Canals and the city
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| A canal cruise | A boat trip past historic houses and bridges; the canal ring is on the World Heritage list. | From piers in the centre |
| Dam Square and the Royal Palace | The main square in the heart of the city, with the Royal Palace on one side. | Central Amsterdam |
| A'DAM Lookout and the edge swing | An observation deck 100 metres up, and a swing that carries you over the edge of the building. | 10 am to 10 pm; free ferry from Centraal Station |
| Kalverstraat | Amsterdam's best-known shopping street. | City centre |
Museums
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The Rijksmuseum | The Netherlands' largest museum, with paintings by Rembrandt and Vermeer. | Timed tickets, online only |
| The Van Gogh Museum | The world's largest collection of Van Gogh's paintings. | Timed tickets; they sell out weeks ahead in summer |
| NEMO Science Museum | A hands-on science museum for children in a ship-shaped building. | Near Centraal Station |
Parks and family
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Vondelpark | Amsterdam's largest park, with ponds, paths and cafés. | Near Museumplein |
| Artis Zoo | One of Europe's oldest zoos, in the city centre. | East of the centre |
Around Amsterdam
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Keukenhof gardens | Millions of tulips in a garden that opens only in spring. | 2027 season 18 March to 9 May |
| Zaanse Schans | Wooden windmills and green houses on the river. | About 20 minutes from Amsterdam |
Tips before you go
- You need a Schengen visa, applied for through the visa centre before travel.
- Get around by tram or bicycle, and watch the bike lanes when you walk.
- April is tulip season and the loveliest time, so book early.
Hotels in Amsterdam
More places nearby
Visa
- Netherlands visa for Saudis: Schengen step by step
- Schengen visa for Saudis: requirements, fees and steps
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Amsterdam?
A canal cruise, the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, Vondelpark, Dam Square, A'DAM Lookout, NEMO and the Keukenhof gardens.
When are the Keukenhof gardens open?
In the 2027 season, from 18 March to 9 May.
Do I need to book the Van Gogh Museum?
Yes, tickets are timed and sold online, and they sell out weeks ahead in summer.
Planning your trip to the Netherlands? Read Travel to the Netherlands from Saudi Arabia.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.