You’ve arrived in Amsterdam! You’ve dodged at least five bikes on the way to your hotel, bought a postcard of a windmill, and tried to pronounce “Grachtengordel” without spitting on someone.
But now comes the big question: what should you actually do here? Sure, you could follow the masses from one guidebook hotspot to the next… or you could do Amsterdam like a local – which mostly means eating a lot, walking around aimlessly, and accidentally discovering your new favorite place.
Here’s a quirky little list of things to do in Amsterdam – no tulips or clogs required (unless you’re into that).
Golden Hour Canal Cruise Magic
Yes, a canal cruise is a must — and honestly, there’s no bad way to do it. Whether you’re floating past 17th-century townhouses on a cozy electric boat or aboard one of the big classic glass-topped cruisers (shoutout to our investor pals), it’s all part of the Amsterdam charm.
Want extra sparkle? Time your trip with golden hour (around 7 PM in the summer). The whole city starts glowing, the canals shimmer, and even the pigeons look poetic. Champagne optional, but recommended.
Get Quirky at a Weird Museum
Sure, there’s the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum. Love them. But also: this city is home to a museum of cats (Kattenkabinet), a museum of bags (Tassenmuseum), and a tiny museum inside a canal house that’s literally called “Our Lord in the Attic.”
Pick one. Any one. It’ll be weird and wonderful.
Visit the Red Light District… but read our blog first
The Red Light District isn’t just about, well, red lights. It’s one of the oldest parts of Amsterdam — full of crooked houses, medieval alleys, secret chapels, and more history than you might expect.
That said, it’s also a working neighborhood. So if you’re planning a stroll through De Wallen, read our blog first: “The Red Light District: More Than Just Red Lights.”
We break down the do’s and don’ts (spoiler: no photos, no weird behavior, yes to treating people like people). Because this isn’t a theme park. It’s real. And the hard working ladies deserve our respect.
Wander the Jordaan & hit up Noordermarkt
The Jordaan neighborhood is all charm and cobblestones. You’ll find independent shops, vintage stores, and those rare peaceful canals where locals actually live.
On Saturdays, the Noordermarkt is the place to be — a mix of organic farmers’ goods, antiques, and people-watching perfection. You might even spot a local celebrity… or at least someone who thinks they are.
Eat, snack, and street-food your way through town
Dutch food is criminally underrated. Try bitterballen (deep-fried meatballs of joy), stroopwafels (caramel wafer heaven), raw herring (yes, really), and fries drowning in mayo.
Need guidance? We happen to run Dutch Food Tours. Shameless plug, but also, you’ll eat well and laugh a lot. Win-win.
