Quick Picks – Unmissable Things to Do in Amsterdam Right Now
Must-See in 2026: Anniversary Events & Limited Exhibits
- Amsterdam 750th Anniversary Celebrations: Special city-wide events and historic parades will occur throughout 2026, with attendance expected to top 700,000 for main festivities. Book event tickets in advance.
- Amsterdam Light Festival (until Jan 18, 2026): Over 300,000 attend each year. See illuminated art installations across the canals—best explored by evening canal boat.
- Museum Night (Nov): Extended hours for 60+ museums, late-night exhibits, exclusive performances. Limited tickets, usually ~50,000 sold out in advance.
Classic Highlights You Can’t Miss
- Van Gogh Museum: Houses the world’s largest Van Gogh collection. 4.5/5 rating from over 65,000 TripAdvisor reviews.
- Rijksmuseum: Masterpieces like The Night Watch. Welcomes 2.7 million yearly, with a high visitor satisfaction score (4.6/5).
- Anne Frank House: Iconic WWII site, 1.3 million annual visitors; book months ahead.
- Vondelpark: Amsterdam’s “Central Park”—biking, picnicking, and open-air theater with 10+ million annual visits.
- Canal Cruise: UNESCO-listed heart of the city; over 3.5 million annual riders. Opt for evening cruises for city lights.
Hidden Local Gems for a Unique Visit
- NDSM Wharf: Urban art, creative events, street food—less crowded than the city center.
- Catboat: Floating cat sanctuary—unique charity stop along the Singel. Donations go to animal care.
- Broek in Waterland: Storybook village north of the city, shortlisted as a “hidden gem” in 2025 travel surveys. Easy 20-min bike ride from center.
Amsterdam’s Iconic Sights & Experiences
Famous Canals and Best Ways to Explore Them
- Canal Cruises: Over 150 tour boats. Choose from open-air, private, or eco-electric options. Standard 60-min ride costs €15–25.
- Self-Guided Walk: Stroll Prinsengracht or Herengracht for the best canal houses and bridges.
- Fact: Amsterdam has 165 canals spanning 75 km, crossed by over 1,200 bridges.
Unforgettable Museums – Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh & Newcomers
- Rijksmuseum: Over 2.7 million visitors yearly.
- Van Gogh Museum: Over 2.1 million annual visitors; frequent sold-out days—buy tickets early.
- NEMO Science Museum: Interactive exhibits, rooftop views, 800,000+ visits per year.
- Fabrique des Lumières: Immersive digital art newcomers—4.5/5 on GetYourGuide satisfaction surveys.
Anne Frank House and Amsterdam’s History Walks
- Anne Frank House: 96% visitor satisfaction in visitor feedback. Strict timed-entry. (Buy tickets)
- History Walking Tours: Focus on WWII, Jewish Quarter, or Golden Age canals. Average tour size: 12–20 participants.
Special Events in Amsterdam for 2026
Amsterdam 750th Anniversary Celebrations & Parades
- City-wide parades, public art, and historic exhibitions scheduled. Check official site for the evolving program (expected 700,000+ total attendees over all events).
Amsterdam Light Festival (Ends Jan 18, 2026)
- Annual event attracts 300,000, best experienced via evening canal boat tour or self-guided walk (cold weather—dress warmly).
Immersive Art Shows and New Cultural Openings
- Fabrique des Lumières: Digital art projections, attracting 250,000+ per year since launch; check for 2026’s featured artist lineup.
- New temporary exhibits at major museums, often themed around the city’s 750th anniversary.
Neighborhoods Not to Miss in Amsterdam
Jordaan District – Boutiques, Galleries, and Cafés
- Historic canal belt, with over 5,200 shops citywide, many in Jordaan. Local boutiques and bakeries highly rated in visitor surveys.
- Canal strolls and hidden courtyards.
NDSM Wharf – Street Art, Creative Spaces & Events
- Recycled shipyard, major festivals, craft brews, and murals. Hosts dozens of events annually and free ferry access from Central Station.
Nine Streets & Canal Ring – Perfect for Strolling
- UNESCO canal belt area. Independent shops, cozy cafés, and some of the city’s most-photographed streets.
Amsterdam’s Best Markets, Food, and Local Experiences
Must-Try Dutch Foods and Food Tours
- Albert Cuyp Market (De Pijp): Largest daily market (250+ stalls). Vendors rank highest for street foods in local feedback. Try herring, stroopwafels, and Dutch cheese.
- Foodhallen: Popular indoor food court for local and global bites.
- Heineken Experience: Over 1.2 million annual visitors. Book tours in advance. (Book tickets)
Seasonal and Eco-Friendly Markets
- Noordermarkt: Saturday organic farmers’ market—rising demand for eco-products seen in 2025 visitor survey.
- Plant-based and eco-conscious cafés booming in Amsterdam Noord.
Unique Spots: The Cat Boat, Local Breweries, and Floating Flower Market
- Visit De Poezenboot (Cat Boat) for an animal-friendly experience.
- Sample craft beers at independent breweries on the canal belt or in Noord.
- Bloemenmarkt: The world’s only floating flower market—ideal for tulip bulbs and souvenirs.
Amsterdam for the Outdoor & Green Traveler in 2026
Bike Tours, Parks, and Sustainable Amsterdam Initiatives
- Cycling: 881,000 daily cyclists; 213 km of bike lanes. Rent a bike via local apps (average €12–16/day).
- Parks: Vondelpark (most visited), Westerpark (trendy), and Oosterpark (local favorite).
- Support sustainable spots like eco-cafés, refill water at public taps, and recycle where possible.
Boat Cruises: Standard, Private, and Eco-Friendly Options
- Choose electric or solar-powered canal boats; now 35+ eco-certified operators.
- Private small-group boat tours are increasingly popular—87% satisfaction in 2025 survey.
Day Trips to Tulip Fields, Beaches, and Countryside
- Tulip Season (mid-March–May): Keukenhof Gardens (~1.4 million annual visits). Accessible via direct bus or train plus shuttle (45 mins).
- Beaches (Zandvoort/Bloemendaal) and windmills (Zaanse Schans, Kinderdijk) all ≤1 hour by public transit.
Mistakes to Avoid & Local Etiquette in Amsterdam
Tourist Pitfalls and How to Steer Clear
- Don’t wait to buy tickets. 85% of all Netherlands international visitors come to Amsterdam. Attractions often sell out in peak months (June–Aug).
- Avoid illegal bike parking and busy tramlines. Fines and crowds are the top complaints in 2025 surveys.
- Don’t rely solely on cash. Most venues are contactless/pay app only.
Respectful Biking and Canal Etiquette
- Use bike paths only. Never ride on sidewalks. Always lock your bike—bike theft is frequent.
- Yield to trams and signal at crossings. On canals, queue quietly, respect local noise rules, and don’t feed birds.
Sustainable Choices for Responsible Travelers
- Bring or refill your water bottle: 756+ refill stations citywide.
- Use public transit, bikes, or ferries—avoid rentals or taxis, per sustainable travel guidance.
- Support local and eco-certified businesses preferred in visitor satisfaction studies.
Map & Itinerary Suggestions: Planning Your Amsterdam Adventure
48-Hour Itinerary with Key Highlights
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rijksmuseum / Van Gogh Advance ticket required |
Anne Frank House & Canal Walk | Foodhallen Dinner / Jordaan Stroll |
| 2 | Vondelpark Bike or Walk | Albert Cuyp Market / De Pijp Artis Zoo (optional) |
Light Festival / Night Canal Cruise |
Neighborhood Walking Guides
- Center–Jordaan (2–3 hours): Dam Square → Royal Palace → Anne Frank House → Prinsengracht canals → ‘Brown’ Café stop.
- De Pijp–Noord: Albert Cuyp → Sarphatipark → ferry to Noord for street art and EYE Film Museum.
- Canal Ring–Nine Streets: Circle Herengracht, stop for coffee and photography, shop Dutch design.
Custom Maps for Sustainable and Offbeat Routes
- Use free I Amsterdam digital maps for pedestrian- and bike-friendly green routes.
- Map eco-businesses via the official city app.
FAQ: What Else to Know About Visiting Amsterdam in 2026
- Will hotel prices rise in 2026? Yes—VAT on accommodation increases from 9% to 21% in January 2026. Book early for best deals.
(More info) - When is the least crowded time to visit? Before 10am and after 4pm; weekends and holidays are busiest, especially April–August.
- How safe is Amsterdam? Ranked highly for city safety and culture in visitor satisfaction surveys. Use common sense with bikes and valuables.
- Is Amsterdam suitable for families? Yes—NEMO, Artis Zoo, parks, and canal cruises are highly rated by families in recent user surveys.
- How to get around? Public transport (GVB passes), bike, and free ferries. Avoid using the car—parking costs are high.
- What app should I use for local tips? Download the “I Amsterdam” app for up-to-date events and curated local experiences.
- Are tickets required at top sights? Yes, for Van Gogh, Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, and Heineken Experience. Book online weeks in advance.
- How to travel sustainably? Use bikes or transit, eat local, avoid single-use plastics, and support eco-certified tours and markets.