5 Things to do in Amsterdam

Whether you’re cycling along canal banks, visiting historic museums of admiring stunning architecture, there’s certainly no shortage of things to do in Amsterdam. So pack your camera, grab your cycling helmet and prepare for a true European adventure in the historic, urban and picturesque Dutch capital.

Places to go

Did you know that an astonishing 165 canals encircle Amsterdam, keeping the sea at bay? These canals are criss-crossed by 1,281 bridges and you’ll have no trouble whiling away the day strolling along these waterways. One of the prettiest of all the canals is Prinsengrach, which is lined by leafy trees and cool houseboats. It’s also within easy reach of the Westerkerk and Anne Frank Huis (Anne Frank House). In fact, it’s one of the best things to do in Amsterdam if you really want to get a feel for the place; even if it’s all too easy to get lost doing so.

Attractions

If museums are at the top of your list of things to do in Amsterdam, you’ll be absolutely spoilt for choice. Whether you’re into art, history or both, you’ll want to make a beeline for the Museum Quarter which is known as Museumplein, home to top Amsterdam attractions like the Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk museum of modern art, and the Van Gogh Museum. You can hop from one to the other if you like, and make a pit-stop in one of the many delicious cafés nearby to refuel. Elsewhere, over on Kalverstraat, you’ll find the popular Amsterdam Museum, formerly the Amsterdam Historisch Museum, which charts this city’s history of the last eight centuries. Over in the old Jewish quarter, you can discover the fascinating Joods Historisch Museum, known as the Jewish History Museum.

Places to visit

If you want to sample a slice of local life, one of the best things to do in Amsterdam is head to one of the local cafes, during the day, these places are a comforting home-from-home, but when the sun goes down they turn into a hive of activity. You’ll find that the majority of cafés open up early in the morning and stay open until 1am, or even later over the weekend. You’ll have plenty of places to choose from, too.