Amsterdam is one of those cities where everyone thinks they know what to expect — canals, bikes, tulips, museums. And yes, those things are wonderful. But the Amsterdam that locals love is a city of hidden courtyards, waterside terraces, wild swimming spots, and neighborhoods that most visitors never reach. Here are 40 ways to see it properly.
Exploring Amsterdam with friends? Use Breevy's Trail Together feature to share a live route, pin your favorite spots, and build a shared map as you walk the canals together.
Canals & Water
1 Jordaan Canal Walk
The Jordaan is Amsterdam at its most romantic — narrow canals, crooked houses, window boxes overflowing with flowers, and tiny bridges every fifty meters. Walk along Bloemgracht and Egelantiersgracht for the quietest stretches. Peek into the hofjes (hidden courtyards) along the way. Late afternoon light on these canals is pure gold.
2 Canal Bike or Pedal Boat
Skip the big tour boats and rent a pedal boat or electric canal bike. You'll navigate the same waterways but at your own pace, ducking under bridges and floating past houseboats. Mokumboot and Boaty offer self-drive electric boats that require no license. Pack a picnic and some drinks — eating on the water is a Dutch summer tradition.
3 NDSM Wharf
A former shipyard across the IJ river, now Amsterdam's most creative industrial district. Take the free ferry from Central Station and arrive in a landscape of cranes, warehouses, street art, and startup studios. IJ-Hallen hosts Europe's largest flea market on select weekends. The waterfront terrace at Pllek, built from shipping containers, is the perfect spot for a beer with skyline views.
4 Prinsengracht Evening Cruise
The large tour boats are crowded and impersonal. Instead, book a small open-boat tour with a local skipper. Companies like Those Dam Boat Guys run intimate evening cruises with wine and cheese for groups of eight. Gliding past the illuminated canal houses at dusk, with bridge lights reflecting on the water, is genuinely magical.
5 Amstel River Walk to Ouderkerk
Follow the Amstel River south from the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) out of the city and into the Dutch countryside. Within an hour's walk you'll be passing windmills, grazing sheep, and the charming village of Ouderkerk aan de Amstel. Stop for pancakes at a riverside terrace before walking or taking the bus back. One of the finest walks from any European city.
6 Swimming at Sloterplas
Amsterdam's largest lake, in the western suburbs, has designated swimming areas, sandy beaches, and barbecue spots. It's a fifteen-minute tram ride from the center but feels like a resort. On summer weekends, locals come with inflatable boats, speakers, and enough food for a daylong feast. The most laid-back way to spend a hot afternoon in the city.
Culture & Museums
7 Rijksmuseum — Early Morning
Yes, this is the most famous museum in the Netherlands. But arriving at 9 AM when doors open gives you a window of relative calm. Head straight for the Gallery of Honour and stand in front of Rembrandt's Night Watch without fighting through a crowd. The Vermeer rooms and the Delft pottery collection are equally extraordinary. Don't skip the garden — it's free and beautiful.
8 Stedelijk Museum
Amsterdam's modern and contemporary art museum, perpetually overshadowed by its neighbors. The permanent collection spans Mondrian, Malevich, de Kooning, and the CoBrA movement. The "bathtub" extension is architecturally playful, and the temporary exhibitions are consistently world-class. Usually far less crowded than the Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum.
9 Anne Frank House
The house where Anne Frank and her family hid for two years is one of the most visited sites in Europe. The experience of walking through the concealed annex — past the bookcase door, up the steep stairs, into the tiny rooms — is profoundly moving. Tickets release online roughly two months in advance and sell out within hours. Set an alarm for the release date.
10 EYE Film Museum
A striking white building on the north bank of the IJ, housing a cinema, exhibition spaces, and the best waterfront terrace in Amsterdam. The free exhibitions explore the art of film with interactive installations. Stay for a screening in the basement cinema, then sit on the terrace and watch the ferries cross as the sun sets over the city.
11 Foam Photography Museum
A canal house museum dedicated to photography, showing four major exhibitions per year alongside emerging talent. The intimate rooms and creaking staircases give it a charm that larger museums lack. Past exhibitions have featured Annie Leibovitz, Viviane Sassen, and Anton Corbijn. The museum shop has an exceptional collection of photography books.
12 Begijnhof
A medieval courtyard of small houses surrounding a garden chapel, hidden behind an unmarked door just off the Spui. Founded in the 14th century as a community for religious women, it remains one of the quietest spots in central Amsterdam. The oldest wooden house in the city (dating to around 1528) stands here. Step inside, lower your voice, and breathe.
13 Tropenmuseum
One of Amsterdam's most underrated museums, housed in a gorgeous colonial-era building in the Oosterpark neighborhood. The collection explores cultures across the tropics through immersive reconstructions, textiles, musical instruments, and contemporary art. Recent exhibitions have thoughtfully examined the Netherlands' colonial history. The building's grand hall alone is worth the visit.
Food & Drink
14 Albert Cuyp Market
Amsterdam's largest and liveliest street market stretches for nearly a kilometer through the De Pijp neighborhood. Fresh stroopwafels pressed on the spot, kibbeling (fried fish), Surinamese roti, Dutch cheese, and mountains of flowers. The surrounding streets are packed with independent shops and cafes. Come hungry, leave carrying tulips.
15 Brown Cafe Afternoon
Brown cafes — named for their nicotine-stained walls and dark wood interiors — are Amsterdam's answer to the British pub. Order a biertje (small beer) and sit by the window watching the world pass. Cafe 't Smalle in the Jordaan is perfect, perched on the Egelantiersgracht with a waterside terrace. Cafe Papeneiland near the Brouwersgracht has been pouring since 1642.
16 Indonesian Rijsttafel
The rijsttafel — a lavish spread of 12 to 20 small Indonesian dishes served with rice — is a uniquely Dutch-Indonesian tradition, and Amsterdam is the best place in the world to experience it. Blauw in De Pijp and Sampurna in the center are reliable choices. Share with friends for the full effect — the variety is the whole point.
17 Foodhallen
Amsterdam's indoor food market in a converted tram depot. Twenty-plus stalls serve everything from Vietnamese pho to Dutch bitterballen to Japanese gyoza. The quality is consistently high, the space is architecturally striking, and the atmosphere on a Friday evening is electric. Pair it with a walk through the surrounding De Hallen complex of shops and cinemas.
18 Cheese Tasting in the Jordaan
Skip the tourist cheese shops on the main streets and head to a proper kaaswinkel in the Jordaan. De Kaaskamer on Runstraat has over 400 varieties and offers free tastings. Try aged Gouda (two years or more), truffle cheese, and a nettle-wrapped beauty you won't find outside the Netherlands. Pair with a local mustard and some good bread.
19 Craft Beer at Brouwerij 't IJ
A craft brewery housed in a bathhouse beneath a wooden windmill. The tasting room serves their own beers — try the Columbus (strong blonde) or the Natte (dubbel) — and the terrace spills onto the street with views of the De Gooyer windmill. No food is served, but you can bring your own. One of the most photographed spots in east Amsterdam.
20 Herring from a Market Stall
Eating raw herring (haring) from a street cart is the most Dutch thing you can do. The fish is brined, not truly raw, and served with pickles and chopped onion. Tilt your head back, hold the herring by the tail, and lower it in. The stall near the Noordermarkt and the one outside Central Station are both excellent. New herring season (Hollandse Nieuwe) starts in June.
Parks & Outdoor
21 Vondelpark
Amsterdam's most beloved park and the green heart of the city. On sunny days, every inch of grass is claimed by picnickers, musicians, and sunbathers. The open-air theater hosts free concerts in summer, and the rose garden near the center is glorious in June. Rent inline skates from a nearby shop and join the locals gliding along the paths — it's practically a sport here.
22 Westerpark & Westergasfabriek
A former gasworks converted into a cultural complex surrounded by a beautiful park. The industrial buildings now house cinemas, restaurants, a microbrewery, and event spaces. The Sunday Market runs monthly with food, fashion, and design stalls. On warm afternoons, the park fills with families and the cafe terraces come alive. Less touristy than Vondelpark and equally charming.
23 Amsterdamse Bos
Three times the size of Central Park, this man-made forest on the city's southern edge has rowing courses, wild swimming lakes, goat farms, and an open-air theater. Rent a bike at the entrance and cycle the forest trails, or walk the 7-kilometer loop around the Bosbaan rowing lake. The pancake house (Meerzicht) in the middle of the woods is a local institution.
24 Hortus Botanicus
One of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, dating to 1638. The three-climate greenhouse is a tropical escape on cold days, and the outdoor garden is a beautiful maze of rare plants and ancient trees. The cafe overlooking the grounds serves excellent coffee. Small, peaceful, and a perfect antidote to museum fatigue.
25 Cycling to Waterland Villages
Take the free ferry to Noord and cycle 30 minutes north to the Waterland district — a patchwork of polders, dykes, and wooden-house villages like Broek in Waterland and Ransdorp. The flat landscape, wide skies, and near-total silence feel like the 17th century. Stop for apple cake in a village cafe and cycle back along a different route. This is the Netherlands beyond Amsterdam.
26 A'DAM Tower Lookout & Swing
The observation deck atop the A'DAM Tower offers panoramic views across the city, the IJ, and the harbor. For an adrenaline hit, try "Over the Edge" — Europe's highest swing, suspended 100 meters above the ground on the building's roof. Even without the swing, the 360-degree view at sunset is worth the ticket price. The rooftop bar serves cocktails with that same view.
Free Things to Do
27 Ferry to Noord
The free GVB ferries crossing the IJ from Central Station to Amsterdam-Noord run every few minutes and offer one of the best free experiences in the city. Stand on the open deck and watch the harbor traffic — barges, sailboats, and the occasional cruise ship. The Buiksloterweg ferry is the quickest crossing; the NDSM ferry takes you to the creative wharf area.
28 Nine Streets Walk
The Negen Straatjes (Nine Streets) crisscross the main canals between Raadhuisstraat and Leidsestraat. Each is lined with independent boutiques, vintage shops, and tiny cafes. Window-shopping is free and endlessly entertaining — antique eyewear, handmade soap, vintage denim, and specialty tea shops. The canal crossings at each intersection are postcard-perfect.
29 Noordermarkt on Saturday
The Saturday organic farmers' market on the Noordermarkt square is where the Jordaan comes alive. Local farmers sell cheese, bread, honey, and seasonal produce. Grab an apple pie from Winkel 43 across the street — widely considered the best in Amsterdam, served with a mountain of whipped cream. Browse the adjacent antique and book market for a complete morning.
30 Street Art in the Spuistraat
One block from Dam Square, the Spuistraat is lined with former squats now covered in murals, graffiti, and political art. The contrast with the manicured canal houses a street away is striking. Some buildings have been squatted since the 1980s and remain artistic hubs. Walk slowly and look up — much of the best art is above eye level.
31 Oosterpark Afternoon
A leafy, multicultural park in one of Amsterdam's most diverse neighborhoods. Less polished than Vondelpark and all the better for it. The Slavery Memorial by Erwin de Vries is a powerful piece of public art. The surrounding streets of the Indische Buurt are filled with Surinamese, Turkish, and Moroccan restaurants serving some of the best food in the city.
32 Open Garden Days
Every June, around 30 private canal house gardens open to the public for one weekend. It's a rare chance to peek behind the facades and into the hidden green spaces that most Amsterdam residents never see. The gardens range from manicured formal designs to wild, overgrown spaces. A unique event that reveals a secret layer of the city.
Markets & Shopping
33 Waterlooplein Flea Market
Amsterdam's oldest flea market, running daily on the Waterlooplein since 1886. Racks of vintage clothing, boxes of vinyl records, old books, Dutch military surplus, and plenty of delightful junk. Haggling is expected. The surrounding Jewish Quarter adds historical depth — visit the nearby Portuguese Synagogue and the National Holocaust Memorial.
34 IJ-Hallen at NDSM
Europe's largest flea market fills two enormous shipyard hangars with hundreds of stalls. Vintage furniture, retro clothing, kitchenware, bicycles, and obscure collectibles cover every surface. It runs one weekend per month — check the dates and arrive early. The ferry ride to NDSM is part of the adventure. Bring cash and large bags.
35 Bloemenmarkt
The world's only floating flower market, on houseboats along the Singel canal since 1862. Yes, it's touristy, but the riot of color and the scent of fresh flowers make it a sensory experience worth having. Buy tulip bulbs to take home (they come with phytosanitary certificates for customs). The stalls at the western end tend to be more authentic and less souvenir-focused.
36 De Hallen Complex
A beautifully restored tram depot now housing an independent cinema, a library, design shops, a denim workshop, and the Foodhallen food market. The Local Goods Weekend Market runs on Saturdays with Amsterdam-based designers, artists, and makers. The architecture — exposed brick, steel trusses, and enormous windows — is worth seeing on its own.
Evening & Nightlife
37 Live Music at Paradiso
A former church turned into one of Europe's most iconic music venues. The main hall's vaulted ceilings and stained-glass windows create an atmosphere no purpose-built club can match. Everyone from The Rolling Stones to Adele has played here. Check the schedule for upcoming shows — the smaller upstairs hall hosts emerging acts and DJ nights.
38 Speakeasy Cocktails at Door 74
Behind an unmarked door on Reguliersdwarsstraat hides one of Europe's best cocktail bars. Reservations are made by text message, the interior is 1920s Art Deco, and the bartenders craft each drink with surgical precision. The menu changes seasonally, but any classic cocktail made here will be the best version you've ever had. Dress up slightly and bring cash.
39 Light Festival Canal Walk
Every winter, the Amsterdam Light Festival transforms the canals into an open-air gallery of illuminated art installations. The walking route follows a path along the Amstel and through the eastern canal ring, with glowing sculptures suspended above the water. It's free, it's magical, and it makes the dark Dutch winter feel like a celebration.
40 Leidseplein to Rembrandtplein Pub Walk
The classic Amsterdam night out connects Leidseplein's bars and live music venues to Rembrandtplein's terraces and clubs via the winding streets in between. Skip the chain bars on the squares themselves and duck into the side streets for better crowds and prices. Stop at a brown cafe along the way for a jenever (Dutch gin) and let the evening unfold.
All 40 activities are available as curated trails in the Breevy app. Use Trail Together to explore Amsterdam with friends — share a live route, pin your best discoveries, and build a shared map of the city.
Tips for Exploring Amsterdam
Amsterdam is small enough to walk everywhere, but a bike is the fastest way to move like a local. Rent from a reputable shop (MacBike or Black Bikes) and remember: stay in the bike lane, signal your turns, and never stop on a bridge. The tram network is excellent for longer distances.
Book major museums (Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum) well in advance — walk-up tickets are rarely available. The I amsterdam City Card covers most museums and public transport, but only pays off if you visit three or more museums in a day.
For more local guides, browse all our articles on the Breevy Blog.
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