In a nutshell
- We show you 11 fun activities in Amsterdam that are really cool alternatives to the classic attractions in Amsterdam.
- From sporty to quiet to cool evening activities, you’re sure to find something suitable for you here.
- Our personal favorites are the canal cruise, the A’dam Lookout and Amsterdam’s Chinatown.
- For families with children, we recommend the Amsterdam Zoo and a pedal boat cruise.
Take a Canal Cruise

What do you need to know? A canal cruise is THE activity to do in Amsterdam. And because the boat tours are so popular, there are various providers and piers throughout the city center that will take you across the canals.
Is it worth it? We think so: You have to see Amsterdam from the canals once. Otherwise, you practically haven’t been there, hehe. And the city really does look completely different from this angle.
Our tip: Our favorite is the Open Boat Tour through Amsterdam. Take a look at our personal experience on the Amsterdam Open Boat.
Book a canal cruise through Amsterdam online
You can find even more canal cruises and tips here:
Swinging on the A'dam Lookout

What do you need to know? The A’dam Lookout is a 360° sky deck on top of a 22-storey building in Amsterdam’s harbor. The Lookout is not just a viewing platform, it also has a restaurant and the highest swing in Europe! You can swing 100 meters above the city above the edge of the skyscraper – a really fun thing to do in Amsterdam.
Is it worth it? The A’dam Lookout is an unforgettable experience. Even the elevator ride to the top with the light show is really special. At the top, you have a breathtaking view of the harbor and the old town. Just under 20 euros is a little expensive, but well worth it. Oh, and you can even take the ferry across the IJ for free beforehand. Mega!
Good to know: The swing is also suitable for children from a height of 1.20 meters. And admission for children costs 6 euros less. A fun activity in Amsterdam with brave kids.
Book A’dam Lookout tickets online
Visiting Amsterdam's Chinatown

What do you need to know? Amsterdam’s Chinatown is called Little China and is located right next to Amsterdam’s red light district. Little China is the oldest Chinese neighborhood in mainland Europe.
Is it worth it? Little China offers several unusual activities in Amsterdam. For example, you can visit the Fo Guang Shan He Hua temple for free or browse through Asian stores. And if you’re hungry, you’ll of course also find great Chinese restaurants here.
Take a Pedal Boat Cruise

What do you need to know? As already mentioned, a canal cruise in Amsterdam is an absolute must. But if you don’t fancy a classic boat trip or have already done one, you can alternatively take a pedal boat across the canals.
Is it worth it? The pedalo canal cruise is a sporty and fun activity in Amsterdam. You can really let off steam and explore the canals at your own pace. You can’t complain about the price of 35 euros for up to 4 people.
Book a pedalo canal cruise online
Go to an Amsterdam Park

What do you need to know? Amsterdam has more than 30 parks. The most popular are the large Vondelpark, the Westerpark with its markets, the super green Rembrandtpark and the somewhat wilder Flevopark – a hidden gem in Amsterdam.
Is it worth it? In the parks in Amsterdam, you can enjoy beautiful weather, go for a walk and find some peace and quiet within the city. There are also tables provided so you can enjoy a relaxed picnic. If you are in Amsterdam with children, you will also find cool playgrounds in all the parks.
Take a City Tour

What do you need to know? Because Amsterdam is not only steeped in history, but also really diverse, a wide variety of city tours are offered. Most tours last around 1 to 2 hours and cost between 25 and 60 euros.
Is it worth it? With a city tour through Amsterdam, you can not only deepen your knowledge of the city, but also get to see corners that you might have missed on your own.
Our tip: A classic city tour is a really fun thing to do in Amsterdam for first-time visitors. If you’re looking for something more alternative, we recommend a guided tour of Amsterdam’s red light district or a tour of Amsterdam’s coffee shops.
Book a classic city tour online
Book a guided tour of the Red Light District online
Book a coffee shop tour online
Strolling through Amsterdam's Markets

What do you need to know? There are many markets in Amsterdam every week – and not just at the weekend. For example, antiques, books, clothing, local specialties and flowers are sold there.
Is it worth it? The markets in Amsterdam are totally reminiscent of hidden object pictures. People are shouting, it smells delicious, and two meters further on you suddenly find the most beautiful vintage bag in the world. A cool activity and a great place for special souvenirs.
Our tips: We recommend the Albert Cuypmarkt in the De Pijp district near the Rijksmuseum. It takes place from Monday to Saturday and is not only huge, but also has the best stalls.
By the way: De Pijp is right next to the Oud-Zuid district. A great district to spend the night in Amsterdam. If you’re interested, take a look at our Amsterdam hotel tips.
Visit Amsterdam Zoo

What do you need to know? Amsterdam Zoo Artis is located in the city center between Oosterpark and Hortus Botanicus. Around 8200 animals live here. These include giraffes, elephants, lions and monkeys. Admission is free for children up to the age of 2.
Is it worth it? Although the zoo is relatively small, it is super diverse and the enclosures are really lovingly designed. There is also a café for breaks. A great activity in Amsterdam with children.
Our tip: Admission to the zoo is also included in the I Amsterdam City Card.
Book Amsterdam Zoo tickets online
Going to the Melkweg Amsterdam

What do you need to know? The Melkweg is a multimedia center on Leidseplein. The area is generally known for its vibrant, alternative nightlife. And the Melkweg always hosts cool concerts, plays, exhibitions and film screenings.
Is it worth it? Melkweg is simply brilliant and a fun activity in Amsterdam for the evening. There are crazy good events every week where you can mingle with the locals.
Our tip: If you’re still unsure whether a concert is the right activity for you in Amsterdam, then let us tell you: try it. Go there. We love going to concerts abroad. Not only do you get to meet the locals, you also get to hear new music.
Try a Febo Vending Machine

What do you need to know? Febo vending machines are snack vending machines. Instead of chocolate bars, you can buy croquettes, hot dogs etc. You can find the small stores with vending machines all over the city – including in the 9 Straatjes. And they are open around the clock.
Is it worth it? Admittedly, this activity doesn’t last long. But it’s easy to incorporate into your sightseeing in Amsterdam. For 2 to 4 euros, you can try typical Dutch snacks in an entertaining way.
Our tip: If you have to try something, try the frikandels. Deep-fried minced meat in the shape of a sausage. Sounds strange, but tastes good and is super popular in the Netherlands.
Taking Cool Photos at the Wondr Experience

What do you need to know? The Wondr Experience is a playground, photo backdrop and museum all in one. You can take great photos in the various rooms and have a great souvenir of your trip to Amsterdam.
Is it worth it? We think so, yes! The price is quite high, but you’ll end up with really cool photos that you won’t get anywhere else. The Wondr Experience is also a fun activity when it rains in Amsterdam.
Our tip: We have written down all our tips in our detailed Wondr Experience experience report. There you will also find information about tickets and everything you need to know about your visit.
FAQ about Activities in Amsterdam
What should you definitely do in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam offers a colorful mix of sightseeing, cool activities and exciting insider ventures.
And we think so: You should do a bit of everything.
But if you ask us – to the death – then we would say:
- Take a canal cruise
- Visit the Anne Frank House
- Do a bit of shopping in the 9 Straatjes
- Don’t miss the A’dam Lookout and the infamous Red Light District.
Oh, and be sure to eat some Dutch snacks. Whether at the Febo vending machine, cheese store or café.
And ideally, you’ll travel back to Amsterdam at some point to visit and explore even more.
Which activities in Amsterdam are suitable for young people?
Basically, the most popular sights, things to do and activities in Amsterdam are suitable for pretty much all ages.
If you just want something a little more edgy and funky – do we sound old? – we recommend:
- The Red Light District Amsterdam
- The Vondelpark
- An Open Boat Tour with Bar
- The Museum of Prostitution
- The Heineken Experience
- A visit in a Coffee Shop
Which activity in Amsterdam is the most popular?
Next to the canal cruise, the A’dam Lookout is probably the most popular, fun activity in Amsterdam. And rightly so!
The view from the top of the skyscraper is breathtaking and swinging 100 meters above the city is an unforgettable thrill.
Which activities in Amsterdam with children?
If you are looking for child-friendly activities in Amsterdam, we recommend the Amsterdam Zoo, the Nemo Museum and 4D mini golf in black light.
If you want to let your children burn off some energy for free, then a trip to one of the city parks is always a good choice. For example, the Vondelpark or the Flevopark.
Which activities in Amsterdam are free of charge?
In Amsterdam, people know how to make money. That’s why things are rarely really completely free.
But you can try the following activities in Amsterdam, for example:
- Stroll through the city parks,
- Enjoy the free view from the Openbare Bibliotheek,
- Visit the Chinese quarter and the red light district or
- Visit the hidden church De Papegaai.
Amsterdam also offers free city tours.
You can search for suitable free walking tours in Amsterdam on GuruWalk.
Which activities in Amsterdam are suitable for couples?
For a few romantic hours in Amsterdam, we recommend these activities:
- a picnic and a walk in the Vondelpark,
- a canal cruise with dinner
- one of the many cute little cafés along the canal belt.
And an extra tip: you can also buy pretty flowers at the floating flower market on the Singelgracht. Not only on Valentine’s Day.
Which indoor activities in Amsterdam are worthwhile?
In our opinion, the best indoor activities in Amsterdam are the museums.
Amsterdam has so many of them and, above all, so many different ones that everyone will find something to suit their taste.
Our favorite museums in Amsterdam are:
- the Anne Frank House
- the Rembrandthuis
- the Rijksmuseum
- the Moco Museum
Alternatively, we can also recommend the covered food halls in Amsterdam West. Here you can try some delicious street food.
These were our tips for fun activities in Amsterdam!
Have you already done any of them or do you have another tip for fun things to do in Amsterdam? Then please share it with us and write us a comment. We look forward to it!