Did anyone say European summer? ☀️ A trip to Amsterdam, the Netherlands’ capital city, is one experience to check off your bucket list. Exploring charming cityscapes and bicycle-friendly streets are only some of the many things to do in Amsterdam. Cycle your way through museums, dine onboard river canal cruises, and fall in love with the big heart of this small city. ❤️🔥
🚉 Getting to and around Amsterdam
Located beside France and Germany, the Netherlands is easy to reach with Europe’s extensive rail system. If you’re coming from another country in the continent or planning to visit another (or two, or three!) afterward, the Eurail Global Pass is the way to go.
Skip the lines, avoid crowded trains, and connect to 33 European countries with a single rail pass. Travel durations are also pretty flexible for this pass with options ranging from 4 days in 1 month, up to 3 months! Plus, if you book on Klook, you can avail of a free 3GB e-sim upon purchase of the pass.
Only looking to go to select countries in Europe? You can also find single-journey and round-trip tickets here for locations around the continent including Rome, London, Paris, and more.
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While Amsterdam is walkable and bike-able like most countries in Europe, there is public transportation available throughout the city! Get unlimited access to all buses, trams, and the metro operated by GVB with the Amsterdam Public Transport 1-7 Day Ticket.
As seen in its name, you can purchase tickets with access starting from 1-day passes up to 7 days. You may visit GVB’s official website for more information on routes, timetables, and operating hours.
🏙️Things to do in Amsterdam in 3 days or less
With the city's size, many popular attractions are quite near each other. You can cover plenty of attractions in just a few days! To help you plan your itinerary, here are our favorite things to do in Amsterdam — perfect for short trips there.
🖼️ See Van Gogh, Banksy, and more on a museum day
The artist behind some of the most famous paintings in Western culture, Vincent van Gogh is an Amsterdam native — and you can find the world’s largest collection of his works here, too. The Van Gogh Museum houses over 200 paintings including “Sunflowers”, “The Bedroom”, and “Almond Blossoms”.
For a more immersive experience, you can also avail of an audio guide or a 1-hour cruise on the city’s famous canals along with your ticket!
Klook Tip: For more information regarding the museum’s current and permanent exhibits, you can check out their official website.
Amsterdam’s museums don’t stop with the classics. Just beside the Van Gogh Museum (less than 150 meters away to be specific), the Moco Museum is a private home-turned-art museum that features original pieces from modern artists Banksy, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Andy Warhol, and more.
One of the best things to do in Amsterdam, this museum features immersive exhibitions that let you step into the works of art apart from simply viewing them.
Don’t forget to bring your bestie, partner, or travel buddy and snap Instagram-worthy photos with the exhibits.
Klook Tip: Planning out travel fits for your museum day? Check out the Moco Museum’s official website for their latest exhibits, as well as up-to-date information on opening and closing times.
Now, if you’re traveling with the whole fam, the NEMO Science Museum is a great place for kids to play and learn through educational exhibits and interactive experiences!
The museum features 9 different exhibitions covering different topics about outer space and the universe, kinetic energy, light and sound, and more.
The best news? You can access the NEMO Science Museum, the Moco Museum, and over 70+ attractions in Amsterdam with the I amsterdam City Card.
An all-in-one access card to Amsterdam’s best things to do, this gives you unlimited access to the city’s public transport (Yes, the bus, tram, and metro) on top of free entrance to the city’s most popular experiences.✨ Choosing what to do in Amsterdam — and getting there — has never been easier.
Another way to see the capital conveniently is through a hop-on hop-off bus tour! The Amsterdam City Sightseeing Bus Pass with Canal Cruise gives you unlimited access for 24 hours to 10 different popular attractions including the Van Gogh Museum, the Red Light District, and the Heineken Experience. Have complete control over your itinerary and choose only the stops you want to visit.
This sightseeing pass also comes with admission to a 1-hour canal cruise on the city’s canal waterways, an icon of Amsterdam.
👀 More unique museums for you to discover
Amsterdam’s cultural spots go far beyond art museums.
Spend the day at the original Heineken brewery built in 1867 at the Heineken Experience! Learn more about this famous brand’s legacy with a tour through its brewing rooms. Discover how Heineken’s beers are brewed and enjoy a simple beer-tasting experience on the house. 🍻 You may also avail of a 1-hour cruise down Amsterdam’s famous canals alongside your ticket!
There are also special exhibits from the brand’s sponsors — like the Formula 1 car belonging to 3-time world champion Max Verstappen. Don’t miss out on the experiences from the UEFA Champions League and the Rugby World Cup either.
Photo from Heineken Experience
To top off the whole tour, did we mention that you also get two full-sized glasses of Heineken beer for free? 😌
Looking for something a bit more risque? The Museum of Prostitution, located in Amsterdam’s historical center, is the place for you.
Learn more about one of history’s oldest professions in one of the world’s most famous red light districts.
The museum was a former brothel and it features the real-life stories of showgirls working the district, adult toy display exhibits, walls of confessions from fellow museum-goers, and more. This is a one-of-a-kind attraction in the world, and it’s worth going to for the experience.
Klook Tip: This area understandably comes alive after dark with shops closing around 2-3 AM.
🛥️ Wine and dine on a boat cruise around the canals of Amsterdam
The city’s world-famous canal waterways are one of its defining features, and a boat cruise on these is one of the most popular things to do in Amsterdam!
Constructed in the 17th century, these canals can reach up to 100 kilometers in length and run alongside the city’s top landmarks for an unforgettable encounter with the heart of the Netherlands.
You can choose to cruise down the canal district (including the three most famous ones: Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht) on a daytime ride or during the night to take in the distinct charm of Europe’s scenery after dark. Plus, you can learn more about the city’s rich history with the audio guide onboard.
Looking to level up the whole experience? You can also enjoy a 3-course meal while you cruise! With an award-winning menu prepared by a professional chef — along with free wine, beer, and soft drinks — this is a perfect way to enjoy an evening in Amsterdam with your loved ones.
If you prefer things to do in Amsterdam during the day though, you might want to try this luxury boat cruise with wine and cheese. 🥂
Take a ride on an elegant, fully electric saloon boat with a local host and skipper and enjoy their stories about Amsterdam’s culture and history on this 1-hour guided journey. P.S. — Did we mention that the wine and cheese are unlimited? 😉
The adventure begins in the towering church of Westerkerk and brings you to see 12 famous city attractions like the Prinsengracht Canal, De Negen Straatjes, and the iconic Dancing Houses.
For more bang for your buck, you can book this luxury cruise alongside other popular attractions in Amsterdam like the Van Gogh Museum for a single, hassle-free booking!
☀️ Discover day trips from Amsterdam
1. View the iconic Dutch windmills in Zaanse Schans Windmill Village
A few hours away from Amsterdam, the Zaanse Schans Windmill Village gives a glimpse into Dutch heritage as you can get up close and personal with the massive windmills the Netherlands is known for.
This particular day trip also includes a cheese-tasting experience (Gouda and Enam, anyone?) and a visit to a clog-making factory — all set amidst the tranquil backdrop of the Dutch countryside.
2. Experience life with boats as the main means of transport in Giethoorn 🚣
Can you imagine living somewhere with zero traffic? Giethoorn, a small village near the German border, offers a unique experience free from the hustle and bustle of modern life as there are no transportation roads or cars here.
The best way to explore this picturesque village is by boat, the primary means of transportation. Glide through Giethoorn’s many canals and take in the traditional Dutch houses that line the waterways in this popular day trip from Amsterdam.
3. Reconnect with nature in Keukenhof’s sprawling tulip gardens🌷
Holland tulips are world-renowned for their beauty, and you can look no further than Keukenhof Tulip Gardens in Lisse — less than an hour away from Amsterdam city center — to enjoy them. This vast garden showcases 7 million flower bulbs annually, making it one of the largest floral spectacles in the world.
The peak season is spring, with mid-April a recommended visiting time to see everything in full bloom. At the time of writing, spring has passed so the park is currently closed. Keukenhof will be open again from 20 March - 11 May 2025. For more up-to-date information, you may check out their official website.
When it opens up again, a hop-on hop-off bus from Amsterdam is a handy option if you want to visit. Explore at your own pace and when you’re ready to go, simply board the bus again to return to the capital city. Departures are every 30 minutes.
🚴 Ready to go?
With transport and popular attractions covered, we hope you’re ready for your Amsterdam summer adventure! Take the first step and start exploring train options from around Europe below.🧡
You can discover, book, and experience the best things to do including attractions, activities, car rentals, SIM cards, and more on Klook. Sign up now! 🧡
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