Amsterdam, known as the Sin City of Europe, is a popular destination among young and old tourists. Whether people walk through the city's narrow streets, discover historical landmarks, marvel at the artistic heritage and well-preserved sections, or delve into the Red-Light District and vibrant night scene, they will never get enough of the charming city of canals. With the variety of selections and plans it offers, different interests, and budgets, visitors won't find it hard to choose the kind of activities and stuff they prefer. Here are some of the top 11 things to do in Amsterdam, with some alternative attractions that might appeal to similar interests.
11 Visit Anne Frank House
The Anne Frank experience is one of a kind. It is a biographical museum dedicated to the diarist Anne Frank, a well-known victim of the holocaust, after the publication of her book "Het Achterhuis," which documented her experience during the German occupation of the Netherlands. It is required to buy an online ticket to access the house. A tour is also available, where people can explore the city's historic Jewish Quarter on foot and stop to marvel at the Jewish Historical Museum and the Portuguese Synagogue.
- Tour: Anne Frank Guided Walking Tour through Amsterdam's Jewish Quarter
- Duration: 2 hours
- Cost: From $28.28 USD per adult
10 Discover Amsterdam Sights With A Canal Cruise
When people visit Amsterdam for the first time, they cannot miss out on the waterway. Discovering the city of sin from the water is one of the most magical things in Amsterdam and offers a different perspective. Although it looks like a cliché tourist activity, it is also one worth doing. There are many canal cruises available, from the typical canal cruise to the more premium cruises that can include dinner or drinks during both day and night.
- Tour: Amsterdam Canal Cruise in Classic River Boat With Drinks & Dutch Cheese
- Duration: 1 hour
- Cost: From $29.72 USD per adult
9 Find Local Produces At Albert Cuyp Market
Albert Cuyp Market has been the most significant daily Market in the Netherlands since 1905. It is open from Monday to Saturday and hosts all sorts of things, including fresh produce, food, clothes, flowers, and even electronics. Visitors enjoy visiting this great place to see locals engaging in their daily routine and learn more about the Market's culture.
- Tour: Food Tour in the Albert Cuyp Market Amsterdam
- Duration: 2 hours
- Cost: From $58.55 USD per adult
8 Marvel Art Mastery At Van Gogh Museum
Known as one of the most visited museums in the Netherlands, the famous Van Gogh Museum presents the most extensive collection of marvelous arts and works of the Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh. In 2017, the museum received 2.3 million visitors from all over the world. Some of them opt for a guided tour that will enlighten guests about the life of Van Gogh and bring them through the most famous art pieces and their stories.
- Tour: Skip-the-line Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam - Exclusive Guided Museum Tour
- Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Cost: From $114.66 USD per adult
7 Check Out The Red-Light District
Amsterdam's most famous red-light district, De Wallen, is an exciting area that comes to life mainly during the nighttime. The area expresses the Dutch'sDutch's liberal approach toward specific controversial topics. People will discover many characters while narrowing the Red-light streets, from strip clubs and legal prostitution to coffee shops selling weed joints and adult theaters. Roads get more crowded at night. A guided tour is available, as it will offer deep dive into the red-light district and the coffee shop culture.
- Tour: Amsterdam Red Light District and Coffee Shop Private Tour
- Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Cost: From $84.35 USD per adult
6 Tour The Johan Cruyff Arena
The Johan Cruyff Arena is home to one of Europe's most famous football clubs, the Dutch national football team and AFC Ajax. Visitors, especially sports lovers, will be amazed by the stadium tour that will give them access to places not usually accessed by a spectator. Behind the scenes, they will see the press room, the player's changing room, the dugout, and the pitch! Tours are available in multiple languages and last approximately 1.5 hours.
- Tour: The Johan Cruijff Arena Stadium Amsterdam Bike Tour
- Duration: 3 to 4 hours
- Cost: From $80.47 USD per adult
5 Drink Beers At The Heineken Experience
Beer lovers should go to the Heineken Experience while in Amsterdam. The former brewery, which transformed into a museum, shows the history of one of the most popular beers around the world. People take a self-guided tour for 1.5 hours, where they will learn how to pour the perfect draft pint and enjoy two glasses of Heineken in the bar or combine two of Amsterdam's top excursions, the Heineken Experience, and canal cruise package.
- Tour: Skip-the-Line Heineken Experience Amsterdam and 1-Hour Canal Cruise
- Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Cost: From $36.48 USD per adult
4 Connect With Animals At The Royal Zoo
Amsterdam Royal Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the Netherlands and is home to over 1,200 animals worldwide. Setting this zoo apart focuses on giving animals natural habitat, making the experience more stimulating for both the animals and visitors. People visit popular zoo sections, where they connect with the Penguin Garden, Savage Garden, and Elephants of Asia. The little ones can also visit the petting section or discover the fauna and flora.
- Tour: Artis Royal Zoo Tickets in Amsterdam
- Duration: 3 hours
- Cost: From $33.25 USD per adult
3 Meet Celebrities At Madame Tussauds
People have fun and get creative at the Madame Tussauds museum, a popular attraction among adults and kids. The famous waxwork museum presents models of celebrities such as George Clooney, Lady Gaga, Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, Madonna, and Einstein. People explore the museum's four different theme zones and interact, take photos, shake hands or give a hug to their favorite celebrities.
- Tour: Madame Tussauds Amsterdam Admission Ticket
- Duration: 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cost: From $21.83 USD per adult
2 Drink In The Amsterdam Icebar
The Amsterdam Icebar is one of the unique experiences to try in Amsterdam, especially during winter. The bar is made entirely of ice, including the furniture and the glasses! People can stay up to 20 minutes in the ice bar and drink in negative zero temperatures from glasses made of ice. Warm clothes and a selection of cocktails, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, are provided with the entrance ticket. Visitors can benefit from plenty of photo opportunities in this amazing place and get to hang out at the lounge for more drinking after.
- Tour: Xtracold Icebar Amsterdam & 1-Hour Canal Cruise
- Duration: 2 hours
- Cost: From $38.60 USD per adult
1 Visit The Rijksmuseum
Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands and one of the most famous in Amsterdam.
People visit the neo-gothic palace to check out some world-famous pieces of art displayed at any one time. It is home to an impressive collection of Dutch art and historical artifacts from the Middle Ages. The entire tour of the museum will take 4 to 5 hours.
- Tour: Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Small-Group Guided Tour
- Duration: 2 hours
- Cost: From $48.13 USD per adult