Things to do in Amsterdam

Culture · Museum Quarter

Rembrandt, Vermeer and the Dutch Golden Age, on a square shared with the Van Gogh Museum.

Local tip: Book online and arrive at opening; Museumplein itself is a fine spot for a picnic between galleries.

Landmark · Centrum

The UNESCO-listed ring of 17th-century canals, gabled houses and arched bridges.

Local tip: See it from the water — a small rental boat or a quiet canal-side at dusk beats the packed tourist cruises.

Neighborhood · Jordaan

A charming maze of narrow streets, brown cafés, hofjes (courtyards) and markets.

Local tip: Saturday's Noordermarkt mixes organic food and antiques; duck into a brown café for a proper Dutch beer.

Nature · Oud-Zuid

The city's beloved green lung, full of picnics, joggers and open-air culture.

Local tip: On sunny weekends it's one big party; the open-air theatre runs free shows all summer.

Culture · Amsterdam-Noord

A former shipyard turned street-art, festival and food hub across the IJ.

Local tip: Take the free GVB ferry from behind Centraal — it's the creative Noord scene most tourists miss.

Food · De Pijp

The city's largest street market, in a lively, multicultural foodie neighbourhood.

Local tip: Get a fresh-pressed stroopwafel and try the raw herring; the surrounding bars are where locals go out.