What to do in Amsterdam

Activities, attractions and tours

A canal with boats, a bridge, and historic buildings along the water.
A historic city square with a prominent clock tower, a tram line, and classic European architecture.
A canal with historic buildings and a bridge.
A lively street with various restaurants and cafes, including a steakhouse and a sports cafe.
A cobblestone street lined with historic buildings, bicycles, and a cyclist.

Places to Visit in Amsterdam

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Amsterdam, North Holland while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Amsterdam attractions from NZ$4, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Amsterdam tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 767 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Amsterdam. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

Activities

Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam & Marken Bus Tour

Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam & Marken Tour

NZ$70
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam & Marken Tour
Amsterdam: Van Gogh Museum Ticket

Amsterdam: Van Gogh Museum Ticket

NZ$53
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Amsterdam: Van Gogh Museum Ticket
Amsterdam: Smoke and Lounge City Boat Cruise

Amsterdam: Smoke and Lounge City Boat Cruise

NZ$45
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Amsterdam: Smoke and Lounge City Boat Cruise
Heineken Canal Cruise with Drinks & Heineken Experience

Heineken Canal Cruise with Drinks & Heineken Experience

NZ$97
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
Heineken Canal Cruise with Drinks & Heineken Experience
Amsterdam: Evening.

Amsterdam: Evening. (Sunset) Canal Cruise with Bar on Board

NZ$28
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Amsterdam: Evening. (Sunset) Canal Cruise with Bar on Board
Blue Boat Company - 75 minute City Canal Cruise

Blue Boat Company - 75 minute City Canal Cruise

NZ$27
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Blue Boat Company - 75 minute City Canal Cruise
Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans 3-Hour Small Group Tour

Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans 3.5-Hour Small Group Tour

NZ$84
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans 3.5-Hour Small Group Tour
Brussels and Bruges from Amsterdam Guided Tour

From Amsterdam to Belgium: Discover the Wonders of Brussels and Bruges

NZ$394
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
From Amsterdam to Belgium: Discover the Wonders of Brussels and Bruges
Amsterdam: Red Light District Tour in EN/DE/IT

Amsterdam: Guided Red Light District Tour in a Small Group

NZ$45
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Amsterdam: Guided Red Light District Tour in a Small Group
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Top places to visit

1. Dam Square

Dam Square is the magnet that has drawn Amsterdamers together for centuries. The historic centre of the old town is today one of its liveliest and most popular meeting places. It’s a favourite place to shop, sightsee or just chill out and watch the ubiquitous pigeons touting for scraps.
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A historic building with ornate architecture and a clock tower.

2. Anne Frank House

When Jewish teenager Anne Frank began to keep a diary about her experiences during World War II, little did she know that one day it would become the most translated Dutch book in the world. At the house where she spent most of the war in hiding, you can see the actual diary, carefully preserved and now the centrepiece of a treasured collection of artefacts recording her extraordinary and moving story.
Learn more
A sign with the name "Anne Frank Huis".

3. Van Gogh Museum

Troubled genius Vincent van Gogh never experienced fame during his lifetime, yet today he is one of the world’s favourite artists with an easily recognisable style that has inspired countless imitators. At this museum dedicated to his work, you can see some of his most beloved paintings and find out more about his short and tragic life.
Learn more
A park with cherry blossom trees, a modern building with a glass facade, and a Van Gogh Museum sign.

4. Vondelpark

When the day dawns warm and sunny, there’s only one place to be – Amsterdam’s largest public park is a favourite haunt of locals and visitors alike.
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A wrought iron gate with the inscription "VONDEL PARK" in gold lettering.

5. Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is the largest public-funded museum in The Netherlands and boasts an unrivalled collection of paintings, sculptures and artefacts.
Learn more
A historic building with a large 'Open' sign, a moat, and people around.

6. Leidseplein

Culture vultures, foodies and fashionistas alike will have fun in Leidseplein, the vibrant hub of Amsterdam’s entertainment scene. This elegant 17th-century square to the south west of the Canal Ring buzzes with life 24/7.
Learn more
A street with tram tracks, historic buildings, and outdoor seating at a cafe.

Recommended things to do in Amsterdam

Number of things to do
767
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Amsterdam: Unlimited Netherlands Internet with eSIM Mobile Data Plan: NZ$4
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Amsterdam

Stay near popular Amsterdam attractions

A historic building with ornate architecture and a clock tower.

Dam Square

8.6/10 (18,623 reviews)
Dam Square pulses as Amsterdam's historic heart, surrounded by the Royal Palace and National Monument. Stroll through this vibrant hub where centuries of Dutch heritage meets contemporary street performances.
See properties

Our guide on where to stay in Amsterdam

Find the best Amsterdam areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Amsterdam
Learn more about Amsterdam
A canal with historic buildings and a bridge.

Amsterdam City Centre

Known for its fascinating museums, charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Amsterdam City Centre. Top attractions like Dam Square and Nieuwmarkt Square are major draws. Catch the metro at Nieuwmarkt Station or Waterlooplein Station to see more of the city.

A canal lined with trees and buildings, with boats docked along the water.

Jordaan

Get to know Jordaan and its many features like its breweries and churches. You might want to explore sights like Amsterdam Tulip Museum and Houseboat Museum, and you can jump on the metro at Bloemgracht Stop or Rozengracht Stop to get around the city.

A woman riding a bicycle on a city street lined with parked bicycles and historic buildings.

De Pijp

Known for its abundant dining options and interesting museums, there's plenty to explore in De Pijp. Top attractions like Albert Cuyp Market and De Dageraad are major draws, and you can catch the metro at Cornelis Troostplein Stop or v. Hilligaertstraat Tram Stop to see more of the city.

A brick building with a cafe on the ground floor.

Oud-West

Known for its fascinating museums and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Oud-West. Check out top attractions like De Hallen and Foodhallen, and jump on the metro at Ten Katestraat Stop or J. P. Heijestraat Stop (7) to see more of the city.

A park with a paved walkway, trees, and a historic building with towers in the background.

Oud-Zuid

Known for its fascinating museums and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Oud-Zuid. Check out top attractions like Concertgebouw and Stedelijk Museum, and jump on the metro at Emmastraat Tram Stop or Gerrit van der Veenstraat Stop to see more of the city.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Amsterdam

A garden with rows of colorful flowers, green grass, and trees in the background.

Hoofddorp

A cityscape at dusk with a prominent cathedral, a river reflecting lights, and modern buildings.

Amstelveen

An airplane flying over a sea of clouds with a bright sun in the background.

Badhoevedorp

A wooden bridge over a canal with people on it and houses in the background.

Zaandam

An aerial view of a river with numerous docks and boats, surrounded by residential areas and green fields.

Vinkeveen

A dense cluster of pink tulips in full bloom.

Aalsmeer

A calm river reflecting buildings and a plane in the sky.

Zwanenburg

A cityscape with modern buildings, a large stadium, and a bridge.

Amsterdam-Duivendrecht

Frequently asked questions

Is Amsterdam worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Amsterdam is visit Amsterdam Museum. Check this major sight off your to-do list, then discover more of the area's cycling and culture.
How do I spend a day in Amsterdam?
After you've checked off top attractions like Amsterdam Museum and Nemo Science Museum, spend some time exploring Amsterdam's retail and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Amsterdam?
The top tourist attraction in Amsterdam is Amsterdam Museum, so be sure to put it on your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Amsterdam?
Three days in Amsterdam is plenty of time to visit the city's main highlights. Many travellers stay for three days on average. Amsterdam Museum, Nemo Science Museum and Royal Theatre Carre are among the most popular sights. Want to see more? Hang around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots like Schiphol.
Is Amsterdam a walkable city?
It all depends on what you want to see and do in Amsterdam. Several sights, including Amsterdam Museum and Nemo Science Museum, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Amsterdam's neighbourhoods, Amsterdam City Centre is 0.48 kilometres away from downtown, while Old Town Amsterdam is 0.16 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Amsterdam with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, an itinerary filled with cool activities takes your trip to the next level. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Amsterdam with kids.

What to do in Amsterdam for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Amsterdam, with activities for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Ziggo Dome or Warmoesstraat.
Are there free things to do in Amsterdam?
From enjoying parks to strolling around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in Amsterdam. If you need new ideas, ask a local tour guide for recommendations. Moco Museum is a great spot for anyone planning to save on their travel adventures.

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