Things to Do in Amsterdam: Canals, Museums, Markets and More

Since moving to the Netherlands we’ve spent a lot of time in Amsterdam, but we’re still finding new things every visit. It’s close enough for an easy day trip, so some weekends we plan out museums and neighborhoods and other times we just hop on the train and see where the day takes us.

Amsterdam has so many sides to it. There are mornings spent along the canals, afternoons in museums, and evenings tucked into small cafés and bars. It’s busy and full of energy in some areas and slower and quieter in others, which makes it easy to plan different kinds of days here depending on what we want to do.

Even after all the time we’ve spent here we still have a long list of places we haven’t seen. Between the museums, markets, parks and local spots there’s always something new to add. It’s one of those cities we keep coming back to because no two trips ever feel the same.

Cruising the Canals

Canal tours are one of our favorite ways to see the city, and we’ve done a few different ones over the years. We start every visit from friends and family with a canal tour. Smaller boats are worth booking because they slip into side canals you’d miss on foot. You pass under low bridges, past houseboats, and alongside narrow homes stacked against each other. On sunny days, sitting out on deck with the city reflecting on the water is one of the best ways to spend an afternoon.

    • Museumplein (Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, MOCO Museum)

    We’ve spent entire mornings around Museumplein and still haven’t managed to see it all. The square is home to three of Amsterdam’s best-known museums. The Rijksmuseum is huge and we always seem to lose track of time here. Dutch masters like Rembrandt and Vermeer are on display along with sculptures, decorative arts and smaller side exhibits tucked into quiet corners. It’s one of those places where you keep finding new things no matter how many times you visit. Get tickets here→

    Next to the Rijksmuseum is the Van Gogh Museum, which feels completely different but just as memorable. Seeing his paintings and letters up close is nothing like looking at them online or in books. We always book tickets online ahead of time because they sell out quickly, especially during spring and summer. Get tickets here →

    The third museum in the square is MOCO. It is smaller than the other two but worth a stop if you like modern and contemporary art. We have gone a few times for the rotating exhibits and it always feels fresh. Past shows have included pieces from Banksy, Warhol and Basquiat. Since everything is close together it is easy to visit more than one museum in the same day if you plan ahead. Get tickets here→

    Jordaan and the Nine Streets

    The Jordaan is one of our favorite neighborhoods to walk through. It’s full of narrow streets, small canals and historic houses with flower boxes in the windows. There are independent boutiques, cafes and small galleries tucked between the side streets, and it feels slower here compared to the busy city center.

    Nearby, the Nine Streets area is perfect if you like browsing unique shops and stopping for coffee. We usually start with pastries at one of the bakeries and then wander between vintage stores, small design shops and local art galleries. It’s a good break from the main streets and easy to combine with a canal walk.

    • Vondelpark

    Vondelpark is where we usually end up when we want a break from the city. It’s the biggest park in Amsterdam, and we love walking Rex along the wide paths. Early mornings are our favorite time to go because it’s quieter and easier to find open space. Later in the day it can get busy, but there are plenty of shady spots, ponds, and grassy areas where you can relax or just wander without a plan.

    We almost always stop at one of the cafés inside the park for a drink when the weather’s nice. It’s one of those spots where you can sit for a while, watch the bikes go by, and forget you’re in the middle of the city. Whether we’re walking Rex, grabbing a glass of wine, or just sitting in the sun, Vondelpark is always an easy choice when we’re in Amsterdam.

    Anne Frank House

    The Anne Frank House is a place you don’t forget after you leave. Walking through the rooms where Anne and her family hid during World War II is heavy and emotional, but it’s also incredibly moving. The exhibits are simple and powerful. Seeing Anne’s actual diary in person makes the history feel so much real.

    Tickets sell out fast, especially in spring and summer, so book online weeks ahead. Even if you’ve read the diary or learned about it before, visiting the house brings a completely different perspective. Get tickets here→

    • Albert Cuyp Market

    If you are near the De Pijp neighborhood, you should wlk through Albert Cuyp Market. It’s one of the busiest markets in Amsterdam. You will find food stalls, produce stands and street vendors. You can grab fresh made stroopwafels, a cone of poffertjes or try a herring sandwich if you are feeling brave. (I am never feeling brave!)

    It gets crowded, especially on weekends, but that’s part of the fun.

    Foodhallen

    Foodhallen is one of our favorite places eat in Amsterdam (and Rotterdam, Hilversum…). It’s an indoor food market with stalls serving everything from dim sum and tacos to burgers and bitterballen. There’s plenty of seating, which makes it an easy stop when everyone wants something different. This was our first experience with a foodhallen and now we go to every one we come across on our travels.

    We usually go for lunch if we’re nearby, but it’s also a good place to start a night out since there’s a bar inside. It gets busy, especially on weekends, but we’ve always managed to find a table.

    • NDSM Wharf

    If you want to see a different side of Amsterdam, take the free ferry from Central Station to NDSM Wharf. It used to be a shipyard, but now it’s full of street art, cafes, galleries and open spaces.

    There’s a great brewery here called IJver, which we have been a few times. It has local craft beers, good food and outdoor seating, so it’s a good place to spend an hour before heading back on the ferry.

    A’DAM Lookout

    A’DAM Lookout is across the river from Central Station, and there is a free ferry that only takes a couple of minutes to get you there.

    The first time we went, we stood in line for the rooftop swing for about 25 minutes. We were next when it suddenly got stuck, and the girls were dangling in the air over the building. So we decided to skip it and head to the bar instead. The drinks are good and the view is just as nice without the swing.

    • Know Before You Go

    Getting There: Amsterdam is easy to reach by train from most major European cities, and Schiphol Airport has direct flights from around the world. Centraal Station is in the city center, making it easy to arrive and start exploring.
    Best Time to Visit: April and May for tulips, September and October for fewer crowds
    Getting Around: Trams, buses and bike rentals make exploring simple without a car
    Tickets: Book museum passes and canal tours online early, especially for Anne Frank House and Van Gogh Museum
    Local Tip: Smaller boat cruises are quieter and less crowded than the larger group tours, and they let you see parts of the city you’d miss on foot.

    If you’re exploring Amsterdam, you might also like:

    Things to Do in Rotterdam – Modern architecture and lively food halls
    Things to Do in Haarlem – Historic canals and easy access to the beach
    Things to Do in Utrecht – Hidden courtyards and one of the tallest church towers in the country