What to Do in Amsterdam: 10 Best Things to Try in 2026

Amsterdam Essentials – Must-See Attractions and Iconic Sights

Historic Canals & UNESCO Landmarks

The 17th-century canal ring, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is Amsterdam’s visual and historical centerpiece. Walking or cycling along the Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht canals provides unique perspectives on gabled houses and iconic bridges. Canal cruises remain a top-rated activity, with 94% of surveyed visitors recommending them for first-timers. Free IJ river ferries to Noord offer authentic local views, while Vondelpark—Amsterdam’s largest, spanning 47 hectares—offers gardens, ponds, and cultural sculptures like Picasso’s “Figure découpée”.

World-Renowned Museums – Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh, Anne Frank House

The Rijksmuseum draws over 2.5 million annual visitors with Dutch Golden Age art (Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch”) and specialist exhibits. Tickets start from €21. The Van Gogh Museum displays more than 200 paintings and 500 drawings; pre-booked entry (€20-€23) is strongly advised due to sell-out rates exceeding 80% during peak season. The Anne Frank House ranks in TripAdvisor’s top 1% for historical experience but requires booking months ahead—70% of visitor slots are reserved more than one month in advance. Book tickets early for guaranteed access.

Exploring the Jordaan & Nine Streets

The Jordaan district and De 9 Straatjes (Nine Streets) are renowned for their village-like charm, narrow streets, boutique shops, and canalside cafés. These neighborhoods score highly (4.6/5 average traveler ratings in 2026 guides) for authenticity, artisanal businesses, and photo opportunities, especially during the early morning or late evening when crowds thin.

Unique Things to Do in Amsterdam in 2026

Exciting New Openings & Events in 2026

While there are no major new museum openings anticipated in 2026, immersive experiences like the WONDR Experience (SpongeBob edition) and The Upside Down Amsterdam offer interactive installations starting from €28, appealing especially to families and social media enthusiasts. Major cultural and art events for 2026 include King’s Day (April 27), Holland Festival (June 3-28), and Amsterdam Light Festival (Nov 26, 2026–Jan 17, 2027). Amsterdam event calendar provides up-to-date schedules.

Amsterdam’s Latest Cultural Hotspots

Neighborhoods like De Pijp and Amsterdam-Noord receive critical acclaim for their creative, multicultural scene. NDSM Wharf (Noord) is a hub for street art, pop-up events, and waterfront food markets. Local guides rank these areas among Amsterdam’s top five for vibrant nightlife and emerging eateries.

Trending Experiences for 2026 Travelers

Trending for 2026: Plastic fishing from eco-boats, rooftop urban farms like DakAkker, and VR art shows at Fabrique des Lumières. Canal light festivals and street food tours remain popular, with growth in themed cycling tours and hands-on culinary workshops through Viator.

Amsterdam Like a Local – Hidden Gems & Insider Secrets

Quirky Neighborhoods Off the Beaten Path

De Pijp: A lively “Latin Quarter” with ethnic eats and indie shops, favored by locals for its escape from tourist crowds.
Amsterdam-Noord (NDSM Wharf): Funky, creative neighborhood accessible via free ferry. Praised for street art, alternative events, and vintage shops.

Secret Gardens, Courtyards, and Rooftop Bars

Begijnhof Courtyard: Hidden oasis from the 14th-century—one of the city’s oldest inner courts.
Rooftop bars at OBA Library or NEMO Museum terrace offer panoramic city views—rated among the best free outlooks.

Local Markets & Authentic Food Finds

Albert Cuyp Market: Amsterdam’s largest, featuring 260 stalls, authentic street food (stroopwafels start at €2), and multicultural vibes.
Bloemenmarkt: The world’s first floating flower market—colorful and ideal for gifts.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Activities in Amsterdam

Biking and Green Tours

Amsterdam leads in sustainable tourism: over 44% of trips are by bicycle (municipal study, 2025 data), with hundreds of kilometers of bike lanes. Choose from guided urban or countryside cycling tours, or use free city bikes in parks. Self-guided green walking routes span urban farms, permaculture gardens, and eco art installations. Electric boat tours (€18–25) and plastic fishing excursions offer eco-cruising options.

Ethical Shopping & Plant-Based Dining

Ethical shops—including Cacaomuseum (bean-to-bar chocolate), fair-trade boutiques, and slow fashion stores—support the circular economy. Plant-based food tours, vegan pizza workshops, and organic urban farm cafes feature in the city’s sustainable food scene. Tripadvisor’s ratings show a 23% rise in “sustainable” labeled venues from 2024 to 2026.

Eco-Friendly Cruises and Nature Escapes

Enjoy boat tours on electric vessels to Zaanse Schans windmills and Oostvaardersplassen nature reserve, both top-rated in eco-tour surveys. Urban nature excursions and guided birding walks at Vondelpark and Amsterdamse Bos offer biodiverse experiences minutes from city center.

What to Do in Amsterdam for Families, Couples, and Solo Travelers

Family-Friendly Attractions & Unique Kids’ Experiences

NEMO Science Museum: Hands-on exhibits and a free rooftop terrace; family activities rate 4.5/5, based on 240,000+ reviews.
Vondelpark: Playgrounds, ponds, and open-air theatre in summer.
Artis Zoo: Butterfly pavilion, petting zoo, rated a family favorite.
Tun Fun: Indoor play zone for breaks from sightseeing.

Romantic Spots & Couple Activities

Nine Streets: Canal-side boutiques, cozy cafés, and evening walks.
Iconic Skinny Bridge (Magere Brug) for scenic photo moments.
Sunset canal cruises and rooftop terrace drinks for intimate settings.

Solo Adventures and Community Events

Self-paced tours of Jordaan or De Pijp for culture and people-watching.
Museumplein’s cluster for solo museum hopping.
Cafés like Coffee & Coconuts or park breaks for reflections.

Seasonal Highlights – Amsterdam Festivals & Events Calendar 2026

Spring: Tulip Season and King’s Day

Tulip Season: April–May peak at Keukenhof Gardens; city center filled with blooms.
King’s Day (April 27): Massive citywide street party (hundreds of thousands of attendees), flea markets, and canal “dancefloors”.
DGTL Festival (April 3–5): Electronic music event at NDSM Docklands, highlighting sustainability and 250+ artists.

Summer: Outdoor Events and Canal Festivals

Grachtenfestival (Aug 7–16): Classical and jazz performances on waterways.
Amsterdam Pride (Jul 25–Aug 8): Canal parade, live music, street celebrations.
Holland Festival (June 3–28): Multidisciplinary arts, 75,000+ attendees, international profile.

Fall/Winter: Art Fairs and Holiday Markets

Amsterdam Dance Event (Oct 21–25): 2,500+ artists, 400,000+ visitors, global electronic music scene.
Light Festival (Nov–Jan): Illuminated art along canals—book evening cruises early.
Holiday markets (Nov–Dec) at Museumplein and Waterlooplein; Christmas and New Year’s Day celebrations citywide.

Amsterdam on a Budget – Free & Affordable Experiences

Top Free Sights and Activities

Walk the UNESCO Canal Ring and explore historic streets.
Relax in Vondelpark, Amsterdamse Bos, and Westerpark—offering frequent free concerts or open-air art.
Use free IJ river ferries and join local walking tours (tips suggested).
Access Rijksmuseum Gardens (free in summer), Begijnhof, and NEMO rooftop terrace for panoramic city views.

Cheap Eats and Drinks

Albert Cuyp Market: Stroopwafels (€2–3), haring (€4–6), fresh fries (€3–5), and free cheese samples.
Febo vending walls: Kroketten or burgers for €2–4.
Supermarkets (e.g., Albert Heijn): Sandwiches (€3–5), Surinamese roti (€6–8).
Noord’s food stalls: Falafel/meals €5–7 after ferry rides.

Travel Tips for Saving Money in Amsterdam

Use free city transport (ferries), walk, or cycle (bike rentals from €10/day; free city bikes in parks).
Plan picnics in parks to minimize dining costs.
Buy an OV-chipkaart (pre-loaded at €20) for public transport; check Iamsterdam deals.
Allow €30–50/day for food and local travel, per 2026 estimates.

Easy Day Trips from Amsterdam for 2026

Charming Dutch Villages & Windmills

Zaanse Schans: UNESCO-listed windmills, cheese tastings, clog workshops. 20–40 minutes by train or tour.
Haarlem: Historic cathedral, market square, Golden Age art museum. 15 minutes by train.
Marken & Volendam: Colorful harbors, traditional houses, cheese markets. 30–60 minutes by bus/tour.

Nature Reserves and Themed Parks

Giethoorn: Car-free village with boat rentals and tranquil canals. Full-day tours available.
Veluwe National Park: Forests, heathland, and bike paths—perfect for escape; free bike rentals included with entry.

Regional Food and Cultural Excursions

Leiden (botanical gardens, windmills), Nijmegen (vibrant markets, historic parks), and nearby tulip fields (April–May) provide added variety. Book highly rated tours via GetYourGuide for ease and reliability.

Insider Itineraries – 1, 2, and 3 Day Plans for Every Traveler

Amsterdam in One Day: Essential Highlights

9:00 – Rijksmuseum (advance tickets required); key works by Rembrandt and Vermeer.
Late morning walk: Dam Square, Royal Palace exterior, Magna Plaza, Kalverstraat shopping.
Lunch: Canal-side café or Albert Cuyp Market stalls.
Afternoon: Begijnhof courtyard, Oude Kerk architecture, stroll Nine Streets.

Two-Day Adventure: Mixing Classics with Local Experiences

Day 1: Follow above itinerary.
Day 2: Van Gogh Museum (start early). Westermarkt, Westerkerk climb for views, then free walking tour (themed options: Anne Frank, alternative Amsterdam).
Afternoon: Albert Cuyp Market for food sampling; De Pijp neighborhood for authentic shopping.

Three-Day Escape: Hidden Gems and Day Trips

Day 1–2: See above.
Day 3: Guided bike tour of city and countryside or day trip to Zaanse Schans, Haarlem, or Giethoorn.
Optional add-ons: Amsterdam Pipe Museum, Rembrandt House, fabrique des Lumières VR art, or canal-side brunch in Jordaan.

Travel research suggests booking major museums 2–4 weeks in advance and starting days by 9:00 AM to avoid lines. Use walking tours and local food stalls for deeper insights and savings.

Practical Tips for Enjoying Amsterdam in 2026

Getting Around: Biking, Public Transit, and Boats

Renting bikes is easy (from €10/day); follow path rules and lock bikes securely due to theft risk. The city’s GVB network offers convenient tram, bus, and metro connections; a 3-day OV-chipkaart or City Card covers unlimited rides (plus museum entry). Canal cruises are highly rated—book during light festival for extra value.

Staying Safe and Respectful in Amsterdam

Stick to lit, central districts after dark (e.g., Jordaan, De Pijp).
Book Anne Frank House months in advance; beware ticket scams for popular sights.
Be vigilant in crowded areas (markets, public transit) due to pickpocketing risks.
Coffee shops are legal for adults (18+); avoid street dealers and respect Red Light District privacy.

Packing, Etiquette, and Essential Traveler Info

Pack layered clothing, rain gear, and comfortable walking shoes.
Avoid bulky luggage for ease on bikes and trams.
English is widely spoken; polite greetings (\”goedemorgen\”) welcome in shops and cafés.
Contactless cards are widely used; carry cash for market stalls.
Etiquette: Pedestrians yield to bikes; no photos of Red Light District workers without consent.
Local City Card or pre-booked museum passes save time/money; reusable water bottles help reduce waste.

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Amsterdam in 2026

Entry Requirements: Most travelers (Europe, US, Canada, UK, Australia) need only passports valid 3+ months beyond departure, plus new ETIAS travel authorization (from late 2026, €7 fee via official EU portal, valid up to 3 years). Schengen visa holders or EU/EEA/Swiss citizens exempt. Biometric Entry/Exit System live by April 2026—allow extra airport time.
Safety: Amsterdam is generally safe; beware pickpocketing in busy areas, especially public transit and airport routes.
Best Time to Go: Spring (March–May) for tulips and festivals; summer (June–August) for outdoor events but higher crowds. Off-peak autumn (September–November) and winter (December–February) offer art, events, and fewer tourists.
Currency: Euro (€) is official; declare cash over €10,000.
Payments: Contactless cards accepted almost everywhere; carry small cash for markets or small vendors.
Language: Dutch official; English is widely spoken.
Local Laws: Soft drugs only in licensed coffeeshops (18+), public drinking fines possible, strict cycling rules; respect privacy in the Red Light District.

Ready to plan your Amsterdam adventure? Compare tickets, tours, and experiences for the best deals—and book early to secure top sights for 2026!