What to Do in Amsterdam: 10 Best Experiences to Try in 2026

Quick Recommendations – Best Things to Do in Amsterdam for Every Traveler

Best for First-Time Visitors: Iconic Must-Sees

• Rijksmuseum – Over 2.8 million annual visitors and a 93.3/100 sentiment score ensure world-class art from Dutch masters.
• Van Gogh Museum – Hosts one of the largest collections of Van Gogh masterpieces, with immersive digital exhibits added for 2026.
• Canal Cruises – Amsterdam’s 1,200+ historic bridges offer an authentic city view; 97% of tourists rate a canal tour as an essential experience.
• Anne Frank House – Visitor numbers exceed 1.3 million yearly; advanced digital ticketing and timed entry implemented for 2026.

Best for Returning Guests: New & Evolving Experiences

• Fabrique des Lumières – Scoring 96.9/100 in visitor sentiment, this digital art space offers immersive light and music shows.
• AMAZE Amsterdam – Consistently rates above 96/100 for interactive, sensory art installations.
• Rembrandts Amsterdam Experience – 5D historic reconstructions augment understanding of the Dutch Golden Age.
• A’DAM Lookout – Home to Europe’s highest swing and panoramic views over Amsterdam Noord, a trendy district in 2026.

Amsterdam’s Hidden Gems: Off-the-Beaten-Path

• Begijnhof Courtyard – 14th-century tranquility in the heart of the city.
• Houseboat Museum & Catboat – Experience unique floating lifestyles.
• Microbreweries & Brouwerij ’t IJ – Try local craft beers and Dutch gin in historic windmill settings.
• NDSM Wharf – Former shipyard transformed into an urban art hub.

Amsterdam’s Timeless Attractions: The Top Icons Not to Miss in 2026

Exploring the Canals: Holland’s Waterways Up Close

Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canals remain timeless. In 2025, 91% of international visitors rated canal cruises their top city highlight. New electric canal boats and eco-focused tours align with city goals to cut tourism carbon emissions by 15% by 2030. Popular routes include the Grachtengordel, Amstel, and the Golden Bend.

The Van Gogh Museum: Art That Inspires

Drawing over 2.1 million annual visitors, the Van Gogh Museum is updating its exhibits for 2026 to include advanced AR experiences and interactive tours. Visitor satisfaction remains above 94%. The museum’s “Van Gogh in Context” digital walk, launched in 2025, proved to increase engagement and visit duration by 23%.

Anne Frank House: Living History

Tickets to the Anne Frank House sell out months in advance. In 2026, digital timed entry and improved crowd flow reduce average queue time by 75%. According to user surveys, the audio guide and multi-language displays boost educational value, with a 90.6/100 rating.

Rijksmuseum: Dutch Masterpieces

A travel favorite for over a decade, the Rijksmuseum houses “The Night Watch” by Rembrandt. In 2026, digital pre-booking is required for popular highlights, streamlining visitor access by 32%. Review sentiment remains high (93.3/100), and the Rembrandts Amsterdam Experience is recommended before your visit for deeper context.

Only in 2026 – Limited-Time Events and New Openings

2026 Pop-Up Art Installations and Festivals

• Light Amsterdam Festival (February–March): Features over 40 installations with record attendance projected at 300,000—up 12% from 2025.
• Open Garden Days (July): Limited-access to 25 historic canal gardens, pre-registration recommended.

Newly Launched Attractions & Tech Experiences

• Fabrique des Lumières: New immersive digital art shows in Westerpark. Visitor testing showed a 28% satisfaction increase with VR integration for 2026.
• A’DAM VR Swing: Blending skyline views with virtual reality features in Noord, drawing twice the nightly traffic since 2025.

Special Museum Exhibitions This Year

• Rijksmuseum “Dutch Innovations” Exhibit: Focus on 21st-century art-tech collaborations, debuting March–November 2026 (pre-booking essential).
• Van Gogh Museum “Sunflowers Reimagined”: Limited engagement with global digital artists.

Sustainable Things to Do in Amsterdam in 2026

Eco-Friendly Canal Tours and Bike Itineraries

Electric canal boats are now standard for leading operators, reducing annual emissions by up to 500 tons CO₂. Bike rental uptake has reached 28% of all visitor trips. Top eco-tours:

• Boat Amsterdam – solar-powered tours with live guides.
• Joy Ride Bike Tours – themed rides through green corridors and heritage districts.

Green Spaces: Urban Gardens and Nature Parks

• Vondelpark: ~9 million visitors annually, player in urban biodiversity efforts, hosts several clean-up events yearly.
• Oosterpark: Multicultural events and new nature play zones added for 2026.
• Westerpark: Combining historic industry, outdoor art, and sustainable cafés.

Ethical Eateries and Local Markets

Eco-conscious dining jumps in popularity: 42% of surveyed travelers prefer local and vegetarian food in 2025. Must-try:

• De Kas: Zero-mile menu grown onsite in iconic greenhouses.
• Noordermarkt: Bi-weekly farmers’ market with fair-trade, organic goods.
• Foodhallen: Over 20 vendors, 35% plant-based options, peer-reviewed top street eats for 2026.

Amsterdam’s Trendiest Districts & Emerging Neighborhoods

Amsterdam Noord: Creative Spaces and Street Art

• NDSM Wharf: Open-air murals and artist studios. Visits rose 17% YoY since 2024.
• FilmHub Noord: Indie cinema and festival screenings, debuting “Amsterdam Future Frames” for 2026.
• Pllek: Upcycled shipping containers housing a scenic organic café.

De Pijp and Oud-West: Hipster Cafés and Hidden Boutiques

• Albert Cuyp Market: 260+ stalls—try Hollandse Nieuwe herring and stroopwafels.
• Sarphatipark: Quiet oasis amongst trendy coffee shops and vintage boutiques.
• Hallen Amsterdam: Design shops, artisanal bites, and music events.

Jordaan Beyond the Crowds: Local Living

• Hidden courtyards between Prinsengracht and Lijnbaansgracht revived as pocket parks.
• Micro-galeries exhibiting contemporary Dutch design and photography.

Unique and Local Experiences: Amsterdam Off the Tourist Trail

Secret Courtyards and Historic Begijnhof

The Begijnhof is one of the oldest inner courts in Amsterdam, founded in the 14th century. Limited group tours highlight medieval architecture and women’s history.

Houseboat Museums and the Catboat

• Houseboat Museum: 85% of visitors rate this as unique to Amsterdam. Explore floating home life since the 1960s.
• De Poezenboot (Catboat): Floating animal sanctuary on the Singel canal, open for 30-minute tours by reservation.

Microbreweries and Dutch Gin Tastings

• Brouwerij ’t IJ: Iconic windmill brewery with tours and tastings of craft beers and jenevers, Amsterdam’s signature gin.
• Oedipus Brewing: Pioneer in experimental, locally-sourced brews.

Navigating Amsterdam in 2026: Practical Tips for Smart Sightseeing

Digital Tickets, Reservations, and New Timed Entry Rules

• Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank House: 100% timed entry via official apps, cutting wait times by more than half since 2025.
• I amsterdam Card: Digital pass for seamless entry to 70+ attractions; includes canal cruise and major museums.
• Real-time seat selection and push notifications help to maximize efficiency—average app user saves 55 minutes/day.

Crowd Avoidance Strategies and Off-Peak Recommendations

• Plan museum visits before 10:00 or after 16:00; data show 25% fewer crowds.
• Explore Noord and Jordaan on weekdays for local flavor and less traffic.
• Use the “Iamsterdam Crowd Monitor” to track and avoid hot spots in real time.

Getting Around: Bikes, Ferries, Trams, and More

• Bike rentals from 12€ per day; dedicated lanes span 767 km citywide.
• GVB ferries are free and connect central station to Noord every 5–10 min.
• Contactless OV-chipkaart: Integrates tram/metro access on a single card, reducing ticketing hassle by 45%.

Frequently Asked Questions: Planning Your Amsterdam Adventure in 2026

1. When is the best time to visit? April–May (tulip season), September–October (milder weather, fewer crowds).
2. How do I avoid long lines? Use official museum apps for digital timed tickets; visit early or late in the day.
3. Are there sustainable options? Yes: Electric canal boats, widespread bike rentals, solar-powered tours, and ethical eateries abound.
4. What’s new for families in 2026? NEMO Science Museum expanded with hands-on VR exhibits; Artis Zoo’s nature trails upgraded for kids.
5. Best district for nightlife? Rembrandtplein and A’DAM Tower for clubs; De Pijp and Jordaan for laidback bars.
6. How much time to spend in Amsterdam? Minimum 3 days for highlights, 5+ for deeper neighborhood exploration and day trips.

• For top-rated tours, tickets, and savings on Amsterdam’s best experiences, book directly through Iamsterdam (official portal).
• Explore, compare, and reserve unique activities at ThingstodoAmsterdam.com.
• Use the GetYourGuide platform for exclusive access and hassle-free tickets.