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Experience the best of
Amsterdam with Withlocals

Whether you're a foodie, history lover, urban explorer or a traveling family. Enjoy Amsterdam to the max with the best things to do in Amsterdam with a local expert. The best thing? It's private & personalized - just for you!

Tours in Amsterdam

Private guided tours
No strangers on your tour. It’s just you and your local host.
100% Customizable
Let your local host tailor the tour completely to your wishes.
Responsible
Our tours are designed with people, places & the planet in mind

Top 10 things to do in Amsterdam

Make your stay in Amsterdam complete with these things to do

Choose your local
1The 10 Tastings of Amsterdam
3 hours • food tours
Book now
From €94.64 per person
Choose your local
2Highlights & Hidden Gems of Amsterdam
3 hours • city highlight tours
Book now
From €56.79 per person
With Carl
3Private Boat Tours Amsterdam & welcome drink Amsterdam canals
1.5 hours • city highlight tours
Book now
From €111 per person
With Rocco & Co: Your Experienced Guides
4Mini Romantic Boat Tour Amsterdam including Bubbles & Bites
0.75 hours • off the beaten track
Book now
From €72 per person
Choose your local
5Withlocals Your Way! - Amsterdam City Tour
3 hours • city highlight tours
Book now
From €60.19 per person
With Ann
6Green Gears: Amsterdam’s Urban Farming Cycle Tour
3 hours • city highlight tours
Book now
From €46.32 per person
Choose your local
7Explore the Van Gogh Museum with a Local Guide
2 hours • art & culture tours
Book now
From €50.73 per person
With Vanessa
8Charming private historical boat tour
1.5 hours • art & culture tours
Book now
From €112 per person
Choose your local
9Explore the Rijksmuseum with a Local Guide
2 hours • art & culture tours
Book now
From €50.73 per person
Choose your local
10Treasures of Amsterdam: Coffeeshops and Red Light District Tour
2 hours • city highlight tours
Book now
From €34.83 per person

Travelers love our locals

What other guests say about our tours and locals

5.0
Wonderful and informative tour.
"My wife and I toured with Marten and we were very happy with our experience. Martin is knowledgeable and passionate about Amsterdam. He was able to give us a great perspective of the history of Amsterdam and how the city evolved over time to what is present day Amsterdam. Marten is a storyteller and we appreciated listening and learning so much about this fascinating city. "
RobAbout local MartenAmsterdam, October 29, 2024

5.0
Review about Sebastian
"It was a pleasure for us to make our sightseeing Tour with Sébastien. Very informative, very good."
BrigitteAbout local SebastianAmsterdam, October 29, 2024

5.0
Fun in Amsterdam
"Anna was an excellent choice for exploring the city. She had an in-depth knowledge of the history, arts and architecture of Amsterdam. She had a spirited and engaging personality that kept us stimulated and engaged throughout our tour."
JeffreyAbout local AnnaAmsterdam, October 26, 2024

5.0
Excellent tour with Marten
"We had a wonderful Hidden Gem tour with Marten. He was extremely knowledgeable and personable, and you could tell that he truly enjoys educating people about his lovely city. We had a good feel for the city at the end of the tour, and I would highly recommend booking him. This was the best introduction to Amsterdam. "
CapriceAbout local MartenAmsterdam, October 26, 2024

5.0
Private tour at Rijksmuseum
"We had an amazing few hours touring the Rijksmuseum with Marten. He was extremely knowledgeable, engaging, and a lot of fun. Wish we had another day in Amsterdam to tour with Marten. Look forward to meeting up again when we come back."
HollyAbout local MartenAmsterdam, October 24, 2024

5.0
Highly recommeded.
"Arun was amazing. His history knowledge was an extra bonus and made my tastings extra special. One of the best guides I ever had. Thank you Arun !"
YolandaAbout local ArunabhaAmsterdam, October 20, 2024

5.0
Excellent guide!
"Two hours wasn’t enough time! Rolf was as personable as he was knowledgeable. The tour went quickly but was jam packed with so much pertinent information you wouldn’t know unless you were with someone who really knew their stuff. From history to painting technique, Rolf could answer whatever I throw his way. I did a tour at the Rijks, but through the connections he was drawing between Rembrandt and Vermeer to Van Gogh, I want to come back and do the Van Gogh museum with him. Highly recommend!"
ZacharyAbout local RolfAmsterdam, October 17, 2024

5.0
Great way to see Amsterdam.
"Carl was very friendly and knowledgable not only about the canals but also his city. Hi love and passion for what he does is evident in the information and stories he tells. His little boat is immaculate and allows for very comfortable viewing of Amsterdams landmarks. Thank you Carl for an enjoyable morning "
MaryAbout local CarlAmsterdam, October 17, 2024

5.0
Rijksmuseum Tour
"Marten was an outstanding guide who very skillfully explained the history of the political and economic landscape at the time of the creation of the artwork from the Middle Ages to the Golden Age of the Netherlands. His tour was very helpful to me in realizing just how much of the Dutch culture has been integrated into the US culture. Thank you, Marten. "
DonnaAbout local MartenAmsterdam, October 16, 2024

5.0
Passionate about the History
"Tommi really was so amazing and I really enjoyed my tour with him. I didn’t know I needed to buy my ticket but he took charge and made sure I was able to get one last minute. It was also very how much he enjoyed the history and it made listening to him more engaging. "
SamAbout local TommiAmsterdam, October 16, 2024

Explore Amsterdam with our incredible locals

Learn about their personal stories and find out how you can explore Amsterdam with locals

VanessaThe Amsterdam ExpertSee More
CarlThe Amsterdam CaptainSee More
ChristaThe Passionate PianistSee More
PhilThe Social InfluencerSee More
VitaProfessional artistSee More
TommiThe Gem Wizard of AmsterdamSee More
Annetwell known photographerSee More
MartenHistorian & StorytellerSee More
AnnaThe Culture ConnoisseurSee More
FusinaDutchFoodLoverSee More

Things to do in Amsterdam

Our locals will give you the best experiences that Amsterdam has to offer

Choose your local
The 10 Tastings of Amsterdam
4.9
133 reviews
3 hours • food tours
from €94.64 per person
Choose your local
Highlights & Hidden Gems of Amsterdam
4.9
559 reviews
3 hours • city highlight tours
from €56.79 per person
With Carl
Private Boat Tours Amsterdam & welcome drink Amsterdam canals
4.9
212 reviews
1.5 hours • city highlight tours
from €111 per person
With Rocco & Co: Your Experienced Guides
Mini Romantic Boat Tour Amsterdam including Bubbles & Bites
5.0
14 reviews
0.75 hours • off the beaten track
from €72 per person
Choose your local
Withlocals Your Way! - Amsterdam City Tour
4.9
1779 reviews
3 hours • city highlight tours
from €60.19 per person
With Ann
Green Gears: Amsterdam’s Urban Farming Cycle Tour
5.0
18 reviews
3 hours • city highlight tours
from €46.32 per person
Choose your local
Explore the Van Gogh Museum with a Local Guide
4.9
138 reviews
2 hours • art & culture tours
from €50.73 per person
With Vanessa
Charming private historical boat tour
4.8
70 reviews
1.5 hours • art & culture tours
from €112 per person

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Enjoy the Best of the Amsterdam
Like a Local

Things to do in Amsterdam

Having a short getaway in Amsterdam? We love this city! It's full of awesome places to visit, good food and great activities. Here's our list of the top 10 things to do in Amsterdam. Hope you enjoy it and tell us more about you favorite thing to do here!

Get a personalized boat tour
The canal belt is the best representation of the beautiful Amsterdam views, used for many postcards and travel books and breathtaking to visit. You can get a personalized private both at daytime and nighttime, have a themed tour or just enjoy a general highlight visit with a local guide. Some types of awesome tours you can enjoy are: Golden Age tour (historic city center), Architecture Wonders tour (contemporary and ancient), Nightlife tour (cool bars and clubs), City Highlights tour and much more. You will probably be able to see most of the city while also enjoying some snacks and a good conversation.
You can find out many fascinating facts about the city by asking your local host to tell you more about the streets, buildings and local lifestyle, all of them are excited to do that.
Shop through the local markets
You can’t visit Amsterdam without going through some of its markets! Some examples are the Albert Cuyp markt, known for affordable grocery, the weekly Noordermarkt farmers market, full of organic goodies and Waterlooplein flea market, a wonder for the vintage lovers.
The most popular markets are yes, you guessed it, the flower ones. One of which is the Bloemenmarkt, once a floating market. It’s true that is has become a more touristic place, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't visit it. You can find here all kinds of tulips in Spring and bulbs all year-round, as well as other small flower themed souvenirs. The bulbs are easily portable, so you can bring some home, wherever you live. Most of the prices are also affordable, you can shop around without many worries. Now hurry up and add the market in your things to do in Amsterdam list!
Eat a homemade meal with a local
There’s no better way to meet local people and get to know the Dutch culture than by enjoying a meal together with some locals. You get to taste the local cuisine or something more exotic and chat for a few hours with friendly people willing to give you a glimpse on their life.
Pick a nice Dutch family dinner, try out some polenta with rabbit stew, or Dutch boerenkoolstamppot and have a lovely time with the children. If you want a more international atmosphere, choose a dinner party with Amsterdam locals that have different cultural backgrounds and like sharing their love for food and great conversations. Another option would be an organic vegan dinner with some delicious dishes made out of a variety of vegetables, tempeh and wheat meat.
Don’t be hesitant in sharing your own unique stories and ask as many questions about the local culture and lifestyle as you wish!
Lose yourself in the Jordaan neighborhood
The Jordaan neighborhood is probably the most famous and charming area you could visit. Being on of the top things do in Amsterdam makes it a bit crowded though, keep that in mind! It was created as an expansion for the city in the early 17 century and was known as the working-class bastion. Most of the immigrants and refugees settled there when they arrived in Amsterdam, so the neighborhood was always full of people.
Now, the area is popular for its restaurants, specialty shops, cafes, art galleries, antiques shops, lovely gardens and bars. You should definitely have a local guide with you on the way, so he or she can show you all the hidden courtyards, highlights & other things to do! Your host will also explain to you the story of the all black painted houses and many other cool historical facts regarding political refugees.
Explore the museums
Art is something that isn't missing at all in the city, so you might as well enjoy it as much as you can. There are tons of art related things to do in Amsterdam, but let's have a look at the best ones out there. Go to the Museumplein where you can find all the big museums and the famous I Amsterdam letters.
Start at the Rijksmuseum, the biggest one, known for its hits, like Rembrandt's and Vermeer's paintings. Other museums worth seeing there are the Stedelijk Museum and the Van Gogh Museum. Another fun one is the EYE film museum where you can enjoy 100 movie clips and see the futuristic film cabins on display. If you're into history, also take a look at the Resistance Museum (Verzetsmuseum), full of stories from the Nazi occupation and how that period looked like.
Local tipDiscover a local gem: Museum Van Loon in Amsterdam. Immerse in canal house living and captivating art all under one roof!
See the red light district differently
The Red Light District is one of the most popular Amsterdam highlights and very well known on the international stage. You might have heard good or bad things about it until now, but don’t be fooled by what you hear, you must visit it yourself to actually get the right idea about the place and its rumors. It’s situated by the Central Station and is also the oldest part of the city. You will find cheesy sex shops with outrageous toys, but also gorgeous buildings and lots of antique places.
We recommend a lovely night time tour in the neighborhood, where you can see the historical buildings and bridges, and believe it or not have a romantic and magical sight. The area gets a bad reputation, but with the right guide you can see the district in a totally unexpected way and enjoy many unique things to do there.
Local tipAvoid taking photos of the workers in the windows, as it's a privacy thing. Explore with respect, remember it's a neighborhood.
Get on your bike
There’s no place better to travel by bike than The Netherlands, especially Amsterdam! Bicycles have been the most used way of transportation in this city for a very long time, there are actually 800 thousands bikes, which is more than the amount of citizens here! Cycling here is a safe and super refreshing thing to do in Amsterdam! Just keep in mind the general rules: don’t cycle right next to each other, use the night lights and always lock your bike up.
A more unique type of bike tour is a urban farming one, where you can also visit various hotspots of Amsterdam urban farming featuring local and sustainably-produced goods. You could also enjoy some authentic snacks at the end of your amazing trip.
Have a Picnic in the Vondelpark
Amsterdam has over 30 parks, so you won’t have any problem in finding the right spot for a picnic. The weather is quite unpredictable, so do take a umbrella with you! As for the perfect place, we’ll go with VondelPark which is the largest green space. People gather there for drinks, food or just to enjoy a sunny day. In the summer, there are also many live concerts held in the park, so depending on your time of visit, you could be entertained by a great band as well.
The most cozy things you could do there is have a very nice picnic with your friends or some locals with whom you want to share a nice chat. Buy a few snacks and some Cava (Spanish champagne, we know it’s not local, but Dutch people love it) and have a blast.
Local tipThe parks in Amsterdam are also a perfect escape from the busy city for families with kids
Visit “The Movies” theatre
Are you big movie fan? Then a visit to the movie theater called “The Movies” will be worth it! Started in 1912, this is the oldest cinema in Amsterdam. Its interior is awesomely designed with an art-deco touch that brings you back to older times. You’re not going to find the latest commercial movies there, like block busters from Hollywood, but you’ll surely get a look at alternative films that are less known by the big public and much more profound and artistic.
The theatre also has a restaurant and a bar, so you can grab something to eat while you enjoy the cool atmosphere. The coolest thing about is that you can hire a four screen room for a private movie party!
Go to the Nine Little Streets (De Negen Straatjes)
As the name suggests, the Nine Little Streets, forms an area with small charming streets, with some canal bridges views and many small boutiques, cafes and restaurants. You’ll notice that it’s one of the most lively neighborhoods in the city and it looks absolutely exquisite. In this area you can find over 200 shops with vintage clothes, design shops, handmade cosmetics, unique jewelry and many things to do.
In your shopping journey, start by making a list of things you would like to buy, so you won’t get lost in the many wonders you’ll see at each of the small enchanting shops. If you are on a budget, try some of the vintage boutiques or tell your local guide to show you some of the most affordable shops around. If you don’t plan to buy anything, just enjoy the view of all the beautiful designs and delightful eating spots.
Visit De Pijp
One of the more authentic things to do in Amsterdam is to visit some of its neighborhoods. South of the city center, you will find De Pijp. It’s one of the traditional Amsterdam neighbourhoods with characteristic architectures. There’s plenty of history your guide can tell you about. For example, this area used to be a polder but the ground was raised everywhere, except for the Sarphati park in the middle.
You can still see the old ground level of the area and when it rains, you’ll see why the ground was raised everywhere else; the park will be flooded. There are also plenty of restaurants, so ask your guide to bring you to his or her favourite spot.
Take a look at the unique Amsterdam West
The last thing on your list of things to do in Amsterdam should be to visit Amsterdam West. This is a completely different part of town. Until a few years ago, it wasn’t a safe place to be. However, lately it’s been becoming hip and happening. Nowhere in town will you find the influences of other cultures as much as you will here. It’s the place to find tropical fruits and exotic dishes.
While wondering around, your guide can tell you about other (former) parts of The Netherlands. Did you know they have very exotic, sunny islands in the Caribbean? And that they have tight links to Surinam? Amsterdam West is where you will find all these influences.
Savor Amsterdam's diversity with a local food tour
To truly grasp Amsterdam's vibrant essence, there's no better route than through its diverse cuisine. Brace yourself for a tantalizing adventure – a local-led food tour that unveils the city's soul through its flavors.
Picture this: guided by a passionate local, you'll roam charming streets and markets, indulging in dishes that mirror Amsterdam's cultural mosaic. From Indonesian rijsttafel to beloved Dutch stroopwafels, each bite tells a story of immigration, traditions, and the undeniable link between people and their food. But it's not just about eating; it's about immersing yourself in the heart of the city, connecting with locals, and creating memories that transcend the plate. So, for an authentic Amsterdam experience that tingles your taste buds and touches your soul, let a local food tour be your compass through this culinary tapestry.
NDSM: Amsterdam's hippest hideout
If you're on the hunt for a truly local experience in Amsterdam, look no further than the NDSM area. This former shipyard turned creative haven is where the city's heart beats to a unique rhythm, making it an absolute must-visit for tourists seeking authenticity and adventure.
NDSM isn't just a place – it's a vibrant community pulsating with art, culture, and an undeniable sense of cool. The sprawling industrial backdrop has been transformed into a playground for artists, designers, musicians, and foodies. You'll find stunning street art adorning old warehouses, captivating galleries showcasing contemporary works, and live music events that'll have you dancing till dawn.
But it's not just about the artsy vibe – NDSM is a treasure trove of eclectic cafes, food trucks, and quirky boutiques. Whether you're savoring artisanal coffee, devouring street food, or exploring vintage shops, you'll find yourself seamlessly blending in with the locals. So, if you're eager to step off the beaten path and soak up the real Amsterdam, NDSM is your go-to. Get ready to embrace a place where creativity knows no bounds, and the local spirit thrives – it's a slice of Amsterdam you won't want to miss!
Local tipTake the free ferry from Centraal Station to NDSM, it goes every 15 minutes during the day

Exciting things to do in Amsterdam

Travel the local way! From historical art galleries to rolling fields of tulips, you’ll be amazed by how many things there are to do in Amsterdam. With your friendly local host by your side, you’ll be spoiled for choice with all the exciting activities in Amsterdam. Foodies will love visiting the local markets, tasting unique craft beers and discovering why the Dutch love cheese so much! Cultural buffs can walk in the footsteps of Rembrandt and Van Goch to discover where to go to find Amsterdam’s hidden stories. Let your local host know where your interests lie, and they will show you what to do and to find the best things to see in Amsterdam! When deciding on your bucket list activities, you’ll find there are plenty of things to do in Amsterdam. Your favorite local host will show you where to go and will only show you the best of Amsterdam! Whether you choose a scenic day trip to the picturesque town of Volendam or head to the red-light district to experience Amsterdam’s cultural heritage, exploring the city with a genuine local is the easiest way to discover where to go for the best things to see in Amsterdam! If you’re looking for things to do in Amsterdam, a Withlocals private tour is the perfect way to personalize your day with 100% customizable activities. Simply let your local host know the kinds of things you most like to do, and they’ll sort everything out locally for you!

Private guided tours

100% Customizable

Responsible

Top 10 things to do in Amsterdam

1The 10 Tastings of Amsterdam

2Highlights & Hidden Gems of Amsterdam

3Private Boat Tours Amsterdam & welcome drink Amsterdam canals

4Mini Romantic Boat Tour Amsterdam including Bubbles & Bites

5Withlocals Your Way! - Amsterdam City Tour

6Green Gears: Amsterdam’s Urban Farming Cycle Tour

7Explore the Van Gogh Museum with a Local Guide

8Charming private historical boat tour

9Explore the Rijksmuseum with a Local Guide

10Treasures of Amsterdam: Coffeeshops and Red Light District Tour

Travelers love our locals

Wonderful and informative tour.

Review about Sebastian

Fun in Amsterdam

Excellent tour with Marten

Private tour at Rijksmuseum

Highly recommeded.

Excellent guide!

Great way to see Amsterdam.

Rijksmuseum Tour

Passionate about the History

Explore Amsterdam with our incredible locals

Things to do in Amsterdam

Find experiences by category

Enjoy the Best of the AmsterdamLike a Local

Things to do in Amsterdam

Get a personalized boat tour

Shop through the local markets

Eat a homemade meal with a local

Lose yourself in the Jordaan neighborhood

Explore the museums

See the red light district differently

Get on your bike

Have a Picnic in the Vondelpark

Visit “The Movies” theatre

Go to the Nine Little Streets (De Negen Straatjes)

Visit De Pijp

Take a look at the unique Amsterdam West

Savor Amsterdam's diversity with a local food tour

NDSM: Amsterdam's hippest hideout

Exciting things to do in Amsterdam

Related Amsterdam pages

Enjoy the Best of the Amsterdam
Like a Local