In October 2025, Amsterdam will celebrate its 750 th anniversary, so there’s no better time to pop over and celebrate its jubilee . The Dutch capital is a smorgasbord of Golden Age delights, from its centuries-old gabled houses and picturesque canals to its art museums brimming with 17th-century masterpieces. There are must-dos for any first-time visitor: a canal cruise, stops at the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, and drinks in a venerable brown cafe.
After you’ve ticked those essential items off your list, it’s time to dig a bit deeper. Check out the wonderfully diverse neighbourhoods just outside the city centre: hop the ferry to the reinvigorated NDSM Wharf, browse the boutiques of trendy De Pijp, or venture to the lively, multi-cultural Amsterdam Oost. By day, relax in one of Amsterdam’s many beautiful parks before gearing up to explore the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Read on to make the most of your trip with our pick of the best things to do in Amsterdam. Can you do Amsterdam in 3 days? Yes. You can explore nearly all of the Amsterdam attractions in three days, from visiting the city's ‘Big Three’ museums to enjoying a canal cruise.
If you want to expand your horizons, we recommend spending an extra day or two in the city to explore Amsterdam's off-the-beaten path activities or even indulge in a day trip to Rotterdam..
