Best local experiences in Amsterdam

Looking for the best local experiences in Amsterdam? You're in the right place. We've reviewed dozens of options across the city — from must-see icons to local favourites tucked away in the side streets — so you can spend less time planning and more time exploring. Most of the local experiences below are walkable from the city centre, and almost all are open year-round.

1. 1
   Secret Food Tours Amsterdamfood

   Small-group tasting tours through hidden Dutch food spots.

   4.9(3,210)

   Find official website
2. 2
   Henri Willig Cheese Tastingfood

   Guided tasting of Dutch cheeses paired with wine and stroopwafels.

   4.7(4,810)

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3. 3
   Stroopwafel Workshop Amsterdamfood

   Hands-on workshop where you bake your own warm Dutch stroopwafels.

   4.8(2,120)

   Find official website
4. 4
   Delft Pottery Painting Workshopart

   Paint your own Delft Blue souvenir in a centrally located studio.

   4.7(1,420)

   Find official website
5. 5
   Museum of Bags and Pursesunique

   500 years of bag and purse history in a beautiful canal house.

   4.6(2,120)

   Find official website
6. 6
   Wynand Fockink Jenever Tastingdrink

   Tasting room from 1679 — try the Dutch national spirit, jenever.

   4.8(3,210)

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7. 7
   Coster Diamond Tourfree

   Free tour of the diamond polishing workshop where the Koh-i-Noor was cut.

   4.6(4,210)

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8. 8
   Pancakes on the Canal Cruisefood

   Eat unlimited Dutch pancakes while cruising the canals.

   4.6(2,810)

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Why Amsterdam for local experiences

Amsterdam is one of the top Dutch cities for local experiences, thanks to its canals and museums. Most of the best spots are within easy walking or cycling distance of the centre.

Insider tips

Visit on weekday mornings to avoid crowds. Many local experiences in Amsterdam accept online reservations — booking ahead almost always saves time and money in peak season.

Frequently Asked Questions