8 Fun Things To Do in Amsterdam (No Smoking Needed)

I’d never wanted to visit Amsterdam. I listened to stereotypes and assumed it had nothing more to offer than weed and prostitution. I was so, so wrong. There are so many beautiful things to do in Amsterdam, and that’s not the energy AT ALL. So I created this guide to share exactly what I experienced and things to do in Amsterdam that I recommend.

Since I get asked this question a lot, here’s my answer — Does Amsterdam have a presence of marijuana and a red light district?  Yes. Pot and prostitution are legal, which simply means the people who engage in those activities don’t get in trouble for it. It doesn’t mean that there’s drugs and sin sprawled all over the neighborhoods.😆 In fact, I’ve seen more of that in the USA! Anyway, Amsterdam travel is actually very family-friendly, artsy, and overall a great vibe.

If you are visiting Amsterdam for the first time, be sure to see these sights and attractions during your Dutch vacation. Perfect for someone (or a couple, like us) interested in culture travel, bucket list attractions, a bit of nature in an urban landscape, and more!

Visit the top museums in Amsterdam

The recently renovated Rijksmuseum is open every day until 5:00pm. Created and dedicated to Amsterdam art, history, and crafts, the Rijksmuseum is one of the most visited locations in the Netherlands, for visitors and locals alike. Featuring moving collections, Rembrandts and Frans Hals, the highly acclaimed architectural masterpiece also has a library and Asian pavilion. 

If you are itching to take a step back in history and explore the last years of the famous Anne Frank, you must visit this now-established museum and historical home, and former 17th-century canal house and hiding place for Anne and her family escaping the Nazis. Get there early and be prepared to wait in line to get in!

Nearby, you can stop by the Houseboat Museum and check out what houseboats look like on the inside! The Rembrandt House, and Van Gogh and Stedelijk Museums are also top-rated experiences for painting and drawing collections of 17th century Rembrandt; Van Gogh and Gauguin; and Picasso, Matisse, and more.

Join the Heineken Experience

On a whim, we decided to join the Heineken experience, and although I am not much of a beer drinker, it was very much an enjoyable adventure.

Not only do you get a souvenir, but when we went we also got 2-4 glasses of free beer throughout the tour and opportunities to play games and trivia; create music videos; send photos to friends and family; and even create our own bottle!

Interactive activities, lessons on the beer-making process, and the history of the Heineken family, ownership, and marketing over the years leave you with a positive impression of the Heineken brand. 

Ride Along a Canal in Amsterdam

Choose a nice day to cruise along one of the 60 miles (100 km) worth of canals flowing through Amsterdam. It is a great way to relax while taking in city sights without the fear of being hit by a bike. Yes. I had that fear.

Check out Things to do in Amstel Park

While staying at the NH Amsterdam Zuid (one of my recommended places to stay in Amsterdam), just a short walk from Amstel Park, we were lucky enough to choose Amsterdam travel during the food truck weekend. We spent a fun-filled Sunday dancing to DJ sets and tasting various Dutch fares.

There are parks like this throughout Amsterdam and activities are almost always scheduled. Check out the Amsterdam event calendar to see what’s going on during your visit. They have over 300 festivals a year, so there’s always something to do!

Explore the Countryside of Holland by Bike

For a quintessential Dutch experience, one of the best things to do in Amsterdam is explore beyond it! Guideholland.com offers a great guided bike tour along the countryside of Holland from the town Weesp.

The owner, Edmond, offers full and half-day tours (I chose half-day because bikes hurt my butt) and provides an in-depth historical narrative of the surrounding areas, including a medieval castle, old-Jewish cemeteries, working flour windmill, forts, bunkers, and more. 

For full information on the bicycle day tour and other bike tour options, view Guide Holland‘s website. Edmond also includes a lunch pack for each guest with the tours.

• If you want a countryside experience on an e-bike with less effort, try this tour instead.

Visit the Museum of Prostitution

I had low expectations for the Museum of Prostitution and we were both shocked at how informative it was. It started off with a documentary of a prostitute’s daily routine and took us deeper into the red light district experience.

The interactive museum featured a historical overview, funny stories, and positive testimonials (how much prostitution has helped pay for school, etc.), but also highlighted darker truths of the industry like trafficking and unsolved murders. 

I don’t want to spoil the experience for you but let’s just say we had a much better understanding of the industry itself, and what the red light district means to a sex worker. I totally recommend the visit. 

Have a Picnic on the Lawn

Head over to the big IAMSTERDAM letters for a tourist photo and follow up with a day relaxing on the lawn. Feel free to pack a lunch and people-watch. It is within walking distance from the top attractions in Amsterdam so can be the base where you rest, eat, and save money!

Take a Tour of the Tulips (seasonal)

If you come at the right time, tell your friends and family to prepare to be flooded with colorful photos of tulips! During April and May, take a day trip to the lesser-known Flevoland’s flower-bulb route and tulip festival and explore 2,500 acres of floral fields. Flevoland is just a 50-minute drive outside of Amsterdam. If you have time to explore more of Holland, consider visiting more flower festivals.

Bonus Amsterdam tip: Where to stay in Amsterdam

Amsterdam doesn’t have very budget-friendly accommodations, in my opinion (beyond cramming in a hostel with a bunch of other people). On average we spent $100-200 per night at mid-range hotels — though, to be fair — we were visiting during the ultimate peak season. I found that staying a bit farther from the center saves money.

Read my review of the NH Amsterdam Zuid, where I stayed farther out. I found it to give much more for your money (including an epic spread of free breakfast food) but was not as conveniently located. Alternatively, check out my recommended list of places to stay in Amsterdam.

Did this post entice you to explore more things to do in Amsterdam? 

Note, this guide is for the first-time visitor, so it’s just the beginning — there’s plenty to see! Here is also a useful itinerary from a travel writer colleague if you are just in Amsterdam for one day. The list of what to explore is never-ending, really!  It is a great city.

xx, O.

If you enjoyed this Amsterdam culture guide, please share!

* * *

Hey Pinterest Fam!

Share this guide to Things To Do In Amsterdam If You Don’t Smoke Weed by pinning the image below to your planning board.