Amsterdam is a leader of European luxury travel. There is no shortage of indulgent five-star hotels, fine dining, and high-end shopping. If you’re planning a trip to Amsterdam and want nothing but the best, try these things to do in Amsterdam that will please even the most seasoned luxury traveler! Our Amsterdam travel guide has everything you need to know about touring this city in style.
GASSAN Diamonds
GASSAN Diamonds is located in the historical heart of Amsterdam. It has been a pinnacle of watch and jewelry craftsmanship for four centuries. Here you will see rough diamonds transformed into fine jewelry firsthand. Learn about diamond cutting and see every step of the process right before your eyes. Their VIP tour tops our list of things to do in Amsterdam. It includes a welcome glass of champagne followed by a tour of the diamond factory. It also offers a visit to the Rolex Service Workshop, viewing of the Rolex collection, and a Rolex goodie bag along with a watch strap cleaning.
Ciel Bleu
If your VIP tour worked up an appetite, head over to Ciel Bleu on the 23rd floor of Hotel Okura Amsterdam. With two Michelin stars, it’s one of the most exclusive restaurants in Amsterdam. This restaurant is a must on any Amsterdam travel guide.
Ciel Bleu’s spectacular view of Amsterdam is the perfect opportunity to catch a glimpse of the beautiful city from another perspective. Chefs Onno Kokmeijer and Arjan Speelman surprise diners with their sophisticated culinary creations. Couple this with the finest wine suggestions and elegant service, and it’s easy to see why this restaurant is so well-regarded. –iamAmsterdam.com
For an immersive dinner book the Chef’s Table adjacent to the kitchen and watch the culinary magic right before your eyes.
Bike and Boat Tour
To truly immerse yourself in the city of Amsterdam you need to experience it both from land and by canal. A bike and boat tour can help you to do just that. Joy Ride Tours offers a combination tour that is sure to please. The tour begins with a leisurely four-hour countryside bike tour. You will see Vondel Park, the Amsterdam Forest, Dutch polders, visit a working cheese farm (which also makes Dutch clogs!), and a beautiful windmill from 1636. The bike tour is followed by a private tour aboard a vintage salon boat.
Amsterdam has more than one hundred kilometers of grachten, or canals, and about 90 islands and 1,500 bridges. The three main canals (Herengracht, Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht), dug in the 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age, form concentric belts around the city. Alongside the main canals are 1550 monumental buildings. The 17th-century canal ring area, including the Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, Herengracht and Jordaan, were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010. -Joy Ride Tours
Experiencing Amsterdam by land and water will create memories to last a lifetime. Be sure to add this tour to your list of things to do in Amsterdam.
Van Gogh Museum
An Amsterdam travel guide wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the renowned Van Gogh Museum. The museum houses some of the artist’s most well-known works. It also gives you a glimpse into his life and works. Take a private guided tour to get the most out of your time at the museum.
Art and Van Gogh lovers rejoice! Get ready for a unique journey where you’ll explore every period of Van Gogh’s life and work. From the dark paintings of the Netherlands to the colors of Paris, the light of Arles in South France and leading to his tragic death in Auvers Sur Oise near Paris. During this unique experience, you’ll listen to unknown Van Gogh’s stories and learn about the latest news and recent discoveries about his work from a personal and private local guide. –Get Your Guide
As one of Europe’s most popular destinations, you can see there is no shortage of things to do in Amsterdam. Hopefully, our Amsterdam travel guide has helped you plan your own trip. For more about visiting “the Venice of the North,” explore Avoiding the Crowds: A Discerning Traveler’s Guide to Amsterdam.