Looking for things to do in Amsterdam? This Amsterdam itinerary gives you all the best places to visit, things to do and places to see. A city with an art scene that is centuries old, full of historic hot spots and with a vibrant nightlife, it is of course Amsterdam!
Packed with old world charm, and yet with a modern, progressive twist, Amsterdam really is a city to behold.
Comfortably one of the most famous cities anywhere in the world, it is synonymous with rich history and vibrant culture, beautiful, picturesque canals, and inclusiveness.
In case you didn’t know already, there is FAR more to Amsterdam than just cannabis and the red light district!
So read on and join us as we go through some Amsterdam travel tips. While we are not claiming by any means to be the best travel guide for Amsterdam, as ever, we aim to be alternative, informative and impartial.
What to do if you are travelling to Amsterdam for the first time
If you are wondering what to do if you are travelling to Amsterdam for the first time, our advice would be the same as if you we’re planning your tenth visit, enjoy yourself!
There is plenty to do, and something for everyone, literally! From art, culture and history, to hazy coffee shops and late night party destinations, whatever you fancy. We hope this itinerary for Amsterdam helps your plan the best possible trip!
Read on for our tips on what to do if you are travelling to Amsterdam for the first (or tenth) time!
Best cheap things to do in Amsterdam
If you are looking to keep the costs down on your next holiday, then you might be interested in our list of the best cheap things to do in Amsterdam.
- Anne Frank House – Adult €16, 10-17 years €7, 0-9 years €1
- Van Gogh Museum – Adult €20, under 18 – FREE
- Vondlepark – FREE
- The Jordaan – FREE
- ARCAM Architecture Centre - €4
Now, you can get more information on the Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, Vondlepark and the Jordaan a little further down in our guide to Amsterdam tips. And the ARCAM is the city’s institute for architecture, urban design and landscape architecture.
But aside from these, there are countless other cheap and free activities, from seemingly endless museums, to coffee spots (and coffee shops), to just taking a walk through the cities streets.
If you are thinking about staying in Amsterdam on a budget, then we sincerely hope this somewhat short section has given you a little bit of inspiration. Aside from activities, there are countless good quality, cheap hotel options which make staying in Amsterdam on a budget highly achievable.
What to do in Amsterdam at night
If you are wondering what to do in Amsterdam at night then fear not… As with many cities, seemingly every city, Amsterdam really comes alive at night! On weeknights you can expect the majority of places to stay open until around 1am, and on the weekends this pushes to 3am.
One of the go to places in the evening in Amsterdam is the famed red light district, but don’t worry, its not all seedy bars and women in the windows. There are actually a few really cool spots hidden away in the red light district.
Otherwise known as ‘De Wallen’, the Red Light District is actually the oldest district in Amsterdam having been built around 1385, so there is plenty of history there as well!
Aside from this, you will find any number of bars and clubs, many of which with a vibrant live music scene, in almost every district. In addition, a walk along the canals in the evening is something special, if a little chilly at certain times of the year!
How to get around in Amsterdam
So, you’ve decided that Amsterdam is the next place you are going to visit, now you’re probably asking yourself how you are going to get around while in Amsterdam…
While Amsterdam might be the capital city of the Netherlands, it is actually a fairly small city (roughly one eighth the size of London for comparison), giving tourists and the locals that call it home all the advantages of a major urban hub, whilst still retaining that cosy, smaller city feeling.
And the good news is, it means that getting from one place to another isn’t all that difficult. As another major plus, public transport in Amsterdam is highly efficient and affordable! Get yourself the City Card, which gives you unlimited access to public transport including the GVB bus, tram, and metro lines in Amsterdam.
While the City Card is also valid on night buses, please note that trams and metros stop running after 00:30.
The public transport network in Amsterdam is sprawling, meaning that you will never be far from your destination after a couple of stops!
If this isn’t your thing, don’t fret! Amsterdam, and the Netherlands in general, is fairly flat, meaning that cycling is an incredibly popular from of transport! Riding a bike means you can choose your own route, rather than being limited to the public transport routes, so you can stop and take in the sights on your journey.
There are endless options when it comes to renting bikes, with countless rental companies dotted around the city. It is also highly affordable, with the average daily rental price being just €10.
Now, if you’ve popped into a coffee shop (or two), or have fallen out of one of the many late night bars, jumping on a bicycle might not seem like the best option to get you back to your hotel or apartment… As it is a fairly small city, with most of the major tourist destinations being centrally located, walking is another great way to get around!
Must see places in Amsterdam
As a historic city packed with culture and history, the list of must see places in Amsterdam is a rather large one… But, we’ve condensed this list down to just 5 must see places in Amsterdam based of our own personal experience!
Our top 5 must see places in Amsterdam
1. The Anne Frank House
If you are not familiar with the story of Anne Frank, the girl who hid from the Nazis for two years during the occupation of the Netherlands, then this is a must visit on your trip to Amsterdam. It is serious subject, and this museum stands in the same building that she hid in for all those years, and aims to educate everyone on Anne’s story, the secret annex, and of course her diary.
2. The Van Gogh Museum
If you are something of an art buff, have an appreciation of his work, or are just a little curious as to what all the fuss is about, why not visit the Van Gogh museum and discover a little more about the life and work of Vincent van Gogh!
Perfect for day trips, making those 1 day Amsterdam itineraries cost effective and a great experience.
3. The Vondlepark
The biggest city park in Amsterdam is the Vondlepark which opened in 1865, providing locals and tourists alike with an escape from the city. Spanning 47 hectares, it is full of well taken care of green lawns, flower beds, trees and pathways. A perfect place for a stroll or a bike ride! And it is open 24/7, 365 days a year!
4. The Heineken Experience
In the heart of Amsterdam you will find Heinekens oldest brewery, and with the Heineken Experience you can learn all about the history and heritage of Heineken, their brewing process and their crazy innovations! Be sure to cap the day off with a cold pint!
Another must see place great for those shorter trips. We would definitely include this if you was only spending around 2 days in Amsterdam.
5. The Jordaan
The charming Jordaan neighbourhood is Amsterdam’s answers to New York’s Greenwich Village. Independent boutiques, cosy bars and hip restaurants flank the narrow canals and streets of trendy Jordaan. Jewellery, clothing, antiques and healthy food are sold on the square market in Noordermarkt.
The Antiques Centre Amsterdam offers a collection of old ceramics and paintings, while smaller galleries in the region focus on innovative contemporary art. If that wasn’t enough, the Houseboat Museum and the Amsterdam Cheese Museum are other reasons to visit.
This is a larger experience from the list, with lots to see, if you are looking to create a 3 days Amsterdam itinerary (or longer), this would be a great pick.
Our Amsterdam Travel Itinerary Tips
We hope you’ve found our Amsterdam travel tips and interesting and useful! Hopefully, our information on what to if you are travelling to Amsterdam for the first time, the best cheap things to do, how to get around, and must-see Amsterdam attractions helpful!
You may even end up deciding that the Moonsand Alternative Travel Guide is the best travel guide for Amsterdam that you’ve read (we can hope at least!)!
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