Rating Activities in Amsterdam
I traveled to Amsterdam this year, 2025, and while some activities were absolutely amazing, others… not so much. I’m sharing my honest opinions here in case you’re trying to choose between things to do — or if you’re just curious about my experience. Here we go:
The Red Light District (10/10)
It’s truly a fascinating spectacle in Amsterdam. The women model in the windows and interact with passersby — whether you’re a man or a woman, they’ll look at you, make faces, invite you in. It feels like watching holograms behind glass — stunning, with eccentric outfits and artistic makeup. Without a doubt, one of the most unique parts of Amsterdam.
It’s not an “activity” per se, but you definitely need to set aside time to walk around the area and admire the erotic art show they’ve created.
Canal Cruise (10/10)
Depending on the time of year and the specific cruise you choose, most of them are absolutely beautiful. Some offer unlimited drinks, and sailing through the city at night feels like pure art. It’s definitely something you must experience — especially if you’re visiting during the Light Festival. Incredible!
Van Gogh Museum (3/10)
Don’t get me wrong — I love art, and I always visit museums. But honestly, this one wasn’t anything special. It’s just Van Gogh’s artworks, and unless you’re a hardcore fan, it might feel underwhelming. There’s nothing immersive or out of the ordinary compared to a standard museum.
AMAZE (8/10)
I thought this activity was fantastic — a truly interesting audiovisual stimulation. Every room and every light/sound show keeps you entertained.
Why not a 10? The last room was underwhelming — the structure wasn’t as immersive as the previous ones, and since it’s the final stop, I expected it to be the most impressive. Still, the staff’s performance, the lights, the music — all amazing up until the end. Plus, they have a cute bar where you can grab a cocktail or coffee.
There are lots of photo-op spots too, so if you want to snap a few pics for Instagram, it’s all set up for that!
Body Worlds (7/10)
The exhibit is fascinating, no doubt. I’d recommend it — but it’s a lot of information. There’s no guide to walk you through it. You either read the signs in English or rent audio guides in your language. They’re not expensive, but the audio is very long-winded. You can easily spend 10 minutes listening to facts at a single station.
Personally, I would’ve liked something that told me what I was seeing and why it’s important, instead of deep medical and scientific explanations that felt too much for someone without a background in medicine.
Still, the frozen body poses are wild and fascinating.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! (8/10)
Really interesting — full of oddities and interactive spots for photos or to learn cool facts. There are exhibits of all kinds: from bear skeletons to shrunken heads from ancient tribes. You’ll also find statues of the world’s heaviest man and a motorcycle made out of silverware. Super weird and fun!
Again, no guide — it’s all self-guided. I feel like I missed out on a lot of context, which is why I’m not giving it a 10. That said, time flies here, and it’s a really fun thing to do.
Trying Magic Mushrooms at Kokopelli (10/10)
If you want to have your first psychedelic experience in a safe and welcoming place, Kokopelli is perfect. There are guides who help you with your dosage, and you can stay in their cozy “living room” space to go through your trip with comfort and care.
You can hang out there with friends, draw, listen to music — they’ll give you blankets and pillows. The atmosphere is beautiful, and the view is calming. A wonderful place to journey inward and meet others open to the experience. They also have a bar where you can order tea or coffee after your trip.
Want help planning your own Amsterdam experience?
If you’re thinking of visiting Amsterdam and want personalized recommendations — what to do, what to skip, how to book, where to eat, what to experience — you can reach out to Tripialist.com.
We’ll help you organize an unforgettable, safe, and budget-friendly adventure tailored to your style and interests.
Happy travels!