I fell in love with Amsterdam on our most recent trip. I’m already dreaming of a return trip during the warmer spring/summer months. The canals, the tulips, the bikes, the history- it was everything I could have imagined and more! When planning, I was overwhelmed by the number of options and since we only had 4 days, I did my best to fit everything in. I’m so glad I did my research because we fit everything I wanted into our short time. Looking back, I was able to narrow it down to my top 10 recommendations for you all! These are my top tips and recommendations on what to do and what to see on your trip to Amsterdam. Also, if possibly- I recommend visiting in late spring/summer. Amsterdam was beautiful in March, but I can only imagine how beautiful it is in the warmer months!
- Canal Cruise :: The best way to see Amsterdam. Go during the day and maybe close to sunset. You can take either a tour with recorded audio, find a boat tour with a live guide or hire a private boat with marine air conditioning. We did a live tour guide and loved it, but I would love to do a private tour as well. Also, you can bring food & drinks.
- Anne Frank House :: An absolute MUST see. You must book this 2 month in advance or you won’t get a ticket! Seriously, they sell out fast. Try booking a tour if you can’t buy them directly from the museum.
- Bicycle riding along the canals :: Whether renting bikes to explore the beautiful canals on your own or joining a bike tour, it doesn’t get much more quintessential than riding a bicycle around the city.
- Rijksmuseum Museum :: The biggest, oldest museum in Amsterdam {it’s over 200 years old}.
- Get a stroopwafel (flat waffle cookie thing) :: I loved the ones at the Albert Cuypmarkt market. We had them both plain & drizzled with chocolate. They are SO good. We also bough extras to enjoy with tea later.
- Van Gogh Museum :: A must for Van Gogh lovers.
- Floating Flower Market :: Okay, a bit touristy, but worth visiting!
- Tulip Museum :: Seriously LOVED this museum. It is located in one of the homes built in the 1600s and is beautiful. You can do the full thing in an hour and it is empty. We loved it! I highly recommend it for everyone. You will be shocked at what you learn!
- Canal Museum :: Another great museum. It is intimate & I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the history of Amsterdam. Another museum worth visiting.
- Visit the iAmsterdam sign :: Just because it is a classic. It is located near the Rijksmuseum.
Bonus
11. Get a drink and swing on the tall swing on the A’DAM Lookout. The views are incredible.
12. Take a quick trip out to the windmills just outside the city center.
13. Go see the tulip fields if they are in bloom.
Famous Squares/Courtyards/Gardens/Parks Worth Visiting
- Begijnhof Square :: This beautiful courtyard dates back to the 14th century & used to belong to the Catholic church. It was once home to women who lived like nuns, but could leave to marry.
- Dam Square :: Famous and worth visiting, but it wont take much time.
- Vondelpark Park :: Go here with local goodies & beers for a picnic & views
***Worth noting- if you are looking for coffee- visit a Coffee Shop, not a Coffeeshop.
Coffeeshops sell marijuana, so you would be in for a serious surprise.
What would you add to this list?
What would you visit in Amsterdam?
Stay tuned for tips on my restaurant recommendations, my favorite neighborhoods in Amsterdam to visit & more
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Amsterdam is on my bucket list!! I’ve heard they have really delicious colorful cheese!
I could spend just one day in Amsterdam and could do the first 2 of the activities. The visit to Anne Frank’s house is etched clearly in my mind, one of the saddest place I have ever been to.
The canal tour of course was mesmerizing. One more trip I wish to do there just to see the Tulip festival, hope I can time one.
Amsterdam is one of my absolute favorite cities. Thanks for this guide, it looks like you guys had a great time!
Anne Frank House is definitely on top of my list. I have read the book based on her memoir. It will be an overwhelming experience to see it for myself. This place represents so much history.
I missed the A’DAM Lookout, I would love to check out the views from up there and enjoy a beer! Those Stroopwafels are delicious, I love them with Nutella! You took some very detailed images of Amsterdam, all Instagram worthy!
Coffeeshop! Good lord. That’s scary:D
Love the list. It’s got everything that interests me. Tulips, architecture, stories! But for me the highlight has got to be Anne Franks house. After reading her book as a kid and being a fan , this is a definite must do for me :)
I’ve done 5 of your top 10. Unfortunately I didn’t have time to go to Van Gogh Museum though I wanted to and sadly it wasn’t Tulip season when I went!
Btw, I did spot a windmill on my way to Amsterdam….
I am very eager to eat stroopwafels! Haha! They are different from the Belgian waffles. I’d like to know which one tastes better. The bouquets of tulips look wonderful. Are they fragrant? I would like to experience these awesome things to do in Amsterdam.
I was in Amsterdam last summer and I did all the things you mentioned here other than of course seeing the Tulip fields. Missing it the 2nd time and hopefully I will make it there during my third time to Amsterdam. I went and stood outside the Anne fRank house for 45 minutes since I did not book in advance. But it was an awesome experience. I actually found it quite fun walking around the red light district and the only thing I would add to the list. Only in Amsterdam. :)
Canal cruising sounds so exciting. Do so many visitor’s turn up to see Anne Frank’s house?! I read her book long back and would love to visit it myself. Thanks for letting me know that I have to book it in advance. Cycling and museum hopping is always fun. Thanks for a comprehensive list. PS: Great pics.
Gosh, it looks amazing there!! I’ve always wanted to go visit!!
Great photos! Amsterdam will always look amazing. The tulips weren’t in full bloom when we visited Amsterdam. It’s something I will look forward to doing next time! :)
Another wonderful travel post girl! Hoping to visit Amsterdam one day!
Loved reading your post, we’re heading to Amsterdam this Summer so your recommendations will come in handy for us. The canal cruise sounds perfect and visiting Anne Frank’s house is high on our list too. Thanks for sharing, awesome photos too.
Your pics are so amazing! I love the idea of the tulip museum, how fun!
Love the note about the coffeeshops haha! Such beautiful pictures, really makes me want to go back. I will definitely have to check out the Tulip Museum next time!