Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands and the most popular Dutch city for tourists from all over the world. The city offers plenty of sights and activities, from world-famous museums and historic monuments to its iconic canals.
In this article, we introduce you to the top 10 sights in Amsterdam, perfect for first-time visitors who want to spend one day or a weekend in the city.
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Amsterdam Sightseeing
Our selection of the top ten things to see in Amsterdam is based on popularity (visitor numbers) as well as our personal favorites, shaped by countless visits to the Dutch capital. If you get up early and plan your day well, you should be able to visit most of them during a weekend trip.
How much time to spend at each sight largely depends on your personal interests. When it comes to museums, you can easily spend an entire day in one, or just a couple of hours. It really comes down to how much time you have in Amsterdam, whether you’re an early bird, and how much you’d like to see. We recommend choosing the sights that interest you most and incorporating them into your itinerary.
1. Anne-Frank-House
The Anne Frank House is one of the most visited attractions in Amsterdam and rightly sits at the top of the list of things to see in Amsterdam. The museum is located at Prinsengracht 263, where the young Jewish girl Anne Frank hid from the Nazis and wrote her world-famous diary until her arrest. Visitors can still see her former hiding place, the Secret Annex, preserved largely in its original state.
Although the Anne Frank House is a relatively small museum, its cultural and historical significance is immense. Regardless of religion or background, Anne Frank’s story is an essential part of Amsterdam’s and the Netherlands’ history. People from all over the world visit the museum to learn about her life and the impact of World War II.
To avoid long queues, tickets are no longer sold on site and must be booked online in advance. Plan about 1 to 1.5 hours for your visit. To gain a deeper understanding of Anne Frank’s life and wartime Amsterdam, you can also join an Anne Frank walking or bike tour, which explores the Jewish Quarter with a guide in several languages (currently offered in Dutch, English, Spanish, French, German and Italian).
💡 Check out our full article on Anne Frank House.
2. Amsterdam Canals (Grachten)
What would Amsterdam be without its canals? Built during the 17th century, the canal belt has been a UNESCO World Heritage since 2010. Designed in a circular layout around the historic city center, the canals served multiple purposes, including water management, transportation and defense. Today, they are one of Amsterdam’s most iconic features and give the city its unmistakable character.
One of the most beautiful canals is the Prinsengracht, located near Central Station and home to several famous sights such as the Anne Frank House. Along the canal, you’ll see elegant canal houses, houseboats and bridges that reflect the wealth of the Dutch Golden Age. In the evening, the canals create a particularly charming atmosphere when the buildings and boats are softly illuminated.
While you’ll naturally encounter many canals while walking through the city, the best way to experience them is from the water. Canal cruises offer a unique perspective on the historic houses and bridges lining the waterways.
Daytime cruises are very popular, but an evening canal cruise is equally special and shows a quieter, more romantic side of Amsterdam.
💡 There’s a lot more to say about canal cruises, feel free to check out our full article on all you need to know about canal cruises in Amsterdam.
3. Dam Square
Dam Square is the most famous square in Amsterdam and lies in the heart of the historic city center. Surrounded by some of the country’s most impressive buildings, the square is also a stage for cultural life and street performances. Artists from all over the world perform here daily, adding to the lively atmosphere that attracts both locals and visitors.
From Dam Square, you can see several of Amsterdam’s most important landmarks. The Royal Palace, built in the 17th century, dominates the square. Nearby stands the Gothic church Nieuwe Kerk, where royal weddings and coronations take place. Opposite the palace is the National Monument, built in 1956 to commemorate the victims of World War II.
Our tip: visit Dam Square early in the morning if you want photos without crowds. During the day, the square fills quickly with tourists and performers. If you’re looking for another lively square, Leidseplein is a great place to experience Amsterdam’s nightlife.
4. Rijksmuseum
Amsterdam is home to many world-famous museums, and the Rijksmuseum is at the very top of that list. In fact, it’s the most visited museum in the Netherlands! The museum houses more than 8,000 artworks and historical objects. Highlights include Rembrandt’s The Night Watch, masterpieces by Vermeer and a wide range of artifacts that tell the story of Dutch history.
Note that the Rijksmuseum is huge in size. A full day isn’t enough to see over 8,000 objects… If you visit Amsterdam for a day (or a weekend) and want to see most of the top ten sights, plan only 1-2 hours for the Rijksmuseum. This is just enough to see the highlights (The Night Watch and Gallery of Honour), if time is limited.
Make sure to also visit Museumplein, the large square in front of the Rijksmuseum. It’s surrounded by several major museums, including the Van Gogh Museum and the Moco Museum. Even if you don’t plan to go inside, the square itself is worth seeing, and in winter it transforms into an ice-skating rink.
Tickets for the Rijksmuseum cost €25.00 (as of 2026). If you plan to visit multiple museums, the I amsterdam City Card is worth considering. For €65.00, it includes free entry to more than 20 museums, a canal cruise and unlimited use of public transport within Amsterdam.
💡 Check out our full article on Rijksmuseum.
5. Van Gogh Museum
Though Van Gogh is mostly associated with Nuenen, the famous Van Gogh Museum is located in the heart of Amsterdam. Van Gogh Museum is another hugely popular museum and one of the most visited sights in Amsterdam. It houses around 200 paintings and more than 400 drawings by Vincent van Gogh, making it the largest collection of his work in the world. In addition to its artwork, you’ll also find many of Van Gogh’s personal letters, offering insight into his life and artistic development.
Tickets cost €25.00 (as of 2026). Note that the Van Gogh museum is not included in the I amsterdam City Card. However, there are bundles available combining the I Amsterdam City Card with a Van Gogh Museum entry ticket, so you might still be able to save on the regular entrance fee.
💡 Check out our full article on Van Gogh Museum.
Our tip: Not everyone is a fan of art museums, and that’s perfectly fine. Amsterdam also has many smaller museums, such as the Cheese Museum or the Tulip Museum, which highlight iconic Dutch traditions.
6. Vondelpark
Amsterdam is home to canals, monuments and many beautiful parks. The most famous park is the Vondelpark, located between Leidseplein and Museumplein (where the Rijksmuseum is also located). It’s a large, beautiful park located right off the vibrant center of Amsterdam. Even though it’s mostly popular with locals, it’s worth taking a stroll through the beautiful park, especially during spring and summer. With numerous walking paths, bridges, lakes and well-kept gardens, the Vondelpark is truly one of the most beautiful parks in Amsterdam. During the summer months, (free) open air theaters are held there on weekends.
For those who prefer a quieter environment, the Amsterdamse Bos (on the southern outskirts of the city) offers the opportunity to walk and relax in the greenery. The Amsterdamse Bos is also ideal for those who are looking for a place to go inline skating or cycling. Here you will find miles of routes for cycling, jogging and walking. Amsterdamse Bos isn’t really a place to visit if you only visit for a day or two, but it makes a wonderful place if you stay longer or just want to see something different.
7. Markets
After taking in the city’s culture and history, continue your Amsterdam sightseeing with the city’s legendary markets. The markets have a long tradition and attract not only locals, but also visitors from all over the world. Whether it’s an organic food market, vintage flea market or flower market, Amsterdam has several wonderful markets to discover!
The Albert Cuyp Market, which has been held since 1905, is one of the largest markets in Europe and one of the most popular of its kind in Amsterdam. It’s located in the district Amsterdam Oud-Zuid, where you’ll find everything your heart desires. Fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, Dutch delicacies, souvenirs, sweets, flowers, fabrics, clothes and much more! Note that Albert Cuyp Market is closed on Sundays.
Looking for a special kind of market? Then don’t miss the only floating flower market in the world! It takes place at Singel in Amsterdam and offers beautiful flowers and bulbs all year round, so you can take a piece of Amsterdam with you and plant it in your garden. The perfect souvenir!
8. Heineken Experience
The Heineken Experience offers a different kind of sightseeing experience. Heineken is the best-selling beer in the Netherlands and enjoys worldwide popularity. The historic brewery, founded in 1867, operated on this site for over a century.
Since 2008, the building has been transformed into an interactive museum. Visitors learn about the history of the brand and the brewing process through multimedia displays. For us, Heineken Experience is more of a fun and interactive brand experience than a traditional museum.
The visit ends with two beer tastings, making it especially popular with beer lovers. Tickets cost €24.95 (as of 2026) and are not included in the I amsterdam City Card. It’s important to note that the museum is only accessible to adults (18+).
9. Jordaan-District
Long a hidden gem, the Jordaan district is increasingly featured on more and more top sights in Amsterdam lists. The district was once a working-class neighborhood, but has transformed into one of Amsterdam’s most beloved districts. Despite its popularity, it has managed to retain a relaxed and authentic atmosphere.
A few streets away from the popular Anne-Frank-House, the Jordaan district is known for its picturesque houseboats and narrow streets. It’s also home to small cafés and shops where you can enjoy a bit of quiet and relaxation. The best way to explore Jordaan district is by wandering around the small streets without a set route. It allows you to deepen the atmosphere beyond the pretty streets.
Our tip: If you’re looking for a more quiet place, walk along the Keizergracht or Prinsengracht towards Magere Brug. You’ll see some beautiful canals and houseboats here and usually less tourists than in the Jordaan district.
10. Red Light District
Amsterdam isn’t all about museums and monuments. The red light district is an integral part of the city’s culture! Red illuminated shop windows in the small alleys of Amsterdam – welcome to De Wallen, Amsterdam’s red light district. The red light district doesn’t only attract potential customers, it’s also a real tourist magnet in the evening hours. In fact, most people strolling around the alleys are tourists.
A stroll around Amsterdam’s red light district in the evening hours is one of the most popular things to do in Amsterdam. One important thing to notice is that visitors are not allowed to take photos of windows.
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