Airport: AMS • International

Top 10 Things to Do in Amsterdam

Netherlands Flag Netherlands

Amsterdam Amsterdam Official Photo
DTW → AMS

Amsterdam is waiting for you — it is currently 2:32 AM (CET) here

The enchanting Venice of the North, defined by 17th-century canal rings, gabled merchant houses, thousands of bicycles, world-leading art museums, and cozy brown cafes.

Airport Transit Info ↓
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Trip Planning Essentials

Best Season to Visit April to May (tulip season at Keukenhof) and June to September (warm outdoor cafe culture and canal boat weather)
Primary Commercial Airport AMS • Netherlands

Airport Transit & Ground Logistics Guide

Getting from AMS to the city center and major attractions

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) connects directly to Amsterdam Centraal Station via train in just ~14 minutes from platforms beneath the main terminal.

Curated Top 10 Attractions in Amsterdam

Ranked by traveler popularity, uniqueness, and seasonal appeal.

#1

Rijksmuseum & Dutch Masters

Fine Arts & History

The national museum of the Netherlands, featuring Rembrandts monumental "The Night Watch", Vermeers "The Milkmaid", and 8,000 historic treasures.

Insider Tip: Walk through the 19th-century Cuypers Library inside the museum—the largest and oldest art history library in the country.
#2

Van Gogh Museum

Art & Biography

The worlds largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh, including "Sunflowers", "Almond Blossom", "The Bedroom", and over 200 paintings and intimate letters.

Insider Tip: Tickets are sold exclusively online with strict time slots; book at least 2 to 3 weeks ahead as same-day tickets do not exist.
#3

Canal Ring Boat Cruise (Grachtengordel)

Boat Cruises & Architecture

Glide along the UNESCO-protected 17th-century concentric canal rings (Herengracht, Keizersgracht, Prinsengracht) past tilted gabled merchant mansions.

Insider Tip: Opt for an electric open-air salon boat tour rather than large covered glass boats for a much more personal and intimate cruise.
#4

Anne Frank House & Secret Annex

Historic Memorials

The preserved canal warehouse where young Anne Frank and her family hid from Nazi persecution for over two years, writing her immortal diary.

Insider Tip: Tickets become available on the official website every Tuesday at 10:00 AM CET for visits six weeks in advance.
#5

Explore the Jordaan & Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes)

Charming Quarters

Picturesque narrow canal lanes filled with independent vintage boutiques, designer bookshops, cozy flower-filled bridges, and art galleries.

Insider Tip: Stop at Cafe Winkel 43 on Noordermarkt for what locals universally regard as the best warm Dutch apple pie (appeltaart) in Amsterdam.
#6

Vondelpark Cycling & Relaxation

Parks & Cycling

A beloved 120-acre English-style park in the museum quarter featuring open meadows, rose gardens, open-air theater performances, and ponds.

Insider Tip: Rent a classic Dutch bicycle (omafiets) from MacBike near Leidseplein and cruise the wide shaded pathways like a local.
#7

Bloemenmarkt & Floating Flower Market

Markets & Flowers

The worlds only floating flower market on the Singel canal, established in 1862 and packed with tulip bulbs, fresh cut blossoms, and Dutch souvenirs.

Insider Tip: If buying tulip bulbs to bring back to the US, look for packages with the official certified phytosanitary customs sticker.
#8

Heineken Experience Historic Brewery

Brewery Tours

The historic 1867 brewery in De Pijp offering interactive multimedia exhibits through the brewing process and concluding in an underground tasting lounge.

Insider Tip: Head up to the rooftop bar afterward for views over the De Pijp neighborhood with a fresh draft beer.
#9

Keukenhof Tulip Gardens Spring Day Trip

Tulips & Gardens

Known as the "Garden of Europe", featuring over 7 million hand-planted blooming tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths across 79 acres every spring.

Insider Tip: Only open for approximately 8 weeks each spring from late March to mid-May; mid-April is the peak bloom period.
#10

A’DAM Lookout & Over-The-Edge Swing

Observation Decks & Thrills

Take the free 2-minute ferry behind Centraal Station to Amsterdam North for 360-degree views and Europes highest swing 300 feet above the ground.

Insider Tip: The express elevator ride takes just 22 seconds and features an electrifying futuristic light and sound show inside the shaft.