Things to do in Amsterdam: sights and neighbourhoods

1. Amsterdam Centraal Station

Amsterdam Central Station is not just a transport hub; it is one of the best things to do in Amsterdam for those who appreciate Neo-Renaissance architecture. Designed by Pierre Cuypers, the same architect responsible for the Rijksmuseum, the building opened in 1889. It was constructed on three artificial islands and rests on over 8,000 wooden piles. The building’s facade is decorated with weather vanes and clocks that historically informed travelers about wind direction and time, reflecting the city’s maritime heritage.

As the primary entry point for international visitors, the station serves as a vital link between the Netherlands and the rest of the continent. You can catch high-speed trains such as the Eurostar or Thalys directly to London, Paris, and Brussels. The station’s central location makes it the perfect starting point for any city tour, as it sits at the head of the Damrak, the main thoroughfare leading toward the Dam Square.

Inside the station, the IJ-passage offers a variety of shops and dining options, blending the historic structure with modern convenience. The back of the station overlooks the IJ river, where free ferries depart to Amsterdam Noord. This area provides a stark contrast to the old city center, showcasing the city’s ability to evolve while preserving its heritage.

Tip: Amsterdam Central Station is located at Stationsplein 1, 1012 AB Amsterdam, and features a specialized weather vane on the eastern tower that indicates the wind direction, a feature preserved since its opening in 1889.

2. Amsterdam’s canal belt

Walking or sailing through the Canal Ring is consistently ranked among the best things to do in Amsterdam. This 17th-century district was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010. The ring consists of four main canals: the Singel, Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht. These waterways were designed during the Dutch Golden Age to facilitate trade and manage water, but they also became the site of the city’s most prestigious residences.

The Herengracht is known for having the most opulent canal houses, many of which feature ornate gables. These gables were not just decorative; they housed hoisting beams used to lift goods into the attics, a feature you can still see on almost every historic building today. Because houses were historically taxed based on their width, many are narrow and deep, leading to the unique architectural landscape the city is famous for.

A boat tour offers a different perspective of the city’s history. From the water, you can see the “Seven Bridges” view at the intersection of the Reguliersgracht and the Keizersgracht. Navigating the canals allows you to understand how the city expanded outward from its medieval core. It remains one of the most efficient ways to see many landmarks in a short period.

Tip: The Amsterdam Canal Ring was officially designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site on August 1, 2010, covering an area of approximately 160 hectares.

3. Museums around Museumplein

For many travelers, the best things to do in Amsterdam revolve around the Museumplein (Museum Square). This open green space is home to three of the world’s most significant cultural institutions: the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Stedelijk Museum. The square itself acts as a cultural heart for the city, hosting exhibitions, markets, and public events throughout the year.

The Rijksmuseum is the largest and most visited museum in the Netherlands. It houses a vast collection of Dutch art and history, including Rembrandt’s Night Watch and Vermeer’s The Milkmaid. The building’s architecture is a masterpiece in itself, featuring a bicycle passage that runs directly through the center of the museum, connecting the city center with the southern districts.

Directly adjacent is the Van Gogh Museum, which holds the largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh in the world. It includes over 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and 700 letters. For fans of modern and contemporary art, the Stedelijk Museum offers a collection that includes works by Mondrian, Picasso, and Pollock. The area is easily accessible from Amsterdam Central Station via tram lines 2 and 12.

Tip: The Rijksmuseum, located at Museumstraat 1, is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, 365 days a year, including Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Opened in 1973, the National Maritime Museum in Amsterdam is housed in a historic 17th-century naval storehouse, where centuries of Dutch maritime history come together through interactive exhibitions, historic ships and stories of global trade and exploration.

4. The Jordaan’s historic streets

The Jordaan is perhaps the most famous neighborhood in the city, known for its narrow streets, independent boutiques, and “hofjes” (hidden courtyards). Originally a working-class district built in the early 17th century, it has transformed into one of the most sought-after residential areas. Exploring its labyrinthine streets is one of the best things to do in Amsterdam for those seeking a more local atmosphere.

The neighborhood is home to the Westerkerk, whose tower is the tallest in the city at 85 meters. The bells of the Westerkerk are mentioned in the diary of Anne Frank, whose former hiding place, the Anne Frank House, is located on the edge of the Jordaan on the Prinsengracht. This area serves as a poignant reminder of the city’s history during World War II.

In addition to its history, the Jordaan is famous for its markets. The Noordermarkt holds a biological market every Saturday, while the Westerstraat hosts a regular street market on Mondays. These markets provide an opportunity to sample local products like Stroopwafels and Dutch cheese while interacting with residents.

Things to do in Amsterdam: sights and neighbourhoods

Choosing things to do in Amsterdam? Start with the canals, Museumplein and the Jordaan, then leave time to explore Amsterdam Noord. This guide brings together sights and neighbourhoods to help you plan a route through the city.

6. Public Transport and International Connections

The efficiency of the city’s infrastructure is a major factor in why it remains a top destination. Amsterdam Central Station acts as the primary node for the GVB (Municipal Transport Company) network, which includes trams, buses, and metros. The North-South Line (Metro 52) provides a direct connection from the north of the city to the Zuidas business district in just 15 minutes.

For international travelers, the connection to Schiphol Airport is seamless. Trains run every few minutes from the central hub, with a journey time of approximately 15 to 20 minutes. This makes the city exceptionally accessible for those on a short layover or a weekend trip. The integration of international rail travel means that travelers can reach major European cities without the need for air travel, supporting more sustainable tourism.

The use of the OV-chipkaart or OVpay (using a debit/credit card) has simplified the process of using public transport. You must remember to check in and check out at the yellow posts or gates to ensure your fare is calculated correctly. This system applies to all forms of transport, including the ferries that cross the IJ river.

7. Things to do in Amsterdam Noord

One of the best things to do in Amsterdam that many tourists overlook is taking the free ferry behind Amsterdam Central Station to Amsterdam Noord. This area has undergone significant redevelopment, moving from an industrial shipyard to a creative and cultural hub. The ferry ride itself takes only a few minutes and provides excellent views of the city skyline.

In Amsterdam Noord, you will find the EYE Film Institute, a modern architectural landmark dedicated to Dutch and international cinema. Next to it stands the A’DAM Tower, which features an observation deck called A’DAM Lookout. For those who are not afraid of heights, the tower hosts “Over the Edge,” which is Europe’s highest swing, situated 100 meters above the ground.

The NDSM Wharf is another highlight of the North. It is a former shipyard that now hosts artist studios, festivals, and the STRAAT Museum, which is dedicated to street art and graffiti. The industrial atmosphere and large-scale murals provide a completely different aesthetic compared to the traditional canal houses of the city center.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Sources

• I amsterdam. (n.d.). Official visitor information for Amsterdam. https://www.iamsterdam.com
• Rijksmuseum. (n.d.). About the museum. https://www.rijksmuseum.nl
• NS International. (n.d.). Train travel to Amsterdam. https://www.nsinternational.com
• UNESCO World Heritage Centre. (n.d.). Seventeenth-Century Canal Ring Area of Amsterdam inside the Singelgracht. https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1349

Planning your route

When choosing things to do in Amsterdam, group nearby stops into a walk instead of crossing the city between every visit. Museumplein and Vondelpark work well together; the canals and Jordaan make another route. Allow extra time for a ferry trip to Amsterdam Noord. Compare the things to do in Amsterdam in this guide, then choose a few that fit the time you have.