Close your eyes and imagine Amsterdam. What image do you have in your head?
If you’re like most people, you’ve probably painted a mental picture of tall, slender, gabled buildings towering over a flower-decorated, bicycle-lined canal! And it’s not surprising at all. You know why? Because when you’re in Amsterdam, these postcard-worthy views are everywhere!
If you look at the map of Amsterdam, one of the first things you’ll probably notice is the fan-shaped web dominating it. This web is actually the city’s network of canals linking the curve of the IJ River to many of its neighborhoods. Amsterdam is one of Europe’s catch basin zones, so these canals have played a vital role in the rise of this port city and its development as a trade hub. They are so embedded into its identity that when we think of Amsterdam, these canals immediately pop into mind.
But Amsterdam is definitely more than just its canals. In between are countless attractions that are fascinating, to say the least. Here are some of the best places to visit and things to do in the city.
We’re including some practical bits like operating hours and nearest station, in case you plan on pulling a DIY. For some attractions, we’re also providing links so you could purchase tickets or book tours online easily.
CANAL CRUISES
1. Amsterdam Canal Cruise
Yes, we’re still talking about canals! Let’s start there. These legendary waterways are on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.
The construction started in the early 17th century. They serve different purposes: water management, navigation, and defense system. The sophisticated canal system which branched out from three main canals, forming over 100 kilometers of smaller canals, more or less 90 islands, and over a thousand bridges.
Today, the canals are used mainly for tourism purposes like cruises. A boat ride will take you back to the Dutch Golden Era. Some of the scenic sights are the merchant houses and churches lining the canals, the beautiful bridges, Anne Frank House, and the Westerkerk. See the city’s highlights while sailing down the Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht canals.
If you are interested in taking a boat cruise in Amsterdam, here are some of them:
2. Dine and Cruise
If sightseeing from a boat isn’t enough, how about digging in to delicious food while you’re at it? Some tour agencies and travel companies offer dine-and-cruise type of experience.
Choose the package that best suits your taste. Enjoy your favorite grubs while basking in the beauty of the canal-side scenery. Here are some of the choices:
✅ ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT PANCAKE CRUISE
MUSEUMS
3. Van Gogh Museum
Opened in 1973, Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam currently has the record for the largest Van Gogh collection in the world.
Know the artist deeper as you gaze into his artworks and discover some personal mementos like hundreds of letters. The museum houses over about 400 drawings and sketches and over 200 paintings including the world-famous “Sunflowers”, “The Bedroom”, and his numerous self-portraits. Other than his works, it also hosts Van Gogh’s contemporaries like Monet and Gauguin.
The museum is located in the Museum District in Amsterdam Zuid (South) along with other popular museums.
Nearest Tram Station: Van Baerlestraat Station (Tram 2, 5, 12) or Museumplein Station (Tram 3, 5, 12)
Nearest Bus Stop: Museumplein Stop (Bus 347, 357, 397, N47, N57, N88, N97)
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM is the usual opening time, while closing time is either 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM. On special occasions, the museum closes at 9:00 PM. Please check the official website before your visit.
Entrance Fee: €19 (Regular), FREE (Below 18 y/o)
The museum is one of the most visited in the Netherlands, so expect long queues for the entrance ticket. Note that you can only purchase tickets online. If you want to reserve your ticket prior to your visit, you can also book it online. Another package combine Van Gogh Museum ticket and canal cruise experience.
✅ BOOK VAN GOGH TICKET + CANAL CRUISE COMBO HERE!
4. Stedelijk Museum
Also located in the Museum District beside the Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum is another museum that displays and exhibits modern and contemporary art. In addition, Stedelijk also incorporates design masterpieces.
The unique structure of the museum is the result of merging the original 19th-century structure to the 21st-century wing.
The museum was founded in 1874 and has since continued to promote contemporary art displaying and exhibiting different disciplines — painting, sculpture, installation, photography, industrial design, graphic design, and more! Admire the works of contemporary artists including Warhol, Matisse, Picasso, Kandinsky, Pollock, and Koons, among others.
Nearest Tram Station: Van Baerlestraat Station (Tram 2, 5, 12) or Museumplein Station (Tram 3, 5, 12)
Nearest Bus Stop: Museumplein Stop (Bus 347, 357, 397, N47, N57, N88, N97)
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Daily). It is important to reserve your time slot and day of visit through online booking. The museum is less crowded in the morning.
Entrance Fee: €18.50 (Adult), €10 (Reduced). Note that ticket should be purchased online prior to your visit.
You can book your ticket in advance online!
5. Rijksmuseum
Rijksmuseum is the largest museum in the Netherlands and also one of the most visited. It holds the status of a national museum and focuses heavily on arts and history.
The museum’s roots can be traced back to the late 18th century when it was first established in Hague. It was relocated twice before settling in the present location in the late 19th century. The museum recounts 800 years of Dutch art and history, especially during the Dutch Golden Age, by showcasing about 8,000 items, including over 5,000 paintings. Notable masterpieces include the Night Watch by Rembrandt and The Milkmaid by Vermeer.
It is located at the Museum Square in Amsterdam Zuid (South), near other significant museums like Van Gogh Museum.
Nearest Tram Station: Rijksmuseum Station (Tram 2, 5, 12) or Spiegelgracht Station (Tram 1, 7, 19)
Nearest Bus Stop: Rijksmuseum Stop (Bus 347, 357, 397, N47, N57, N88, N97) or Ruysdaelkade Stop (Bus N84)
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Daily)
Entrance Fee: €19 (Regular), FREE (Below 18 y/o)
Like the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum is one of the most visited in the Netherlands, so expect long queues for the entrance ticket. If you want to reserve your ticket online, you can also book it online. Another package combine Rijksmuseum ticket and canal cruise experience.
✅ BOOK MUSEUM TICKET + CANAL CRUISE COMBO HERE!
6. Rembrandt House Museum
Located near the Old Town center and old Jewish Quarter, the Rembrandt House Museum is another historical gem at the heart of Amsterdam.
Its roots can be traced back to 1911, when this museum was the residence and studio of the renowned Dutch artist Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn. He lived here between 1639 and 1658, producing several of his paintings, sketches, and etchings, which are showcased in the well-restored and refurbished 17th-century house-turned-museum. The museum also demonstrates the age-old process of etching using an antique press.
Nearest Metro Station: Waterlooplein Station
Nearest Tram Station: Waterlooplein Station or Artis Station (Tram 14)
Nearest Bus Stop: Waterlooplein Stop or Artis Stop (Bus N87)
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Tuesday – Sunday), CLOSED (Mondays)
Entrance Fee: €14 (Adult), €5 (6-17 y/o), FREE (Below 6 y/o)
Reserve your ticket in advance online!
7. Anne Frank House
Anne Frank‘s story takes us to the World War II period when the Jewish people were ostracized and persecuted by the Nazi Party. She wrote her diary in a secret room called Secret Annex in a canal house along Prinsengracht, one of the three famous canals in Amsterdam.
This house was later preserved by converting it into a museum. In 1960, the museum was launched to the public. The museum hosts a permanent exhibition about the life of Anne Frank, but the highlight is the well-preserved Secret Annex, where she and her family took refuge.
The closest landmarks are the 17th-century Westerkerk Church and Anne Frank Monument.
Nearest Tram Station: Westermarkt Station (Tram 13, 17)
Nearest Bus Stop: Westermarkt Stop (Bus N82, N83, N84)
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM is the usual opening time, while closing time is either 5:00 PM or 7:00 PM. Please check the official website before your visit.
Entrance Fee: €12.50 (Adult), €6.50 (10-17 y/o), €1 (9 y/o and below). These rates are inclusive of €1 booking fee. Tickets can only be purchased online.
8. Jewish Cultural Quarter
The Jews from Spain and Portugal came pouring into the city as early as the 16th century during the height of the Inquisition. During World War II, the Jews were subjected again to persecution by the Nazi regime, and those living in Amsterdam were not spared.
Today, the presence of Jewish buildings, memorials, and synagogues in the old Jewish Quarter speak of the plight of the Jewish people during those dark periods in history.
The notable sites within the Jewish Cultural Quarter are Jewish Historical Museum, the Children’s Museum, the Portuguese Synagogue, Hollandsche Schouwburg, and the National Holocaust Memorial. These attractions are located within Waterlooplein and the Plantage Middenlaan area.
Nearest Metro Station: Waterlooplein Station
Nearest Tram Station: Waterlooplein Station or Artis Station (Tram 14)
Nearest Bus Stop: Waterlooplein Stop or Artis Stop (Bus N87)
Opening Hours: All sites within the JCQ are open daily except for the Portuguese Synagogue (CLOSED on Saturdays). Opening hours vary per site. The usual opening hour is either 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM, while the usual closing hour is either 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM.
Entrance Fee: €17 (Adult), €8.50 (13-17 y/o), €4.25 (6-12 y/o), FREE (5 y/o and below). Tickets can only be purchased online.
If you want to visit all of the abovementioned sites, you can also get your ticket in advance online. The package covers access to Jewish Historical Museum, the Children’s Museum, the Portuguese Synagogue, Hollandsche Schouwburg, and National Holocaust Memorial using only one ticket.
✅ GET JEWISH QUARTER PASS HERE!
9. Moco Museum
Located in the Museum District within the same block as Van Gogh Museum, Moco Museum is an independent, privately-owned museum that aims to connect to the younger audience by exhibiting works of modernist and contemporary artists like Banksy, Jean-Michel Basquiat, JR, KAWS, Andy Warhol, and others!
The townhouse that shelters the museum dates back to the early 20th century and is now owned by the Logchies couple who are both curators and art collectors.
The museum was launched to the public in 2015.
Some of the highlights are Banksy’s “Beanfield”, “Girl with Balloon”, “Laugh Now”, and “Keep It Real”.
Nearest Tram Station: Van Baerlestraat Station (Tram 2, 5, 12) or Museumplein Station (Tram 3, 5, 12)
Nearest Bus Stop: Museumplein Stop (Bus 347, 357, 397, N47, N57, N88, N97)
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Sunday – Thursday), 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Friday – Saturday)
Entrance Fee: €19.50 (Adult), €16.50 (13-17 y/o), FREE (Below 13 y/o)
You can conveniently reserve your ticket prior to your visit online! This one also includes an audio guide.
10. Red Light Secrets Museum
If you are into alternative and offbeat tourism, you might want to visit Red Light Secrets, said to be the world’s only museum of its kind.
Located in the Old Town district of De Wallen, the museum is housed in a 17th-century brothel at the heart of Amsterdam’s Red Light District.
Discover how the girls go about their daily lives and routines, the history of their profession, and other secrets when you delve deeper into this industry. If you are curious, you can even try posing in front of the red-light windows. Please follow the rules and regulations and do not take photos of the girls inside the windows.
Nearest Metro Station: Nieuwmarkt Station. From the station, the museum can be reached on foot in approximately five minutes. It is close to the Chinese Quarter/Chinatown.
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Sunday – Thursday), 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM (Friday – Saturday)
Entrance Fee: €12.50. Note that visitors below 18 y/o are not allowed entry.
You can book your ticket online ahead of time!
GUIDED AMSTERDAM CITY TOURS
11. Anne Frank Tour
If her coming-of-age story in the midst of World War II captured your heart, this tour will let you take a peek into her life — from growing up in the neighborhood of Amsterdam Zuid to the Holocaust.
You will be led to places where she spent her days as a child, including her School and the store where she bought her diary, while the English-speaking guide recounts anecdotes and stories per stop. You will also get to learn about the advanced ideas of urban planning as you stroll around the area where colonial architecture is strongly reflected by the houses and other establishments.
The tour offered below is perfect for those who want a small intimate group. This is a walking tour so wear comfortable shoes and clothes. The tour is done in the afternoon.
12. Van Gogh Tour
Are you a Van Gogh fan? Or have you wondered about the stories behind his paintings?
This tour will let you into Van Gogh’s life where he spent about two years in the Nuenen Village, inspiring him to paint and sketch over 500 works during his time here.
Visit some of the places that became his subject matter and motivated him to paint. Continue knowing the artist deeper when you head back to the city and visit the Van Gogh Museum which houses the largest collection of his works.
This package we found online includes both the Nuenen Village tour, Vincentre entrance, and Van Gogh Museum entrance. This is a full-day tour, lasting about nine hours. There are also other options like combining this tour with a canal cruise or Amsterdam city tour.
✅ CHECK RATES OR RESERVE HERE!
13. Red Light District Tour
Amsterdam is known for its unabashed openness. The city is quite progressive especially about prostitution as a legal profession.
Tracing its roots back to the medieval period when De Wallen was once a busy town center, the Red Light District is known to host brothels and pubs serving the sailors, travelers, and locals. This tour will guide you through its secret spots and alleyways.
If you are more comfortable exploring this part of the city with a knowledgeable guide, you can book this tour. If you want one that will also take you to Amsterdam’s oldest building and its famous pub Route 66, you can follow the link below. The tour lasts about two hours.
✅ CHECK RATES OR RESERVE HERE!
14. Amsterdam World War II & Jewish Quarter Tour
This tour will take you to places that will give you more insights into some key World War II events in Amsterdam and their aftermath.
Walk down memory lane as your guide leads you to historical landmarks and the Jewish Quarter. Hear stories on what life was like during the Nazi-led Amsterdam while strolling from one site to the next. Some packages also cover visiting war and holocaust monuments like Auschwitz Memorial, the Monument to Jewish Resistance, the Jewish WWII Memorial, and the Shadow Wall aside from other landmarks. This is usually a morning walking tour that may last for 2.5 hours.
✅ CHECK RATES OR RESERVE HERE!
15. Bike Tour
The whole city of Amsterdam is bike-friendly. The roads are tailor-fit to accommodate navigation within and around the city on two wheels. Commuting by bike is probably the most favored mode of transportation in Amsterdam. In fact, there are almost 900,000 bicycles in the city!
If you want to travel and explore like a local, you can go on a bike tour while here. There are packages that include biking through the city and the scenic countryside. One of the tours we found online has an itinerary covering the 35km-long nature reserve in the Waterland District, medieval villages, bike paths with clear waterways and windmills, and even riding five meters below sea level!
This is a mourning bike tour and the duration is about four hours. The rate is inclusive of an English-speaking guide, bicycle and lock, and insurance.
If you want to explore on your own, you can pull a D-I-Y by renting a bike. You can get your rental voucher online! There are two options: 3-hour bike rental and 24-hour bike rental. The rates include two security locks for parking purposes.
16. Amsterdam Alternative Tour
If you want to take the less-traveled path, you can join an alternative walking tour that will introduce you to spots and areas that are NOT frequently visited.
During the tour, you will get to differentiate the myths and truths about the city’s liberal laws and policies. A walk along the historic canals will give you a glimpse of the houseboats while the guide relays the history of these alternative housing. Learn about the White Bicycle Plan that makes bicycles more accessible to commuters and helps lessen pollution.
The tour will end at the Museum District. You can continue exploring contemporary and modern artworks while there. The afternoon walking tour lasts about two hours.
✅ CHECK RATES or RESERVE HERE!
17. Pedal Boat Tour
We know that Amsterdam is a bicycle-loving city, but did you know that you can also do sightseeing while pedaling down the historic canals?
See some of the prominent landmarks such as Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the canalside houses, and the bridges, including the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) which is said to grant everlasting love for couples. There are offers that let you choose between the 60-minute or 90-minute rental duration. Below is one of them.
✅ CHECK RATES or RESERVE HERE!
OTHER PLACES TO VISIT IN AMSTERDAM
18. Albert Cuyp Market
The Albert Cuyp Market is said to be the busiest and largest day market in the Netherlands.
This iconic street market started as an ordinary street where peddlers and stalls sell their products. When the area became too busy, the government decided to organize it into a weekend market in 1905. Eventually, it evolved into a full-blown daytime pedestrian-only street market with over 260 stalls lining the stretch of the street between Ferdinand Bolstraat and Van Woustraat.
You will find a plethora of products here: clothes, fabrics, souvenirs, traditional products, accessories, electronic gadgets, and food! If you are planning to go on a food trip here, here are some of the grubs to try: pickled herring (haring), stroopwafel, poffertjes, kibbeling, and cheese.
The market can be found along Albert Cuypstraat in the Latin Quarter (De Pijp) neighborhood.
Nearest Metro Station: De Pijp Station
Nearest Tram Station: Stadhouderskade Station (Tram 4)
Nearest Bus Stop: Van Woustraat Stop (Bus 246, 356, N85)
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Monday – Saturday), CLOSED (Sundays and Holidays)
Entrance Fee: FREE
19. Jordaan District
In the 17th century, the Jordaan was the settlement for the immigrants and the working class. Fast forward to the present, the quaint district is one of the upscale areas in Amsterdam. Characterized by the narrow and small streets and canals, the Jordaan now is dotted with several specialty shops, boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants.
The notable tourist-favorite streets are the Nine Little Streets, Westerstraat, Lindengracht, Prinsengracht, and Haarlemmerstraat. Some of the popular spots are the Westertoren, Noorderkerk, Noordermarkt, Westerker, Houseboat Museum, and the Amsterdam Cheese Museum.
Nearest Train Station: Amsterdam Central Station
Nearest Metro Station: Centraal Station
Nearest Tram Station: There are several tram stops plotted around the district’s border, especially on the western side. Tram 5, 7, 13, 17, and 19 ply this route.
Nearest Bus Stop: There are several bus stops plotted around the district’s border, especially on the western side. Bus 397, N47, N57, N97, N82, N83, N84, and N88 run this route.
20. Amsterdamse Bos (Forest)
This 1000-hectare green space located south of Amsterdam Zuid is a landscape park that welcomes millions of visitors annually. It is said to be three times larger than New York’s Central Park and is one of the largest in Europe. It is home to many recreational spaces such as gardens and walking paths, monuments, animal parks, organic farm, tree-top adventure park, sporting clubs, camping parks, and open-water spots for activities like swimming, boat tours, canoeing, kayaking, and rowing courses.
Some areas also host various events — political, social, and entertainment. The park is well-equipped with tourist facilities and dining places.
Geographically, most of the park is situated in Amstelveen, but it is under the jurisdiction of Amsterdam. To access the park, note that the main entrance is located at the crossing of Van Nijenrodeweg and Amstelveenseweg. You will see the Tourist Office De Boswinkel on the left side of the entrance. You can travel on a bicycle from the Museum District to the park in about 20 minutes.
Nearest Bus Stop: Amsterdamse Bos Stop (Bus 242, 347, 348, 357, 358, N47, N57)
Opening Hours: Tourist Office 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Tuesday – Sunday)
Entrance Fee: FREE (Forest)
POPULAR DAY TRIPS
21. Zaanse Schans
A few kilometers northwest of Amsterdam is the town of Zaandam, where the neighborhood of Zaanse Schans is nestled.
This residential area is unique because of its blast-from-the-past vibe where traditional structures from the 18th to 19th century mingle with iconic windmills, giving it a status of an open-air museum.
It is best known for its symbolic green wooden houses, well-preserved historic working windmills, barns, artisanal shops, and museums with interactive exhibits like the Zaanse Museum. The traditional buildings and windmills were relocated here to create this themed village. See how craftsmen make shoes, cheese, chocolate, wooden clog carving, barrel, and pewter.
Nearest Train Station: Zaandijk Zaanse Schans Station. Take the train (Sprinter) from Amsterdam Central Station to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans Station. The travel time is less than 20 minutes. From the station, Zaanse Scans can be reached in 10 minutes on foot.
If you want convenient transfers, you can join a guided half-day tour to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam. The package below includes a multilingual guide and roundtrip transportation. The itinerary covers Zaanse Schans walking tour, Clog Museum, Annex Wooden Shoemaker Shop, and a farm.
✅ ZAANSE SCHANS HALF-DAY TOUR!
If you are interested in visiting other nearby attractions, you can book this full-day tour of Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Marken.
✅ ZAANSE SCHANS + VOLENDAM + MARKEN TOUR!
22. Volendam
Located in the town of Edam-Volendam, a few kilometers northeast of Amsterdam, Volendam is a picturesque lakeside fishing village noted for its old fishing boats and colorful wooden houses.
Nestled on the shore of Markermeer Lake, the harbor is probably the busiest area in the village because of the seafood vendors and the tourists who are taking the ferry to Marken (and back).
Another attraction is the Volendam Museum, hosting a collection of items that date back to the 19th century to the present: traditional outfits, paintings, sculptures, and other crafts.
Nearest Bus Stop: There are direct buses (Bus 312 & 316) operating between Amsterdam and Volendam. These buses depart from Amsterdam Central to several bus stops in Volendam. The travel time is about 35 minutes.
Volendam is included in this full-day tour package. This also includes Zaanse Schans and Marken. This covers entrance tickets to Cheese Factory Volendam and the Woltje Stroopwafel Bakery, audio guide, roundtrip transfers, traditional wooden clog making demonstration, and a River cruise between Marken and Volendam.
✅ ZAANSE SCHANS + VOLENDAM + MARKEN TOUR!
23. Keukenhof Tulip Garden
Located in Lisse, a town southwest of Amsterdam, the idea of a garden park dates back to the mid 19th century but the present-day flower park was officially launched to the public in 1950.
As one of the largest flower gardens in the world, it boasts 32-hectare of floral landscape, nurturing over seven million vibrant flower bulbs. Among the plentiful blooms, the spotlight belongs to the tulips, which are usually in full bloom in April. The park showcases 800 kinds of tulips.
The park also features scenic hiking trails, ponds, pavilions, restaurants, statues, a playground, maze, a farm, and weekly flower shows.
The park is open all year round for private events, but only accessible to the general public from March to May — within the eight-week tulip bloom festival.
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM (Daily). The exact opening dates differ every year. For 2021, the par is open from March 20 until May 9.
Entrance Fee: €19 (Adult), €9 (4-17 y/o), FREE (3 y/o and below). Note that the tickets can only be purchased online. You might also want to consider getting a combi ticket for skip-the-line ticket and roundtrip transfers via Keukenhof Express Bus. Check the park’s official website.
Getting There: The easiest way is the direct route offered by Keukenhof Express Bus. From Amsterdam, the bus departs from both the Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Bus Terminal (Bus 858) and Amsterdam RAI Station (Bus 852). The travel duration is about 35 minutes.
24. Giethoorn
Some of you might probably come across an image of a Dutch village with canals for navigation instead of roads. That picturesque village is Giethoorn in the municipality of Steenwijkerland, several kilometers northeast of Amsterdam.
It is fondly called “Little Venice” or “Venice of the Netherlands” for its boat-filled waterways and canal-side cafés and restaurants. But contrary to popular belief, the village has few car-accessible roads, but they are far from the major artery of the village where most of the establishments and settlements are located. There are also bicycle and pedestrian paths.
The village is also popular for its ancient thatched-roof houses, which you can spot in the old part of the village.
Nearest Train Station: Zwolle Station or Steenwijk Station. From Amsterdam Central or Zuid (South), the train routes require one or two change trains to either Zwolle Station (south of Giethoorn) or Steenwijk Station (north of Giethoorn). From either station, get on a bus (Bus 70) to Giethoorn village. The total travel time is about two hours.
One of the recommended ways to get to the village is by joining a group tour. This ensures your hassle-free transportation between Amsterdam and Giethoorn. Below is a tour package that covers both Giethoorn and Afsluitdijk (Enclosed Dike), a 32-kilometer dike that links North Holland and Friesland provinces. You will also be accompanied by a multilingual guide.
✅ GIETHOORN + ENCLOSING DIKE DAY TOUR!
25. Alkmaar
If you are a cheesy person — by that we mean you are a big lover of cheese — then a visit to Alkmaar will delight you. Famous for its cheese and its traditional cheese markets, Alkmaar presents the age-old cheese trading system held at town squares.
Waagplein is one of the remaining four sites for cheese trading and where demonstration of the age-old practice happens in front of an ancient weighing house, drawing throngs of tourists in the area. If you wish to buy cheese, you may do so from the stalls surrounding the square.
Other attractions in Alkmaar are the museums (especially the Holland Cheese Museum), the city’s old canals, Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk, De Molen van Piet, Alkmaar City Hall, and Oosterhout Park.
Nearest Train Station: There are two railway stations serving Alkmaar — Alkmaar Station and Alkmaar Noord Station. There are direct train routes to Alkmaar from Amsterdam Central Station. The travel duration is about 40 minutes.
If you want to delve deeper into the history of cheese trading in Alkmaar, you can join a guided tour departing from Amsterdam. Here are just wo options we found online: Cheese Market Tour and Cheese Cruise Tour.
✅ BOOK CHEESE MARKET TOUR HERE!
OTHER FUN THINGS TO DO
26. Heineken Experience
Welcome to the birthplace of Heineken beer!
The 19th-century brewery at the heart of the city is a popular tourist attraction, especially for beer enthusiasts. The old brewery started producing beer in the 1860s up until the late 1980s.
It relaunched to the public as a museum, sharing Heineken’s history and brewing process. It also features interactive displays and exhibitions. You can also enjoy playing themed games like Formula 1, UEFA Champions League, and the Rugby World Cup. Proost!
Nearest Metro Station: Vijzelgracht Station
Nearest Tram Station: Marie Heinekenplein Station or Weteringcircuit Station (Tram 24)
Nearest Bus Stop: Ferdinand Bolstraat Stop (Bus N84)
Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM (Monday – Thursday), 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM (Friday – Sunday & Daily from July to August)
Entrance Fee: €18 (Adult), €14.50 (12-17 y/o), FREE (Below 12 y/o)
If you want to skip the line, you can avail of a fast-track ticket for the Heineken Experience online. This also covers two complimentary glasses of beer (or soft drinks), and a small tasting glass of beer. Since this is a self-guided tour, the Heineken Experience App will be provided as well.
✅ CHECK RATES or RESERVE HERE!
27. Cheese Tasting
If you are pressed for time and can’t venture outside Amsterdam, you can still taste and experience the best cheeses from the established dairy and cheese companies. If you are interested in knowing the history of the companies, the traditions of Dutch cheese, and the cheese production process, you can book the tours below.
The Cheese Tasting Tour by Henri Willig is a 45-minute experience that involves watching a short film on traditions of Dutch cheese and tasting five different types of cheese paired with a glass of wine or beer. You will also receive a souvenir at the end of the tour.
✅ CHECK HENRI WILLIG RATES or RESERVE HERE!
The Cheese Tasting Experience by Reypenaer is an hour-long activity hosted by a family-owned company that has been in the industry of cheese-making for over 100 years. It also bagged many awards for its artisan cheeses. You will be guided by an expert on how to enjoy each type of cheese as you taste six types of cheese paired with white, red, or port wine.
✅ CHECK REYPENAER RATES or RESERVE HERE!
28. Amsterdam Nightlife
For party animals out there, Amsterdam is your big playground!
The city’s nightlife streets are teeming with lively pubs, bars, and nightclubs. Dance the night away, sing your heart out, meet new people, have fun bar-hopping, be merry, but drink responsibly.
If one night is not enough for you, you might want to consider getting the Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket, giving you two options — 2-Day Ticket or 7-Day Ticket. These are the perks:
- A welcome shot at 8 of the nightclubs
- Access to participating clubs and experiences
- 2 for 1 cocktails at Hard Rock Café Amsterdam
- 2 for 1 Laser Tagging and Glow Golf
- Bowling (avail the 1 hour for 2 hours of bowling)
- 2 for 1 dinner (burgers and dishes)
- Courtesy food/drink from Angus Burger & TopKapi
- Double-up your beer at Craft & Draft
- Free makeup touch-up for the ladies at Douglas
- First ride with UBER (free up to EUR10)
- EUR10 UBER Eats credit on your first order
No. 129, Club Paradiso, Club Amsterdamned, and Feest van Joop are just some of the many participating clubs and bars.
✅ GET AMSTERDAM NIGHTLIFE TICKET HERE!
29. Efteling Theme Park
Opened to the public in May 1952, the Efteling Theme Park is one of the oldest theme parks in the world.
Sprawled across a 72-hectare land, it is currently the largest theme park in the Netherlands with almost 50 attractions, including six rollercoasters. It carries the mystical world of fairy tales, myths, folklore, and legends divided into five themes: Travel Realm, Fairy Realm, Adventure Realm, Other Realm, and Fantasy Realm.
The park has restaurants for sitdown meals and food kiosks for quick bites.
Efteling Theme Park is located in Kaatsheuvel village in North Brabant province, about 100 kilometers south of Amsterdam.
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Weekdays), 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Weekends). Note that the schedule might change without prior notice so better check the calendar on the official website before your visit.
Entrance Fee: €38 (Fakir Ticket), €41 (Fairy Ticket), €43 (Dragon Ticket), €45 (Giant Ticket). Rates for adults and children are the same. Children below four years old are granted FREE access to the park.
Getting There: From Amsterdam Central, take a train to ‘s-Hertogenbosch (Den Bosch) Station. From there, take the bus (Bus 300, 301, 136, 800) to Efteling Bus Stop. Alternatively, take a direct Bus (Flixbus 811) from Amsterdam to Efteling Theme Park available from Friday to Monday.
Currently, tickets are only sold online. It offers a fast track ticket if you want to skip the line at the entrance gate. The ticket type for this package is the Giant Ticket.
✅ CHECK RATES or RESERVE HERE!
30. Ripley’s Believe It or Not
Located in the Old Town district of De Wallen, Ripley’s Believe It or Not regales the macabre-seekers with over 500 items and activities that will surely excite them while inside the five-level building.
It also boasts 19 themed galleries and moving 5D theater! Some of the highlights are the genuine human shrunken heads, a megalodon jaw, a Space Tunnel, and a 7-meter tall robot.
Nearest Metro Station: Rokin Station
Nearest Tram Station: Dam Station (Tram 4, 14)
Nearest Bus Stop: Dam Stop (Bus N85, N87, N89, N91, N93)
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Daily)
Entrance Fee: €19.50 (Adult), €13 (4-13 y/o), FREE (Below 4 y/o)
Reserve and book your ticket online!
✅ CHECK RATES or GET TICKET HERE!
Top Amsterdam Hotels & Apartments
We stayed at XO Hotel Inner, located just in the outer fringes of the museum complex (Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk, and Van Gogh Museum). It was undergoing renovation at the time, but we enjoyed our stay. I think the renovation is complete now.
Anyway, here are the top properties on Booking.com as ranked by value for money (considering review score + price) by guests.
- B&B Keizers Canal. Check Rates & Photos! ✅
- Canal House Inn. Check Rates & Photos! ✅
- Canal view suite. Check Rates & Photos! ✅
- Amsterdam B&B Barangay. Check Rates & Photos! ✅
- Prinsenhof Suite. Check Rates & Photos! ✅
- PH93 Amsterdam Central. Check Rates & Photos! ✅
Search for more Amsterdam Hotels!
Edited by Asta Alvarez
2021 • 4 • 16
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