Best Things to Do in Amsterdam: 10 Bookable Experiences for First-Time Visitors
Discover the best things to do in Amsterdam with 10 bookable experiences including canal cruises, food tours, tulip trips and more.
Photo: Internationista
Amsterdam has always been one of our favorite cities for solo travel. There is something about the city that feels effortless from the canals and biking culture to the mix of food, history and nightlife packed into every neighborhood.
While Amsterdam is known for its beautiful canals and walkable streets, what surprised us most was how much energy the city actually has once you slow down and explore it properly. Most central areas feel comfortable and easy to navigate during both daytime and nighttime hours, especially where travelers spend most of their time.
From canal cruises and museums to food tours and tulip day trips, Amsterdam is full of experiences that make you feel part of the city instead of just passing through it.
Read on for the best things to do in Amsterdam.
Quick Overview: 10 Best Things to Do in Amsterdam
10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN AMSTERDAM
1. Luxury Canal Cruise with Unlimited Drinks
Photo: Internationista
If you do one thing in Amsterdam, make it this. A canal cruise gives you a completely different perspective of the city. The water moves slowly, the buildings reflect softly, and everything feels calmer from the boat.
2. Van Gogh Museum
This is not just a museum visit. It feels more like stepping into the emotional world of an artist. The experience is quiet but powerful in a way that stays with you.
3. Food Lovers Tour
Photo: Internationista
A relaxed walking experience where you explore Amsterdam through food. It is casual, social and one of the easiest ways to understand the city beyond its canals.
RELATED: We Tried It: Devour Tours’ Amsterdam Food Tour—6 Stops & a Whole Lot of Stroopwafel
4. Stroopwafel Making Workshop
Photo: Internationista
You learn to make traditional Dutch stroopwafels from scratch. It is hands-on, slightly messy and surprisingly satisfying.
5. Clay Sculpting Workshop
A slower creative experience that lets you step away from sightseeing and focus on something hands-on and calming.
6. Heineken Experience
Photo: Get Your Gide
Part museum, part interactive experience and part social space. It tells the story of one of the world’s most famous beer brands.
7. Red Light District Walking Tour
A guided experience that explains the history and structure behind one of Amsterdam’s most misunderstood areas.
8. Keukenhof Tulip Day Trip
Photo: Get Your Guide
A seasonal experience where you see endless fields of tulips in full bloom. One of the most visually striking day trips from Amsterdam.
RELATED: We Tried It: The Amsterdam Tulip Tour That Painted My Summer Canal Cruise
9. Anne Frank Walking Tour
A powerful walking experience that brings historical context to one of the most important stories in Amsterdam’s history.
10. Icebar Experience
Everything is made of ice including the glasses. It is cold, unusual and a fun nightlife experience.
2-Day Amsterdam Itinerary Using These Experiences
Day 1: Classic Amsterdam Experience
Start your morning at the Van Gogh Museum for a slower, cultural introduction to the city. From there, move into a Food Lovers Tour where you can explore local neighborhoods and try traditional Dutch and international bites.
In the evening, take a Luxury Canal Cruise with Drinks. This is when Amsterdam feels the most atmospheric, with reflections on the water and the city lighting up slowly around you.
Day 2: History, Culture and Local Life
Begin with the Anne Frank Walking Tour to understand a deeper side of Amsterdam’s history. After that, explore the Heineken Experience for something more interactive and light.
If you want something different in the evening, the Icebar Experience adds a fun and unusual twist to nightlife in the city.
If you have extra time or are visiting during spring, you can swap part of this day for a Keukenhof Tulip Day Trip for one of the most visually impressive experiences near Amsterdam.
FAQ Section
Is Amsterdam safe for tourists?
Yes, especially in central areas where most travelers stay. Like any city, it is important to stay aware, but overall it feels safe and easy to explore.
What are the best things to do in Amsterdam for first-time visitors?
Canal cruises, museums, food tours, walking tours, and seasonal day trips are the most popular starting points.
Do I need to book Amsterdam tours in advance?
Yes, especially for popular experiences like canal cruises, museums and tulip season trips.
What is the best way to see Amsterdam?
A combination of walking, canal cruises, and guided experiences gives the most complete view of the city.