The Top 8 Things to do in Amsterdam that you should not miss
Welcome to Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands! Whether you are about to plan your upcoming trip to Amsterdam or you´re already on site, let me tell you one thing first: you are about to experience one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Amsterdam welcomes travellers with a unique charm and a relaxed atmosphere. But what are the Top Things to do in Amsterdam to experience the city at its best?
From shopping to photography and even a red light district – this blog guide will give you a deep insight into the best attractions in Amsterdam as well as the best spots for unique Amsterdam memories. Ready?
Spend your nights on a house boat – a unique accommodation
One of the first things you will notice when strolling through the city are the cute houses on water. While some of them belong to the inhabitants themselves, others are actually hotels or Airbnbs. The best way to experience the city is spend the nights on the canals. You can choose between budget hotels offering simple rooms on a boat and more luxurious house boats. Waking up in the morning and enjoying your coffee with a view on the water is one of the best experiences Amsterdam can provide! Be sure to not miss out!
Rent a bike and explore the city – one of the absolute best things to do in Amsterdam
Amsterdam – the city of bikes. Visiting Amsterdam without taking a ride yourself would be like visiting the beach without going for a swim. Meaning: it´s an absolute MUST. Renting a bike in Amsterdam is not only a bucketlist moment for travellers, but as well a great way to do some sightseeing. You can find rentals in the center which offer bikes from 2 hours up to a whole day. It´s relatively safe to drive in the streets and with a map in your hands, you´re ready to go.
Take a boat ride on the canals – an obligatory thing to do in Amsterdam
The best way to enjoy the beautiful canals of the city is by taking a boat ride. This is probably one of the typical tourist things to do in Amsterdam. The offers range from simple 1-hour tours to luxurious cruises with dinner and wine. Even a romantic tour just for two is a one-of-a-kind experience! The best time to book a tour is right before sunset. This allows you to catch the best light in the canals and even enjoy the golden light over Amsterdam. Plus, it is one of the less busy hours on the water as most of the tourists book their cruises around noon. Buy yourself a beer or a cocktail and let the beauty of Amsterdam sink it!
Visit the “The 9 Streets” to see some of the cutest corners in the city
In Dutch it is called “De 9 Straatjes” – one of the prettiest parts of Amsterdam. The 9 Streets are basically some of the most beautiful streets of the city coming together in front of the Jordaan district. Take your time to stroll through the alleys, discover cute shops, enjoy a coffee in the sun and cross the picturesque bridges. The 9 Streets is not one big attraction. It´s a million small things that make this part of Amsterdam so unique and beautiful. You can also cross the streets by bike or take a walk along the canals.
Stroll through the De Pijp District
One of the cutest districts of Amsterdam which is located a little bit outside of the center, is De Pijp. You can easily go there by bike or take an about 20-min walk from the city center. De Pijp is known for its cute streets and small cafés. You can stroll over the market, walk around the neighborhood and spot the cute balconies. De Pijp is the ideal way to experience a new part of the city, which most tourists might miss.
Relax in the Vondelpark – a break in between the best things to do in Amsterdam
One of the places where you will truly experience the life in Amsterdam is the Vondelpark. The Vondelpark is one of the biggest parks in Amsterdam and the ideal place to meet with friends and chat with locals. During summer, you will spot many groups doing picnics or take a sunbath. Vondelpark is your place to go if you want to relax a bit and escape the city for a while. As it is located a bit outside the center, you should either take a bike or the bus to Vondelpark.
Have some fries by the canals and enjoy the sun
One side of Amsterdam you should not miss is the culinary. While the waffles and the cheese are best known for the city and the country, another specialty are the fries. Get yourself some fries for lunch and take a break from exploring the city. The canals offer multiple spots to sit and you can enjoy your meal with the most beautiful view.
Walk around the city at night
While Amsterdam already seems to be beautiful during the day, it becomes even prettier at night. You can see inside the cozy homes on the water and the houses are reflecting in the water of the canals.
Take a walk along the water, stroll through the center and listen to the sounds of the city. This is the best way to end your day and you will once again realize, how beautiful this city is. Promised!
Explore the Red Light District and see a total different side of the city
The Red Light District is one of the things to do in Amsterdam that gives you an insight into a different side of the city. You can simply stroll through the district by yourself or even take a tour to get to know more about the background.
Are you ready for an ultimate city trip? Amsterdam is waiting for you!
If you are planning on travelling to Amsterdam in 2021, make sure to check out this ultimate guide: The most convincing reasons to travel to Amsterdam in 2021.
