The capital of The Netherlands and often referred to as the Venice of the North, Amsterdam is by far one of Europe’s most beautiful and fascinating cities. A liberal city well known for the decriminalisation of cannabis in 1976 and prostitution in 2000, Amsterdam is an exciting city that never fails to impress.
With its picturesque canal network, rich history and thrumming cultural scene, there are endless things to do in Amsterdam. So if you are considering visiting Amsterdam and in need of a helping hand, here’s a list of the best things to do in Amsterdam, from museums to experiences, bars, coffee shops and nightlife.
Best Museums in Amsterdam
The Upside Down | Europaplein
The Upside Down is the biggest Instagram museum in Europe – but it’s more than just a museum. It’s part amusement park, part club, part magic mushroom trip! Get your friends together and remember to charge your phones; you’ll need battery power for all the photos you’ll take in this mind-melting world of fun. Explore the boundaries of your own creativity, trick your brain and tickle your senses.
Youseum | Amstel
Discover a world of unlimited photo opportunities in Europe’s biggest social media experience!
Youseum is an immersive museum experience with 15 unique rooms, each designed by a diverse collective of artists, the museum puts the visitor at the centre of each installation, offering a commentary on the rise of the selfie generation.
Tropenmuseum | Oost
The Tropenmuseum is a museum of world cultures. Every artefact tells a human story and makes you curious about the vast cultural diversity that enriches the world.
From Africa to West and Southeast Asia, from New Guinea to Latin America, in the Tropenmuseum, you discover that besides the differences, we are all the same: human.
Red Light Secrets | Nieuwmarkt
The Red Lights Secrets museum allows you to enter into the intriguing world of prostitution and discover the secrets of Amsterdam’s most notorious neighbourhood. Offering behind the scene access to the world’s oldest profession and experience for yourself how it feels to be seated behind one of the famous ‘windows’.
Inside the Red Light Secrets is one of the few spots in the Red Light District where photography is allowed. A short introductory film introduces you to the other side of the Red Light District. Do not shy away from this intriguing and very educational experience! Red Light Secrets takes you inside a world that most have never visited. A brothel in its original state in one of the oldest monuments of Amsterdam. You will visit the rooms, read the personal stories of prostitutes and learn all about the profession.
Anne Frank House | Westerkerk
With 1.2 million visitors per year, the Anne Frank House is the third most visited museum in the Netherlands. A busy and well sought after attraction, we strongly recommend visiting early to avoid the crowds.
The museum is dedicated to the Jewish-Amsterdam girl Anne Frank. During World War II, Anne hid from Nazi persecution with her father Otto, mother Edith, sister Margot and four other people at the rear of 263 Prinsengracht, the business address of Otto Frank. This hiding place became known as the Secret Annex. The Anne Frank House serves as an educational tour through history and allows you to freely explore the Secret Annex.
Body Worlds | Damrak
Discover a world of unlimited photo opportunities in Europe’s biggest social media experience!
Youseum is an immersive museum experience with 15 unique rooms, each designed by a diverse collective of artists, the museum puts the visitor at the centre of each installation, offering a commentary on the rise of the selfie generation.
Micropia | Artis
Micropia is the only museum in the world of microbes, and it is a unique and wholly fascinating museum. Making visible the invisible micro-world, Micropia invites visitors to explore the natural world and the role of microorganisms and how such organisms could be used t solve global problems, from water purification to developing new ways to cure infectious diseases.
Rijksmuseum | Oud-Zuid
The National Museum of the Netherlands. It has over 5,000 paintings (including Rembrandt’s Night Watch) and has an emphasis on the Dutch Golden Age. But it’s not just paintings – there are sculptures, antiques, collections of clothing and weapons, and one of the finest actively-used libraries you’ll ever see.
Van Gogh Museum | Oud-Zuid
The Van Gogh Museum displays over 200 of Vincent van Gogh’s works, including landscapes, still lifes and drawings, and letters. By displaying them alongside works from Van Gogh’s contemporaries, viewers get real insights into his life and work.
Moco | Oud-Zuid
The Modern Contemporary (Moco) focuses on proven artists with a unique vision. It offers an unparalleled collection of art that forge an unforgettable experience.
Its collection features exhibits from Banksy, Jean-Michel Basquiat, JR, KAWS, Keith Haring, Jeff Koons, Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin, Yayoi Kusama, Andy Warhol, Studio Irma, and so many more!
Best Experiences in Amsterdam
House of Bol’s | Europaplein
The House of Bols is a stylish combo of the brand new and the very old. Genever is the Dutch spirit from which gin evolved, and here you’ll find out everything about Lucas Bols – the world’s oldest distilled spirit brand and their 38 liqueurs.
You will immerse yourself in an interactive tour that will trigger your senses; smell, sight and taste. After the tour, you can enjoy a delicious cocktail in the revolutionary Mirror bar. Or even better, create your own perfect cocktails in the Do It Yourself Bar!
Heineken Experience | De Pijp
The world-famous Heineken® Brewery opened in 1867, but the 21st century is still a dam good time for beer in the heart of Amsterdam. Now an interactive, semi-guided, and immersive attraction located in the old Heineken® brewery, with multiple tastings and free beer included, it’s an absolute mecca for beer fans – and a quintessential Amsterdam experience.
CTaste | Amstel
Ctaste offers a fantastic dining experience in the dark: hear, feel, smell, talk, listen, imagine, experience and enjoy.
Visually impaired waiters will take your order, serve your meal, and be there to take any extra drink orders. With one of your senses removed, your sense of taste will feel much more intense. So, focus on the textures, indulge in the aromas of your wine, and enjoy.
Xtracold Icebar | Amstel
This teeth-chattering locale is the perfect spot to sample the lifestyle of a Polar explorer without the risk of frostbite.
Extracold Icevar is a unique experience, and everything inside is made entirely out of ice.
This Is Holland | Overhoeks
THIS IS HOLLAND offers a simulated flight experience with a spherical screen and special effects to enhance a state-of-the-art journey over The Netherlands. Visitors will see cultural highlights and landmarks, as well as learn about the history of The Netherlands.
The Amsterdam Dungeon | Rokin
See, smell, listen and be afraid, very afraid. All your senses will be on red alert at the Amsterdam Dungeon as you take a spooktacular walkthrough adventure into the 500-year-old history of Amsterdam. Enjoy 7 shows, meet a cast of characters, and prepare for goosebumps.
Best Bars in Amsterdam
Bar the Tailor | Dam
Winners of “National Cocktail Competition 2021” and voted the best hotel bar in Amsterdam in 2019, Bar the Tailor is one of the best cocktail bars in Amsterdam.
Flying Dutchman | Singel
Focused on neo-classic cocktails and with over 800 unique spirits, the Flying Dutchman is a phenomenal bar!
Open seven days a week, from 5 pm till 4 am, the flying Dutchman is one of, if not the only, latest cocktail bar in Amsterdam.
Super Lyan | Central
A strikingly modern and colourful masterpiece. Super Lyan is an incredible bar and the first international venue from Mr Lyan and the team who brought you Seed Library, Silver Lyan, Cub, Dandelyan, Lyaness and more.
A casual cocktail bar offering sublime cocktails, beers, and wine, Super Lyan is, without a doubt, one of the best bars in Amsterdam.
Pulitzer’s Bar | Westerkerk
With three distinct spaces, all exuding a hypnotic gentleman’s club vibe, Pulitzer’s Bar is one of the most sought-after spots in Amsterdam. With an extensive cocktail menu and live jazz music, Pulitzer’s Bar is one of a kind.
Best Coffee Shops in Amsterdam
Prix d’Ami | Central
The largest coffee shop in the world, Prix d’Ami, is in a league of its own. With five smoking areas, a cinema room and multiple lounges, Prix d’Ami is one of the best coffee shops in Amsterdam.
420 Cafe | Damrak
Reminiscent of the city’s famous brown cafés, 420 Cafe is a traditional and hugely atypical spot. A great space to relax and unwind, 420 cafe is delightfully calm and cosy.
Best Nightclubs in Amsterdam
Bitterzoet | Central
Bitterzoet is one of the best clubs in Amsterdam. It is incredibly vibrant and appeals to all music tastes, from rock through to punk, hip-hop, R&B, afro beats, dancehall, soul and even reggae.
Supperclub | Begijnhof
A hugely popular concept club, club nights run from Thursday to Monday. If you decide to go for the full experience, dinner reservations include club entry.
Air Amsterdam | Waterlooplein
A household name in Amsterdam’s nightlife scene and with yearly awards as one of the best 100 in the world. Of course, it goes without saying that AIR Amsterdam is highly renowned and respected.
Air Amsterdam is an excellent club for Hip Hop, R&B, electric and house music lovers.
Club NYX | Muntplein
Well known for hosting spectacular drag and LGBTQ+ nights, Club NYX is one of the best clubs in Amsterdam. With three dancefloors of dancehall, hip hop and pop, Club NYX is an excellent spot for those that want to have fun and dance the night away.