10x what to do in Amsterdam

We've listed our favourite hotspots in the capital city for you below. From chic shopping in the Kalverstraat till vintage shopping at the NDSM-warf and from classical opera performances in Theater Carré till interactive entertaiment for kids at the Nemo Science Museum: Amsterdam has it all.

When you need a break from everyday life, a visit to WONDR is a must. In this colorful and sensational playground for adults you will feast your eyes. Discover the WONDR Experience and experience all 15 interactive rooms specially decorated with interiors that make one happy. Wondering what the 80s felt like? Then skate with your party to the best disco music through Roller Dreams; the roller skate paradise of Amsterdam! Unrolled and in the mood for a drink? Good news: at Pink Beach you can lie on a beach chair in the pink sand, with a cocktail in your hand. It doesn't get any better than that!

Amsterdam has many places with stunning views, but this is truly one with swing. On the IJ you will find the 360-degree observation deck A'DAM LOOKOUT, with a roof swing! At about 100 meters above the ground, you will feel like the king of the world for a moment. Not only the historic center can be seen from this observation deck, the harbor, canals and even the polder landscape can be spotted in this panoramic view. Fun fact: this swing is the highest swing in Europe!

Whether you can do it or not, at Duke of Tokyo everyone sings at the top of their lungs! The unique karaoke rooms with beautiful neon lights and Japanese interior create an amazingly cozy atmosphere that will make your evening unforgettable. Besides you serving vocal art, this establishment serves the most delicious cocktails with a musical flavor. So are you a little shy? Drink a few and feel like the new Beyoncé in no time and sing (and dance) like nobody is watching!

Discover 500 years of maritime history in this beautiful old warehouse. The wild stories of our ancestors have not all sunken to the bottom of the sea. At the Maritime Museum you can admire centuries-old world maps and atlases, view different types of exhibits and experience a VR experience. You can even take a look inside the replica of the famous VOC ship!

Had enough of the busy city for a while? Then visit one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world in the heart of Amsterdam! Hortus Botanicus was founded in 1638, originally as a place to train doctors and pharmacists. Now this garden contains over 4,000 plant species, a pond, a herb garden and a butterfly greenhouse. Besides the standard visit, it is also fun to visit one of the exhibitions. Think for example of a tulip exhibition, or visit Hortus by Night, including atmospherically lit garden and greenhouses with campfire on the terrace!

The NDSM-Wharf is the perfect place if you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of the city. At this industrial spot in Amsterdam North, industry and creativity blend together. Here you will find restaurants, flea markets, live music and art exhibitions, among other things. Stroll through the various works of art, overlook the water and enjoy culinary hotspots such as Pllek and Noorderlicht!

Looking for a creative and fun activity with friends or colleagues? Then you must try this sometime! During this activity at Rembrandt van Wine you will paint the most beautiful works of art in the dark. This hotspot does not get its name for nothing; painting and a nice glass of wine go hand in hand! Being creative, having a nice chat with a drink and of course some good music, what more could you want? All painting attributes and drinks are included in the price! So you don't have to worry about anything and you can let your creative brain do its thing...

After a day full of city discoveries, it's time to get to know the real Amsterdam. Just like the city, each beer here also has its own story and history. Brouwerij ’t IJ is a great example. Since 1985 they turn their love for Amsterdam into delicious specialty beers and they do this at two locations: the former municipal Badhuis Funen (next to windmill De Gooyer) and on Zeeburgerpad. So quickly order your favorite beer here and enjoy it inside, or on their terrace!

A street art tour is always a good idea. After all, in a city like Amsterdam, there are countless other hidden gems besides all the tourist eye-catchers. After all, you don't know what you're going to encounter behind every street corner! Fortunately, the tour guides of the Street Art Museum Amsterdam do. With more than 300 paintings, from small artworks to monumental murals, they playfully take you into the story of various artists.

For the true beer lover, there is also plenty to do in Amsterdam. Consider the Heineken Experience; a tour including access to the first Heineken brewery and the original brewing hall, plus two nice cold Heineken beers in the Best 'Dam Bar! Here you will not only learn about the brewing process and the history of the brand itself, but also how best to drink your Heineken. Even for the non-beer lovers, this tour is very interesting and enjoyable; definitely worth it!

Ready to discover Amsterdam for yourself? We've got you covered. Check out our hostels in Amsterdam and come for a visit.

Would you like to combine your visit to Amsterdam with other Dutch cities like Utrecht and Rotterdam? Good choice! Go on a roadtrip through the Netherlands.