If you’re looking for the perfect place to vacay, add Amsterdam to the list!
As far as cities with bold personalities go, Amsterdam is Europe’s most quirky destination! Bike through the Canal Belt and spot the most unique urinals in town, or pay respect to the persecuted homosexuals at the Homomonument. There are about a million things to do in the vibrant city of Amsterdam, so you never get bored!
From charming boathouses, secret attics, sleepless red districts (legal shenanigans only!) to world-class art, there’s something for everyone. If you’re up for an adventure, make sure to mark these 5 must-visit unusual attractions in Amsterdam for an unforgettable EU vacay!
Safe travel reminders
In line with the rising COVID-19 cases in the city, restaurants, bars, museums, non-essential stores, and other public places across the Netherlands are closed from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Also, it’s good to keep in mind that American tourists planning to enter the country must have complete travel requirements:
- Vaccination certificate (double dose of any WHO-approved vaccines, or a single dose of J&J)
- Health declaration
- Negative RT-PCR or Rapid test results
1. Rijksmuseum Amsterdam
The Rijksmuseum goes waaaay back to the 1800s during the time of King William
Here’s something for art lovers! If you’re a fan of Rembrandt and Vermeer, then this famous museum should be on top of your Amsterdam travel list. Containing over 800 years of rich Dutch history, the Rijksmuseum is home to many of the most recognizable paintings in the world, such as “The Night Watch” by Rembrandt van Rijn and “The Milkmaid” by Johannes Vermeer.
You can spend hours wandering through its grand halls. If museums aren’t your cup of tea, maybe curious antiquities will pique your interest instead? In case you didn’t know, the Rijksmuseum houses an unusual collection of 17th-century dollhouses that’ll both intrigue you and give you the creeps!
Klook Tip: For more museum spots to visit in Amsterdam, you can check out the Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk Museum nearby.
2. Amsterdam Lovers Light Festival Cruise
Get dazzled by the light displays in Amsterdam’s waterways!
No trip to Amsterdam is complete without seeing its canals! The Amsterdam Lovers Light Festival Cruise puts a twist to your classic canal cruise. Instead of just exploring the iconic waterways and seeing picturesque sights, this 75-minute boat tour will take you on a mini-art adventure. Encounter the eye-catching and fabulous light displays made by upcoming artists along the city’s canals.
This is a great way to check out Amsterdam’s neighborhoods: from boathouses, 16th-century buildings, and to the hip new towns, while seeing the lights!
Note: In line with COVID-19 measures, the Amsterdam Lovers Light Festival Cruise is only available in two time slots per day: 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
3. The Heineken Experience
Quench your thirst and learn how to make draft beer!
What’s the next best thing to do in the Netherlands besides museums and cruises? Getting the scoop behind the world-famous Dutch beer brand, Heineken! See how Gerard Adriaan Heineken’s beloved drink came to be over 150 years ago, and get a glimpse of his vision, innovation, and ingredients that go inside the bottle with this fun Heineken Experience!
Then, once you’ve taken a sip or two, cruise the iconic waterways that stretch over the entire city. This tour comes with an hour-long canal ride for you to get a glimpse of colorful Amsterdam!
4. Amsterdam Dungeon
Join the witch hunt and learn from history, the fun way!
Ready to get spooked? Head on over to the Amsterdam Dungeon at Rokin 78! An attraction in Amsterdam that’s unique to the city is its interactive exploration. Get the feels of what it’s like to live during Amsterdam’s darkest periods. Meet witches, hunters, and pirates as you dig deep inside the frightening “torture” chamber and play a prisoner. Admissions to the Amsterdam Dungeon includes 7 interactive shows, 6 live shows, and 500 years of sinister Dutch history!
5. Efteling Theme Park
Test your courage by riding the Python
For our thrill-seekers, here’s one attraction in Amsterdam that you can’t miss! The Efteling Theme Park is the city’s most underrated theme park, with several hair-raising rides and jaw-dropping attractions. Get your adrenaline pumping by riding its wooden roller coaster, the Joris en de Draak, while battling against fire breathing dragons. Or, take it slow by befriending the mini humans at Diorama Miniature World.
For fans of Disney, this theme park is a good alternative, especially if you want to avoid the throngs of tourists. Efteling is less crowded but is just as magical as Disneyland Paris. You can book your tickets with Klook and get instant confirmation on your booking!
