Love the big museums? A short walk along the Amstel is the H’ART Museum, formerly the Hermitage Amsterdam, home to world-class rotating exhibitions.

Amsterdam Rijksmuseum: Ultimate Guide in 2026

The Rijksmuseum is Holland’s premier art trove, showing Rembrandts, Vermeer’s and 7500 other masterpieces over 1,5 km of galleries.

Overview and Historical Significance

The Rijksmuseum is the most famous museum in the Netherlands. It opened in 1800 and moved to its current building in 1885. The museum tells the story of over 800 years of Dutch history, from the Middle Ages to today.

Located in the heart of Amsterdam, the museum is a symbol of Dutch art and culture. People from all over the world come to see its impressive art collection. It is home to thousands of paintings, sculptures, and historical objects.

One reason the Rijksmuseum stands out is because it houses masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age. This was a time when Dutch art, trade, and science flourished. Artists like Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Frans Hals helped shape this era.

Quick facts about the Rijksmuseum:

Visiting the Rijksmuseum feels like walking through a timeline of Dutch history. It’s more than just a museum—it’s a national treasure. Whether you love art, history, or architecture, this place is worth seeing.

To escape the biggest crowds, visit the Rijksmuseum after 3 pm. Or visit it during a sunny day. Or pre-book your Rijksmuseum tickets online, which provides fast-track entry. The Rijksmuseum is also one of the museums included free with the I amsterdam City Card.

Must-See Masterpieces in 2026

In 2026, the Rijksmuseum continues to amaze with both classic and new exhibits. One of the top reasons people visit is to see Rembrandt’s The Night Watch. This massive painting is a Dutch masterpiece and has its own special room.

Other popular artworks you can’t miss include:

• Johannes Vermeer’s The Milkmaid – a quiet moment of daily life, full of color and detail.
• Frans Hals’ The Merry Drinker – a fun portrait showing Dutch life.
• Vincent van Gogh’s Self-Portrait – one of his early works, full of emotion.

In 2026, the museum is also showcasing a new exhibit on Dutch colonial history, including artifacts and documents from the 17th century. This exhibit helps visitors understand the full story of the Netherlands—both the good and the difficult parts.

Top 5 Masterpieces to See:

These artworks are beautifully displayed with plenty of space and lighting. Many also include digital screens with stories behind the pieces.

Modern Upgrades and Visitor Experience

The Rijksmuseum has changed a lot in recent years. In 2026, it’s easier than ever to enjoy your visit. New technology, better crowd control, and mobile-friendly guides have improved the overall experience.

Here are some upgrades visitors will enjoy in 2026:

• Digital ticketing with timed entry to avoid lines.
• Augmented reality (AR) tours that bring art to life.
• Free Wi-Fi and app-based guides in 10+ languages.
• Sustainable cafes and rest areas with local food options.

If you visit during peak season (spring and summer), booking your tickets in advance is smart. The museum now limits the number of daily visitors, so it never feels too crowded.

Tips for a smooth visit:

• Book online to skip the ticket line.
• Arrive early in the morning or late afternoon.
• Use the Rijksmuseum app to plan your route.

There’s also a new “Family Trail” for kids. It’s interactive and helps young visitors explore art in a fun way. The museum is now more welcoming for all ages and abilities.

Holland’s Premier Art Trove

Originally the work of 19th-century architect Pierre Cuypers, the galleries housing the world-famous selection of Dutch art and artifacts now benefit from a modern reworking of space and light.

The assemblage, too, has been expanded, restored and rethought. Displayed in 80 galleries over four departments, it presents a chronological overview of Dutch art.

Dutch Golden Age: 17th-Century

The Golden Age art-works are the highlights in the Rijksmuseum. Feast your eyes on beautiful still life pairings; noblemen in ruffled collars and landscapes bathed in pale yellow light. The Night Watch of famous Dutch painter Rembrandt van Rijn takes pride of place. Initially named Company of Frans Banning Cocq (the leader of the militia’s), the Night Watch title was bestowed many years later due the the fact that the multiple layers of varnish that Rembrandt had applied to the painting had darkened. This gave the impression it was evening.

Other must-sees are obviously the typical Dutch Delftware (blue-and-white pottery), detailed 17th-century doll houses and the new Asian-Pavilion in the garden of the museum.

Rijksmuseum Doll Houses

Fun fact: The doll houses were once owned by two of Amsterdam’s wealthy women collectors: Petronella Dunois & Petronella Oortman. Made to scale they show exactly what the town houses of the wealthy women were like.

In fact, madame Portman went to such lengths to furnish her dollhouse with exquisite miniature items of silverware, glass, furniture and tiny pictures, that it eventually cost her as much money as an actual canal-house would have done.

Renaissance Art

Galleries at Level 0 show paintings from the Middle Ages and Renaissance in the Netherlands and Italy. The eponymous creation by the Master of the Virgo inter Virgines is an impressive expression of female tenderness, while a new addition, Piero Torrigiani’s terra-cotta bust of “The Virgin as Mater Dolorosa”, offers another touching look of maternal devotion.

Rijksmuseum Gallery of Honor

From Level 0, go straight to Level 2. Here, more than 30 galleries celebrate the Golden Age of Dutch art in the 17th-century, when the Netherlands became a world power. The long Gallery of Honor forms the backbone of the whole collection.

Elegantly showcased against the gray surface of the Rijksmuseum alcoves and softly lit from above, still lives, portraits and genre paintings by the Dutch and Belgium masters come to life. They include the latest two additions, Jan Steen’s “A Burgomaster of Delft an his Daughter” and the arresting landscape “The Golden Bend in the Herengracht” by Gerrit Berckheyde, together with Frans Hals’s “Merry Drinker” and Pieter de Hooch’s alluring “A Mother’s Duty” – the “duty being the removal of nits from her child’s hair.

Rembrandt’s Night Watch

The goal at the end of the Gallery of Honor is Rembrandt’s, the enormous, and famous group portrait of local militia once called “a thunderbolt of genius” and the only piece of art still it its original position in the Rijksmuseum.

After losing 3 children in their infancy, in 1642 Saskia and Rembrandt’s son Titus was born. One year later, Saskia died and business went downhill. Rembrandt’s impressive group portrait The Night Watch (1641) was hailed by art critics.

However, some of the influential people Rembrandt depicted were not pleased. Every subject had paid 100 guilders (the currency of the Netherlands from the 17th century until 2002, when it was replaced by the euro), and some men were not happy at being shoved in the background.

In response, Rembrandt told them where they shove their complaints. After that, Rembrandt van Rijn received far fewer orders

Rembrandt began an affair with his son’s tutor, Geertje Dircx, but kicked her out a couple years later when he fell for the new au pair, Hendrickje Stoffels. In 1654 Hendrickje gave birth to Rembrandt’s daughter Cornelia.

People did not take kindly to Rembrandt’s lifestyle and his spiraling debts, and in 1656 he applied for “cessio bonorum” (a voluntary surrender of goods by a debtor to his creditors). Rembrandt’s house and rich art collection were sold and he moved to Rozengracht 184 in Amsterdam’s Jordaan area.

Rijksmuseum Library by Pierre Cuypers

Before leaving the Rijksmuseum to explore its marvelous gardens, go to Level 1, to the gorgeous art library by Dutch architect Pierre Cuypers. The library has been renewed to its original stat and remains a brilliant example of Cuypers richly decorative, yet exquisite, interior design.

The library’s reading room is opening for public and visitors will find iPads for browsing the Rijksmuseum’s collection further, as well as WiFi access.

Rijksmuseum Garden

This is one of a group of four statues, all of which are in the Rijksmuseum garden. The statues originally stood in the garden of Bosch en Hoven, a country estate near Haarlem. They were made by Jan Pieter Baurscheit the Elder, an Antwerp architect and sculptor often engaged by patrons in the Dutch Republic.

The gardens surrounding the Rijksmuseum, also updated with the original Cuypers style in mind, offer a welcome rest and yet more aesthetic pleasures, displaying international sculpture and a brand new Asian Pavilion. Surrounded by water, this houses the Rijksmuseum collection of Asian art dating back to 2000 B.C. and includes a couple of magnificent 14th-century Japanese wooden temple guardians. The sculpture-studded gardens around the exterior are free to visit.

Rijksmuseum Guided Tours

It’s recommended to take a guided tour in the Rijksmuseum because this huge museum contains so many paintings with stories that only experts know. One of the best tours is a Rijksmuseum private tour combined with a private tour van Gogh museum. Learn everything about these two Dutch master painters from knowledgeable tour guides.

Don’t wait in line, buy Rijksmuseum tickets here!

Rijksmuseum address: Museumstraat 1, Amsterdam. To get there, take tram 2, 5 or 12.

From Art to Waterways: Discover Canal Tours

Discovering the treasures of the Rijksmuseum enriches your appreciation for art and history, but the experience doesn’t have to end within its walls.

Extend your exploration of Amsterdam’s beauty from the galleries to the waterways with our guide to the 6 Best Amsterdam Canal Tours. These tours offer a unique perspective of the city’s iconic canals, bringing to life the stories behind Amsterdam’s historic architecture and vibrant culture

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why should I visit the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam?

The Rijksmuseum is a must-visit for anyone coming to Amsterdam because it offers a deep dive into Dutch history, art, and culture—all under one roof. From Rembrandt’s The Night Watch to historic ship models and Delftware, it’s a chance to see the soul of the Netherlands in a single afternoon.

2. How long should I plan to spend at the Rijksmuseum?

For most travelers, 2 to 3 hours is perfect to enjoy the highlights without feeling rushed. If you’re an art lover, history buff, or planning to use the multimedia guide, set aside at least 4 hours. Many visitors also pair their visit with a stroll through nearby Museumplein or the Van Gogh Museum.

3. Do I need to buy tickets for the Rijksmuseum ahead of time?

Yes, advance tickets are strongly recommended—especially in 2026 when digital exhibits and special shows are drawing larger crowds. Booking online lets you skip the queue and choose a timed entry that fits your travel schedule. Tickets can be easily purchased via the official website or trusted travel platforms.

4. What are the current opening hours of the Rijksmuseum (2026)?

As of 2026, the Rijksmuseum is open every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, including weekends and public holidays. The last admission is at 4:30 PM, but it’s best to arrive earlier so you can see the major exhibits without rushing.

5. Is the Rijksmuseum a good place to take kids?

Absolutely. The Rijksmuseum is very kid-friendly with special activities like interactive treasure hunts, digital touchscreens, and the popular family audio tour. Children under 18 get in free, and there are plenty of places to take breaks, including a café and a spacious garden area.

6. What’s the best way to avoid crowds at the Rijksmuseum?

To avoid crowds, visit on a weekday morning right at opening time (9:00 AM) or later in the afternoon around 3:00 PM. Spring and autumn are less busy than summer. If you go early, you’ll have a better chance to enjoy major works like The Night Watch without the crowd.

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5 Prettiest Canals In Amsterdam

Rembrandt Paintings Explained

Guided Tours in Amsterdam Rijksmuseum

The post Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam: The Best Museum in Holland in 2026 appeared first on Tours in Amsterdam.

Stop wasting money on overpriced activities, that’s not necessary. These 12 things are really a must see in Amsterdam! Whether you’re visiting the Dutch capital for just one day or 3 days, you don’t need your wallet to experience these amazing highlights. Learn more below.

Sure, you can spend lots of money in Holland’s capital. But it’s really not necessary. Amsterdam has so much many wonderful highlights that don’t require a penny.

Amsterdam Audio Tours App

i’d recommend to download the Amsterdam Audio Tours app. it’s quite educational, fun and a unique way to explore the city. It includes stories from over 20 experts and offers things you really must see. And, it’s almost free too.

Ariel Baker.

12 | Wake Me Up When I’m Famous Bench

In Pisa, people pose leaning against the leaning tower, so they seem to avoid it falling over on a picture. In London, tourists walk along the pedestrian crossing of Abbey Road. In New York, people pretend to squeeze the Statue of Liberty between their fingers. And in Amsterdam, one can sit on the super popular Wake Me Up When I’m Famous bench.

Instagrammable art work, have a lie down on the bench, have someone take a pic, cool and humorous activity, funny concept.

Clare Louise | 4 out 5 stars.

One of the newest things to see in Amsterdam is this bench in De Pijp area. A young local painter made this with his father. He once stated: “I also see it as a motto for this time, for my generation. Everyone wants to become famous, but without putting in too much effort. And that seems to be within reach via social media.“

Just around the corner you can see the inside of a strip club & brothel during the Amsterdam Brothel Tour from a local sex worker.

“Real” customers are never present during the day. The perfect opportunity to explain more about legal sex work in the Netherlands in this exclusive place. Super interesting to hear this from a real sex worker. During the Amsterdam Brothel Tour she’ll show you around and share everything there is to know about prostitution.

11 | Amsterdam North

The new and upcoming part of Amsterdam that offer plenty to see and experience. Amsterdam North is located on the other end of the IJ river behind Amsterdam Central Station. Right across the IJ behind central station stands the ADAM tower with an awesome lookout deck for some great views of Amsterdam’s medieval city center.

Amsterdam Swing

Discover Europe’s highest swing, if you are looking for more thrill. Learn more about the A’DAM Lookout. It’s super cool!

In the basement is Amsterdam’s best techno club: Shelter. This is where you can have a proper party until the morning and it’s a place where both Amsterdammers as tourists come.

In front of the ADAM Tower stands the EYE Museum, a museum dedicated to film. Besides a changing exhibition they also have several movie theatres that show current and classic movies.

A bit farther away lays the NDSM wharf. This former industrial ship wharf is now the creative hotspot of Amsterdam. You can get there via a 15 minute free ferry trip from behind Amsterdam Central Station.

The area has kept it’s industrial look and street art can be found everywhere. There are also plenty of cool bars and terraces with plenty of sun time. During the summer many festivals take place in this area.

10 | Homomonument

Without any doubt, one of the most important monuments in modern times…..

Win Sutano | 5 out 5 stars.

The homomonument (gay monument) behind the Wester Church was the first monument dedicated to homosexuals in the world. To this day it still is the largest one. The monument is based on the pink triangle symbol that German gay prisoners were forced to wear in German concentration camps. This policy was never implemented in the Netherlands. The 3 points of the larger triangle each point to an important location. One to the Anne Frank House, another to the WW2 memorial on Dam Square and the third to COC Amsterdam, a gay rights activist groups established in 1946.

Did you know that the first gay marriage in the world took place in Amsterdam?

9 | Museum Square

Home to two of the world’s best museums; The Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands. Inside you get to see a collection spanning from the year 1200 to the present.

The collection includes masterpieces by Rembrandt and Johannes Vermeer. The Van Gogh Museum is dedicated completely to master painter and has the largest collection of his paintings in the world. But wait, there’s more…

At Museum Square you also find the Stedelijk Museum, the Moco Museum and the Diamant Museum. And, it’s a great place for sunbathing between April and September.

The Stedelijk Museum is dedicated to contemporary and modern art from the 20th and 21th century. At Moko they also present modern and contemporary art, but also street art from artists like Banksy. Diamant Museum Amsterdam is the only diamond museum in Europe and present 400 years of diamond history. All in all plenty to choose from at Museum Square.

8 | Albert Cuyp Market

Interesting place to buy souvenirs, shirts about Amsterdam, cheeses and the famous stroopwaffel. It was the only non-essential trade opened in the lockdown.

Claudia Silva.

The Albert Cuyp Market is the busiest and largest daytime market in the Netherlands. It is located in the southern part of Amsterdam in area known as “De Pijp”. The market itself is a reflection of the multicultural city with many products on offer that originally come from Suriname, Morocco, Turkey, and the Antilles. The Albert Cuyp Market is open 6 days a week. It’s closed on Sunday’s.

7 | Nine Streets

“De 9 straatjes” or the nine streets in English is a shopping area located in the city centre close to Dam Square. It has a lot of small boutique and fashion shops. In the 1990’s the owners of shops in this area decided to band together to give their area a brand name so it would stand out against the more known areas as the Jordaan and city centre.

And not without succes, these days every Amsterdammer knows about the 9 streets and the quality type of shopping one can do there. Next to the boutique shops, you can also find many nice little restaurants and bars here.

6 | Skinny Bridge & Amstel River

The Amstel River is Amsterdam’s founding river. Without it the city wouldn’t exist or have its name; Amstel (river) -dam (to stop the river). During the summer time there are many places along the Amstel River bank where people relax and have a swim.

Fun fact: Did you know that blue tulips do not exist? Not even at Amsterdam’s Flower Market.

The most famous bridge in Amsterdam is the so called skinny bridge (magere brug in Dutch). The design is that of an Old Dutch wooden bridge that is balanced through a double-swipe mechanism. Story has it that the bridge was named after two sisters called Mager (skinny) how built the bridge so they could more easily reach each other. What is more likely though is that it got the name skinny because it was originally very hard for just 2 pedestrians to pass each other on the thin bridge.

5 | Dam Square

Amsterdam’s main square is called Dam Square and has some of the top tourist attractions including the Royal Palace, The New Church, Madame Tussauds Amsterdam and the World War II memorial. The Royal Palace is still in active use during special occasions. When not in use the palace is open to the public and we would advice anyone who’s visiting Amsterdam to have a look inside. Dam Square is a historic location with great sights, but to really get a feel for the significance of this place you should join our Amsterdam History Tour where experienced story tellers bring history to life.

4 | Red Light District

The Red Light District is the most famous part of Amsterdam with its many window brothels and coffeeshops. But did you know that the area is actually located in the oldest part of town? Sinds the beginnings of Amsterdam prostitution and entertainment have been a part of this area as sailors left their ships in the old harbour and went looking for fun.

It’s therefor fitting that Amsterdam’s oldest building also stands in this area: The Old Church. Right next to it stand window brothels and a monument dedicated to sex workers worldwide. Around the corner one can find a daycare just next to a bunch of windows. A neighbourhood you can only experience in Amsterdam!

Other highlights in this part of town are Chinatown, the Nieuwmarkt (New Market Square), world’s first condom shop, Amsterdam Stock Exchange, Dutch brown bars, sex shows, tiny alleys, Prostitution Information Centre, Amsterdam’s oldest canal, De Waag, the Museum Of Prostitution and whatnot.

Download the Amsterdam Audio Tours app to get a true feeling of this notorious neighbourhood. The app contains 22 experts and a virtual tour guide. They explain what the Red Light District is really all about. Within 2 hours, you’ll get a better understanding of the so called Wallen. Listen to it in Amsterdam, at home, in the train or on the plane. Learn more about Dutch liberalism and open-mindedness.

3 | Begijnhof

The Begijnhof is medieval courtyard right in the center of Amsterdam. A peaceful oases away from the city bustle. Inside you’ll find the famous wooden house which is one of the only two remaining completely wooden structures in Amsterdam. Inside the “hofje” there are also two churches, the English Reformed Church and the catholic Houten Huys.

2 | Anne Frank Statue & Westerkerk

The Westerkerk (Western Church) is Amsterdam’s largest purpose built protestant church, the Old Church and New Church were originally both Catholic.

The Anne Frank house is actually located to the left of the Western Church and Anne Frank writes about the church bells in her diary. Fittingly a statue in her remembrance stands to the right side of the Wester Church. During our Amsterdam History Tour we’ll discuss both the story of Anne and the plight of all the jews in The Netherlands.

Did you know there is another Anne Frank statue in Amsterdam? It’s located in De Rivierenbuurt – a neighbourhood where she lived before she had to hide for the Nazis.

1 | Canals

The UNESCO canal-ring is absolutely the best must see in Amsterdam. This is one of the main highlights that make this city. And who doesn’t love to see houseboats, tiny bridges and the wonderful Dutch canals? There are several options for exploring Amsterdam’s amazing canals. One is of course free, and that is by foot. But since there are around 75 kilometers of canals in Amsterdam most people choose a boat tour. You could take one of the larger tour boats or book a smaller boat for a more intimate experience. Via the link below we present a selection of the best options.

Have you been to the Dutch capital before and do you know really good highlights that others have to see? Share them in the comment section below.

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The post 12x Free Must See In Amsterdam in 2026 appeared first on Tours in Amsterdam.

Wondering what to see in Amsterdam beyond the postcard highlights? The big museums and canals are unmissable, but this dense little city hides dozens of quirks most visitors walk straight past. Below you get both: a quick run-through of the icons you shouldn’t skip, then 16 lesser-known spots that locals actually love — the odd churches, secret courtyards, rooftop bars and creative hangouts that make the city feel like yours.

The must-see icons you shouldn’t skip

If it’s your first time, a handful of sights earn their fame. See these, then use the rest of this list to go deeper than the average visitor:

• The Rijksmuseum — the nation’s treasure house, home to Rembrandt’s Night Watch and Vermeer’s quiet masterpieces. It’s the one museum almost nobody regrets; here’s our full Rijksmuseum guide.
• The Van Gogh Museum — the world’s largest collection of his work, on timed tickets that sell out, so book Van Gogh tickets well ahead.
• The Anne Frank House — a moving, sobering hour in the canal house where the diary was written. Tickets are online only and released weeks in advance, so plan early.
• The canal belt and the Jordaan — the UNESCO-listed rings of water and the pretty lanes beside them are the city’s real masterpiece; wander the Jordaan and see our pick of the best canals.
• Vondelpark — the green heart where locals jog, picnic and drink in the sun; our Vondelpark guide has the details.

Tick those off and you’ve seen the essentials. Now for the good part — the 16 spots most guidebooks miss.

Amstelkerk

This wooden Dutch church was originally constructed as a temporary church back in 1668. The church was constructed with haste because the Amsterdam canal ring was expanding rapidly at the time, which meant more churchgoers that needed to be served. Temporary became permanent. 

These days the church functions as a multipurpose building. It hosts office spaces and an art gallery area, which can be visited for free during office hours. The larger midsection of the building often host chamber music events. 

Fun fact: during Napoleons visit in 1811 this church supposedly functioned as the stable for his horses. 

Het Boomzagertje

One of the six statues that suddenly appeared in Amsterdam. The maker has remained anonymous. The unknown sculptor placed his statues in the citiy in the 80’s and 90’s in the dead of night, without a prior notification.

Het Boomzagertje (the small tree cutter) is a touching little statue of a man who puts his saw in the tree. 25 years have passed since it first appeared and the tree now encapsulates the statues feet and saw. 

Fun rumor: some people speculated that the former queen of the Netherlands made the statues, because one of them had a face that looked like the one of her husband.

Brouwerij ‘t IJ

Beer from Amsterdam has conquered the world (Heineken, Amstel), but if you truly want to taste some locally brewed beer you should visit Brouwerij ‘t IJ. They offer a wide range of 25 types of beers!

This brewery is located in a former bathhouse next to one of Amsterdam’s last remaining old Dutch windmills. This brewery also has amazing terrace that fills up after each workday during the summer season. Long tables with beer, whine or juice make for an informal atmosphere where you easily meet new people. 

Still wonder: What to see in Amsterdam? Discover more free tips below:

Café In t’ Aepjen 

This café is located in the Red Light District, in an old wooden house, one of the oldest homes in Amsterdam! It dates back all the way to 1544. This was the sailor hot spot for centuries. Back in the day sailors brought back all kinds of exotic animals from their journeys and on more then one occasion these animals were used to pay the bar tab.

The owner of the café kept the monkeys he got in little cages as entertainment so his guests had what to see in Amsterdam. This explains the name of Café In T’ Aepjen (Monkey). Besides a great historical setting they also serve some quality Dutch Jenever (gin). A must visit! 

This amazing Dutch bar is in the area covered by our Amsterdam Red Light District Tours.

Chinatown

In 1911 Chinese shipping stokers were the first Chinese to settle in Amsterdam. These days Amsterdam’s Chinatown is considered to be the oldest Chinese settlement on the European mainland. However, Asian town might be a better term as the area around the Zeedijk and Geldersekade also hosts many Thai, Korean, Japanese and Asian fusion restaurants.

However the Chinese remain the largest group that is present in the area. In Chinatown you’ll find the He Hua Temple at the end of the Zeedijk, close to the Nieuwmarkt. This is the largest traditional Chinese palace style Budhist temple in the whole of Europe. A must what to see in Amsterdam!

The temple is in the area covered by our Red Light District tours. Click on the link above to find out more.

EYE

What looks like a flying saucer is actually Amsterdam’s film museum: EYE. It’s located across the IJ-river behind Amsterdam Central Station. The architect Delugan Meissel tried with this design to translate the experience of film medium into architecture. The Architects present the building as a sequence of scenes. Inside the museum there are 4 theatre rooms with an extensive collection of old and new films.

The large exhibition space presents 4 different expositions each year that highlight the thin line between film, visual arts and other types of media. For those who don’t care about any of that there’s also a very wide and sunny terrace with a great view of the IJ-river. 

Don’t stop scrolling. Discover what to see in Amsterdam now!

Floor 17

On top of the Ramada Apollo Amsterdam Centre Hotel in the western part of town sits Floor 17 an 85-meter high rooftop terrace. This terrace offers a spectacular view of the city and is open when the weather permits it. Comfy couches, beanbags and mellow music create a relaxed lounge atmosphere. Even in the wintertime this is an excellent spot as the terrace is transformed in the highest skating rink of the city. 

De Hallen

This is the new hotspot of the city. This former tram depot has been transformed into a large cinema with 9 theatre rooms and a large food hall section. As a subtle reminder to the history of the place you can still see tram rails in some parts of the building. The beautiful restoration alone is worthy of a visit. The covered food market is the main attraction and is modeled after examples from London, New York and Madrid. Around a central bar stand 20 different trendy booths that serve the higher end types of street foods. 

Hollandsche Manege 

In the center of Amsterdam there’s a surprising experience! One that shouldn’t surprise any local though since the Hollandsche Manege (Dutch Horse Riding School) has been in Amsterdam since 1882. Dolf van Gendt who also designed Amsterdam’s concert building designed the building, a National Monument.

These days it’s promoted as the living horse museum because of the 54 horses in the stables. A hidden treasure in the museum is the neoclassical style foyer where it appears that not much has changed in 130 years. Those who can already ride a horse can take lessons in astride horseback riding. 

Hortus VU

The cactus collection alone is reason enough to pay a visit to VU Hortos, VU’s very own botanical garden. Three tables both 10’s of meters long are filled from front to end with cacti and succulents, the largest collection of their kind in the Netherlands.

Other greenhouses contain large collections of orchids and ferns. In the tropical greenhouse it’s like your entering the Amazonian rainforest! Visit this unique spot in Amsterdam whilst it still exists.

Royal Palace 

Completed in 1655 Amsterdam’s new city hall was constructed with Amsterdam’s newly acquired power and wealth in mind. The 17^thcentury municipal government dared to think great and constructed the largest governmental building of Europe at the time and presented Amsterdam as the center of the universe. 

Amsterdammers used to proudly speak of the 8^th world wonder. The Royal Palace on Dam Square has an impressive classicist design. The interior dates back to the rule of Napoleon, whose brother took up residence and turned the city hall into a palace.

This place is a must visit for anyone who’s interested in Amsterdam’s golden century.

Amsterdam Red Light District

The most famous area in Amsterdam. Anything deemed unholy you can probably find in this area, window brothels with sex workers, bars, restaurants, smoke-filled cannabis coffeeshops, strip clubs you name it. The locals also know this neighbourhood as De Wallen.

But few know that this area is located in the oldest part of Amsterdam. Sex work in the Red Light District actually dates back to the 1300’s. Amsterdam was already turning into a busy trading port back then and all those sailors needed entertainment.

Despite what some may think, escorts do not work behind the windows in the Red Light District. Here you will only find window prostitutes.

Also do not miss out on the live sex shows at Moulin Rouge Amsterdam. They’re amazing and you can join as volunteer on stage during your visit, if you’re up to it.

This is why the area is located so close to Amsterdam’s Central Station, which was planted right in the spot that used to be the old harbor.

NDSM Werf

This former shipbuilding wharf is one of Amsterdam’s last real cultural sanctuaries. Shortly after the closure of the wharf in 1985 artists and outcasts discovered the area. Gradually ever more creatives such as artists, theatre makers, free thinkers and enthusiasts entered the area, where for a short while there were no rules.

As creative hotbeds were closing all over the city in 90’s some artists banded together and presented a plan to the municipality to make the wharf the largest creative hub of Europe. The NDSM wharf has since functioned as a model for the development of similar creative spots all over the world. Expect a creative treasure when you visit this part of town! 

Oost-Indisch Huis

When people talk about Holland’s golden century the VOC, world’s first corporation, will always be discussed. The Oost –Indisch Huis (East-Indian House) served as headquarters of the most powerful and wealthiest corporation that the world has ever known.

These days the building is owned by the Amsterdam University and houses the faculty for political, social and cultural sciences. But it takes little imagination to see the 17^thcentury merchants.

This place that reminds the visitor of the start of the Dutch colonial era also commemorates its end. A plaque remembers 12 American journalists that died in a plane crash after a Dutch press junket trip. 50 years later it was found out that Indonesian Republican separatists were possibly behind the crash. 

Amsterdam Trees Street

On the Lomanstraat in Amsterdam you can find these beautiful trees that look like they come from a Harry Potter movie.

Volkshotel 

After a thorough renovation the Volkhotel (peoples hotel) re-opened its doors as a hotel, café, restaurant and club where, as one would expect with such a company name, everybody is welcome! There’s close to 24/7 hours of different entertainment options for every type of person.

At the ground floor things are lively in “werkplaats”, with on the left a café with among other things a chilled game corner, and on the right long tables and meeting rooms for flex workers. At the backside of the building are workspaces for creative spirits.

But to really get a feeling of the building you’ll have to take the elevator to the 7^thfloor. Enter Club Canvas with its rooftop terrace with a great view of Amsterdam. After 10 pm all the tables and chairs are cleared from the floor and infamous club canvas nights start off inside.

And if you’re up for an all-nighter head back down to the basement to Doka “the basement where life happens in the dark”.

The Best Street Markets in Amsterdam

We also listed 7 street markets in Amsterdam which offers clothing, (Dutch) food, tulips, books, art, vinyl records, jewelry, etc. Check it out!

Where to wander: Amsterdam’s best neighbourhoods

Half of what to see in Amsterdam isn’t a single sight at all — it’s the districts, each with its own character. Give yourself time to just walk these:

• The Jordaan — narrow lanes, tucked-away almshouse courtyards (the hofjes), brown cafes and the Noordermarkt. The most photogenic quarter in the city.
• De Pijp — the lively, multicultural south, built around the Albert Cuyp Market and full of terraces and small restaurants.
• Amsterdam-Noord and NDSM — a free ferry ride across the IJ takes you to the post-industrial creative quarter on this list, plus street art, festivals and rooftop views.
• The Nine Streets (De 9 Straatjes) — a grid of independent boutiques and cafes threaded through the canal belt, ideal for a slow afternoon of shopping.
• Oost (East) — leafy, local and home to the ARTIS zoo and the Tropenmuseum, well off the tourist trail.

The best views in Amsterdam

A few spots on this list are really about the view, and they beat fighting the crowds at ground level. Floor 17 and the Volkshotel’s rooftop both trade a lift ride for a drink with a skyline; across the water in Noord, the terrace at EYE looks straight back at the old city, and the nearby A’DAM Lookout adds Europe’s highest swing for anyone with a head for heights. For a free version, simply climb aboard one of the IJ ferries behind Central Station — the five-minute crossing is one of the best no-cost experiences in the city.

How many days do you need, and how to get around

Most first-timers find two to three days about right: enough for the big museums, a canal cruise and a proper wander, with time left for a few of the quirks on this list. Got longer? Add a day trip to the windmills or a nearby canal city. Tight on time? Our 2-day and 3-day itineraries map it all out hour by hour.

Getting around is easy. The centre is small and flat, so walking covers most of it, and a canal cruise is the classic way to see the grand houses from the water. For longer hops, the GVB trams, metro and free IJ ferries do the job, and if you’re visiting a stack of museums it’s worth pricing an I amsterdam City Card, which bundles transport with free entry. Feeling brave? Renting a bike is the most local way to travel — just read up on cycling in Amsterdam first, because the traffic takes no prisoners.

When is the best time to see Amsterdam?

Amsterdam works year-round, but the season changes the mood. Spring is the showpiece — tulips everywhere, the nearby Keukenhof gardens in bloom, and the whole country turning orange for King’s Day on 27 April, the biggest street party of the year. Summer brings long days and packed canal-side terraces, though it’s also the busiest and priciest time. Autumn thins the crowds and lights the canals in gold, while winter is cosy and cheaper, with the Amsterdam Light Festival glowing along the water and the museums blissfully quiet. For the best balance of decent weather and fewer tourists, aim for late spring or early autumn. Whatever month you pick, check the Amsterdam weather by month before you pack — the one constant is that it can rain at any time.

Frequently asked questions

What is the number one thing to see in Amsterdam?

For most first-time visitors it’s the Rijksmuseum, home to Rembrandt’s Night Watch and the finest collection of Dutch Golden Age art anywhere. A close second is simply the canal belt itself — the UNESCO-listed rings of water are the sight the whole city is built around.

What is Amsterdam best known for?

Its canals and gabled houses, world-class art museums (the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum), the Anne Frank House, cycling culture, and a famously liberal outlook that includes the Red Light District and coffeeshops. It’s also known for the Jordaan’s charm and a lively cafe and market scene.

How many days do you need to see Amsterdam?

Two to three days is the sweet spot for a first visit — enough for the main museums, a canal cruise and time to wander the neighbourhoods. Add a day or two if you want a day trip to the windmills, Leiden or the coast.

What should you not miss in Amsterdam?

The Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Anne Frank House, a walk or cruise through the canal belt and the Jordaan, and Vondelpark. Beyond those, the lesser-known spots on this list — from Brouwerij ‘t IJ to NDSM and the He Hua Temple in Chinatown — are what make a trip feel personal.

What is there to see in Amsterdam for free?

Plenty. The IJ ferries behind Central Station, the Amstelkerk gallery, window-shopping the Nine Streets, the Begijnhof courtyard, the city’s street markets, and simply walking the canals all cost nothing. Several viewpoints on this list, like the EYE terrace, are free to enjoy too.

Is Amsterdam a walkable city?

Very. The historic centre is compact and flat, and most of the big sights sit within a 30-minute walk of one another. Watch out for cyclists and tram tracks, and use the trams or a bike only when you’re crossing town or heading to Noord.

What is the most beautiful part of Amsterdam?

The Jordaan and the western canal belt around the Nine Streets are widely considered the prettiest — narrow lanes, humpback bridges, houseboats and 17th-century facades. The stretch along the Brouwersgracht canal is a particular favourite.

What can you see in Amsterdam in one day?

With one day, pick one major museum (the Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh), take a canal cruise, wander the Jordaan and the Nine Streets, and end in or near the Red Light District. Our one-day itinerary lays out an efficient route so you don’t waste time backtracking.

Is 2 days enough to see Amsterdam?

Two days is enough for the highlights — one major museum, a canal cruise, the Jordaan and the Red Light District — if you plan a tight route. Three days is more comfortable and lets you add a few of the lesser-known spots on this list, or a short day trip.

Do you need to book Amsterdam museums in advance?

For the busiest ones, yes. The Anne Frank House is online-only and sells out weeks ahead, the Van Gogh Museum uses timed tickets that go quickly, and the Rijksmuseum can ask for a timeslot at peak times. Smaller, lesser-known sights you can usually just walk into.

What is unique to Amsterdam?

The scale and preservation of its 17th-century canal ring is genuinely one of a kind, as is the sheer density of houseboats, bikes and gabled merchant houses. Add the Anne Frank House, the world’s largest Van Gogh collection and quirks like the He Hua Temple and the anonymous street statues on this list, and you get a mix you won’t find anywhere else.

So, there you have it! Our top picks for things to see and do in Amsterdam when you’re on a budget. If you want more tips or ideas, be sure to check out our other blog posts or hit the green button below to get all sorts of travel advice. And finally, don’t forget to enjoy your time in this beautiful city – after all, that’s what traveling is all about! 🙂

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