Amsterdam Bucket List and Visitor Guide

Amsterdam is a city that was on my very own Bucket List and is the very first place I have managed to visit since the UK lock downs happened. I’m so happy to be able to finally post a new guide which is this Amsterdam Bucket List.

Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands and is well known for its beautiful canals, narrow houses, deep history, being a cycle friendly city and much much more. It’s also relatively easy to get to whether you are going by plane or taking the Eurostar.

The specific item on my personal bucket list was to see the Tulips so I made sure to visit this delightful city and the surrounding areas in April which is prime time for the famous tulip displays. This is a city that you can visit at any time of year and still enjoy. If your looking for a more busy, party season then summer, June to August is the best time. If you are looking to visit at a quieter time and that’s more budget friendly then going out of the main tourist season, September to February is better.

So lets get into all the must see and do items from the Amsterdam Bucket List below.

Explore the Canals

Famous for its canals you really can’t visit without missing them. You can walk along the cobbled streets and admire them by foot or you can explore them via a canal cruise. One of the best things to do in Amsterdam and one I’d highly recommend is a canal cruise. These run throughout the day and into the evening. You can also enjoy the city when the sun has gone and everything is beautifully lit up. These cruises also come with headsets which give you your own audio guide and the history of the canals.

Eat a Stroopwafel

I couldn’t have an Amsterdam bucket list without food on it. These delightful sweet treats are made from thin waffle that is sandwiched together with a caramel syrup inside. Try placeing them over the top of a hot drink so that the caramel softens and becomes gooey. These can be found in many bakeries across the city and in local supermarkets. They are also great to bring home as edible souvenirs.

Visit Anne Franks House

This a museum run in the house that Anne Frank went into hiding. Learn more about her life and her diary along with the secret annex where she stayed for more than two years during World War II. You can book tickets online at the official Anne Frank House website to plan your trip. I’d recommend booking in advance so that you don’t miss out.

Hire a Bike

Cyclists are everywhere in Amsterdam and there are more bikes than people in the city. Amsterdam is a very cyclist friendly city with plenty of designated cycle paths. You can easily hire bikes and take part in bike tours to really get a feel for the city.

As a pedestrian please keep an eye out for cyclists, they will be everywhere and they don’t always stop at pedestrian crossings. Trying to cross roads (even small ones) was something I found quite stressful and frustrating so please be careful as collisions do happen.

Visit Keukenhof

You can’t have an Amsterdam Bucket List without visiting Keukenhof if you are going in the Spring. Holland is famous for it’s tulips and Keukenhof is known as one of the most beautiful gardens in Europe featuring over 7 million flower bulbs that are planted each year.

The garden is only open from late March through to early May so you will have to time your visit well. Whilst there you can stroll around the gardens and take in the brightly coloured views, explore the tulip fields by whisper boat, take a tour up a windmill and shop the different plants they have available.

You can book day tickets and excursions to Keukenhof which collect you from the city center by coach and will drop you back later the same day.

See the Van Gogh Museum

Van Gogh is a world famous, Post-Impressionist painter who originated from the Netherlands. He is known for his famous Sunflowers painting among other pieces. At the museum you can see his notable artwork and also learn more about his life.

Enjoy the Windmills

An iconic element in the Dutch landscape, windmills are a must see when visiting. Amsterdam has eight Windmills in and around the city of you can go a little further out to see more. There are also plenty of tours available across the countryside to see and learn about the windmills.

Visit Royal Palace Amsterdam

This palace is one of the largest and most beautiful buildings from the 17th Century. The Royal Palace Amsterdam is King Willem-Alexander’s official reception palace. Take a look around the stunning Palace and learn about it’s history. Guided tours can also be booked.

I hope you have enjoyed this Amsterdam Bucket List. These are the main attractions that I think should be on the list but there are also many other things you can add to your very own Amsterdam Bucket List!