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 are the best things to do in Amsterdam?
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 favourite place.
Here’s a quirky little list of things to do in Amsterdam for first-time visitors and food lovers, no tulips or clogs required (unless you’re into that).
Golden Hour Canal Cruise Magic
Yes, a canal cruise in Amsterdam is a must and honestly, there’s no bad way to do it. Whether you’re floating past 17th-century townhouses on a cosy 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 summer). The city glows, 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 Amsterdam also excels at the wonderfully specific.
This city is home to a museum of cats (Kattenkabinet), a museum of bags (Tassenmuseum), and a tiny museum inside a canal house literally called Our Lord in the Attic.
If you’re looking for unique museums in Amsterdam, pick one at random. It’ll be weird, charming, and far more memorable than another audio guide.
Visit the Red Light District… but Read Our Blog First
The Red Light District in Amsterdam isn’t just about, well, red lights. It’s one of the oldest parts of the city, full of crooked houses, medieval alleys, secret chapels, and far more history than most visitors expect.
That said, it’s also a working neighbourhood. 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 behaviour, yes to treating people like people). Because this isn’t a theme park. It’s real life and the hardworking ladies deserve respect.
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 absolutely drowning in mayo, classic Dutch street food in Amsterdam.
Need guidance? We happen to run Amsterdam food tours. Shameless plug, but also: you’ll eat well, learn a lot, and laugh even more. Win-win.
Wander the Jordaan & Hit Up Noordermarkt
The Jordaan is one of the best neighbourhoods to explore if you want to experience local Amsterdam life beyond the tourist centre. Think small canals, independent shops, vintage finds and cafés where the staff might actually remember your order.
On Saturdays, the Noordermarkt is the place to be, a mix of organic produce, antiques, and people-watching perfection. You might spot a local celebrity… or at least someone who thinks they are.
More Than Just a Frikandel
Yes, you could tick off the highlights and move on. But Amsterdam has a habit of surprising you, with its chaos, its charm, and its completely unapologetic snack culture.
And if you’re really in the mood to go local? Ask one of our Amsterdam food tour guides about their favourite neighbourhood spots. Trust us, they know the best bites, and the weirdest stories.