Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is a city that is rich in history, culture, and entertainment. With its winding canals, world-famous museums, and vibrant nightlife, Amsterdam has something to offer to everyone. Whether you’re a first-time visitor, a seasoned traveler, or even a local, here are 20 fun things to do in Amsterdam in 3 days:
Things To Do In Amsterdam During A Day
Visit The Red Light District
You can either do it yourself or take a Red Light District tour. Nowadays, these tours in Amsterdam are no longer allowed with real guides and groups. Fortunately, you can still use this great app with an interesting audio tour. Hear real stories from cops, sex workers, historians, and 22 other experts.
Together with a virtual guide, they will teach you everything you need to know about the Red Light District in Amsterdam in 2 hours. The most popular area in the Netherlands is truly a must-see. With this tour, you’ll become an Amsterdam connoisseur in record time.
Take A Canal Tour
Amsterdam is known for its picturesque canals, and one of the best ways to experience them is by taking a canal tour. You’ll have the opportunity to see the city from a different perspective and learn about its history and architecture.
Visit the Van Gogh Museum
This museum is home to the largest collection of Van Gogh’s paintings in the world. You’ll be able to see some of his most famous works, such as “The Starry Night” and “Sunflowers.”
Walk Through The Jordaan Neighborhood
This charming neighborhood is known for its narrow streets, picturesque canals, and charming boutiques and cafes. It’s the perfect place to wander and get a feel forlocal life in Amsterdam.
Visit The Rijksmuseum
This museum is home to a vast collection of Dutch art and history, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer. It’s one of the most popular attractions in Amsterdam, so be sure to book your tickets in advance.
Party in Club Shelter
This club in the northern part of Amsterdam offers super cool parties every week. Mainly techno and house music can be heard here. The club is located in the basement of one of Amsterdam’s tallest buildings. Also known as the ADAM Tower. Many locals go out here on weekends.
Visit the Anne Frank House
This museum is dedicated to the life of Anne Frank, a Jewish girl who lived in hiding during the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam. It’s a sobering reminder of the atrocities of the Holocaust.
Take A Bike Tour
Amsterdam is a bike-friendly city, and one of the best ways to explore it is by bike. There are several companies that offer guided bike tours, which will take you to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Check Out The Bloemenmarkt
This floating flower market is the only one of its kind in the world. It’s a great place to pick up some souvenirs or just enjoy the colorful displays of flowers and bulbs.
Visit the Heineken Experience
This interactive museum is dedicated to the history of the famous Dutch beer brand. You’ll learn about the brewing process, see vintage advertisements, and even get to pour your own pint of Heineken.
Visit NDSM Wharf
This former shipyard is now a cultural hot spot, featuring galleries, artist studios, and performance spaces. You’ll find street art, graffiti, and sculptures all over the place, and it’s a great place to explore if you’re interested in contemporary art.
Take A Trip To The EYE Film Institute
This modern film museum is located on the waterfront and offers a wide variety of films, from classic Hollywood movies to independent films from around the world.
Visit the Noorderpark
This park is a great place to escape the city and enjoy some greenery. You’ll find playgrounds, a lake, and a petting zoo, and it’s also home to the world’s largest playground, called “The Klauterwoud“.
Explore the Oosterpark
This park is located in the heart of Amsterdam-East and features a large lake and a playground, perfect for families. It’s also home to the Tropenmuseum, which explores the cultures of the world, and the artistic and cultural diversity that Amsterdam has to offer.
Take A Day Trip To Zaanse Schans
This traditional Dutch village is located just outside of Amsterdam and is home to several windmills, cheese farms, and a clog factory. It’s a great place to get a taste of traditional Dutch culture.
Visit the Artis Royal Zoo
This zoo is one of the oldest in the Netherlands and is home to a wide variety of animals, including lions, giraffes, and monkeys.
Visit the Stedelijk Museum
This museum is dedicated to contemporary art and design. It’s home to a wide variety of works by famous artists such as Picasso and Warhol.
Take A Trip To The Vondelpark
This is Amsterdam’s largest park and is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery. It’s also home to several museums and a theater.
Visit the Oude Kerk
Amsterdam’s oldest building and a place not to be missed. So much Dutch history can be found here. Rembrandt visited this building himself. Discover this special building, which is surrounded by window prostitutes.
Try Bitterballen At One Of The Many Pubs
This Dutch snack is perfect with a beer or wine. Almost every bar serves this delicious snack.
You can do all of the above activities in different neighborhoods in Amsterdam. This way you get to know the capital really well, because every neighborhood is different. For example, the center offers the oldest history and a neighborhood like NDSM has a lot of modern architecture and high-rise buildings.
8 Things To Do in Amsterdam At Night
Are you looking for things to do in Amsterdam in the evening or at night? Check out the tips below:
Amsterdam is known for its vibrant nightlife, offering a wide variety of entertainment options for visitors. Here are ten fun things to do at night in Amsterdam:
Take A Night Canal Tour
Amsterdam’s canals are even more beautiful at night when they’re lit up by thousands of twinkling lights. Take a boat tour and see the city from a different perspective.
Visit A Rooftop Bar
Amsterdam has several rooftop bars that offer great views of the city, as well as delicious drinks and snacks.
Visit A Comedy Club
Amsterdam has a thriving comedy scene and there are several comedy clubs that offer stand-up, improv and open mic nights.
Go Clubbing
Amsterdam has a diverse club scene, with everything from techno clubs to jazz clubs.
Visit A Casino
Amsterdam has several casinos that offer a wide variety of games, including slot machines, poker, and blackjack.
Take A Night Bike Tour
Amsterdam is a great city to explore by bike, and a night bike tour is a unique way to see the city’s landmarks and canals.
Go To Paradiso
One of Amsterdam’s most famous clubs is absolutely a must-see if you like to party. This place was founded in the 1960’s and every weekend there’s a proper party to go to. Many famous artists have performed here as well. It’s located close to Leidseplein.
Visit A Concert
Classic music fans should go to Het Concertgebouw in the opposite of Amsterdam’s Museum Square. It’s recommended to buy tickets far in advance because this really is the best venue for classical music.
It is a compact and relatively small city. There are therefore plenty of healthy things to do in Amsterdam. We definitely recommend that you rent bicycles. With a bicycle, you get everywhere much faster and you see much more of the Dutch capital. You can cycle from the central station to the southernmost tip of the city within 30 minutes. Especially in the summer, it is wonderful to explore Amsterdam by bike. It is cooling and healthy. Do remember to lock your rental bike properly!
See also my post about planning a trip to Amsterdam during winter.
