There’s no doubt Amsterdam is one of the best cities to visit in Europe. From the expansive and picturesque Vondelpark, its beautiful canals, and the signature Dutch Architecture, it’s totally gorgeous to visit.
Plus, with the artistic heritage of Amsterdam at the Van Gogh Museum, there really is a piece of Amsterdam that you’ll no doubt enjoy, love and want to come back to the city to explore again.
Amsterdam has a reputation for being a fun city (justifiably so as we’ve gotten to experience first hand).
Though, there’s so much more to Amsterdam than amazing Dutch beers, interesting nightlife and more Stroopwafels than you can shake a stick at.
After visiting Amsterdam multiple times and a trip already booked to go back, we’ve put together some of the best Dutch experiences you should definitely have when you visit.
1.) Watch a glorious sunset at Pllek
You’ve got to give it to Amsterdam – it’s got some pretty epic places to enjoy a sunset over the canals.
One place that you should include is Pllek, which is easily reached from the city centre by the free commuter ferry that crisscrosses the canal.
Take a visit here an hour before sunset and enjoy those views with a cold Dutch brew.
Top tip: Head into Pllek early if you want a seat inside, the venue fills up fast due to its popularity with locals. Read more about why you should visit Pllek.
Read more: Best things to do in Amsterdam
2.) Stay on a houseboat rather than a hotel
Amsterdam’s most famous feature is, without a doubt, its canals. With literally hundreds of little waterways, this city is the perfect place to stay onboard your very own houseboat.
Top tip: There are loads of houseboat options that suit most budgets, with quite a few being cheaper than a hotel room.
Read more: Our specific houseboat in Amsterdam
3.) Discover art at Rijksmuseum
Rijksmuseum is filled with some of the world’s best pieces of art. Take a wander through its historic corridors and discover its priceless artefacts.
Top tip: Rijksmuseum is only a few steps away from the art installation I-Am-Sterdam.
Read more: Best things to do in Amsterdam
4.) Discover some artisan roasters
They’re right, it was better than mine!
Amsterdam has a rich heritage of excellent coffee houses that’ll leave you with a caffeine buzz for days! Bakers & Roasters create some really great coffee that locals and visitors love!
Top tip: Queues can be long, so arrive just outside of peak lunch times
Read more: Best things to do in Amsterdam
5.) Get on your bike
How can you visit Amsterdam without riding a bike.
There are literally hundreds of opportunities to rent a bicycle for as little as an hour! Take to the streets and discover the city on wheels.
Top tip: A brilliant way to explore the key sights of Amsterdam is on a cycling tour.
6.) Discover the tranquillity of the city canals
Yup, those canals are hella famous (as we keep saying over and over again) and with very good reason, they’re actually quite picturesque and a huge part of the city’s history! Take a wander (or ride) around the waterways and discover a unique perspective of this really pretty city.
Top tip: Seeing the canals just after sunrise is a brilliant way to get a more tranquil look at the city!
7.) Shop thrifty
Amsterdam has a whole plethora of vintage and second-hand shops just waiting for the bargain hunter in you! Discover the eclectic style and sensibilities of some of the best stores, like those at Marbles Vintage.
Just don’t leave with a diamond-embellished cowboy jacket…. or actually, do leave with one. That’s all part of the fun really – you never know what you’ll end up with.
Top tip: If you’re looking for a vintage bargain, also look to head to one of the city’s famous markets that run on most weekends.
8.) Discover the deliciousness of an open-air market
Need some delicious waffles? Looking for a pug-style plant pot? Fancy some chai tea from a caravan?
Amsterdam’s got you covered. Take a wander around one of the city’s best open-air markets and gorge on some of the freshest food in town (pug planter in tow, of course).
Top tip: Head to Waterlooplein Flea Market for the very best curiosities you can find.
9.) Drink plentifully at a Dutch microbrewery
Drink up at Brouwerij Troost! This microbrewery actually produces all its beers on-site. Take a peruse and a sip (or two) in this unique little spot in the city.
Top tip: Ask to try a little beer before committing to a full pint!
10.) Rent a boat
You’d be surprised how inexpensive renting a boat can actually be in Amsterdam, especially if there are 4 or more of you going.
Hire a boat for an hour, take a picnic and enjoy your very personal tour of the city. See more about boat rental here and how to learn to navigate the canals.
Top tip: Pool your budget together with your friends to enjoy this beautiful experience, it can work out cheaper than you all paying for an individual ticket on a much bigger tour boat.
11.) See a Dutch windmill
Windmills are a big deal in the Netherlands.
Head to one of the city’s most famous – De Gooyer and discover a little more about the city’s heritage.
Top tip: There are surprisingly few windmills left in the city, so plan your visit to one to coincide with other sights you want to see.
12.) Chill out at Hannekes Boom
Embrace the chilled-out Dutch charm of Amsterdam at the local’s haunt of Hannekes Boom, a cafe, bar and restaurant which is complete with big comfy sofas, a log fire and hot chocolates to die for!
Top tip: It’s a great and rather inexpensive place to eat so it’s a perfect place to pop into around lunchtime.
Read more: Best things to do in Amsterdam
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