

Despite its small size, Nine Streets is a bustling and lively neighborhood that offers a glimpse into the daily life of Amsterdam.

6. Royal Palace Amsterdam

The Royal Palace , also known as the Royal Palace Amsterdam, is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city of Amsterdam.

Located in the heart of the city on Dam Square , the palace has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the 17th century.

Originally built as a city hall for Amsterdam in the mid-17th century, the building was later converted into a palace for the Dutch royal family in the 19th century.

Today, the palace is used for official functions and state visits and is also open to the public for tours and special events. These tours are some of the most popular things to do in Amsterdam among tourists.

The Central Hall of the Palace is a magnificent space that exudes grandeur and history.

7. Dutch Resistance Museum

The Dutch Resistance Museum , located in Amsterdam, offers a unique perspective on the history of the Netherlands during World War II.

The museum tells the story of the Dutch resistance movement and its efforts to oppose the Nazi occupation of the country.

While the museum's primary focus is on the resistance movement during World War II , it also provides a broader context for the historical and cultural factors that contributed to the Dutch resistance.

This includes information on the Dutch Golden Age , a period of great prosperity and cultural achievement in the Netherlands during the 17th century, as well as the country's rich tradition of Dutch art and innovation.

At the Dutch Resistance Museum, you can explore a range of exhibits and artifacts related to the resistance movement, including photographs, documents, and personal accounts from individuals who played a role in the resistance.

8. Take a Canal Tour

A guided canal tour , also known as a canal cruise, is one of the most popular things to do in Amsterdam. A boat tour of Amsterdam is as relaxing as it is popular.

With its many winding waterways and charming canal-side buildings, Amsterdam is often called the " Venice of the North ," and a canal tour is the perfect way to experience the city's unique beauty and charm.

During a canal tour, you will board a boat and cruise along the city's picturesque waterways, taking in the sights and sounds of Amsterdam from a unique and unforgettable perspective.

Along the way, a knowledgeable guide will provide an audio tour and insights into the city's rich history and culture, pointing out landmarks and attractions as you pass by.

One of the great advantages of a canal is that it allows visitors to see the city from a completely different angle.

9. Floating Flower Market

The Floating Flower Market in Amsterdam is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike.

Located along the Singel Canal , the market offers a vibrant array of flowers, plants, and bulbs, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in horticulture or simply looking to enjoy the colorful scenery.

Despite its name, the Floating Flower Market is actually a stationary market, with vendors selling their wares from stalls along the canal.

The market is also known for its wide selection of bulbs, particularly tulips , which Amsterdam is known for.

10. Amsterdam Central Station

Amsterdam Central Station is a major transportation hub and a central location in the heart of the city. Located in the historic center of Amsterdam, the station serves as a gateway to the city for millions of visitors every year.

In addition to its transportation functions, Amsterdam Central Station is also a popular destination in its own right, offering a wide range of shops, restaurants, and other amenities for travelers and locals alike.

From the station, visitors can easily access some of Amsterdam's most iconic attractions, such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Anne Frank House.

One of the unique features of Amsterdam Central Station is its location on the edge of the city's historic center.

From the station, you can easily explore the charming streets and canals of Amsterdam's old town, as well as nearby attractions such as Central Park and the Jordaan neighborhood.

11. Canal Ring

The Canal Ring in Amsterdam is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the city's most iconic features.

Consisting of a series of concentric canals and charming canal-side buildings, the Canal Ring is a testament to Amsterdam's history and unique urban planning.

Built in the 17th century, the Canal Ring was designed to help accommodate the city's rapid growth and economic expansion during the Dutch Golden Age. Exploring the canals is another of the most popular things to do in Amsterdam.

The canals are a popular destination for visitors and locals alike, offering a wide range of attractions and activities.

From boat tours and canal-side cafes to art galleries and museums, the Canal Ring has something to offer everyone.

12. Canal Houses

Canal Houses are a unique feature of Amsterdam's architecture and history. Visiting a canal house is one of the quintessential things to do in Amsterdam.

These narrow and tall buildings were built in the 17th century to accommodate the growing population of the city and its thriving economy.

Today, many of these Canal Houses have been converted into museums, galleries, boutique hotels, and private residences.

13. Sex Museum

The Sex Museum in Amsterdam is a popular destination for those looking to explore the city's more risqué side.

Once there, you can opt for a guide, or you can take a self-guided tour through the rooms of the facility.

Located in the heart of the Red Light District, the museum offers an extensive collection of erotic art, photographs, and other exhibits that explore the history and culture of human sexuality.

14. Dam Square

Dam Square is a bustling public square located in the heart of Amsterdam's historic city center, adjacent to Amsterdam Centraal Station and Amsterdam West.

It is home to many of the city's most iconic landmarks, including the Royal Palace, the National Monument, and Amsterdam's oldest building, the Oude Kerk.

You can enjoy a wide range of shops, cafes, and street performers, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. When looking for things to do in Amsterdam, Dam Square is a great starting point.

15. Tulip Museum

The Tulip Museum in Amsterdam is a small but fascinating museum dedicated to the history and culture of tulips in the Netherlands.

The museum features exhibits on the origins of tulips, the famous Dutch tulip trade , and the many different varieties of tulips that are cultivated in the country today.

You can also learn about the cultural significance of tulips in Dutch art and literature, and enjoy a range of souvenirs and gifts inspired by these iconic flowers.

16. Amsterdam Noord

Amsterdam Noord is a rapidly developing neighborhood located across the IJ River from Amsterdam's historic city center.

It is known for its creative and innovative community, with many artists, designers, and entrepreneurs making their homes here.

You can enjoy a range of unique attractions, including the EYE Film Museum , the NDSM Wharf cultural center , and the A'DAM Tower observation deck.

17. Food Tour

A food tour in Amsterdam is a fantastic way to explore the city's vibrant culinary scene, and one of the best places to start is by visiting the city's many food halls.

These bustling indoor markets offer a wide range of traditional Dutch and international cuisine , with vendors serving up everything from fresh seafood and artisanal cheeses to gourmet sandwiches and craft beer.

Some of the most popular food halls in Amsterdam include the Foodhallen in the Oud-West neighborhood, the Markthal in Rotterdam, and the World of Food in Amsterdam Southeast.

18. Try the Delicious Pannenkoeken

Dutch pancakes , known as pannenkoeken , are a culinary delight that you simply must try while visiting Amsterdam. 

These thin, large pancakes are a beloved Dutch specialty, offering a delicious twist on the classic pancake.

Unlike American pancakes, Dutch pancakes are typically served as a meal rather than for breakfast. They come in an array of sweet and savory options , catering to all taste preferences

From traditional toppings like powdered sugar, syrup, and fresh fruit to unique combinations with cheese, bacon, or even smoked salmon, there's a pancake to satisfy every palate. 

Trying a delicious pannenkoeken is one of the sweetest things to do in Amsterdam.

19. Amsterdam Zoo

Artis Zoo , also known as Amsterdam Zoo, is one of the oldest zoos in Europe and one of the best zoos in the world .

Located in the heart of Amsterdam, Artis Zoo features a wide range of animals from around the world, including elephants, lions, giraffes, and penguins.

You can also enjoy a variety of interactive experiences, such as feeding the animals , exploring the petting zoo , and taking part in educational programs and guided tours.

20. NDSM Wharf

Located in Amsterdam, the NDSM Wharf is a vibrant and dynamic cultural hotspot that offers a variety of attractions, including Europe's largest flea market which you shouldn't miss when you visit Amsterdam.

This former shipyard turned creative hub is a haven for artists, designers, and entrepreneurs, attracting visitors from all over the world. The NDSM Wharf is renowned for its unique and diverse flea market, where you can uncover hidden treasures, vintage goods, and one-of-a-kind items.

Strolling through the market, you'll encounter a lively atmosphere filled with bustling stalls and enthusiastic vendors.

Whether you're a seasoned bargain hunter or simply looking for a memorable shopping experience, the NDSM Wharf's flea market is a must-visit destination in Amsterdam.

21. Visit a Brown Cafe

A brown cafe in Amsterdam is a cozy, traditional Dutch pub known for its warm, rustic atmosphere. These charming establishments are characterized by their dark wooden interiors, vintage decor, and relaxed ambiance.

They offer a wide selection of local beers, spirits, and traditional Dutch snack s, making them the perfect place to unwind and soak up the authentic Amsterdam experience.

For a more luxurious experience, you may also want to spend time at a rooftop bar while you visit Amsterdam.

22. Town Hall

The Town Hall in Amsterdam is a beautiful and historic building in the city center that dates back to the Middle Ages. 

The building served as the city's administrative center for centuries and has since been converted into a museum.

You can explore the Town Hall's ornate architecture , stunning interior, and extensive collection of artwork, including street art, with the help of a free audio guide.

The Town Hall is also located in the heart of Amsterdam's UNESCO World Heritage-listed Museum Quarter , making it an ideal destination for history buffs and art lovers alike.

23. Heineken Experience

The Heineken Experience is a popular attraction in Amsterdam that offers visitors an immersive and interactive tour of the iconic Heineken brewery in the city center.

During the tour, you can learn about the history of Heineken , the beer-making process, and the brand's marketing campaigns.

The Heineken Experience also includes a range of interactive exhibits, including a virtual reality ride and a tasting room where visitors can sample different types of Heineken beer .

The tour culminates in the Heineken bar, where you can enjoy a freshly brewed beer while taking in the views of Amsterdam from the rooftop terrace.

24. Art House Cinema

Another of the most fun things to do in Amsterdam is to visit an Art House Cinema.

Art House Cinemas in Amsterdam are popular destinations for movie lovers looking for a unique and alternative cinema experience.

These cinemas often showcase independent films, documentaries, and foreign-language movies, providing a platform for up-and-coming filmmakers and artists.

25. Ons Lieve Heer Op Solder

Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder , or "Our Lord in the Attic," is a unique and hidden gem of Amsterdam.

Located in the city center, this 17th-century canal house contains a secret Catholic church that was built in the attic during the Dutch Reformation.

Visitors to Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder can explore the historic canal house and climb the narrow staircases to reach the beautifully preserved church in the attic.

The church is a testament to the religious tolerance and creativity of the people of Amsterdam during a time of great upheaval and change.

26. Stedelijk Museum

The Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam is a must-visit of many art museums for modern and contemporary art lovers.

The museum boasts an impressive collection of works by famous artists such as Mondrian, Warhol, and Koons , as well as lesser-known artists and emerging talents.

In addition to its permanent collection, the Stedelijk hosts a range of temporary exhibitions that showcase cutting-edge art and design from around the world.

If you decide to visit Amsterdam, you shouldn't miss this lesser-known attraction.

27. Jordaan District

The Jordaan District is a charming and picturesque neighborhood in Amsterdam that is known for its narrow streets, cozy cafes, and boutique shops.

It is also a hub for street art and graffiti , with colorful murals and tags adorning many of its walls and buildings.

28. Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum

The Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum is a unique and fascinating museum located in the heart of Amsterdam.

As the name suggests, the museum is dedicated to the history, culture, and science of cannabis and hemp.

You can explore a wide range of exhibits and displays that highlight the various uses of these plants, from medicinal purposes to recreational use and industrial applications.

29. Fashion for Good

Fashion for Good is a sustainable fashion museum and innovation platform in Amsterdam that showcases innovative and sustainable fashion designs and technologies.

The museum offers a unique and interactive experience, highlighting the need for change in the fashion industry and inspiring visitors to make more conscious choices when it comes to fashion.

30. Confession Wall at the Museum of Prostitution

Th e Confession Wall at the Museum of Prostitution is a thought-provoking and intriguing exhibit that offers visitors a unique glimpse into the world of sex work and its complexities.

Located in Amsterdam's famous Red Light District near the city center, the museum features a dedicated wall where you can anonymously share your thoughts, experiences, and confessions related to prostitution.

This interactive installation serves as a platform for reflection and dialogue , inviting everyone to explore the personal and societal aspects of the profession.

It provides an opportunity to challenge stereotypes, promote understanding, and foster conversations about sex work in a safe and respectful environment.

31. Sexmuseum Amsterdam Venustempel

The Sexmuseum Amsterdam Venustempel is a unique and controversial museum that explores the history and culture of sex and sexuality.

Located in Amsterdam's Red Light District, the museum features an extensive collection of erotic art, photographs, and objects that span centuries and cultures.

You can explore the various exhibits and displays, which cover everything from ancient fertility symbols to modern-day pornography.

32. Escape Room

An escape room is a type of immersive game where players are locked in a room and must solve puzzles and clues in order to escape within a set time limit.

Escape rooms have become a popular form of entertainment in Amsterdam and there are many different themes and challenges to choose from, ranging from haunted houses to bank heists.

Take your friends to an escape room in Amsterdam and once you have found your way out, celebrate on a rooftop bar and watch the world go by.

33. Zaanse Schans Windmills

The Zaanse Schans Windmills are a popular tourist attraction located just outside of Amsterdam.

The area is home to several historic windmills that were once used for grinding spices, producing paint, and sawing wood.

You can take a guided tour of the windmills , learn about their history, and even see them in action.

In addition to the windmills, the Zaanse Schans area also features traditional Dutch houses, museums, and workshops where you can see demonstrations of traditional crafts such as clog making and cheese making.

34. Keukenhof Gardens

Keukenhof Gardens is one of the world's largest flower gardens and a popular tourist attraction in the Netherlands.

Located near the town of Lisse , the gardens are open only in the spring when the tulips are in bloom.

You can enjoy a stunning display of over 7 million flowers , including tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. In addition to the flowers, the gardens also feature several pavilions, restaurants, and shops selling souvenirs and local products.

35. Ripley’s Believe It or Not

Ripley’s Believe It or Not is a global franchise that features various oddities, curiosities, and strange artifacts from around the world.

In Amsterdam, Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum is located in the heart of the city and is home to a collection of more than 500 exhibits , including shrunken heads, a two-headed calf, and a sculpture made entirely of chewing gum.

36. Castle Muiderslot

Castle Muiderslot is a medieval castle located in Muiden, just outside of Amsterdam.

It was originally built in the 13th century as a defense fortress and has been used for various purposes over the centuries, including as a residence for nobles and even as a prison.

Today, the castle is open to the public and visitors can explore the castle's many rooms and exhibits, which showcase its rich history and cultural significance.

37. Vondelpark

Vondelpark is a beautiful urban park located in the heart of Amsterdam. It was opened in 1865 and is named after the Dutch poet Joost van den Vondel.

The park covers an area of 47 hectares and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. You can enjoy walking or biking along the park's many paths, relaxing on the lawns, and watching street performers.

38. Ride a Bike Through Central Amsterdam

Riding a bike through Amsterdam is an iconic and popular way to explore the city. With a flat landscape and a comprehensive network of cycle lanes, Amsterdam is known as one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world.

Renting a bike is easy, and the various rental shops offer a range of options, including city bikes, tandems, and electric bikes.

39. Wetlands

The wetlands of Amsterdam , also known as the Amsterdamse Bos, offer visitors a peaceful retreat from the busy city.

With more than 30 lakes and ponds , the area is a haven for wildlife, including birds, fish, and other animals.

You can explore the wetlands on foot or by bike, taking in the natural beauty of the area while enjoying the fresh air and tranquility.

40. Zandvoort and Scheveningen

Zandvoort and Scheveningen are two popular beach destinations in the Netherlands.

Zandvoort is a lively coastal town located about 25 kilometers west of Amsterdam, known for its long sandy beach, beach clubs, and motorsport circuit.

Scheveningen , on the other hand, is a seaside resort town located near The Hague, the political capital of the Netherlands. It has a long beach promenade, a pier, a lighthouse, and various water sports and beach activities.

FAQs Regarding Things to Do in Amsterdam

Let's look at some of the most frequently asked questions relating to the best things to do in Amsterdam.

Is there anything fun to do in Amsterdam?

There are many fun things to do in Amsterdam, including riding Europe's highest swing, visiting famous paintings at museums such as the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, and exploring the city's largest collection of art at the Stedelijk.

Can you spend 3 days in Amsterdam?

You can spend 3 days in Amsterdam and explore many of the city's top attractions, museums, and neighborhoods with an audio tour or a walking tour guide. It is best to arrive at the Schiphol airport which is fairly near the city center and saves a lot of time commuting.

What can't I miss in Amsterdam?

Some of the must-see attractions in Amsterdam include the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, the Anne Frank House, the canal cruise, and the Red Light District. Make sure to book before you visit museums in Amsterdam, as many are popular and get booked up.

Can Amsterdam be done in 2 days?

While it's possible to see some of Amsterdam's highlights in 2 days, it's recommended to stay for at least 3 days to fully experience the city's culture and attractions.

However, if you only have 2 days, prioritize the top attractions like the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, and a canal cruise, which can be completed in about an hour each.

Summing Up: Fun and Unique Things to Do in Amsterdam

As you can see, there’s no shortage of things to do in Amsterdam. This city is vibrant, boasting a rich history, stunning architecture, and plenty of attractions for visitors to enjoy.

From exploring the city's canals, museums, and historic landmarks to sampling local cuisine and experiencing the nightlife, there's something for everyone in Amsterdam.

Even if you only have a couple of days to explore the city, you can still see many of its highlights and get a taste of its unique culture.

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10 Rare Museums in Amsterdam

Posted on: januari 5, 2024

10 Best Unusual Museums In Amsterdam

Are you looking for unforgettable and fun things do in Amsterdam? Do not wander around the city aimlessly. That is a waste of your precious time! Discover these 10 unusual museums in Amsterdam and experience something unique!

Inhoudsopgave

Did you know that Amsterdam was ranked as the most cultural city of the world in 2017? The creators of the ranking (The World’s Most Cultural cities)  used TripAdvisor to determine the number of theaters, museums, art galleries, concert halls and Michelin restaurants. They did this for the thirty cities worldwide that received the most international visitors who also stayed in the city. For these cities, the list looked at the number of inhabitants in relation to the number of cultural attractions in the city.

These 10 unusual museums in Amsterdam probably helped with that high ranking!

1 | Kattenkabinet

In 1990, cat lover Bob Meijer set up the Kattenkabinet, in honor of his deceased red male cat named J.P. Morgan. In the museum you can admire all kinds of paintings, sculptures and drawings with a cat theme. Presented are works by, among others, Picasso and Toulouse-Lautrec.

The museum is located in a beautiful old canal house from 1667, making a visit to this peculiar museum an interesting experience even for people who do not like cats.

Openingstijden

✦ Monday through Friday:  from 10:00 am till 5:00 pm.

✦ Saturday through Sunday: from 12:00 noon till 5:00 pm.

2 | Torture Museum Amsterdam

Number two of our unusual museums in Amsterdam list is the Torture Museum Amsterdam, and it is not suitable for the weak. This intriguing museum gives you a realistic look at a dark past, where gruesome torture techniques and public executions were everyday occurrences. More than 40 different torture instruments and methods from different parts of Europe are presented in the Torture Museum.

✦ From 10:00 am till 11:00 pm.

3 | Amsterdam Pipe Museum

In this cozy museum you can view peace pipes, clay pipes and historical price lists. As a visitor you get a personal tour of the hundreds of pipes and all related smoky objects. The tour guide tells all stories behind the objects, which makes it very interesting.

✦ Monday through Saturday: from 12:00 noon till 6:00 pm.

4 | Museum Vrolik

How do we look on the inside? How are our organs and body parts built up and where is everything exactly? Where do the muscles and blood vessels run in your forearm? In Vrolik Museum you’ll find a collection where the normal and abnormal development of the human body play a central role. It was amassed in the late 18th century, the 19th century and the first quarter of the 20th century.

✦ Monday through Friday: from 10:00 am till 5:00 pm.

5 | Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum

Are you interested in cannabis? Then this is something you should experience!

De Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum in Amsterdam is the world’s oldest and most important museum that is solely dedicated to Cannabis Sativa L, also known as hemp or marijuana.

This museum fulfills an important informative function. It has a unique collection that covers all aspects of cannabis. It functions as an educational center and facilitates scientific research and fulfils an important informative function.

The Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum was founded by Ben Dronkers – one of Holland’s most important cannabis pioneers. He is also the CEO of Sensi Seeds.

✦ From 10:00 am till 10:00 pm.

6 | House Boat Museum

In 1997 the House Boat Museum was opened. The owner got the idea for the museum because of the many questions he got about living in a house boat. Now visitors can see and experience what it is like to live on a houseboat in Amsterdam. The unique location at the Prinsengracht, on the edge of the famous Jordaan, provides a magnificent backdrop for the historic museum ship.

Opening hours can be found on the website of the HouseBoatMuseum .

7 | Museum Of Bags And Purses

Number 7 on our unusual museums in Amsterdam list is the largest museum for bags and purses in the world. With more than 4,000 bags, the museum shows the history of the bag and purse in the west. From the Middle Ages to the present. The oldest bag is a goatskin leather bag from the sixteenth century. The collection hosts the weirdest and craziest types of bags including iconic ones from Margaret Thatcher’s and Madonna.

✦ From 10:00 am till 5:00 pm.

8 | Our Lord In The Attic

Tucked away in the heart of De Wallen lies a small uniquely preserved wonder: the Our Lord in the Attic Museum. Walk through the narrow corridors of this seventeenth-century canal house. Climb the wooden stairs and discover living rooms, kitchens and bedsteads all furnished in the style of the Dutch Golden Age. This all leads up to the attic of the museum where you’ll find an entire hidden church.

This museum is also a part of Amsterdam Audio Tours .

✦ Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am till 6:00 pm ✦ Sunday from 1:00 pm till 6:00 pm.

9 | Museum Tot Zover / Funeral Museum

Us humans cherish life, but we need death to give it all meaning. Dutch society is constantly changing and this affects the forms of funeral services, funeral rituals and the way we Dutchies mourn. Tot Zover delves into how the Dutch deal with death in four different themes: rituals, the body, Mourning and remembrance, and reflection on mortality.

Museum Tot Zover gives an overview of the traditions and customs in the field of dying, burial and grief processing in the Netherlands. There are, for example, objects relating to the funeral industry, such as the uniform of an undertaker’s man and an atomizer, which was used to dispel unpleasant odors in death rooms. Attention is also given to modern funeral rituals, for example in other cultures.

10 | Electric Ladyland Museum

The last one on our unusual museums in Amsterdam list is a museum named after one of Jimi Hendrix’s best records, and that can only mean one thing: psychedelic art. Electric Ladyland is an ode to fluorescent art, which can sometimes have hallucinatory (side) effects. In this museum you are not merely an observer, you take part in a world full of weird shapes and colors. Ideal for anyone who does not like the passive view of art and prefers to be a part of the adventure.

Open: Wednesday through Saturday  from 2:00 am till 6:00 pm.

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What you will see on a Free Tour through the Red Light District of Amsterdam.

Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands and it is one of the cities that is an obligatory stop if you are in Northern Europe. The River Amstel winds its way through the many picture-perfect canals that characterize the city and lead you to some of the main neighborhoods of the city along with the IJ Bay. Popularly known as the “Venice of the North” because of its waterways which cross the city, like in other European cities such as Hamburg, Bruges, or Stockholm. 

The free walking tours in Amsterdam will help you to get to know the most interesting and emblematic places in the city, as well as the hidden charms and lesser-known destinations in the city thanks to the recommendations and advice your local guides give you during the walk. Some of the must-see spots that you can’t miss are the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank’s House, the National Museum of Amsterdam, (Rijksmuseum) Dam Square, Vondelpark, the Museum of Rembrandt’s House, The Royal Palace, the oldest house in the city-Oude Kerk, the floating Flower Market, the Begijnhof, (the famous, enclosed courtyard) Rembrandtplein Square, or the Magere Brug Bridge.  Discover all these amazing places in Amsterdam with the help of a local tour guide from GuruWalk. 

There are many more monuments and places to see on your free walking tour in Amsterdam, which have also been reviewed by other travelers who have already done the tour and have evaluated both the route and the local guide.

Free walking tour near Amsterdam

Others cities to visit after amsterdam, find other guruwalks in amsterdam, where are you traveling to.

22 Best Things to Do in Amsterdam at Night in 2024

By: Author Girl with the Passport

Posted on Last updated: January 5, 2024

Categories Europe

If you’re planning a trip to Amsterdam and love hitting the town after dark then this post about the best things to do in Amsterdam at night is for you.

After all, I have been to Amsterdam countless times and always love enjoying the best things to do in Amsterdam at night .

Yeah, Amsterdam is just incredible once the sun sets since the city is filled with epic clubs, awesome bars, and amazing jazz joints.

So, if you’re not sure what to do in Amsterdam at night then stick around. Because this article is filled with expert tips and hidden gems that you will adore!

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

Best Things to Do in Amsterdam at Night

1. embark on an evening canal cruise.

⭐️ Rating: 4.4/5.0 (994 Reviews) Price: $27.25 per person Duration: 1 hour 📍 Meeting Point: Oudezijds Voorburgwal 230 Operator: Starboard Boats Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Cruising through the picturesque canals of the city is hands down one of the best things to do in Amsterdam at night.

And, there are tons of tours to – ahem – navigate your way through.

But, I’ve done the hard work for you and can confirm that this evening canal cruise with drinks is the cream of the crop.

See, they have a covered canal boat for winter and open boats for the summer. Plus, you have multiple evening departures available with the last one setting sail between 10 pm and 10:30 pm.

“Jay and his captain who I forgot the name of were great tour guides. It was an awesome experience I highly reccomend to anyone! Perfect for adults who want to see Amsterdam and learn a bit about the history. I asked the tour guide about sites we saw and he was SO informative. Thank you guys!” Eve ( read more reviews now )

Plus, the itinerary is epic and has you hopping from canal to canal.

So, leaving from Oudezijds Voorburgwal, you’ll float past the Red Light District and the NEMO Science Museum.

The standard option covers you for two alcoholic drinks onboard. But, a modest surcharge upgrades you to unlimited drinks. Yeah, go for the unlimited drinks because it is well worth it.

Although, this Amsterdam boat tour is only an hour long. So, keep that in mind when selecting the best tour for you.

However, the length of this cruise makes it the perfect addition to any Amsterdam itinerary .

Pro Tip: Based on the season, there are often themed cruises. Like the mega epic Amsterdam Light Festival…

2. Experience the Amsterdam Light Festival in Winter

⭐️ Rating: 4.3/5.0 (280 Reviews) Price: $43.06 per person Duration: 75 minutes 📍Meeting Point: See website Operator: Starboard Boats Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

The what? The Amsterdam Light Festival is a special winter festival that occurs only in January and February.

In a nutshell, the whole city center is illuminated with twinkling light installations and artistic displays that make this one of the best night activities in Amsterdam.

Yeah, it is one mega epic tribute to art, creativity, science, and modern tech.

Experiencing this magical festival is one of the best things to do in Amsterdam at night in winter.

And, it’s way better from the water with this Amsterdam Light Festival cruise with unlimited drinks .

Bundled up under a cozy blanket, you’ll sip beer, mulled wine, or soda while journeying past 20 of the best light installations.

“Iris and Paul were absolutely fantastic. Iris our guide was amazing and explained everything so well and was willing to answer questions. So engaging and so friendly. A lot of drink on board which was great. The education behind the light show is fascinating. I would 100% recommend as my boyfriend and I had an amazing time on this cruise!!!. The light show is beautiful.” Abi ( read more reviews now )

Plus, the tour price includes the ticket price for the festival as well as the cruise.

3. Walk through the Red Light District

⭐️ Rating: 4.7/5.0 (515 Reviews) Price: $21.75 per person Duration: 50 minutes 📍Meeting Point: Club BonTon, Stadhouderskade 64-1, 1072 AD Operator: Tour de Bonton Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Now, Amerstam’s Red Light District has garnered quite a reputation over the years.

In fact, De Wallen earned its nickname in the 19th century when brothel owners used gas lights to show customers what type of business they had.

After all, the Red Light District comprises of sex clubs, sex shops, peep shows, and even a sex museum that is a cool hidden gem in Amsterdam .

And while roaming around De Wallen after hours isn’t for everyone, this brothel tour with a former sex worke r is an interesting way of going about it.

See, this tour takes place in the VIP rooms of Bonton – a high-end strip club that draws a mixed crowd.

There, your guide – an ex-sex worker – shares funny anecdotes plus an insightful history of legal prostitution in the Netherlands.

“Very interesting and informative tour – completely changed our perspective of the sex worker industry! Angel was a fantastic guide, she told us her story and shared her experiences as a sex worker. Would absolutely recommend this tour! Thank you Angel!” Hannah ( read more reviews now )

Plus, they’ll talk about what it’s really like to work in the sex industry and how women are kept safe.

At the end, you’re invited to try your moves on the strip poles (it’s totally private, FYI). So, yeah, this is clearly one of the best things to do in Amsterdam at night.

4. Relax at a Coffee Shop

⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5.0 (2011 Reviews) Price: $39.79 per person Duration: 2 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Varies Operator: :Trigger Tours Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Yup, there’s more than flat whites on the menu at coffee shops in Amsterdam.

See, these ganga cafes are an institution and one of the most popular things to do in Amsterdam at night.

Obviously, you can always dedicate an evening to touring these independently as you enjoy the best nightlife in Amsterdam.

On the other hand, you can always sign up for a Red Light District and coffee shop tour .

Available as a private or shared tour, this evening activity in Amsterdam combines history and nightlife.

“Our tour guide was simply amazing! Our tour on November 24th was changed from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. due to the illness of our actual tour guide – but that was really great 👍👍👍 because our support at 6:00 p.m. was very entertaining, funny, flexible and really easy to understand. I wish we always had such positive people who would bring us closer to the city. We are still thrilled! 🤩 Thanks for that!” Petra ( read more reviews now )

The itinerary focuses on coffee shops but the commentary chronicles the city’s liberal attitude towards recreational drugs and legal prostitution.

And, since you’re with a local guide, you’ll walk away with secret tips on where to continue your night out after the tour.

So, this tour is perfect for cannabis-curious travelers and regular consumers alike.

Pro Tip: It’s legal to enjoy marijuana in coffee shops in Amsterdam. But, that doesn’t extend to other bars, pubs, clubs, and public spaces.

And if you get hungry after your visit, try some of the best desserts in Amsterdam .

5. Bike Through Amsterdam at Night

⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5.0 (123 Reviews) Price: $13.77 per person Duration: 3 hours – 1 day 📍 Meeting Point: Varies Operator: MacBike Bike Rental Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Ahh, Amsterdam, and bikes go together like cheese and crackers.

So, biking along the canals is an absolute must-do and it’s one of the best things to do in Amsterdam at night.

Plus, this is one of those activities that works just as well for Amsterdam solo travelers as well as couples and families with tiny tots.

See, Amsterdam is totally bike-friendly since the entire infrastructure of the city is geared toward cyclists.

“The guys at Macbike were very accommodating to us. Alternately, you have to be an expert at riding bikes to ride in Amsterdam. Riders there have that down to a science! Harder to ride in Amsterdam than we thought due to so much bike and people traffic, but it was a great experience!” Anonymous ( read more reviews now )

Additionally, bike rentals are readily available in Amsterdam. But, this bike rental firm is one of the most professional companies with awesome prices for a full day’s rental.

And – all hires include locks. I mean, you know you’ll be stopping constantly for photos and to grab refreshments from the cute little canalside bars.

6. Stroll Along the Canals

If you’d rather not cycle then your feet have you covered when it comes to exploring some of the best canals and most famous streets in Amsterdam .

Now, there is no bad time to wander along the postcard-pretty canals of Amsterdam.

See them at first light, explore them in the early morning with a coffee, or feel the buzz of people all around you in the afternoon.

But, canal wandering is definitely one of the best things to do in Amsterdam at night.

Of course, sunset is prime time because you’ll see the light change and then the twinkling street lights come on.

Although, it’s the easiest time of day to get lost and lose your bearings. Therefore, you should book this sunset canal walking tour in Amsterdam .

Your savvy local guide will take you along the prettiest canals. Like, Herengracht, Singel, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht. Oh, and there’ll be 16 bridges in total – great for the legs and the camera roll.

Culminating in New Market Square, you’ll graduate with sound intel on where to eat and drink around De Wallen.

7. Sip on Cocktails at a Secret Speakeasy

⭐️ Rating: 4.7/5.0 (3 Reviews) Price: $142.52 per person Duration: 3 hours 📍Meeting Point: Pick up is available Operator: City Unscripted Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Naturally, hitting the bars is one of the best things to do in Amsterdam at night. I mean, this city is world-famous for its nightlife.

But where to start? Always, always, enlist a local for guidance.

This private night tour of Amsterdam speakeasies and bars focuses on the Jordaan and Amsterdam East neighborhoods.

And, your local guide will design the itinerary based on your personal interests in the best Amsterdam nightlife.

Note, the price includes small bites and three beers or two glasses of wine each.

“We had a nice time with guide Anna.” Anonymous ( read more reviews now )

Essentially, the cost per head decreases based on the size of the group. Therefore, it’s a great option if you’re traveling with a large group.

Although, you can always rustle up your dorm mates or folk from a local co-working space if you’re traveling solo or as part of a twosome.

By the end, you’ll be a pro on where to drink (and where not to) in Amsterdam.

Heck, before saying goodbye the guide will even leave you with a list of extra recommendations for secret speakeasies and offbeat bars to visit during your 3 days in Amsterdam .

8. Book the Heineken Experience

⭐️ Rating: 4.8/5.0 (398 Reviews) Price: $65.69 per person Duration: 2.5 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Stadhouderskade 78, 1072 AE Operator: GetYourGuide Tours & Tickets GmbH Details : Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

It might be the most famous beer on the planet and it all started right here in Amsterdam.

Nowadays, the Heineken Experience invites you to walk through the history of this pale lager.

Obviously, you’ll get to sample the goods as you roam through the old brewery and do a cool, interactive history tour.

“The tour is very interesting! The price is absolutely worth the VIP Experience choice. We were certainly lucky to meet Storm as a guide. The top. Great at stories, not boring at all, funny, expert and really kind!” Matteo ( read more reviews now )

In particular, this exclusive Heineken Experience VIP tour ticket is your best option since you’ll get a behind-the-scenes tour with a Heineken guru.

You’ll also score access to one of the site’s hidden bars and sip on premium varieties of the beloved brand.

Naturally, this is one of the best things to do in Amsterdam at night for beer lovers from all around the world who are also looking for the best nightlife in Amsterdam.

9. Join the Orginal Amsterdam Pub Crawl

⭐️ Rating: 5.0/5.0 (21 Reviews) Price: $33.66 per person Duration: 6 hours 📍Meeting Point: The Waterhole Operator: Original Amsterdam Tours Details: Read more on Viator Now!

Taking a pub crawl is a right of passage for any traveler exploring Europe.

And, the Original Amsterdam Pub Crawl is one of the best things to do in Amsterdam at night for social butterflies.

Led by the friendliest folk in the city, you’ll experience Amerstam’s most cherished pubs, bars, and clubs.

As a minimum, you’ll hit one of each. Plus, this epic tour gives you VIP entry to the club.

“Went on a cool pub crawl with fun guides! The rest of the people on the tour were super great! My wife and I met loads of them and had a great time in our short stay in Amsterdam.” Misha ( read more reviews now )

So, don’t worry because you’ll never have to wait in line on a nippy winter’s night in Amsterdam.

Furthermore, you’ll receive freebie shots and mega-cheap drinks too.

Of course, the pub crawl is epic for solo travelers eager to mingle. But, it’s super inclusive to existing groups and couples as well – especially if you only have a day in Amsterdam .

10. Drink Polar-Themed Cocktails at Amsterdam IceBar

⭐️ Rating: 4.2/5.0 (5346 Reviews) Price: $27.05 per person Duration: 45 minutes 📍 Meeting Point: Amsterdam Ice Bar Operator: Tours & Tickets Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Experience the “coolest” drinking venue in Amsterdam. Everything at Amsterdam IceBar is made from ice , including the walls, the seats, and the glasses!

Essentially, 35 tons of natural ice have been used to make the bar. Although the temperature is kept at 14°F (-10°C), you’ll feel super warm in the gloves and jacket that they give you.

Now, only this Amsterdam Icebar entry ticket covers admission plus three drinks . So, that means a welcome cocktail plus two further libations of your choosing.

“We loved our visit to the Ice bar. The price was worth it. We got there a little early and were able to go in and take our time to enjoy our first drink. The drink options were fun and good variety. They called our group time and we went into the actual ice bar and stayed for about 20-30 minutes. They probed coats and gloves. If you need them. The ice bar drinks were great. We did a shot then the ice cold beer. So much fun. A unique and fun experience. We loved it and recommend. Afterwards you can purchase the photos they took of you in the ice car or purchase the vodka they gave as shots. We bought the vodka because it was so good! And the photos. We were within walking distance of our hotel so we didn’t need transportation.” Chanel ( read more reviews now )

Plus, this ticket guarantees you the time slot of your choice.

Sure, ice bars are a growing trend all over the world. But, it’s still one of the b-b-best things to do in Amsterdam at night.

11. Save Lots of Euros with the Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket

⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5.0 (2 Reviews) Price: $29.81 per person Duration: 2 days 📍Meeting Point: House of Bols; Paulus Potterstraat 12, 1071 CZ Operator: The New Event Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Now, if you’re all about enjoying the best nightlife in Amsterdam then get acquainted with the Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket .

This is a combo package that grants access to the best bars and clubs in the city. With over 20 clubs to choose from, it’s perfect for a travel itinerary revolving around Amsterdam night activities.

“Something different – a very interesting tour through the world of liqueurs.” Harold ( read more reviews now )

Additionally, you can partake in select events and experiences, like New Year’s Eve parties and that kind of thing.

So, purchase the most exclusive Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket today and enjoy two full days of nighttime fun in Amsterdam.

Plus – you get admission to the classy House of Bols + one free cocktail.

12. Swing by Amsterdam Museums After Hours

In Amsterdam, the setting of the sun doesn’t put a stop to the cultural fun!

Actually, visiting museums is a great option for anyone wondering what to do in Amsterdam in the evening.

However, not all museums are open until late so you’ll need to do some homework before you visit.

For starters, the Stedelijk Museum has ad hoc late nights each year and the Van Gogh Museum hosts semi-regular late-night Fridays.

Plus, the Nxt Museum has groovy light installations that are open until 8:30 pm most nights and until 10:30 pm from Thursday through Saturday.

Pro Tip: if museums are your thing then buy the Amsterdam City Card . It covers entry to countless museums and gives you a bunch of discounts/bonuses at various attractions and restaurants.

These include free transport (handy after a night out in De Wallen), free bike rentals, and a free canal cruise in Amsterdam .

Yup, it’s a great way to save money. Because, trust me when I tell you, Amsterdam isn’t a cheap place to vacation.

13. Watch a Movie at the Pathé Tuschinski Theater

Catch a movie at Pathé Koninklijk Theater Tuschinski and you’ll never want to spend a Friday night in your local multiplex again.

See, the Pathé Koninklijk Theater occupies a 1920s arthouse cinema in Rembrandtplein with all the Art Nouveau and Art Deco flourishes that you could ever want.

Inside, the space is filled with sumptuous, red velvet couches and shimmering gold frescoes.

On the bill, you’ll find a mix of new releases, classics, and seasonal favorites.

So, the Tuschinski Theater is one of the best things to do in Amsterdam at night if you’re not into partying.

Although, you can always pick up a glass of wine from the equally glamorous bar.

Pro Tip: You can also do a guided tour of the theater upon request. The tour is 90 minutes long and costs €11.50 per person.

Address: Reguliersbreestraat 26-34, 1017 CN Amsterdam, Netherlands

Hours: Varies

Price: Tickets start at €15.50 each.

How to Get There: Take the M 52 to Rokin and walk from there.

14. Eat at Foodhallen

Eating at Foodhallen is one of the best things to do in Amsterdam at night for foodies. Especially if you’re in a mixed group with varying tastes.

Now, this gigantic food court in the De Hallen shopping complex has stalls that serve up Dutch classics like bitterballen.

However, take your pick from seafood, Mediterranean mezes, vegetarian curries, and Vietnamese banh mi. There are also beer and cocktail kiosks on-site as well as live DJs most nights.

Plus, the building itself is interesting to have a gander at as it was once a tram depot. These days, it has a great big ceiling and skylight that is atmospheric at dusk.

Address: Hannie Dankbaarpassage 16, 1053 RT Amsterdam, Netherlands

Hours: Open Monday through Thursday from 12:00 pm to 12:00 am, Friday/Saturday from 12:00 pm to 1:00 am, and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Price: Varies

How to Get There: Take tram 13 to Bilderdijkstraat and walk from there.

15. Visit a Craft Brewery

Heineken isn’t the only brewery in town. In fact, Amsterdam has tons of craft breweries and indie beer bars to choose from.

In fact, splitting a flight and portion of bitterballen at the Brouwerij De Prael microbrewery is one of the best things to do at night in Amsterdam.

Plus, this laid-back tap room has an ever-changing stock of pale ales and IPAs alongside blondes and stouts. The staff are also very obliging with personalized recommendations.

But, on the other side of De Wallen, Proeflokaal Arendsnest is a bar rather than a brewery. They also offer over 100 Dutch craft beers on tap and by the bottle.

It’s also very jolly inside with lots of wood paneling. Additionally, it’s always rad to sit outside by the canal on a warmer evening.

16. See a Concert at the Concertgebouw

Another fancy option, the Concertgebouw is a landmark concert hall in Amsterdam’s Museumkwartier.

It opened in the late 19th century and sits up there with Vienna’s Musikverein as a top-notch concert venue with superior acoustics.

So, seeing a concert here is one of the best things to do in Amsterdam at night for a special occasion.

In truth, you’ll want to see an orchestra or symphony to get a true sense of how awesome this place really is.

However, the movie soundtrack concerts are always a huge hit – these are cool for families as well as couples and groups. Although, the Concertgebouw also hosts other types of music from time to time.

Address: Concertgebouwplein 10, 1071 LN Amsterdam, Netherlands

How to Get There: Take public transport to Museumplein and walk from there.

17. Catch the Sunset at A’DAM Tower

Who doesn’t go gooey-eyed at a beautiful sunset lighting up the sky? FYI, in Amsterdam, sunset symbolizes that twilight shenanigans are close at hand!

Now, the A’DAM Tower (A’DAM Toren) sits on the Amstel River in Amsterdam-Noord.

Therefore, the 360-degree views from the sky deck of the port, the historic center, and the canals are absolutely stunning.

And, if you’re the courageous type, you can buy a ticket to ride the swing. There is even a VR terminal too.

Just remember that catching the sunset at A’DAM Tower is one of the best things to do in Amsterdam at night when there’s minimal cloud coverage.

Furthermore, party animals should visit on a Friday or Saturday since the observatory transforms into a nightclub in the sky.

Address: Overhoeksplein 1, 1031 KS Amsterdam, Netherlands

Hours: Open daily from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Price: €14.50

How to Get There: Take public transportation to Amsterdam Central Station and walk 10 minutes to the tower from there.

18. See a Performance at the Dutch National Ballet & Opera

Catching a show at the National Ballet & Opera is one of the best things to do in Amsterdam at night for culture vultures.

See, this waterfront venue is the headquarters for both the Dutch National Ballet and the Dutch National Opera. As such, it hosts the most grandiose stage shows in the city.

Plus, shows come with all the bells and whistles like costume, stage design, sound, and lighting. The country’s leading performers also stop by.

Now, the program is a mix of classics, groundbreaking new productions, and family shows.

Note, productions are often put on for only a couple of weeks at a time. Therefore, advance booking is essential.

Address: Amstel 3, 1011 PN Amsterdam, Netherlands

Hours: Varies but performances can start at 4:00 pm, 7:30 pm, 8:00 pm, 10:00 pm, etc.

How to Get There: Take M 53 to Waterlooplein and walk from there.

19. Grab a Drink at Café De Dokter

It goes without saying that there are millions or zillions of cool bars in Amsterdam.

But, as someone who has wound up in a lot of subpar joints, make Café De Dokter one of the places you must visit.

Why? It’s totally unpretentious and has an Aladdin’s Cave of treasures to pore over while slurping on a beer or delicious cocktail.

Meanwhile, ambient jazz sets a mellow tone. It’s also located near Rokin. So, it’s a good place to stop for a pre-drink before descending into the madness of De Wallen.

Otherwise, just settle into Café De Dokter for the night.

It’s also one of the best places to drink in Amsterdam at night among locals since the bartenders are super friendly.

Pro Tip: It’s tiny so be prepared to stand and then dash for a seat as soon as one opens up. FYI, this place was founded by a Dutch surgeon (hence the name) which only adds to the intrigue.

Address: Rozenboomsteeg 4, 1012 PR Amsterdam, Netherlands

Hours: Open Wednesday through Saturday from 4:00 pm to 1:00 am.

20. Check Out the Amsterdam Jazz Scene

There’s nothing like sipping on an old-fashioned in a dimly lit lounge with a bit of jazz in the background.

Or, chilling in a swanky joint where Champagne flows. Heck, maybe even a pumping dancehall.

Because one of the best things to do at night in Amsterdam is to hit the diverse jazz scene. This is concentrated in the Leidseplein enclave.

In particular, Jazz Café Alto has an intimate atmosphere and an eclectic feel. Sure, food isn’t available. But, the drinks are top-notch and include a mix of beers and spirits.

You can also hit Bourbon Street for a more clubby vibe. This place even hosts touring international artists and open jam session nights.

And, for a classy dinner complete with a live jazz soundtrack, book a table at Restaurant Pompstation in Zeeburg.

21. Dance at Melkweg or Bar ‘t Hartje

Looking for more of a party place? Then check out what’s going on at Melkweg.

See, this former milk factory is now the backbone of the clubbing scene in Amsterdam. In fact, this is one of the best things to do in Amsterdam in the evening if you want to dance.

Plus, nights are a real mix of techno, drum and bass, pop, reggae, K-pop, hip-hop, R&B, and Latin. They even host concerts and drag shows as well as movies and cultural festivals.

Pro Tip: Check out what’s on in advance because some events do sell out.

Right down the road, Bar ‘t Hartje is another top contender if you’re wondering where to dance in Amsterdam. Drinks are cheap, tunes are cheesy, and it’s guaranteed to be a fun night out.

22. Sing Along to Live Music at Paradiso

Of all the Amsterdam nightlife spots for big-energy music, Paradiso (like Melkweg) never fails to impress.

Originally the Cosmic Relaxation Center Paradiso, this iconic venue has been a meeting point for young locals since 1968.

Over the years, it’s welcomed David Bowie, the Rolling Stones, Nirvana, and Prince.

Furthermore, this nightclub is installed in an old church next to Holland Casino. It has unreal acoustics and is an unusual spot for singing along to a live band.

Nowadays, Paradiso has a diverse offering although it still focuses on rock, punk, indie pop, and new-age music, with regular techno nights too.

All in all, this temple of music is one of the best things to do in Amsterdam at night if you’re a fanatic about seeing live acts and talented DJs in quirky locations.

Address: Weteringschans 6-8, 1017 SG Amsterdam, Netherlands

How to Get There: Take the N97 to Leidseplein and walk from there.

Map of the Best Things to Do in Amsterdam at Night

Best Things to Do in Amsterdam at Night FAQs

Is amsterdam fun at night.

Yes! Amsterdam is very fun at night. In fact, it is the place to be if you are into EDM since many of the world’s best DJs perform at clubs until early in the morning.

Can You Walk Around Amsterdam at Night?

Yes, you can walk around Amsterdam at night since it is a fairly safe city. Crime rates are low and people are fairly chill.

How Late Are Things Open in Amsterdam?

When it comes to stores, most businesses in Amsterdam are open from 9:00 am/10:00 am to 6:00 pm (or 5:00 pm on Saturdays). However, by law stores have to close by 10:00 pm.

Just be aware that most markets/shops are closed on Sundays and Monday mornings.

What is the Famous Night Street in Amsterdam?

The famous night street in Amsterdam is Leidseplein. It is home to the best nightlife in Amsterdam and is filled with hot clubs, epic bars, and cool evening activities.

That just about wraps up this guide to the best things to do in Amsterdam at night.

Tell me, did your picks for the best things to do at night in amsterdam make the list if not then let me know now, and if you found this post useful, be sure to join our facebook group and email list for even more awesome travel advice..

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Passing Thru Travel

Exploring 10 Cities Around the World by Bike – Pedal-Powered Discoveries 2024

Posted: February 25, 2024 | Last updated: February 25, 2024

Sustainable city cycling tours offer an eco-friendly and intimate way to explore urban landscapes. These tours allow you to navigate through the heart of cities, often uncovering hidden gems that are not accessible by car or bus. From the bustling streets of Amsterdam to the historic lanes of Kyoto, cycling tours provide a unique perspective on city life, culture, and architecture. This guide takes you on a two-wheeled journey through some of the best cities in the world to explore by bike, each offering a distinct and memorable experience.

1. Amsterdam, Netherlands

In Amsterdam, cycling is more than a mode of transport; it’s a way of life. The city’s flat terrain, dedicated bike lanes, and respectful traffic culture make it ideal for exploring on two wheels. A bike tour here lets you experience the city like a local, weaving through historic canals, past iconic windmills, and through vibrant neighborhoods like the Jordaan. You’ll discover hidden courtyards and bustling marketplaces and perhaps pause for a coffee at a canal-side café. Cycling in Amsterdam offers a blend of leisure and exploration, allowing you to cover more ground than walking while enjoying the city’s sights up close.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the Jordaan neighborhood to glimpse local Amsterdam life away from the tourist crowds.

When To Travel: Late spring to early fall offers pleasant weather for cycling.

How To Get There: Fly into Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The city center is easily accessible by train, and bike rentals are widely available.

2. Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen’s reputation as a bike-friendly city is well-earned. Its extensive network of bike lanes and the Danish culture of cycling make it a joy to explore on two wheels. A bike tour in Copenhagen might include the historic Nyhavn harbor, the whimsical Tivoli Gardens, and the modern architecture of the Ørestad district. Riding through Copenhagen, you’ll experience the city’s commitment to sustainability and quality of life. The tour is not just about seeing the sights; it’s about feeling the city’s pulse and understanding why Copenhagen is often ranked as one of the happiest cities in the world.

Insider’s Tip: Ride through the Assistens Cemetery, a peaceful and beautiful park where famous Danes like Hans Christian Andersen are buried.

When To Travel: May to September for the best cycling weather.

How To Get There: Copenhagen Airport is well-connected internationally, with easy public transport access to the city center.

3. Berlin, Germany

Berlin’s rich history and vibrant culture make it a fascinating city to explore by bike. The city’s flat landscape and comprehensive network of bike paths allow for easy and safe navigation. A cycling tour in Berlin can take you through the remnants of the Berlin Wall, the lush expanses of the Tiergarten, and the bustling squares of Alexanderplatz and Potsdamer Platz.

Along the way, you’ll encounter street art, historic landmarks, and the eclectic mix of modern and traditional architecture that defines Berlin. Cycling here offers a unique perspective on the city’s past and present, connecting you with its stories and spirit.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the Tempelhofer Feld, a former airport turned public park, for a unique cycling experience.

When To Travel: Spring and fall offer cooler temperatures and fewer tourists.

How To Get There: Two airports serve Berlin, with excellent public transportation links to the city center.

4. Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto, with its ancient temples, traditional tea houses, and tranquil gardens, is a city steeped in history. Exploring Kyoto by bike allows you to move at your own pace, visit famous sites like the Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), and discover hidden alleys and local neighborhoods. Cycling in Kyoto is a journey through time, where modern streets give way to historic districts, and each turn brings a new discovery. The city’s respect for tradition and nature makes it a uniquely serene urban cycling experience.

Insider’s Tip: Take a detour to the Philosopher’s Path, especially beautiful during cherry blossom season.

When To Travel: Spring for cherry blossoms and fall for colorful foliage.

How To Get There: Fly into Kansai International Airport and take a train or bus to Kyoto. Bike rentals are readily available throughout the city.

5. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona’s diverse landscape, from Gothic architecture in the old city to modernist landmarks and Mediterranean beaches, makes it an exhilarating city to explore by bike. A cycling tour here can take you through the winding streets of the Gothic Quarter, along the vibrant Las Ramblas, and to the famous Sagrada Familia. You’ll experience the city’s artistic flair and lively atmosphere firsthand. Cycling in Barcelona is not just about sightseeing; it’s about immersing yourself in the city’s dynamic culture and enjoying the Mediterranean lifestyle.

Insider’s Tip: Cycle up to Montjuic for panoramic views of the city and the sea.

When To Travel: Late spring and early fall for mild weather and fewer crowds.

How To Get There: Barcelona-El Prat Airport is the main gateway, with easy transport options to the city center.

6. Portland, Oregon, USA

Portland’s reputation as one of America’s most bike-friendly cities is evident in its extensive bike lanes and trails network. A bike tour in Portland can include the vibrant downtown area, the serene Waterfront Park, and the quirky neighborhoods that give the city its unique character. With stops at local markets, artisan coffee shops, and craft breweries, you’ll discover Portland’s commitment to sustainability and community. Cycling in Portland is an opportunity to experience the city’s green ethos and creative spirit up close.

Insider’s Tip: Check out the Eastbank Esplanade for a scenic ride along the river.

When To Travel: Summer for the best weather and numerous cycling events.

How To Get There: Fly into Portland International Airport. The city center is easily accessible by public transport, and bike rentals are available throughout Portland.

7. Montreal, Canada

Montreal combines the charm of a French village with the energy of a cosmopolitan city, and exploring it by bike allows you to experience this blend firsthand. A cycling tour in Montreal might include the historic streets of Old Montreal, the bustling Atwater Market, and the scenic Lachine Canal. The city’s bike paths, like the Route Verte, make navigating easy and safe. Cycling in Montreal offers a unique way to experience the city’s diverse neighborhoods, rich history, and vibrant culinary scene.

Insider’s Tip: Ride to the top of Mount Royal for a stunning view of the city.

When To Travel: Late spring to early fall for the best cycling conditions.

How To Get There: Montreal-Trudeau Airport is the main entry point, with good public transportation options to the city.

8. San Francisco, California, USA

San Francisco’s iconic landmarks and diverse neighborhoods make it a fascinating city to explore by bike. Despite its famous hills, there are plenty of flat and scenic routes, especially along the waterfront and the city’s many parks. A bike tour in San Francisco might include the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the Painted Ladies of Alamo Square. Cycling here allows you to experience the city’s unique blend of natural beauty, urban culture, and innovative spirit.

Insider’s Tip: Cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito and take the ferry back for a unique experience.

When To Travel: Late spring and early fall offer the most comfortable weather for cycling.

How To Get There: Fly into San Francisco International Airport. The city is well-connected by public transport, and bike rentals are widely available.

9. Vienna, Austria

Vienna’s grand imperial history and vibrant contemporary culture are best experienced on a bike. The city’s extensive network of bike paths takes you past historic palaces, through charming neighborhoods, and along the blue Danube. A bike tour in Vienna might include the Hofburg Palace, the Prater amusement park, and the trendy districts of Neubau and Mariahilf. Cycling in Vienna is a journey through a city that seamlessly blends its past with the present.

Insider’s Tip: Take a leisurely ride in the Prater, a large public park with a long, tree-lined main avenue perfect for cycling.

When To Travel: Spring and early fall offer pleasant weather and fewer tourists.

How To Get There: Vienna International Airport is the main gateway, with excellent public transportation links to the city center.

10. Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne’s eclectic mix of art, culture, and cuisine makes it an exciting city to discover by bike. A cycling tour here can include the artsy laneways, beautiful parks like the Royal Botanic Gardens, and the vibrant beachside suburb of St Kilda. Melbourne’s flat terrain and well-developed bike paths make it easy to navigate, and you’ll quickly discover why it’s often ranked as one of the world’s most livable cities.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the Yarra River trail for scenic views and a peaceful ride away from the city bustle.

When To Travel: Fall (March to May) and spring (September to November) offer the best weather for cycling.

How To Get There: Fly into Melbourne Airport. The city has a comprehensive public transport system, and bike hire is readily available.

The Bottom Line

Exploring cities by bike offers a unique perspective on urban landscapes and promotes a sustainable and healthy way of traveling. Each city on this list offers its own unique charm and attractions, best experienced at the leisurely pace of a bike ride. Remember, cycling tours are not just about physical activity; they’re about connecting with the city, its people, and its culture in an intimate and eco-friendly way. So, grab your helmet, hop on a bike, and start pedaling your way through some of the world’s most bike-friendly cities.

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The post Exploring 10 Cities Around the World by Bike – Pedal-Powered Discoveries 2024 republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / PR Image Factory.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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