Amsterdam
This page may contain affiliate links; please note I only recommend places I feel are of value and all information shared is my own thoughts and opinions.
Logistics
Getting There
Schipol airport is one of the biggest airports in the world, providing direct flights from most locations. Whether you are traveling from within Europe or outside of it, there is a good chance you’ll be able to find a flight to Amsterdam. For those traveling from nearby cities, train or driving may even be an option. From London, there are trains which run between the two large European cities. However, often the flights are cheaper than flights due to the frequency of the cityhopper flights.
Getting Around
Amsterdam is a very international city, but shockingly is not as large as you may first think. The population of the city is under 1M, closer to 800k. With this, you can walk around a lot of the city. But similarly, there are good public transit options. The metro travels underground and connects the downtown area. It is contactless meaning you can use your payment card to tap in and tap out of the metro. The tram is another option to get around the downtown area.
Finally, you can get around like the locals do by using a bike. The Dutch are known for traveling on two wheels in rain or shine. Why not do as the locals do and hire a bike or take a tour to see the city.
Accommodations
Options are spread throughout the city with lots of areas to choose from. My recommended areas would be in De Pjip or in Jordaan. Both of these areas are nice areas to live in Amsterdam, making them also nice areas to base yourself when visiting the city. The townhouses are quite nice, with good spots to grab coffee, a drink or a bite to eat all within the neighborhood.
Things to do and see
Anne Frank House
This WWII historic destination is a cannot miss when visiting Amsterdam. Originally the house where Anne Frank was hidden during WWII, it has since expanded and been turned into a museum. Wander through the exhibit to get a feel for how she lived and what life was like at this time in Amsterdam during WWII
Heineken Experience
A visit here in Amsterdam is an experience of its own. Learn how the Dutch beer is made and about the brand as you are taken on a journey in this museum. Don’t worry there are spots for you to try the beer too!
Van Gogh Museum
For art lovers, don’t miss this museum dedicated to Van Gogh. Visit to see some of his famous pieces including the Sunflowers.
Rijksmuseum
Another art museum found in museumplein, this museum has years of Dutch history with notable artists including Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Vermeer. Even the building itself is a statement.
Bike Tour
Do as the locals do and hop on a bike. Consider booking a bike tour to see and learn about many of the key spots in Amsterdam. Tours will teach you about the history of the city and guide you around the canals as you explore
Tony’s Chocolonely Super Store
Chocolate lovers, don’t miss the Tony Chocolonely super store to learn a little more about this chocolate maker
Dam Square & Red Light District
Found in the center of Amsterdam, this is a tourist hotspot. Dam Square is a big public square not far from the main train station with the Royal Palace in it. From here, it’s a short walk to reach the red light district which is an area of Amsterdam known for having prostitutes in the windows with red lights behind them. At night, this area is lit up with red lit windows, hence the name
Day trip to Utrecht
Utrecht is a smaller Dutch city, and feels like a mini Amsterdam. For those that find Amsterdam a bit too busy, you may love Utrecht as it has a similar vibe with the canals and architecture, but is less chaotic and brings a group with a slightly slower pace
Day trip to Keukenhof / tulip fields
In the month of April, Hollands flat land is covered in colors. Rows and rows of tulips begin to bloom and in many areas, you can see flowers for miles. Keukenhof is a botanic garden with beautiful tulips planted throughout. Although quite a tourist attraction, it is a beautiful botanic garden. If you plan to visit, it’s recommended to buy tickets in advance and go early in the day as it gets rather busy as the day goes on.
For those looking for a more Dutch experience, wander through the tulip fields or rent a bike to cycle through the paths between the fields. As the Dutch are used to the tulips blooming every year, it’s nothing new for them and they go on with their travel by bike just like any other time of the year.
De Brouwerj’
Brewery in a windmill. This is a (hidden) gem that is one of my favs. Outside of the main tourist area, this is one of my favorite spots to grab a drink with friends
Vondelpark
Take a walk or run through Vondelpark to see Amsterdam’s largest city park.
De Pijp and Jordaan
De Pijp and Jordaan are two of the nicer local neighborhoods in Amsterdam. Stop in a café, grab a treat or just wander around and get lost between the canals.
Food and Drinks
Scandinavian Embassy
Cafe
De Pijp
Excellent coffee shop with phenomenal cinnamon buns. Grab a bite to go or sit inside if there’s space to enjoy a morning cup of coffee
Nook
Cafe
De Pijp
Small coffee shop in De Pijp, perfect for a takeaway coffee in the area
Bakers and Roasters
Brunch
De Pijp
Big brunch menu with a variety of hardier options. Great if you’re looking to have a more filling breakfast
Factory Girl
Brunch
De Pijp
Brunch spot which almost always has a queue outside. Consider getting here early to minimize your wait time to enjoy this classic spot
Little Collins
Brunch
De Pijp
Good spot for brunch with a variety of plates. They do not take bookings, but do permit customers to join the virtual queue and wander around the area
Glou Glou
Wine Bar
De Pijp
Natural wine bar with a great atmosphere. They have lights out on their patio, which is excellent on a nice day, and a cozy inside venue
Rayleigh & Ramsay
Wine Bar
De Pijp
Wine tap wine bar where you can pick and choose from a variety of wines. You pour your own and choose from a tasting, half glass or full glass based on how you like the wine.
The Butcher
Lunch or Dinner
multiple locations
Burger chain with locations across the city, great to fill your burger fix with a side of plain or sweet potato fries
Mana Mana
Dinner
multiple locations
Mediterranean plates meant to be shared with locations throughout the city
Massimo’s Gelato
Gelato
De Pijp
Delicious gelato joint with a variety of flavors. Don’t miss the salted caramel option!
The Pancake Bakery
Lunch
Jordaan
Flat pancakes or poofreitjes are favorites when visiting Holland. Stop in here for a wide variety of options to fill your pancake craving. Whether you prefer savoury or sweet, this spot has something for all
Other Notes
Duration
A weekend is the perfect amount of time for a first visit to Amsterdam to get a feel for the city. As someone who has been there more times than I can count, I find there is plenty to do in the city, but it means acting like a local to find new spots to explore. As a tourist, to see the many sights and enjoy a city escape, a 2 or 3 day weekend is perfect.
Weather
The Netherlands is not known for its weather. In fact, its known for rain. With this in mind, pack an umbrella or rain jacket and be prepared for light rain. If you get sun instead, you’ll be quite pleased! Hopefully though, if visiting in the warmer months, you’ll get lucky with nicer weather. Amsterdam on a sunny day is a lovely place to be
Time of year
Based on the above, visiting Amsterdam in the summer will provide a better chance of good weather. However, it’s not a must. As it is a city, where you can enjoy a lot that it has to offer without pristine weather, Amsterdam is nice to visit year-round.
If you are flexible, the best time of year to visit would probably be April, as this is tulip season. The Netherlands is known for its tulips, and if you plan a trip during this month, you’ll have to plan to check out the beautiful tulip fields. And if you plan it well, you can visit on the country’s biggest holiday, King’s Day. This is a holiday where the whole country dresses up in Orange to party and celebrate the current king’s (or queen’s) birthday!