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Things to do in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a bustling, diverse city with an amazing atmosphere that makes it a top holiday destination for many people. A maze of canals, narrow streets, bars, and museums, Amsterdam offers its visitors an experience that really makes it stand out.

There are plenty of amazing things to do in Amsterdam no matter if you are travelling solo, as a couple, with family, or as a group of friends, and we guarantee that you won’t get bored during your time here due to the range of activities on offer. Make sure you explore all the great things to do in Rotterdam before you start your journey to Amsterdam to make the best memories possible.

If you take a ferry to Amsterdam, hiring a bike is easy if you haven’t brought your own. Explore the city’s top sights and history on a cycle tour, or venture into the countryside to Zaanse Schans with its windmills and green wooden houses. Vondelpark is also ideal for cycling and enjoying a picnic across its 120 acres.

It takes around an hour to drive from Rotterdam port to Amsterdam, and if you are travelling as a foot passenger on one of our Mini Cruises to Amsterdam you will be able to hop onto our handy transfer coach which will take to straight into the city for a day of fun! Travel by car or by motorbike from Rotterdam port and begin your journey to Amsterdam today with P&O Ferries.

 

 

 

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Amsterdam bikes canals

Things to do in Amsterdam

History and Cultural Places to Visit in Amsterdam

Art lovers will be spoilt for choice when they visit Amsterdam, as it is home to some of the best art museums in the world. With collections of both modern and historical masterpieces to discover, Amsterdam offers something for everyone. With so many museums, galleries and historic sites, there are countless things to do in Amsterdam, even for tourists who don't know what to do.

You will find many of Amsterdam’s most popular galleries in the Museum Quarter, including visitor favourites the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. Both museums are among the most iconic places to visit in Amsterdam and are regularly featured in guides covering the top 10 things to do in Amsterdam.

Another example of some of Amsterdam's most popular attractions is the Anne Frank House. A visit to the house uncovers the tragic story of a young Jewish girl and her secret diary, a book that has touched millions since World War II. Discover the hidden annex where Anne and her family hid during the conflict, and explore the rooms where she documented her story.


Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam

Cycling in Amsterdam

Active Things To Do In Amsterdam

Cycling is so popular in Amsterdam that it is home to more bikes than people, so you have to join the locals and explore the city on two wheels during your visit.

Don’t worry if you haven’t ridden a bike for a while; the ground in Amsterdam is so flat that you will be whizzing along in no time.

Cycling remains one of the most authentic things to do in Amsterdam and is widely considered one of the best Amsterdam activities for exploring neighbourhoods at your own pace.

You’ll find that it is very easy to hire a bike in Amsterdam if you haven’t taken your own, and there are plenty of cycle tours to choose from if you would like to see the top sights and learn about the city’s fascinating history while you ride. Alternatively, head into the countryside with a trip to popular Zaanse Schans, where you will find traditional windmills and green wooden houses.

Amsterdam’s famous Vondelpark is another excellent place to take your bike, as you can conveniently explore its 120 acres before settling down with a picnic.


Relaxing Things To Do In Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a maze of canals, and with a total of 165 across the city, unsurprisingly, enjoying a canal cruise is often one of the top things suggested when people search for what to do in Amsterdam.

A canal cruise is often listed among the top 10 things to do in Amsterdam, offering a unique way to experience the city’s architecture and waterways. There are plenty of different canal cruises to choose from, and you can combine travelling across the water with a meal, wine tasting session, or an informative tour. Many cruises also give you the chance to sample local Amsterdam food and enjoy a selection of Amsterdam drinks while taking in the city sights. If you visit Amsterdam in the winter, we recommend opting for the Light Festival tour, which takes you on a magical journey past the city’s impressive light displays.

Sound like something you and your family would enjoy? Don’t hesitate to book your family holiday to Holland today.

Canal Cruise in Amsterdam

Pancakes in Amsterdam

Best Food and Drink In Amsterdam


A city break to Amsterdam offers the perfect opportunity to try some indulgent treats, as many of the city’s delicacies, including cheese, waffles, and frites, are definitely a little on the unhealthy side. 

One of the best ways to discover Amsterdam's food is by taking a walking food tour, where you can sample everything from mini pancakes to raw herring.

To shop for your own specialties, visit Albert Cuyp Street Market, which has been the city's favourite market for the last 100 years. Wander among flower vendors, browse handmade clothes, and pick up some caramel-filled stroopwafels.

For charming cafés, incredible restaurants, and pancake houses, head to the pretty Jordaan district, where you will find plenty of options to enjoy local Amsterdam drinks alongside traditional dishes.

One of Amsterdam’s top exports is Heineken beer, and you can see where it was first brewed by visiting the Heineken Experience. You’ll learn about the brewing process, heritage, and brands sponsor activities during a 90-minute self-guided tour, and you’ll even have the chance to pour your own pint!

There are plenty of things to do in Amsterdam, what makes a trip even more exciting is as everyone in the family can come, even your furry friends. For more information on the pet-friendly activities and places to stay in Amsterdam, visit our Dogs Ahoy page now. 

Top 10 things to do in Amsterdam

If you’re short on time or planning a first visit, these are some of the top things to do in Amsterdam that showcase the city’s culture, history, and atmosphere:

  1. Visit the Rijksmuseum to explore Dutch art and history

  2. Discover iconic works at the Van Gogh Museum

  3. Take a canal cruise through Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed waterways

  4. Explore the powerful story behind the Anne Frank House

  5. Cycle through the city like a local and relax in Vondelpark

  6. Wander the historic streets and cafés of the Jordaan district

  7. Visit the Heineken Experience

  8. Shop for local food and souvenirs at Albert Cuyp Market

  9. Take a day trip to Zaanse Schans

  10. Enjoy Amsterdam after dark with its bars, live music venues, and relaxed nightlife

Pancakes in Amsterdam

Cycling is so popular in Amsterdam that it is actually home to more bikes than people, so you simply have to join the locals and explore the city on two wheels during your visit.

Featured blog post Five Instagrammable Places in Amsterdam

Discover plenty of Instagrammable places in Amsterdam that will fill your feed with beautiful images.

FAQs:

Where is Amsterdam in Europe?

Amsterdam is in the Netherlands, in Western Europe. It lies in the province of North Holland, near the North Sea. Just an hour away from our Rotterdam port, it is easy to get there by car or bus to start your trip.

What to do in Amsterdam?

There are many things to do in Amsterdam, some of the most popular, including exploring canals, visiting museums like the Rijksmuseum, and visiting the Anne Frank House. You can also enjoy cycling, markets, and vibrant nightlife.

Where to stay in Amsterdam?

With lots to do in Amsterdam, it can be tricky deciding where the best places to stay are. If you want easy access to sights, stay in the city centre. Jordaan and De Pijp are great for charm, food, and culture, too, and they are great for all the family.

What currency does Amsterdam use?

Amsterdam uses the euro (€) like the rest of the Netherlands. Cards are widely accepted, though some small shops do still prefer cash, so always make sure you have a bit to avoid disappointment.

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