{"id":3388,"date":"2026-07-19T19:50:44","date_gmt":"2026-07-19T19:50:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/commbitz.com\/blogs\/?p=3388"},"modified":"2026-07-19T19:54:08","modified_gmt":"2026-07-19T19:54:08","slug":"things-to-do-amsterdam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/commbitz.com\/blogs\/things-to-do-amsterdam\/","title":{"rendered":"Things to Do in Amsterdam: A Local Guide to the Best Experiences"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Amsterdam rewards slow travel more than almost any European capital. It&#8217;s compact enough to walk across in an hour, but dense enough with canals, museums, and neighborhoods that most visitors barely scratch the surface in three days. Here&#8217;s what&#8217;s actually worth your time, what to eat, and how to stay connected with a <a href=\"https:\/\/commbitz.com\/\">Commbitz eSIM<\/a> while you figure out the trams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_84 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/commbitz.com\/blogs\/things-to-do-amsterdam\/#Van_Gogh_Museum\" >Van Gogh Museum<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/commbitz.com\/blogs\/things-to-do-amsterdam\/#Rijksmuseum\" >Rijksmuseum<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/commbitz.com\/blogs\/things-to-do-amsterdam\/#Anne_Frank_House\" >Anne Frank House<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/commbitz.com\/blogs\/things-to-do-amsterdam\/#Jordaan\" >Jordaan<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/commbitz.com\/blogs\/things-to-do-amsterdam\/#A_Canal_Cruise\" >A Canal Cruise<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/commbitz.com\/blogs\/things-to-do-amsterdam\/#Vondelpark\" >Vondelpark<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/commbitz.com\/blogs\/things-to-do-amsterdam\/#Albert_Cuyp_Market\" >Albert Cuyp Market<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/commbitz.com\/blogs\/things-to-do-amsterdam\/#Amsterdam_Noord\" >Amsterdam Noord<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/commbitz.com\/blogs\/things-to-do-amsterdam\/#De_9_Straatjes_The_Nine_Streets\" >De 9 Straatjes (The Nine Streets)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/commbitz.com\/blogs\/things-to-do-amsterdam\/#A_Few_More_Worth_Knowing\" >A Few More Worth Knowing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/commbitz.com\/blogs\/things-to-do-amsterdam\/#Free_Things_to_Do_in_Amsterdam\" >Free Things to Do in Amsterdam<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/commbitz.com\/blogs\/things-to-do-amsterdam\/#Where_to_Eat_and_Drink\" >Where to Eat and Drink<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/commbitz.com\/blogs\/things-to-do-amsterdam\/#Getting_Around\" >Getting Around<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/commbitz.com\/blogs\/things-to-do-amsterdam\/#Staying_Connected_in_Amsterdam_with_Commbitz_eSIM\" >Staying Connected in Amsterdam with Commbitz eSIM<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/commbitz.com\/blogs\/things-to-do-amsterdam\/#FAQs\" >FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Van_Gogh_Museum\"><\/span><strong>Van Gogh Museum<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The world&#8217;s largest collection of Van Gogh&#8217;s work, housed in the Museum Quarter, arranged more or less chronologically so you can watch his style shift year to year. It&#8217;s one of the most visited museums in the country for good reason, and it also means tickets sell out days in advance during peak season. Book online before you land rather than hoping to walk in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Rijksmuseum\"><\/span><strong>Rijksmuseum<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A short walk from the Van Gogh Museum, dedicated to Dutch art and history through the Golden Age. The building itself, all neo-Renaissance towers and a garden out front, is worth seeing even if you only have an hour. Rembrandt&#8217;s The Night Watch, displayed in its own dedicated gallery, is the piece most people come specifically to see.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Anne_Frank_House\"><\/span><strong>Anne Frank House<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most emotionally heavy stop on most people&#8217;s list, and the hardest ticket to get. The museum caps daily visitor numbers, and tickets are released online roughly six weeks in advance and sell out within minutes. Set a reminder for the release day if this is a priority, because showing up without a booking generally won&#8217;t work.<br><br><strong>Also read: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/commbitz.com\/blogs\/boston-marathon-2027\/\"><strong>Boston Marathon 2027: You Could Meet Every Qualifying Standard and STILL Get Rejected. Here\u2019s Why.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Jordaan\"><\/span><strong>Jordaan<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A former working-class district turned into one of the most photogenic parts of the city: narrow streets, converted warehouse buildings, tucked-away courtyards, and a canal on nearly every block. It&#8217;s better explored without a fixed plan than ticked off a list, wander, stop for coffee when something looks good, and you&#8217;ll cover it naturally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Canal_Cruise\"><\/span><strong>A Canal Cruise<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Amsterdam is built on water in a way that&#8217;s easy to forget until you&#8217;re actually on a boat looking up at the houses. An hour-long cruise gives you a genuinely different read on the city&#8217;s layout and history, particularly how it expanded outward in concentric canal rings during the Dutch Golden Age. If the weather cooperates, choose an open boat over an enclosed one, the photos and the fresh air are both worth it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Vondelpark\"><\/span><strong>Vondelpark<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The city&#8217;s main green space, and where locals actually go rather than just tourists. On a warm afternoon it fills with people lying on the grass, cycling through on their commute, or grabbing coffee at one of the small cafes inside the park. It&#8217;s not an attraction so much as a place to slow down for an hour between everything else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Albert_Cuyp_Market\"><\/span><strong>Albert Cuyp Market<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The busiest daytime street market in Europe, running through the De Pijp neighborhood. Stalls sell everything from fresh stroopwafels being pressed to order, to flowers, fabric, and secondhand clothes. It&#8217;s loud, crowded, and one of the best places in the city to eat cheaply and well while people-watching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Amsterdam_Noord\"><\/span><strong>Amsterdam Noord<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cross the water behind Centraal Station on the free ferry (it&#8217;s part of the public transit system, no ticket needed) and you land in a completely different <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Amsterdam\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Amsterdam<\/a>: former shipyards turned into creative spaces, street art at the NDSM Wharf, and rooftop views from the A&#8217;DAM Lookout tower. It&#8217;s where the city feels like it&#8217;s still figuring out what it wants to be, in a good way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"De_9_Straatjes_The_Nine_Streets\"><\/span><strong>De 9 Straatjes (The Nine Streets)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nine small connecting streets between the main canals, packed with independent boutiques, vintage shops, and cafes rather than chain stores. Go early in the morning if you want quiet, photogenic shots of the storefronts before the crowds and delivery trucks show up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Few_More_Worth_Knowing\"><\/span><strong>A Few More Worth Knowing<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>Red Light District<\/strong> is historically significant and genuinely worth walking through once, but treat it as the workplace it is: keep a respectful distance, and know that photography is strictly prohibited. <strong>Westerpark<\/strong> offers a quieter, more local alternative to Vondelpark, with food markets and cultural events. For evening drinks, <strong>Rembrandtplein<\/strong> and <strong>Leidsplein<\/strong> are where the bars and clubs cluster, while <strong>Brouwerij &#8216;t IJ<\/strong>, a brewery inside a converted windmill, is a better bet if you&#8217;d rather have a good local beer than a club night.<br><br><strong>Also read: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/commbitz.com\/blogs\/top-game-of-thrones-filming-locations\/\"><strong>Top Game of Thrones Filming Locations You Must Visit<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Free_Things_to_Do_in_Amsterdam\"><\/span><strong>Free Things to Do in Amsterdam<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You don&#8217;t need a big budget here. A walk through Jordaan and the Nine Streets costs nothing, the Museum Quarter&#8217;s exteriors and gardens are free even if you skip the tickets inside, Albert Cuyp Market is free to browse, and the Noord ferry is genuinely free as part of the transit system. String those together and you&#8217;ve got most of a day covered without spending anything beyond food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_Eat_and_Drink\"><\/span><strong>Where to Eat and Drink<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Start with stroopwafels from a street stall, ideally warm. Bitterballen, deep-fried, breaded meat ragout, are the classic pub snack and go best with a local beer. Appeltaart (Dutch apple pie, denser and less sweet than the American version) is worth seeking out at a proper caf\u00e9 rather than a tourist spot. And patat, thick-cut Dutch fries served with mayonnaise rather than ketchup, is the reliable late-night option after a few drinks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Getting_Around\"><\/span><strong>Getting Around<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Trams, metros, and ferries cover the city well, and you can tap in and out with a contactless card or your phone through the OVpay system, no separate transit card needed. Amsterdam is also extremely walkable and famously bike-friendly, though renting a bike as a first-time visitor takes a bit of nerve given how confidently everyone else is cycling around you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Staying_Connected_in_Amsterdam_with_Commbitz_eSIM\"><\/span><strong>Staying Connected in Amsterdam with Commbitz eSIM<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Between navigating the canal-ring street pattern, booking timed museum tickets on the day, and figuring out which tram actually gets you where you&#8217;re going, reliable data matters more in Amsterdam than in a lot of cities. A <a href=\"https:\/\/commbitz.com\/\">Commbitz eSIM<\/a> gets you online the moment you land, no hunting for a local SIM shop, no juggling two physical cards, and no surprise roaming charges on your home number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Why travelers use Commbitz eSIM in Amsterdam:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Instant activation, set it up before you fly and connect the moment you land<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Local network coverage across the Netherlands, not just a roaming agreement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transparent, upfront pricing with no hidden fees<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Manage your plan from the <a href=\"https:\/\/commbitz.com\/\">Commbitz app<\/a> without visiting a store<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before you go, check our eSIM compatibility guide to confirm your phone supports eSIM, then browse<a href=\"https:\/\/commbitz.com\/esim-list\"> Commbitz eSIM plans<\/a> for your trip. If you&#8217;re still deciding between an eSIM, a local SIM, or just roaming on your home number, our comparison of eSIM vs. physical SIM vs. roaming lays out the trade-offs, and our guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/commbitz.com\/blogs\/esims-for-international-travel\/\">eSIMs for international travel<\/a> covers the basics if this is your first time using one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span><strong>FAQs<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How many days do you need in Amsterdam?<\/strong> Three days covers the major museums, a canal cruise, and time to properly wander Jordaan and the Nine Streets. Two days is workable if you&#8217;re selective about which museums you prioritize.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Do I need to book museum tickets in advance?<\/strong> Yes, especially for the Anne Frank House and Van Gogh Museum. Both sell out during peak season, and the Anne Frank House specifically releases tickets on a set schedule roughly six weeks ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Is Amsterdam expensive to visit?<\/strong> It can be, but plenty of the best experiences, walking the canals, the Noord ferry, market browsing, park time, are free. Museum tickets and dining out are where costs add up fastest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What&#8217;s the best way to get around Amsterdam?<\/strong> Walking and trams cover most of what you&#8217;ll want to see. The OVpay contactless system makes public transit simple without needing a separate card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Do I need an eSIM for a short trip to Amsterdam?<\/strong> If you want maps, translation, and ticket bookings working the moment you land without hunting for Wi-Fi or a SIM shop, yes. A Commbitz eSIM sets up before you fly and activates automatically when you land. See <a href=\"https:\/\/commbitz.com\/esim-list\">Commbitz eSIM plans<\/a> to get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>FURTHER READING:<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/commbitz.com\/blogs\/esim-for-hajj-and-umrah-the-complete-guide\/\"><strong>eSIM for Hajj and Umrah: The Complete Connectivity Guide for Pilgrims (2026)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/commbitz.com\/blogs\/fifa-world-cup-2026-canada-schedule-stadiums-tickets-travel-guide-for-fans\/\"><strong>FIFA World Cup 2026 Canada: Schedule, Stadiums, Tickets &amp; Travel Guide for Fans<br><br><\/strong><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/commbitz.com\/blogs\/how-to-use-google-maps-in-japan-without-roaming\/\"><strong>How to Use Google Maps in Japan Without Roaming: eSIM vs Pocket WiFi (Complete 2026 Guide)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Amsterdam rewards slow travel more than almost any European capital. It&#8217;s compact enough to walk across &hellip; <a title=\"Things to Do in Amsterdam: A Local Guide to the Best Experiences\" class=\"hm-read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/commbitz.com\/blogs\/things-to-do-amsterdam\/\"><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Things to Do in Amsterdam: A Local Guide to the Best Experiences<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3394,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21,4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3388","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-latest-blogs","category-sim-cards"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/commbitz.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3388","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/commbitz.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/commbitz.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/commbitz.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/commbitz.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3388"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/commbitz.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3388\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3396,"href":"https:\/\/commbitz.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3388\/revisions\/3396"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/commbitz.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3394"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/commbitz.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3388"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/commbitz.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3388"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/commbitz.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3388"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}