19 Fun Things to Do in Amsterdam Netherlands​

Finding the best things to do in Amsterdam is easy with this simple guide from TravelThru! We know you’re looking for more than just a random list, so we’ve organized our top picks by the kind of vibe you’re after. This guide will show you the best iconic sights for that classic trip, the most fun spots for making great memories, and even the craziest adventures for a story you'll never forget. Let’s find the perfect activities to build your perfect Amsterdam itinerary.

1. Swing at A’DAM Lookout

Thrill-seekers, this is your calling. Head across the IJ river to the A'DAM Lookout for a heart-stopping, adrenaline-pumping experience. ‘Over the Edge’ is Europe's highest swing, hoisting you 100 meters (328 feet) into the air and swinging you out over the building’s edge. It’s an exhilarating way to see Amsterdam from a perspective few get to experience.

While it’s not for the faint-hearted and best enjoyed in good weather, it’s an unforgettable thrill that combines breathtaking scenery and daring fun.

2. Visit Electric Ladyland

Leave the ordinary world behind and step into a mind-bending, psychedelic universe. Tucked away in the Jordaan district, Electric Ladyland is the world's first museum dedicated entirely to fluorescent art.

This is not a passive viewing experience; it’s a participatory journey into a world that glows. You’ll be part of the art itself, exploring rooms that shimmer with vibrant, otherworldly colors. Note that visits require advance booking, and it can be a bit elusive, adding to its mystique.

3. Face Your Fears at The Amsterdam Dungeon

If you like your history dark and with a shot of adrenaline, The Amsterdam Dungeon is for you. This is part interactive theater, part haunted house, and part history lesson. A cast of talented actors will guide you through 500 years of the city’s most gruesome history, from the plague to the Spanish Inquisition. With immersive sets, special effects, and a few good jump scares, it’s a terrifyingly fun way to spend an afternoon.

4. Explore The Upside Down Amsterdam

This museum features mind-bending optical illusions and art-themed rooms perfect for playful photo ops. It’s a fun and interactive way to engage with art and creativity, suitable for visitors of all ages. The combination of immersive visuals and a café makes it a lively stop that’s both entertaining and unique.

>>> Recommended reading: How Much Do You Really Need For A Trip To Amsterdam?

5. Visit a Houseboat Museum (or a Cat Boat)

Living on the water is quintessentially Amsterdam, but it’s still a wonderfully crazy concept to many. For a unique slice of life, visit the Woonbootmuseum (Houseboat Museum) to see exactly what it’s like to live in a floating home. 

Even crazier? Pay a visit to De Poezenboot—the Cat Boat! It’s exactly what it sounds like: a floating animal sanctuary that provides a home for stray and abandoned cats right on the canal. It’s a charmingly bizarre must-see for any cat lover.

6. Brave the Xtracold Icebar

Challenge the cold in a bar built entirely from, you guessed it, ice. At the Amsterdam Icebar, you’ll be given thermal clothing before stepping into a frozen world where the walls, bar, and even your glass are made of natural ice. 

The experience is themed around the adventures of Dutch arctic explorers, and your ticket includes cocktails to help you brave the -10°C (14°F) temperature. It’s a fun, gimmicky, and surprisingly cool way to chill out.

7. Discover Our Lord in the Attic Museum

Tucked inside a 17th-century canal house, this secret church was concealed during times of religious persecution. Touring this hidden gem offers a fascinating glimpse into Amsterdam’s religious history and the ingenuity of its people. The intimate setting and audio-guided experience make it a quietly powerful visit off the beaten path.

8. WONDR Experience

This colorful, surreal indoor playground is designed by artists to spark creativity and joy. It features themed rooms, live performances, and interactive installations that invite you to play and explore. It’s a refreshing alternative to traditional museums, blending art with fun in a family-friendly environment.

9. Snoop Around a Canal House Museum

Experience Amsterdam’s iconic canal houses from the inside by visiting house museums like Museum van Loon or Huis Marseille, or by staying in a boutique hotel housed in these historic buildings. This offers a rare chance to connect with local history and architecture intimately, beyond just admiring the facades.

10. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Amsterdam

For lovers of the bizarre and unusual, this museum showcases oddities like shrunken heads and rare skeletons. It’s a kitschy, entertaining stop that’s both educational and delightfully strange, perfect for those who want something off the conventional tourist trail.

>>> Do You Know The Best Ways to Get Around Amsterdam Like a Local?

11. Visit the Amsterdam Tulip Museum

While tulips are quintessentially Dutch, this museum offers a focused, charming look at the flower’s history and cultural significance, complete with a gift shop selling bulbs. It’s a quaint and colorful experience that’s less crowded than larger museums.

12. Explore Hidden Courtyards like the Begijnhof

Step through discreet archways into peaceful, historic hofjes—hidden courtyards surrounded by homes. The Begijnhof, with its medieval origins and secret churches, offers a serene retreat from the bustling city streets and a glimpse into Amsterdam’s layered history.

13. Wander Through Offbeat Neighborhoods

Neighborhoods like Jordaan and De Pijp are rich with local charm, featuring cozy cafés, street art, and unique shops away from the main tourist hubs. Exploring them on foot reveals Amsterdam’s authentic daily life and creative pulse, perfect for travelers seeking a more intimate and less commercial experience.

14. Get Anatomically Curious at Museum Vrolik

Be warned: this one is not for the faint of heart. Housed within the University of Amsterdam's medical center, Museum Vrolik is a fascinatingly macabre collection of human anatomy. 

You’ll find thousands of specimens, all used for medical research and education for over 200 years. It’s a stark, scientific, and slightly unsettling look at the complexities of the human body. If you have a strong stomach and a curious mind, there’s nothing else like it.

15. Shop at Albert Cuyp Market

To feel the real pulse of Amsterdam, spend a few hours at the Albert Cuyp Market. As the largest and most popular daily market in the Netherlands, it’s a bustling, colorful explosion of sights, sounds, and smells. Wander past hundreds of stalls selling everything from fresh fish and local cheese to clothing and electronics.

The real fun is in the food: grab a warm, gooey stroopwafel fresh off the iron, try some savory kibbeling (fried fish bites), or sample some authentic Dutch licorice if you dare.

16. Say "Proost!" at the Heineken Experience

The Heineken Experience is way more than a simple tour. It’s a fun, hands-on journey from start to finish. You’ll discover the secrets of brewing, become the star of your own silly Heineken ad, and test your skills at pouring the perfect glass of beer.

And the grand finale? Kicking back with a couple of free beers at the rooftop bar, enjoying some of the best views in the city.

17. Discover Modern Art at the Moco Museum

Located in a beautiful townhouse on Museumplein, the Moco Museum focuses on modern and contemporary "rock stars" of the art world. It’s famous for its incredible collection of works by the elusive street artist Banksy, alongside playful and immersive exhibits by artists like KAWS and Yayoi Kusama. The vibrant, often satirical, and highly "Instagrammable" art makes Moco a refreshing and fun alternative to the more traditional museums next door.

18. Catch a Film at the Historic Pathé Tuschinski

Forget your standard multiplex; watching a film at the Pathé Tuschinski is an event in itself. Often cited as one of the most beautiful cinemas in the world, this historic theater is a breathtaking blend of Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles. From its opulent, carpeted lobby to the stunning main auditorium with its ornate balconies and painted ceiling, it’s a glamorous throwback to the golden age of cinema.

19. Hunt for Treasure at a Flea Market

The real fun of shopping is in the hunt, and Amsterdam’s flea markets are legendary treasure troves. Head to Waterlooplein, the city's oldest flea market, for a daily dose of vintage clothing, antiques, and quirky bric-a-brac.

Or you can check the calendar for the monthly IJ-Hallen market in Amsterdam Noord—the biggest flea market in Europe. Take the free ferry over and spend hours sifting through endless stalls of pre-loved goods to find your perfect, unique souvenir.

>>> Read more: Top Areas to Stay in Amsterdam for First-Timers

Amsterdam has this magical way of making every visitor feel like they've stumbled into something extraordinary. The city doesn't just show you its highlights – it invites you to become part of its story.

Sure, you'll tick off those must-see museums and canal cruises, but the real magic happens in those unplanned moments. Maybe it's discovering a hidden café tucked away in a quiet courtyard, or watching street musicians turn an ordinary afternoon into something memorable.

Here's the Amsterdam secret: slow down, grab a bike, and let the city surprise you. The best adventures happen when you're not rushing between checkpoints but actually living in the moment.

Get ready to create some seriously good memories with these incredible things to do in Amsterdam!

Before you go, we’d love to hear from you! What’s the no.1 experience on your must-do list? Drop a comment below!