Things to do in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a bustling, diverse city with an amazing atmosphere that makes it a top holiday destination for many people. A maze of canals, narrow streets, bars, and museums, Amsterdam offers its visitors an experience that really makes it stand out.

There are plenty of amazing things to do in Amsterdam no matter if you are travelling solo, as a couple, with family, or as a group of friends, and we guarantee that you won’t get bored during your time here due to the range of activities on offer.

It takes around an hour to drive from Rotterdam port to Amsterdam, and if you are travelling as a foot passenger on one of our Mini Cruises you will be able to hop onto our handy transfer coach which will take to straight into the city for a day of fun! Travel by car or by motorbike from Rotterdam port and begin your journey to Amsterdam today with P&O Ferries.

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Or call us on 01304 44 88 88 to book your short break today (08:00 -20:00 Monday – Friday, 09:00 - 17: 00 weekends).

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History and culture
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Cycling in Amsterdam
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Eating and drinking

Things to do in Amsterdam

History and Culture in Amsterdam

Art lovers will be spoilt for choice when they visit Amsterdam as it is home to some of the best art museums in the world. With collections of both modern and historical masterpieces to discover, Amsterdam offers something for everyone.

You will find many of Amsterdam’s most popular galleries in the Museum Quarter, including visitor favourites the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. Both contain incredible pieces of artwork from across the globe, with the latter holding the world’s largest Vincent Van Gogh collection.

Another of the most popular attractions in Amsterdam is the Anne Frank House. A visit to the house uncovers the tragic story of a young Jewish girl and her secret diary, a book that has touched millions since World War II. Learn all about the hidden annexe where Anne and her family hid during the conflict, and see the rooms where she documented her story.

Cycling in Amsterdam

Cycling is so popular in Amsterdam that it is actually home to more bikes than people, so you simply have to join the locals and explore the city on two wheels during your visit. Don’t worry if you haven’t ridden a bike for a while, the ground in Amsterdam is so flat that you will be whizzing along in no time.

You’ll find that it is very easy to hire a bike in Amsterdam if you haven’t taken your own, and there are plenty of cycle tours [link] to choose from if you would like to see the top sights and learn about the city’s fascinating history while you ride. Alternatively, head into the countryside with a trip to popular Zaanse Schans where you will find traditional windmills and green wooden houses.

Amsterdam’s famous Vondelpark is another great place to take your bike as you can conveniently explore its 120 acres before settling down with a picnic.

Enjoy a canal cruise

Amsterdam is a maze of canals, and with a total of 165 across the city it is unsurprising that one of the top things to do in Amsterdam is to enjoy a canal cruise and see everything from a different point of view.

There are plenty of different canal cruises to choose from, and you can combine travelling across the water with a meal, wine tasting session, or an informative tour. If you visit Amsterdam in the winter, we suggest opting for the Light Festival tour which will take you on a magical journey past the city’s impressive light displays.

Eating and drinking in Amsterdam

A trip to Amsterdam offers the perfect opportunity to try some indulgent treats as many of the city’s delicacies, including cheese, waffles, and frites, are definitely a little on the unhealthy side. One of the best ways to discover Amsterdam’s culinary delights is by taking a walking food tour where you can sample everything from mini pancakes to raw herring!

To shop for your own specialties, visit Albert Cuyp street market which has been the city's favourite market for the last 100 years. Wander among flower vendors, browse handmade clothes, and pick up some caramel filled stroopwafels. For charming cafés, incredible restaurants and pancake houses, head to the pretty Jordaan district where you will find plenty of options.

One of Amsterdam’s top exports is Heineken beer, and you can see where it was first brewed by visiting the Heineken Experience. You’ll learn about the brewing process, heritage, and brands sponsor activities during a 90 minute self-guided tour, and you’ll even have the chance to pour your own pint!

There are plenty of things to do in Amsterdam, what makes a trip even more exciting is that everyone in the family can come, even your furry friends. For more information on the pet-friendly activities and places to stay in Amsterdam visit our Dogs Ahoy page now. Learn more about our dog friendly cabins so you and your dog can both have a relaxing sail on our Hull to Rotterdam ferry.

Book your Hull to Rotterdam crossing today and discover this unique city for yourself.

Cycling is so popular in Amsterdam that it is actually home to more bikes than people, so you simply have to join the locals and explore the city on two wheels during your visit.

Top attractions to see in Amsterdam

Life of Anne Frank and WWII Walking Tour

Chamonix . France

Learn about Anne Frank's life on a walking tour of Amsterdam. Hear from an expert guide about the writer's life growing up, as well as the history of the Jewish Quarter and Second World War.

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1.5 hour evening canal cruise

Amsterdam . Netherlands

See Amsterdam at its most picturesque on a 1.5-hour canal cruise by night. Discover the historic city center as you sail past the Skinny Bridge, Golden Bend, and more.

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