With this guide to traveling in Amsterdam, I bet within a few short days Amsterdam will quickly become one of your favorite cities. If you think of the Red Light District and Coffeeshops when you think of Amsterdam, you’re selling this spectacular city short. I’m not a big party-girl, and I always mistakenly thought of Amsterdam as a paradise for the partier. But it is so much more than that. Quaint bicycle-lined streets, a maze of canals, delicious food, fantastic shopping, and very friendly locals, Amsterdam is a breath of fresh air. Bump this one up to the top of your bucket list, and read on for recommendations on where to stay, eat, shop, and sightsee!
Neighborhoods
Outside of Amsterdam’s city center, there are a plethora of worthwhile neighborhoods to visit. However, for your first trip traveling in Amsterdam, I would recommend staying somewhere in the city center. Amsterdam is incredibly walkable (and bike-able), and staying in the center will allow you to see lots of sights in a few short days. My favorite neighborhoods to stay in are De Negen Straatjes (The Nine Streets) and Jordaan.
1637: Historic Canal View Suites
Built in 1637, the building housing the Historic Canal View Suites sits adjacent the UNESCO World Heritage Herengracht canal. From both of the B&B’s two suites, a wall of expansive windows highlight the Suites’ biggest asset: a picture-perfect view of Herengracht canal. Both Suites feature modern, sleek bathrooms alongside classic bedrooms paying homage to Dutch culture and history. The larger Rembrandt Suite offers a little more space and a raised view of the canal. Plus, with super friendly hosts, you cannot go wrong with this choice!
Hoxton Amsterdam
Self-proclaimed “open-house hotels,” Hoxtons offer lobbies and shared spaces larger than most boutique hotels, yet, they’re always thoughtfully designed to feel cozy with many separate working, relaxing, and socializing areas. With 12 locations across Europe and the US, each fits seamlessly into its city and neighborhood. This is no exception at the Hoxton Amsterdam. The hotel offers an expansive ground floor lounge, an impeccable restaurant, and it’s classically chic, slightly masculine, very cozy rooms. Also located along Herengracht canal, some rooms offer exquisite canal views. From expansive suites to “shoebox” rooms perfect for solo travel, there is a diversity of options to suit every traveler.
Pulitzer Hotel
Elegant design, historic architecture, Pulitzer Hotel is nestled into 25 former houses dating to the 17th century. Named 2022 “Best Hotel” in Amsterdam by Travel and Leisure, it’s not hard to see why. Stunning rooms, a relaxing interior garden, a sumptuous cocktail bar, and a quality restaurant in an ideal location. You can’t go wrong with this choice!
Museums
Rijksmuseum: If you go to only one museum when traveling in Amsterdam, I would recommend Rijksmuseum. With over one million piece of art stored here, you’d be remiss not to explore. Rembrandts, Vermeers, and Van Goghs are on display, among many other famed Dutch artists. The museum is quite extensive and you could spend hours here and only see a portion of the works on display.
Anne Frank Museum: Anne Frank famously lived in a tiny annex hiding from Nazis during World War II and journaled throughout the experience. That annex was located in a home in Amsterdam that has since become the Anne Frank Museum, where her journal is also on display. However, be aware that the lines are quite long so if you’d like to see inside the building, be sure to purchase a ticket in advance.
Van Gogh Museum: You guessed it! This museum features the works of Vincent Van Gogh, a 19th century Dutch artist. Over 200 paintings and 500 drawings are on display here.
Shopping in De Negen Straatjes
This famed neighborhood of nine streets weaving around a few canals features lovely small boutiques alongside designer shops you know and love. Expect unique homeware shops, fashion boutiques, and handmade jewelry stores. Whether you’re looking for a distinctive treasure or a brand item, these adorable nine streets are the place to find it.
Bloemenmarkt
The largest floating flower market in the world, Bloemenmarkt features flowers, seeds, bulbs, and gardening accoutrement of all kinds. Whether shopping for a loved one or just window shopping, don’t miss a stroll past this famous market when traveling in Amsterdam.
Sunset at Damrak Dancing Houses
Damrak is a large thoroughfare that begins at Dam Square. Walk down Damrak from Central Station to Dam Square to see the square and station. Don’t miss the Dancing houses along your walk! These are a famous row of topsy-turvy houses that reflect gorgeously off the canal, particularly at sunset.
Boat Tour
Lots of cities with waterways offer boat tours. In many with large, walled rivers, it’s hard to see the city from a low boat. However, Amsterdam is the perfect location for a boat tour! With narrow canals that run alongside city streets, you’ll get a great view of the city and a history lesson! Not all tours are created equal, though, and I would highly recommend Friendship Amsterdam. Open-air, comfortable seating, and a bar, to boot! Be sure to try the sensational caramel infused vodka that they distill themselves!
Bike Ride
Spend 5 minutes in Amsterdam and you’ll quickly notice that bikes are an essential form of transport. Dutch bikers mean business. They ride quickly and well. If you’re on foot, do your best to keep an eye out when crossing or standing in the street. If you’d like to hop on a bike to get around the city, look for a rental shop using the word “fiet” (bike).
De Wallen (Red Light District)
De Wallen (Red Light District)The infamous Red Light District is probably one of the main things Amsterdam is known for the world over. Prostitution is legal in Amsterdam, and this district is where you’ll find sex-oriented businesses from sex workers in window cabins to peep shows and a Museum of Sex. While this isn’t an area I would likely explore more than once, it is surely a unique experience that provides a more well-rounded understanding of the city.
Cafes (not to be confused with Coffeshops)
Tip: If you’re looking for a cup of coffee, search for a cafe. Coffeeshop is the name in Amsterdam for a store selling cannabis products.
Latei Cafe: Cute, quirky little place with a very relaxed vibe. Lots of seating.
Stach Coffee: With locations across the city, this local chain offers quick, and delicious coffee and snacks.
Chun Cafe: An aesthetically sublime shop serving a variety of toasts, matcha and other teas in addition to a range of fantastic coffee.
Bakers and Roasters
This Insta-famous Australian-style brunch spot serves an all-day menu fit for the breakfast gods. The word is out, though, so expect a long wait time. You won’t mind waiting for these delicious, nourishing breakfasts, though. No reservations are taken, but you can head over, add your name to the list and wander around the cool De Pijp neighborhood while waiting. If you’re a party of one, snag a seat at the bar!
Winkel 43
This cafe is famous for one thing: Apple Pie. I mean, this is the best apple pie ever. No contest. The crust is just as insanely delicious as the hearty apple filling. The apples are cooked and seasoned to cinnamony perfection. Every bite feels like a warm autumn hug. While I can’t personally vouch for anything else on the menu, this apple pie is worth waiting in line for (yes, there’s usually a line – but it pretty quickly).
Van Wonderen
Stroopwafels, if you’ve never had them, are two very thin crisp waffles with a layer of caramel sandwiched between. While you can buy them in a package around the world, the fresh version in the Netherlands are unrivaled. But, Van Wonderen takes this famous Dutch treat to the next level with a slew of saccharine toppings and gold-embossed sleeves for your circular slice of heaven.
Friet Point Dutch Fries
This street-side venue serves fries in paper cups. It doesn’t sound too newsworthy, but these fries are fresh, cut as traditional Dutch fries are, and topped with traditionally Dutch toppings. With dozens of options beyond ketchup, you can customize your Dutch fry experience.
Lotti’s
Positioned at the center of the Hoxton’s ground floor, Lotti’s is a lively eatery with an internationally-inspired menu and some of the smoothest cocktails around. Look no further than Lotti’s for one of the best restaurants in Amsterdam with welcoming ambiance and casually-elevated fare.
Pesca
Self-proclaimed “theater of fish,” Pesca is the seafood aficionado’s dream. Enter the bustling Pesca with fish on display stage right. Alongside the seafood, you’ll find knowledgable fishmongers ready to walk you through each menu option and discuss your preferences, to create a well-rounded feast of the freshest seafood. Next, you’ll be ushered to a wine bar where an expert sommelier will help you with the perfect pairing. Finally, sit, relax and wait for your selections to arrive. If learning and fun are your most-loved side dishes, Pesca is for you. Definitely one of the best places to eat if you’re traveling in Amsterdam!
De Kas
Dining in a former greenhouse, surrounded by the garden where your meal has been grown, this is the closest farm to table around. De Kas stands out for its exceptional focus on local, seasonal produce and the flavors that best enhance it. If you enjoy a well-rounded dining experience, this is certainly a pricey but unforgettable one.
Pulitzer’s Bar
The aforementioned Pulitzer Hotel features a lounge and bar that should not be missed for a bespoke cocktail to kickstart or wind down your night in Amsterdam. With intense attention to detail, the bartenders craft delicious beverages in a luxuriously sultry locale.
