https://https://au.trip.com/toplist/tripbest/recommend/amsterdam/best-things-to-do/10070000299091
Best Things to Do
Top 50 Best Things to Do near Amsterdam [2025]
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Mauritshuis Museum
4.7
/5
194 reviews
8.5
From VND 611015
Based on 5,210 reviews
Centrum | 51 km from downtown
Phone +31703023456
Address: Plein 29, 2511 CS Den Haag, Netherlands
Recommended sightseeing time: 2–3 hours
Highlights:
Exhibits are thoughtfully designed
Artistic design & exquisite layout
Saved by 272 users135 positive reviews
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There are many works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Rubens, which are worth the price. The tickets on Ctrip are quite cost-effective. Generally, online tickets are cheaper than on-site tickets. Sometimes domestic mobile phones cannot access external websites, so Ctrip is very convenient to buy tickets.
Most people come here for Girl with a Pearl Earring. It is exciting to be able to appreciate the original work that you have heard about for a long time up close. The entire hall is luxuriously decorated, and there are so many cultural and creative peripherals that you can't stop walking around.
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Cologne Cathedral
4.8
/5
825 reviews
8.4
Based on 22,507 reviews
Cologne City Center | >100 km from downtown
Phone +4922192584730
Address: Domkloster 4, 50667 Köln, Germany
Recommended sightseeing time: 1–2 hours
Highlights:
Panoramic view from the tower
Cologne's 360° view from tower
Saved by 334 users320 positive reviews
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It is a famous attraction that is worth visiting. It is a pleasure to visit Cologne Cathedral. Through the introduction, we learned that Cologne Cathedral was built in 1248 by the then Archbishop of Cologne, Conrad. Von Hochstaden presided over the laying of the foundation stone. The construction process took hundreds of years and was interrupted many times due to wars, lack of funds and other reasons. The church was not completed until 1880, after a total construction period of 632 years. The cathedral is an outstanding example of Gothic architecture. Its architectural style is characterized by towering spires, pointed arches, flying buttresses and exquisite stained glass windows. As an important Catholic church, Cologne Cathedral is a place for believers to carry out religious activities, attracting a large number of believers to make pilgrimages every year. The church houses the remains of the "Three Holy Kings of the East", which gives it a very high religious status.
huge and impressive, the view from the cathedral is also great, can’t remember the number of the stairs and it will take some time to go upstairs but totally worth it
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Grand-Place of Brussels
4.6
/5
603 reviews
7.9
Based on 35,292 reviews
Central Brussels | >100 km from downtown
Phone +3225138940
Address: Grote Markt, 1000 Brussel, Belgium
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5–1 hour
Highlights:
360° city view from tower
Touch Selkras statue for luck
Saved by 382 users249 positive reviews
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The Grand Plaza Brussels is a breathtaking place! Whether it is a historic building or an artistic atmosphere on the square, it is a lingering experience. Every time you walk here, you can feel the strong cultural atmosphere and historical precipitation. Whether it is a sunny day or a dimly lit night, the Grand Place Brussels has a different charm and is definitely worth a visit.
The place is gorgeous! we were there after Christmas and it matches with the Christmas tree so perfectly! Visit and just enjoy the view!
No.
4
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Atomium
4.3
/5
312 reviews
7.4
From VND 491945
Based on 16,289 reviews
Brussels Expo | >100 km from downtown
Phone +3224754775
Address: Pl. de l'Atomium 1, 1020 Bruxelles, Belgium
Recommended sightseeing time: 1–2 hours
Highlights:
Night lights simulate electronic motion
Panoramic Brussels view & landmarks
Saved by 214 users124 positive reviews
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It is must see when in Brussels. But really not that special. It is cheaper to buy combo ticket for Atomium and mini Europe at the ticket office on site then online.
The Brussels Atomic Tower is a landmark not to be missed, and its unique design and rich historical background make every visitor fascinated. Standing at the top of the tower, the whole Brussels city has a panoramic view and a picturesque and lingering view. Whether it is the building itself or the surrounding landscape, it makes people feel the strong cultural atmosphere. It is an unforgettable travel experience and is highly recommended for friends who like to explore and appreciate the art of architecture.
No.
5
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Zaanse Schans
4.7
/5
605 reviews
7.4
Based on 8,998 reviews
12.5 km from downtown
Phone +31752047510
Address: Zaandam, Netherlands
Recommended sightseeing time: 2–3 hours
Highlights:
Watch Dutch crafts up close
Outdoor museum of 35 windmills
Saved by 523 users130 positive reviews
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A famous attraction that is worth visiting. Today the weather is nice and sunny, with plenty of sunshine, which is suitable for taking pictures. This is a famous windmill attraction. Along the lake path, you can enjoy various windmills, cultural landscapes and some cheese huts. Some windmills are workers and run under the action of wind. I took a lot of photos and enjoyed the picturesque windmill village.
If you come to the Netherlands, you must visit the windmill village. There are many windmill villages in the Netherlands. Since Zaanse Schans is closest to the capital Amsterdam, it has become the first choice for tourists.
There are 5 large windmills in Zaanse Schans, distributed along one side of the Zaan River. The functions of the windmills are different. They are used for sawing wood, pressing oil, grinding dyes, grinding mustard powder and pumping water, etc. Some of them can be visited inside. Tourists can visit on foot or rent a boat to experience different scenery.
In addition to the iconic windmills, there are also handicraft workshops, wooden shoe factories, cheese workshops, museums, etc. In the cheese workshop, you can watch the complete process of cheese making, or buy a large piece of cheese as a souvenir. There is a small pasture in front of the cheese shop, where a few calves and lambs are raised, and tourists like them very much; the wooden shoe factory has colorful wooden shoes with local characteristics, and there are several large wooden shoes outside the store, which has become a check-in place for tourists.
"Zaanse Schans Windmill Village"
Location & Transportation:
Zaanse Schans Windmill Village is about 20 kilometers north of Amsterdam.
If you drive 🚗, it will take about 20 minutes.
If you take the train 🚞, take it to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans Station and walk 🚶 for 20 minutes to arrive.
If conditions permit, I personally recommend self-driving, which is more flexible in time control.
💰Cost:
The windmill village itself is free, but you need to buy a separate ticket if you visit the museum and enter the windmill. Parking 🅿️15 euros
No.
6
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Manneken Pis
4.0
/5
481 reviews
7.2
Based on 16,918 reviews
Central Brussels | >100 km from downtown
Phone +32479272929
Address: 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Recommended sightseeing time: 5–15 minutes
Highlights:
Explore city culture & cuisine
Beer tasting during carnival
Saved by 227 users129 positive reviews
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Brussels peeing child (Manneken Pis) is one of the iconic statues of the Belgian capital Brussels, known as the "First Citizen of Brussels". The peeing child statue is located in the pedestrian area of downtown Brussels, about 53 cm tall, and sits on a marble carved platform about two meters high. The statue was made of bronze, the original bronze statue was created in 1619 by the Belgian sculptor Jerome Duquesnova. There are many versions of legends about the origin and story of peeing children: • Legend 1: In 1142, the Duke of Goth Fred III led the army against foreign enemies, and the Duke put his young son in a cradle and hung on a tree to inspire the army's morale and finally defeated the enemy. • Legend 2: Less than getting up in the middle of the night to pee, seeing the neighbor's house on fire, can not find the water to put out, so with urine to extinguish the fire, rescue the trapped people. • Legend 3: When the ancient Spanish invaders evacuated Brussels, they wanted to blow up the city with explosives, less than pissing overnight, doused the fuse, thereby saving Brussels. • Legend 4: The rulers of the Holy Roman Empire intended to blow up Brussels with explosives, less than even discovering and dousing the fuse. Peeing children is not only a landmark in Brussels, but also a symbol of the Belgian spirit, representing bravery and wisdom. Traditional: Since the 18th century, the statue of the peeing child has changed clothes regularly. Today, he has more than 1,000 costumes that are presented by countries. The peeing child attracts visitors from all over the world for its unique historical and cultural value. There are many famous Belgian chocolate shops around the peeing children, where you can taste and buy your favorite chocolate.
you cannot take a trip to Belgium without visiting their cheeky little statues!
No.
7
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Cologne Chocolate Museum
4.6
/5
182 reviews
7.1
From VND 496297
Based on 5,933 reviews
Altstadt-Süd | >100 km from downtown
Phone +492219318880
Address: Am Schokoladenmuseum 1a, 50678 Köln, Germany
Recommended sightseeing time: 1–2 hours
Highlights:
Cologne's iconic chocolate fountain
Fresh chocolate flows beneath tree
Saved by 153 users29% positive reviews
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I had an absolutely wonderful time at the Lindt Chocolate Factory in Köln. From the moment I stepped inside, the aroma of rich, creamy chocolate filled the air — pure heaven for any chocolate lover. The museum was fascinating and well-organized, showcasing the history of chocolate and Lindt’s craftsmanship in such an engaging way.The highlight was definitely watching the chocolatiers at work and tasting the freshly made Lindt chocolate — so smooth and delicious! The staff were friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about what they do. The shop at the end was a dream come true, with so many unique treats and exclusive flavors to choose from.I left with a big smile (and a bag full of chocolate!). Highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Cologne — it’s both fun and delicious! 🍫✨
Fascinating even for chocolate professionals! Loved watching real production & tasting Lindt treats. Well-maintained, not crowded on Thursday. A sweet, educational stop—worth visiting!
No.
8
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Rheinauhafen District
4.5
/5
45 reviews
7.0
Altstadt-Süd | >100 km from downtown
Phone +492213489901
Address: 50679 Cologne
Recommended sightseeing time: 2–3 hours
Highlights:
Cologne Cathedral views by Rhine
Next to Cologne Cathedral
38% positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Cologne in Germany is a popular place for tourists to visit. It has the most famous Cologne Cathedral⛪️ and the Cologne Promenade. Cologne is the fourth largest city in Germany and is located on the banks of the Rhine in western Germany.
Rheinauhafen is the former dock area and harbour area that is always a joy to visit on any holiday I take to Cologne, as I always tend to visit Cologne over the Christmas period I always look forward to visiting the wonderful Harbour Christmas Market which is superb,the wonderful Chocolate Museum is also here as are some interesting museums ,the most defining structures along Rgeinauhafen are the Kranhauser buildings, look amazing, walking along the Rheinauhaden are some great reminders of the docks that once operated here ,theres some great vintage cranes that look cool ,add to this the cafe's,bars and restaurants along this walkway and you have a really pleasant place to visit.Easy to locate along Am Zollhafen,most definitely well worth checking out if your in the area.
No.
9
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Duftmuseum im Farina-Haus
4.2
/5
96 reviews
6.8
From VND 397160
Based on 906 reviews
Cologne City Center | >100 km from downtown
Phone +492213998994
Address: Obenmarspforten 21, 50667 Köln, Germany
Recommended sightseeing time: 1–2 hours
Highlights:
300-year cologne history & factory
300-year Farina perfume history
Saved by 101 users
Verified user reviews
This was a unique experience! Farina is the original Eau de Colonge, and the tour is in the origianl house. (The factory moved out of the city center.) Our tour guide was Weibke, who did a wonderful pesentation in English. She is very knowledgable, and explained a lot of historical facts. The museum is small, but packed with a lot of antiques and information. I was glad that I didn't buy the other brand of colonge at the Cathedral, since 4711 it is not the original
The Cologne Perfume Museum has a very strong smell. Many of the perfumes here are brewed from local plants. The original production process of perfume also comes from here. Every time you smell the perfume, you feel very comfortable. The Perfume Museum also collects quite a lot of items.
[Fun] It is quite interesting
[Cost-effective] It is also very cheap to buy
No.
10
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Schloss Benrath
4.4
/5
42 reviews
6.7
From VND 875297
Based on 753 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +492118921903
Address: Benrather Schloßallee 100-108, 40597 Düsseldorf, Germany
Recommended sightseeing time: 2–3 hours
Highlights:
Autumn garden's colorful foliage
Rococo architectural heritage masterpiece
46% positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Large green area and pink rococo palace. When we are there at least 3 wedding photos work was there. The large landscape and well maintained trees and flowers creates a good scene for photos and also the historic building, artificial water and sculptures keeps the feeling of place garden.
📍Address: Located in Cologne, Germany, with convenient transportation, you can see its magnificent figure from a distance as soon as you get off the car.
🌟Appearance: From the moment you step into the palace area, it feels like you have fallen into a fairy tale world. The main building of the palace is in a gorgeous Baroque style. The pink and white exterior walls shine in the sun. The exquisite carvings and magnificent columns, every detail shows the luxury and dignity of the year, and it is super photogenic📷!
🏞Garden: The garden of the palace is even more unique! Symmetrical layout, neatly trimmed green plants, and colorful flowers blooming. Strolling through it, the fragrance of flowers is overflowing, and occasionally there are a few birds flying around, like a fairyland on earth. Walking along the gravel path, I feel that my body and mind are healed.
💖Visiting experience: There are rich exhibitions inside, from exquisite court costumes👗 to luxurious furniture🪑, a series of historical scrolls unfold in front of you, which can give you an in-depth understanding of the life style of the nobles at that time. The staff explained in detail, and even if you don't know much about history, you can still listen with relish.
💰Ticket price: The ticket price is reasonable, and it is very cost-effective compared to the experience you get. There are also preferential policies for students, which is very considerate.
In short, whether it is the beauty of architecture, garden landscape or cultural heritage, Benrath Palace is intoxicating. It is a must-visit place in Cologne. I strongly recommend it to everyone! 👏
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