Things to Do in Amsterdam, Netherlands

Memories

I Amsterdam card

I Amsterdam card is worth every penny! The 72-hour card covered almost everything I wanted to do while in Amsterdam and then some! This card grants you free access to over 40 museums, discounts on popular attractions and certain restaurants, as well as provides unlimited public transportation. The 72-hour pass cost $84 and is well worth it! 

Note: As of 2020, the price of the 72-hour pass is €95 which is roughly $105.

Heineken Experience

I give the Heineken Experience an 5 stars. This interactive museum offers an adventurous and unique way to learn about the Heineken brand and its product. For beer lovers or people looking for a fun new experience, I 100% recommend this.

Note: Admissions Fee.

Stedeljik Museum 

Stedeljik Museum is a heaven on earth for lovers of contemporary art. It offers a wide range of sculptures, paintings, and film that would appeal to most. 

Note: Free entry with the I Amsterdam card.

Red Light District: Sex Palace and Casa Rosso 

The Red Light District is one of the biggest/well known attractions in Amsterdam; and it is as interesting as you would imagine it to be! Although it is filled with people at all hours of the day, you get the true essence of The Red Light District at night.

Note: you’re not allowed to photograph or film the women in the windows. I learned that the hard way lol.

Sex Palace

Located in The Red Light District, the name speaks for itself! Going to the Sex Palace was one of the coolest experiences in Amsterdam. I felt like LL in the “Doin It” music video. I won't disclose what I saw because I want to encourage you to go and see for yourself! The two-minute peep show is €2, and you have no idea what you're going to get until the curtains go up. I recommend this for those who are open-minded, adventurous, daring and not easily grossed out. 

Casa Rosso 

Casa Rosso was disappointing. The entertainers should have been more engaging in their performance and entertaining the crowd. They gave off the vibe that they were forced to be there rather than it being something they enjoy doing. Some acts even had full-on conversations in the middle of their performance. It wasn't all bad. There were two acts that I enjoyed, however I wouldn’t recommend going here.

Note: Admissions Fee.

Van Gogh Museum

The art museum is dedicated to Van Gogh and artist in his likeness. Here you can find the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh’s artwork! The Van Gogh Museum is great for classical art lovers. The museum displays the history of Van Gogh alongside his work. I was disappointed that the two paintings that I really wanted to see, "Starry Night" and "Sunflower", weren’t there when I visited. "Starry Night" (ironically enough) was in New York (where I live lol) and the "Sunflower" was having maintenance done.

Note: Free entry with the I Amsterdam card.

Amsterdam Tulip Museum

Tulips are yet another staple of Amsterdam. The Amsterdam Tulip Museum teaches you the history of tulips and how they made their way to Amsterdam. It is a relatively small museum, but it is informative and something quick and interesting to do if you are in the area. The gift shop offers a variety of tulip seeds for purchase.

Note: Free entry with the I Amsterdam card.

Science Center Nemo

Science Center Nemo is a science museum filled with children ranging from the ages of about 4 to 12. However, it isn’t limited to that age range. Science Center Nemo has five floors with each one offering something different from playing with energy to learning more about yourself. The museum is an interactive and engaging way to learn about science. 

Note: Free entry with the I Amsterdam card.

Canal Cruise

Touring the canals is the perfect way to see the city! This tour fully allows you to delve in and admire the beauty and architecture of Amsterdam. As you’re cruising the canals, your guide is explaining the city’s rich history. You’ll pass by where Anne Frank hid and even learn how the city got its name.

Note: Free entry with the I Amsterdam card.

Rijksmuseum

I didn’t go inside the popular museum, but the entrance of the museum is where you can find the famous “I Amsterdam” sign. I recommend going at the crack of dawn to minimize the amount of people in your photo. If you look closely, you can see me sitting on the “t” 😂.