Amsterdam Guide: Part 1
Amsterdam has been our home for just over 9 months now and, since summer is right around the corner, we wanted to create a quick guide. It feels like we’re still scratching the surface of all there is to experience here; there is so much to do, see and eat in this canal city! We tried to organize various tips from a local’s standpoint, places and events we’ve experienced firsthand, as well as recommendations from more seasoned expat friends and native Dutchies. Think of it as a checklist for making your trip to Amsterdam one you will never forget!
Getting around:
RENT A BIKE! You can get anywhere in 10-20 minutes by bike, so it allows you to explore way more in a day than you could simply by walking. It is hands down the quickest mode of transportation. This is the city of bikes for a reason, but because there are more bikes than people, it can be pretty intimidating. Just ride safely and always be aware of what’s happening around you.
This has been the best Bike Rental option so far for our guests – They have locations all over the city and you can return the bike to any of them.
The metro, tram, train and buses are all super easy to navigate and a great way to get around the city if the bike situation is, understandably, too overwhelming. You can map your route via public transportation here.
To do:
#1 Recommendation: Take an open boat canal tour! This is the best way to see a lot of the city, learn fun facts, take your favorite Instagram pictures, etc. “Open” boat is key, not only to enjoy the sunshine, but to ensure you have a live guide and not just a recording. They always make it an entertaining experience. You can schedule a tour at this website, or there are various stands along the canals – we always purchase tickets at the stop on the canal in front of the Rijksmuseum. Those Dam Boat Guys also provide a comedic and highly rated tour.
Mokumboots: Rent a boat! You bring your own food and beverages and cruise around the canals on your own. This is a fun option if you have a group with you. The boats are not fast, so don’t stress about that.
Sandeman’s Free Walking Tour: Another great way to see a lot of the city center and learn about the city. Some information overlaps with the canal tour, but most of it was new to us. It’s “free”, as in “tips-based”, to ensure you get the best quality tour since you are deciding how much you think the tour was worth. There are a lot of other tours on this website as well.
Albert Cuypmarkt: Most popular street market in Amsterdam! Started in 1904 and, in typical Netherlands fashion, is named after a painter from the 17th century. Located on the Albert Cuypstraat in the De Pijp neighborhood, you can find anything from clothing to flowers to food. Speaking of food, this is the BEST place to get a fresh stroopwafle in Amsterdam! There are a few to choose from, but you want to go to the stand called “Original Stroopwafles”. Trust me. *Closed on Sundays
Vondelpark: The largest city park in Amsterdam! Ride your bike here, pack a picnic and people watch. There are also some cool restaurants and cafes within the park to sit outside and enjoy a drink and some bitterballen.
Try Bitterballen: It’s kind of like fried gravy? Am I selling this well? Pro tip: cut it in half and let it cool before you bite into it to prevent 2nd degree mouth burns.
Van Stapele Koekmakerij: Cookies! Need I say more?
Winkel 43: Homemade apple pie – baked fresh daily and delicious (If you hate raisins, then you might want to avoid this one)
Vlaams Friteshuis Vleminckx: FRIES. You’re welcome. Seriously, Amsterdam in general serves the best fries we’ve ever had, including our visit to Belgium.
Brouwerij ‘t IJ: Built in an old bath house next to a windmill, this is the best known brewery in Amsterdam next to Heineken. Really good Belgian-style beers and cool ambiance!
Red Light District: This is the oldest part of Amsterdam and the safest area in the city. Worth the visit, even if only to see it isn’t as crazy as people make it out to be. You will likely be joined by many drunk, British bachelor parties.
Coffee Shops: Not coffee. I would be remiss if I left this one off the list. “Coffee Shop” simply means alcohol-free. You may purchase and enjoy cannabis in various forms within these establishments…I would recommend avoiding Space Cakes.
Centraal Station: 250,000 people on average pass through this station each day. It’s pretty incredible to see and experience the buzz here! This is also where you would catch the free ferry to Noord (you can bring your bike with you).
Zaanse Schans: Take the ferry to Noord with your bike and continue riding north to this historic gem. The windmills, clog making demonstrations, artisan chocolates, and green wooden houses will take you back to 18th/19th century Holland.
Johan Cruijff ArenA Tour: If you’re a soccer fan, this is 75 minutes well spent. It’s a little outside of the city, but a quick trip on metro 54. A guide will take you through the locker rooms, press room, player tunnel and onto the field, which is pretty incredible. My favorite part was the VR experience.
Museums:
Amsterdam is home to about a zillion museums, many of which are world-famous. Here are a few of the most popular and worth the visit:
Van Gogh: The audio tour helps guide you through the various rooms better than going on your own
Anne Frank House: Definitely book a couple of months in advance
Rijksmuseum: BEAUTIFUL. This is the Dutch national museum of arts and history. You could spend hours here, so keep that in mind. If you’ve seen pictures of the IAMSTERDAM sign, you will likely also see the Rijksmuseum in the background. Unfortunately, the sign is no longer there.
NEMO Science Museum: Great to check out if you have kids with you, as it’s very interactive and a popular activity for families. The rooftop terrace is actually free, and is the highest city square in the Netherlands.
Dutch Resistance Museum: WWII history
Restaurants:
This is tough because there are SO many amazing restaurants in Amsterdam (the list is honestly endless), but I’ll at least give you a solid start and it’s organized by location. I’m here for you.
Breakfast/Brunch:
Center:
The Pancake Bakery: Quality pancakes with canal views – always busy
Blue Amsterdam: Café and bar with a panoramic view
Lottis: Cute breakfast café in the day (popular for weekend brunch) and transforms into a sophisticated bar for drinks and snacks in the evening
Greenwoods Keizersgracht: Breakfast next to a canal
De Pijp:
Bakers and Roasters: Might need a reservation, but popular for a reason
Little Collins: Australian and delicious – also a good restaurant for dinner
Gs: Brunch – excellent Bloody Marys
Café Loetje: Lunch – good spot to try bitterballen and have a glass of wine
Vondelpark:
Dignita: Service is slow, but the food is excellent!
Le Pain Quotidien: Our other go to brunch spot – Order the cheesecake and do it early because they will sell out! (If they do, it was probably Luke)
Brasserie De Joffers: Delightful spot for lunch and a glass (or a few) of wine
Dinner:
Center:
Balthazar’s Keuken: Fun date night spot with a set menu – make reservations because they only have about 5 tables
Ramen Ya: Best Ramen we’ve had in the city
Thai Bird: Hands down the best thai food in Amsterdam (Thai is one of our favorites, so we’ve tested manyplaces so far)
The Pantry: If you’re jonesing for traditional Dutch food – very small restaurant offering down home cooking
De Pijp:
Spaghetteria: Delicious Italian cuisine
Bazar Amsterdam: Beautifully located within an old church – African and Middle Eastern dishes
Cannibale Royale: We still haven’t been, but if you’re into meat, this is the place and comes highly recommended
Vondelpark:
De Pizzabakkers: Our favorite is the one on Willemsparkweg – try the homemade limoncello…that’s an order
Pompa: Excellent tapas and pasta bar – lovely mussels
George: Great patio – always lively
Oud West:
Foodhallen: Indoor food market and bar – highly recommend the gin and tonic bar
Dutch Weed Burger Joint: Quality vegan restaurant
Indonesian:
Blauw (near Vondelpark), Tujuh Maret, Indonesian Kitchen: Indonesian food is super popular in the Netherlands, and rightfully so! There are some amazing rijsttafel restaurants here. It is so good, and I know a lot of Amsterdam expats agree with me, that we’ve replaced our favorite go-to cuisine of Mexican with Indonesian.
***My husband would get super dramatic if I didn’t also encourage you to get durum döner while you’re here. There is an endless amount of kebab restaurants, so if you’re on a budget (or out at 2AM) they won’t be hard to find.
Bars:
Center:
Wynand Fockink Proeflokaal: 17th-century tasting room for Genever (Dutch spirit) – really fun atmosphere and highly recommended experience. Near the National Monument on Dam Square.
Waterkant: Large outdoor area on a canal – fun place to sit outside and have a drink during happy hour.
Tales and Spirits: Impressive cocktail bar – get here around 6 if you want to make sure you can get in.
Bar Oldenhof: High-end speakeasy in Jordaan area
Pulitzer’s Bar: Elegant cocktail bar in Hotel Pulitzer – also in Jordaan
Café Genootschap der Geneugten: Good vibes with a local feeling on Liedsestraat
Whiskey Cafe L & B: Very cool whiskey bar in Leidseplein
Shiraz Jardin des Vins: Same street as the whiskey cafe – Wine bar filled with locals and French expats (If the French are into the wine here then we all should be too)
Cafe Gollum: Cozy beer bar with an excellent selection
De Pijp:
Glou Glou: Chic wine bar
Brouwerij Troost: Brewery in De Pijp
Events:
Amsterdam is a city of constant festivals and events, and they do it well! You can check Festival Overzicht to see what’s going on during your visit, otherwise here are some of the more popular ones we can recommend:
Museum Night: 1st Saturday in November – Around 50 museums open their doors from 7pm-2am. Most have DJs, dance parties, snacks and drinks. Life hack: Actually walk around the museum…no one else is so you can take it in without having to fight the masses
Amsterdam Wine Festival: March and September – Food trucks and wine from all over the world
King’s Day: King’s birthday on April 27th – Everyone celebrates by wearing orange and partying all over the city
Tulips: Keukenhof (End of April is typically the best time to go). You can also rent a bike and ride through the tulips outside of the main park
Tulip Festival in Dam Square
NYE – Fireworks are illegal in the Netherlands all year, except for New Year’s Eve and it is the craziest fireworks show I have ever seen. The weather will be cold, but the experience is so worth it.
Amsterdam Music Festival: Mid-October – Performances by some of the most famous names in EDM. If EDM is your thing, this is something you don’t want to miss.
Rollende Keukens (“Rolling Kitchens” in English): End of May, beginning of June – food festival with about 80 foodtrucks
