Things to do in Amsterdam at a glance
Things to do in Amsterdam mix museums with the canals themselves. The big museums need a time slot, so book them ahead. The canal ring costs nothing to walk and is a World Heritage area, and a boat trip gives you a second view of the same streets. A short canal cruise or one of the city tours is an easy first morning.
A single day is not much if you want two museums and a canal walk. Plan one museum per half day and keep one evening for the water.
Our pick: the Houseboat Museum
A short visit that fits between larger sights and sits on the Prinsengracht.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Amsterdam tours, cruises and tickets
Canal cruises, walking and bike tours and museum experiences, with live prices and availability.
What the main sights cost in 2026
Prices and rules for the sights most visitors ask about.
| Sight | Adult price | Time slot | In the City Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rijksmuseum | €25 | Required | Yes |
| Van Gogh Museum | €25 | Required, book ahead | No |
| Houseboat Museum | €9.50 | Buy on board or online | Free entry |
| Westerkerk | Free | Open Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Free anyway |
For most visitors with two or three museum visits, compare the City Card with separate tickets before you buy. The card does not include the Van Gogh Museum, so that ticket always comes on top.
Rijksmuseum tickets
The Rijksmuseum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., including public holidays. Adults pay €25 in 2026, and visitors up to and including age 18 enter free. A time slot is required, with exceptions for members of Friends, ICOM and ICOMOS schemes. Tickets at the door are sold only while slots remain, and payment is cashless.
Reduced rates for some card holders exist, so check the price on the ticket page before you pay.
Van Gogh Museum tickets
Adults pay €25, visitors under 18 enter free, and students at institutions in the EU or EEA pay €16. Museumkaart and ICOM holders pay €0. A companion of a visitor who cannot get around independently enters free. You need a time slot, and you should book it ahead of the day.
An audio tour costs €3.75 for adults and €2 for ages 13 to 17. From 2 to 30 November 2026 and from 1 to 18 December the usual hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with Fridays open until 9 p.m., except 27 November. From 24 to 26 December the museum is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check the day calendar on the ticket page.
The Amsterdam City Card
The City Card includes the Rijksmuseum. It does not include the Van Gogh Museum or the Anne Frank House, and there is no special child discount on the card. There are two kinds. Total Experience includes public transport. Explorer gives you 3, 5 or 7 activities and does not include public transport, so do not assume every City Card covers trams and metro.
Whether the card pays off depends on how many included sights you plan to visit. If you only want the Rijksmuseum and the canals, compare it with a single ticket plus a boat trip.
Canals, neighbourhoods and free things to do
The canal ring is the main sight, and walking it is free. Start with the canal ring guide, then pick a district. The Jordaan was a working-class quarter, and the Nine Streets link canals with shops, monuments and canal-house museums. Prinsengracht has the Westerkerk, which is free to enter from Monday to Friday between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. There is no tower climb.
The Houseboat Museum costs €9.50 for adults. The morning visit from 10 a.m. to noon costs €8 and only online. Children from 5 to 12 pay €5, and under 5 is free. See the houseboats guide for hours.
In 2026, a 75-minute day cruise starts from €18.50 and a 90-minute evening cruise from €20.80, plus a separate €2.70 city charge per boat passenger. Prices change by date and boat type.
Anne Frank House and a day outside the city
The hiding place of Anne Frank was in the rear annex of Prinsengracht 263. Visit details are in the Anne Frank House guide.
For a change from the city, read the day trip guide to Zaanse Schans and Giethoorn. In winter, the Light Festival brings the canals to life from 26 November 2026 to 17 January 2027.
Plan the rest of your visit
More guides to help you decide.
Things to do in Amsterdam: frequently asked questions
How much is the Rijksmuseum?
Adults pay €25 in 2026. Visitors up to and including age 18 enter free. You need a time slot.
How much is the Van Gogh Museum?
Adults pay €25, students at EU or EEA institutions pay €16, and under 18 is free. You need a time slot, booked ahead.
Does the City Card include the Van Gogh Museum?
No. It includes the Rijksmuseum but not the Van Gogh Museum or the Anne Frank House. Only the Total Experience version includes public transport.
What can I do in Amsterdam for free?
Walk the canal ring, cross its bridges and visit the Westerkerk, which is free on Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Can I climb the Westerkerk tower?
No. A tower climb is not possible, but you can visit the church.
How much does a canal cruise cost?
In 2026, a 75-minute day cruise starts at €18.50 and a 90-minute evening cruise at €20.80, plus a €2.70 city charge per passenger. Check the price for your date.