Best Fun Things to Do in Amsterdam
At the Van Gogh Museum, you have a lot to explore and the list is endless. This museum is home to some of the best works of the Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh, ranging from his works as a beginner to when he had mastered the art. Admiring his masterpieces like the Starry Night, Bedroom and various self portraits is one of the most fun things to do in Amsterdam. You’ll also find a number of letters written by him to various people and also works by his contemporaries like Gaugin, Theo and Monet.
One of the most fun things to do in Amsterdam is to have the Heineken Experience. With a trip to this renowned beer brand, you will get a first hand experience of the making process of its beers and what makes it so popular. The Heineken Experience lasts for an hour or two, and can be done on a self-guided basis. With highly interactive sessions, get to know the history of the brand and what goes into making this amazing brand. Finally, indulge in a delightful beer sampling activity organised at the end of the tour.
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Anne Frank spent a significant part of her life in hiding in the Jewish quarters in Amsterdam, and a considerable portion of her diary is set here. In this walking tour, you can get a glimpse into the days of world war, and its horrendous effects on people then. Walk through the remnants of the monuments, buildings and also get to know more about Anne Frank's Story.
Suggested Read: Anne Frank Walking Tour
Visit the to learn history in the best possible way - by reliving it. At The Amsterdam Dungeon, get to see the dark side of Dutch History. Once you enter it, you will be stunned as you see the horrendous and extremely dreadful torture chamers used by the Dutch East India Company. Live shows coupled with special effects and realistic setting will give you the best possible experience, and is one of the best fun things to do in Amsterdam.
Suggested Read: The Amsterdam Dungeon Tickets
Rembrandt was surely one of the greatest Dutch painters, belonging to the list of people like Gaugin, Vincent Van Gogh and others. On a trip to his residential museum, get a glimpse of the life and works of Rembrandt. Exploring his work, the Night Watch and Jewish Bride is one of the most fun things to do in Amsterdam. Talk to the caretakers and get to know more about the history and symbolism depicted in the paintings.
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One of the most fun things to do in Amsterdam is to visit the Zaanse Schans Museum and learn about the curious case of the Zaanse Schans Museum. It was one of the most significant industrial areas in the recent centuries, until it got converted into an open air museum. Today, it is a rich tourist destination and is home to spectacular farm houses and windmills.
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The Keukenhof Tulip Gardens is one of the best natural escapes in case you are yearning for a break from the noise of the crowded city. This tulip garden is home to a wide variety not only of tulips but also hundreds of other flowering plants, and is open to the public only during the spring season. Taking strolls in the beautiful garden coupled with the pleasantness of spring is simply rejuvenating, and surely one of the most fun things to do in Amsterdam.
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Nemo Science Museum is a spectacular place to indulge in some brainstorming and challenging scientific activities both for children and adults. You can take part in a number of camps and exhibits like the coding camp, human exhibition or indulge in an immersive universe experience. In Project Tomorrow, you can expose yourself to the predictions of the near future, and at Energy Junkes, you can get to create your own energy.
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Rijksmuseum is the one of the most visited and admired art museums in Amsterdam, housing works of dozens of Dutch and other European artists. On a trip to the Rijksmuseum, take delight in admiring more than 5,000 masterpieces and around 8,000 artefacts. Take a stroll through the beautiful gardens, visit the Cuypers Library and pursue famous works like the Wedding Portrait, the Milkmaid and the Threatened Swan.
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Amsterdam is one of the most beautiful cities with an amazing urban sprawl, and exploring it on a cruise can be one of the best fun things to do in Amsterdam. Rejoice as you pass by famous buildings and attractions like the Skinny Bridge, Golden Bend and other waterfront houses. Pay close attention to what the audio guide has to say as you sail past the attractions to know about the rich history of Amsterdam and go on Amsterdam Canal Cruise.
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The Happiness Project is a unique and first-of-its kind science exhibition created by Dr. Gunther von Hagens. Immerse yourself in the exhibition to learn about how happiness is relative to the anatomy of an individual. The experience will involve the use of more than 200 specimens of human bodies that have been plastered scientifically.
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One of the best ways to spend time in Amsterdam is by paying a visit to the renowned Madame Tussauds wax museum in the city. Experience endless joy as you encounter highly realistic wax figures of your favourite TV Stars, actors, singers and politicians. Take pictures with celebrities like Adele, George Clooney, Martin Garrix and even the Dutch Royal family. A trip to the museum with hundreds of stars is simply joyful, and undoubtedly one of the best fun things to do in Amsterdam.
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Know Before You Visit Amsterdam
- Public Transport - Amsterdam has world-class public transport infrastructure and includes metros, buses, ferries, trains and trams. To save on your travelling costs, you can obtain the I Amsterdam City Card, which gives you access to public transport at a lower cost.
- Taxis - Hiring taxis can be an efficient and effective way to explore Amsterdam, especially at times when the public transport stops functioning. However, ensure that you hire only licensed taxis.
- Bike - Amsterdam has over 400 km of biking routes and several bike rental shops such as Mac Bike, Rent a Bike, and Black Bikes to serve your requirements.
- Rentals - You can rent a car, bike or even a ferry to get around Amsterdam. However, ensure that you are complying with the law.
Looking for how to reach Amsterdam? Find the best ways to travel to this vibrant city and embark on your adventure, whether by air, train, or road, to experience the beauty and charm it has to offer.
Also Checkout: Heineken Experience Tickets, Amsterdam
The best time to visit Amsterdam is in the winter months of December to February. Although the temperatures fall drastically and the city experiences intense snowfall, they only add to the experience. Moreover, since the number of visitors is relatively less in these months, you can completely indulge in the best fun things to do in Amsterdam.
However, the summer months can also be pleasant to explore the city, and it is at this time that the number of tourists peaks to the highest count.
Looking for when to go? Discover the best time to visit Amsterdam and plan your adventure, whether it's during the vibrant tulip-filled spring or the pleasant summer days by the charming canals.
Must Checkout: Canal Cruise Amsterdam
Travel Tips For Fun things to do in Amsterdam
FAQ's
What are the Fun things to do in Amsterdam?
Visit the Van Gogh Museum - Visiting the Van Gogh Museum is the most fun thing to do in Amsterdam. Get a glimpse of Van Gogh’s life, his eccentric personality and also his famous works.
Take an Amsterdam Canal Cruise - A trip to Amsterdam remains incomplete without taking a canal cruise across its inland waters. Rejoice as you pass by famous attractions like the Golden Bend, Skinny Bridge and Rijksmuseum.
Experience the Amsterdam Dungeons - At the Amsterdam Dungeons, witness a show highlighting the horrific treatment and torture of people in the precious centuries. The show highlights the dark history of Amsterdam, which is rarely talked about.
Brainstorming at Nemo Science Museum - Nemo Science Museum has come up with an amazing set of challenges, experiences and opportunities for both kids and adults to help spark an interest in science. The most famous are Project Tomorrow, which gives a glimpse of the future and Energy Junkies, which lets you experiment with energy.
What are the things to Do and don'ts in Amsterdam?
- Make sure to book your travel tickets in advance so that you don't face any problems between you tour
- In case you rent a bike, make sure to ride it only in the bike lane. Riding it on the sidewalks can be troublesome and annoying.
- To get around in Amsterdam, make sure to use public transport.
- Do explore the city on the canal cruises.
What should I be careful of in Amsterdam?
- Ensure that you do not consume alcohol in places where it is strictly prohibited.
- Do not cycle in the sidewalks, as it not only annoys the locals but also can attract fines
- Be careful not to fall for tourist traps, scammers and deceitful traders.
- Avoid hiring taxis which do not have a licence.
What are the best parks and nature areas in Amsterdam?
Some of the best parks in Amsterdam include the Vondelpark, Westpark and Sarphatipark. They have a calm and serene atmosphere, and are one of the best places to practise meditation and yoga. Other nature based areas include Keukenhof Tulip Gardens, gardens of Rijksmuseum and the Amsterdam Canal.
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