Published on : 08 July 20204 min reading time
Are you planning to spend a few days on holiday or a weekend in Amsterdam? But what to do in Amsterdam: what are the things to see? The capital of the Netherlands is full of must-see places: art and history museums, canals that cross the city, small alleys, Red Square, coffee shops…
As the city is quite large, we have compiled a list of things to do when you visit Venice of the North.
Take a tour of the Amsterdam Red Square: From Wallen
How can we talk about Amsterdam without talking about its famous red light district? Much more than a district where red lights emphasize certain libertiness, its facades and small alleys are remarkable. And this is without counting on the presence of essential religious establishments such as the “Oude Kerk” (the oldest church in Amsterdam), the Buddhist temple “He Hua” or the underground church “Amstelkring”.
Visit the famous museums
Rijksmuseum, the Anne Frank Museum, the Royal Palace of Amsterdam (“Koninklijk Paleis te Amsterdam” or “Paleis op de Dam”) and the Van Gogh Museum are some of the places that will forever leave their mark on your mind if you are a fan of architecture, art and history.
Don’t worry about what to do in Amsterdam anymore and take a walk in Vondelpark
Located a few steps from the famous Rijksmuseum, you can only enjoy this green and quiet space, whether for a stroll with your partner, family or friends. After walking the streets of Amsterdam, why not organise a small picnic in this pretty park? It will allow you to enjoy a real breath of fresh air in the heart of the city.
Taste Dutch gastronomy
It would be a real shame to ignore traditional Dutch dishes. Don’t forget to try Stamppot, a delicious dish made with mashed potatoes and sauerkraut, Bitterballens, which are small fried bites traditionally prepared with meat, Gouda, the famous creamy cheese, or even Stroopwafels, delicious caramelized waffles that you can find everywhere in the city.
Discover the windmills of Zaanse Schans
Just a few minutes from downtown Amsterdam, is the small village of Zaanse Schans, surrounded by windmills that can be visited.
You will find half-day excursions on the internet where a bus takes you to Amsterdam and takes you to the village. Once there you can visit a wooden hoof factory, a Dutch cheese museum and stroll through the alleys of this small village so typical and charming at the same time.
Enjoy the nightlife
Amsterdam, world-renowned for its quality of nightlife, has nothing to envy from Ibiza, Berlin or Las Vegas. Many of its clubs are known worldwide as Paradiso or Melkweg.
In addition, if you are looking for a bar, think about taking a tour of the Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein districts, you will be spoilt for choice.
Rent a bike
You will notice at a glance that Amsterdam is teeming with bicycles. It has 743,000 inhabitants and 600,000 bicycles. Its inhabitants have understood this well; it would be a pity not to enjoy every corner of the city by travelling only by car. You’ll see, it’s by pedalling that you’ll make some great discoveries.
This to-do list represents only a small part of the activities to be carried out in the city of Amsterdam. As the Dutch are friendly, don’t hesitate to ask around, whether at the reception of your hotel, in the tourist offices or with the locals.