Best Things to do in Amsterdam | Must-see attractions 2025

Museum Van Loon

Mo-Su 10:00-17:00

Museum

Keizersgracht 672

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Museum van Loon, located in Amsterdam, showcases the rich history of the Van Loon family and their impressive collection of art and furnishings in a historic canal house.

Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours.

€10 for adults, €5 for children aged 6-16, free for children under 6.

Amstelpark

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Park

Arent Janszoon Ernststraat 1

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Amstelpark in Amsterdam is a vibrant park featuring unique gardens, a petting zoo, art exhibitions, and a mini-golf course, inviting all for leisure and exploration.

Duration: Around 2-3 hours.

Free. Some exhibitions and special events may charge a fee.

Johan Cruijff Arena

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Stadium

404 Burgemeester Stramanweg

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Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam is a high-tech stadium featuring a retractable roof, home to the Ajax football team and major live music events.

Duration: About 1 hour for guided tours.

Guided tours: €16.50 adults, €11 children.

Skinny Bridge

Always open

Bridge

btwn Kerkstraat & Nieuwe Kerkstraat

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Skinny Bridge, a historic pedestrian and cyclist bridge in Amsterdam, dates back to the 1670s. It's illuminated at night, offering a picturesque view.

Duration: About 30 minutes.

Free access for pedestrians and cyclists.

Westerkerk

Apr 01-Nov 01 Mo-Sa 10:00-15:00

Church

Prinsengracht 279-281

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Westerkerk, built in 1620, is a Renaissance church in Amsterdam known for its 85m spire and the burial site of artist Rembrandt.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Special events may charge a fee.

Houseboat Museum

Fr 10:00-17:00

Museum

296K Prinsengracht

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Houseboat Museum in Amsterdam showcases life aboard a houseboat on the canals, featuring a 1914 cargo ship transformed into a cozy living space.

Duration: 1 hour.

€5 for adults, €3 for children (age 4-12). Free entry for children under 4.

The Cat Cabinet

Sa-Su 12:00-17:00; Mo-Fr 10:00-17:00

Museum

Herengracht 497

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KattenKabinet, located in Amsterdam, showcases a collection of cat-themed art, founded by Bob Meijer in memory of his red tomcat.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

€10 for adults; €5 for children aged 5-12; free for under 5.

Montelbaanstoren

Open all day

Business Center

Oude Schans 2

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Montelbaanstoren is a historical tower in Amsterdam, built in 1512. It served as a defense structure and is now a notable architectural landmark.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free. Special events may incur a fee.

Rode Hoed

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Event hall

Keizersgracht 102

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Theater De Rode Hoed, a former clandestine church in Amsterdam, now serves as a cultural center for lectures, concerts, and debates.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free entry. Certain events and lectures may require a paid ticket.

Torture Museum

10:00-23:00

Museum

Singel 449

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The Torture Museum in Amsterdam features a range of historical torture devices and graphic depictions, offering a unique glimpse into the past of punishment methods worldwide.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Paid. Adults €10, children €6.

Amsterdam Centre for Architecture

11:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

Prins Hendrikkade 600

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Arcam is the Architecture Centre Amsterdam, focusing on urban design and landscape architecture, showcasing exhibitions on the city's architectural history.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

€24.50 for Architecture Talk & Walk; entrance to the museum is free.

Nederlands Uitvaart Museum Tot Zover

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

Kruislaan 124

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Nederlands Uitvaart Museum Tot Zover in Amsterdam explores Dutch cultural attitudes toward death through artifacts and exhibitions from the past and present.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

€10 for adults, €5 for children (6-17 years), free for children under 6.

Body Worlds

Su-Fr 09:00-20:00; Sa 09:00-22:00

Museum

66 Damrak

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Body Worlds in Amsterdam features over 200 real human anatomical specimens exploring health and happiness, attracting millions globally with its unique insights.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

€20 for adults, €15 for children (ages 5-17). Discounts available for groups and families.

Sloterpark

Open 24 hours

Park

President Allendelaan 3

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Sloterpark is a large urban park in Amsterdam, Netherlands, featuring vast green spaces, lakes, walking paths, and recreational facilities for all ages.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Certain organized activities may require a small fee.

Multatuli Museum

Fr 10:00-17:00, Sa-Su 12:00-17:00, PH off

Museum

Korsjespoortsteeg 20

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The Multatuli Museum in Amsterdam tells the story of writer Eduard Douwes Dekker and his influential novel Max Havelaar, highlighting colonialism in the Dutch East Indies.

Duration: Approximately 1 to 2 hours.

Paid. Standard admission is €5 for adults; discounts available for students and seniors.

Westerpark

6:00 AM–10:00 PM

Park

Spaarndammerstraat

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Westerpark is a lively urban park in Amsterdam featuring expansive lawns, tree-lined paths, cultural venues, and vibrant wildlife, a hub for picnicking and leisure activities.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. Some events at Westergasfabriek may require a ticket.

Anne Frank House

Nov 01-Mar 31 Mo-Fr,Su 09:00-19:00 "Online tickets only"; Nov 01-Mar 31 Sa 09:00-21:00 "Online tickets only"; Apr 01-Oct 31 Mo-Su 09:00-22:00 "Online tickets only"

Museum

Prinsengracht 263-267 Museum entrance Westermarkt 20

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The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, Netherlands, memorializes the story of Anne Frank, a Jewish girl who hid during WWII. It features original artifacts, photos, and an audio tour.

Duration: 1.5 hours.

Adults: €12.50, Youth (10-17): €5.00, Children under 10: Free. Special exhibitions may incur additional charges.

Huis Marseille

Tu-Su 11:00-18:00

Museum

Keizersgracht 401 (Leidsegracht)

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House Marseille is Amsterdam's first photography museum, established in 1999, featuring 13 unique exhibition spaces and a rich collection of contemporary and historical photography.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

€12 for adults, €8 for students and seniors. Free entry for children under 12.

Beurs van Berlage

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Event hall

Damrak 243 Next to the Bijenkorf

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The Beurs van Berlage in Amsterdam is a historic commodity exchange, now a dynamic venue for exhibitions, conferences, and events, seamlessly blending history with modern activities.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free to enter. Some exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Artis

Mar 01-Oct 31 09:00-18:00; Nov 01-Feb 28 09:00-17:00

Museum

Plantage Kerklaan 38-40

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Artis Amsterdam Royal Zoo, founded in the 19th century, features diverse wildlife, an aquarium, and a planetarium in the heart of Amsterdam.

Duration: 3-4 hours.

€24.00 for adults, €20.00 for children (3-9 years), free for children under 3. Discounts available for groups.

Theater De Meervaart

2:00 PM–10:00 PM

Theater

Meer en Vaart 300

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Theater De Meervaart in Amsterdam hosts a variety of performances and events, featuring a modern architectural design and a focus on community engagement.

Duration: Around 2 hours.

Varies. Some events are free while others charge ticket prices depending on the performance.

Waterlandse Golf Club

7:00 AM–8:00 PM

Golf Course

Buikslotermeerdijk 141

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Waterlandse Golf Club is a charming golf course located in Amsterdam, Netherlands, known for its scenic canals and engaging community atmosphere.

Duration: Around 4 hours.

Green fees apply, price varies by time of day and membership status.

Dutch Resistance Museum

Mo-Fr 10:00-17:00; Sa,Su 11:00-17:00

Museum

Plantage Kerklaan 61a

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The Dutch Resistance Museum in Amsterdam illuminates stories of WWII resistance and collaboration through personal artifacts, photographs, and films.

Duration: 2 to 3 hours.

Paid. General admission is €12, discounts apply for students and seniors.

Theaterfabriek Amsterdam

12:00 PM–8:00 PM

Theater

Czaar Peterstraat 213

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Theaterfabriek Amsterdam, a vibrant cultural hub, features diverse performances and artistic expressions, promoting creativity in the heart of Amsterdam.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours for a performance, longer for special events.

Prices vary by event. General admission ranges from €10 to €25, with discounts for students and seniors.

Amsterdam Old Course

7:00 AM–7:00 PM

Golf Course

Zwarte Laantje 4

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Amsterdam Old Course is a historic golf club located in Amsterdam, Netherlands, offering a unique golfing experience amidst scenic landscapes.

Duration: Approximately 4 hours.

Paid. Membership options available; day tickets can be purchased for non-members.

Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

University

Science Park Amsterdam 123

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CWI Amsterdam is a premier research institute in the Netherlands focused on mathematics and computer science, founded in 1946, and known for innovative research and education.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Special events or workshops may require a paid ticket.

Jewish Historical Museum

Mo-Su 11:00-17:00

Museum

Nieuwe Amstelstraat 1

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The Jewish Historical Museum in Amsterdam highlights Jewish heritage through permanent and temporary exhibitions in four monumental synagogues.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

€12 for adults, €7 for children (6-17 years), free for under 6. Discounts for seniors and students available.

Schellingwoude church

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Church

Wijkergouw 6 (Schellingwoude)

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Schellingwouderkerk is a historic church in Amsterdam, known for its unique architectural style and tranquil surrounding gardens, offering a peaceful retreat in the busy city.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free. Special events may require tickets.

Our Lord in the Attic Museum

Mo-Sa 10:00-17:00; Su 13:00-17:00

Museum

Oudezijds Voorburgwal 38

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Located in Amsterdam, Museum Ons'Lieve Heer Op Solder features a 17th-century house with a Catholic church hidden in the attic, showcasing Dutch history and culture.

Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.

€12 for adults, €6 for children (6-17), children under 6 free. Discounts available for students.

AFAS Live

12:00 PM–11:00 PM

Theater

Arena boulevard 590

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Heineken Music Hall, now AFAS Live, is a concert venue in Amsterdam, hosting rock and pop acts with excellent acoustics and a capacity of 6,000.

Duration: 3-4 hours for a concert and experience.

Varies. Check event listings for specific concert ticket prices.

The National Maritime Museum

Mo-Su 09:00-17:00

Museum

Kattenburgerplein 1

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Netherlands Maritime Museum in Amsterdam showcases maritime history through interactive exhibitions, replicas of historic ships, and engaging experiences for all ages.

Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours.

€15 for adults, €7.50 for children aged 4-17. Free for children under 4. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum in Amsterdam

10:00-22:00

Museum

148 Oudezijds Achterburgwal

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Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum in Amsterdam features cannabis history, exhibits, and the world's largest collection of cannabis-related items since 1985.

Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours.

€9 ($11.50) per adult. Free for children under 13 with an adult.

Pakhuis De Zwijger

10:00 AM–11:00 PM

Theater

Piet Heinkade 179

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Pakhuis De Zwijger, a former warehouse in Amsterdam, now serves as a vibrant cultural center, hosting events, exhibitions, and community gatherings.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Some special events may require a paid ticket.

Sarphatipark

Open 24 hours

Park

Sarphatipark

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Sarphatipark in Amsterdam is a tranquil English-style park with ponds, meadows, and the historic Sarphati Memorial, providing relaxation amidst nature.

Duration: About 1-2 hours.

Free. No admission fees required.

Westergasfabriek

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Event hall

Pazzanistraat 33 (Pazzanistraat)

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Westergasfabriek in Amsterdam is a historic cultural complex, formerly a gasworks, featuring creative spaces, events, and leisure facilities near Westerpark.

Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours.

Free access to the park. Some events may have entrance fees.

Southern Church

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

Zuiderkerkhof 72

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Southern Church, a 17th-century Protestant church in Amsterdam, serves as a municipal information center, offering exhibitions and a glimpse into its historical significance.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Note that climbing the tower may have special arrangements and fees once tours resume.

House of Bols

12:00 PM–6:00 PM

Museum

14 Paulus Potterstraat

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House of Bols in Amsterdam offers an interactive journey through the world of Dutch gin, featuring tastings, cocktail making, and historical insights.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

€17.50 for adults; €10 for children aged 12-17. Free for children under 12.

Electric Ladyland

Tu-Sa 14:00-18:00

Museum

Tweede Leliedwarsstraat 5 Hs.

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Electric Ladyland in Amsterdam features the world's first fluorescent art museum, showcasing psychedelic sculptures and luminescent rocks.

Duration: 1.5 hours.

Paid. Adults €10, children €5. Reservations required for entry.

Boom Chicago

5:00 PM–11:00 PM

Theater

Rozengracht 117

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Boom Chicago is a celebrated improvisational comedy theater in Amsterdam, known for its edgy shows and focus on cultural humor, featuring performances in English.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Tickets generally range from €25 to €35. Group discounts may be available.

Willet-Holthuysen Museum

Mo-Fr 10:00-17:00; Sa-Su 11:00-17:00

Museum

Herengracht 605 (Utrechtsestraat)

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Museum Willet-Holthuysen, located in Amsterdam, showcases 17th-century art and furnishings from the lavish life of Louisa Willet-Holthuysen and her family.

Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.

Paid. Adults €10, Children (up to 18) free.

Hermitage Amsterdam

11:00-17:00

Museum

Amstel 51

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Hermitage Amsterdam showcases collections from Russia's Hermitage Museum, featuring Dutch Masters, the Golden Age, and Outsider Art in a historic setting.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Paid. Free or discounted entry available with I Amsterdam and Museum cards.

Portuguese Synagogue

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

Mr Visserplein 3

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The Portuguese Synagogue in Amsterdam, built in 1675, is one of the oldest synagogues in Europe, featuring remarkable architecture and a rich Jewish heritage.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

€12.50 for adults, €6 for children, admission includes entry to the Joods Cultureel Kwartier.

VU University Amsterdam

8:00 AM–10:00 PM

University

De Boelelaan 1085

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VU University Amsterdam offers a diverse range of academic programs and research opportunities in a modern campus spread across expansive green spaces.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free to enter the campus. Fees apply for specific events and lectures.

Felix Meritis

Event hall

Keizersgracht 324

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Felix Meritis in Amsterdam is a center for arts, culture, and science, offering innovative theatre, music, dance, and discussions on various topics.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Information about ticket pricing will be available upon reopening. Previous access was free with select events requiring payment.

National Pipe Museum

Mo-Sa 12:00-18:00

Museum

Prinsengracht 488

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The National Pipe Museum in Amsterdam showcases over 2,000 smoking pipes and utensils from around the world, highlighting 25 centuries of history in a 17th-century canal house.

Duration: About 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

De Duif

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

Prinsengracht 754

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De Duif is Amsterdam's first Catholic church built with a public entrance since the 1700s, featuring stunning architecture and serving as an event venue.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Some events may have entry fees.

Oosterpark

24 hours

Park

Oosterpark

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Oosterpark in Amsterdam features lush greenery, wildlife, and significant monuments, established in 1891 for diamond traders, offering a serene retreat in a vibrant neighborhood.

Duration: At least 1 hour.

Free.

Ajax Experience

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Museum

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Ajax Experience in Amsterdam offers an immersive journey into the world of the iconic football club, showcasing memorabilia, interactive exhibits, and rich history.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

€15 for adults, €10 for children aged 6-12. Free for children under 6.

Vliegenbos

24 hours

Park

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Vliegenbos is a large urban park in Amsterdam offering nature walks, playgrounds, and open green spaces. Ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. No charges for entrance; events may vary.

de Bijenkorf Amsterdam

10:00 AM–8:00 PM

Mall

1 Dam

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de Bijenkorf Amsterdam is a prominent department store facing the Royal Palace, offering a curated selection of clothing, cosmetics, and more, complete with a café terrace for views.

Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.

Free. Some special services or events may incur costs.