Things to do in Amsterdam City Centre | I amsterdam (2024)

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Things to do in Amsterdam City Centre | I amsterdam (7)Things to do in Amsterdam City Centre | I amsterdam (8)

Image from Koen Smilde

Updated 10 June 2024 at 10:43

With a heritage that stretches back centuries, Amsterdam Centrum buzzes with sights and attractions for all kinds of visitors to the Dutch capital. Meandering through the cobbled streets, you’ll find market squares and tasting rooms, elegant courtyard gardens hidden behind canal houses, age-old churches, world-class museums, department stores and luxury boutiques. Explore the area from the waterways on an unmissable canal cruise or navigate on foot using a themed walking route.

Get stuck into the Museum Quarter

Things to do in Amsterdam City Centre | I amsterdam (9)Things to do in Amsterdam City Centre | I amsterdam (10)

Image from Koen Smilde

How could we list things to do in central Amsterdam without insisting you hot-foot it straight to the Museum Quarter? This small area is crammed with some of the most impressive art collections in the world, from old to modern masters, by way of the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh, Moco and Stedelijkmuseums. Armed with the I amsterdam City Card, you’ll have access to Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk, and more than 70 other museums across Amsterdam. If you’re a real culture vulture, follow our monthly culture guideto see which exhibitions coincide with your trip.

Browse the boutiques along Haarlemmerstraat

Things to do in Amsterdam City Centre | I amsterdam (11)Things to do in Amsterdam City Centre | I amsterdam (12)

Image from Rumors Vintage

You can find a great range of smaller stores on the cosy adjoining shopping streets of Haarlemmerdijk and Haarlemmerstraat. These include a fantastic selection of curated pre-loved and vintage fashion stores without that famous whiff, like Archive 1906, Rumors Vintage & Design, UMÉ Studio and Studio Onrust and independent fashion and decor boutiques like Future Days Shop, The Darling, SUKHA and Six & Sons. The streets’ mind-boggling collection of specialists includes Affaire d’ Eau (bathroom antiques), Vivian Hahn (tableware), Hooks and Yarn (knitting supplies), Lof (wine), Jordino (chocolate and ice cream), ‘t Zonnetje (coffee, tea and herbs), Teuntje (toys and baby supplies), HARTRUYT (designer lighting) and De Kookboekhandel (cookbooks).

Tip: There’s also an organic farmer’s market on Wednesdays at Haarlemmerplein at the end of the Haarlemmerstraat.

Gaze upwards

Things to do in Amsterdam City Centre | I amsterdam (13)Things to do in Amsterdam City Centre | I amsterdam (14)

Image from Koen Smilde

There is so much outstanding architecturein Centrum, the oldest part of Amsterdam; the main challenge is not bumping into people while walking around and gawping up at things. Take your time to appreciate all the beautiful hidden details,from elegant canal house façades with gable stones to quirky statues, monuments, and narrow steegjes (passages). The city’s cherished secret gardens- sometimes hidden behind the doors of unique museums- offer a welcome retreat from a day of sightseeing.

Sample age-old jenever recipes

Things to do in Amsterdam City Centre | I amsterdam (15)Things to do in Amsterdam City Centre | I amsterdam (16)

Image from Philipp Benedikt

Centrum’s cobbled streets conceal some charming proeflokalen(tasting rooms), many of which have existed for centuries. Wynand Fockinkretains its 17th-century character and product assortment, offering punters the opportunity to sample a variety of jenever (Dutch gin), draft beers and fruit brandies. Impress the bartender by maintaining the tradition of bowing before taking your first slurp. Likewise, Proeflokaal A. Van Weesis a tasting room for the Van Wees Distillery, which continues to make delicious house-made liqueurs and spirits - the perfect aperitif before tucking into the menu of traditional dishes. Have a read of this list of Dutch cuisine to try in Amsterdamto find out what you're getting yourself in for.

Explore on foot

Things to do in Amsterdam City Centre | I amsterdam (17)Things to do in Amsterdam City Centre | I amsterdam (18)

Image from Henri Blommers

Amsterdam Centrum is an extremely walkable area, with much to explore crammed into a compact area. Those endless canal rings can sometimes feel disorientating, so why not plan your route using a self-guided itinerary? These themed walking tourshave been put together by the city’s best guides, encompassing fascinating topics like the LGBTQI+ historyof Amsterdam, maritime trade and sustainabilityor the romantic storieshiding behind some of the city’s most iconic buildings. All routes include great suggestions for coffee and cake pitstops, too.

Hop on a canal cruise

Things to do in Amsterdam City Centre | I amsterdam (19)Things to do in Amsterdam City Centre | I amsterdam (20)

Image from Dennis van de Water

Whether you’re a first-time or frequent visitor, Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canal belt is all the more magical when viewed from the water. Glide past the city’s historic offerings on one of the famous canal cruises, witnessing 16th-century churches and iconic drawbridges like the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) from a new angle. Here's a selection of the various tours on offer with multiple options to suit your travel plans. Don't forget that many tour operators are part of the I amsterdam City Card!

Chill at the Marineterrein

Things to do in Amsterdam City Centre | I amsterdam (21)Things to do in Amsterdam City Centre | I amsterdam (22)

Image from Pension Homeland

This up-and-coming former-docklands areaeast of Centraal Station is teeming with hotspots to explore. Pension Homelandencompasses a hotel, restaurant, and brewery with a large waterfront deck that allows you to enjoy a lovely view of the National Maritime Museumand the VOC ship replica. Blissfully off the beaten track on the opposite bank, Hannekes Boomexudes a quirky vibe and boasts one of Amsterdam’s best beer gardens. Locals and savvy visitors gather on sunny days to enjoy the funky vibes, good music and home-cooked BBQ food.

Step into Anne Frank’s diary pages

Things to do in Amsterdam City Centre | I amsterdam (23)Things to do in Amsterdam City Centre | I amsterdam (24)

Image from Cris Toala Olivares

No visit to Amsterdam would be complete without exploring the house where a thoughtful teenager whose name is now known across the world hid during the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam. Opened in 1960, the Anne Frank House Museum in the Jordaan neighbourhood preserves the annexe where Frank lived with her family for two years. View Anne’s original red-checked diary up close and see the hinged bookcase that led to their concealed living quarters. Check out this dedicated guide for more museums and cultural hotspots in central Amsterdam.

Browse the markets

Things to do in Amsterdam City Centre | I amsterdam (25)Things to do in Amsterdam City Centre | I amsterdam (26)

Image from Koen Smilde

Amsterdam’s historic market squares are taken over by traders and stalls flogging all kinds of wares throughout the week. Nieuwmarktis the place to go for locally-grown fruit and veg on Saturdays, and in the summer, you can haggle for vintage bargains on Sundays. A flea market and farmers’ market in one, Noordermarktis a haven for delicious, organic produce, including honey, cheese and homemade cakes, as well as antiques, books and vintage fashion (Monday mornings and Saturdays). Or have a rummage at Spuifor rare, second-hand and out-of-print books on Fridays and affordable local art on Sundays.

Indulge in some retail therapy

Things to do in Amsterdam City Centre | I amsterdam (27)Things to do in Amsterdam City Centre | I amsterdam (28)

Image from Koen Smilde

Amsterdam Centrum is home to many of the Netherlands’ flagship stores, grandest department stores and most chic boutiques. For luxury shopping, there’s no better place to start than De Bijenkorfand Magna Plaza, two iconic department stores which tower over Dam Square. Nearby, hit Kalvertoren on Kalverstraat - one of the busiest retail thoroughfares lined with the biggest Dutch and international brands. Or, for independent boutiques and vintage finds, head to some of the centre’s more alternative shopping districts, including De Negen Straatjes (9 Streets), Haarlemmerbuurt or the Spiegelkwartier.

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Things to do in Amsterdam City Centre | I amsterdam (2024)

FAQs

What is in the city center of Amsterdam? ›

The Royal Palace, Nieuwe Kerk, National Monument, and Madame Tussauds are its main attractions. From the Dam Square Amsterdam's most commercial street (Kalverstraat) begins.

Is downtown Amsterdam walkable? ›

Central Amsterdam is best explored on foot

(The sole exception is the Singel Canal, once a fortification line, which forms the innermost ring.) House numbers on canal streets run from low to the west and high to the east.

What is the main street in Amsterdam City Centre? ›

Damrak in Amsterdam - A Pretty and Popular Main Street in Amsterdam's Centre - Go Guides.

Is there Uber in Amsterdam? ›

With Uber, you can choose the ride option that works best for your budget when you travel in Amsterdam. To see the possible cost, open the app and input your destination in the “Where to?” box. The price estimate for each ride option will appear; scroll to see what's currently available.

What is the most famous part of Amsterdam? ›

De Wallen. The medieval city centre of Amsterdam is full of old school bars and clubs, known best for its Red Light District and more promiscuous culture. You can't come to Amsterdam and not experience the Red Light District at least once in your life.

How long does it take to walk from one side of Amsterdam to the other? ›

Amsterdam is one of the most walkable cities in the world, and it's a great pleasure to do so. You can walk from one side to the other (of the center, including most of the points of interest to a tourist) in well under an hour. There are very few cars on the streets, so you'll mostly be dodging bicycles.

Is it safe to walk around Amsterdam in the evening? ›

Crime Rate: Amsterdam has a relatively low crime rate compared to other major European cities. Violent crimes are rare, and the majority of crime incidents involve pickpocketing, bag snatching, or bike theft. Red Light District: One area that can be a little less safe, particularly at night, is the Red Light District.

Can you walk in the Red Light District in Amsterdam? ›

Take an adults-only walking tour through Amsterdam's Red Light District accompanied by a guide. Visit the Museum of Prostitution and stroll narrow streets, such as Zeedijk, as you explore 'De Wallen' in safety.

What is the main tourist street in Amsterdam? ›

Damrak is the street connecting the Amsterdam Centraal Station to Dam Square. It was originally a straight stretch (rak) of the river Amstel which had been dammed (at what is now the dam square) leading to the name.

What street is Blue Light District Amsterdam? ›

In De Wallen, cisgender women sex workers illuminate their windows with red lights, while transgender women sex workers use blue lights. This is to help customers differentiate between the two. Bloedstraat, a street in De Wallen, has numerous transgender women working in it using blue lights.

What is Amsterdam famous for? ›

Amsterdam's main attractions include its historic canals; the Rijksmuseum, the state museum with Dutch Golden Age art; the Van Gogh Museum; the Dam Square, where the Royal Palace of Amsterdam and former city hall are located; the Amsterdam Museum; Stedelijk Museum, with modern art; the Concertgebouw concert hall; the ...

What is the main strip in Amsterdam? ›

Damrak is located in the heart of the city center between central station and Dam Square. Busy and crowded area.

What is the main square in Amsterdam called? ›

Dam Square, also known as the Dam it is the main town square and considered to be the very center of the city. On the west edge of the square is the Royal Palace.

How do you get around the city center of Amsterdam? ›

Trams, metro and buses

Trams crisscross the city and are the most agreeable way to explore Amsterdam. Route 2 is even a bona fide travel experience, as you glide along past many of the city's mega sights, including the canals, Museumplein galleries and the Vondelpark.

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