Quick Look – Amsterdam’s Top 5 Unmissable Attractions in 2026
Best New Attraction of 2026
Amsterdam in Motion debuts as a multimedia, immersive mapping show celebrating Amsterdam’s 750th year with the world’s largest 200m² city maquette. It is recommended to book early, as preview demand was high. (Book tickets)
Must-See Classic Landmark
The Anne Frank House remains Amsterdam’s most poignant landmark, averaging over 1.3 million annual visitors and maintaining a 4.5/5 rating across over 60,000 reviews.
Best Local Food Experience
For the best taste of Amsterdam, visit Foodhallen: a leading indoor market with 20+ stalls highlighting Dutch and world cuisine, drawing more than 3 million visitors annually. Guided food tours are consistently rated 4.5+ on major platforms.
Book a food tour
Most Unique Museum Visit
The WONDR Experience is a 2026 favorite for immersive art and Instagram moments, reaching top-10 rankings and consistently scoring 4.5/5 on reviews.
Top Canal or Water Activity
Classic canal cruises remain essential, attracting 1.5 million+ annual riders. Pedal canal bikes offer a sustainable, family-friendly alternative rated 4.5+.
Ultimate Amsterdam Bucket List for 2026
Iconic Sights – Museums, Parks & Historic Canals
- Rijksmuseum: 2M+ annual visitors, 1.5M objects, 4.6/5 rating
- Van Gogh Museum: 2M visitors, world’s largest collection, 4.5+/5
- UNESCO-listed 17th-century canals: 100 km to cruise, walk, or bike
- Vondelpark: 120 acres, 10M+ visitors yearly, picnic and live events
- Royal Palace Amsterdam: Opulent interiors at Dam Square
Modern Amsterdam – Immersive Art, Tech, & Urban Spaces
- Fabrique des Lumières: Digital projection art in a historic church, 4.5/5
- The Upside Down Amsterdam: Optical illusion museum, top GetYourGuide rankings
- This is Holland: 5D flight simulator for a countrywide virtual tour
Quirky & Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
- Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder: Hidden attic church, donation entry
- The Catboat: World’s only floating animal shelter, eco-focused
- Museum Vrolik: Fascinating anatomical collection
Family-Friendly Adventures
- NEMO Science Museum: 600K+ annual visitors, interactive exhibits, rooftop views
- Artis Zoo: Netherlands’ oldest zoo, 900+ species, new planetarium for 2026
- Madame Tussauds: Quick, central wax fun for all ages
Sustainable & Eco-Conscious Activities
- Cycling the Green Canals – Amsterdam boasts 500+ km of bike lanes and 880,000 bikes to just 220,000 cars
- Boat bikes, electric rentals, and the OV-fiets network reduce carbon impact
- NEMO rooftop and floating animal rescue (Catboat) showcase green city initiatives
Neighborhood Highlights: Discover Local Amsterdam
Jordaan – Creative Boutiques & Markets
Cobbled streets, indie shops, brown cafés, trendy restaurants, and houseboats characterize Jordaan, rated the city’s most romantic and walkable district. Boutique shopping and Saturday markets attract both locals and visitors with canal-side charm.
De Pijp – Food & Culture Hotspot
De Pijp buzzes with brunch spots, creative cafés, and the sprawling Albert Cuypmarkt. Sarphatipark offers relaxation, while the Heineken Experience delivers local brewing history. Known for multicultural energy and affordable eats, it’s favored by foodies and young travelers.
Noord – Hipster Hangouts & Urban Nature
Reachable via free ferry, Noord’s industrial NDSM Wharf is a creative hub with art, festivals, and modern developments. Trendy eateries and waterfront views make it a rising star for adventurous visitors, with ongoing creative events.
Eastern Docklands & Hidden Gems
Eastern Docklands features striking modern architecture, waterside dining, and emerging nightlife. It’s a quieter base with authentic local vibes, excellent tram access, and proximity to Oost’s bustling food scene.
What’s New in 2026: Amsterdam’s Latest Events & Openings
Major Festivals and Cultural Events in 2026
- Tulip Festival at Keukenhof: March 19 to May 10; millions of blooms, book early
- Chinese New Year: Feb 17 in Chinatown; public festivals and parades
- Holland Festival: June 3–28; music, theater, dance citywide
- Amsterdam Light Festival: Nov 26, 2026 to Jan 17, 2027; light art on canals
Newly Opened Attractions or Venues
- Amsterdam in Motion: Interactive city projection for the 750th anniversary
- Art Zoo Museum: Modern taxidermy in a canal house setting, opening Q1 2026
Upcoming Interactive Exhibitions & Pop-Ups
- Stadsarchief Photo Exhibition: De Wallen, through Feb 2026
- FOAM Photography Museum: Fashion and design retrospectives, spring 2026
Food & Drink: Amsterdam’s Essential Eats in 2026
Best Local Markets & Street Food
- Albert Cuypmarkt: Largest open-air market, six days a week
- Foodhallen: Indoor street food market, draws 3M+ annually
- Jordaan street markets: Cheese, fish, snacks, and flowers
Traditional Dutch Dishes to Try
- Fresh stroopwafels at markets
- Herring from local stalls
- Pannenkoeken (Dutch pancakes) with countless toppings
- Bitterballen (deep-fried croquettes), poffertjes (mini pancakes), and cheese tastings
- Jenever tastings (Dutch gin)
Top Vegan, Sustainable & Trendy Cafes
- Mediamatic ETEN: Plant-based, greenhouse dining by the water
- Skatecafé: Pizza and skating culture in Noord
- High wine/High tea spots: Paskamer and others rated 4.5/5
Unique Ways to Explore: Tours, Apps & Self-Guided Ideas
The Best Guided Tours (Bike, Boat, On Foot)
- Mike’s Bike Tours: Leading bike tours, city and countryside; 4.8/5 average rating, popular for Zaanse Schans windmill route (Reviews)
- Small Group Bike Tours: 2-hour city highlights, parks, and local stories – top TripAdvisor choice with “10/10” feedback
- Countryside Bike Tours: Family-friendly, easy-paced, top for seeing traditional villages
DIY City Experiences with Apps & Maps
- Amsterbike Rentals + Digital Maps: Rent e-bikes, follow curated self-guided routes beyond the center; high user ratings (4.8/5)
- Mike’s Tours Self-Guided: App-supported countryside explorations, adaptable for solo/couples
Cycling Routes Beyond the City Centre
- Direct cycle paths to Zaanse Schans, Waterland villages, and green parks
- Ample infrastructure: over 500 km of bike lanes, easy e-bike rentals for all levels
Seasonal and Year-Round Activities
Spring Highlights – Tulip Routes & Bloemenmarkt
- Tulip Festival (April): 100+ locations citywide, peak view in Nieuw-West/Vondelpark
- Keukenhof: 7M bulbs, March 19–May 10
Summer Festivals & Outdoor Events
- Amsterdam Open Air: June 6–7
- Grachtenfestival (Canal Festival): August 7–16
- Outdoor Cinema: Pluk de Nacht and more
Autumn Culture & Art
- Fringe Festival: Avant-garde theater each September
- Amsterdam Dance Event: Global electronic music, October 21–25
- Museum Night (Nov 7): 70+ museums with late openings
Winter Markets, Ice Skating & Cozy Spots
- Amsterdam Light Festival: Nov 26–Jan 17
- Ice*Amsterdam: Skating at Museumplein
- Christmas Markets and Winter Paradise: Throughout December
Amsterdam Travel Tips for 2026: Getting Around & Local Etiquette
Public Transportation & Biking Guide
- GVB Day Tickets: Unlimited trams, buses, metros, ferries – day or multi-day options, buy via app or station machines
- I amsterdam City Card: Combines transport with attraction discounts
- Biking: Over 500 km of paths, >880,000 bikes in use, top for green travel
- OV-fiets: Easy station pick-up for integrated bike/public transport trips
Local Customs & Practical Advice
- Always keep right on bike paths; ring your bell when passing
- Watch out for bike theft – always lock securely
- Public transport is safe and efficient; most staff speak English
- Cashless payments preferred (Ticket info)
Sustainable Travel Tips
- Prioritize bikes/public transport over cars for low emissions
- Use refillable bottles and city water fountains
- Choose eco-tours and plant-based dining for a green stay
FAQ: What to Do in Amsterdam – Your Questions Answered
- Which museums are essential? Start with the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Anne Frank House. Book advance timed tickets—these top 2M visitors per year each.
- Best order for sightseeing? Begin with Museumplein early in the day, explore canals midday (walk or cruise), visit Jordaan/De Pijp for lunch and local life, and plan late tickets for sunset attractions or festivals.
- How to avoid long lines? Book online, visit popular sites at opening, and consider I amsterdam Card for combined entry and transport.
- When is tulip season? Peak is in April, with Keukenhof open March 19–May 10. Citywide Tulip Festivals run all month. Book early for tours and gardens.
- Is cycling safe for tourists? Yes—dedicated lanes, clear signage, and bike-first etiquette make it Europe’s safest biking city (4.8/5 on tour reviews).
- How do I use public transport? Get a GVB Day or multi-day ticket. The network covers trams, buses, metro, and ferries, and runs late into the evening.
- Best food to try? Stroopwafels, Dutch fries, herring, cheese, pancakes, and at least one food tour. Vegan and modern options are abundant.
- Which season is best? Spring for tulips and blooms, summer for festivals and canals, autumn for art/culture, winter for lights/ice skating. All year is great—just match your plans to the season.