The best things to do in Amsterdam (updated 2025)

What is it? SAIL Amsterdam is Europe’s largest free maritime festival, a once-every-five-years spectacular. In total, over 10,000 ships – from majestic, historic tall ships to naval vessels and colourful local boats – will parade from IJmuiden into Amsterdam via the North Sea Canal before mooring at the IJ docks for a five‑day celebration. And for Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary, SAIL is celebrating its 10th edition. 

Why go? Visitors flock to SAIL Amsterdam to experience maritime heritage on a grand scale. The opening SAIL‑In Parade on 20 August will feature a 12-kilometre-long procession of tall ships sailing into the city, escorted by hundreds of smaller vessels creating a dazzling waterborne procession (you can even sail on some of them). There are also all manner of related events, from ceremonial pageantry and maritime exhibits to festivals and nightlife like SAIL on Stage and Waves of Light. At the same time, five city-wide themed zones offer markets, live concerts, fireworks shows, and over 200 side attractions for all ages. 

🤫 Insider tip: For a more local flavour, head to NDSM Wharf’s Kaap de Groene Hoop Festival, a chilled yet lively pop‑up food and craft market. It’s perfect for sunset views over the IJ, live jazz on the United by Waves stage, and meaningful talks about maritime sustainability – all away from the main crowds.

Address: Various points along the IJ River waterfront

Opening hours: Runs from August 20-24, 2025. Approx 11am-8pm every day

Price: Free to watch, but boat tours start at €32.50. Premium packages start at €119, and Sail on Stage performances start at €39.50

What is it? One of Amsterdam’s must-do activities, though a cliché, is still the best way to explore the city. Sure, Amsterdam’s bikes are iconic, but a canal tour requires zero physical effort, so you can finally relax. There are many tour operators with boats, most of which depart from around Centraal.

Why go? There’s not much difference between most operators, but it’s worth going on a longer tour that also heads out onto the IJ (the best ones are around 75 minutes). If you want to take it up a notch, there are dinner and cocktail cruises in the evenings and even one with a live jazz band on board. Classy.

Address: You can dock at various points throughout the city, but the main docks are Damrak, Central Station and Prins Hendrikkade. 

Opening hours: Typically between 9am and 9pm, although there are some late-night options

Price: Typically around €17 for a one-hour group tour

What is it? The lungs of the city, Vondelpark was once the only public park in the world where one could legally barbecue, smoke joints, and have sex. The latter has since been outlawed (again), but there’s still a relaxed vibe to this green giant’s vast open spaces and wooded trails.

Why go? Locals come here to run, cycle, play sports or chill, and there are plenty of activities for those looking to make a day of it. Don’t miss the beautiful rose garden or the famous open-air theatre where, if you’re lucky, you might catch an impromptu show. On a sunny day, it feels like Vondelpark is the centre of Amsterdam.

Address: Vondelpark, 1071 AA Amsterdam, Netherlands

Opening hours: Daily, 24 hours

Price: Free entry (public park)

🌳 Discover more of the best parks in Amsterdam

What is it? This 17th-Century canal house, where Anne Frank, her family and four others hid from the Nazis for two years, is now a museum and educational centre. There’s a permanent exhibition on the life and times of Anne, and you can visit the cramped ‘secret annexe’ they called home.

Why go? The museum is a fundamental part of 17th century history, and a chance to see Anne’s words come to life. The exhibition is open all year round and guests can visit the  ‘secret annexe’ the family stayed in. The house is a chilling reminder of the Second World War, while also being a moving testament to the her bravery and optimism. 

🤫 Insider tip: To book a ticket ahead of visiting, you’ll normally need to book months in advance. If not, you can arrive early to queue. 

Address: Prinsengracht 263-267, 1016 GV Amsterdam, Netherlands

Opening hours: Daily from 9am-10pm

Price: €16 for adults, €7 for children

What is it? A former shipyard on the northern banks of the IJ, NDSM – reached by a free ferry from the back of Centraal – has blossomed into a cultural hotspot with a rich mix of arty events, bars and restaurants.

Why go? Enjoy beach-front food and drink at Pllek, Europe’s largest flea market (IJ-hallen, which takes place once a month, on weekends) and a packed programme of festivals, exhibitions and other goings-on. The city is in the process of building thousands of homes here, turning it into a ‘district for urban pioneers’, and that creative spirit makes for a refreshing escape from the more touristy areas.

🤫 Insider tip: You’ll find one of our favourite bars here, Pllek, right on the waterfront, where you can drink on deckchairs. 

Address: NDSM-Plein 90c, 1033 WB Amsterdam, Netherlands

Opening hours: All day every day

Price: Free to visit (public area)

What is it? If you’re after a once-in-a-lifetime dinner experience, nothing comes close to Vuurtoreneiland. A special boat takes you to this small, rugged island in the IJmeer with just a lighthouse, an old abandoned fort and a large greenhouse dining room.

Why go? The ethos here is ‘eating in and of nature’ – a five-course set menu of the freshest regional produce, lovingly prepared and cooked entirely on open flames. The food is incredible, as is the glorious setting – all fauna, stray animals and sweeping coastlines. But be warned: booking is essential.

Address: Vuurtoreneiland, IJmeer, near Durgerdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Opening hours: Wednesday-Sunday 6.15-11.45pm, Sundays 3.15-8.30pm

Price: Return boat trip €25, five-course menu plus snacks €85, wine pairings €50, contribution to preserve the island €10  

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What is it? This globally renowned, five-day city-wide electronic music festival and conference transforms the entire city into a nonstop dance playground – it’s where cutting-edge beats meet visionary talks and the pulse of nightlife. For industry pros, there are daytime panels, workshops, and networking; for party animals, the nightlife programme features over 1,000 events showcasing over 3,000 artists spread across more than 200 venues, from tiny clubs to cavernous warehouses – and everything in between.

Why go? Quite simply, anyone who’s anyone in electronic and dance music is a perennial attendee, both in front of and behind the decks. And as the world’s largest electronic‑music gathering, ADE delivers unmatched scale and diversity: international heavyweights, rising talent, film screenings, art exhibitions, surprise showcases, 24-hour raves, and pop‑ups across the city. Highlights this year include Skepta, Confidence Man, and DJ sets from legends like Sasha and Paul van Dyk, alongside panel talks on AI and the pressure facing nightlife. 

Insider tip: Try to hunt out the free label showcases, street‑bar pop‑ups, and listening sessions – many of which are around Rembrandtplein and Amsterdam Noord. They’re perfect for discovering new talent without the ticket hassle.

Address: Events take place at over 200 spaces across Amsterdam

Opening hours: October 22-26, 2025. Generally runs until around 4am

Price: Individual events from around €15, full festival tickets €130-€175, ADE Pro Passes over €600

What is it? Dedicated to the works of Vincent van Gogh and his contemporaries, this Gerrit Rietveld-designed building houses the largest collection of the artist’s work in the world. It’s just around the corner from the Rijksmuseum and forms part of Amsterdam’s Holy Trinity of culture alongside the Stedelijk Museum next door.

Why go? The post-impressionist painter is one of the most influential figures in the history of Western art, and his use of bold colours and broad, expressive brushstrokes remains as captivating today as it was in the 19th century. Browse his masterpieces side-by-side here.

🤫 Insider tip: The Van Gogh museum sells out almost every single day, so book a few weeks in advance to be safe. 

Address: Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam, Netherlands

Opening hours: Daily from 9am-6pm, Fridays until 9pm

Price: €24 for adults (free for under 18s, students €11)

What is it? If you’re based in Oost, this giant park is the place to head for a relaxing walk, cycle or just some fresh air. There are huge grassy areas for lounging and several running trails for more energetic types.

Why go? Flevoparkbad, the city’s only outdoor swimming pool, is here, but you can also go wild swimming in the Nieuwe Diep. There’s also a tennis club, and when you’re done exercising, head to microbrewery Distillery ‘t Nieuwe Diep, bag a spot on the terrace and order a craft beer or ale. Otherwise, grab something to nibble on from Albert Heijn and lay down a blanket for the ultimate picnic.

Address: Valentijnkade, 1095 KH Amsterdam, Netherlands

Opening hours: All day every day

Price: Free (public park)

What is it? With a rich history as a trading nation, the Dutch appreciate bargaining and value for money. Albert Cuyp Markt, in the heart of De Pijp, is the place to go to observe locals at their bantering, bartering best. 

Why go? The street-length market has an incredible range of food, clothes, knick-knacks and souvenirs. For fresh fish, chicken, meat and veg, it’s pretty hard to beat. It’s also a great place to meander, soak up the atmosphere and mingle with genuine Amsterdammers.

Address: Albert Cuypstraat, 1073 BD Amsterdam, Netherlands

Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 9.30am-5pm, closed on Sundays

Price: Free to visit (public street)

🥙 Discover more of the best markets in Amsterdam

What is it? Although somewhat overshadowed by Vondelpark, Westergasfabriek is a prime destination in its own right. Come here for a chilled-out break after a stroll through the city centre. 

Why go? This complex of former industrial buildings on the edge of Westerpark, one of the city’s three main parks, has been turned into a cultural hub featuring an art-house cinema, coffee roastery, a microbrewery, exhibition spaces and an excellent gin and mussels joint. Plus, if you fancy some throwback fun, there’s the vibrant ‘Arcade Paradise’ where you play on an array of euphonious games machines.

Address: Polonceau-kade 9, 1014 DA Amsterdam, Netherlands

Opening hours: All day every day

Price: Free (public area)

What is it? Amsterdam’s greatest, grandest, and most classical museum, with a huge collection of Dutch art dating back to the Golden Age. 

Why go? There’s over 8,000 bits of art and history on display, over 1 million objects, a small but mighty Asian collection, a Michelin-starred restaurant and a café on site. Plus the guided tours are ace. Need we say more?

🤫 Insider tip: Book in advance, and make sure to select an pre-11am or post-3pm to avoid the crowds. Oh and don’t worry if you’re not there at your exact time, they don’t mind. 

Address: Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam, Netherlands

Opening hours: Every day 9am-5pm

Price: €25 for adults, free for under-18s (concession price €12.50)

📍 Discover more of the best museums in Amsterdam

What is it? One of Amsterdam’s modern icons, this striking building next to the A’dam Toren (the impressive tower across the water from the central station) is much more than a cinema. It also houses a film museum, a brilliant restaurant and café, temporary exhibitions and various educational activities for kids. 

Why go? Love film? You won’t want to miss EYE. The shop offers an excellent range of quirky gifts and memorabilia for film buffs, and their programming is first-rate – expect cult classics, obscure documentaries and only the best new indie releases.

Address: IJ promenade 1, 1031 KT Amsterdam, Netherlands

Opening hours: Daily from 10am-10pm (11pm on Fridays and Saturdays)

Price: €16 for adults, €11 for students, free for under‑18s

What is it? Smack bang in the middle of the canal belt next to Jordaan, this micro-neighbourhood of quaint and quirky streets is big on personality and full of cosy cafés, independent boutiques, vintage stores and artisanal food shops.

Why go? Best enjoyed at a leisurely pace, there are plenty of Instagram-ready hangouts here – this is old Amsterdam at its best – plus some charming spots to sit and watch the world go by. Eat at Ree7, get a coffee at Screaming Beans, a snack from Het Koekemannetje, or shop at Episode.

🤫 Insider tip: If you start at the corner of Prinsengracht and Prinenstraat, you can do a perfect winding loop through De Negen Straatjes. Just watch out for the bikes! 

Address: De 9 Straatjes, 1016 Amsterdam, Netherlands

Opening hours: Most shops open Monday-Saturday from 10am-6pm, Sundays from 12-5pm

Price: Free (public area)

🏘️ Discover the coolest neighbourhoods in Amsterdam

What is it? Refurbished as part of a drive to regenerate Noord, this 22-storey tower looms over the waterfront across the River IJ from Centraal. Formerly the HQ of Shell, it’s now home to an array of young music, advertising and events companies, plus a handful of bars and restaurants (and even a hotel).

Why go? Sip a signature cocktail in the Skybar, eat in one of the two gourmet restaurants on the top floors (one of which revolves), and if you’re really brave, head to the observation deck to Over The Edge, Europe’s highest swing, and enjoy the views as you rock back and forth, 100 metres up.

Address: Overhoeksplein 1, 1031 KS Amsterdam, Netherlands

Opening hours: Daily from 10am-10pm 

Price: €16.50 online for adults (€18.50 OTD), €10.50 for under-18s

What is it? The ‘Museum of Our Lord in the Attic’ was once Amsterdam’s best-kept secret. The reason? This former church, spread across the top three floors of a 17th-century canal house, was where Catholics would come to pray after public displays of worship were banned by the Alteration of 1578.

Why go? The church has been beautifully preserved and offers brilliant insight into 17th-century life and religious persecution through the ages. There are several outstanding artworks, and it’s still used for the occasional service (and even weddings).

🤫 Insider tip: Museum Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder is free to visit on the first Sunday of every month. 

Address: Oudezijds Voorburgwal 38-40, 1012 GD Amsterdam, Netherlands

Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm, Sundays 1-6pm

Price: €16.95 for adults, €10.95 for students, €7.50 for under-18s

What is it? Situated in an old canal house, the Foam Photography Museum consistently hosts some of Amsterdam’s best exhibitions – all of which will make you look at the world in a different way.

Why go? Whether it’s promoting new talent, running retrospectives on famed photographers, or creating themed exhibitions, FOAM is a place to experience art you’ve most likely never seen before. The museum is also both compact and in a central location, making it an ideal place for a quick jaunt during your day in Amsterdam.

Address: Keizersgracht 609, 1017 DS Amsterdam, Netherlands

Opening hours: Monday-Wednesday and Saturday-Sunday 10am-6pm, Thursday-Friday 10am-9pm

Price: €16 for adults, €12.80 for students, €11.75 for under-18s, free for under-12s

What is it? LAB111 is a movie theatre, but not the sort your parents go to. Described as a ‘cult cinema,’ Lab111 specialises in playing a mix of old and new films, and you’re bound to come across something either classic, underappreciated, or interesting.

Why go? Gorgeously designed (it’s situated in an old laboratory) and with four screens, LAB111 is an ideal place to unwind and catch a classic movie. Alongside that, the venue’s bar and restaurant – named Strangelove – is a chic place to chat about the picture you’ve just seen.

Address: Arie Biemondstraat 111, 1054 PD Amsterdam, Netherlands

Opening hours: Daily from 9.45am-midnight

Price: €13 for tickets, €9.50 concession

What is it? Just a few metres from the shopping madness of Kalverstraat, this secluded garden and courtyard is overlooked by a set of medieval houses built for the Beguines, a group of unmarried religious women who lived in a closed community under vows of chastity.

Why go? Come here for a surreal, restorative experience and a fascinating insight into a little-known aspect of Amsterdam’s religious heritage. You can also marvel at the city’s oldest wooden house, which has stood unchanged since 1425.

Address: Begijnhof 30, 1012 WT Amsterdam, Netherlands

Opening hours: Daily from 9am-5pm

Price: Free (public park)

What is it? If ever somewhere was designed for the TikTok generation, Wondr is it. A veritable fun palace that’s a riot of colour and sounds, it’s billed as a place to ‘let your inner child run free’ and take a break from the adult world. 

Why go? With a pink bouncy house, a rainbow ball pit, and a neon-and-glitter roller rink among the attractions – and, currently, a temporary Spongebob Special – it’s a great place to lose yourself for a few hours in fun and frolics (especially if the weather is not great) and get some killer snaps. Their Pink Beach bar serves great food and bottomless mimosas with brunch, meaning you could easily spend most of a day here.

🤫 Insider tip: If this is your kind of thing, you’ll also find Zero Latency VR 5 minutes up Meeuwenlaan – a ‘mind-bending’ immersive virtual reality shoot-‘em-up where you tackle everything from puzzles to zombies with a group of friends. 

Address: Meeuwenlaan 88, 1021 JK Amsterdam, Netherlands

Opening hours: Monday-Friday 10am-7pm, Saturday-Sunday 9.30am-7pm

Price: €25.95 for adults, €22.95 concession, €17.95 for kids under 11

What is it? Amsterdam doesn’t suffer from a lack of music venues, but OT301, a legal squat, is the best place to catch underground, leftfield and up-and-coming talent. It’s also home to De Peper, a pay-what-you-can vegan restaurant staffed entirely by volunteers.

Why go? The nightly gigs are just one part of OT301’s charm. Daytime is taken up by community classes and art workshops, and there’s a table tennis bar in the backroom (plus a radio station in the basement).

Address: Overtoom 301, 1054 HW Amsterdam, Netherlands

Opening hours: Daily from 11am-midnight

Price: Varies by event. Usually starting at €10

🪩 Discover more of the best clubs and the best live music venues in Amsterdam

What is it? What began life as an old tram depot is now known as De Hallen, a cultural hub in the heart of the Oud-West. Home to a cinema, boutique shops, a hotel, and a food hall, it’s an ideal place to go for some top-quality entertainment.

Why go? Feeling peckish? Take your pick from De Hallen’s delectable dim sum, delicious Dutch meatballs, stupendous sushi, kick-ass smoky barbecue and much more. If the sun’s out, park yourself on a bench outside. Is it a rainy afternoon? Then catch a movie! Check out the offbeat boutiques! You’ll find yourself full, satisfied, and ready to furnish your apartment with the aesthetic of an Amsterdam influencer.

Address: Hannie Dankbaarpassage 47, 1053 RT Amsterdam, Netherlands

Opening hours: Daily from 7am-1am

Price: Free to visit, food stalls vary

What is it? Amsterdam’s original microbrewery, quaintly housed in a working windmill, is still among the city’s finest. They’ve been pulling superb blonde beers, pilsners and IPAs since 1985.

Why go? We hate to point out the obvious, but a trip to Brouwerij ’t IJ will lead you to beer heaven. The hoppy libations are served up in small glasses, so you should be able to taste a decent range without hitting the deck. However, be aware that some beers have an unusually high alcohol volume. If you’re visiting in warmer weather (when beer tastes best, in our opinion), grab a seat on the terrace and nibble on traditional Dutch bar snacks like boiled eggs and raw sausage. 

Address: Funenkade 7, 1018 AL Amsterdam, Netherlands

Opening hours: Monday-Friday 2pm-10pm, Saturday-Sunday 12pm-10pm

Price: Beers (0.3 litres) €3.95-4.5, pitchers around €20, wines €4.50-5.50, bar snacks €3.75-9.95, pizza slices €3.95-5.95

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What is it? Noord is the place for cutting edge art, so Nxt Museum – billed as ‘The home of art and tech’ – fits right in. An experimental art space, it seeks to explore the intersection of art, technology, science, and sound with ground-breaking immersive installations – past exhibitions include eerie rooms filled with LEDs and fog, and generative visual music experiments. 

Why go? If the rich culture of Van Gogh or the dutch Masters gets a bit too much, this place delivers a shock of the new. Specifically designed to showcase the huge, mysterious installations, at times they blur the distinction between the digital realm and reality. Always thought provoking, they seek to question our future too – and leave you pondering: ‘How on earth did they manage to do that?’

🤫 Insider tip: Just to the north, explore both sides of the Johan van Hasseltkanaal-West – you’ll find some great cafes and restaurants like Café de Ceuval, one of Noord’s pioneering eateries, Restaurant V12, Brunchdale, and the cool Bob W hotel.  

Address: Asterweg 22, 1031 HP Amsterdam, Netherlands

Opening hours: Sunday-Thursday 11am-8.30pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-10.30pm

Price: Tickets €19.50-€24.50, students €15, under-18s €13.50. Free for under-10s

What is it? This tiny little storefront in Jordaan bills itself as the first (and only) museum dedicated to fluorescent art in the world and is a scientific and educational shrine to minerals, stones and art that glows under ultraviolet light.

Why go? Way more fascinating than you’d think, Electric Ladyland is a one-of-a-kind experience that never ceases to amaze first-time visitors. You can even try out some ‘participatory art’ that involves you becoming part of the piece – wacky but fun. Visits are by appointment only, so book ahead.

Address: Tweede Leliedwarsstraat 5, 1015 TB Amsterdam, Netherlands

Opening hours: Wednesday-Saturday 2-6pm

Price: €5

What is it? Yes, this is ground zero for Amsterdam prostitution, where sex workers advertise themselves in the famous red-lit shop windows. It’s also party central for stag and hen-dos, and things get rowdy and continue until the small hours.

Why go? If you’re here just to ogle outside windows with crowds of drunk tourists, we wouldn’t recommend it. The Red Light District is also the city’s oldest neighbourhood and home to monuments, churches and quaint little squares that are well worth visiting. If that’s what you’re after, you’re better off going along during the day. Click ‘read more’ for our top recommendations. 

Address: De Wallen, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Opening hours: All day every day

Price: Free (public area)