The Ultimate Amsterdam Bucket List: 21 Must Do's

Amsterdam has something to offer for everyone, yet most people stick to the classic tourist attractions. I want to offer some options that go beyond the usual. Here's the ultimate bucket list for Amsterdam, written by a local living there for almost 10 years.

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Updated ago

STRAAT Museum

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Discover the most impressive wall-art pieces in the street museum. While you're in the area, which you reach through a free ferry from Central Station, walk around and see if you can spot the Anne Frank wall art.

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Negen Straatjes

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Cute streets with small boutiques, second-hand shops, and amazing coffee places and restaurants.

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Moco Museum

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Is contemporary art like Banksy and Bored Apes your style? Visit the Moco Museum.

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Door 74

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This secret bar has one of the best cocktails in town. Tip: ask for their recommendation based on your taste and watch them improvise a cocktail especially for you.

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Rijksmuseum

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Rijksmuseum has a lot more to offer than just the Night watch and the Milk maid. Dive into the rich history of The Netherlands, and if you're looking for a great culinary experience make a reservation for the restaurant.

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Brouwerij 't IJ

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Amsterdam has many breweries, but Brouwerij t' ij is one of the most popular ones. You can visit the traditional windmill building for a lovely 'IJwitje' (white beer).

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Albert Cuyp Markt

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This local market is home to the best street food you can find in Amsterdam. It can get quite busy so watch out for pickpockets.

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Malabar-bar

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Grab a cocktail in the skybar, with a view over the water.

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Zevenlandenhuizen

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These houses were built in the style of 7 different countries, can you discover which one is which without checking?

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Foodhallen

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This food court offers dozens of cuisines and is built inside an old tram remise. Start out with the oyster bar and share with your travel company to try out as many different dishes as possible!

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Proeflokaal 't Blauwe Theehuis

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This blue-themed cafe is situated in the middle of the popular Vondelpark, and can only be reached by walking or taking a bike into the park.

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ARTIS

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One of the smallest zoos, but also one of the oldest with lots of wildlife to admire.

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Skinny Bridge

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This bridge is only meant for cycling or walking and is the most beautiful when its lights get lit in the dark. For the best view and pictures, it's better to walk on one bridge away from the Skinny Bridge (Magere Brug).

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Duke of Tokyo

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Feel like you're wandering into Tokyo in this Japanese-style karaoke bar. Tip: to reserve a room for the actual karaoke you need to reserve at least a week in advance.

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Pathé Koninklijk Theater Tuschinski

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This movie theater opened its doors over 100 years ago and feels like you go back in time, while you can watch contemporary movies. Most movies are still in its original spoken language with Dutch subtitles, so totally accessible for non-Dutch speakers.

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Museum of the Canals

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Great place to discover what's behind those beautiful houses on the Amsterdam canals.

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Mooie Boules Amsterdam

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Play the French game 'Jeux de Boules' or 'Petanque' with a local beer in this cozy cafe. Be sure to make reservations well in advance, it can get busy.

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KattenKabinet (Cat Cabinet)

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The ultimate museum for cat lovers. This whole place is cat-themed, and as a bonus, there are a few furry friends running around.

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Begijnhof

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This secret spot feels like an escape from the busy shopping street that lies next to it.

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Thuishaven Festivalterrein

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Fancy a true Amsterdam music festival experience and don't want to pay €80 for a day ticket? Try booking tickets for Thuishaven. This festival is hosted nearly every weekend in the summer season, but be sure to book your tickets in time.

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Het Amsterdamse Bos

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Het Amsterdamse Bos is a small forest area right next to Amsterdam, offering plenty of walks, a children's farm (which offers great Pancakes and Hot Chocolate), and even its own rowing track. In the right season, you can also walk through Japanese blossom trees which were donated by the Japanese government.

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Love, Lotte 👋

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lotte

The ultimate guides for foodies, adventurers, and city trips ✈️. Hi 👋 my name is Lotte, a 25-year-old Dutchie living in Amsterdam. I’ve traveled to over 40 countries in 5 continents and have many more on my bucket list. I share my experiences, best food spots, activities, and more from my past and future travels, and am excited to take you with me on the journey. --------------------------- Follow me if you’re into: - Backpacking - Van life - Young couples travel - Cute coffee and breakfast spots - Local style dinners --------------------------- Find me on Instagram 📸 @travelwithlovi for more footage on your favourite places Subscribe to my Thatch profile to keep up-to-date with new map and itinerary releases

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Amsterdam, Netherlands