Amsterdam rewards visitors who plan ahead. In 2026, the city has tightened tourism rules, raised taxes, and introduced new transport systems. But the core experience — winding canals, world-class museums, and distinct neighborhoods — remains as compelling as ever.
This guide focuses on the essential things to do in Amsterdam. We cover the top-rated tours, practical logistics, and real prices so you can plan without guesswork.
Getting Around Amsterdam in 2026
The GVB public transport network covers trams, buses, metro, and free ferries across the IJ River. The contactless payment system (OVpay) is the simplest option. Tap your debit card, credit card, or phone when boarding and when exiting. The system charges a €1.16 boarding fee plus €0.217 per kilometer, capped at roughly €10.50 daily.
For unlimited travel, GVB day passes cost €10 for one day, €16 for two days, and €21.50 for three days. Children aged 4-11 pay around €5 daily.
The Amsterdam Travel Ticket bundles unlimited GVB rides with return train travel from Schiphol Airport. Prices are €20 for one day, €27 for two days, and €34 for three days.
Cycling remains the most efficient way to explore. Rentals cost €10-€15 daily. Stay in bike lanes and follow right-of-way rules — locals cycle fast and expect tourists to do the same.
Key 2026 change: From April 2026, all canal tour boats must be emission-free. This improves air quality and reduces noise on the water.
Top-Rated Tours and Experiences
Anne Frank House fits this guide for this trip: book ahead, the museum is small, and the story is the point of the visit. Tickets and rules are in our Anne Frank House tickets guide.
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…
Book on ViatorAmsterdam Luxury Canal Cruise
A 1-hour ride on a 100% electric luxury boat shows you the Golden Age canal ring from the water. The 4.9 rating from 31,300 reviews makes this the highest-rated and most-reviewed canal cruise in Amsterdam.
Choose the basic option or upgrade to unlimited drinks and snacks. Prices range from €33.30 for the drinks package to €49.50 for a 90-minute luxury option with unlimited drinks and bites.
Most cruises depart from Stationplein or Prins Hendrikkade, directly opposite Amsterdam Centraal Station. Evening cruises offer a different perspective when canal houses light up.
Amsterdam Luxury Canal Cruise + Unlimited Drinks & Bites option
The best way of seeing historical Amsterdam is from the water.
Book on ViatorAbsolutely Amsterdam Walking Tour
This tip-based introductory tour covers the city's history of tolerance and freedom. You pay a small booking fee (around $6 or €3.99) upfront, then tip your guide based on your experience.
The 4.9 rating from nearly 4,000 reviews indicates consistent quality. The tour lasts roughly 2.5 hours and covers the main sights in the historic center. It works well on your first day to orient yourself.
Absolutely Amsterdam - the Essential Introductory Walking Tour
Discover the fascinating history of the most liberal city in the world with FreeDam Tours.
Book on ViatorAmsterdam Red Light District Walking Tour
Available in English, German, Italian, Spanish, or French, this 1.5-hour tour provides a critical and informative perspective on the Red Light District. It covers the history of sex work, local regulations, and the neighborhood's transformation over time.
The 4.8 rating from 386 reviews reflects strong traveler satisfaction. Prices range from €24.53 to €29.90 per adult. Guides address the district with respect and factual accuracy — this is not a party tour.
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…
Book on ViatorMajor Museums and Attractions
Rijksmuseum
The national museum houses Rembrandt's Night Watch and Vermeer's The Milkmaid. Open daily 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with last admission at 4:00 PM. Adult tickets cost €27. Visitors under 18 enter free.
Book a time slot online in advance — the museum sells out, especially on weekends. The Rijksmuseum is cashless; bring a card or phone for payments.
Free entry is available with the I amsterdam City Card, Dutch Museumkaart, or Go City All-Inclusive Pass, but you still need a reservation.
Van Gogh Museum
This museum holds the largest collection of Van Gogh's works. Hours are typically 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily, with Friday extensions until 9:00 PM. Adult tickets cost €25. Visitors under 18 enter free. Students pay €15. An audio guide costs €3.75 for adults.
Tickets require pre-booking with a timed entry slot. No tickets are sold at the door. Note that the I amsterdam City Card does not provide free entry here.
Heineken Experience
This interactive brewery tour in the original Heineken building is open daily 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM, with Friday and Saturday hours until 9:00 PM. Basic tickets start from €24.95 and include two drinks.
Online booking for a fixed time slot is mandatory. Tickets often sell out in advance.
Budget Planning
Accommodation Costs
Amsterdam has raised its tourist tax to 12.5% for
- Additionally, the Dutch national VAT on hotel accommodation increased from 9% to 21% on January 1,
- Combined, the total tax rate on rooms is approximately 33.5%.
Budget hotels in the city center start around €120-€180 per night. Mid-range options range €180-€300. Luxury hotels can exceed €400.
New rule: As of April 1, 2026, homeowners in the city center and De Pijp district can only rent out properties for a maximum of 15 nights per year. This reduces short-term rental supply, potentially increasing hotel demand.
Daily Budget Estimates
- Budget traveler: €80-€120 per day (hostel dorm, street food, limited attractions)
- Mid-range traveler: €150-€250 per day (budget hotel, casual restaurants, 1-2 attractions)
- Luxury traveler: €300+ per day (nice hotel, fine dining, multiple tours)
Saving Money
The I amsterdam City Card starts from €65 for 24 hours. It includes unlimited GVB transport, a canal cruise, bike rental, and free entry to over 70 attractions. If you plan to visit multiple museums and use public transport, this card usually pays for itself.
The Go City Amsterdam All-Inclusive Pass starts from €79 for one day and covers 45+ attractions including the Rijksmuseum. Its 3.9 rating from 74 reviews suggests mixed value — check which attractions you actually want to visit before buying.
Practical Tips
FAQ
What is the best time to visit Amsterdam in 2026?
April through May offers tulip season and mild weather. September through October has fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures. July and August are peak tourist season with higher prices and longer queues.
How many days to stay is covered in our Amsterdam 3-day itinerary.
Is Amsterdam safe for solo travelers?
Yes. Amsterdam is generally safe, but watch for pickpockets in crowded areas like Central Station, the Red Light District, and on trams. Avoid dark, empty streets late at night. The city has good lighting and active police presence.
Do I need a visa for Amsterdam in 2026?
Non-EU short-stay visitors need a valid passport and may need a Schengen visa depending on nationality. The Schengen Entry-Exit System (EES), fully implemented on April 10, 2026, digitally tracks your 90-day stay limit within any 180-day period. No more passport stamps — the system records your entry and exit automatically.
How do I get from Schiphol Airport to the city center?
The train is fastest: 16 minutes to Amsterdam Centraal Station, costing approximately €5.50. Buses and taxis are available but slower and more expensive. The Amsterdam Travel Ticket includes return train travel from the airport.
Can I visit the Red Light District with children?
The Red Light District is an adult-oriented area with sex workers in windows and adult shops. Most walking tours do not recommend bringing children under
- If you visit with older teenagers, use a guided tour for context and stick to main streets during daytime hours.
Final Thoughts
The key to enjoying what to do in Amsterdam is planning ahead. Book major attractions early, understand the transport system, and budget for the higher taxes in
- The city has made deliberate changes to manage tourism — respect local rules, stay in registered accommodations, and use emission-free transport options.
Amsterdam rewards visitors who slow down. Walk the Jordaan canals in the morning light. Take a canal cruise at sunset. Join a walking tour that explains the city's complex history. The best experiences aren't the most expensive — they're the ones you approach with curiosity and preparation.