Top Things to Do in Amsterdam | Best Attractions, Free Activities & More

Puzzled about what to do on your trip to Amsterdam? Well, think of this blog as a crystal ball that will show you the 10 best things to do in Amsterdam. Featured here are the crème de la crème of experiences in the city.

Get a glance at those select few locations that any passionate explorer wouldn’t fail to miss. Find the best things to do in Amsterdam, as well as the ways to soak in the essence of this city.  

Like a chef who creates a dish by adding selective ingredients in the right amounts, consider this a similarly curated itinerary. Skip the wait and dig in!

10 Best Things to do in Amsterdam – Must-do Experiences of 2025  

Along with being the capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is also the most populous city in the country. This means a variety of activities and a plethora of fun things to do in Amsterdam! 

Here are a few recommended things to do in Amsterdam, listed below, as promised: 

1.Museums of Amsterdam

A city as populated as this comes with a lot of history attached, but the museums here aren’t just restricted to the history domain. For instance, look at: 

1.1. STRAAT Museum of Street Art and Graffiti 

Street art has really made a statement in the past few years in the art, fashion, and design industries. STRAAT Museum is a bold take on this and showcases street art’s essence, with more than 180 artworks by a diverse 170+ number of artists. 

Ticket Price: Adult – €19.50

Student –  €13.50

Youth (13-18 y/o) –  €9.50

Children (0-12 y/o) –  €0.00 (Free)

Timings: Tuesday to Sunday: 10 am-5 pm; Monday: 12 am-5 pm 

1.2. Wander in the Rijksmuseum

Looking through more than 8000 pieces of Dutch art feels like landing in an episode of Bridgerton. Featuring revered artists like Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh, the Rijksmuseum provides a dreamy walk through the most commendable Renaissance art. 

Ticket Price: Adult – €25.00

18 and under – €0.00 (Free)

Timings: Open from 9 am to 5 pm every day. 

1.3. Van Gogh Museum 

Being the revered artist worldwide that he is, Vincent van Gogh has a museum dedicated to his boundless artwork. His unique post-impressionist style needed an equally outstanding display, which the Van Gogh Museum succeeded at offering. Displays here will send you into a state of trance and provide a sense of tranquility. 

Ticket Price:  Adults – €27.50

 Students above 18 (upon showing ID) – €13.75 

 Visitors under 18 – Free

Timings: Open daily from 9 am to 6 pm. Fridays – 9 am to 9 pm. 

Remains closed on 30 May and 27 June.

2. Cruise along the Canals of Amsterdam

With long-extending canals, the capital of the Netherlands is no less than Venice. Many important nodes of the city are connected via these canals, and you can easily pick a cruise from Central Station, Leidseplein Square, outside the Anne Frank House, as well as the Rijksmuseum.

Average Cost: Although the fare depends upon the duration and service provider, the average fare ranges between €12 and €50. 

3. Eye Film Institute

Located in Amsterdam’s IJ Harbour, Eye Film Institute’s collection of movies surpasses a mark of 60,000+. Across several genres, inclusive of cult, classic, historical, and blockbuster cinema, there’s something for everyone. 

Eye Film Institute has an exhibition space, a floor dedicated to workshops and educational activities, and a bar-restaurant. 

Ticket Price: Standard ticket – €12.50

Children (11 y/o and under) – €9.50

Timings: Open every day from 10 am –12 am. 

4. Chill at NDSM Wharf

A former shipyard that can be accessed for free via a ferry ride from Amsterdam Centraal, the main train station in the city. It is popular among the people and one of the best things to do in Amsterdam. Due to the festivals and exhibitions held at NDSM, it has progressively transformed into a cultural hotspot. 

Amazing food by the sand, along with the flea market nearby, makes it popular, as these are mostly the things to do in Amsterdam for young adults.  

5. Brouwerij’t IJ  

The complicated name may cause you to ask, what exactly is Brouwerij’t? Well, it’s right there in the name itself. This is one of Amsterdam’s finest breweries, specializing in making blonde beers, pilsners and IPAs since 1985. Honestly, while looking for some of the best things to do in Amsterdam, you cannot go wrong with this one. 

It is definitely one of the most fun things to do in Amsterdam for young adults. Moreover, it wins a golden star for aesthetics since it is inside a functioning windmill!  

Entry Details: Entry is free for everyone. However, tickets are available at the counter only. 

Additional Details: A 20-minute tour is available at €5.50 per person which comes with a complimentary beer of choice! 

6. Anne Frank House

We’ve all grown up reading the “Diary of a Young Girl,” written by the 13-year-old Anne Frank. She continues to live in the hearts of people worldwide, with her literary work serving as a memoir of the injustices of war and fascism. The Anne Frank House was her home that has been preserved and is open to visitors today. 

Ticket Prices: Adult – €16.00

 From ages 10 to 17 years –  €7.00

 From ages 0–9 years – €1.00 

Timings: Open every day from 9 am to 11 pm.

7. Flevopark 

There’s no better haven than Flevopark for all those who feel overstimulated by their day-to-day life. It is a perfect escape to shut your phones and get off the grid for a while. Just the tall grass brushing up against your skin will help you recollect yourself and cleanse all the modern-day mental clutter.  

Entry Ticket: Entry to the park is free. However, if you wish to access the outdoor swimming pool, a standard fee of  €4.60 per person has to be paid (free entry for children below 3 years).

Timings:  Although the pool timings are restricted to 10 am – 5 pm daily, the park is open 24/7, all days of the week. 

8. Food Hallen 

Every day is a festival at Food Hallen, with the biggest meal bonanza. It is assuredly one of the most fun things to do in Amsterdam Netherlands for food mongers. Moreover, it brings together a beautiful amalgamation of flavors from all around the world. Diversity in its real sense is served on a plate here!   

Entry Fee: There is no entry fee. However, if you choose to park on-site, the parking charges are €1.60 per hour.

9. De Negen Straatjes 

Meaning “The Nine Streets,” De Negen Straatjes is the city’s “have it all” that offers cozy cafés and independent shops, outlined by fancy buildings. The chic boutiques here are very ‘Modiste’ coded.

A walk down these streets and browsing the antique stores is one of the best things to do in Amsterdam. Every element here has so much personality that it is hard not to capture it with a camera!

10. Blast Galaxy Arcade

Blast Galaxy has to be at the top of the list of things to do in Amsterdam for young adults due to its “perfect date” setup. Most young adults today are Gen Z and have witnessed the era of old-school gaming arcades. A perfect nostalgia-inducing hangout spot, full of fun, competition, and thrill, awaits you here. 

Entry Ticket: Standard price of €15 per person.

Timings: Open Wednesday-Sunday from 12 pm-8 pm (may differ). Check the Blast Galaxy arcade timings here. Opens on Mondays and Tuesdays only on request. 

While listing the top 10 things to do in Amsterdam so far, we’ve mentioned something for foodies, nerds, nature and shopping lovers. In the next section, there’s something for the photographers among you! 

Most Picturesque Spots in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is high-key bougie about the way it serves looks in every picture! I mean, just take a look at these:

1. Damrak: A partially filled-in canal at the center of Amsterdam, connects Amsterdam Centraal in the north with the Dam Square in the south. Soak in the vibrance, culture, food, and history of Amsterdam when here.

   

2. Dam Square: Featuring the most iconic buildings in Amsterdam like Royal Palace and National Monument, Dam Square is a historically significant location. Mostly vibrant throughout the year, it is one of the city’s main hubs. 

   

3. Jordaan: The credit for being the perfect hangout and date spot goes to Jordaan, as the streets here are lined with the perfect indie boutiques, eateries, and cozy pubs. The antique jewelry at Noordermarkt Square Market also draws a lively crowd to the area. 

   

4. Skinny Bridge: Connecting the banks of the river Amstel at Kerkstraat, Magere Brug is also dearly known as the Skinny Bridge. It is labeled Amsterdam’s most romantic bridge. For all I know, where there are couples, there are photographers too, so dear photographers, don’t skip this one!

   

5. A’Dam Lookout: If there is a place that is just the spot for thrill seekers in Amsterdam, it is A’Dam Lookout. Flaunting the observation deck at the top, it features the most cinematic view of the city. You have to experience it for yourself, since no words can explain how awe-striking it is!

   

How to Explore the True Essence of Amsterdam?

If you plan to visit a lot of paid attractions, consider getting an I Amsterdam Card to get the core experience of Amsterdam. Pay once and visit all the major attractions, as well as get access to free public transport. 

Here are 3 easy ways to better indulge in the must-do experiences of 2025 in Amsterdam: 

1. Explore by bike: A quick and convenient mode of transport here is actually a bike. Netherlanders do not hesitate to take bikes even to work! And so should you. It is cheap, fun, and convenient. 

2. Hang at City Favorites: Vondelpark, De Negen Straatjes, and NDSM Wharf are people’s favorite, cozy, and free spots. They are adored for the core Amsterdam experience that they provide in terms of vibes and food.

3. Traditional Dutch Pubs: A popular way of befriending people here in the Netherlands and in Europe is by bonding over a beer. Do you happen to share the same favorite beer with a stranger? Well, now you will have a hangout buddy for the next day’s exploration. It is honestly that easy!

Hoping you’ll remember these on your trip, let’s move towards the ending notes.

Amsterdam in a Nutshell

Discussed in this blog are the best things to do in Amsterdam that you can find. These are extremely unique and personal to the Amsterdam experience. 

It doesn’t take a genius to notice that this city is very rich in community bonding experiences and is very culturally inclusive, too. This friendly nature of the locals makes it favorable for tourists and turns the fun things to do in Amsterdam even more enjoyable. 

I sincerely hope that you get clear pictures and clear skies on your trip to the Netherlands! 

Also must read our newly curated travel guide on 25 Things to Do in Portland to get to know the offerings of Portland before planning the trip.

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