Museums in Amsterdam

Museums in Amsterdam

If you like going to museums you’ll be enlightened by the wide variety of museums in Amsterdam. Besides the world-famous Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam counts 50 more less-known museums.

Canal Cruise

Canal Cruise

A canal cruise is an absolute must-do in Amsterdam, as the city is known for its many iconic canals! The city center is practically a network of canals, along which you’ll find Amsterdam’s historical canal houses. Therefore, it's often said that Amsterdam is best seen from the water!

Red Light District

Red Light District

Red Light District or ‘De Wallen’ in Dutch is home to one of the oldest professions in the world. Wander around the area and pay a visit to one of the peepshows! This much-discussed neighbourhood has been around since the 15th century.

Best things to do in Amsterdam

Visiting Amsterdam? We’ll leave you absolutely no time to be bored! On this website, you’ll find the best things to do in Amsterdam. We’ll show you both the highlights and hidden secrets of Amsterdam. From its parks to the many museums and the romantic canal belt. The capital of the Netherlands is a unique city in many kinds of ways; from its characteristic architecture to its liberal laws on drugs and prostitution. With under a million inhabitants, Amsterdam is a relatively small and compact city, compared to other European capitals.  Let this website be your city guide. We make sure you don’t have to miss out on anything, as we provide you with the best tips, photos, and information. Are you interested in exploring Amsterdam with a knowledgeable guide? Check out Guruwalks.com for free guided walking tours in Amsterdam.

Must-see museums in Amsterdam

In Amsterdam, you’ll find enough museums to spend an entire month wandering through museums. However, most people only have a few days in the city, thus we selected three museums that you really can’t miss out on. If you have enough time, you might want to check out some of the other museums in Amsterdam as well! Even if you’re usually no the type of person that likes to visit museums, Amsterdam has some peculiar ones that might trigger your curiosity.

Rijksmuseum

Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is home to some of the world’s most famous artworks, including The Night Watch by Rembrandt van Rijn. Art lovers can literally spend hours wandering through countless artefacts. The majestic building is home to works from world notable Dutch painters such as Frans Hals, Jan Steen and many more.

Van Gogh Museum

Van Gogh Museum

This museum is dedicated to the life of Vincent van Gogh, one of the most influential painters The Netherlands has ever seen. Admire the world’s biggest collection artworks by the artist that cut off his own ear. Learn about his life, what inspired him, and how he became the icon he is today.

Anne Frank House

Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House is the actual building where Anne Frank wrote her world-famous diary. Her diary tells the story of the horrors of WOII, through the eyes of a young Jewish girl growing up, hidden away from society. A fascinating but tragic story.

Best attractions in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is an easy city to spend a lot of money as there’s a lot to see and do. The attractions in Amsterdam can have a major impact on your travel budget, so choose wisely. Check out the entrance prices and discounts on this website to make the most out of your budget. We’re constantly working on adding new attractions and experiences.

Our House - Electronic Danse Music Museum

Our House - Electronic Danse Music Museum

Dive into the history of electronic and dance music in Amsterdam. Visit one of Amsterdam’s most unique and vital museums and learn about the beauty of one of the world’s most energetic music genres.

Ice bar

Ice bar

Visit the Ice bar and learn what it’s like to be stranded on the North Pole. Enjoy drinks in a glass made of ice, in a bar made of ice. A chilly, unique experience near the lively Rembrandt Square are with lots of possibilities for clubbing. Great start for a night out!

House of Bols

House of Bols

The House of Bols is a unique museum in Amsterdam that not only educates you on the history of liqueur and spirits but also lets you experience it yourself. This award-winning cocktail & genever experience is the perfect combination of heritage and history in a modern and beautifully designed environment.

Latest attractions in Amsterdam

As Amsterdam is a popular tourist destination, there are always new things to do popping up. Below, you’ll find some of the latest attractions that have recently opened their doors. Have you been to Amsterdam before and looking for something new? Make sure to check out these latest attractions!

The Upside Down

The Upside Down

The real social media fans amongst us can't return home without tons of likeable content. Now, Amsterdam is a place that, by itself, has a lot to offer in terms of instagramable hotspots. However, if you want to take it to the next level and shoot some epic material for your social following and make yourself a star, The Upside Down is the place to go!

Rembrandts Experience

Rembrandts Experience

If you're looking the learn more about the life of one of the Netherland's most iconic artists in a fun, exciting way, Rembrandts Experience is the place to go! In only 25 minutes you'll get some of the most interesting insights into the life of this world-renowned artist.

WONDR Experience

WONDR Experience

WONDR is the home of the coolest Instagram photos. WONDR Amsterdam is an artistic playground of 1200m² with fifteen interactive installation spaces. Have some fun in the world of WONDR!

Things to do in Amsterdam with kids

Are you looking what to do in Amsterdam with your kids? There’s more than enough to do with kids! A canal cruise, for instance, is a treat for the whole family. Watch the city passing you by from a boat. Make sure not to miss out on the Nemo Science Centre either. It’s the most interactive and educative museum ever. Your kids can enjoy the experience a museum where they do get to touch everything. If you’re willing to travel a fair bit, theme park Efteling is a great place. It was even awarded the Diamond ThemePark Award. In this fantasy theme park, you’ll be surrounded by fairy tales. For a more elaborate overview also check out our blog post on things to do with kids in Amsterdam.

Ripley’s believe it or not

Ripley’s believe it or not

Visit the Amsterdam version of Ripley’s believe it or not. Meet the people who made it into the Guinness Book of World Records and hear the stories behind the rare pieces of art collected by world traveler Robert Ripley.

Artis Amsterdam Zoo

Artis Amsterdam Zoo

Escape the busy streets of Amsterdam and relax at the Amsterdam Zoo. The kids will be able to enjoy themselves in the petting zoo. Not the biggest zoo, but definitely charming and romantic!

Nemo Science Museum

Nemo Science Museum

Nemo Science Centre is a great combination of entertainment and education. Probably coolest and most interactive museum that you’ll ever see! There’s a lot to see and do for practically all ages.

Micropia

Micropia

In this award-winning museum, you’ll learn about the tiniest living organisms, invisible to the human eye. Although in everyday life you’re not aware of these forms of life, they’re essential to our very existence. Curious? Go see it for yourself!

BODY WORLDS

BODY WORLDS

BODY WORLDS Amsterdam exhibition takes you on a journey through the human body. The theme of the exhibition is ‘The Happiness Project’, it will take you on a quest to the anatomical effects of happiness.

Madurodam miniature village

Madurodam miniature village

Feel like a giant and check out all the landmarks and highlights of the Netherlands in a few hours! In this miniature theme park, your kids won’t be bored for a second, as there are lots of games and educative elements.

Things to do for adults

Some things that Amsterdam is best known for are not exactly the places that you’d go to with the whole family. The unofficial slogan for the city used to be ‘Come for the weed, stay for the hookers’. Nowadays, Amsterdam still is home to a fair share of adult-only entertainment in specific places. Want to know more about this naughty part of the city? Make sure not to miss the following places and attractions.

Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket

Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket

Explore the vibrant nightlife of Amsterdam! The Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket will grant free access to the most popular clubs in town. Some free shots are always welcome, right?

Amsterdam Coffeeshops

Amsterdam Coffeeshops

Smoke some world famous pot and fly away. Interested to find out how Amsterdam became famous for its marihuana? Take a few hours to find out why in one of the coffeeshops.

Casa Rosso

Casa Rosso

Check out the most (in)famous erotic theatre in the Red Light District! Casa Rosso is the most iconic theatre in the area around since 1968. Sit back and enjoy one of the live 18+ shows on stage.

Cheap things to do

As you already might know Amsterdam is not cheap. However it doesn’t mean that you can’t have a good trip to Amsterdam if you’re on a budget. You might have to plan your trip a bit better, so you can find cheap alternatives. We will try and provide you with tips that save you money while still having an amazing experience. Take a look at our restaurants in Amsterdam page for instance, you’ll find really good meals for around €10,-. Also for a canal cruise there cheap alternatives, such as sailing a small boat yourself. A day in the park, sightseeing or in a coffeeshop don’t have to cost much either! Stay tuned as we will be adding new things to do in Amsterdam as much as we can!

Amsterdam Canal Belt

Amsterdam Canal Belt

Roam around in the Amsterdam canal belt, a Unesco World Heritage site. The romantic canals and countless bridges will make you fall in love with the city. Will you discover the stunning architecture by foot, boat or bike?

Parks in Amsterdam

Parks in Amsterdam

Take a break from sightseeing and have a cosy picnic in one of the parks. You’ll save money that you would have spend on a restaurant.

Albert Cuyp Market

Albert Cuyp Market

There’s no better place to explore culture, than at a local market. Best of all it’s totally free! Take a stroll along the many stalls at the Albert Cuyp.

Take a bike tour

Take a bike tour

Explore the city by the no.1 form of transport in Amsterdam! A fantastic way to discover the city and surrounding areas. However, please make sure to practice a bit in a quiet area, as the busy streets are not advisable for beginners.

Houseboat Museum

Houseboat Museum

Visit the smallest, most unique museum in the world. As unique as the Amsterdam Canals, are the Houseboats. Find out what it must be like living in one of the canal boats.

Glow in the dark mini golf

Glow in the dark mini golf

If you like mini golf, you’re going to love this indoor version! Escape the rain for a moment while you enjoy these golf holes, brought to life with the aid of UV-lights.

What to do on a rainy day in Amsterdam?

In The Netherlands, we have a lot of rain. Big chance that during your trip to Amsterdam you will have to deal with a little rainfall. However, with some smart planning, you can try and make sure that you have some indoor activities planned. Luckily there’s a lot to do in Amsterdam that doesn’t require good weather. Our advice is to take a good look at the Amsterdam weather forecast just before coming to Amsterdam. A very popular website among locals is buienradar.nl; you can check realtime radar images to see if there’s any precipitation coming up. Bad luck? Rain coming up? Make sure to check out the following activities:

National Maritime Museum

National Maritime Museum

Learn more about the naval history of The Netherlands and how a small country played a big role in trade.

Hop on Hop off tour

Hop on Hop off tour

If you’re looking to explore the city of Amsterdam but the weather isn’t helping out, consider this comfortable tour by bus and boat.

Heineken Experience

Heineken Experience

Visit the former brewery where it all started for this world-famous beer brand. At this museum dedicated to Heineken, you’ll find out how a small brewery distributing with horse and carriage grew to a beer brand sold in almost 200 countries. It’s not your ordinary museum, as beer-tasting is just one of the interactive elements.

The Catboat

The Catboat

Visit the only floating animal shelter in the world! A must-do for any cat friend. Visiting the Poezenboot is completely free of charge, but a donation is appreciated.

Moco Museum

Moco Museum

Moco stands for modern, contemporary art. The museum never seizes to amaze, with regularly new exhibitions featuring the latest artists. Among others the museum has one of the biggest collections of artworks by streetartist Banksy in the world!

Dutch Resistance Museum

Dutch Resistance Museum

Learn about a small, fringe minority of the Dutch people who were brave enough to put up a fight against the Nazi-regime. A valuable lesson to learn for both young and old!

Eating & dining in Amsterdam

During your stay in Amsterdam, you surely want to enjoy some good food. Among the restaurants in Amsterdam, you’ll find cuisines from all over the world. We have selected a few really good restaurants in different categories that you definitely don’t want to miss out on! In our selection, you’ll always find a restaurant that fits your budget as we have selected restaurants in every price range. Check out our categories below and find your restaurant of choice!

Dutch Restaurants

Dutch Restaurants

You won’t find many Dutch restaurants outside the Netherlands, so take this chance to try the Dutch cuisine!

Indonesian Restaurants

Indonesian Restaurants

Indonesia used to be a Dutch colony, that’s why you’ll find extraordinary good Indonesian restaurants in Amsterdam.

Michelin Star restaurants

Michelin Star restaurants

For some fancy dining, you can go to one of the Michelin Star restaurants.

Cool places near Amsterdam

Don’t get us wrong, we love Amsterdam. However, there’s much more to see and do in the Netherlands! The fact that the country is so small, makes it really easy to travel around. There are other towns and cities with a completely different atmosphere to explore within less than an hour by public transport. You can even flee the busy city by bike and explore the hidden secrets surrounding Amsterdam. Thus we strongly recommend reserving at least one day for a day trip from Amsterdam.

Leiden

Leiden

If you want to escape the busy centre of Amsterdam, Leiden is an interesting city with a rich history. Only 30 minutes by train.

Haarlem

Haarlem

Within twenty minutes from Amsterdam Central Station, you’ll find the beautiful city Haarlem after which Harlem in New York was named.

Muiden

Muiden

This tiny, romantic village is best known for its castle and as the gateway from inland waters to the IJsselmeer lake.

Volendam

Volendam

Volendam is a historic fishing town 20 kilometres north of Amsterdam. Very popular destination for a day trip.

Weesp

Weesp

Weesp is a beautiful, small town near Amsterdam. It offers a lovely break from the busy centre of Amsterdam.

Zaanse Schans

Zaanse Schans

It is rather touristy, but the traditional Dutch Windmills and countryside are priceless here. Pretty pictures guaranteed!

Check out our latest blogposts on the city of Amsterdam

Looking for even more information on Amsterdam and what’s going on in the city? Make sure to also check out our blogposts on Amsterdam. You can view our latest 3 posts below. We regularly update our blog with news, and things to do in the city of Amsterdam.

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Luxury dinner cruise on the Amsterdam canals

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