Amsterdam, the city of canals and endless bicycles. If you’ve ever dreamed of touring a city that combines the charm of history with the pace of modernity, Amsterdam is the place for you. Located in the Netherlands, this unique capital city greets you with a network of canals that make it a sort of Venice of the North, but with its own character and style. If you’re wondering things to do in Amsterdam, get ready to stroll past 17th-century houses, cross photogenic bridges and explore neighbourhoods full of life and art.
From the majestic Rijksmuseum, where masterpieces by Rembrandt or Vermeer await, to the poignant Anne Frank House, there are plenty of must-see spots in Amsterdam. Don’t miss the atmosphere of the red light district , the tulips on the floating flower market, or the experience of renting a bike to explore the city like a local. And of course, let yourself be swept away by its café culture, unusual museums and vibrant nightlife. Ready to fall in love with every corner? Amsterdam awaits you with open arms (and canals)!
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Did you know that you can cycle through 17th century streets and end the day in a modern art museum or on a floating terrace on the canal? That’s Amsterdam: a city of contrasts, where history meets modern creativity. If you are interested in things to do in Amsterdam beyond the typical, here is a complete route to explore it step by step.
Prepare to fall in love with its bridges, leaning houses, parks and relaxed lifestyle. Because Amsterdam isn’t just for sightseeing: it’s for living and enjoying. Ready to be amazed?
Things to do in Amsterdam.
To travel to Amsterdam is to immerse yourself in a city where every street, every canal and every corner has something to tell. With its unique blend of history, culture and modernity, it is easy to get caught up in its relaxed atmosphere and distinctive lifestyle. If you’re wondering things to do in Amsterdam, the truth is that it’s not just about sightseeing, it’s about the whole experience: wandering around aimlessly, discovering unexpected details and enjoying the leisurely pace of the city.
To explore Amsterdam is to be surprised at every turn. The most interesting things to see in Amsterdam often don’t appear in the guidebooks, but can be found by turning a corner, crossing a bridge or observing the day-to-day life of the locals. Whether it’s your first time or a repeat visit, there is always something new to discover, because this city is not exhausted in a single glance.
👁️Discover and explore Amsterdam, a city with more stories than excuses not to visit it.
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Essential places to see in Amsterdam.
Royal Palace
The Royal Palace of Amsterdam is one of the most outstanding buildings to see in Amsterdam and a symbol of the power and history of the Netherlands. Although today it is known as a palace, it was originally built as a town hall during the 17th century, at the height of the city’s economic boom. Its architecture, sober on the outside but majestic on the inside, reflects Amsterdam’s ambition to demonstrate its greatness as a European commercial centre. In the early 19th century, it was transformed into a royal residence by King Louis Bonaparte, and has since been used for official receptions and state functions.
One of the most striking features of the building is its great central hall, decorated with marble, allegorical sculptures and an impressive floor of engraved maps. Also of note are the symbolic details celebrating navigation and trade, two fundamental pillars of the city’s history. If you are planning your visit and wondering things to do in Amsterdam, this palace is a must-see not only for its historical importance, but also for the beauty of its interior and the tranquillity of its setting in the heart of the city centre.
The Royal Palace is one of the most emblematic buildings to see in Amsterdam, not only for its majestic architecture, but also for the historical role it has played over the centuries as a symbol of civil and royal power in the city.
Homomonument
Among the many historic sights to see in Amsterdam, the Homomonument stands out for its profound social and cultural significance. It is the first monument in the world dedicated to honour LGTBI people who have been persecuted throughout history, and especially during the Nazi regime. Inaugurated in 1987, this pink triangle-shaped space symbolises struggle, memory and resistance, and has become a key landmark on the city’s cultural tour.
If you are planning things to do in Amsterdam and are looking for experiences that connect with the values of freedom and tolerance that define the Dutch capital, this monument is an essential stop. Located in one of the most central areas, next to a quiet canal, the Homomonument is not only thought-provoking, but also represents the openness of a city that embraces diversity. Among the things to see in Amsterdam, this place provides a unique, profound and contemporary perspective on human rights, inclusion and respect for difference.
Without a doubt, the Homomonument is one of the most representative spaces to see in Amsterdam if you want to understand the city’s commitment to freedom, memory and civil rights.
Negen Straatjes
The charming neighbourhood of Negen Straatjes, or ‘The Nine Streets’, is one of the most characterful areas to see in Amsterdam. This collection of small intertwined streets, located in the heart of the canal belt, is full of independent shops, charming cafés and creative boutiques that reflect the authentic soul of the city.
Strolling through Negen Straatjes is one of the most enjoyable experiences to see in Amsterdam, as it allows you to discover a less touristy but lively part of the city, where the local, the artisanal and the modern combine in every shop window.
Negen Straatjes is a must-see in Amsterdam if you want to explore an area with its own character, perfect for getting lost among unique shop windows, historic corners and the most genuine atmosphere of the city.
Amsterdams Lieverdje
The Amsterdams Lieverdje is one of those urban curiosities that surprise you as you stroll through the city centre. Although modest in size, this statue represents an endearing figure in local culture: a mischievous but good-hearted young man, a symbol of Amsterdam’s free and easy-going spirit. It was put up in the 1950s as a tribute to youth and, over time, became a meaningful emblem.
In the 1960s, the Lieverdje became even more significant as a meeting place for the Provo movement, a counter-cultural movement advocating pacifism, sustainability and freedom of expression. The protests and performances that took place around the statue marked a key period in the city’s recent history. Today, it remains a symbolic place to see in Amsterdam for those who want to get to know its more alternative and rebellious side.
Although easily overlooked, this small statue is one of those historic places to see in Amsterdam if you are interested in understanding its most authentic identity.
Begijnhof
The Begijnhof is one of the most peaceful and surprising places to see in Amsterdam, tucked away in the heart of the city. This enclosed courtyard, surrounded by historic houses, was founded in the Middle Ages as a residence for the Beguines, religious women who lived in community without belonging to a monastic order. Crossing its discreet entrance, the bustle of the city disappears and gives way to a serene, almost magical atmosphere that contrasts with the usual rhythm of the nearby streets.
Strolling through the Begijnhof is like travelling back in time. The surrounding houses, some of the oldest in Amsterdam, are perfectly preserved, and in the centre is a small church that still conveys the spirituality of the place. Among all the buildings, a 15th-century wooden house stands out, one of the few that survived the fires and urban changes. This space not only has architectural value, but also historical and human value, as it represents an alternative way of life within a society marked by rigid rules.
It is undoubtedly one of the most special places to see in Amsterdam if you are looking for calm, history and beauty all in one place.
Flower Market
The Bloemenmarkt, known as the floating flower market, is one of the most picturesque and different places to see in Amsterdam. Founded in the 19th century, this market was set up on barges anchored in the canal to sell flowers directly from the water, making it a unique space in the world. Although it has changed its focus over the years and is now dominated by bulbs, seeds and souvenirs, it is still a place full of colour, history and tradition.
Strolling among the stalls is a different experience in the city. The Bloemenmarkt reflects that typical Amsterdam mix of the local and the tourist, the authentic and the commercial. Even so, it retains its charm and value as a symbol of the deep bond between the Dutch and the floral world. If you are thinking about things to do in Amsterdam and are looking for something that combines curiosity, culture and photography, this market is a must-see.
It is one of those places that many people visit without great expectations and that ends up leaving a special memory.
The New Church
The Nieuwe Kerk, or New Church, is one of the most outstanding historical and cultural sites to see in Amsterdam. Located in the central Dam Square, next to the Royal Palace, this 15th-century Gothic church has witnessed important national events, such as coronations and royal weddings. Although it is no longer used for religious services, its imposing architecture and its role in the country’s history make it a must-see.
Today, the Nieuwe Kerk hosts temporary exhibitions of art, photography and culture, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
Its interior, with high vaulted ceilings and colourful stained-glass windows, provides a unique setting for these exhibitions, fusing history and modernity. In addition, the church is the resting place of prominent figures in Dutch history, adding commemorative value to your visit.
Exploring the Nieuwe Kerk offers an in-depth perspective on Amsterdam’s cultural and social evolution, cementing it as an essential point to see in Amsterdam for those seeking to understand the essence of the city.
the visit requires a ticket, which you can easily purchase in advance to secure your access.
Waterlooplein
Waterlooplein is one of the most iconic markets to see in Amsterdam, with a history dating back to the late 19th century. Located in the old Jewish quarter, this market began in 1885 as a place where Jewish merchants sold their wares. Although it was closed during the Second World War, it re-emerged in the post-war period as a vibrant and diverse flea market.
Today, the Waterlooplein is home to around 300 stalls offering a wide variety of items, from vintage clothing and second-hand books to antiques and curios. It’s an ideal place for those looking for unique treasures or simply wanting to soak up the local atmosphere.
In addition to its shopping offerings, the market is surrounded by cultural landmarks such as the National Opera House and Amsterdam City Hall, making it a must-see in Amsterdam for those who want to combine shopping with history and culture.
De Wallen
De Wallen, known as Amsterdam’s Red Light District, is one of the oldest and most controversial areas of the city, and at the same time one of the most visited places to see in Amsterdam. Its worldwide fame is due to the red-lit shop windows, where sex work is legal and regulated, but beyond that, the neighbourhood offers a direct and unfiltered look at the city’s urban and social history. To walk its streets is to walk through centuries of tolerance, conflict and transformation.
Amidst its vibrant and sometimes contentious atmosphere, there are also historic buildings, picturesque canals and intense cultural activity. De Wallen is not only what meets the eye: it is also a reflection of how Amsterdam has managed to integrate traditions and rights in the same space. It is a thought-provoking place that is part of any authentic Amsterdam sightseeing tour.
Although it may generate divided opinions, a visit to De Wallen helps you understand the open and complex character of the city.
Oude Kerk
The Oude Kerk is the oldest building in the historic centre and one of the most symbolic places to see in Amsterdam. Founded in the 13th century as a Catholic church and transformed after the Protestant Reformation, this church has witnessed centuries of local history. Its Gothic architecture, stained glass windows and tombstone floor create a unique atmosphere in the heart of the Red Light District, where the city’s urban history begins.
Today, the Oude Kerk functions as a cultural centre and hosts contemporary exhibitions, concerts and events that contrast with its medieval surroundings. This blend of past and present makes it an essential visit for those looking for different experiences within Amsterdam’s art scene. It is also a place of silence, reflection and beauty, surrounded by one of the city’s most intense neighbourhoods.
the visit requires a ticket, which you can easily purchase in advance to secure your access.
After strolling through its centuries-old canals, crooked facades and markets with personality, you’ll discover that things to do in Amsterdam doesn’t come down to a list of places, but a living, changing experience that you’ll feel as you walk around the city. Here it’s not just about sightseeing, but about letting yourself be carried away by the unique atmosphere that blends history, art, culture and freedom at every turn.
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Every neighbourhood has something different to offer, every street has its own rhythm, and every walk, bike ride or boat trip shows you a new side of the city. The most authentic things to see in Amsterdam are not always signposted: sometimes they appear in a window, in a conversation in the street or in an everyday scene by a canal. And best of all, getting lost in Amsterdam is not a mistake, it is an essential part of the journey.
🗺️Tu Amsterdam route, with DareMapp
📍More than 30 points of interest
➤ An organised route to make the most of your time
💡Recommendations, excursions & unique experiences
❓Questions, quizzes and more than 2h of narrated content
Remember that with DareMapp you can take a multitude of interactive guided tours. Fun sightseeing around the main destinations.
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