Amsterdam in 2026 offers more than just canals and tulips. The city has evolved with new rules, higher tourist taxes, and emission-free boat tours. But the core experiences remain world-class.
This guide covers the essential what to do in Amsterdam activities, with real prices, honest ratings, and practical logistics. No fluff. Just data-driven advice to help you plan.
Anne Frank's Legacy: A Walking Tour Through History
The story of Anne Frank touches millions of visitors each year. A guided walking tour offers context that a solo visit to the museum cannot provide.
The Anne Frank's Story - Guided Walking Tour earns a 4.82 rating from over 12,600 reviews. This 2-hour small group tour takes you through the Old Jewish Quarter to the Anne Frank House area. Guides share stories about Amsterdam during World War II and the Frank family's life in hiding.
Important distinction: This walking tour does not include entry to the Anne Frank House itself. You need separate tickets for the museum, which cost ā¬16.50 for adults in
- Tickets release weekly on Tuesdays at 10:00 AM for visits six weeks later. They sell out fast.
The walking tour costs around ā¬19 per person. Private options run ā¬210 per guide for up to 15 people.
Anne Frank's Story - Guided Walking Tour through Amsterdam
Walk through Amsterdam with a professional guide that shows you Amsterdam during the World War II, through the eyes of A
Book on ViatorCanal Cruises: See Amsterdam from the Water
Seeing Amsterdam from its canals is not optional. It is the best way to understand how this city works. The canals form a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a cruise shows you 17th-century gabled houses, houseboats, and hidden courtyards.
The Amsterdam Luxury Canal Cruise + Unlimited Drinks & Bites option scores 4.88 out of 5 from 31,293 reviews. That is one of the highest-rated experiences in the city.
This 1-hour tour uses 100% electric boats. Since April 2026, all canal tours must operate emission-free. You get unlimited drinks and snack options. Prices start at ā¬33.30 per person.
Standard 1-hour canal cruises without drinks range from ā¬15 to ā¬25. Hop-on hop-off boat tickets cost ā¬27.50 for 24 hours. Dinner cruises start at ā¬89 per person.
Most cruises depart from locations near Amsterdam Centraal Station, Anne Frank House, or Rijksmuseum. Book ahead during peak seasons.
Amsterdam Canal Cruise With Live Guide and Unlimited Drinks
Get on board of one of the comfortable boats. Sail the canals and experience Amsterdam in peace from the water. Our cap
Book on ViatorIntroductory Walking Tour: Get Your Bearings
A good introductory tour saves you hours of wandering aimlessly. The Absolutely Amsterdam - the Essential Introductory Walking Tour rates 4.90 from 3,958 reviews. It covers the most liberal city's history and how freedom shaped Amsterdam.
This tour operates on a tip-based model. You pay a small booking fee (around $6 on some platforms), then tip the guide based on satisfaction. Guidelines suggest ā¬15 to ā¬50 per person.
The tour covers landmarks like the Royal Palace, Dam Square, and the Begijnhof courtyard. Guides explain Amsterdam's tolerance policies and how the city grew from a fishing village to a global trade hub.
This tour works well on your first day. You will know which areas to explore deeper later.
Absolutely Amsterdam - the Essential Introductory Walking Tour
Discover the fascinating history of the most liberal city in the world with FreeDam Tours. On this unique tip-based* sig
Book on ViatorCity Passes: Do They Save You Money?
City passes can simplify your trip. Whether they save money depends on your plans.
The Amsterdam Pass: 45+ Things To Do - Includes Rijksmuseum has a 3.93 rating from 74 reviews. The lower rating reflects mixed value for different travelers.
Go City Amsterdam Pass 2026 prices:
- All-Inclusive 1 day: ā¬79
- All-Inclusive 3 days: ā¬104
- All-Inclusive 5 days: ā¬129
- Explorer Pass (3 attractions): ā¬44
- Essentials Pass: ā¬59
I Amsterdam City Card 2026 prices:
- 24 hours: ā¬67
- 48 hours: ā¬94
- 72 hours: ā¬115
- 96 hours: ā¬130
- 120 hours: ā¬140
New in May 2026: The I Amsterdam City Card Explorer Special Edition lets you choose 3 or 5 attractions for a set price. Three attractions cost ā¬44 for adults. Five attractions cost ā¬74.
Do the math before buying. The Rijksmuseum costs ā¬25. The Van Gogh Museum costs ā¬25. A canal cruise costs ā¬20. If you visit two museums and take a cruise, a pass might not save money. But it adds convenience.
Note: The I Amsterdam City Card does not include Anne Frank House entry. You still need separate tickets.
Amsterdam Pass: 45+ Things To Do - Includes Rijksmuseum
Discover over 40 top Amsterdam attractions and save up to 50%* with Go City. Your Amsterdam All-Inclusive Pass gives you
Book on ViatorRed Light District Walking Tour
The Red Light District draws curiosity from many visitors. A guided tour provides context without the awkwardness of wandering alone.
The Amsterdam Red Light District Walking Tour scores 4.84 from 386 reviews. This 1.5-hour tour is available in English, German, Italian, Spanish, or French. Guides explain the work of sex workers, the district's history, and current regulations.
Tours stay on the periphery of the district. This respects workers' privacy while educating visitors. Guides discuss Amsterdam's approach to prostitution, drug policies, and how the district has changed over decades.
Prices vary by operator. Book through platforms like Viator or GetYourGuide.
The separate Red Light Secrets museum costs ā¬14.50 per person for those wanting more depth.
Amsterdam Red Light District Walking Tour in EN/DE/IT/ES/FR
Discover Amsterdam's famous red light district on a critical and informative 1.5-hour tour with an English, German, Ital
Book on ViatorPractical Tips for Amsterdam 2026
When to Visit
April through May offers tulip season and King's Day (April 27). Crowds are large. Hotels are expensive.
June through August brings warm weather and long daylight hours. Tourists fill every attraction. Book everything in advance.
September through October has mild weather and fewer crowds. This is the sweet spot.
November through March is cold and rainy. Museum lines are shorter. Hotel prices drop.
Getting Around
OVpay contactless system: Tap your debit card, credit card, or phone when boarding and exiting trams, buses, and metros. You pay ā¬1.16 boarding fee plus ā¬0.217 per kilometer. Daily cap is around ā¬10.50.
GVB Day Passes:
- 1 day: ā¬10
- 2 days: ā¬16
- 3 days: ā¬21.50
- 7 days: ā¬43
Amsterdam Travel Ticket: Includes airport train and city transport. One day costs ā¬20.
Most central attractions are walkable. Trams cover longer distances. Ferries cross the IJ River for free.
Budget
Low budget: ā¬60-80 per day. Hostel dorm bed (ā¬30-50), street food or supermarket meals (ā¬15-20), one paid attraction (ā¬15-25), walking.
Mid-range: ā¬150-200 per day. Budget hotel (ā¬100-130), sit-down restaurant meals (ā¬30-40), one attraction plus canal cruise (ā¬40-50).
High-end: ā¬300+ per day. Central hotel (ā¬200+), fine dining (ā¬60-100), multiple attractions and private tours.
Tourist Tax 2026
Amsterdam's tourist tax for hotels is 12.5% of the accommodation price (excluding VAT). The national VAT on hotels increased from 9% to 21% in
- Combined, you pay roughly 33.5% in taxes on accommodation.
Cruise passengers pay ā¬15 per person per day.
The city council proposes raising the tourist tax to 16% in 2027 and 20% by 2030.
Safety
Amsterdam is generally safe. Pickpocketing happens on trams, at Central Station, and in crowded areas. Keep valuables in front pockets or a cross-body bag.
The Red Light District has heavy foot traffic. Stay aware of your surroundings. Do not take photos of sex workers.
Bicycle theft is common. Never leave your bike unlocked, even for one minute.
Scams target tourists near Central Station and Dam Square. Avoid street dealers offering drugs. Ignore people asking for "donations" or offering "free" bracelets.
ETIAS Requirement
Starting in late 2026, travelers from visa-exempt countries need ETIAS authorization before visiting the Netherlands. Apply online before your trip. The process takes minutes. Approval lasts three years.
What to Pack
- Rain jacket or umbrella. Amsterdam averages 200 rainy days per year.
- Comfortable walking shoes. You will walk 10-15 km daily.
- Layers. Weather changes quickly.
- Power adapter. Netherlands uses Type C and F plugs, 230V.
FAQ
Question: How many days do I need for Amsterdam?
Three to four days covers the main attractions. Five days allows for a day trip to Zaanse Schans or Haarlem.
Question: Do I need to book Anne Frank House tickets in advance?
Yes. You must buy tickets online. No tickets are sold at the door. Tickets release weekly on Tuesdays at 10:00 AM for visits six weeks later.
Question: Is the I Amsterdam City Card worth it?
It depends. If you visit 3-4 paid attractions and use public transport, it saves money. If you only visit one museum per day, individual tickets cost less.
Question: Can I use my credit card everywhere in Amsterdam?
Most places accept contactless payments. Some smaller markets and cafes prefer cash. Carry ā¬50-100 in cash as backup.
Question: Are canal tours worth the price?
Yes. A 1-hour canal tour costs ā¬15-25 and shows you the city from its best angle. The luxury cruise with unlimited drinks at ā¬33 is the highest-rated experience in Amsterdam.
Question: What is the best way to get from Schiphol Airport to the city center?
The train costs ā¬5.60 and takes 15 minutes to Central Station. Taxis cost ā¬40-50 and take 20-30 minutes. The Amsterdam Travel Ticket includes airport transfer.
Final Thoughts
Amsterdam in 2026 rewards planners. Book Anne Frank House tickets the moment they release. Reserve canal cruises and museum slots at least two weeks ahead. Budget for the 33.5% combined tax on hotels.
The what to do in Amsterdam list starts with a canal cruise, an introductory walking tour, and a visit to the Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum. Add the Anne Frank walking tour for historical depth. Skip the city pass unless you plan to visit multiple attractions per day.
Pack a rain jacket. Wear comfortable shoes. Tap your phone to pay for trams. And remember that Amsterdam is a walking city first.
The best experiences happen when you wander off the main streets, find a quiet canal-side cafe, and watch the city go by. That costs nothing.
Top experiences in Amsterdam
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