Amsterdam Things to Do

There is plenty to see in laid-back Amsterdam, from world-class museums to vintage markets and more canals than Venice. And if that is not enough, any of the suggestions below make a diverting day trip from the city of cool.

The Dutch are very child-friendly and so Amsterdam is a great city to take kids, with lots of activities just for them.

1) Canal Cruise

This one is fun for the entire family as you get to explore the world’s greatest canal city from a boat on the canals. Kids will love seeing all the barges that people live on, plus the many bridges, the crooked buildings and the harbor with its mix of the modern and the historic.

Here is a list of six events happening in Amsterdam this summer:

1) Vondelpark

Amsterdam’s largest and favorite park, Vondelpark, comes alive during the summer. You will see people picnicking under the trees, feeding the ducks in the pond or joining the Friday night skate through town, which starts outside the Filmmusuem in Vondelpark at 8:30pm every Friday. The Film Museum based in the Vondelparkpaviljoen has outdoor screenings and the Open Air Theater has productions running from June through August. You can also simply sit on the balcony at the café/bar, Blauwe Theehuis, and enjoy those long twilight evenings when it stays light until 9 or 10pm.

Let’s see… What to do in Amsterdam? Well, there’s Madame Tussads, the Amsterdam Dungeon (where you’ll learn about the Spanish Inquisition and the origins of the Grim Reaper and later ride a roller coaster named after him). Your mom will roll her eyes, but if you don’t go to the Wallen (the Red Light District) while you’re here, well, you are probably a church deacon or something. And if you plan on checking out the Wallen, then you’ll probably be okay checking out Amsterdam’s famous coffee shops, where “bartenders” can hook you up with some delicious “brews.” After that, you’ll need a snack; Amsterdam’s cuisine involves herring, gherkins and chocolate, not to mention world-famous cheese.

Did I mention Amsterdam has tulips and canals and museums? Well, these are probably why you’re visiting Amsterdam in the first place, and if you get a city pass, you’ll get discounted rates on much of the city’s top attractions.