The Ultimate Amsterdam Bucket List: 25 Things to Do (2025)

Planning a trip to Amsterdam? Keep reading for a guide to everything you need to add to your Amsterdam bucket list!

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Amsterdam is a city that’s rich in culture, home to delicious Dutch treats, and full of beautiful scenery at every turn.

When I planned my first trip to Amsterdam over my spring break, I made a list of all the things I wanted to add to my Amsterdam bucket list.

This list included all of Amsterdam’s top attractions, restaurants where I wanted to sample traditional Dutch dishes, and unique things to do that can only be found in Amsterdam.

I was able to check most of the things off my Amsterdam bucket list, and I want you to be able to do the same!

Whether you’re spending just one day in Amsterdam or a week in Amsterdam, there’s plenty on this list to keep you busy.

Are you ready to explore Amsterdam and start ticking things off your Amsterdam bucket list? Keep reading for a guide to some of Amsterdam’s top things to do – both hidden and not-so-hidden gems!

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The Ultimate Amsterdam Bucket List: Top Things to Do in Amsterdam

1. Go on an Amsterdam Walking Tour for an Introduction to the City

One of the first things I do when arriving in a new city is take a free walking tour.

These tours are often given by local guides and offer a wonderful introduction to a city’s history and top sights.

On my trip to Amsterdam, I took a free walking tour with FreeDam Tours, which is one of Amsterdam’s highest-rated free walking tour providers.

The guide for my tour, Gianni, was excellent, and I was able to learn a ton about Amsterdam’s history during the 2.5 hour tour.

During the free walking tour with FreeDam Tours, you will get an introduction to many of Amsterdam’s top sights including the Red Light District, the Old Church, Dam Square, the Royal Palace, and many more, making this the perfect tour to check several things off your Amsterdam bucket list.

While these tours are technically free, the guides work for tips, so it is important that you tip your guide when taking this (or any) free walking tour.

I typically tip around €10-€20 for a tour, depending on its duration and quality.

The money generated from this tax goes toward restoring the city’s crumbling canal walls and also works as a mechanism to reduce overcrowding.

Reservations for FreeDam Tours aren’t required, but they’re highly recommended in order to ensure you get a spot (especially on busy days). You can reserve a spot on a tour by clicking here.

FreeDam Tours run every day of the year except on New Year’s Day (January 1) and King’s Day (April 27).

For the most up-to-date information on tour times and meeting spots, make sure to check out the FreeDam Tours website.

AMSTERDAM BUCKET LIST

2. Experience Amsterdam’s “Cannabis Culture” at a Coffeeshop

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Amsterdam?

For me, it’s the city’s liberal attitude toward marijuana and its availability at coffeeshops throughout the city (if you want a coffee, you’ll have to visit a café).

Amsterdam is full of wonderful museums and rich culture, and marijuana is a part of that culture.

Many people who visit Amsterdam look forward to being able to get legal access to cannabis and enjoy it in a city where it is embraced, not criminalized.

If you have no interest in partaking in these activities in Amsterdam, that’s perfectly OK too – there are plenty of other things to do in Amsterdam (many of which are on this list!).

There are tons of coffeeshops in Amsterdam, but my favorite one that I visited was Best Friends. There are three locations in the city, but I frequented the Oost location as it was within walking distance of my Airbnb.

The workers at Best Friends were always so helpful, which was great because I had no idea what any of the strains meant or which ones would be best for me. They always helped me decide what would be best for me to buy and gave tips on how to enjoy my marijuana responsibly.

Another popular coffeeshop in Amsterdam is The Bulldog, which has several locations throughout the city. The location in the Red Light District (The Bulldog the First) was actually the first coffeeshop in the city, making it a super popular spot for tourists.

You can even take a tour focusing on Amsterdam’s cannabis culture, visiting several different coffeeshops and learning about the best ones in town from a local.

AMSTERDAM BUCKET LIST

3. Take a Bicycle Tour of Amsterdam’s Top Sights

Contributed by Summer from Traveling Summer

Amsterdam is the most cycle-conscious city I’ve ever been to. Everyone pedals everywhere! Therefore, it is a right of passage to explore the top attractions via a bike tour.

It’s possible to rent your own bicycle easily and meander around on your own, but I really enjoyed having a guide to help me navigate so I could focus on enjoying the ride.

That said, if you are not a comfortable cyclist I recommend mentioning that to your guide because the bike paths do get crowded and the traffic can be overwhelming at times seeing as it’s the top method of transportation!

On our tour, we visited the famous Red Light District, Oude Kerk, Nieuwmarkt, the Begijnhof courtyard, and more.

My favorite stop was a small tea-room where we paused for a rest and fueled up with delicious tea and pastries. The shop is located just a few buildings over from the former Dutch East India company headquarters.

Our guide was very knowledgeable and at the end of the tour, I had both learned a lot about Amsterdam and gotten a great workout.

Make sure to take your quintessential photo featuring both bicycle and canal view before the tour is over!

AMSTERDAM BUCKET LIST

4. Take an Amsterdam Canal Tour

Contributed by Ann Tolman of Ann Plans Travel

The city of Amsterdam is like no other city I have visited in the world. The unique combination of land and water is a breathtaking view you must experience for yourself.

With bikes zooming on narrow streets alongside the beautiful canal flowing through the middle, you’ll feel like you’ve been immersed in the opening credits of a movie.

Taking a canal tour of Amsterdam gives you the ability to see the vast variety of neighborhoods, architecture, and learn more about the city’s rich history.

I recommend taking a day tour if you’d like to get high-quality photos and be able to see the city in the daylight.

Most canal tours are an hour long and take you through the canals intertwining through the city’s center. They also offer dinner cruises and night tours.

The pre-recorded audio part of the tour allows you to select which language you’d like to listen in, making sure every person on the tour can listen along.

The major canal tour companies have locations scattered throughout the city. Their hub is located right across from Amsterdam Centraal Train Station, making it easy to get to your starting point when you take the train.

Purchase your tickets online to secure a discounted price. There are also promotions for booking tours during the week and early in the day.

AMSTERDAM BUCKET LIST

5. Explore the Infamous Red Light District

Contributed by Kamile Cernauskyte of ToYoupiter

The Red Light District, also known as De Wallen, is one of the oldest areas of Amsterdam.

The gothic 13th-century Oude Kerk (old church in the middle of the district), Amsterdam canals, and coffee shops make it a really delightful area to enjoy during the daytime.

At nighttime, the famous red lights are turned on and the streets are filled with people. Curious tourists, tour groups, and couples all flock to the district at night to experience Amsterdam’s most provocative neighborhood.

What can you find in the Red Light District during the night? The district is best known for its window prostitution, where women stand in a red-lit window from which they attract their customers.

When visiting the Red Light District, keep in mind that these women are NOT a tourist attraction – they are working. It is strictly forbidden (and highly disrespectful) to take photos of the workers.

In the district, you’ll also find live sex shows, strip clubs, sex shops, burlesque clubs, and massage parlors.

If you’re interested in the legality and regulation of prostitution in the Netherlands, I highly recommend visiting Red Light Secrets: Museum of Prostitution, which gives you a glimpse into the life of what it’s like being a sex worker in Amsterdam.

In addition to the adult attractions that the Red Light District is famous for, the district is also home to some of Amsterdam’s most charming canals and bridges. At night, the red lights glow off the water, making for gorgeous photos.

Whether you want to partake in some of Amsterdam’s more adult-friendly activities or just stroll around a beautiful neighborhood, the Red Light District is worth a spot on your Amsterdam bucket list.

AMSTERDAM BUCKET LIST

6. Explore the Royal Palace of Amsterdam

Contributed by Wendy Werneth of The Nomadic Vegan

You can’t miss the Amsterdam Royal Palace, as it has a prime location on Dam Square, right in the center of the city.

You’ll find it right across the square from the War Memorial and next door to Nieuwe Kerk. Built in the 17th century as Amsterdam’s city hall, it’s one of the greatest examples of Dutch Golden Age architecture.

Nowadays, though, it’s one of four royal palaces in the country and is used to entertain heads of State and other important visitors to the royal family.

On days when no official functions are being held, it’s open to the public for tours. Entry is €12.50 for adults, €9.00 for students (don’t forget your student ID or ISIC), and includes the use of an audio guide that comes in multiple languages.

For a more personalized experience, you can also pay for an in-person guided tour, which must be booked in advance.

Touring the palace generally takes about an hour, during which you will see lavishly decorated palace rooms and original furnishings.

Don’t miss the world map sketched onto the floor of the central hall, which illustrates the sphere of influence of the Dutch Empire in the 18th century.

Keep in mind that there’s no café or restaurant on the premises, but before your visit, you could stop in at the nearby Het Stadspaleis, which offers plenty of choices for vegan and vegetarian visitors.

AMSTERDAM BUCKET LIST

7. Visit the Begijnhof

Contributed by Erin from Pina Travels

The Begijnhof is an enclosed courtyard and garden in the middle of Amsterdam, famous for its traditional Amsterdam houses.

The courtyard is actually a “hofje,” the Dutch word for a secluded courtyard lined with homes. These courtyards have existed since the Middle Ages, and typically they served as a community for single, religious women to live in together.

Today, The Begijnhof is one of the oldest hofje’s in Amsterdam, dating back to the 14th century.

The courtyard has two churches, the “Engelse Kerk,” an English Reformed Church, and The Begijnhof Chapel.

The rest of the courtyard is surrounded by classic Amsterdam-style townhouses, including Amsterdam’s oldest existing house, Het Houten Huis, dating from around 1420.

There are 47 houses total in the courtyard, all of which have Gothic facades that date back to the 17th and 18th centuries.

Visiting the Begijnhof is a special glimpse into a historical Dutch tradition, and it’s amazing to step away from Amsterdam’s busy streets into the quiet and serene courtyard.

It’s the perfect place to sit down and relax for a while and take some photos of Amsterdam’s famous style of townhouse.

Entry into the Begijnhof is free, and it’s open daily from 8:00am to 5:00pm. I recommend going first thing in the morning to avoid crowds of tourists.

AMSTERDAM BUCKET LIST

8. Search the city for “I amsterdam” Signs

Contributed by Alexandra of The Adventure Classroom

There’s something so satisfying about seeing the name of the city you’re visiting written in giant, 3-D lettering.

Amsterdam’s sign is no exception – the tall red and white letters have become an iconic tourist attraction around the city.

There is always a permanent set of letters sitting somewhere – most infamously outside the Rijksmuseum – and another set that travels to different locations every so often. When I visited, I happily stumbled upon the second set (albeit much smaller) at the back of the Hermitage.

The purpose of the signs was to garner more tourism in certain lesser-known areas in the city. And it worked.

The signs did such a good job of attracting tourists outside the Rijksmuseum, which is an extremely important and historical building in the Museum Quarter, and in the city itself.

Tourists enjoyed this sign so much that the city finally removed it from Museumplein at the end of 2018, due to overcrowding!

So, where can you find them now?

As of June 2023, there is a permanent sign right outside of Schiphol Airport upon arrival – so your first selfie in the city is Insta-worthy!

The second set is currently at Sloterplas Lake, which is west of the city center…but it may be on the move soon enough.

Before your visit to Amsterdam, it’s worth double-checking where that second set of letters may be. Or, you can keep it a secret and be pleasantly surprised when you stumble upon them accidentally!

AMSTERDAM BUCKET LIST

9. Go to the top of A’DAM Tower

Contributed by Natalie Czarnota of Voyage Scribe

For arguably the best bird’s eye view of the Amsterdam, head across the river to A’DAM Tower!

To get there, take a free ferry from behind Centraal Station across the river to the building. You won’t miss it – it’s the most iconic landmark on that side of the river! Look out for the XXX on the spire at the top.

Once you arrive, there are several things you can do. There’s an observation deck (A’DAM LOOKOUT) that you can take a tour of, or you can save some money on admission and head up to MADAM bar and restaurant instead. You get the same view and can stay up there longer while enjoying a drink or meal!

There’s also a revolving, panoramic restaurant, Moon, where you can have a nicer meal.

For the thrill seekers, don’t miss out on “Over the Edge,” the highest swing in Europe! It’s located, as the name suggests, on an edge at the top of the tower.

The best time to go is definitely for sunset. Make sure to stay longer for nighttime when the lights of the city come out. I personally thought the city looked much more beautiful from above at night!

No matter when you go, you’re guaranteed a gorgeous view of the entire city center from across the river – visiting A’DAM Tower is definitely worth a spot on your Amsterdam bucket list!

AMSTERDAM BUCKET LIST

10. Visit a Windmill

Contributed by Lynn Lebert of Be Your Own Travel Guide

Did you even go to Amsterdam if you didn’t see a windmill?

Windmills are as synonymous with Holland as tulips and you absolutely must add seeing one to your Amsterdam bucket list.

The Dutch have innovatively used windmills for years to keep their fields dry and the water at bay. Luckily, you don’t even have to leave the city as there is one left in the Amsterdam for you to admire!

Located just on the outskirts of the canal ring, the De Gooyer Windmill now houses a brewery called Brouwerij’t IJ.

Built in 1985 in an attempt to replicate the Belgian-style beer south of the border, it is now the most popular craft beer in Amsterdam.

Brouwerij’IJ is not just a pretty picture. Although you should definitely get one if you stop by, they also offer brewery tours, beer samples, and even snacks that pair perfectly with the seasonal choices. Be sure to stop for an afternoon pint and admire the last remaining windmill in the city!

Brouwerijt’IJ is located beside the Artis Zoo and can easily be accessed by taking the tram and getting off at that stop.

Museums to add to your Amsterdam Bucket List

11. Roam around the Rijksmuseum

Contributed by Tiffany Schureman of A Girl and Her Passport

The Rijksmuseum is the Dutch national museum.

The museum is housed in a stunning building located on the Museumplein. It is a must-visit museum, so make sure to add it to your Amsterdam bucket list.

Inside the Rijksmuseum, you will find a large variety of ancient and modern treasures from the world of art and history.

It’s home to Rembrandt’s largest painting, The Night Watch. Other famous artists featured at the museum are Vermeer and Hals.

The museum is home to many artifacts that are part of Dutch history, including Delftware. There is also an extensive section on miniatures, including dollhouses and tiny silver furniture pieces.

One of the most unexpected parts of the Rijksmuseum is the large collection of model ships. Some of these models are human-sized replicas of famous ships and there are archives of materials on display explaining several of them.

If all this artifact and art observation make you hungry, head over to the cafe for a great coffee and wonderful food. The cafe is one of the better museum cafes I have visited.

It can be crowded but it is worth the wait. Make sure you visit one of the shops for a small souvenir before you leave as well.

AMSTERDAM BUCKET LIST

12. Pay a Visit to the Anne Frank House

Visiting the Anne Frank House is a must-do when in Amsterdam.

The Anne Frank House is a museum located in the actual canal house that Anne Frank and her family hid in for two years during World War II.

The building was the location of Anne’s father’s business, and the Frank family plus four others hid in the top floors of the “secret annex,” which was the rear extension of the canal house.

While visiting the Anne Frank House, you will be able to see the hinged bookcase that marked the entrance to the Secret Annex, Anne’s room, and Anne’s original diary which she kept during her time in hiding.

Visiting the Anne Frank House is a very somber experience, making it a time for learning and reflection. Before my visit to the house, I had learned about Anne’s story during history classes, but seeing the pencil marks marking Anne and her sister’s growth during their two years of hiding truly made her story come alive.

The Anne Frank House is located in the center of Amsterdam at Prisengracht 263-267. The museum has many steep stairs with no elevator access, which may be difficult for people with limited mobility.

Given the somber and sensitive subject of the museum, photography is not allowed.

Tickets must be purchased online, and it is highly recommended that you purchase tickets in advance. Tickets become available every Tuesday at 10 AM CEST for tickets six weeks out.

Tickets sell out quickly, and they are only available to purchase via the official Anne Frank House website. Check out the museum website for up-to-date information on ticket prices and availability.

Click here to book tickets for the Anne Frank House.

AMSTERDAM BUCKET LIST

13. The Van Gogh Museum

Vincent Van Gogh is one of the world’s most famous artists, and a museum dedicated to his works can be found in Amsterdam.

The museum is home to the largest collection of Van Gogh’s works. Some of the most famous Van Gogh paintings you’ll see at the museum include Sunflowers (1889), The Bedroom (1888), and Self-Portrait as a Painter (1887-1888).

In addition to works by Van Gogh, you will also find works by his artist friends and contemporaries.

On some Fridays, the museum holds an event called “Vincent on Friday.” During each Vincent on Friday, you can tour the museum as normal as well as participate in a special activity or exhibition that is based on the night’s theme.

Check out the Van Gogh Museum website for up-to-date information on opening times, ticket prices, and Vincent on Friday events.

Make sure to book your ticket for the museum online to ensure access as the museum sometimes sells out.

Click here to book tickets to the Van Gogh Museum!

AMSTERDAM BUCKET LIST

14. The Moco Museum

Contributed by Kim of The Adventure to Me

Located in the heart of Amsterdam, close to the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum and Stedelijk Museum, The Modern Contemporary Museum (most commonly known as Moco Museum) provides a unique, interactive experience.

The Moco Museum has pieces by Banksy, Andy Warhol, and Yayoi Kusama showcased, as well as rotating temporary exhibitions.

Currently, one of the most popular exhibits is the Digital Immersive Art exhibition, which features colorful digital artwork that is interactive and makes for great Instagram photos.

Having only opened in 2016, Moco is one of the newest museums in Amsterdam. If you download the Moco app before heading there, you’ll be able to experience some of the art come to life.

What’s so great about Moco? Unlike the other museums based in the Museum Quarter, Moco is a lot more interactive and immersive.

It also features Banksy’s first-ever museum exhibition and you’ll get a glimpse at some of his exclusive pieces!

If contemporary art is your idea of fun and you’re looking for something a bit different than the usual museums, then Moco Museum is a wonder for the eyes and mind, and it is likely you’ll leave feeling inspired!

For up-to-date information on ticket prices, museum hours, and current exhibitions, check out the Moco Museum website.

AMSTERDAM BUCKET LIST

15. Visit the Heineken Experience

Heineken is a world-famous Dutch beer, and you can tour the original Heineken brewery in Amsterdam when you visit the Heineken Experience.

The Heineken Experience will take you through the brewing process of Heineken beer as well as the history of the Heineken brand.

Some sections of the experience are interactive and are fun for all ages.

At the end of the tour, everyone of legal drinking age will get two Heinekens to enjoy at the Best ‘Dam Bar which is located in the brewery.

Make sure to check the Heineken Experience website for up-to-date information on tour prices and hours.

AMSTERDAM BUCKET LIST

16. The Eye Film Museum

Contributed by Imani of Imani Escapes

The Eye Film Museum is a renowned collection of international film archives and exhibitions located in Amsterdam’s artsy Noord District.

To get there, walk through Amsterdam Centraal Station and hop on a free, short ferry that takes you to the other side of the IJ river. To make the most of the view, try going at sunset to see Amsterdam’s skyline in full glory.

The exhibitions at the museum cover various short films and documentaries. You can sit in the dark on bean bags and be completely transported into another place and be wowed by the visual effects.

As well as immersive art film displays, the Eye also has a permanent display about the history of film and plenty of interactive games.

You can use a green screen to create your own mini film that you can email to yourself or create a flip book that you can buy in the gift shop. These are fun to do with friends and make a cute and unique souvenir of your trip.

They also have an in-house cinema with regular film screenings, a restaurant with panoramic views across the river, and a gift shop that is a delight for any film lover.

I hope this has convinced you to add the Eye Film Museum to your Amsterdam bucket list and explore Amsterdam Noord.

For up-to-date information on ticket prices and opening hours, check out the Eye Film Museum website.

The Ultimate Amsterdam Bucket List for Foodies

17. Take an Amsterdam Food Tour

One of my favorite ways to experience a destination is by trying its food.

Taking an Amsterdam food tour is a must for your visit to the city – you’ll be able to learn more about Amsterdam’s history and culture all while tasting some of the city’s best dishes.

This food tour of Amsterdam’s Jordaan neighborhood is my favorite. Jordaan is one of Amsterdam’s most picturesque neighborhoods, and its also home to some of the city’s best eats.

On the food tour, a local guide will take you around to different spots where you can try Dutch specialties like pickled herring, bitterballen, stroopwafels, and more. Along the way, you’ll also hear stories from your guide about the neighborhood’s history.

AMSTERDAM BUCKET LIST

18. Try a famous Dutch Pancake

One of the most famous dishes you can find in Amsterdam are none other than Dutch pancakes.

The thin pancakes are more similar to a crepe than a traditional American pancake. You can get savory pancakes topped with vegetables, meats, and cheeses, or choose a sweet pancake with fruit, nutella, cinnamon, and more.

There are tons of pancake restaurants throughout Amsterdam, with many claiming to have the best pancakes in town.

My personal favorite pancakes were from The Pancake Bakery, a cute spot on Prinsengracht just a short walk from the Anne Frank House. It was so good that we went there three times during our week-long trip!

Many pancake restaurants (including The Pancake Bakery) also serve poffertjes, which are mini, fluffy pancakes typically topped with butter and powdered sugar.

You can’t visit Amsterdam without trying a pancake or poffertjes (or both!).

AMSTERDAM BUCKET LIST

19. Dine at d’Vijff Vlieghen (Five Flies Restaurant)

Contributed by Holidays from Hels

The Five Flies Restaurant may look unassuming from its alleyway entrance, but stepping down into the subterranean vaults transports you both back in time and into one of the most famous dining establishments in the world.

You will be following in the footsteps of celebrities such as Bruce Springsteen, John Wayne and Elvis (the names of former occupants are engraved onto brass plaques on your seat).

The visitors’ book even has an original sketch of Alice in Wonderland, penned by Walt Disney himself.

The décor is like a grand museum, the walls being adorned with 17th century gold plated leather wallpaper and real Rembrandt etchings.

The dark, wooden tables are spread out over several rooms, each with its own theme and matching antiques. Much like a museum, the friendly staff will give you a tour.

As for the food, don’t let the name put you off. There will be no flies in your soup here. It derives from the disposition of the first owner, who was sprightly as a fly, and the fact that his restaurant extends across 5 canal buildings.

The food is European, using Dutch ingredients. With its exotic menu, you may find yourself dining on roast beef accompanied by strained yogurt perfumed with sea lettuce.

The 7-course tasting menu is beautifully presented and comes with optional matched fine wines, not usually available by the glass.

This restaurant, steeped in history with its atmospheric interior, is a must for your Amsterdam bucket list. Book ahead to reserve your (celebrity) seat.

AMSTERDAM BUCKET LIST

20. Grab a Stroopwafel from van Wonderen Stroopwafels

Contributed by Kelsey of Sights Better Seen

I’ve been to Amsterdam twice, and each time I’ve almost eaten my weight in stroopwafels…and taken an equal weight with me to my next destination. They’re just that good!

Stroopwafels are thin wafer cookies filled with caramel. They originated in Gouda, a city in the Netherlands, and have since taken Dutch culture by storm! I don’t think you can leave Amsterdam without trying one.

My favorite place to grab one is van Wonderen Stroopwafels. Not only do they taste amazing, but they serve them with toppings!

I’m talking dipped in chocolate, then covered with hazelnut pieces, mini marshmallows, crushed Oreos, or more chocolate.

Don’t forget to take a few pics for the ‘gram before inhaling it as they’re really pretty as well!

I also recommend visiting the Albert Cuyp Market and stopping by one of the stalls selling homemade stroopwafels. Many say that Rudi’s Original Stroopwafels have the best ones!

AMSTERDAM BUCKET LIST

21. Eat Pickled Herring at a Food Stand

Contributed by Katy Shaw of A Rambling Unicorn

No visit to Amsterdam would be complete without sampling some pickled herring (haring).

A traditional Dutch delicacy, the dish is made of soused raw herring which is lightly brined before serving with raw onions and pickles.

It may sound dubious, but pickled herring is quite tasty when done right. It’s not overly fishy and it’s not really like sashimi – good pickled herring should be rich and soft but with a bit of a bite left.

Pickled herring is a popular street food that is available in food stands all over Amsterdam and not typically found in restaurants.

Even though many of these stands close in the winter months, pickled herring is still easy to find.

During a visit to Amsterdam in January, we found excellent pickled herring at the J.C. van Gemert en Zn food stall in the Albert Cuyp Street Market in the De Pijp neighborhood.

Other great locations for pickled herring include Stubbe’s Haring Stand on the Haarlemmersluis bridge and Volendammer Vishandel ‘t Centrum on Haarlemmerdijk street.

Eating herring the traditional “Dutch” way involves dragging the fish through onions, holding it by the tail, and then dangling it overhead before dropping it into your mouth.

However, when served to tourists, it’s often cut into slices and served with a cute little Dutch flag toothpick for easier eating – which is perfectly fine by me!

AMSTERDAM BUCKET LIST

22. Try the Best Dutch Apple Pie at Winkel 43

I’ve never been a huge apple pie fan, but that changed when I stepped foot into Winkel 43.

The Netherlands is known for its apple pie, and one of the best places to try Dutch apple pie is Winkle 43.

This adorable café is located in Amsterdam’s Jordaan neighborhood and serves up tasty apple pie. The cafe also serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the dinner menu changes nightly.

I’ve tried a lot of desserts during my travels, and the Dutch apple pie from Winkel 43 was one of the best desserts I’ve ever had.

The apples were crisp and juicy and the crust was warm and crispy. The whipped cream on top tied it all together!

Winkel 43 was just one of the many delicious restaurants I tried in Amsterdam and it should definitely be added to any foodie’s Amsterdam bucket list.

Unique Things to Add to Your Amsterdam Bucket List

23. Experience the Amsterdam Light Festival

Contributed by James Hills of Cruise West Coast

Winter can be cold, wet, and dark in Amsterdam. While other cities offer Christmas markets to brighten the season, Amsterdam does things a bit differently.

While there are some smaller Christmas markets, the real focus here is the annual Amsterdam Light Festival.

This is an annual celebration that illuminates the city with brightly colored lights organized in a variety of displays by artists as well as other organizations.

They range from classic rows of colorfully-lit lanterns lining the canals to avant garde artistic displays using high technology to amaze and impress.

The festival is held each year between late November and mid-January and typically features about 30 different displays.

The Festival of Lights is primarily held within the Canal Ring area, though you will see unofficial displays in other parts of the city as well.

While you can observe the lights by walking or biking, the best way is to take a canal boat tour and float by, through, and under them since many of the lights are installed on the open-water areas.

A variety of canal tour companies offer Light Festival cruises that leave at night and offer guests tea, hot chocolate, or Gluhwein to keep them warm while floating through the light sculptures.

Some hotels such as the Pulitzer Hotel will also have their own riverboats and offer tours for guests as well.

This year, the Amsterdam Light Festival will run from November 30, 2023 to January 21, 2024. If you’re going to be visiting, make sure to book your Light Festival cruise now before they sell out!

AMSTERDAM BUCKET LIST

24. Visit a Smart Shop

Contributed by James and Anh of The Slow Traveler

A smart shop is where you can openly (and legally) purchase psychedelics and other hallucinogenic paraphernalia.

You have probably heard the term “magic mushrooms” before. Many years back, that is exactly what you would find in a smart shop. Due to some legislative changes, Smart Shops now offer truffles instead of mushrooms, but they do pretty much the same thing.

The idea of buying a box of these things and going on a “trip” may be confronting for many.

By visiting a Smart Shop you can have an open conversation for what to expect and how to manage the experience.

You can look at a menu for what side effects you would like to experience (the most common being LOTS of laughing), and if you are inclined to take the plunge the option is there.

If it’s not your thing you may still learn a thing or two and will be impressed by how casual and detailed some of the insights offered can be!

If you do leave the shop with a box of goodies, find a nice quiet place and prepare to go on a journey into your mind that you will never forget – and you will have heaps of fun in the process!

AMSTERDAM BUCKET LIST

25. Play Glow-in-the-Dark Mini Golf at GlowGolf

Contributed by Amy of Hello Amy

Do you enjoy mini golf? What about looking at things in 3D? Then GlowGolf in Amsterdam is for you!

You can access GlowGolf either by foot or public transport. Finding the destination using Google Maps was very straight-forward.

When entering the building it does look like a standard bar/restaurant but there will be someone there to greet you.

Package deals including golf and food are available. You will be handed your golf clubs and 3D glasses and then off you go downstairs.

If you are a little unsteady on your feet, please be mindful as it can be a little disorienting when you first put on the 3D glasses.

Downstairs is a tropical neon paradise where you will begin at the first hole.

The course is 18 holes, and as with any other standard mini golf you can do it in as little time or as fast as you want within reason.

Please be aware that if you are a group bigger than 8 you will need to split into 2 teams. Booking online in advance is advised so there’s no disappointment when you arrive.

Location: Prins Hendrikkade 194, 1011 TD Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam Bucket List: FAQs

Amsterdam Bucket List: Wrap-Up

Amsterdam is full of amazing cultural attractions, museums, and unique things to do to add to your Amsterdam bucket list.

Once you’re finished exploring the top sights of Amsterdam, make sure to take a day trip or two from Amsterdam to explore the rest of the Netherlands!

Have you been to Amsterdam? What would you add to your Amsterdam bucket list?

Planning a trip to Amsterdam? Check out these posts next:

• The Best Places to Stay in Amsterdam: Choices for Every Travel Style and Budget
• Best Day Trips from Amsterdam
• Coffeeshops & Cannabis in Amsterdam
• A Food Tour of Amsterdam
• My Walk of Shame in Amsterdam’s Red Light District

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