Amsterdam Travel Guide
Amsterdam is a fan-favorite destination for tulip lovers, boat house enthusiasts, and cheese fanatics alike. This city in the Netherlands is full of life, which is why it is important to experience as much as you can while you visit! Here are the top ten things to do in Amsterdam, and why they should be on your bucket list!
Rent a Boat
Since Amsterdam is built on canals, the best way to see the city is by renting a boat! If you are scared to drive one yourself, you can always book a canal cruise. However, packing a picnic and renting a small boat from Mokumboot was one of my favorite memories I’ve ever had while traveling. They are located all over the city, so it’s easy to find one closest to your accommodations. Navigating the canals was very easy; we had no trouble getting around while following the map provided on the boat.
Visit Museums
Museums are always a safe bet while visiting a new city, but Amsterdam is home to some of the most iconic museums in the world. I would recommend getting your tickets far in advance, especially if you would like to visit the Anne Frank Museum, which sells out almost immediately. They release tickets on the first Tuesday of the month for the following month, so I suggest adding a reminder to your calendar because it’s definitely worth a visit. The Van Gogh Museum is also a good ticket to buy in advance as it will sell out a few days before. If you like a good drink, I would highly encourage you to go to the House of Bols, the Cocktail & Genever Experience, which comes with a complimentary hand-crafted cocktail included with the entrance fee. Some other awesome options are the Cheese Museum, AMAZE Amsterdam, STRAAT Museum, and Amsterdam Tulip Museum.
Eat Around Albert Cuyp Market
If you aren’t sure what you’re in the mood to eat, the Albert Cuyp Market is the best place to walk around as you figure it out. When you're at the market, you will instantly start to smell the sweet aroma of warm stroopwafel. Since I tried out several of these iconic treats from different booths, I would highly recommend Rudi’s Original Stroopwafels. If you are more into savory foods, I also recommend visiting Bunsbar, a charming bao bun food truck with tons of options!
Go Vintage Shopping
Shopping is always on the agenda when I am on vacation, especially when in Amsterdam. This Nordic city is home to some of the best shopping the world has to offer, and you must take advantage of it while you are in town. Vintage shops and markets can be found all around the city, with different price points. For designer vintage, I recommend L'Étoile de Saint Honoré, a luxury vintage handbag shop located in De 9 Straatjes. If you prefer something more chill and affordable, I recommend Waterlooplein Market, a famous flea market that is held Monday-Saturday.
Picnic in Vondelpark
Vondelpark is a must-do activity when you are visiting Amsterdam. This incredibly lush greenway is a great place for a picnic, bike ride, hot girl walk, or free concert in the summer. I highly recommend spending the whole afternoon exploring the park, especially if it’s a nice day outside. Head to the nearest Lidl to stock up on some snacks and drinks before finding a nice sunny spot in the park to read, chat, or watch the clouds!
Eat + Drink Canal Side
This is an obvious one but, you can’t leave Amsterdam without getting a cold beer or hot meal (depending on the time of your visit) while enjoying the beauty of the canals. Although there are tons of options when it comes to this, my recommendation is the De Waterkant (which means waterside in Dutch). Its a great place to socialize and the drinks are reasonably priced.
Enjoy a Legal Buzz
This would not be an Amsterdam travel guide without mentioning the coffee shops, which are different from cafes that serve pastry and iced coffee. If you are interested in indulging in the greener things in life, I would recommend going to Abraxas, a coffee shop in the city center that serves fair-trade coffee and freshly squeezed juice in addition to a great bud selection.
Visit the Red Light District
If it is your first time in Amsterdam, you are probably wondering about the Red Light District. Now, I was severely underwhelmed by visiting this section of the city; however, I think it is one of those things you have to see once. Visiting the Sex Museum is my only recommendation, which was only five euros, and provided a laugh.
Dance at a Techno Club
If you like music, you are in luck because the Dutch also enjoy a night out with the bass turned up! I recommend Chicago Social Club, Warehouse, and Chin Chin.
