Amsterdam bucket list: everything you need to visit

Last Updated on April 23, 2026 by Ioana

Amsterdam is one of those cities that feels straight out of a postcard.

Between the canals, historic houses, world-class museums, and incredible food scene, there’s so much to see and do that it can feel overwhelming to plan your trip.

When I visited, I quickly realized that not all experiences are equal. Some are absolute must-dos, while others are more optional depending on your travel style.

That’s why I put together this ultimate Amsterdam bucket list: a mix of iconic attractions, unique experiences, and local favorites that are actually worth your time.

Whether it’s your first visit or you’re coming back for more, this guide will help you plan a memorable trip without wasting time on tourist traps. This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Find out more here.

Must-do experiences in Amsterdam

Stroll along the canals

One of the best ways to start your trip to Amsterdam is to take a walk along its gorgeous canals in the heart of the city.

You’ll get a feeling for the city and you can also take the mandatory picture by a canal, ideally with a colorful bike and a canal house in the background. 

📸 Photo tip: Try to catch golden hour or go early in the morning for softer light and fewer crowds.

⚠️ Quick tip: Always watch out for bike lanes. Cyclists have priority here, and they move fast. Some streets also have trams and cars, so take a second to look both ways before crossing.

Take a canal cruise

Walking the canals is great, but seeing them from the water is even better.

A canal cruise gives you a completely different perspective of Amsterdam, especially the historic houses and low bridges that you don’t fully appreciate from the street.

I personally recommend going for a smaller boat experience like this one instead of the large tourist boats. It feels more intimate, less crowded, and honestly much more enjoyable.

It’s a great activity if you’re traveling solo too. Check out my Amsterdam solo travel guide for more tips and recommendations.

Explore Dam Square

Dam Square is the main square in Amsterdam and one of the busiest areas in the city.

You’ll find street performers, shops, historic buildings, and a constant buzz of activity. It’s a great place to pass through while exploring the city center.

From here, you’re also within walking distance of many major attractions.

Visit the Royal Palace of Amsterdam

Right on Dam Square, the Royal Palace is one of the most impressive buildings in the city.

Originally built as a city hall in the 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age, it later became a royal palace and is still used for official events today.

The interior is grand and worth seeing if you enjoy history and architecture.

Step inside the Nieuwe Kerk (The New Church)

Despite the name, the New Church dates back to the 15th century.

What makes it unique is that it’s no longer used as a traditional church. It functions more like an exhibition space inside a historic building.

When I visited, there was an exhibit on Indonesia, which was really interesting and different from what you’d expect in a church setting.

One detail that stood out to me was a wall where visitors (especially those of Indonesian descent) could leave notes sharing their thoughts. It added a very personal and emotional layer to the experience.

Walk along De 9 Straatjes (The 9 Streets)

The 9 Streets are picturesque little streets that connect the canals in Amsterdam city center. You can find a lot of shops, galleries, and cafes here. They are so cute!

Make sure to also buy some souvenirs from Amsterdam while you’re in this area.

Visit De Oude Kerk

The Old Church is actually the oldest building in Amsterdam, but inside, it feels surprisingly modern.

Like the New Church, it hosts contemporary art exhibitions, but in a very different setting.

When I visited, there were installations made from melted candle wax, sculptures, and immersive video pieces paired with music. It was a really unique mix of old and new.

If you enjoy modern art in unexpected places, this is definitely worth a stop.

Museums and culture

Explore the Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is one of the most famous museums in the world and a must-visit if you’re interested in art and history.

You can see works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and even Van Gogh, which makes it a great introduction to Dutch art.

It’s a very large museum and it can get quite crowded, especially around the most famous paintings.

Personally, I don’t enjoy traditional museums as much as modern or immersive ones, but I still think it’s worth visiting at least once to see these masterpieces in real life.

Visit Anne Frank House

This is one of the most powerful and emotional experiences you can have in Amsterdam.

The Anne Frank House is where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II while the Netherlands was under Nazi occupation.

Walking through the hidden rooms gives you a very real sense of what life was like during that time.

Before visiting, I highly recommend reading The Diary of a Young Girl. It adds so much context and makes the experience even more meaningful.

I also recommend doing a guided walking tour before visiting the house. It gives you important historical context about the city during WWII, which makes the museum visit much more impactful.

⚠️ Tickets to the museum itself sell out quickly, so plan this in advance.

If you need help with a day-by-day plan, check out my Amsterdam 3 day itinerary.

Visit the Moco Museum (my personal favorite)

This is one of my all-time favorite museums. It’s an independent museum of modern and contemporary art and it has exhibits by Banksy, Andy Warhol, Yayoi Kusama, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and others.

My favorite part of the museum was the immersive digital art exhibit. It’s spread across multiple rooms and it combines lights, mirrors and videos. 

I am not a huge fan of traditional museums, but I love immersive digital art exhibits and street art. Moco was such a great spot for this! If you like modern art, I guarantee you that you will love this museum.

The museum is quite small, so you should buy tickets in advance to make sure you can go in.

See the Van Gogh Museum

If you’re a fan of Van Gogh, this is a must.

It has the largest collection of his work in the world, including:

• Sunflowers
• Almond Blossom
• The Bedroom
• Self-portraits

I personally skipped it on my trip since I prioritized other experiences, but if you enjoy his art, it’s definitely worth adding to your itinerary.

Unique things to do in Amsterdam

Try the Heineken Experience

If you enjoy interactive experiences, this is one of the most popular things to do in Amsterdam.

The Heineken Experience is set inside the brand’s original brewery and takes you through the full process of how their beer is made, with a mix of exhibits, storytelling, and tastings.

Swing over the city at A’DAM Lookout

If you want something a bit more adrenaline-filled, this is such a fun experience.

A’DAM Lookout offers panoramic views over Amsterdam, but the real highlight is the over-the-edge swing, which literally sends you flying over the edge of the building.

It’s the highest swing in Europe, and yes… it’s slightly terrifying. But in a good way.

You can take a free ferry from behind Central Station, which drops you off right in front of the building.

Visit the Red Lights District

No trip to Amsterdam is complete without seeing the Red Light District at least once.

It’s one of the most famous (and controversial) areas in the city, known for its illuminated windows, nightlife, and unique atmosphere.

Whether you’re curious or just want to understand this part of Amsterdam’s culture, it’s worth walking through in the evening.

💡 Go with an open mind and be respectful. Photos are not allowed here.

Rooftop of NEMO Science Museum (hidden gem)

This is one of my favorite underrated spots in Amsterdam.

Most people visit NEMO for the science exhibits (which are mostly geared toward kids), but very few make it up to the rooftop.

From the top, you get a surprisingly great panoramic view over the city, and it’s much less crowded than other viewpoints.

💡 Tip: Skip the museum floors and go straight to the elevator. It saves time and gets you right to the best part.

Go to the Upside Down Museum

If you’re looking for something fun, quirky, and very content-friendly, this is it.

The Upside Down Museum is an interactive experience with themed rooms, optical illusions, and colorful setups designed for photos and videos.

It’s definitely more on the playful side compared to traditional museums, but that’s exactly what makes it different. It’s also one of the Instagrammable places in Amsterdam.

Food you must try in Amsterdam

Start with a local food tour (easiest way to try everything)

If you don’t want to spend time researching where to eat, this is honestly the easiest way to experience Dutch food.

You’ll try a mix of traditional dishes, local snacks, and hidden spots you probably wouldn’t find on your own.

I love doing food tours at the beginning of a trip. It gives you a feel for the city and helps you decide where to go back later.

It’s also a great option if you’re traveling solo.

Dutch fries (yes, they’re different)

Fries are a staple of Dutch cuisine. There are so many fry shops in Amsterdam. They are hand cut and made fresh daily. You can actually see the potatoes next to the friers, none of that frozen fries business. 

They are fried to perfection, so they are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They then add the perfect amount of salt to them. Then they serve it to you in to-go cones and they add 1-2 sauces on top of the fries.

They have a huge variety of sauces to choose from. I went with the cheese sauce, but everything on that menu sounded good.

Stroopwafel (the must-try sweet)

Stroopwafels are thin, round waffle cookies with a caramel syrup filling. They are a classic Dutch dessert and you can find a lot of stroopwafel shops in Amsterdam. They are so good!

You can opt for the classic stroopwafel or you can go with a gourmet option with toppings such as Smarties, Biscoff cookies, chocolate & raspberries, marshmallows, or hazelnut.

I went with the chocolate and Biscoff cookies option (I love everything Biscoff!) and it was amazing. I got it at Melly’s Stroopwafels near the Dam. It was warm, fresh, crispy. A delight!

You can also go to van Wonderen Stroopwafels (this is the shop that’s famous on Tik Tok) or FA Stroop Stroopwafels if you want to see them make the stroopwafel in front of you.

You will pay a premium for this as the cost of a waffle is close to 10 euros, compared to Melly’s which is half price. 

If you want to make your own stroopwafel, you can go to a cooking workshop. I plan on doing this next time I’m in Amsterdam.

Poffertjes (mini pancakes)

Poffertjes are mini pancakes that are light and airy. The traditional poffertjes are served with powdered sugar and butter.

This is what I opted for on my trip and they were simple and delicious. Most restaurants also offer poffertjes with a variety of topings such as Nutella & banana, or blueberry jam. 

People told me that the best poffertjes in Amsterdam are at the Albert Cuyp Market. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a chance to go, but it’s on my list for next time I’m in town. I guess it’s just an excuse to go back to Amsterdam.

Dutch pancakes (sweet or savory)

Dutch pancakes are a hybrid between a crepe and an American pancake. They are made out of whole grain flour, which I love. I am that weirdo who loves everything whole grain and multigrain over white flour products.

There are both sweet and savory options for Dutch pancakes. I tried a cheese, spinach, and egg one at Pancakes Amsterdam near Centraal Station, and a fruit and pastry cream one at the Dutch Pancake Masters.

Both were fantastic. I don’t think you can go wrong with anything on the menus. 

Bitterballen (classic bar snack)

Bitterballen are the Dutch version of croquettes. They are round and look like little balls, hence the name “ballen”. It’s a deep-fried snack food typically eaten at bars next to a pint of Heineken. 

There are a few different varieties you can try such as: beef, cheese, fish, veal, truffle. I recommend you get a tasting flight so you can try them all. 

Indonesian food

In case you didn’t know, Indonesia (or the Dutch East Indies as it was called back in the day) used to be a Dutch colony until 1945.

The Dutch relationship with what is now Indonesia began during the spice trade at the beginning of the 1600’s when the Dutch founded the Dutch East Indies Company (VOC). 

Indonesians make up about 10% of the Netherlands’ population nowadays and you can find many Indonesian restaurant in Amsterdam.

I went to MAX and the food was delicious. You should order the rice table (rijsttafel) so you can try multiple small dishes that will be served along with white rice. 

Eat everything at Foodhallen

Foodhallen is a hip food court in West Amsterdam. They have 19 food stalls. You can find anything here: bitterballen, crepes, Mexican food, Mediterranean food, French pastries, noodles, and so much more. 

They have a lot of communal tables throughout the food court where you can enjoy your food. I went there at noon, right after they opened, and by the time I left around 1pm it was already pretty packed. It’s a popular spot.

Dinner at Van Kerkwijk

Van Kerkwijk is a cafe-restaurant that was recommended to me on social media by a local. It’s a tiny, family-owned, cozy place in the Nes neighborhood.

They do not have a written menu and the waiter will recite you their offerings for that day. 

This is what I tried:

• fish mousse
• pâté
• beef with goat cheese and strawberry sauce (sounds unusual, but it works)
• homemade pear cake

Everything was phenomenal. If you want something less touristy and more authentic, this is a great spot.

Best day trips from Amsterdam

I do this on almost every trip: I always reserve one day to get out of the city and explore somewhere nearby.

Amsterdam is amazing, but the Netherlands is small and well connected, so it’s incredibly easy to see very different places in just a few hours.

Rotterdam

I took a day trip to Rotterdam and it felt like a completely different country compared to Amsterdam.

Since it was heavily bombed during World War II, the city was rebuilt with modern architecture, so you won’t find the same canals and historic houses here.

Instead, you get:

• bold, futuristic buildings
• a more local, less touristy vibe
• a city that feels younger and more dynamic

It’s also smaller and easy to explore in a day.

👉 I break this down in detail in my Rotterdam day trip guide

Zaanse Schans, Volendam & Marken (classic Dutch countryside)

If you want the “traditional Netherlands” experience, this is the best day trip to take.

This tour covers:

• windmills at Zaanse Schans
• fishing village vibes in Volendam
• charming streets in Marken

You’ll also see things like wooden clogs and cheese-making demonstrations.

It’s very touristy, yes. But also very fun and visually different from Amsterdam.

Giethoorn (the “no roads” village)

If you’ve seen photos of a Dutch village with canals instead of streets, it’s probably Giethoorn.

This place feels almost unreal:

• no cars in the center
• small boats instead of roads
• quiet, peaceful atmosphere

It’s one of the most unique places you can visit from Amsterdam, and the boat ride is a big part of the experience.

Keukenhof (seasonal, but incredible)

If you’re visiting in spring, this is an absolute must.

Keukenhof Gardens is one of the largest flower gardens in the world, famous for its tulips.

Important:

• it’s only open roughly March–May
• peak bloom depends on the weather

If your timing works, this is easily one of the most beautiful day trips you can do.