Amsterdam in August is alive. The canals shimmer under long northern evenings, terraces spill onto cobblestones, and the city moves at a pace that feels both energetic and unhurried. Whether you are here for the Hockey World Cup, a summer escape, or passing through on a European loop, this Amsterdam travel guide will help you find the best things to do in Amsterdam without rushing from checkpoint to checkpoint.
This guide covers what to do, what to skip, and how to spend your time. All experiences are bookable through our partner Viator, with free cancellation on most tours.
Canals and the Water That Built the City
You cannot understand Amsterdam without getting on the water. The canal ring is a UNESCO World Heritage site for good reason — a 17th-century engineering feat that doubled the city’s size and created the gabled merchant houses you see today.
Captain Jack Canal Cruise | 1.5 hours | From A$42
Smaller open boat with more time on the water than the packed tourist barges. Unlimited Heineken, wine, and Dutch snacks. Departs near the Rijksmuseum, which means less crowded boarding and a local crowd rather than a tour-group atmosphere. Open boats run April through November. In winter, heated boats operate with a rebooking option if weather turns.
Luxury Canal Cruise + Drinks | 1 hour | From A$33
Shorter option if you are tight on time. Drinks and bites included, but the boat is covered and the route more central. Good for an evening wind-down after a day of walking.
Heineken Experience + Canal Cruise | 3 hours | From A$62
Combines the interactive brewery tour with a one-hour cruise. The brewery itself is well done — sensory rooms, history exhibits, and two free beers — but know that the cruise departs from a different location. You will need to walk 15-30 minutes or catch a tram between the two. This package is also non-refundable, so only book if your dates are firm.
History That Still Echoes
Amsterdam’s past is not hidden behind glass. It is in the buildings, the street names, and the stories locals still tell.
Anne Frank Walking Tour | 2 hours | From A$54
A guided walk through the Jewish Quarter following Anne Frank’s footsteps. The guide covers the February Strike, the Winter of Hunger, and daily life under Nazi occupation. The tour ends outside the Anne Frank House. Entry to the house itself is not included and must be booked separately — often weeks ahead in summer.
Pro tip: The meeting point is tricky to find. The website shows where the tour ends, not starts. Allow extra time.
Red Light District Guided Tour | 2 hours | From A$47
Small-group walk through De Wallen with a local guide. The focus is history and context — how the district evolved, current laws around sex work, and the coffeeshop culture that sits alongside it. Maximum 15 travellers. Not sensationalist; more educational than titillating.
Food Worth Skipping Dinner For
Dutch cuisine does not have the global reputation of Italian or French, but Amsterdam’s food scene punches above its weight. The Jordaan and Nine Streets are where locals eat.
10 Tastes of Amsterdam Food Tour | 3 hours | From A$145
Small-group walk with over ten tastings — aged Gouda, freshly made stroopwafels, hand-cut Dutch fries, Surinamese street snacks, and jenever in a brown pub. Vegetarian and pescatarian options available. Gluten-free travellers should consider the private tour option instead. You will leave full.
Amsterdam Food and Cultural Tour | 3.5 hours | From A$132
Slightly longer, with more emphasis on history and neighbourhood stories between stops. Less focused on volume, more on context. Good if you want to understand why certain foods matter to Amsterdam rather than just tasting them.
Day Trips: When the City Feels Too Small
Amsterdam is compact. After two or three days, you have seen the centre. The best things to do in Amsterdam include looking beyond the city — the Netherlands’ finest experiences lie within an hour’s travel.
Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken | 6.5 hours | From A$58
Windmills, cheese-making, clog-carving, and fishing-village charm. All entrance fees and tastings included. Morning departure recommended for fewer crowds. The meeting point can be chaotic — arrive early and look for blue umbrellas. Cheese and clog demos have a sales element. Marken is occasionally skipped due to roadworks, so check the itinerary on the day.
Giethoorn, Afsluitdijk, Zaanse Schans | 10 hours | From A$215
The “Venice of the North” in a small-group VIP bus with maximum eight people. Includes the iconic Afsluitdijk dam. A long day — only book this if you have a full day free and do not mind returning after dark. The small group makes the higher price worthwhile.
Absolutely Amsterdam Walking Tour | 2.5 hours | From A$8
A budget-friendly orientation walk covering Dam Square, the Royal Palace, and canal ring history. Ideal for first-timers who want their bearings before exploring independently. At this price, it is a no-brainer for day one.
If You Are Here for the Hockey World Cup
The 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup runs 15-30 August across Amsterdam and Wavre. The Kookaburras play their pool matches at Wagener Stadium on 16, 18 and 20 August. The Black Sticks Men also play at Wagener Stadium during the pool stage. If you are travelling with SportsLink, your Amsterdam base is the Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam – South by IHG — well connected to the city centre and Wagener Stadium.
Recovery days between matches are ideal for the longer tours. Post-match evenings suit the canal cruises or food tours. If you only have one free day, stick to the shorter options — a 10-hour day trip after a late match is exhausting.
Essential Amsterdam Travel Guide: Practical Tips for August
Best time to visit: May through September for long days. Amsterdam in August is busy — book accommodation and tours well ahead.
Getting around: The city is walkable. GVB day passes cover trams, buses, and metro. Most tours depart from central locations reachable on foot from the canal ring.
Booking ahead: Popular tours book out 30-70 days in advance. During the Hockey World Cup, reserve early for the best selection.
The Full List
| Experience | Duration | From | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Captain Jack Canal Cruise | 1.5 hrs | A$42 | Canals |
| Luxury Canal Cruise + Drinks | 1 hr | A$33 | Canals |
| Heineken Experience + Canal Cruise | 3 hrs | A$62 | Canals |
| Anne Frank Walking Tour | 2 hrs | A$54 | History |
| Red Light District Guided Tour | 2 hrs | A$47 | Culture |
| 10 Tastes of Amsterdam Food Tour | 3 hrs | A$145 | Food |
| Amsterdam Food and Cultural Tour | 3.5 hrs | A$132 | Food |
| Zaanse Schans Day Trip | 6.5 hrs | A$58 | Day Trip |
| Giethoorn Day Trip | 10 hrs | A$215 | Day Trip |
| Absolutely Amsterdam Walk | 2.5 hrs | A$8 | City |
Prices shown are starting rates in AUD and are subject to change. For current pricing and availability, check the latest rates through our partner Viator.
Why Travel with SportsLink
These experiences pair perfectly with a SportsLink Travel tour. We handle the logistics — you handle the memories.
Be part of the crowd, the chant, the celebration.
Explore SportsLink Hockey World Cup 2026 tours
Activities and prices sourced from Viator. Prices subject to change. Free cancellation available on selected tours.
