3 things to do in amsterdam

It just so happens that we’re in Amsterdam right now, reminding ourselves of everything that we love about this wonderful city. So, what better time to share our three top suggestions for things to do in Amsterdam! Here we go!

1. GO ON A WALKING TOUR

Amsterdam’s labyrinth of cobblestone streets and canals is somewhat daunting to explore for the first time. Rather than spend hours getting lost, let a knowledgeable local regale you with tales from the city’s history while showing you the sights. Sandemans New Amsterdam Free Walking Tours are enormously popular, and with good reason. Savvy, personable guides cover the basics while sprinkling in plenty of entertaining anecdotes on these daily walkabouts. For something a bit more off the beaten path, try the Free Original Amsterdam Alternative Tour, a three-hour amble that will take you past street murals, former squats and all sorts of hidden corners for an insightful overview of the city’s quirkier side.

2. GALLERY HOP ALL DAY LONG

The Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum may be the city’s most famous art showcases, but they’re hardly the only places to view world-class paintings. Amsterdam’s vibrant creative scene has spawned a number of ambitious galleries with exceptionally curated collections. Stroll around Prinsengracht and the atmospheric surrounding streets to see works by widely acclaimed local and international artists at galleries such as Galerie Ron Mandos, Annet Gelink Gallery and Torch. Multilingual curators are generally more than happy to chat about the concepts and artists behind each exhibition.

3. CHECK OUT HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE

A quiet oasis situated in the heart of the city, the Begijnhof consists of a cluster of traditional Dutch houses, some of which date back to the 14th century. Pause to admire the 17th- and 18th-century facades or simply bask in the serenity of the tranquil courtyard. One of the houses here is the oldest surviving example of its kind in the entire city, and the chapel contains a small, but interesting, collection of oil paintings.

Ready to go? This would be the perfect time to book a river cruise to see the tulips next spring! Click on the button and get in touch with us—we’ll make it happen!