Amsterdam Travelers Recommend

With such a range of transport options available across the city, it’s no surprise that driving is actively discouraged in Amsterdam. From walking tours to canal cruises, here are your best options for exploring the city’s historic streets and winding waterways.

Public Transport

Amsterdam’s public-transit network is extensive, but choosing the right ticket can be tricky. The contactless OV-chipkaart covers the whole system and be purchased from a station or newsagent. Otherwise, single- or multi-day tickets are available, but check that your service is included before traveling.

Hop-On-Hop-Off-Bus or -Boat Tour

You can combine city sightseeing with hassle-free transfer on a hop-on hop-off tour, zipping around by double-decker bus or canal boat. Both options allow you to freely alight at any stop of your choosing or complete the circuit in one go for an introductory overview of the Dutch capital.

Canal Cruise

No visit to Amsterdam is complete without a journey on its canals, which together comprise a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Whether you want to unwind with an after-dark aperitif on the moonlit waterways or gain insight into the city’s major landmarks on a daytime voyage, you have plenty of options to choose from.

Bike or Segway Tour

As one of Europe’s most cycle-friendly cities, Amsterdam is easily explored on two wheels. You can check off top attractions in just a few hours on a Segway or bike tour, or head out even farther into trendy suburbs and surrounding countryside for an authentically Dutch experience.

Amsterdam on Foot

Immerse yourself in Amsterdam’s cultural heritage by exploring its narrow streets on foot. Walking tours are a staple for first-time visitors, with plenty of itineraries to choose from: city sightseeing and historical tours, tasting experiences, social-policy-themed tours, and more.

While Amsterdam is known for its decidedly adults-only activities, there's still plenty of fun to be had if you're visiting with kids. Skip the breweries, coffee shops, and Red Light District and try some of the kid-friendly things to do below.

• Treat the kids to an evening canal cruise that serves made-to-order pizza, plus ice cream for dessert.

• Hop on a bike for a family visit to the Dutch countryside where you can visit a farmhouse to sample cheeses and enjoy a clog demonstration.

• Spend a day at the Efteling Theme Park enjoying the rides, water shows, musical performances, and the playground.

• Paddle a canoe through the Waterland region just outside of Amsterdam. Learn about traditional Dutch culture, enjoy a picnic lunch, and perhaps even go for a swim in one of the many waterways.

• Visit the Madurodam Miniature Park in The Hague to check out miniature replicas of Amsterdam’s most iconic landmarks, mini houses, canals, windmills, and markets.

• Head to the A’dam Lookout for 360-degree views of the city.

• Take advantage of a city attractions pass to visit kid-friendly sites such as the Artis Royal Zoo, the NEMO Science Center, and the Zaanse Schans Open Air Museum.

The story of Anne Frank, a young Jewish girl who lived with her family in Amsterdam during the Nazi occupation of World War II, is known to the world through her diary, which recounts their years in hiding. Here’s how to experience Anne Frank’s Amsterdam.

• Take an Anne Frank-themed walking tour to trace the heroine’s early life, before she and her family went into hiding, and visit her childhood home, her school, and the shop where she bought her famous diary.

• Visit the Anne Frank House on Prinsengracht to learn about the horrors of the Holocaust and see the hidden annex where the Frank family lived before being captured and sent to concentration camps.

• Pedal around Amsterdam on a guided bicycle tour to see sites relevant to Anne Frank and Jewish Amsterdam landmarks such as the ornate Portuguese Synagogue and the Jewish Historical Museum.

• Take your time at the city’s most important sites on a self-guided audio tour providing insight into Jewish history in Amsterdam.

Fit more into your three days in the Dutch capital than just the main sights. From home-cooked meals to historical tours, here are our top tips for getting the most out of your visit to Amsterdam, including options for day trips outside the city.

Day 1: A Taste of Amsterdam

Begin your visit orienting yourself in the city and exploring its top landmarks. Consider a city pass for inclusive access to a number of top attractions, and avoid the crowds on a morning skip-the-line visit to Museumplein. You’ll also want to widen your perspective on a sightseeing tour, whether by hop-on hop-off bus, bike, or canal boat. Round your day off sampling typical Dutch cuisine, opting to explore the city’s many restaurants or enjoying a traditional experience with a private meal in the home of a local chef.

Day 2: Delve into Dutch Heritage

Dedicate a day to discovering Amsterdam’s cultural heritage. Explore Jewish history, or if you’re interested in the city's artistic past, opt for a Rembrandt art walking tour that includes entrance to Rijksmuseum. You can also head to nearby villages such as Volendam and Zaanse Schans on a half-day tour for a glimpse of traditional Dutch life. Alternatively, discover Amsterdam’s liberal customs by exploring its many coffeeshops and gaining insight into the laws and legislation that allow the famously tolerant policies on sex work and cannabis.

Day 3: Amsterdam, Holland, Europe

Thanks to superior transport links, Amsterdam is conveniently connected to the rest of the Netherlands and beyond. Take advantage of the many day-trip destinations to discover the region on a full-day tour to nearby Giethoorn to the northeast, modern Rotterdam to the southwest, or farther spots such as Bruges or Brussels in neighboring Belgium. If time permits, unwind on your last night with a canal cruise along the UNESCO-listed Amsterdam waterways. Some cruises offer onboard dinner and provide a relaxing and memorable way to absorb your final views of Amsterdam.

With its masterpiece-packed museums, Golden Age canals lined with gabled buildings, and cutting-edge art, design, and culinary scenes, Amsterdam is a one-of-a-kind jewel box of a city. You’ll want to make the most of your time there, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead to ensure that you don’t miss any of the Dutch’s capital’s charms and treasures. See below for our top tours and experiences that you should not miss while visiting, from soaking up the scenery while cruising along those historic canals to admiring some of the greatest works of the Dutch Masters, indulging in Dutch cheese and beer, and admiring the tulips and windmills of the surrounding countryside.

Windmills have always been an important part of Dutch culture, forming a unique element in Holland’s landscape. Some still function, while others have been converted into museums. Read on to learn how to visit them on a day trip from Amsterdam.

Half-Day Tours

Leave Amsterdam behind and discover the typical Dutch countryside outside the capital. Spend a half-day passing through a picture-perfect landscape crisscrossed with canals, authentic wooden houses, windmills, and fishing villages to witness traditional crafts from days gone by.

Full-Day Tours

If you choose to spend a full day out in the countryside, you’ll be rewarded with visits to a number of historic windmills, charming fishing villages, and picturesque canals. Full-day tours sometimes include lunch and cheese tastings, and in the summer months, some include bike tours through the area.

Things to Know

• The most popular villages to visit are Zaanse Schans, Volendam, Marken, Schermerhorn, Edam, and Alkmaar. Zaanse Schans is the most famous and only 13 miles (21 km) northwest of Amsterdam.

• Dress in layers and wear comfortable walking shoes, as the weather can be unpredictable and you’ll spend a portion of time walking around.

• The working mills in Zaanse Schans include De Poelenburg, a sawmill built in 1869; De Kat (the cat), built in 1696 to grind paint pigment; and oil mills De Zoeker (the seeker) and De Bonte Hen (the speckled hen).

• In addition to Zaanse Schans, Kinderdijk is another site well worth visiting.

With its waterfront houses, flower markets, and cozy canalside cafes, Amsterdam is a fantastic romantic getaway for couples. Here are a few ideas on how to add a little romance to your trip to the Netherlands’ capital. 

Evening Canal Cruises

There’s something romantic about cruising along Amsterdam’s fabled canals at night. You’ll glide under the city’s bridges and past the city’s historic neighborhoods while cozying up to your loved one. Cruises can include a wine-and-cheese-tasting, cocktails, or a multi-course meal. 

Concerts by Candlelight

Enjoy a classical music performance by candlelight at the Portuguese Synagogue in Amsterdam. Hundreds of candles illuminate the 17th-century synagogue for the ultimate romance. Catching a performance at the Royal Concertgebouw also makes for an enchanting evening out. 

Picnic in the Park

Vondelpark is one of Amsterdam’s largest city parks. With an abundance of green space to throw down a blanket—and takeaway picnic baskets available at cafes around the park—a picnic at Vondelpark is a must. Plus, from May through September, the park hosts Vondelpark Open Air Theatre, a free program of theatre, live music, and stand-up comedy events. 

Food and Wine Tasting Tours

From wine-and-cheese-tasting experiences and gourmet food tours to private in-home dinners with a local chef, a culinary tour makes for a romantic evening in Amsterdam. Choose a private tour for just the two of you or set out on a small-group tour to get to know fellow food lovers from around the world. 

Jump ahead of the line and into the world of Impressionist art with a skip-the-line ticket to the Van Gogh Museum, located in the art-lover’s paradise of Amsterdam’s Museumplein area. This Netherlands institution houses the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh works and attracts upwards of 1.9 million annual visitors, meaning travelers who don’t book ahead often have to brave big crowds and long lines to see the world-famous artwork within. Book a skip-the-line ticket for priority access at your chosen time and bypass the ticket office entirely. You’ll thank yourself when you’re inside admiring Van Gogh’s Almond Blossom and The Potato Eaters.

While all tours include skip-the-line access to the Van Gogh Museum, some offer additional experiences in this Dutch city. Here are your options.

Guided Museum Tours

To get the most out of your stop at the Amsterdam Van Gogh Museum, opt to visit as part of a guided small-group tour or with a private guide. Museum lovers can also choose to combine this experience with guided skip-the-line access at the grand Rijksmuseum, found next door.

Entry Plus a Canal Experience

In order to see more of the city beyond the Museumplein, combine the Van Gogh visit with a boat journey along the canals by cruise or hop-on hop-off canal bus. Whichever you decide, seeing Amsterdam’s many landmarks will be a breeze as you cruise the scenic waterways.

Sightseeing Options

Those looking to hit more major attractions without wasting time can consider a city pass, which includes multiple admissions, or a combo tour that combines skip-the-line entry to both the Van Gogh Museum and Keukenhof Gardens with a canal cruise.

Amsterdam's Jewish population has played an important role for centuries, despite being deeply affected by the Holocaust. From exploring the Jewish Quarter to seeing the Anne Frank House, read on for ways to learn about the city’s Jewish history.

Jewish Quarter

Although few original structures remain, the city's Jewish Quarter honors Jewish life and culture with several monuments and museums. A walking tour is a great way to see the many historic sights.

Anne Frank House

At the Anne Frank House Museum, hundreds of thousands of annual international visitors pay their respects in the cramped secret annex to the rear of the building where the young girl once hid.

Portuguese Synagogue

A 17th-century Sephardic place of worship with stunning architecture and artifacts, the Portuguese Synagogue is part of UNESCO's 'Memory of the World' program. A historical tour offers an in-depth explanation of what you're seeing.

Jewish Historical Museum

This award-winning museum opened in the 1930s, and despite being shut down during the Nazi occupation of World War II, it reopened in 1955. Set across four 17th-century Ashkenazi synagogues, the museum is as impressive outside as it is inside. Celebrate Jewish traditions by learning how to bake matzo, play traditional Jewish music, or write in Hebrew.

National Holocaust Memorial

Once an historic theater (constructed in 1892), the National Holocaust Memorial is set in Amsterdam's Plantage area, commemorating the many Jews deported from this site during World War II. You might opt for a combo tour to learn about this memorial and other important historical sites in the Jewish Quarter.

Tulips, rolling green fields, and traditional windmills: Holland’s most iconic images are part and parcel of spring in and around its capital city. Home to the “garden of Europe” and UNESCO-listed landmarks, Amsterdam offers much to see and do between the months of March and May.

Tiptoe through the famous tulips on a day trip to Keukenhof Gardens.

Discover views of rural Holland on a day trip to Zaanse Schans windmills, Marken, and Volendam.

Explore the city’s UNESCO-listed waterways on a canal cruise.

Experience springtime in neighboring Belgium on a day trip to Brussels.

Savor a sample of traditional Dutch Schnapps.

Avoid any April showers on a tour of the iconic Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum.

From its famous coffeeshops to Anne Frank House, Amsterdam’s culture and far-reaching history make it a popular city destination. Experiencing the Dutch capital’s highlights in one day is possible, but organization is key. Here are a few tips to make the most of your time in the city.

Morning: Explore Museum Square

Start your day in Amsterdam’s Museumplein, a cultural hot spot boasting landmarks including the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum. Discover the life and work of the post-impressionist master, or take a turn around the Rijksmuseum for insight into 800 years of Dutch history. Though a morning visit will help you avoid crowds, skip-the-line tickets are a good choice when you have limited time. If you’re a history buff, or if you want multiple sightseeing options, choose a city pass that includes access to the main museums plus several other attractions.

Afternoon: Sightsee in Central Amsterdam

Many of Amsterdam’s sights are located around the center. Whether you’re curious about the city's culture or keen to experience its cycle paths, you have options. A hop-on hop-off bus or boat tour is good for those short on time, as it allows you to personalize your itinerary and see such stops as the Anne Frank House and Dam Square. Other activities include zipping between landmarks on a bike tour, gaining insight into the city’s heritage on a walking tour, or sampling Dutch cuisine on a food tour.

Evening: Unwind on the Canals

After a busy day of sightseeing, relax on the canals, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire the city by dusk. Choose a cruise with food and indulge in a 4-course dinner or kick back with fast food as you unwind with drinks and waterside vistas. In winter, take advantage of the canals' prime views of the Amsterdam Light Festival. After dinner, if your feet aren’t too sore and you’re curious about Amsterdam’s Red Light District, take an after-dark tour to learn about the area's sex industry in a welcoming environment.

With some planning, 48 hours allow ample opportunity to experience Amsterdam, with its canals, museums, and Red Light District, as well as some of its surrounding highlights. Here are your options for making the most of two days in the capital of the Netherlands.

Day 1: Experience the City

**Morning:**Begin with an Amsterdam city tour to gain an overview of the capital. Opt to zip around by Segway, saving time and foot fatigue, or take in the main attractions on a hop-on hop-off boat journey along the city’s UNESCO-listed canals, benefiting from unlimited use for a chosen period.

**Afternoon:**Spend your afternoon learning about the city’s coffeeshops and sex trade history as you explore sights associated with Amsterdam’s renowned alternative culture, or opt to visit trendy Jordaan for a taste of Dutch fare and the opportunity to meet and dine with locals.

**Night:**Unwind after a busy day on a nightlife tour of popular area bars to experience the city after dark. Or, if you’re not quite ready to hang up your exploring hat for the evening, discover the De Wallen neighborhood on an Amsterdam Red Light District tour.

Day 2: Beyond the City

**Morning:**Discover the Netherlands' wider heritage or the impact of one of the country’s most famous exports with a morning spent exploring the Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum, starting early and taking advantage of skip-the-line access to maximize your time.

**Afternoon:**With a number of historic villages, charming windmills, and the colorful Keukenhof Gardens nearby, it’s well worth spending a few hours outside the city. Take advantage of flexible half-day tours that offer a range of departure and return times, allowing you to explore at your own pace.

**Evening:**Take a seat on a canal boat and relax after two days of sightseeing with a cruise along moonlit waterways. Evening cruises typically include drinks and snacks, but if you’d rather end with a more complete dining experience, opt for dinner cooked and served in the home of a local chef.

When the days grow shorter and the weather gets colder, the Dutch capital takes on a whole new ambience. Travelers visiting between December and February can look forward to festive decorations, warming delicacies, and atmospheric sightseeing opportunities. Here are a few ways to make the most of Amsterdam in winter.

Escape the cold with skip-the-line entrance to the Rijksmuseum.

Marvel at the Amsterdam Light Festival from the UNESCO-listed canals.

Take in premier views of the old town as you enjoy lunch on a canal cruise.

Feel the chill at the trendy Xtracold Icebar.

Discover the city’s top attractions on a hop-on hop-off bus tour.

Enjoy the warming taste of local brews on a pub crawl or a visit to the Heineken Experience.

Discover picturesque winter scenes across Holland on a day trip to the Hague, Rotterdam, and Madurodam, or pop across the border to experience a traditional German Christmas market.

The summer months mean the Dutch say goodbye to gloomy skies and hello to better weather. Travelers looking to make the most of a summer trip to Amsterdam will find a number of ways to dig into the city's culture and history—here are our top picks.

• Take it easy on an open-top boat cruise along Amsterdam's famous canals.

• Rent a bicycle and pedal around the city streets like a local.

• Board a hassle-free hop on, hop off bus or canal tour that allows you to see Amsterdam's most popular attractions while avoiding navigating the streets on your own.

• Explore the Jordaan district to discover charming cafes and restaurants or picnic among the flowers in the Hortus Botanicus.

• Venture out on a tour of the Dutch countryside, where you’ll find culture, tradition, and the famous Dutch windmills just beyond the city.

While based in Amsterdam, it’s easy to take a day trip to neighboring Belgian cities such as Bruges and Brussels. Cross the border on a day trip from Amsterdam to see the monuments, markets, eateries, and town centers, and catch some scenery along the way. Here are your options.

Brussels — 127 miles (204 km) from Amsterdam

As both the capital of Belgium and home to the European Parliament, Brussels features attractions from centuries past and the present. Check out the modern architecture of the gleaming European Parliament headquarters, the handsome lines of the Royal Palace, and famous sights like the Manneken Pis fountain.

Bruges — 157 miles (253 km) from Amsterdam

Bruges has a well-preserved, UNESCO-listed medieval town center that offers a number of things to do. See this compact city’s canals, historic Gothic-style buildings, and imposing merchants’ houses that line the winding narrow streets, and be sure to walk through Markt and Burg squares or hop on a boat cruise through the canals. Other highlights include the Basilica of the Holy Blood and the Flemish Primitive art collection in the Groeninge Museum.

Amsterdam’s legendary coffee shops are known not for coffee, but for the welcoming environment they provide to smoke marijuana. If you’re looking for coffee, head to a café or koffiehuis; otherwise check out the pot scene with a coffee shop tour. Here’s what you need to know.

Highlights

• Learn about the history of marijuana and drug laws in Amsterdam on a small-group or private tour.

• Get an introduction to the local marijuana scene at the Dam Palace, one of Amsterdam’s oldest coffee shops.

• Discover Amsterdam’s notorious coffee shops and experience the laidback culture for yourself.

• Explore the colorful Reguliersdwarsstraat area, the city’s center of LGBTQ nightlife.

• Walk the cobbled streets of the infamous Red Light District, packed with sex shops and erotic theaters. 

• Pair your coffee shop tour with an optional visit to Amsterdam’s famed Sex Museum.

• Join a combined coffee shop and food tour to enjoy samples of popular Dutch cuisine along the way.

Things to Know

• Cannabis is not technically legal in the Netherlands, though it is widely tolerated.

• Walking tours typically depart from a central location in the afternoon and last two to three hours.

• Some tours combine visits to a couple coffee shops with the Red Light District or other attractions in central Amsterdam.

• For tours that involved food sampling, dietary restrictions may be accommodated with advance notice.

Rain is part and parcel of daily life in the Dutch capital, but that’s no reason for your plans to be dampened. From museum visits to cultural experiences, here are your best bets for staying dry while making the most of your time in Amsterdam.

• Immerse yourself in Dutch heritage at Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum, using skip-the-line admission to escape the rain faster, or check out some of the city’s less-crowded, more-bohemian options, such as the Hash, Marihuana, and Hemp Museum or FOAM Gallery.
• Keep kids entertained and out of the rain at the NEMO Science Museum.
• This Is Holland uses multisensory technology to fly you right over the Netherlands’ top attractions, without leaving the building—a great way to explore if it’s too wet to wander outside.
• Don’t miss out on seeing the city just because it’s raining—book a hop-on hop-off tour to discover Amsterdam from a dry seat on a closed-top, double-decker bus.
• Experience local culture by getting cozy in an Amsterdam coffee shop, taking a turn around the city’s traditional pubs, or sampling plenty of tasters at the former Heineken Brewery.
• Tuck into local cuisine with an authentic Amsterdam dinner at De Hallen’s covered food market or a personalized dining experience in the home of a local.

Experience Amsterdam during an evening dinner cruise that combines a leisurely glide through the city’s UNESCO-listed canals with a tasty meal of fresh-baked pizza and drinks. Here’s what you need to know about this one-of-a-kind dining experience.

Highlights

• As you ply Amsterdam’s waterways and dine on fresh pizza, hear lively commentary about the sights you pass, such as the Skinny Bridge (Magere Brug), Royal Palace, and St. Nicholas Basilica (St. Nicolaaskerk). 

• Depending on the season and weather, cruises offer window seats with large viewing windows and unobstructed views, or open-air seating. 

• Pizza cruises generally run for 90 minutes and include a choice of pizza accompanied by appetizers, plus unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks.

• Evening cruises allow for the memorable opportunity to watch the city light up at dusk.

Mixing influences from all over the world, food in Amsterdam is heavy and hearty, featuring deep-fried goodies both savory and sweet. Whether you prefer a hole-in-the-wall café or a top restaurant, here are a few foods and experiences not to miss.

Must-Try Dishes

• Bitterballen are deep-fried meat croquettes served with mustard.

• Patat or frites are thick fried potatoes usually served in a paper cone with toppings like curry ketchup, peanut satay sauce, mayonnaise, or onions.

• Stamppot is a favorite Dutch comfort food made of potatoes mashed with vegetables and served with a large sausage.

• Reflecting the Indonesian influence in Amsterdam, Rijstaffel features a variety of small dishes of rice, meats, and curries.

• To satisfy your sweet tooth, try warm, buttery poffertjes sprinkled with powdered sugar; a cream-filled tompouce pastry; or stroopwafel, two thin waffles stuck together with a sweet syrup.

Must-Do Experiences

• Visit an Amsterdam cheese shop for a special wine and cheese tasting, and learn all about Dutch cheeses.

• Head to the streets and the bars for some of the best traditional Dutch dishes and snacks, many of which can be eaten on the go.

• Spend an evening with a local family learning how to make Dutch pancakes.

• Take a guided food tour through the center of Amsterdam, learning about the city’s history while sampling several favorite Dutch treats.

• Join a culinary tour of Amsterdam’s Jordaan district to get a flavor of the city’s more sophisticated cuisine.

With so much to experience in and around Amsterdam, costs can easily creep up—but it is possible to save on sightseeing by booking a few key components to your itinerary in advance. From hop-on hop-off tours to catered cruises, here are our top tips for pinching your pennies in Amsterdam.

Book a Super Saver or Combo Tour

Super Savers and combo tours combine Amsterdam’s most popular activities into one seamless package, letting you check off top attractions such as the Van Gogh Museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site canals at a discount. Combo day trips to Volendam, the Zaanse Schans, and the Hague typically include transfers, providing a cost-effective way to widen your perspective of Holland.

Avoid Hidden Costs on a Food-Inclusive Tour

Book a tour that includes a meal or tastings to save on surprise food expenses and slot your meal conveniently into your day. Whether you want to fill up on Dutch cheese samples or unwind with a sit-down dinner on a canal cruise, both your belly and budget will thank you later.

Purchase a Multiattraction Pass

Multiattraction passes such as the Amsterdam Pass and I Amsterdam City Card offer a hassle-free way to explore the city, with access to several attractions included over a time period of your choice. If you’re planning to travel further, opt for a Holland Pass or Museumkaart, which can be used across the country.

Save on Transfers with a Hop-On Hop-Off Ticket

No need to shell out for daily Metro tickets when you’re in the world’s most famous canal city. Experience an Amsterdam must-do on a canal cruise and save money with hop-on hop-off transfer between dispersed attractions, such as the A'dam Lookout and Rijksmuseum, over 24 hours. Alternatively, hop-on-hop-off-bus tours provide similar insights while sticking to dry land, and offer a choice of 24- or 48-hour usage periods.

Even repeat visitors will see Amsterdam in a whole new light during the annual Light Festival, when early winter sunsets give way to dazzling illuminations above the city’s UNESCO World Heritage–listed canals. Here are a few ways to enjoy the Amsterdam Light Festival to the fullest.

When to Go

The Amsterdam Light Festival takes place each year from the end of November to the end of January, to ring in and celebrate the holiday season.

Where to Go

Follow the festival’s canal-side exhibition on a scenic loop around the city, where diverse artworks brighten the banks of the Herengracht. Massive glowing tulips, glittering bicycles, and a projected rainbow bridge paint the waters between Oosterdok and Herengracht as part of the Water Colors exhibition. Meanwhile, a second exhibition route—the Illuminade walking trail—lights up the historical buildings and public parks of Amsterdam’s Weesper and Plantage neighborhoods.

How to Go

The best way to experience the Amsterdam Light Festival is from the water. Choose a specially-routed Water Colors canal cruise for a 75-minute tour of the city’s neon-bathed canals, with informative commentary and a warming glass of mulled wine included. You’ll learn about the mesmerizing light sculptures you pass while enjoying views of top attractions including the Amstel River, City Hall, the Hermitage Amsterdam, and Muntplein.

Alternatively, experience the festival from the saddle on a bike tour. Spin through Dam Square to festival sites including the Amstel River, Centraal Station, and the beautiful Herengracht canal, and cover the ground with ease.

No visit to Amsterdam is complete without sampling some Gouda or Edam cheese and throwing back a few pale lagers. A variety of themed boat, biking, and walking tours give you a taste of the city’s signature cheeses and beers. Here are a few to try.

Beer Tours

• Combine a day or two on Amsterdam’s hop-on hop-off boat with a visit to the Heineken Experience to learn about one of the world’s most famous breweries.

• Learn about the Dutch beer industry and sample a few beers while visiting a local beer hall, brewery, and other popular watering holes on a themed tour.

• Enjoy a burger and beers on an evening canal cruise past some of Amsterdam’s most notable attractions, such as the Anne Frank House and City Hall.

• Take a daylong bicycle tour of the city center before quenching your thirst with a few beers in the Red Light District.

Cheese Tours

• Learn about how cheese is made and how to differentiate between various kinds during a wine and cheese tasting in an Amsterdam cheese shop.

• Take a day trip through the Dutch countryside to try the world-renowned cheeses of Edam and to experience traditional Dutch culture and craftsmanship in villages like Marken and Volendam. 

• Unwind during a candlelight cruise along Amsterdam’s fabled canals while sampling Dutch cheese and wine.

• Tour the Alkmaar cheese market and check out the windmill village of Schermerhorn.

Viator's team of travel insiders is obsessed with finding the best things to do everywhere we travel (and live). From traditional tours to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, we scour the options and find the coolest activities—which is fun for us, and helpful for you! See below for tips, insights, and hand-selected things to do from one of our travel experts.

**The Traveler:**Erik Carlson, Junior Merchandising Analyst

Describe your time in Amsterdam.

I visited a few years ago with some of my college buddies. We were studying in Europe at the time, and we got really good at packing a lot of sights and activities into a short trip.

What was your favorite attraction?

The Heineken Experience—and not just because I like beer. Heineken is such a big part of Dutch culture, and it’s all over Amsterdam, even on signs and clothes. Heineken Experience is a great place to learn about the brewing process, watch all the old TV ads from over the years, and of course, have a few beers.

What are three things a first-time visitor can't miss?

1.**See the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum.**I studied art history in high school and college, so it was really cool to see the paintings in real life. The Dutch take great pride in their artists, and it shows at these museums. My friends and I had to wait in line for a while, so I'd definitely recommend getting a skip-the-line ticket.

2.**Rent bikes to get around.**They say there are more bikes than people in Amsterdam, and I believe it. To explore like a local, rent a bike, or even take a bike tour. There are so many places you can go, and we spent a lot of time at Vondelpark, which is like the Central Park of Amsterdam.

3.**Experience the canals.**Of course you'll see Amsterdam's famous canals while walking or biking around town, but I recommend getting out on the water on a canal cruise to see the city from a unique perspective.

What's the best Insider Tip you can offer future visitors to this destination?

Eat and drink with locals, no matter your budget. Everyone we talked to was really friendly and gave us great recommendations. We especially loved Febo, a popular Dutch fast food chain. I know, I know, it’s fast food. But it was really good, and it’s an interesting setup—almost like a wall of vending machines with hot food. Check it out for a taste of modern local culture and cuisine.

Amsterdam's famous Keukenhof Gardens are only open for a couple months each year, which can lead to long lines. But you can gain quick entry with a skip-the-line ticket and spend your time among the flowers rather than in a long queue—here's how.

Combo Skip-the-Line Tours

Maximize your time with a guided skip-the-line Keukenhof tour that also includes other top sightseeing activities, such as an Amsterdam canal cruise, a visit to the Van Gogh Museum, or a trip to see Holland windmills. Most tours include roundtrip transportation from Amsterdam, about 40 minutes away. Book ahead to ensure that you catch the buds in bloom.

Attraction Passes with Skip-the-Line Entry

If you prefer the flexibility of independent travel, consider investing in a Holland Pass for either Amsterdam, The Hague, or Rotterdam and enjoy fast-track entry to Keukenhof Gardens and a host of other city attractions.