For the past couple of years, I’ve had this little saying to myself…

… that Paris is the most beautiful city in the world.

And Amsterdam?

That Amsterdam is the most charming city in the world.

Outside of Amsterdam Central; January 2018

Wandering the streets of Amsterdam; June 2019

Wandering the streets of Amsterdam; January 2018

Exploring Amsterdam in the winter; January 2018

I’ve been there three times now, and the way the overflowing amount of bikes rest against the canals is like unlocking the meaning of the word ‘magic’ every single time.

Is Amsterdam Only Good For Nightlife?

Everyone I’ve met in college is always itching to go there solely to smoke weed and walk through the Red-Light district.

While you could fly across the world to do that, this city has much more to offer than a wild night out.

In fact, one of the great things about Amsterdam is that it really has something for everyone.

If you want to have that crazy night out, you can.

If you want to hit up all of the museums, you can.

If you want to just explore the scenic city, be a photography nerd that takes pictures at every corner, and then find views of the Rijksmuseum to write against…

Writing with a view of the Rijksmuseum; June 2019

…secret spots like this, you can.

How Many Days Should I Stay in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is a relatively small city, with less to do than cities like Paris, Rome, and London – meaning I have found 2 full days to be enough in Amsterdam to see major sites like the Red Light District, Anne Frank House, and the Rijksmuseum. You could spend a third day in Amsterdam, but it will most likely be a very “local” day where you’ll just be chilling in parks and other non-touristy places.

Where Should I Stay in Amsterdam?

I find staying near the Rijkmuseum or Vondelpark is best as it’ll allow you to be walking distance to the majority of things you’ll want to see in Amsterdam. For solo travelers, I can recommend the Flying Pig Uptown Hostel – as it’s perfectly located right on the outskirts of Vondelpark and is walking distance to the Rijksmuseum.

Do They Speak English in Amsterdam?

Yes, you’ll find that everyone will speak to you in near perfect English in the Netherlands – so there’s no need to worry about a language barrier during your adventures in Amsterdam.

Have I convinced yet that there’s more to the city than you thought?

… that what we all see on Instagram is merely the majority of us scratching the surface?

The Best Things to Do in Amsterdam For First Time And Returning Travelers

Having been to Amsterdam so many times, I want to share all the things I’ve seen and done and let you know what I think is worthwhile.

Here’s a full list of everything I have done in Amsterdam as a solo female traveler:

**1. Almost Got Hit by Bikes… Several Times**

When I’m in Amsterdam, I will repeat to myself several times,

“What are we going to do? Not get hit by bikes, and not get hit by cars… and not get hit by bikes.”

Do I Need To Be Careful Walking in Amsterdam?

Yes, you should be careful walking in Amsterdam – and not because of pickpockets, but because of the bikers!

It’s so easy to mistake the bike lanes in Amsterdam for the sidewalks… and they will not stop for you, if you’re in their lane.

They’ll honk at you. They’ll tell you to move.

Are the Dutch Friendly?

Don’t fret – the Dutch are some of the friendliest people I’ve ever met.

One time, I fell flat on the ground – and five different people came up to me and immediately spoke English to ask if I was okay.

They’re friendly and then some… but when it comes to them and their bikes… don’t mess with the Dutch.

2. Visited a Windmill

What most people don’t realize, is that the famous windmills that they dream of seeing in Amsterdam aren’t even in Amsterdam.

How Far Away is the Famous Windmill From Amsterdam?

Riekermolen is at least 25 minutes away from the city center.

If it’s really that important to you, by all means – make the trip out there.

However, if you’re going to dedicate your day to it, you might as well see…

3. Cheese Making Demonstration

When I went to the Netherlands for the first time, my tour group took us to a family-owned farm outside of Amsterdam to see how they make their infamous cheese wheels.

If you’re looking to bring a cheese wheel with you back home, don’t worry - you’ll see one every few blocks, in Amsterdam.

If you’re a cheese fan, you’re in luck – because you’ll see stores nearly everywhere in the city.

4. The “ I Amsterdam” Sign

In 2018, the famous “I Amsterdam” sign moved to Schiphol Airport – making many locals of the city very happy, as they felt the sign was out of place near the Rijksmuseum.

Me at the “I Amsterdam” sign in May 2017.

In all honestly, I liked the area near Rijksmuseum better without the “I Amsterdam” sign… because it used to be flooded with tourists.

This past time around, I could finally get a person-less shot of the Rijksmuseum.

5. Rijksmuseum

While it’s cliché for me to say this, this has always been my favorite building in Amsterdam.

It’s just as exquisite looking in person as it is in pictures.

View of the Rijksmuseum from Weteringplantsoen; June 2019

Now, I’ve never been inside – because we all know how I feel about museums (they bore me to tears).

Whether you want to go inside is a personal choice. My fifty-something-year-old uncle loves it and can’t believe that I’ve never bought a ticket in.

On the other hand, I have a friend who was born and raised in the city, and despised it.

How Much Does it Cost to Go Inside the Rijkmuseum?

The Rijkmuseum costs €25 for adults, and it’s free for people 18 and under!

How Long is the Line for the Rijkmuseum?

The good news is, if you have no idea whether you want to go inside or not – I’ve never seen a long line for the Rijkmuseum.

If you go around eleven in the morning; you can check it out for yourself with practically no waiting line.

However, if you go past three o’clock… the actual museum should still be relatively clear, but the surrounding areas… have fun, in the midst of the tourist mobs.

6. Canal River Cruise

One of the first and only things I did my very first time in the Netherlands was a canal river cruise, and it is truly the top, can’t miss thing you need to do while in Amsterdam.

Is It Worth Going on a Canal River Cruise in Amsterdam?

Yes, it’s absolutely worth it – and absolutely something you should do on a first-time trip to Amsterdam.

After all, it’s a city built on water; thus, traveling via the canals is the easiest way to see it.

7. The Red-Light District

Yes, the Red Light District is exactly what you think it’s going to be – and it’s very much garnered towards tourists.

You can walk through it, take a peek at whatever you wish – but I wouldn’t spend all of your time here… or maybe you want to, and that’s fine.

To each their own.

8. Amsterdam Central Station

Amsterdam Centraal Station; January 2018

All the way up Noord; it’s a very underrated, gorgeous piece of architecture to photograph and be in awe of.

Outside Amsterdam Centraal; January 2018

9. Dam Square

It’s prettiest during Christmas time…

… and at night – when it’s not filled with tourists.

One of the many reasons why I prefer Amsterdam in the winter.

10. Royal Palace of Amsterdam

I think there are prettier palaces around Europe, but you should still walk by the Royal Palace of Amsterdam while you’re in the city.

Outside the Royal Palace of Amsterdam; January 2018

11. Anne Frank Museum

Again, I’ve never been inside… but I can offer you my almost-local Amsterdam advice.

Outside the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam; January 2018

How Long Is the Line For the Anne Frank Museum in Amsterdam?

I can and will warn you that the line for the Anne Frank Museum is long all the time, no matter the time of day or year – meaning it’s packed regardless if its high season in the summer or off season in the winter.

When my friends ran to go inside before our canal cruise tour in May, it was long.

When I walked by in January at eleven in the morning, it was long.

When I walked by this past June at one in afternoon… it was really long.

Is It Worth Seeing the Anne Frank Museum?

Yes, it is worth seeing the Anne Frank Museum – even if it can be challenging to secure tickets or wait in the long lines.

Nevertheless, my friends who went in May said it was incredible and worth the stress to go see it.

Do I Need To Buy Tickets Before Going to the Anne Frank Museum?

Still, if this is something you must do while you’re in Amsterdam, I would strongly suggest into booking your tickets to the Anne Frank Museum online and ahead of time – as I’ve had several friends fail to secure tickets to the Anne Frank Museum.

12. Explored Marqt

If you’re a food nerd like me and like to walk into their local grocery stores to see how people live and what they buy abroad – this is a fun one to check out.

Replenishing my travel snack bag in a Marqt in Amsterdam; January 2018

Think of Marqt as the Dutch version of Whole Foods.

13. Walked down Kalverstrrat

Where you’ll find all the upscale shopping.

Not really necessary if you’d rather be spending your money in the coffee shops, but it’s fun to say that you’ve been down the most expensive shopping street in the Netherlands.

14. Remembrant Square

Not sure why this was on my list one time, but I walked by it…

Rembrant Square in Amsterdam; January 2018

… and I’ll probably will never walk by it again.

15. Vondelpark

Much like Regent’s Park in London, this is Amsterdam’s big park.

You can walk through it in the winter, like I did…

Walking through Vondelpark; January 2018

… but it’s much prettier (and livelier) when you do so in the summertime.

Walking Vondelpark in the summer; June 2019

16. Spiegelgracht

Winter-infused-magical-luminiscent-dreams come to life.

An absolute must see if you come to Amsterdam during the winter.

17. A’DAM Lookout Tower

Although this is a more “sterile” view of the greater Amsterdam area as opposed to a more personal view of the colorful canals in the city center, A’DAM Lookout is worthwhile for anyone who loves panoramic views when traveling.

How Much Does A Ticket for the A’DAM Lookout Tower Cost?

It costs €18,50 for an adult ticket to the A’DAM Lookout Tower – but you can get a €2 discount if you book your ticket ahead of time online!

Is it Worth Visiting A’DAM Lookout Tower?

Honestly, the A’DAM Tower is not the greatest view I’ve seen of Amsterdam – but it’s an eye opener to see just how big the Amsterdam metro area really is.

View of Amsterdam from the A’DAM Lookout Tower; January 2018

View of Amsterdam from inside the A’DAM Lookout Tower; January 2018

18. Europe’s Highest Swing

An energizing experience if you’re an adventure seeker like me!

Riding Europe’s Highest Swing in Amsterdam Noord; January 2018

You’ll swing with Amsterdam roughly 100 meters (a little over 300 feet) below you.

Best part it was a mere €5 when I first went, and as of 2025 – it’s still only €7,50 to ride on Europe’s highest swing… what are you waiting for?

19. Noord

The area surrounding the A’DAM Tower is supposedly really vibrant and really underrated… but I can’t speak for it.

I don’t really drink; so, bar hopping up there (or really, anywhere in Amsterdam) has never been of interest to me.

I’ve spent most of my time in the city center.

20. Had Fancy Drinks at the top of the W Hotel

While I don’t drink, I was feeling out of character one night… and came up to his hotel with a friend native to the city.

At the W hotel in Amsterdam; January 2018

Not many people will want to spend €15 on drinks when they don’t have to, but it was an amusing experience to try their over-the-top cocktails.

Trying the cocktails at the W Hotel; January 2018

Again, not the greatest view of the city, but better than the A’DAM tower… because you’re in the middle of all the action.

21. Leidseplein

Right next to the Rijksmuseum; this place lights up at night in the winter time like you couldn’t believe.

Leidseplein lights up in the winter time; January 2018

There are also dozens of restaurants to choose from around here.

22. Jordaan

The area I’ve explored and wandered on foot without a care in the world the most while in Amsterdam.

Jordaan is a cute, picturesque neighborhood…

… but honestly, nearly all the neighborhoods in Amsterdam are.

23. De Negen Straatjes

Which translates to, “The Nine Streets”.

Basically, all of the vintage shopping your heart could ever desire.

24. Prinsengracht

Probably (definitely) my favorite canal to take pictures of in Amsterdam of all time.

Prinsengracht in Amsterdam; January 2018

This is as picturesque as it gets; Prinsengracht; June 2019

25. Herengracht

Another popular one; while I prefer Prinsengracht for photography – this serves as a close second.

26. Singel

The canal that surrounds the flower market; not the best for pictures as it’s busier with tourists.

view of singel canal in amsterdam — View of Singel canal in Amsterdam; June 2019

Further up the street is much more appealing.

Taken near De Brabantse Aap near Singel street; January 2018

27. Lauriergracht Street

I discovered this street on my last trip to Amsterdam.

The houses of Amsterdam get me every time. — The houses of Amsterdam get me *every* time.

Essentially, the definition of a photogenic street.

28. Leidsegracht

If you’re looking for a quieter canal to stroll down, you know, one that isn’t flooded with girls posing for Instagram – this is the one.

29. Magna Plaza

This is Amsterdam’s big, busy shopping plaza – not much more to it.

30. Eat at the Avocado Show

Something I would’ve never thought to do or check out if it weren’t for a friend.

Beet Hummus Avocado Toast from The Avocado Show in Amsterdam; January 2018 — Beet Hummus Avocado Toast from *The Avocado Show* in Amsterdam; January 2018

If you like avocados… specifically avocado toast… it’s a must.

31. The Flower Market

The Bloemenmarkt is the epitome of a tourist trap.

Walking the Flower Market in Amsterdam; June 2019

Is It Worth Visiting the The Bloemenmarkt in Amsterdam?

Personally, as someone who has gotten a local feel for Amsterdam and been there several times – I don’t think The Bloemenmarkt is worth your precious time, especially on a first trip to Amsterdam.

It’s the same set up shop after shop – selling magnets, cheese wheels, seeds…

… you should walk it once, but once is more than enough.

The Bloemenmarkt wasn’t as endearing as I had hoped it would be, and it’s really more for families sightseeing the city.

32. Westertoren Tower

The Westertoren Tower is hands down, the best view of Amsterdam I’ve ever seen.

Street view of the Westertoren Tower; June 2019

You do have to snake up several sets of very narrow stairs, but it’s very worth it.

It’s the only “up-at-the-top” view where you’ll see the canals from a bird’s eye view.

The view from the Westertoren Tower in Amsterdam; June 2019

I hope this gave you some ideas on what to do in Amsterdam. If you’re looking for other things to do in Europe, click here.

Want to see more of my adventures of Amsterdam in action? Check out my vlog below!

Last updated: June 18, 2025

Your Ultimate Guide to Amsterdam