Why Visit Amsterdam in 2026? What’s New and Unmissable
Amsterdam attracted over 15 million day-trippers and 22.9 million overnight stays in 2024, each resident benefiting from approximately €11,000 in tourism revenue. 2026 sees continued investment in immersive digital attractions and responsible tourism in lesser-known districts. Highlights for first-timers and repeat visitors include:
- Rembrandts Amsterdam Experience – 5D digital recreation of the artist’s studio, recommended before visiting main museums.
- Fabrique des Lumières – Sensory digital art projections in Westergasfabriek, visitor sentiment rating: 96.9/100.
- AMAZE Amsterdam – Audiovisual immersion experience, sentiment: 96.3/100.
- New eco-cafés and family venues in Amsterdam-Noord, reflecting a citywide focus on sustainability.
Popular events include King’s Day (Apr 27, ~700,000), Amsterdam Pride (Aug, ~500,000), and Amsterdam Light Festival (Dec–Jan, ~300,000 visitors).
Quick Picks – Top 5 Things to Do in Amsterdam for First-Time Visitors
Iconic Amsterdam Landmarks
- Rijksmuseum – Dutch Golden Age masterpieces, approximately 2.7 million annual visitors, entry ~€22.50.
- Anne Frank House – Historic WWII site, ~1.3 million yearly visitors. Advance booking essential.
- A’DAM Lookout – 22-floor tower with city views, ~700,000 visitors.
Can’t-Miss Museum Highlights
- Van Gogh Museum – World’s largest Van Gogh collection, ~2.1 million visitors annually.
- Moco Museum – Contemporary and Banksy street art exhibitions, sentiment 86.3/100.
Picture-Perfect Canal Experiences
- Classic Canal Cruise – 60 min, €15–20, 3.5 million rides annually, multilingual audio guides.
- Evening Canal Tours – Romantic illuminated routes from €20, best booked in advance.
- Hop-on-Hop-off Cruises – 24-hour passes (€27.50–30), flexible boarding at major sites.
Amsterdam’s Best Food & Markets
- Albert Cuyp Market – Largest street market, street food and Dutch cheese tastings.
- De Pijp – City’s foodie quarter, top for multicultural eats and affordable dining.
Local Bike Tours and Alternative Transport
- Guided Bike Tours – Explore city routes and green spaces (from €25 per person).
- GVB Public Transport Passes – Unlimited travel, English signage and contactless payments.
What to Do in Amsterdam: The Classics
Rijksmuseum and the Golden Age Art
Home to Rembrandt’s Night Watch and Vermeer’s works, the Rijksmuseum is a must. Visitor satisfaction scores 93.3/100. Recommended: Pre-book online, entry €22.50, included in the I amsterdam City Card.
Visiting the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House
The Van Gogh Museum houses over 200 paintings, 2.1 million annual visitors. The Anne Frank House offers an emotional WWII experience; limited accessibility due to stairs. Both require timed-entry tickets, book months ahead.
Exploring the Historic Canal Belt (Grachtengordel)
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join a one-hour classic cruise or eco-boat tour to access hidden corners along the canals. Evening cruises provide unique photo opportunities and quieter experiences.
Jordaan Neighborhood Wanders
Jordaan, once a working-class area, now features indie boutiques, galleries, and cozy cafes. Ideal for self-guided walks or guided food tours.
Floating Flower Market and Traditional Cheese
Visit Bloemenmarkt for tulips and Dutch souvenirs. Local cheese tasting available at shops along Singel canal.
Hidden Gems and Authentic Local Experiences in Amsterdam
The Secret Courtyards (Begijnhof and More)
Discover hidden courtyards like Begijnhof, tranquil green spaces dating to the 14th century. Free entry, often missed by crowds.
Cat Boat and Quirky Museums Off the Beaten Path
The Cat Boat (De Poezenboot) is a cat sanctuary floating on a canal. Other oddities include the Micropia (microbe museum) and Electric Ladyland (fluorescent art).
Amsterdam-Noord & STRAAT Museum Street Art
Take the free ferry to Amsterdam-Noord for contemporary street art at STRAAT Museum and creative food halls. Less crowded, eco-focused.
Amsterdam Library Views (OBA)
The public library (OBA) offers panoramic city views from its upper floors. Free to enter and ideal for a quiet break.
Cozy Brown Cafés and Indie Breweries
Historic brown cafés serve Dutch beers and snacks; try Café Chris (since 1624). New microbreweries are popular in Noord and De Pijp.
Sustainable, Family-Friendly & Inclusive Things to Do in Amsterdam
Eco-Friendly Canal Cruises and Bike Rentals
- Eco-boat companies offer silent cruises with electric engines and local drinks.
- Bike rental networks (from €11/day) provide green exploring. Dedicated lanes and insurance available.
Parks and Picnics: Vondelpark and Westerpark
Vondelpark gets around 10 million visitors annually—ideal for cycling or picnics. Westerpark offers art, music, and farmer’s markets.
Activities for Kids and Teens
- NEMO Science Museum – Interactive exhibits (sentiment score 90.1/100), suitable for all ages.
- ARTIS Zoo – Botanical gardens and family events, ~1.1 million annual visitors.
LGBTQ+ Friendly Spaces and Events in 2026
Amsterdam Pride, the world-famous canal parade, draws half a million annually. Reguliersdwarsstraat is the nightlife hub, with inclusive events and English-friendly staff.
Accessibility and Easy Exploring for All
Major museums are wheelchair accessible with audio guides; Anne Frank House has stair limitations. Contactless payments and bilingual signage everywhere.
What to Do in Amsterdam by Season: 2026 Events and Festivals
Spring – Tulip Blooms and King’s Day Celebrations
- Tulip Festival in April, drawing over 250,000 visitors.
- King’s Day, April 27 – nationwide street parties and flea markets (~700,000 celebrate in the city alone).
Summer – Open-Air Concerts, Pride, and Canal Festivals
- Amsterdam Pride in August (~500,000 attendees).
- Canal Festival: Classical concerts by and on the water.
- Urban open-air events in Vondelpark, Westerpark.
Autumn – Art Fairs and Local Harvest Tastings
- Affordable Art Fair and art routes throughout De Pijp and Jordaan.
- Local tastings: cheese markets, Dutch apple pie, and craft beer festivals.
Winter – Christmas Markets and Light Festival
- Light Festival cruises: illuminated canal displays (sentiment score 4.8/5).
- Christmas markets and ice skating at Museumplein.
Amsterdam Food Experiences: Where and What to Eat (2026 Edition)
Iconic Sweets and Street Food to Try
- Stroopwafels (caramel waffles), available at street stalls and markets.
- Haring (pickled herring), served with onions and pickles.
- Poffertjes (mini pancakes), best at open-air stands.
Local Markets: Albert Cuyp and Foodhallen
- Albert Cuyp Market: 260+ stalls, open Mon–Sat, free entry.
- Foodhallen: Indoor street food venue, home to dozens of vendors.
Multicultural and Plant-Based Dining
- Try Surinamese, Indonesian, or Turkish cuisine in De Pijp.
- Plant-forward menus rising citywide; vegan cafés in Noord and city centre.
Coffee Shops and the Evolving Cannabis Scene
Coffee shops are regulated, English-friendly. Recent trends show a wider variety of edibles and CBD-infused drinks. IDs required for entry.
What to Do in Amsterdam for Culture Lovers: Art, Music, and Nightlife
Top Contemporary Galleries and Immersive Experiences
- Moco and STRAAT museums specialize in modern and street art.
- Fabrique des Lumières offers tech-driven art.
Live Music Venues and Jazz Cafés in 2026
- Paradiso and Melkweg: Iconic pop and indie venues.
- Bimhuis: Leading jazz stage, waterfront views.
Best Theaters, Cinemas, and Night Spots
- Pathé Tuschinski: Art Deco cinema and live events.
- DeLaMar Theater: Renowned for musicals and comedy shows.
- Night clubs and bars cluster around Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein.
Tech-Savvy Amsterdam: Innovative Tours and Digital Experiences
VR Museum Previews and AR Canal Walks
Some major museums offer VR tours. Start your exploration with AR-enabled canal walks via mobile apps, providing on-the-go historical insights.
Handy Apps for Exploring Amsterdam Efficiently
- GVB app for real-time public transit updates.
- Citymapper: Trip planning, route optimization.
- Museum apps for skip-the-line access and multilingual guides.
Contactless Payments and Transport Tips
Contactless cards, Apple/Google Pay accepted for transport, dining, and attractions. Most transport apps now offer e-tickets and price calculators.
Day Trips and Longer Stays: Extend Your Amsterdam Adventure
Haarlem, Zaanse Schans, and the Dutch Countryside
- Haarlem: Historic city, top-rated Saturday market.
- Zaanse Schans: Open-air windmill museum, cheese and clog workshops.
Keukenhof Gardens and Regional Tulip Routes
- Keukenhof (open late March to mid-May): 7 million tulips, advance booking required.
- Biking routes wind through colorful regional fields.
Modular Itinerary Extensions (4+ Days)
Stay longer with add-ons: Rotterdam for architecture, Utrecht for medieval sights, or a North Sea coast beach day. Multi-night I amsterdam Card options recommended for savings.
Amsterdam Travel Planning FAQ: Passes, Costs, Safety, and Insider Tips
- Tourism Passes: I amsterdam City Card covers main museums/transport, 24–96h (€60–130).
- Average Costs: Museum entry €20–25; canal cruise €15–20; local meals €8–20; GVB day pass €9.
- Safety: Low violent crime rate; cautious pickpocketing in tourist zones. Efficient emergency medical services (dial 112).
- Booking: Always book timed tickets for top attractions and cruises at least 2 weeks in advance. For peak spring/summer, secure 1–2 months ahead.
- Language: English widely spoken, bilingual signage at all attractions.
- Transport: City centre, Jordaan, De Pijp are walkable; use trams or bikes beyond. Avoid cars—parking is costly and limited.
Plan your journey with confidence by booking official passes at I amsterdam and securing tours and tickets via certified platforms like Lovers Canal Cruises, Pure Boats, or Viator. For more, explore the latest events and updates at I amsterdam.