Top Things to Do in Amsterdam (2026 Guide)

The Anne Frank House at Prinsengracht 263-267 is a powerful museum dedicated to the life and diary of Anne Frank, open daily from 9 AM to 10 PM. Tickets cost €16 for adults and €7 for children aged 10 to 17, with online booking strongly advised.

Walking through the secret annex where Anne and her family hid during World War II, the atmosphere is quiet and reflective. The faint creak of floorboards and the scent of old wood create a somber setting. Exhibits include original diary pages and photographs, illuminated softly to preserve their condition. Audio guides narrate Anne's story with sensitivity, helping visitors understand the daily reality of hiding.

Plan on spending at least 90 minutes to fully engage with the displays. Early morning or late evening visits tend to be less crowded, allowing more space for contemplation. The museum is a short 5-minute walk from the Noordermarkt, making it easy to combine with a visit to the nearby Jordaan neighborhood.

For more on nearby art scenes, see our guide to Jordaan neighborhood art galleries.

Official details at the Anne Frank House website.

Vondelpark, Amsterdam’s largest city park, is open 24/7 and free to enter. It’s popular for walking, cycling, picnicking, and outdoor performances during summer months.

Covering 47 hectares, Vondelpark lies about a 15-minute walk from Museumplein and the city center. The park’s paved cycling paths are well-maintained, and bike rentals nearby cost around €15 per day. Visitors often bring picnic blankets to relax on the open lawns, surrounded by the scent of freshly cut grass and blooming tulips or rhododendrons, depending on the season.

The air is filled with birdsong and the occasional laughter of children playing. In summer, the park hosts open-air theatre shows at the Vondelpark Open Air Theatre near Amstelveenseweg. If you prefer refreshments, Vondelpark3 café at Vondelpark 3 serves local snacks like Dutch bitterballen for roughly €8, paired with coffee or cold drinks.

For more outdoor options, check out our guide to outdoor activities in Amsterdam.

More park info at the Vondelpark official website.

Canal cruises departing from Prins Hendrikkade 25 provide a scenic 75-minute ride along Amsterdam’s historic waterways, with tickets priced at €39 for adults.

These cruises run multiple times daily, typically from 10 AM until 9 PM. Onboard, the aroma of Dutch pancakes being served mixes with the fresh, slightly damp scent of the canals. The soft sound of water lapping against the boat hull combines with the gentle hum of the captain’s narration. Passing under low, quaint bridges, the view includes rows of narrow gabled houses lit by warm interior lights in the evening.

Booking an evening cruise highlights the reflections of street lamps and festive lights on the water’s surface. This time also tends to be less crowded. The boats dock near Amsterdam Central Station, making access straightforward by public transport or walking.

For alternatives, see our recommendations for Amsterdam canal cruise options.

The Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, both at Museumplein, are central to Amsterdam’s art scene, open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM with tickets costing €21 and €20 respectively.

The Rijksmuseum’s grand halls feature works by Rembrandt and Vermeer. The smell of polished wood and the quiet footsteps of visitors create a reverent atmosphere. Meanwhile, the Van Gogh Museum has a more intimate setting with lively paintings that reveal the artist’s emotional depth. Each museum generally requires about two hours for a thorough visit.

Purchasing a combined museum pass can save money if you plan to visit multiple institutions. The nearby Stedelijk Museum, for modern art, is also worth considering. For a deeper understanding of Amsterdam’s art beyond the major museums, stroll through the galleries in the Jordaan area.

Further suggestions for cultural visits can be found in our guide to best museums in Amsterdam and international art scenes like Berlin’s art scene.

Official museum information is available at the Rijksmuseum website.

Jordaan is a neighborhood with narrow streets, independent shops, and cozy cafés located about a 10-minute walk west of the Anne Frank House.

The district’s air carries the smell of fresh coffee and baked goods from small cafés along Bloemstraat and Westerstraat. On weekends, street musicians add melodies to the background noise. Boutiques sell handmade jewelry, vintage clothing, and local art. The Noordermarkt, a market square, hosts a farmers’ market on Saturdays and an organic market on Mondays, where stroopwafels cost about €2 apiece.

Wandering through the small galleries and craft stores around Lindengracht and Elandsgracht reveals a quieter, less tourist-heavy side of Amsterdam. The area is best seen on foot at a relaxed pace, allowing time to pause for coffee or a light lunch in a café.

For more on local art scenes, visit our article on Jordaan neighborhood art galleries, and compare with other European neighborhoods like in our Paris neighborhood guide.

Amsterdam has several attractions suitable for children, including NEMO Science Museum and Artis Zoo, both featuring interactive exhibits and open daily.

NEMO Science Museum, located at Oosterdok 2 near Central Station, welcomes visitors from 10 AM to 5:30 PM. Tickets cost €17.50 for adults. Its hands-on displays focus on scientific principles, making it engaging for children and adults alike. The rooftop terrace provides views of the city and occasional science demonstrations.

Artis Zoo, at Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, opens from 9 AM to 5 PM, with adult tickets priced at €25. The zoo features a large aquarium and a planetarium. Kids can hear the calls of exotic birds and watch monkeys swing energetically. The scent of fresh hay and blooming plants mixes with the sounds of children’s laughter and animal noises.

Additional family activity ideas abroad can be found at family-friendly activities in Sydney.

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