Travel Guide for Amsterdam, Netherlands

Between the history, the architecture and the charm, Amsterdam is one of the most unique cities and now, one of my favorite cities I have traveled tooBeing a museum geek and an art lover, there were an infinite number of galleries to visit, destinations to discover, and so much in general to learn. Because of Covid, it took three years for me to finally reach one of my top bucket list destinations, and it was everything and more than what I expected. My sister, my roommate, and I covered almost all of the city in four days, but I am itching to go back during the warmer months and stay for a longer time to get more familiar with the city. Time travel back with me to the cold winter days of February 2023 as I highlight the best parts of our trip in the Netherlands.

Number of Days to Stay: 4-7 Days

Expenses: $$-$$$

Best Time to Travel: Spring/early summer or fall/early winter. 

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Where to Stay: 

There are many areas in and on the outskirts of the city to stay when visiting Amsterdam, so I narrowed down to the top four places to find accommodation in the hot spots of Amsterdam. The city is very walkable, bike-friendly, and has many means of public transportation.  Overall, it is easy to get around this city. There is a lot to cover, especially if you are only staying a short number of days, so start mapping out your transportation or take off the training wheels for your bike because you will definitely be wandering all over the city.

Hostels – Amsterdam is one of the most hostel friendly cities in Europe and there are many to choose from. Since hostel accommodations are so popular, they fill-up quickly (especially the private rooms) so if you are traveling on a budget and are considering a hostel, make sure you make a reservation long in advance of your travel date. If you are staying in the smaller hostels, beware of the number of steep steps and floors you may have to walk up during your stay. I would highly advise to travel lightly; my sister and I learned the hard way, and even though we are regular gym weightlifters, lugging our suitcase up many flights of stairs was very difficult. 

Central – If it is your first-time visiting Amsterdam, this is the best location to find an accommodation, but it is busy! We decided to stay in this location since all of the hot tourist spots and restaurants were within short walking distances. It was also easy to get Viggo, (the version of Uber in the Netherlands) from this location as well as to and from the airport. Not to mention, the train station is located at the beginning of the neighborhood. Below is a list of accommodations to stay in the heart of Amsterdam. 

Jordaan – If you are looking for a location where you can be among the locals than Jordaan is a prime place to look for somewhere to stay. This the part of the city where most of the locals reside and is still close to the popular attractions as well as the central part of Amsterdam. 

Dewallen – A few streets south of Central, you will find the neighborhood Dewallen which is considered part of the Red-Light District. This is another budget friendly location where you are in a central area to access all of the popular attractions in and around the city. There are also many restaurants to choose from as well as shops to grab a quick snack. 

De Pijp – In the southern part of the city is the area known as De Pijp. This spot is close to all the museums and breweries of Amsterdam. Here you can also find Mediterranean restaurants, cafes and shopping. 

Where to Eat: 

If there is one thing you can count on in Amsterdam, it is eating some amazing food. Below I listed establishments to grab some of the most popular snacks and food as well as where to make a reservation at the many different cuisines offered around the city.  

Snacks, Cafes, On the Go: 

• Manneken Pis ($)– This French fry establishment has been rated one of the top places to get fries in Amsterdam. 
• Fabel Friet ($) – If you can’t make it to Manneken Pis you can also try this well-known French fry place which is equally as good! 

• Van Stapele ($) – Known for their cookies, this is a great spot to get some sweet treats! I will warn, there is usually a queue for this popular dessert stop, but I really enjoyed my Stroopwaffle! I definitely regret not getting their one cookie that is made of dark chocolate dough and is the reason the shop is famous overall! I guess this means I’ll just have to return to Amsterdam! 

• Pancake Bakery ($) – One of the best spots in the city to get Dutch pancakes, which is a must eat when visiting Amsterdam! They also have vegan options!

• Mr. Stacks ($) – Another great pancake spot and for my vegans, they have plant-based pancakes! 
• Café t’smalle ($$) – A great spot to stop for coffee, a small bite or drinks while sitting by the canals. 
• Kattencafe Kopjes ($$) – If you always wanted to visit a cat café, here is your chance!
• Majard Smash Burgers ($)
• Café Papeneiland ($$)  
• Tony’s Chocolonely ($) – All of the chocolate you could ever imagine
• Winkle ($$) – A must stop for apple pie (which Amsterdam is also known for!) 
• Febo ($-$$) – Known for their Krokets and one of the coolest ways to order your food in Amsterdam. This is a walk-up fast-food restaurant where you get the food you ordered that is stored in the wall. 
• Moak’s Pancakes ($$) 
• Café Binneenvisser ($$) 
• Cradam ($$)

Restaurants:

• Food Hallen ($-$$): Not specifically a restaurant, but instead is made up of many different food stands where you can taste a bunch of different cuisines throughout the hall. There are many options to choose from including fresh oysters, bitterballen, pannenkoeken, ramen, gelato, and more! Check out all of the vendors located in Food Hallen here before you make your trip! 

• Bussia ($$$) – We stopped here for a late brunch after walking around the city all day. There is a small part of the bakery where you can sit and eat, as well as the dining area. This place closes at 3:30pm for an afternoon break and reopens at 6:00pm for dinner. We indulged in the lasagna, risotto and a crispy-bacon lunch. It was satisfying after not eating for hours, but a little more expensive than we wanted. 

• Secret Garden ($$-$$$) – We only came here for drinks, but the Peruvian food is highly rated and the atmosphere was made to feel like you are dining in a forest. Whether you are coming for a drink or dining, this is a must-see spot!

• The White Room ($$$$) – If you are looking for fine dining and a luxurious experience, make sure to check this restaurant out as it is one of the oldest restaurants in Amsterdam. 
• Sampurna($$) – Indonesian food
• Pesca Vis Seafood ($$$) – If you love seafood or are a pescatarian, you cannot miss this restaurant that only serves fresh catches of the day.
• Restaurant Flore ($$$-$$$$) – Awarded two Michelin stars, this restaurant is known for its canal-side location, wine and veg-led menu meals. Highly recommend making a reservation beforehand!
• Cannibale Royale ($$) – Tucked away in De Pijp, all meat lovers must give this place a try! 
• Ted’s ($$)– One of the most popular places to grab brunch in Amsterdam and budget friendly 
• Moon ($$$$) – If you want a fine dining experience and a beautiful view that overlooks Amsterdam, make sure to make a reservation at Moon. 

• WOWCRAB ($$-$$$) – Seafood Boil like cuisine 
• Little Colin’s De Pijp ($$) – Brunch spot
• Benjis ($$) – Bali inspired brunch
• De Plantage ($$)
• Bakes and Brockers ($$) – Another great Brunch Spot 
• The Pantry ($$) – Great for local Amsterdam cuisine 
• Lotti’s @ Lexington Hotel ($$) 
• The Butcher Social Club ($$)
• O Bistro ($$)
• Restaurant Adam ($$$-$$$$)
• Locals ($$) – Brunch 
• Mesiba ($$$)
• Ben Cohen ($$)
• Ceppis ($$)
• Zero Zero ($$)

Vegetarian/Vegan Recommendations: 

• Meatless District ($$) 
• Mr. & Mrs. Watson ($$)
• Chez Nina ($$)
• Margo’s Amsterdam ($$) 
• Vegan Junk Food Bar ($$)
• Vegabond ($$-$$$)
• Men Impossible ($$)
• Trevi’s Amsterdam ($$)

What to Do: 

Activities

• Bike Around Amsterdam – This is one of the most popular modes of transportation and activities to do in Amsterdam. Although I did not get to do it this trip, a friend recently traveled to Amsterdam this summer and rode bikes around the city. She said it was a little difficult since there were so many bikers and you have to get on and off the bike to go over the bridges, but other people have had great experiences, so it depends on the cyclist! The best app to rent bikes per person is called Donkey App and is very easy to use. If you are looking to cycle with a friend on a two-person bike, research into renting a Tandom Bike. 

• Canal Cruise Tour – This was one of my favorite activities we did in Amsterdam as we got to explore much of the city and learn a lot of history in an hour. Our tour guide was great and she made a lot of jokes while being informative. Not to mention we had unlimited wine, drinks and cheese during the tour. 

• A’Dam Lookout Swing – This one is for the adrenaline junkies, swing on the top of a building while getting a spectacular view of the city. 
• Red Light District – One of the top places to explore in Amsterdam, there are no photos and recordings allowed while walking around the streets. It is a place where sex working is legal and protected, which is part of the culture. Depending on how you take in the Red-Light District, you can be exposed to different experiences. My roommate, sister and I decided to attend an Adult Show called Casa Rosso, which was an experience that you will just have to see for yourself. Included in the ticket (which was about €62) was a drink and a lollipop. You are only allowed one drink in the show and you can leave whenever you choose!
• Visit Begijnhof Courtyard: This is an enclosed courtyard in Amsterdam that is occupied by single woman only! It was originally built as a sanctuary for the Begijntjes (a Catholic sisterhood who lived like nuns, but took no monastic vows) and is meant to stay quiet and preserve peace. You will not hear any outside city traffic in this courtyard and it is absolutely beautiful.
• Visit the Coffee Shops of Amsterdam – If you are looking for a cappuccino or espresso, make sure you visit a Café and NOT a coffee shop! The coffee shops in Amsterdam are a type of café where you can legally buy and smoke marijuana. For all the stoners, this is the city for you! 
• Try Magic Mushrooms – Although illegal under Dutch law and by the culture, there are many magic mushrooms establishments to stop from if you are interested in trying hallucinogens. I am not condoning the use of psychedelics, so please trip responsibly if you choose too.
• Albert Cuyp Markt De Pijp – Stroll the market and find great shops for food, clothes, accessories, knick-knacks and more.
• Brouwerij ’t IJ – If you want to skip the Heineken Museum but still taste the great beer of Amsterdam make sure to visit this brewery.
• Vondelpark – The park is one of the best places to wonder and explore its beauty during the warmer months. 
• Blast Galaxy – If you are a gamer or looking for a cool place to play Pac-Man you should definitely check this spot out. 
• Walk around Dam Square
• Keukenhof Tulip Festival (Spring-summer) 
• Walk across the Skinny Bridge 
• De Negen Straatjes (9 little streets) – Shop, walk, sightsee and explore the streets in a cozy neighborhood.
• Take a day trip to Utrecht
• Go to the Fault In Our Stars bench – As a previous John Green book reader, I couldn’t resist! (Pictured below is my sister sitting on the bench, she got me into the books in our early teen years.)

Museums/Experiences

Museums – Amsterdam is known for having many museums from popular artists to immersive experiences. The Amsterdam Museum Quarter is an area where you will find the major museums to visit, but there are many others scattered around the city as well. Listed below are museums that I have visited, the top museums in Amsterdam, and even a few I wish I had visited. As I stated before, there are so many museums, a lot of them niche, to discover so make sure to do a lot of research to pick the best one suited for you and/or your group. Make sure too make reservations way in advance as the time slots fill up very quickly especially for the popular exhibits.

• Rijksmuseum – The most famous museum in Amsterdam as it is the size of most of the Museum square. It is home to ancient sculptures, paintings, antique furniture and more from the 18th to 21st century. Unfortunately, we did not have time to go, but will be one of the first museums I visit once I return.
• Moco Museum – If you like modern art, especially Banksy, this museum is a must! Not only is there great pieces of art, but many cool sensory rooms where you can get a great photo for social media or enjoy the pretty lights.

• Heineken Experience – Although I am not a huge beer drinker, I do love Heineken and this museum was like no other. Not only did the guides take you through the history of how the beer was created, but we also got to see the process and legacy of Heineken. For all of my soccer fans, you will absolutely love one of the rooms where you can play FIFA and sit on the bench like you are ready to hop on the pitch. You get a complimentary beer at the end where everyone socializes and can hang out at the rooftop once you’ve completed the tour. You also have the chance to get a customized Heineken bottle with your name on it (which was only $9.00 and a total keepsake) and shop at the merch store. 

• Van Gogh Museum – Another museum I unfortunately did not get to visit, but probably the most popular to visit especially if you are into psychedelics and of course Van Gogh. Some of the bloggers/vloggers I watched recommend having a space cake, or just a piece, and exploring the museum.
• Anne Frank House – In the streets of Jordaan is one of the most famous houses in history belonging to Anne Frank and the Frank Family. There is a lot of emotion going into the house now-turned-museum honoring the Frank Family and their story. No cameras and recording are allowed as you walk through the tour and learn and discover how the family lived during WWII before their capture by the Nazi’s. If you are a bookworm, I highly recommend reading The Diary of Anne Frank before you visit. 

• Boat House Museum – My roommate and I stumbled on the Canal House Museum as we were strolling the streets to waste some time. It was cool to explore an older model of the famous Boat houses and how they were set up.

• Our House Museum – Amsterdam is known for EDM, especially techno, making the Our House Museum a perfect location dedicated to the history behind the genre. My sister and I are very into EDM so it was really exciting to see a museum dedicated to its history and where they put on a light show with lasers. Lucky for us, Trance Music legend, Armin Van Buureen, had an exhibit takeover that had just opened the weekend we were visiting. 

• Eye Film Museum 

• Straat Museum – A museum dedicated to street art.

• Stedelijk Museum – 500-piece collection of art from modern day to works of Picasso, Matisse and Drumas. 
• Electric Ladyland – The Museum of Fluorescent Art

Nightlife

Bars:

Bar hopping in the Red-Light District is very popular as there are many bars lined up one after another. If you are looking for a late night out, you are going to end up finding yourself heading to a club as the bars close at 2am.  

• Pulitzer Bar – Top rated bars for casual drinks in Amsterdam
• Hiding in Plain Sight – One of the Speakeasies 
• Twenty Third Bar – Has pricey cocktails but an amazing view of the city
• Sound Garden
• The Flying Dutchman’s Cocktail Bars
• De Druif –A local’s bar
• Waterhole – Known for having live music
• Lost In Amsterdam – Great for cocktails
• Stone’s Café Bar and Nightclub
• Bar Hot or Not – You can also smoke marijuana here, for some reason we kept finding our selves partying here every night. I blame the bell the bartender rang!
• Café Chris – one of the oldest bars in Amsterdam 
• Big Shots Bar 
• Vesper
• Surprise Bar
• Bar Lunar
• Cafe Belgique
• Café Detweez Zwaantjes

Clubs:

• Shelter – A club underground of the A’dam Toren where all that plays is bass and untz (literally.) It was one of the coolest places we went to but the party doesn’t start until late night / into the early morning. The reason I don’t have pictures of this club is because they we require you to cover your camera for no photo or video recording, just vibe with the crowd and dance the night away! If you are a raver and looking for a place to move and groove, make sure you check this club out. 
• Escape – Known for hosting some of the most famous DJs in the world like David Guetta, Tiesto, and Paul Van Dyke.
• OT301 – The most popular (and now legal) club in Amsterdam
• Radion – 24 hours straight of dancing 
• Jimmy Woo – Asian themed bar and dance floor that plays R&B and hip hop.
• Lofi – Warehouse club that will hold weekend long parties spinning hip hop, house, dance or techno music.
• Club NYX – Famous for its LGBTQ+ and Drag nights, but also will play the top hip hop and pop tunes. 
• Bret – Beer bar and restaurant that hosts local house, techno and dance Djs
• Doka
• Paralell 
• Warehouse Elementenstraat

Transportation: 

Getting To Amsterdam

Airport – Amsterdam Airport Schipol has been named the busiest airport in Europe as there are many connecting and direct flights one can take. I have taken many connecting flights from this airport before I had the chance to visit the city. You can fly into this airport from almost anywhere as it is the hub for all flights in Europe. 

Train – If you are traveling within Europe then you are in luck as you can save some money by taking the Eurostar to and from Amsterdam! This is a very popular way to get to Amsterdam within Europe and is very budget friendly being that some train tickets are as low as $20. Some popular cities to depart by train from are: London (four hours), Paris (three hours and 20 minutes), Copenhagen (14 hours), Berlin (seven hours), Munich (ten hours), Brussels (two hours and 30 minutes), Cologne (three hours), and Utrecht (36 minutes.) 

While in Amsterdam

Public Transportation – There are many public transit options in Amsterdam making it an easy city to get around. You can click here for the Amsterdam public transportation GVB website on all the public transportation in the city. Below are some options on how to get around the city: 

Metros/trains – There are five lines and 39 stations around Amsterdam and outside the city to take you to different locations the 5 lines include: 

• M50 –Isolatorweg to Gein
• M51 –Central Station to Isolatorweg.
• M52 – Noord to Zuld
• M53 – Central Station to Gaasperplas.
• M54 – Central Station to Gein.

Buses – If you are looking to get anywhere and everywhere then the bus service is a great choice as there are 35 different bus routes to take you in and out of the city. Taking the bus (397) is a great way to get to and from the Airport. Not to forget there are also night buses that will take you to select spots. Click here to find out more about the bus routes in Amsterdam. 

Trams – The trams of Amsterdam are more widely used as there are 15 different lines that stretch across the city. If you are looking to travel to the non-popular parts of the city, then using the tram will be in your favor as it travels to areas that are not centralized. 

Ferries – Since Amsterdam is full of canals and surrounded by water, there is no surprise that there is a ferry service in the city. There are three lines that will take you across the water and to a western island:

Taxi/Uber/Private Car Service – There is an alternative company to Uber or Lyft called Viggo. This app is set up exactly like Uber and Lyft so it is easy to use. When we had to be in a hurry for a reservation or needed to get across town quickly, we used Viggo.  

Renting ATVs / Cars / Scooters – You can’t rent scooters or ATVS in Amsterdam but you can rent a bike! As stated earlier in the post, you can use the Donkey App to rent bikes around the city. You can also rent a car, but it is highly recommended not to as the city is walkable, there are many public transit options, and the roads are very narrow. 

After visiting Amsterdam, it had become one of my favorite cities in Europe, and even a city I could see myself eventually moving to. Filled with history, culture and amazing restaurants, you can spend more than a week here and never be bored. It was great traveling there during the winter (although we were sad to not experience any snow during our travels) since it was not very crowded, but I can’t wait to visit in the warmer months to see the city come to life when plants are in full bloom and the sun is shining! From the legal drugs, infamous Red-Light district, underground techno clubs and dodging cyclers on every road, Amsterdam is one city where you will not regret traveling too. 

XOXO, 

Amsterdam