Things to do in Amsterdam City Centre | I amsterdam (2024)

Get stuck into the Museum Quarter

Image from Koen Smilde

How could we list things to do in central Amsterdam without insisting you hot-foot it straight to the Museum Quarter. This small area is crammed with some of the most impressive art collections in the world, from old to modern masters, by way of the Rijksmuseum, Van Goghand Stedelijkmuseums. Armed with the I amsterdam City Card, you’ll have access to Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk, and more than 70 other museums across Amsterdam. If you’re a real culture vulture, keep up with our monthly culture guideto see which exhibitions coincide with your trip.

Gaze upwards

Image from Koen Smilde

There is so much outstanding architecturein Centrum, the oldest part of Amsterdam; the main challenge is not bumping into people while walking around and gawping up at things. Take your time to appreciate all the beautiful hidden details,from elegant canal house façades with gable stones to quirky statues, monuments, and narrow steegjes (passages). The city’s cherished secret gardens- sometimes hidden behind the doors of unique museums- offer a welcome retreat from a day of sightseeing.

Sample age-old jenever recipes

Image from Philipp Benedikt

Centrum’s cobbled streets conceal some charming proeflokalen(tasting rooms), many of which have existed for centuries. Wynand Fockinkretains its 17th-century character and product assortment, offering punters the opportunity to sample a variety of jenever (Dutch gin), draft beers and fruit brandies. Impress the bartender by maintaining the tradition of bowing before taking your first slurp. Likewise, Proeflokaal A. Van Weesis a tasting room for the Van Wees Distillery, which continues to make delicious house-made liqueurs and spirits - the perfect aperitif before tucking into the menu of traditional dishes. Have a read of this list of Dutch cuisine to try in Amsterdamto find out what you're getting yourself in for.

Explore on foot

Image from Henri Blommers

Amsterdam Centrum is an extremely walkable area, with much to explore crammed into a compact area. Those endless canal rings can sometimes feel disorientating, so why not plan your route using a self-guided itinerary? These themed walking tourshave been put together by the city’s best guides, encompassing fascinating topics like the LGBTQI+ historyof Amsterdam, maritime trade and sustainabilityor the romantic storieshiding behind some of the city’s most iconic buildings. All routes include great suggestions for coffee and cake pitstops, too.

Hop on a canal cruise

Image from Dennis van de Water

Whether you’re a first-time or frequent visitor, Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canal belt is all the more magical when viewed from the water. Glide past the city’s historic offerings on one of the famous canal cruises, witnessing 16th-century churches and iconic drawbridges like the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) from a new angle. Here's a selection of the various tours on offer with multiple options to suit your travel plans. Don't forget that many tour operators are part of the I amsterdam City Card!

Chill at the Marineterrein

Image from Pim Evers

This up-and-coming former-docklands areaeast of Centraal Station is teeming with hotspots to explore. Pension Homelandencompasses a hotel, restaurant, and brewery with a large waterfront deck that allows you to enjoy a lovely view of the National Maritime Museumand the VOC ship replica. Blissfully off the beaten track on the opposite bank, Hannekes Boomexudes a quirky vibe and boasts one of Amsterdam’s best beer gardens. Locals and savvy visitors gather on sunny days to enjoy the funky vibes, good music and home-cooked BBQ food.

Step into Anne Frank’s diary pages

Image from Cris Toala Olivares

No visit to Amsterdam would be complete without exploring the house where a thoughtful teenager whose name is now known across the world hid during the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam. Opened in 1960, the Anne Frank House Museum in the Jordaan neighbourhood preserves the annexe where Frank lived with her family for two years. View Anne’s original red-checked diary up close and see the hinged bookcase that led to their concealed living quarters. Check out this dedicated guide for more museums and cultural hotspots in central Amsterdam.

Browse the markets

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Amsterdam’s historic market squares are taken over by traders and stalls flogging all kinds of wares throughout the week. Nieuwmarktis the place to go for locally-grown fruit and veg on Saturdays, and in the summer, you can haggle for vintage bargains on Sundays. A flea market and farmers’ market in one, Noordermarktis a haven for delicious, organic produce including honey, cheese and homemade cakes, as well as antiques, books and vintage fashion (Monday mornings and Saturdays). Or have a rummage at Spuifor rare, second-hand and out-of-print books on Fridays and affordable local art on Sundays.

Indulge in some retail therapy

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Amsterdam Centrum is home to many of the Netherlands’ flagship stores, grandest department stores and most chic boutiques. For luxury shopping, there’s no better place to start than De Bijenkorfand Magna Plaza, two iconic department stores which tower over Dam Square. Nearby, hit Kalvertoren on Kalverstraat - one of the busiest retail thoroughfares lined with the biggest Dutch and international brands. Or, for independent boutiques and vintage finds, head to some of the centre’s more alternative shopping districts, including De Negen Straatjes (9 Streets), Haarlemmerbuurt or the Spiegelkwartier.