What to Do in Amsterdam: 15 Best Experiences for 2026 Travelers

Quick Picks – Top Amsterdam Experiences in 2026

Unmissable Classics (Canals, Rijksmuseum, Tulips)

• Canal Cruises – Explore UNESCO-listed Canal Belt; 80% of day-trippers walk or cruise the canals. Early morning offers calmest views.
• Rijksmuseum – 4.6/5 average rating from 48,000+ reviews. Book tickets at least 1–2 months in advance to avoid 2-hour queues.
• Van Gogh Museum – Houses “Sunflowers” and major works. Over 65,000 reviews, 4.5/5. Timed tickets sell out early in high season.
• Anne Frank House – 64,000+ reviews. Offers deep WWII history. Book online months ahead; tickets do not sell at door.
• Tulip Experiences – Visit Keukenhof (outside Amsterdam, March–May) for peak blooms. Seasonal, photogenic, highly rated (8.7/10, visitor surveys).

Best New Attractions & Openings for 2026

• WONDR Experience – Immersive art rooms and photo zones. Popular with digital content creators.
• Fabrique des Lumieres – Dynamic digital art projections in Westergas; new shows updated every year.
• A’DAM Lookout & Swing – Panoramic city views from across the IJ River; “Over the Edge” swing is a thrill highlight.
• Body Worlds: The Happiness Project – Interactive biology and wellness exhibit using real anatomical specimens.
• No major landmark museums or venues opening in 2026 due to city hotel and tourist cap policy, but recurring pop-up exhibits and digital experiences set to expand.

Hidden Gems Only Locals Love

• Begijnhof – Tranquil medieval courtyard and secret Catholic church.
• Poezenboot (Catboat) – Floating animal shelter; open to visitors by donation.
• Westergas Area – Converted gasworks with indie markets, cinemas, and sculpture displays.
• Albert Cuyp Market – Largest open-air market for street food and daily local life.
• Red Light District Museums – Explore “Red Light Secrets” and historic churches for layered neighborhood insight.

Themed Things to Do in Amsterdam

Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Activities

• Biking – City bikes (OV-fiets or rentals); flat terrain and 400+ km of lanes. Reduces emissions, best for exploring canals, parks.
• Electric Canal Tours – Book zero-emission boats for greener sightseeing (available via GetYourGuide and direct operators).
• Parks and Picnics – Vondelpark, Westerpark for market food picnics.
• Sustainable Museums – National Maritime Museum, green-focused exhibitions throughout the year.

Arts, History & Modern Culture Highlights

• Rijksmuseum/Museumplein Cluster – Includes Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh, Stedelijk, and Moco; crowded but essential.
• Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder – Hidden attic church, showcases Amsterdam’s religious tolerance history.
• Amaze Amsterdam & Upside Down – Immersive digital and 3D art spaces popular with locals and travelers alike.
• Street Art Tours in Noord – Discover contemporary creativity outside city center.

Foodie Adventures: Best Eats and Market Finds

• Albert Cuyp Market – 100+ stalls; sample herring, stroopwafels, and multicultural street food.
• Foodhallen – Indoor food court with 20+ local chefs. Convenient for groups and bad weather.
• Traditional Dutch Snacks – Herring with onions, bitterballen, and poffertjes.
• Café Culture – Homemade apple pie at Jordaan’s brown cafés; coffee and people-watching.

Late Night & Unique Nightlife Spots

• De School – Former technical school, now one of the world’s top nightclubs (open until 6 AM).
• Skate Café/ROLLER DREAMS – Roller derby and disco events, a rising nightlife trend in Noord.
• Westergas Cultural Complex – Art house cinemas, lively bars, and festival grounds open late.
• Red Light District – Historic, with “secret” bars and museums nestled among neon alleys.

Events & Festivals in Amsterdam 2026

Major Year-Round Festivals & How to Join

• King’s Day (April 27) – Orange-themed street party, boat parades, public concerts. Free but crowded; book accommodation early.
• Pride Amsterdam (Late July/Early August) – Unique canal parade and city-wide celebrations.
• Amsterdam Light Festival (December–January) – Illuminated artworks along the canals, best viewed by boat combo ticket.
• Annual arts, jazz, and food festivals at Westergas and Museumplein.

Seasonal Events (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter)

• Spring – Tulip fields (Keukenhof), open gardens weekend, outdoor markets reopen.
• Summer – Open-air cinema, Vondelpark concerts, Pride, major music events in parks.
• Autumn – Amsterdam Dance Event (October), art fairs, food markets return indoors.
• Winter – Canal skating (if weather allows), Christmas markets, ice rinks at Museumplein.

One-Off 2026 Events & Exhibitions

• Check Iamsterdam.com for latest pop-ups and AR/VR installations as venues increasingly adopt digital experiences. No major international openings verified as of 2026, but short-term art shows and digital exhibits happen frequently.

Neighborhood Guide – Experiences by Area

Jordaan: Creative Boutiques & Cafés

• Historic canals, indie boutiques, and brown cafés serve traditional apple pie.
• Early morning best for peaceful walks and photos.

De Pijp: Multicultural Hotspots

• Home to **Albert Cuyp Market**, Surinamese, Turkish, Indonesian eateries reflect Amsterdam’s diversity.
• Street art and terraces popular at midday.

Amsterdam-Noord: Innovation & Green Spaces

• NDSM Wharf – Post-industrial art zone with festivals and open studios.
• A’DAM Lookout and food truck parks; skate culture and waterfront events.

Offbeat & Upcoming Districts

• Westerpark – Westergas complex, open-air markets, creative events every weekend.
• Oost (East) – Oosterpark, Tropenmuseum, multicultural restaurants.
• Zuidoost – Arena area, music/event venues, evolving street culture.

Amsterdam for Every Traveler Type

Family-Friendly Attractions & Tips

• NEMO Science Museum – Interactive, hands-on for kids; wheelchair-accessible.
• Artis Zoo – Historic zoo including planetarium, aquarium.
• Vondelpark playgrounds, canal boat rides, and family-friendly bike rentals available.

Solo and Digital Nomad Essentials

• Cowork cafés in Noord and De Pijp; fast Wi-Fi standard citywide.
• Hosted walking tours ideal for meeting other travelers and learning local stories.
• Safe, easy navigation; join expat meetups advertised on Eventbrite and Meetup.com.

LGBTQ+ and Inclusive Destinations

• Reguliersdwarsstraat – Amsterdam’s main LGBTQ+ nightlife hub.
• Multiple city Pride events; Pride Info Point at Amstelveld; inclusive cafés and drag brunches throughout the year.

Return Visitors: What’s New or Different

• Pop-up immersive tech/art venues in Noord and West (see Amaze, WONDR).
• Street art tours and food experiences evolve rapidly; digital nomad scene booming in 2026.

Plan Like a Pro: Insider Tips and Local Hacks

Navigating Public Transit & Green Transport Options

• Bikes – Fastest, most local way (city bike stations by train, ferry terminals).
• GVB Trams, Metro, Ferries – Reliable, tap-in cards accepted; ferries across IJ water are free.
• Cars discouraged: expensive parking, traffic. Walking and cycling preferred.

Money-Saving Tricks for 2026

• Buy Museumkaart (museum card) for ~€65 (valid at 400+ museums), or I amsterdam City Card for transit + attractions.
• Markets for cheap meals; water taps citywide; refill bottles to avoid high drink costs.
• Combo attraction tickets save 20–30% vs. single entry.

Safety, Etiquette, and Travel Logistics

• Petty theft rare but watch for pickpockets in crowds/museums; police presence is visible.
• Cyclists have right of way; use crosswalks and bike lanes carefully.
• Most venues are wheelchair/buggy friendly; check official sites for details.

Where to Stay: Hotels, Hostels, and Alternatives

• 92,000 beds available in city hotels (2026 cap).
• Consider boutique B&Bs in Jordaan, hostels in Noord.
• Book at least 2–3 months ahead for spring and summer; city center occupancy exceeds 75% year-round.

Frequently Asked Questions About What to Do in Amsterdam

• Do I need to pre-book museum tickets? Yes, for Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Anne Frank House; slots sell out weeks in advance.
• Is Amsterdam safe for solo and LGBTQ+ travelers? Yes, crime rates are low. The city is ranked among the most inclusive in Europe (multiple Pride awards, 2023).
• What are the best days to visit markets? Albert Cuyp (Mon–Sat, 9:30–17:30); most are closed Sundays. Foodhallen is open daily.
• How long should I stay? Average stay is 2.3 nights; budget 3–4 days for main attractions and a local area visit.
• Can I use contactless payments? Yes, everywhere; cashless preferred in 2026.

Interactive & Visual Planning Resources

Downloadable Maps and Itineraries

• Official I amsterdam app – free downloadable maps, suggested daily itineraries.
• Museum quarter and walking route guides available at hotels/hostels.

Best Photo Spots (Instagram-Worthy Locations)

• Seven Bridges View (Reguliersgracht) – best at sunrise for reflection shots.
• A’DAM Lookout Swing – panoramic city skyline photos.
• Brouwersgracht/Jordaan canals – classic Amsterdam facades and bikes.
• Tulip fields – peak bloom March–April at Keukenhof and outskirts.

Virtual Tours and AR Experiences for 2026

• Major museums, including Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh, offer online and AR-enhanced tours.
• Download I amsterdam’s AR city walking experience for real-time info overlays onsite.
• Check new digital art shows at Fabrique des Lumieres.

• Plan Ahead: Compare tours, attractions, and ticket bundles on GetYourGuide for real-time availability and deals.
• Ready to Visit Amsterdam? Book your accommodation and tours early for the best selection and rates. More resources: Iamsterdam.com