The capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam impresses with its stunning sights and an almost endless amount of experiences. Here, you can spend your days exploring everything that the city has to offer: from learning about history at the Rijksmuseum to admiring the stunning scenery as you cruise along the canals, you’ll never run out of things to do here in Amsterdam.
To make the most out of your visit, we’ve listed down some of the top Amsterdam city attractions so you can plan the best-ever itinerary. Read on below:
1. Van Gogh Museum
Observe how Van Gogh’s painting style changed throughout the years at the Van Gogh Museum.
Learn about the life and works of Vincent Van Gogh here at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. Home to the largest collection of Van Gogh’s work with over 200 individual pieces, you’ll get to see colorful paintings like "Sunflowers" and "Almond Blossom" along with his intimate letters and intricate drawings.
But the Van Gogh Museum doesn’t house just his paintings; it also includes work from his contemporaries, such as Monet and Gauguin, from which he drew inspiration from. You can compare their work directly with his and observe how he was influenced by them, particularly in his self-portraits and the impressionist style of his works after he visited Paris.
Klook tip: Timed-entry tickets for the Van Gogh Museum are required, and you will not be able to buy tickets at the door. It’s best to buy your tickets in advance so you can guarantee your visit.
Opening hours: 9:00am - 5:00pm, daily
2. Rijksmuseum
Marvel at paintings from Rembrandt, Vermeer, Hals, and other Dutch artists at the Rijksmuseum.
Get up close to 800 years of Dutch art and history here at the Rijksmuseum, the most-visited museum in the Netherlands. With over 8,000 different works displayed across 80 galleries, you’ll learn how the Dutch Golden Age influenced the art scene in the Netherlands, producing Dutch Masters like Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Hals.
As you walk around, you’ll get to see famous paintings like "The Night Watch" and "The Milkmaid", along with an incredible array of weapons, artifacts, sculptures, clothing, and even books. Tours are available via the free Rijksmuseum app on your phone, with rental guides and guided tours available on-site at an extra cost.
Klook tip: You are required to purchase your tickets for the Rijksmuseum in advance, as they are not available for purchase at the door. Try to purchase your tickets well before your planned visit, as tickets can run out since it’s one of the most popular Amsterdam city attractions.
Opening hours: 9:00am - 5:00pm, daily
3. Bloemenmarkt
Buy fresh flowers, tulip bulbs, and Dutch souvenirs like clogs, pottery, and even cheese at Bloemenmarkt.
The world’s only floating flower market, Bloemenmarkt is definitely a must for anyone visiting Amsterdam. Located on the Singel Canal, you’ll see shops floating on multiple barges to form a shopping “street”, with each displaying various goods like cut flowers and live plants like tulip bulbs, daffodils, and more.
Klook tip: If you’re planning on buying some live plants, check your country’s rules for importing them first. Most of the time, it’s better to order them online and have it shipped directly instead of bringing them back home and securing the necessary customs permits.
But the Bloemenmarkt doesn’t just sell flowers; you can also get some pretty cool Dutch souvenirs here, such as clogs, pottery, cheese and more. This makes it one of the best Amsterdam city attractions to visit if you’re in the mood to shop for your friends and family back home.
Opening hours: Mondays - Saturdays: 9:00am - 5:30pm
Sundays: 11:30am - 5:30pm
4. Amsterdam Canal Cruise
See Amsterdam from a completely new perspective by going on a canal cruise.
Since you’re already here by the Singel Canal, why not take this opportunity to see more of the waterways with an Amsterdam Canal Cruise? Hop on a boat and go down the Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht canals, where you’ll get to enjoy the city from a different perspective. During the cruise, you’ll float through the city, passing under bridges and going past the former homes of Dutch traders.
Along the way, you’ll get the chance to interact with the staff (and maybe even the captain), where you’ll get to learn about the history of these canals and of Amsterdam itself. You also have the option of tuning into a multi-lingual GPS audio guide for some handy commentary on the many landmarks you’ll be passing by.
Klook tip: Canal cruises in Amsterdam have several boarding point across the city, so make sure you pick the one most convenient to you so you don’t have to spend extra time traveling to one across the city.
5. Vondelpark
Stop by Vondelpark in spring to see various flower displays including tulips and roses.
One of the best tulip-viewing locations within Amsterdam, Vondelpark is a must-visit during your trip, especially if you’re arriving in spring. During this time, you’ll get to see the thousands of the famous tulips that the Netherlands has become known for.
But there’s more to Vondelpark than just its tulips; there are other flowers here too like roses, as well as artwork such as the iconic Vondel statue along with some installations, including one by Picasso himself! It’s also a popular location for biking and running due to the wide paths, but you can also just sunbathe and enjoy a leisurely picnic under the sun if you’re in the mood to relax.
Klook tip: If you’re planning to do some more flower viewing, check out popular Amsterdam city attractions such as Erasmuspark, Amstelpark, and Nelson Mandelapark, which have their own stunning gardens filled with tulips, roses, and magnolias.
6. ARTIS Zoo
See various animals like spider monkeys, ostriches, and more at ARTIS Zoo in Amsterdam.
Experience nature in the heart of the city with a visit to ARTIS Zoo, where you can spend the day strolling past centuries-old trees as you make your way to the different enclosures. In this Amsterdam zoo, you’ll get to see a huge variety of animals, ranging from lions and giraffes to ostriches, springboks, zebras, and more! There’s also an aquarium, a butterfly pavilion, and even a planetarium with interactive shows for all ages.
Tickets to ARTIS Zoo include access to most sections of the zoo, including the animal exhibits, the planetarium, the botanic and butterfly gardens, Forest House, and more. Tickets for ARTIS-Micropia and ARTIS-Groote Museum are available at an extra cost.
Opening hours: 10:00am - 5:00pm, daily
7. Amsterdam Nemo Science Museum
Visit the rooftop of the Nemo Science Museum in Amsterdam for fantastic bird’s-eye views of the city.
Put on your lab coat and feel what it’s like to be a scientist for a day with a trip to Amsterdam Nemo Science Museum. This family-friendly museum offers both kids and adults alike a fun opportunity to learn about science through various interactive exhibits and game booths. Here, you can learn about different scientific concepts such as the human species and how natural phenomena like light, sound, and electricity work. If you need a break from learning, stop by the rooftop square, where you can enjoy a bite to eat as you take in sweeping views of Amsterdam.
Entrance tickets to the Amsterdam Nemo Science Museum give you access to all galleries and exhibitions, including the rooftop, a chain reaction demonstration, and more. To maximize your time, it’s highly recommended to visit in the morning so you can make the most out of your visit.
Opening hours: Tuesday - Sunday: 10:00am - 5:30pm. Closed on Mondays.
Save money while exploring more with the Go City Amsterdam All-Inclusive Pass
If you’re planning to visit multiple Amsterdam city attractions during your trip, then consider purchasing the Go City Amsterdam All-Inclusive Pass. Offering unlimited visits for 1-5 days to the Rijksmuseum, canal cruises, and even bike rentals, the Amsterdam City Pass can help you save up to EUR 40 per day compared to buying tickets individually. You’ll also enjoy the flexibility of getting your tickets on the go through the Go City app without the need to plan ahead, making it a must-have for your trip along with your Europe eSIM. Happy travels!
FAQs about Amsterdam city attractions
1. What are the must-visit Amsterdam city attractions for first-time visitors?
For first-time Amsterdam visitors, we recommend visiting the following:
- Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum: For learning about the history of the Netherlands’ art, with a focus on artists like Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Hals.
- ARTIS Zoo and Amsterdam Nemo Science Museum: For families with children who want to spend the day together.
- Bloemenmarkt and Vondelpark: For travelers who wish to view the flowers in Amsterdam, especially during spring when tulips are in full bloom.
- Amsterdam Canal Cruise: A perfect opportunity to see the city from a new perspective, which gives you better views of the houseboats (hidden from the street side).
2. Is the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam worth booking in advance?
Yes, you must purchase your tickets to the Van Gogh Museum in advance, as they are not sold at the door. Due to its popularity, tickets may run out especially during the high season, so it’s better to get yours as early as possible.
3. What can families expect when visiting the Amsterdam Zoo?
A lush garden conveniently located in the heart of the city, ARTIS Zoo (also called Amsterdam Zoo) is popular among travelers with children for good reason: here, you’ll get to see a variety of animals including lions, giraffes, ostriches, springboks, zebras, butterflies and more. There are also other family-friendly features like playgrounds, as well as strollers you can borrow for free right by the entrance in case you need it for your little one.
[Highlight]
Klook tip: If you plan on borrowing one of the strollers, it’s best to come early right after opening, as they tend to run out fairly quickly, especially on busy days like weekends and holidays.
4. Does the Amsterdam City Pass offer good value for major attractions?
Yes, the Amsterdam City Pass offers good value for tourists visiting the city. Offering unlimited visits from 1-5 days to top attractions such as the Rijksmuseum, the Heineken Experience, and more, you can save up to EUR 40 per day compared to purchasing individual tickets. You also get the added benefit of being able to get tickets on the go using the Go City app, with no need to plan in advance.
5. Is the NEMO Science Museum suitable for both kids and adults?
Yes, the NEMO Science Museum is suitable for both kids and adults.The interactive exhibits and game booths are suitable for all ages, and you can touch, play, and experiment while learning about fascinating topics such as the human species, natural phenomena, and more. The rooftop also offers adult hobbyists a fantastic opportunity to go birdwatching and take photos of the city.
What is Klook?
Klook is a leading pan-regional experiences platform in Asia Pacific, purpose built to digitalize experiences and make them accessible to every traveler.
Our mission is to build the digital infrastructure for the global experience economy — empowering merchants to share their passions and travelers to discover the heartbeat of each destination. We operate a mobile-first, curated platform featuring diverse experiences across global destinations.
✨ Follow us for more deals and inspiration for your upcoming travels
