Things to do in Amsterdam when travelling from London St. Pancras by train

Things to Do In Amsterdam: Travel guide

Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most popular city break destinations, known for its scenic canals, world-class museums, historic architecture, cycling culture and lively neighbourhoods. Whether you’re visiting for art, history, food or relaxed exploring, there are endless things to do in Amsterdam.

Getting to Amsterdam by Train from London

One of the easiest ways to travel from the UK to Amsterdam is by Eurostar. Direct trains run from London St. Pancras International to Amsterdam Centraal, offering a smooth and comfortable journey without flying.

Travel time from London to Amsterdam

Travelling from London to Amsterdam by train takes approximately 4 hours, making it ideal for a weekend break or longer stay.

Find out more about going high-speed from London to Amsterdam and book your ticket.

Eurostar to Amsterdam

Top Things to Do in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is packed with world-famous attractions, historic landmarks, museums and local experiences. Here are the best things to do in the city.

1. Explore Amsterdam’s landmarks and historic sites

Amsterdam’s most important sights are concentrated in and around the city centre, making it easy to explore on foot or by bike. Must-see landmarks include:

• Dam Square – the historic heart of Amsterdam, surrounded by major buildings and the starting point for many city walking routes
• Royal Palace of Amsterdam – an impressive 17th-century building originally built as a city hall and now used for royal events and receptions
• Anne Frank House – one of the most visited historical sites in Europe, located on the Prinsengracht canal, offering powerful insight into WWII history and Anne Frank’s diary
• Begijnhof Courtyard – a hidden medieval courtyard dating back to the 14th century, featuring historic houses and a peaceful chapel away from the busy city streets
• Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) – one of Amsterdam’s most photographed wooden drawbridges, especially beautiful when illuminated at night over the River Amstel

2. Cruise Amsterdam’s canals

A canal cruise is one of the most iconic things to do in Amsterdam. The UNESCO-listed canal ring is made up of 17th-century waterways lined with merchant houses, arched bridges and traditional houseboats. Popular cruise routes pass landmarks such as the Amstel River, historic canal houses and illuminated bridges. Evening cruises are especially popular when the canals are lit up and reflections create some of the best views in the city.

3. Visit world-class museums

Amsterdam is home to some of Europe’s most important museums:

• Rijksmuseum – located in Museumplein, this national museum showcases Dutch Golden Age masterpieces including Rembrandt’s The Night Watch and works by Vermeer
• Van Gogh Museum – the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh works, including paintings, sketches and personal letters showing his artistic development
• Stedelijk Museum – modern and contemporary art and design, featuring artists such as Mondrian and Warhol
• Rembrandt House Museum – the former home and studio of Rembrandt, restored to show how he lived and worked in the 17th century

4. Explore Amsterdam by bike

Cycling is one of the best ways to experience Amsterdam. The city is built for bikes, with over 400 km of cycling paths, dedicated lanes and bike-friendly bridges. Popular cycling routes include rides along the canals, through Vondelpark and into neighbourhoods like Jordaan and De Pijp. Bike rental is widely available throughout the city.

5. Relax in Vondelpark

Vondelpark is Amsterdam’s most famous park, located near Museumplein and easily accessible from the city centre. It’s ideal for walking, cycling, picnics and outdoor performances during summer months. The park also has cafés, open-air theatres and plenty of green space for relaxing between sightseeing.

6. Visit local markets

Amsterdam’s markets are a key part of local culture.

• Albert Cuyp Market – the largest street market in Amsterdam, located in De Pijp, offering street food, cheese, flowers and souvenirs
• Try traditional Dutch foods like stroopwafels, bitterballen and herring from market stalls
• Many stalls also sell Dutch cheeses such as Gouda and Edam in a variety of aged styles

Markets are a great way to experience everyday Amsterdam beyond the main tourist attractions.

7. Cross the IJ River to NDSM Wharf

Take a free ferry from Amsterdam Centraal to the NDSM Wharf area, a former shipyard turned creative district. The area is known for large-scale street art, converted industrial warehouses, cultural festivals and independent cafés. It offers a completely different side of Amsterdam compared to the historic city centre.

8. View the city from above

Visit a rooftop bar or observation deck for panoramic views across Amsterdam’s canals, rooftops and historic centre. Popular viewpoints offer views over landmarks such as the Old Town, central canal belt and Amsterdam Centraal Station. Sunset is the best time to visit for photography and skyline views.

Amsterdam Neighbourhoods to Explore

Each district in Amsterdam has its own unique identity, from historic canal-lined streets and cultural attractions to vibrant food scenes and independent shopping districts.

Jordaan

Once a working-class neighbourhood, Jordaan is now one of Amsterdam’s most sought-after areas. Known for its narrow streets, picturesque canals and traditional Dutch architecture, it’s packed with boutique shops, art galleries, cosy cafés and local restaurants. Jordaan is also home to the Anne Frank House and is a great place to wander away from the busier tourist areas.

De Pijp

De Pijp is one of Amsterdam’s most diverse and lively neighbourhoods, known for its multicultural food scene and vibrant atmosphere. Visitors can explore the famous Albert Cuyp Market, sample international cuisine from around the world and enjoy the area’s many bars, cafés and independent shops. Its central location and energetic feel make it popular with both locals and visitors.

Oud-West

Located just west of the city centre, Oud-West combines historic charm with a modern, creative atmosphere. The neighbourhood is filled with trendy restaurants, speciality coffee shops, independent boutiques and local food markets. Its proximity to Vondelpark also makes it a popular area for walking, cycling and relaxing outdoors.

Negen Straatjes (Nine Streets)

Situated within Amsterdam’s canal belt, Negen Straatjes is one of the city’s most popular shopping districts. The area is famous for its collection of boutique stores, vintage shops, designer brands and charming cafés. The picturesque canals and historic buildings make it an ideal place for an afternoon of shopping and sightseeing.

Plantage

Plantage is one of Amsterdam’s greenest neighbourhoods, offering a quieter side of the city. The area is home to the Amsterdam Botanic Garden (Hortus Botanicus), Amsterdam Zoo (ARTIS) and several cultural institutions. With its tree-lined avenues and relaxed atmosphere, Plantage is perfect for visitors looking to escape the crowds while still being close to the city centre.

Best Day Trips from Amsterdam

If you have extra time, Amsterdam is an excellent base for exploring other parts of the Netherlands. Thanks to the country’s compact size and efficient rail network, many of the country’s top destinations can be reached in under an hour.

Zaanse Schans

One of the most popular day trips from Amsterdam, Zaanse Schans offers a glimpse into traditional Dutch life. This open-air heritage area is famous for its historic windmills, wooden houses and artisan workshops. Visitors can watch traditional crafts being demonstrated, learn about Dutch cheese-making, and see some of the country’s best-preserved working windmills.

Travel time from Amsterdam: Around 20 minutes by train.

Haarlem

Just a short journey west of Amsterdam, Haarlem combines beautiful historic architecture with a relaxed atmosphere. The city is known for its charming cobbled streets, independent boutiques, canals and cultural attractions. Highlights include the Grote Markt, St Bavo’s Church and the Frans Hals Museum. Haarlem also has an excellent café and restaurant scene, making it ideal for a leisurely day trip.

Travel time from Amsterdam: Around 15–20 minutes by train.

The Hague

As the political centre of the Netherlands, The Hague is home to the Dutch Parliament, royal institutions and several internationally important organisations. Visitors can explore the historic city centre, visit world-class museums such as the Mauritshuis, or head to Scheveningen Beach for seaside views and fresh seafood.

Travel time from Amsterdam: Around 50 minutes by train.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam offers a completely different experience from Amsterdam. Known for its striking modern architecture, innovative design and one of the world’s largest ports, the city is a fascinating destination for architecture and culture lovers. Top attractions include the Cube Houses, Markthal, Erasmus Bridge and the waterfront districts that showcase Rotterdam’s contemporary character.

Travel time from Amsterdam: Around 40 minutes by train.

Tulip season near Amsterdam

Spring is one of the most popular times to visit Amsterdam thanks to the Netherlands’ famous tulip season. While tulip flowering depends on weather conditions, peak blooms typically occur between mid-April and early May. The best places to experience tulip season are located just outside Amsterdam, making them easy to visit as a day trip.

Keukenhof Gardens

Located near the town of Lisse, Keukenhof is one of the world’s most famous flower gardens and showcases millions of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths across beautifully designed displays. Open for a limited period each spring, Keukenhof attracts visitors from around the world and is widely regarded as the best place to see Dutch tulips in bloom.

Tulip Experience Amsterdam

Located close to Keukenhof, Tulip Experience Amsterdam offers visitors the chance to learn about the history of tulip cultivation in the Netherlands while exploring colourful show gardens. The attraction also features a pick-your-own tulip garden and plenty of photo opportunities among the flowers.

Bloemencorso Flower Parade

The Bloemencorso Bollenstreek is one of the Netherlands’ most famous spring events. Decorated floral floats travel through the bulb-growing region between Noordwijk and Haarlem, attracting thousands of spectators.

When is the best time to see tulips near Amsterdam?

The Dutch tulip season is weather-dependent, with flowering times varying slightly each year. In most years, early blooms appear from late March, and peak tulip season falls between mid-April and early May. Keukenhof is typically at its most colourful during the second half of April

Visitors travelling specifically to see tulip fields should aim for mid-to-late April for the best chance of experiencing peak colour.