Amsterdam is one of those cities you never really get tired of. Whether you are visiting the capital for the first time or have been before, there is always something new to do. From cruising through the canals and enjoying views over the city to glow golf, Madame Tussauds, The Amsterdam Dungeon and a lovely hotel tip right in the centre. In this article, I share fun activities to do in Amsterdam and tell you where I stayed comfortably during my visit.
Amsterdam is ideal for a weekend away in the Netherlands. The city is compact enough to do a lot on foot or by tram, but at the same time large enough to keep you entertained for several days. You can soak up culture, wander through beautiful streets, get out on the water, go shopping, enjoy good food or choose a more active or exciting activity.
What makes Amsterdam fun for me is the variety. You can stroll quietly along the canals in the morning, visit an attraction in the afternoon and go somewhere cosy for dinner or drinks in the evening. Especially if your hotel is centrally located, you do not need to plan too much and can do many things spontaneously.
Below, you will find my tips for fun things to do in Amsterdam, including a hotel tip if you like staying right in the city centre.
Fun activities in Amsterdam
Amsterdam has a huge amount to offer. Of course, there are the famous museums, canals and shopping streets, but there are also plenty of light-hearted activities that are especially fun if you are planning a weekend with your partner, friends or family.
In this article, I focus on activities that are easy to combine during a city break. You do not need a complicated plan for them, and many of these tips are centrally located or easy to reach by public transport.
1. Glow golf in Amsterdam
One of the more fun active things to do in Amsterdam is glow golf. This is mini golf, but in a colourful glow-in-the-dark setting. You play in the dark, surrounded by bright colours, blacklight and striking decor. That instantly makes it feel more exciting and fun than regular mini golf.
Glow golf is especially nice if you want to do something that is not too serious. You do not need to be sporty for it, which makes it suitable for almost everyone. It works well as an activity with friends, but also as a date or an outing with older children.
Another advantage is that glow golf is indoors. That makes it a good option when it rains or if you want to do something fun in the evening without immediately going to a restaurant or bar. Amsterdam has several indoor entertainment venues where you can play glow golf or enjoy similar mini golf experiences, so check which location fits best with the rest of your plans.
2. Cruise through the canals
A canal cruise is still one of my favourite ways to see Amsterdam. You may already know the canals from photos, but from the water the city looks different. You cruise past bridges, historic buildings, houseboats and well-known places, while also being able to sit down and relax for a while.
Especially if this is your first time in Amsterdam, a canal cruise is a good way to start your visit. You immediately get a feel for the city and see several parts of the centre in a short time. Even if you already know Amsterdam, it remains enjoyable, especially in good weather or during an evening cruise.
> You can easily book your Amsterdam canal cruise here.
My tip is to plan your boat trip at a logical moment. At the start of your visit, it is useful for getting to know the city. At the end of the afternoon or in the evening, it becomes more atmospheric, especially when the lights come on and the city feels a little calmer.
3. A’DAM Lookout
A’DAM Lookout is a fun activity if you want to see Amsterdam from above. From the observation deck, you have views over the city centre, the IJ, the harbour and the wider surroundings. It is a nice place to see how compact and, at the same time, spread out Amsterdam actually is.
The best-known part of A’DAM Lookout is the “Over The Edge” swing. On this swing, you swing high above the edge of the building. That may sound intense, and it is a little, but that is exactly why it is such a popular activity. If you are not afraid of heights and enjoy a bit of excitement, this is definitely something to try.
A’DAM Lookout is located in Amsterdam Noord. From Amsterdam Central Station, you can easily take the free ferry across the IJ. Even that short crossing is fun, especially if you normally stay mainly in the city centre. You can combine your visit with a walk through Amsterdam Noord or a drink with a view.
4. Madame Tussauds Amsterdam
Madame Tussauds is located on Dam Square and is a well-known classic among Amsterdam attractions. The wax museum is especially fun if you enjoy taking photos and spotting famous faces. You will come across wax figures of celebrities, artists, athletes, royals and other well-known people.
It is not an activity you need a whole day for, which is exactly why it fits well into a city break. You can easily combine Madame Tussauds with shopping in Kalverstraat, a visit to Dam Square or a walk through the centre.
> You can arrange your tickets for Madame Tussauds Amsterdam here.
This activity is especially fun if you are travelling with teenagers, friends or family. It is light-hearted, interactive and afterwards you step straight back into the city centre. If you want to reduce waiting time, booking in advance is useful, especially during weekends and holidays.
5. The Amsterdam Dungeon
The Amsterdam Dungeon is an activity for anyone who likes suspense, theatre and a bit of dark humour. During the theatrical tour, you dive into Amsterdam’s darker history. Actors, sets, special effects and stories make sure you do not only watch, but are really drawn into the atmosphere.
It is not a classic museum and not a standard haunted house either. It sits somewhere in between: exciting, funny, sometimes uncomfortable and above all very theatrical. That makes it fun if you want to do something different from a museum or canal cruise.
The Amsterdam Dungeon is centrally located and therefore easy to combine with other activities in the city centre. Do keep in mind that it is not suitable for everyone. With young children, I would choose something lighter, but for adults, groups of friends and older teenagers, it is a fun change of pace.
Other fun things to do in Amsterdam
Besides these activities, there are of course many more fun things to do in Amsterdam. That is exactly why it helps to decide in advance what kind of city break you want.
Do you mainly want culture? Then you can think of the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum or Anne Frank House. Would you rather wander around? Then the Jordaan, De 9 Straatjes, De Pijp and the canal belt are lovely areas. For shopping, Kalverstraat, Leidsestraat, Utrechtsestraat and De 9 Straatjes are good choices.
Amsterdam Noord is also fun if you have been to the city before. You will find creative places, restaurants and bars by the water, and a different atmosphere from the busy centre. Combine it with A’DAM Lookout, so you immediately have a good reason to take the ferry.
You can find many more fun activities in Amsterdam on our site full of Amsterdam tips.
Tip for your stay in Amsterdam
A lovely place to stay in Amsterdam is without a doubt The Albus Hotel Amsterdam. What immediately stands out about this hotel is its location. You stay right in the centre, close to the canal belt, Rembrandtplein, shops, restaurants and sights.
For a city break, I think that central location is a big advantage. You can do a lot on foot and do not have to spend much time travelling by tram or metro. Shoppers can walk straight towards Kalverstraat, and Dam Square, Rembrandtplein and several canals are also nearby. That makes the hotel a convenient base if you are in Amsterdam for only one or two nights.
The rooms are modern and have everything you need. Think of a comfortable bed, air conditioning, a nice bathroom and a good shower. Especially after a day of walking a lot through Amsterdam, it is pleasant to return to a hotel room that offers a little extra comfort.
In the morning, you can have breakfast at the hotel. That is convenient if you want to start the day calmly before heading into the city. Personally, I always like that during a city break: first a good breakfast, then off to explore.
All in all, this hotel is especially recommended if you like comfort and a central location. It is not the cheapest option in Amsterdam, but the location makes up for a lot. Especially if you want to do many things on foot and stay close to restaurants, shops and sights, this is a very nice choice.
You can make a reservation at The Albus Hotel Amsterdam here and view more information.
My tips for a great weekend in Amsterdam
If you are going to Amsterdam for a weekend, I would not try to do too much at once. The city has so many sights that it is tempting to fill your schedule completely. But Amsterdam is especially enjoyable when you leave space to wander, have coffee somewhere or spontaneously step into a shop, courtyard or side street.
A nice plan could be: start with a canal cruise, then visit an attraction such as Madame Tussauds or The Amsterdam Dungeon, and end the day with a walk through the Jordaan or along the canals. The next day, you could visit A’DAM Lookout and explore Amsterdam Noord.
Travelling with children or teenagers? Glow golf, Madame Tussauds, A’DAM Lookout and a canal cruise are fun choices. Going with your partner? I would mainly choose an evening canal cruise, a central hotel and good food near the canals. With friends, a combination of glow golf, The Amsterdam Dungeon, drinks and a hotel in the centre is especially fun.
Are these activities in Amsterdam worth it?
Yes, definitely. Amsterdam remains one of the best cities in the Netherlands for a weekend away. The activities in this article are especially useful if you are looking for a mix of famous sights, easy-going attractions and a nice overnight stay in the centre.
Cruising through the canals is still, in my opinion, the best first introduction to the city. A’DAM Lookout is fun for views and a bit of excitement, Madame Tussauds is ideal for photos and an easy outing, and The Amsterdam Dungeon offers a completely different experience. Glow golf is perfect if you want to do something active without making it too complicated.
With a central hotel such as The Albus, you make your stay even easier. You are close to many sights and can discover the city at your own pace. Hopefully, my tips for fun activities to do in Amsterdam help you plan a lovely weekend yourself.