Amsterdam’s top attractions: must-see sights for 2025

Best for: seeing those sunflowers

Misunderstood and penniless for much of his life, Vincent van Gogh only achieved notoriety in death – and veneration much, much later. This specially built museum houses the largest collection of the painter’s work in the world, including ‘The Yellow House’ and ‘The Bedroom’. It’s worth booking a guided tour, and the museum also runs regular workshops and events exploring van Gogh’s life, work and influence on the art world. 

Best for: an immersive look at history

A sombre reminder of the horrors of the Second World War, the house where Anne and her family hid for two years from the Nazis is now a poignant educational centre and museum. Here you can not just learn about the Holocaust and life under German occupation, but also reflect on persecution and discrimination more broadly. Tickets must be booked in advance online.

Best for: ticking off your Amsterdam bucket list

As are the draw of Amsterdam’s magnificent canals, the rule essentially goes that if it exists, there’s an boat tour for it in this city. We’re talking boozy cruises, four-course sit-down dinners, cheese and wine tours, marijuana tours and tours where you get a pepperoni pizza brought to you halfway through. But mark our words, whatever boat tour you opt for will be well worth it – it’s true what they say, there’s simply no better way to see this city than from the water. 

Best for: starting your holiday right

More fool the person who takes a trip to the Netherlands and doesn’t pay tribute to the nation’s excellent history as a brewing nation. This 90 minute tour around the city’s old Heineken brewery includes a ride on ‘Brew U’, which will give you personal insight into what it’s like to be brewed and bottled. You’ll also learn a host of Heineken-related facts, including how the brand became a world-famous sponsor of major sporting events. Enough to make one a little thirsty, eh?

Best for: seeing a different side to Amsterdam

Amsterdam actually has a few Red Light Districts (not everyone knows that), but De Wallen is the one you will have heard of. Of course, it has a reputation for strip clubs, sex shops and the likes, but if you’re only interested in staring through windows with a load of drunk tourists, we don’t recommend visiting. Instead, see the Red Light District for more than what its famous for – for its history, museums, old churches and genuinely good bars. Walking tours and visiting the Red Light Secrets museum are good ways to visit. And hey, we won’t judge you for visiting the many, many novelty condom shops either. 

Best for: freaking out your Insta followers

Amsterdam’s got its fair share of quirky museums (we’re looking at you, Wondr Playground, Nxt Museum and Electric Ladyland – to name a few), but Upside Down might just be its wackiest yet. Suitably mad and out-there, you can spend your visit riding upside down train carriages, jumping around in huge ballpits, trying out real-life optical illusions and more. Upside Down Amsterdam is the largest of its kind in the world, and you’re guaranteed some seriously good photos from it. What are you waiting for?

Best for: meeting your pop faves (well, sort of)

Craving some queasy kitsch factor? Waxy cheese-textured representations from Holland's own Golden Age of commerce are depicted alongside the Dutch royal family, local celebs and global superstars, including Dua Lipa, Zendaya, Lady Gaga and more. Some of the models look like their subjects, some don’t. There’s much camp fun to be had, and it’s hard not to leave without a renewed respect for, well, wax. 

Best for: doing something a bit different on your trip

Thanks (probably) to those northern European climes and long-running winters, the Dutch really know a thing or two about delicious comfort foods. One of our favourites is the globally underrated stroopwaffel, a glorious invention that really transforms any hot beverage (in fact, once you become a fan, all stroopwaffel-less coffees will seem a travesty). Learn how to make them at this lovely workshop while basking in the scent of oozing caramel and freshly made dough – perfect for booking with a group. 

Best for deep-diving into Dutch art 

This striking neo-Gothic building, refurbished to the tune of €375 million, houses masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age (think Rembrandt, Vermeer and Frans Hals). To make the most of the collection, we recommend downloading the museum app and its interactive audiovisual guide. If you’ve worked up an appetite – there are 8,000 objects on display here, so it’s inevitable – make sure to check out the Michelin-starred restaurant and café on site.

Best for: laid-back weekend vibes

Their seafaring history has made the Dutch a nation of canny traders, and nowhere is this more evident than down the market. Albert Cuyp, occupying an entire street in grungy De Pijp, is the best in the city, offering meat, fish, veg, souvenirs, bric-à-brac and everything in between. Come down to see the locals do their bantering, bartering best and soak up the bustling atmosphere of one of Amsterdam’s best-loved institutions.