The five best things to do in Amsterdam are visiting the This is Holland, exploring the Van Gogh Museum, discovering the Rijksmuseum, relaxing in Vondelpark and taking a canal or harbour cruise. Together, these attractions offer the perfect mix of history, art, culture, nature and unforgettable views of the city. Want to know more about activities in the city? Read on.
This blog in short
- Experience Amsterdam from the water on a canal cruise or harbour cruise with Amsterdam Boat Cruises
- Discover world-famous masterpieces at the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum
- Relax in Vondelpark, Amsterdam’s most popular green space
- Experience the Netherlands from above during the spectacular 5D Flight Experience at This is Holland
Why should you take a canal or harbour cruise?
No visit to Amsterdam is complete without seeing the city from the water. A canal cruise takes you throughthe highlights of the Amsterdam city centre. A harbour cruise offers something completely different, taking you past impressive ships, modern architecture and one of Europe’s largest and busiest ports. Both experiences provide a relaxing way to discover Amsterdam while learning more about the city’s rich maritime history. If you are deciding between the two, the following can help:
- Choose a canal cruise to experience Amsterdam’s historic city centre from the water
- Choose a harbour cruise to explore the city’s modern port and industrial heritage
- Both cruises offer excellent photo opportunities throughout the journey
- Amsterdam Boat Cruises offers both canal cruises and harbour cruises throughout the year
Why is the Van Gogh Museum worth visiting?
No other museum in Amsterdam focuses so completely on a single artist, making the Van Gogh Museum a truly unique experience. The collection follows Van Gogh’s artistic journey, from his early Dutch paintings to the colourful masterpieces he created in France. As it is located on Museumplein next to the Rijksmuseum, visiting both on the same day is easy, although booking your tickets in advance is highly recommended.
Why should you visit the Rijksmuseum?
Inside, you will discover the world’s finest collection of Dutch Golden Age masterpieces, including Rembrandt’s The Night Watch and Vermeer’s The Milkmaid. The magnificent nineteenth-century building is an attraction in itself and deserves a moment of admiration before you even enter. Its location next to the Van Gogh Museum makes it convenient to combine both museums during your visit.
What makes Vondelpark worth an afternoon?
It is a favourite meeting place for locals while also offering visitors a peaceful escape from the busy city centre. Located beside Museumplein, it is the perfect place to relax between museum visits. Some of the highlights of Vondelpark include:
Why should you visit This is Holland?
This is Holland offers one of the most unique experiences in Amsterdam. During the spectacular 5D Flight Experience, you will soar over famous Dutch landmarks, windmills, canals and tulip fields, giving you the feeling of flying across the Netherlands. The attraction combines impressive special effects with fascinating insights into Dutch history, culture and landscapes. Located opposite Amsterdam Central Station, it is the perfect activity to combine with a canal cruise or harbour cruise from Amsterdam Boat Cruises.
Which of the 5 attractions are you going to visit?
If you are wondering what the best things to do in Amsterdam are, these five experiences are an excellent place to start. This is Holland, the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, Vondelpark and a canal or harbour cruise together showcase the very best of the city. Seeing Amsterdam from the water completes your visit by offering views that you simply cannot experience on foot. At Amsterdam Boat Cruises, we offer multiple canal cruises and harbour cruises! Book your tickets now in our webshop to reserve your seat. If you have any questions, you can contact our team. We are happy to help!
