Visiting Amsterdam is on the bucket list of many travelers planning a European vacation. Amsterdam is a city of contrasts – it has a vibrant and energetic feel to it along with a progressive cultural scene but on the other hand, it also has a quieter, peaceful and a historic side to it.
Amsterdam is the largest city of the Netherlands and is famous for its inner canal district, gabled buildings, world-class museums, and an open-minded practical approach to life.
Exploring this European gem is a joy and I have to say, we often find ourselves thinking about our next trip to this city every time we return from it. There’s just something about Amsterdam!
Given the fact that it is a hugely popular tourist destination and quite an expensive city, visiting Amsterdam does require some planning in advance in order to make the most of your time and budget. We loved visiting Amsterdam on a romantic weekend getaway as well as with family and found that there is so much to see and do in the city every time we are there.
I am guessing that if you came across this post, you are probably planning a trip to Amsterdam. So, here’s our detailed travel guide about visiting Amsterdam that highlights why it’s so easy to fall in love with this historic, multi-cultural city.
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1. The picturesque canals of Amsterdam – a UNESCO heritage site
Amsterdam is considered the Venice of the North and its famous Canal Ring, known locally as Grachtengordel, was added to the UNESCO’s World Heritage list in 2010.
Nearly 165 canals lace Amsterdam together and form its backbone. The tranquil setting of tree-lined canals dotted with houseboats, canal boats and connected by bridges are a highlight for anyone visiting Amsterdam for the first time.
History of the canals of Amsterdam
Amsterdam is actually located beneath sea level and has been built on low-lying reclaimed marshy land. As the city expanded, canals were dug out as a means to drain the water and reclaim land so that the city could be built around them.
These canals, called ‘gracht’, are often lined with historic gabled houses, warehouses and were once used as important trading routes. It’s easy to see how these canals are used even to this day, as an efficient means of transportation around the city by visitors and locals alike.
The main canals of Amsterdam
The canals of Amsterdam are set in a semi-circular, concentric pattern around the main drag of the city.
The heart of the city is interlaced by the major canals – namely Herengracht (Gentleman’s Canal), Prinsengracht (Prince’s Canal), Keizersgracht (Emperor’s Canal) and Singel canal.
The canals of the city are weaved together by side canals and it is a joy to explore these canals by boat, on foot and by biking along its sides.
We also found it incredibly relaxing to sit along the canals of Amsterdam and take in the scenes of the day to day life around the city.
Exploring the canals of Amsterdam – canal cruises
While visiting Amsterdam, you’ll notice that locals love to head out on their boats through the canals as a means to unwind, party and spend some quality time with family or friends while gliding through their famous city. With plenty of round-trip canal boat tour options available through the city, it becomes easy for visitors to enjoy the charms of the city from this perspective as well.
We enjoyed taking a canal cruise along Amsterdam that was included with our I Amsterdam city card. Taking a canal cruise is also a great way to get oriented to the city while learning about its history through the commentary on deck.
Most of the canal cruises offered around town don’t need to be booked ahead of time. We boarded a 1.5-hour canal cruise tour from the stop near the Centraal station and it was certainly an enjoyable experience.
The cruise took us along the major canals of the city and gave us a chance to see its iconic landmarks, such as Westerkerk, Seven Bridges and the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) located on the Amstel river.
Open-air, semi-private boat tours:
For a more intimate and quieter experience, it’s a good idea to reserve an open-air semi-private boat tour or hire a private boat tour guide.
On a subsequent visit to Amsterdam, we made sure we introduced our children to Amsterdam from this unique perspective and ended up reserving the Blue Sky Open-Air boat tour in the evening.
As the evening approached and the twinkling lights of the city came on, it was a delight to glide through these canals on an open-air boat while listening to the fun, informative narration of the guide.
It was interesting to learn that the watermark of the canals is constantly monitored since the city as such is actually beneath sea level. Also, just like the traffic on roads, the canal boat traffic is pretty well regulated with lights along the major canal intersections.
Since the semi-private boat tours typically use smaller size boats than the larger canal cruise boat tours, our guide was able to take us along the smaller, scenic canals of Amsterdam that had a more tranquil feel to them.
Whether you choose to take the canal cruise tours, open-air boats or rent an electric boat by yourself – exploring the canals of Amsterdam by boat is a must-have experience when visiting Amsterdam.
2. Visiting Amsterdam and admiring its staggering collection of world-renowned artwork
Art and free expression have always been promoted across Amsterdam. Some of the most iconic artworks by renowned Dutch artists are housed in the museums located in Amsterdam. Visiting Amsterdam is a delight as one gets to explore its vast mix of museums that showcase world-famous masterpieces.
Museumplein of Amsterdam is the public square around which some of the major museums of the city are located, such as – Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum. It is easy to reach this public square by walking from the Centraal station but if you are short on time, the Tram 2 from Centraal can also be taken to reach Museumplein.
Rijksmuseum
A visit to Rijksmuseum is a must on any Amsterdam itinerary as it is truly an artistic highlight of Europe. Located near the Singel canal, visitors are easily impressed by its splendid brick façade that bears a close resemblance to that of the Centraal station.
Rijksmuseum is an iconic city landmark and the heart of Museumplein. Inaugurated in 1885, it was built to showcase the artwork of the Dutch artists of the Golden Era of the region.
We spent hours exploring this treasure trove of artistic delights as we gazed at medieval art, sculptures, tapestries, portraits of Dutch Masters and the masterpieces by Rembrandt and Johannes Vermeer. Admiring Rembrandt’s iconic artwork such as Nightwatch while observing his technique of using light to highlight details in his paintings was a memorable experience. Take your time to explore the Rijksmuseum and you are sure to be captivated by its tremendous collection of small and large canvas paintings, sculptures and tapestries.
Opening hours and tickets:
Monday – Sunday: 09:00am until 17:00pm. It is best to purchase the tickets to Rijksmuseum in advance from the official website in order to skip the lines at the ticket counter. On the other hand, the visit to Rijksmuseum is included in the price of the I Amsterdam card.
Van Gogh Museum
Yet another world-famous museum of the Museumplein is the Van Gogh Museum. It is dedicated to the life and works of the legendary 19th-century Dutch artist Vicent Van Gogh.
The layout of the museum traces Van Gogh’s life as one sees how his art transformed over the years. His artwork highlights the hardships and life farmers as depicted in his famous oil painting – The Potato Eaters. Also included in his artwork displays are several self-portraits, scenes of nature and colorful paintings depicted in bold colors and thick brushwork.
Opening times and tickets:
The museum opens at 9 am but the closing time can vary based on the months and days of the week. Check the official website of the Van Gogh Museum for the closing time before planning your visit. Visiting the Van Gogh Museum is free with the I Amsterdam card but it still requires a time slot to be booked prior to the visit.
3. Learning about Amsterdam’s history at its museums and famous sites
Amsterdam was established around the 13th century. The city was founded at the mouth of the Amstel River and its dominance over maritime trade ushered in its Golden Age by the 17th century. It also suffered through World War I and the invasion by Germany during World War II.
Visiting Amsterdam gives one a chance to gain a better understanding of its past as there are plenty of museums and attractions spread through town that offer a glimpse into its history.
Anne Frank Huis
Visiting the Anne Frank House located on Prinsengracht is a moving experience. Upon arrival at the museum, an audio tour leads the visitors through the museum and the Secret Annex. This was the site where Anne Frank’s family went into hiding in 1942 after the Nazi’s invaded Netherlands during World War II.
Visitors are able to learn about the daily routine and trials faced by the eight Jews who remained hidden in this attic for two years through family photos, quotes, videos, magazine clippings and their original items.
Sadly, they were discovered by the Nazis and sent to concentration camps where seven of them, including Anne Frank, perished. Understanding the trials faced by the Holocaust victims through Anne Frank’s perspective is an emotional and thought-provoking experience. Anne Frank’s diary continues to inspire visitors and people all over the world to this day.
Advance purchase for tickets:
The Anne Frank House can only be visited by purchasing tickets online for a specific time slot. If you plan on visiting this site, be sure to purchase tickets well in advance as they sell out very fast.
Scheepvaartmuseum – The National Maritime Museum
To learn how trading by sea contributed to the prosperity of Amsterdam, it’s fun to visit Scheepvaartmuseum – the world’s second-largest maritime museum. Its stunning collection of paintings, sea maps, and navigation instruments is amazing.
We were able to learn more about the history of the East India trading company at this museum. This company was founded by Dutch traders in 1602, for securing spices, tea, and ceramics from South East Asia. One of the company’s three-mast ships named ‘Amsterdam’ sank on its maiden voyage. Visiting its replica at this museum on a guided tour is a fun and informative experience.
Opening hours and tickets:
The Scheepvaartmseum is open daily from 9:00 am – 17:00 pm and the tickets can be purchased online from their website. The entry to this museum is covered by the I Amsterdam card.
Amsterdam Historisch Museum
To trace the history of Amsterdam and of its growth from a former fishing village along the banks of Amstel River and Zuiderzee, a visit to the historic Amsterdam Museum is a must. This museum is located in a building that was once an orphanage. It houses unique wooden sculptures, rare books, paintings including those of Rembrandt, and exhibits that help gain more understanding of Amsterdam’s glorious past.
Opening hours and tickets:
This museum, located on Kalverstraat is open daily from 10 am until 5 pm. Tickets can be purchased online through their website, but in case you have the I Amsterdam card, then the entry to the museum is included with the card.
4. Feeling awestruck by the stunning architecture when visiting Amsterdam
Part of experiencing the best of Amsterdam includes admiring its amazing architecture and learning about the historic significance of its buildings. From its magnificent Centraal station to its charming canal houses, iconic churches and dominating Royal Palace – the architecture of Amsterdam leaves a lasting impression on its visitors.
Amsterdam Centraal Station
Arriving in Amsterdam by train is a breeze as the city is well connected to many destinations across Europe. However, arrival by train also gives one a chance to take in the magnificent neogothic architecture of its iconic Amsterdam Centraal station.
It was interesting to learn that Amsterdam Centraal station was built on an artificially made island next to the harbor at the foot of Damrak (the central street of the city). Amsterdam’s harbor is located right behind the Centraal station and is a busy hub for ferryboats and trading ships.
The famous narrow gabled homes of Amsterdam
The narrow gabled houses of Amsterdam are sure to catch the attention of visitors to Amsterdam. These houses and warehouses date back to the Golden Age of Amsterdam.
The exteriors of these nearly 7000 houses lining the canals have been preserved over the years, making Amsterdam one of the largest historic open-air museums one can visit.
Walking along the canals or taking a canal boat ride gives visitors a chance to notice the characteristic point, neck, bell and step gables that add to the ornate façade of these simple, narrow canal homes.
These iconic houses have steep stairs inside leading to upper floors and often have a slight forward tilt to them. They also have a hook on the hoist beam sticking out at the exterior of the top floor. This pulley system is used to this day to hoist heavy material such as furniture by rope to the attic.
On the other hand, some of the canal homes in Amsterdam appear somewhat crooked. This is because the wooden pilings on which they are built are starting to either rot or sink into the swampy soil beneath.
The bridges of Amsterdam
Besides these charming, characteristic houses that line up the canals, there are more than a thousand bridges over the canals of Amsterdam. These bridges are used by pedestrians, bicyclists and even trams to cross over to the other side of the canals. The colorful flowers that often line the railings of these bridges add an extra dash of color and charm to the stunning urban landscape of Amsterdam.
One of the most popular and historic bridges of Amsterdam is Magere Brug – a manually operated white-colored drawbridge that allows ships to pass below over the Amstel River.
A canal boat ride along one of the most tranquil canals of Amsterdam – Reguliersgracht gives visitors a chance to view the iconic view of bridges of Amsterdam. The Reguliersgracht canal cuts across the passes through the Herengracht, Keizersgracht & Prinsengracht canals. The view of the seven old bridges in a straight line over the Reguliersgracht from a canal boat gives a sense of how the bridges and canals weave this historic city seamlessly.
Dam Square
Just a short walk from the Centraal station towards the center of town lies Dam Square. This square is the heart of the city and is lined by the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) on one side and the dominating Royal Palace towards the west.
This main square is called Dam Square because this is where the first dam on Amstel River was built nearly 750 years ago. This central historic square also has monuments in the middle, including an obelisk, that are dedicated to WWII Dutch victims.
It is indeed a very busy square today and if often packed with tourists trying to get oriented to the city while visiting the square’s sights including Madame Tussauds and also with plenty of quirky street performances.
Amsterdam’s Kerken (churches)
Some of the oldest buildings in Amsterdam happen to be its churches. The oldest church in Amsterdam – Oude Kerk (the Old Church) – dates back to the 13th century and is located in the red-light district.
As the city expanded, the Nieuwe Kerk (the New Church) was built on the Dam Square in 1509. It had to be reconstructed later after it was destroyed due to fire. Besides religious ceremonies, this church is also used for exhibitions and concerts.
The iconic Westerkerk located along Prinsengracht is one of the main landmarks of Amsterdam. This church is also the final resting place of Rembrandt. It is quite an adventure to climb the narrow staircase of its 86m high bell tower for a stunning bird’s eye view of the city. Hourly guided tours of the tower (10 am –4 pm) lead visitors to the top of Amsterdam’s tallest bell tower.
5. Soaking in the friendly, laid-back atmosphere of Amsterdam in Vondelpark
A stroll along Vondelpark offers the perfect contrast to a busy day of sightseeing in Amsterdam. It gives its visitors a chance to relax in this lush green corner of the city.
Vondelpark is the most popular park in Amsterdam and is located westwards from Museumplein.
Popular with locals and tourists, this park has a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. People enjoy resting on its grass while children play nearby, bicycles ride along, and skaters and joggers pass by.
On clear, sunny days, the park is always busy as locals head out to enjoy some quality time on its grounds.
Somehow visiting Vondelpark helps visitors connect with the city’s culture as it gives one a chance to meet and see locals taking a break from their daily routines.
6. Visiting Amsterdam – getting around Amsterdam is easy!
The best way to explore Amsterdam is on foot and as the locals prefer, by bike or by boat. Amsterdam is a well-planned city and it is fairly easy to get oriented to it if you keep the layout of its canals in mind.
Discovering the quieter side of Amsterdam on foot
One of the joys of exploring Amsterdam by foot involves getting lost in its charming alleys and discovering its picturesque corners, quieter canals, and trendy boutiques. One of the most picturesque and interesting neighborhoods of Amsterdam is the Jordaan.
A leisurely stroll along Jordaan is the best way to experience the quieter, picturesque slice of Dutch urban life of Amsterdam.
Biking in Amsterdam
Exploring Amsterdam by bike gives visitors a chance to experience Amsterdam just like the locals do. It is quite stunning to see the sheer volume of bikes in Amsterdam. It is said that there are more bikes in the Netherlands than people.
There are even dedicated parking lots around town for just bikes. Parking information for the bikes in Amsterdam is also available online. There are well-marked bike lanes in town (pedestrians should surely avoid walking in these bike lanes) and many of the crossings even have bike-specific lights.
Biking around Amsterdam is a huge part of the Dutch lifestyle. It can be overwhelming for a first-time visitor initially but it is a fun way to see the city and learn more about it.
There are several bike rentals places and guided bike tours available around town. We decided to take the guided bike tour offered by Mike’s Bike Tours Amsterdam. This bike tour company offers both city bike tours as well as countryside tours. We thoroughly enjoyed taking the city bike tour when we traveled as a couple but our kids did find biking in Amsterdam rather overwhelming during a subsequent family trip. The narration by the tour guide was excellent and there were frequent stops along the way, giving us a chance to learn more about the sites visited.
Exploring the countryside by bike is also an amazing experience. Hop on the northbound ferry near the Centraal Station. After disembarking and riding your bike for a few kilometers, you’ll find yourself out in the open Dutch countryside. It is a fun experience to head off on bike through the countryside and stop by the local farms along the way that often sell fresh farm produce.
Trams in Amsterdam
Trams are also an efficient way to get around the city and we found this to be a convenient option when we were tired or just wanted to reach another location quickly. To ride the trams, hourly, 24hr and 48hr GVB tickets can be purchased from the GVB office at Centraal, metro stations, several neighborhood shops or the GVB vending machines.
Most of the sites one plans on visiting during a trip to Amsterdam can easily be reached by the trams that start from Amsterdam Centraal. We frequently used Tram 2 to get to the museums, our hotel (located near Museumplein) and the main canals.
7. Easy connections from Amsterdam Centraal to European cities and the nearby Schipol Airport
Amsterdam is well connected to several European cities such as Paris, London, Bruges and Cologne by frequent trains running daily from its busy Centraal station. Avoid arriving in Amsterdam by car as cars are only allowed in the city center for residents with a special permit.
It is also very easy to get to Amsterdam city center from the Schiphol airport using public transportation. While taxis are certainly available, they tend to be quite an expensive option. Instead, NS trains run 24 hours a day from Schiphol airport and bring in passengers to the city in about 20 minutes. The NS train station at Schiphol airport is located below the terminal building with frequent services to the Amsterdam Centraal Station.
8. Plenty of shopping options for varying budgets while visiting Amsterdam
When visiting Amsterdam, exploring its shopping streets and outdoor street markets is a fun experience in itself. Delightful street markets, flea markets, ornate shopping arcades, and charming boutiques around Amsterdam offer a fun shopping experience for varying budgets.
Street markets
The Albert Cuyp Market located in De Pijp is probably the most popular street market in Amsterdam. It is frequented by the locals, tourists, and students in town.
With plenty of stalls selling fresh produce, snacks, clothes, jewelry, decoratives, and souvenirs – a visit to the Albert Cuyp Market is a must for anyone wishing to indulge in shopping while experiencing the conviviality of Amsterdam.
Some of the most delicious cherries we’ve tasted were available at these thriving markets and made for a perfect snack while walking around town.
Additionally, the IJ-Hallen, and the Waterlooplein Market are some of the busiest flea markets in Amsterdam. The Waterlooplein Market, the oldest flea market of the Netherlands, is open from Monday to Saturday from 9:30 am – 6 pm.
Bloemenmarket – the floating flower market of Amsterdam
The floating flower market has been around since the 17th century along the Singel canal of Amsterdam. These floating flower stalls sell fresh flowers, tulips bulbs, exotic plants, seeds and souvenirs to its visitors. Of course, keep the custom regulations of your country in mind before you consider purchasing any of these plant seeds or bulbs in Amsterdam.
Often at the end of each day, the flowers and bulbs are sold off at knockdown prices so that’s a good time to visit this market if you wish to purchase the flowers. Memories of walking along the colorful stalls of Bloemenmarket with the sweet fragrance of flowers floating are etched on my mind.
Magna Plaza shopping arcade
Behind the Royal Palace located in the Dam Square is a grand building that once used to be a post office but has since been converted into a bustling shopping center – Magna Plaza. From chocolates, cheese, to cosmetics, clothing and genuine delft porcelain – this shopping mall offers a more upscale shopping experience and is a good option, especially on a rainy day.
Window shopping at De 9 Straatjes (9 streets) and Herenstraat
For a quaint and quirky shopping experience, head over to the Nine streets. This characteristic stretch of boutiques runs between the three major canals of Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht.
These 9 streets are well known for their quirky, vintage boutiques and quaint cafes. While we typically don’t indulge in shopping during our travels, I couldn’t help but purchase some unique souvenirs from this must-visit shopping area of Amsterdam.
Just north of the 9 streets is Herenstraat – another charming alley full of trendy boutiques. Whether you plan to indulge in shopping or just wish you casually stroll by, a walk along the Nine streets and Herenstraat is a fun way to experience this lively micro-neighborhood while visiting Amsterdam.
9. Amsterdam is a great base for exploring nearby cities and famous sites outside the city limits
Amsterdam is a great base for exploring the nearby cities and even sites that lie just beyond Amsterdam. The nearby cities of Netherlands and Belgium- Haarlem, Utrecht, Delft, Hague, Brussels and Bruges, are easy to reach from Amsterdam by frequent train services.
If you have more time, then spending a few days in each of these cities is ideal. However, if you are short on time and would love to visit these nearby cities to get a feel of what they have to offer from a traveler’s perfective, then visiting them from Amsterdam is doable as a day trip.
In order to experience the quintessential Dutch countryside and see the working windmills of Netherlands, head out to the nearby picturesque Zaanse Schans. Frequent, convenient Sprinter train services followed by a short walk bring visitors to Zaanse Schans – a European industrial heritage site.
For more details on things to do in Zaanse Schans and how to get there, be sure to read our guide on Zaanse Schans.
Every spring, millions of visitors head out for a day trip by bus or car from Amsterdam to the Keukenhof gardens. These famous tulip gardens are located southwest of Amsterdam. Witnessing the colorful varieties of tulips at Keukenhof is a delight and a must-do if you happen to visit Amsterdam during late March to early May timeframe.
To maximize your visit to nearby cities and sites, catch the first train from Amsterdam, especially if you choose to explore Bruges as a day trip from Amsterdam.
Additionally, keep in mind that if you are visiting Amsterdam on a budget, and are looking for better hotel deals, staying in the nearby cities of Haarlem, Utrecht, Zaandam or even the picturesque village of Zaanse Schans is a great option. On our first trip to Amsterdam, we stayed in B&B Heerlijk Slapen in Zaanse Schans as a more budget-friendly base for exploring Amsterdam and beyond.
10. Experiencing the relaxed and inviting charm of Amsterdam after dusk:
Amsterdam is a beautiful city to explore by day and night. Taking a leisurely stroll along the canals of Amsterdam in the late evening hours as the lights of the city and its canals come on makes for a memorable experience. Amsterdam certainly has a more relaxed, and inviting feel to after dusk. A romantic dinner canal cruise or an evening canal tour are also particularly enjoyable experiences, especially in the summer months.
While the I Amsterdam sign is no longer present in Museumplein, a stroll along this lovely square in the late evening was a fun experience for our family.
During the day this square tends to be quite busy but in the evening hours, it has a relaxed vibe to it and is fun to explore. The Moco Museum in Museumplein takes on a particularly charming look in the evening when it is beautifully illuminated.
11. Indulging in delicious street food and cuisines from around the world when visiting Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a multi-cultural city that has plenty of restaurants and cafes serving cuisines from all over the world. Head over to Leidseplein for one of the biggest concentration of cafes and restaurants in one spot of Amsterdam.
Indonesian food, in particular, is very popular in Amsterdam. Indonesia had once been a Dutch colony and so its flavors and spices found their way to the Netherlands. Today there are plenty of Indonesian restaurants around Amsterdam with some of the most popular ones being Sama Sebo and Kantjil & De Tijger.
One of the most popular choices in an Indonesian restaurant in Amsterdam is ordering the Rijstafel (rice table). This ultimate Indonesian dining experience comes nearly 28 dishes that are brought out and arranged on the table after a brief explanation of each dish. Dishes include chicken satay, shrimp, sweet and sour vegetables, beef, fried banana, tofu and many more. The menu is preset for the Rijstafel but can be customized if you have certain food preferences such as no beef or vegetarian only. Trying a little bit of each dish is a memorable dining experience.
For plenty of vegetarian and vegan choices consider dining at De Bolhoed located on Prinsengracht. Located a short walk away from Anne Frank Huis, this quirky canalside café is popular with locals for its hearty portions of internationally-themed vegetarian dishes.
If you are a fan of avocado, then I highly recommend a visit to the extremely popular restaurant –The Avocado Show. The lines at this restaurant can be long but the wait, in my opinion, is worth it. I was amazed by the fresh flavors and creativity of the dishes at this restaurant – each of which, including desserts and ice cream, showcase their star ingredient -avocado.
Besides a wide variety of restaurants around town, the experience of visiting Amsterdam is incomplete without indulging in its delicious street food. The popular Food Hallen located in Oud-West neighborhood has plenty of choices of street food served in an indoor setting daily from 11 am-11 pm.
If you don’t mind eating raw fish, then trying the raw herring served with onions at various food stalls around town seems to be quite a popular experience as well.
For some of the best sweet and savory pancakes in town, stop by The Pancake Bakery on Prinsengracht (open daily 9 am-9:30 pm). Our hotel staff recommended this bakery to us and it was an amazing experience. On a side note, if you enjoy drinking herbal teas, try the licorice tea in Amsterdam. The hotel we stayed at offered a variety of tea bags and I found the zoethout (licorice) flavored tea to be particularly refreshing. Hot tea with the traditional Stroopwafel was a great way to start each morning.
Finally, our list of favorite foodie experiences in Amsterdam was only complete after we tried the delicious snack – Patat, or Vlaamse Frites (potato fries). Plenty of street-side vendors sell these fries but for one of the best experiences, try the fries sold at the popular Vleminckx de Sausmeester. There is always a long line outside this modest shop selling Belgian-style fries doused with a variety of sauces such as mayonnaise, curry ketchup, Samurai sauce, Andalouse, and even a Hawaiian sauce.
There are plenty of atmospheric bars and pubs around town. Our bike tour guide introduced us to a quirky and cute café /pub in town – Cafe de Sluyswacht. This leaning pub located close to Rembrandt’s house along the canals of Amsterdam has an old-world charm to it with a pleasant mix of tourists and locals. Its informal seating, great views, lovely local beer and friendly service make it a fun stop when visiting Amsterdam.
12. Discovering the lesser-known, quirky and informative museums of Amsterdam
There are so many unique museums in Amsterdam that’s it’s nearly impossible to visit all during a trip to Amsterdam. Often one ends up stumbling across these museums while wandering through town and they make for a fun, off-the-beaten-path experience.
Some of the most unique museums of Amsterdam include the Houseboat Museum, Kattenkabinet (Cat Cabinet) and Tassen Museum (Museum of Bags and Purses). We stopped by the Cheese Museum and the Amsterdam Tulip Museum while visiting Amsterdam.
Located close to Anne Frank House, on the other side of the Prinsengracht is the Cheese Museum. My kids enjoyed learning about the history and process of Dutch cheese making and tasting the varieties of cheeses sold at the storefront.
Given the fact that the tulip is the national flower of the Netherlands, there is an entire museum dedicated to tulips in Amsterdam. If you’d like to learn about the history of tulips and how they were cultivated in the Netherlands, stop by this museum. The storefront of the museum also sells seeds and exotic plants but be mindful of custom regulations of the country you need to travel back to before you make a purchase.
It was interesting to learn at the tulip museum that this iconic flower of the Netherlands was in fact not native to the country. It was originally brought to Holland from Central Asia and thrived in the Netherlands as it grows well in maritime conditions. It was successfully cultivated in various varieties and colors of tulips that we see today.
Travel tips for visiting Amsterdam
There are dedicated bike lanes in Amsterdam. Avoid walking or standing in these bike lanes.
There are dedicated bike lanes in Amsterdam. Avoid walking or standing in these bike lanes.2. Be watchful of the silent transportation in the city – the bikes and the trams – before crossing the streets.
3. Amsterdam is an expensive city! To try to find the best deals for hotels book early, especially if visiting in the spring or summer seasons. Alternatively, you can always choose to stay in nearby sites like Zaanse Schans, Zaandam, Utrecht or Haarlem to manage your travel budget.
4. Weather in Amsterdam is unpredictable all year round. It might be quite warm during the day in summer but quite chilly by evening. There might be a sudden onset of showers that taper away quickly as well. So pack weatherproof jackets when coming to Amsterdam, even in the summer months!
5. The months of April-October are the best times to visit Amsterdam to make the most of the outdoor experience in the city. The months of January and February tend to be windy and bitterly cold but do bring with them better deals in this off-season.
6. The museums of Amsterdam are very popular so purchase the entry tickets online in advance to avoid the lines. The tickets for Anne Frank Huis can often get booked out weeks in advance so plan accordingly.
7. Avoid taking the expensive taxis in Amsterdam – the city is best explored on foot, by bike or its convenient trams.
8. Coffeeshop in Amsterdam is not the same as café! The coffeeshops in Amsterdam sell cannabis which is legal in Amsterdam. So if you’re like us, and choose to steer clear of such shops then remember to visit a place labeled café and not coffeeshop.
9. If you are staying in Amsterdam, especially in one of the canal homes, then plan to travel light. These homes are narrow and carrying heavy bags up the steep stairs is not ideal.
10. Unfortunately, bike theft is common in Amsterdam so be diligent about locking and securing your bikes when you park.
11. If you are biking around town and happen to come across a pedestrian-only street, then be sure to walk your bike on that street rather than riding it (which could result in a fine).
Amsterdam has a lot to offer to its visitors and is a great base for exploring other cities and sites in the region. The local passion for tolerance to alternative lifestyle and their practical approach towards dealing with social challenges imparts a unique character to Amsterdam.
Amsterdam is truly a city of contrasts and this is something that is so easy for every traveler to Amsterdam to experience. The hustle-bustle of the main Dam Square can easily be left behind as one wanders along the quaint alleys of the Jordaan neighborhood on the west side of town. The inescapable charm of the tranquil canals of Amsterdam leaves an indelible impression on its visitors.
A visit to Amsterdam is a memorable and unique experience in itself. We cherish the time we spent in this amazing metropolis and look forward to returning to it in the future to explore it some more.
Until then…. Tot ziens dear Amsterdam!
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Hello ! I’m Aditi …..
Welcome to Land Of Travels – a travel blog that my husband Manish and I started to share our travel stories and travel tips. We are full-time professionals, dedicated parents, foodies, and it is our shared passion for traveling that lead us to become part-time bloggers.
I was born and brought up in Northern India, lived in Bay Area, California for nearly two decades and currently reside in Ontario, Canada. Since childhood, I’ve always had a passion to travel far & wide and experience different cultures. I am passionate about planning our trips and exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations.
My sincere hope is that the travel tips offered on this blog will help you plan your next memorable adventure.
Happy travels!
~ Aditi Sharma ~
This is such a great post. Tons of info and beautiful pictures. Thank you for sharing all the details.
I love this blog on Amsterdam! Thanks for sharing, and also taking the time to discover the city.
Glad you enjoyed reading the post! Amsterdam is such a lovely city.
I love this blog on Amsterdam! Definitely recognized my hometown.
Looks like a lovely place to visit! Thanks to much for the tips ❤️
I have never been to Amsterdam but you are right, I would definitely fall in love instantly with the city. I love bicycles and that would be my favorite way to go around the canals. I hope I will visit one day.
Out of these, I think my favorites are the channels and traditional long tall houses. They hold so much authenticity and make you step in into a completely different atmosphere. I haven’t been to Amsterdam, but it looks a lot similar to other classic towns of Holland.
I visited Amsterdam last year for a long weekend, and while I loved the city, there was so much I didn´t have time to do that I need to go back for… I mostly just strolled the city tasting cheese and mustard and stopping to smell the tulips! When I make it back (hopefully soon!) the Anne Frank house is the biggie that I missed (didn´t reserve tickets in time), but I´d also love to check out the boat tour you mentioned above, and rent a bike to get out around like a local.
I’ve only spent a little bit of time in Amsterdam but I’m definitely keen to see more of it. This is a great post, looks like you really covered the city well. I’ve never really thought of Amsterdam for the food, but the street food you discovered looks fantastic. Have pinned this for future planning.
Thanks -glad you found the post informative. The street food was a pleasant surprise for us too. We discovered quite a few great places to eat at while wandering around the city.
Wow! What an all encompassing post about what to do in Amsterdam. I loved the Van Gogh museum the best, although we took an awesome tour of the hidden churches which was very interesting.
Glad you found the post informative.
Well, you made it pretty obvious why it’s so easy to fall in love with Amsterdam 😉 And while I’m looking forward to visiting this city one day, I keep postponing it till we live closer and can just drive to it instead of flying. I’d also schedule the visit in the low season. It may be colder, but I’d love to avoid the big crowds.
No wonder the canals are listed as a UNESCO Heritage site! It’s such a unique characteristic of Amsterdam and so essential to people’s life there… 165 canals is a lot, they must be everywhere! I would definitely go for a canal cruise, seeing a city from the water is always a good idea!
The canals add such a charm to the city. Definitely, exploring the city by taking the canal cruise is a fun experience.
Love having a walk through Amsterdam through your lens. I was there many decades ago and can’t wait to return to laze by the canals, ride a bike while exploring and see the museums again. Thanks for all your great tips!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed reading the post.
My brother lived in Amsterdam for a year so I know the city really well. Biking around the dam is a must as is visiting the museums and Anne Frank’s house. I haven’t yet been to Zaanse so I’d like to see it if I ever return.
Visiting Anne Frank’s house was such a moving experience for us. Visit to Zaanse Schans is definitely worth it – quintessential Dutch countryside experience.
Yes I totally agree, so much to fall in love with in Amsterdam. Of course the canals are unique, and it’s wonderful to see them by boat as you suggest. Then the museums are so varied for art and history lovers. The architecture is just beautiful, and again great for history lovers. For us the food is always something to travel for, and we ate well in Amsterdam – we also loved the stroopwaffels!
Amsterdam is such an amazing city and yep, definitely one so easy to fall in love with. Your pictures are making me long for another trip.
Being Dutch, it’s always interesting for me to read posts about Amsterdam. Amsterdam has become such a hotspot, even though the Netherlands has many other beautiful places as well. Thank you for highlighting all the things the city has to offer outside of the nightlife.
Glad you enjoyed reading the post. Amsterdam has so much to offer besides the nightlife – we loved exploring it and looks forward to returning again in the future.
Love Amsterdam. MY sister lives very close by that is why I use to go often and I always fall in love a little bit more with this city.
I’m visiting Amsterdam in a couple of weeks and am happy to have landed on your page. Good tip about locking the bikes. I didn’t think that bike theft was so common. I also have to go to this Avocado restaurant now. I am a huge fan of avocados and think I will really enjoy this.
Glad you found the post informative. Bike theft is indeed quite common – locals and bike rental place advise to use two locks when parking the bike. Definitely try the avocado show restaurant – I was amazed by the creativity of the dishes.
Thanks for taking me back to Amsterdam with your lens! You’ve captured one of my favorite places on earth so beautifully. I started my sailing circumnavigation from here in 2011 and look forward to returning!
Having been to Amsterdam more than once, this is a fantastic thorough travel guide. I totally agree that walking is such a great way to explore the city. I love that you showed the ship from the Maritime Museum. It isn’t featured on many blogs that much! My favorite are the churches for sure and the Anne Frank House was so emotional. When I return (I love Amsterdam!) I want to spend more time in the museums. If you return, try afternoon tea in the smallest house in Amsterdam.
I have been to Amsterdam twice now but each time I barely spent 24 hours there and the last time Darcee was with me and she absolutely loved the way the city looked and felt. So we definitely need to get back. Obviously we want to explore all the museums and churches but I have to say there is something iconic about riding bikes around Amsterdam that is definitely a bucket list activity!
Amsterdam is such a fun city to explore – I love the vibe of the city. I’ve never seen as many bikes in a city as we did in Amsterdam. Biking in the city can get overwhelming at times for visitors but it is a fun experience nevertheless. It was a memorable experience for us to head out to the countryside by bike as well. Thanks for visiting post.
I didn’t know there was an avocado show in Amsterdam. I went to a banana show there once, but this sounds like a completely different experience. Like you mentioned, for sure avoid taking a car into the city. One time I parked there and couldn’t get out of the garage because I didn’t have my security chip enabled. I thought I was going to be stuck there all night long.
The avocado show is the name of a restaurant and I highly recommend trying the creative dishes served there. Definitely – car is not a good option when visiting Amsterdam. It’s anyways so easy to reach by public transportation and the city is best explored by bike or on foot. Thanks for visiting the post.
What a great guide. There’s so many amazing places in Amsterdam. I also love the sound of the avocado show!
Thank you! There always seemed to be so many choices for restaurants and cuisines to try in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam has been my home for almost 3 years now and I never get bored of reading posts about it 🙂 I love to see how others view the city from their own unique perspective! Loved reading about your thoughts!
Glad to hear that you enjoyed reading the post! Visiting Amsterdam is always a delight for us.
It is amazing how much info it is here! Your guide truly covers everything and makes me want to visit Amsterdam again. It is truly a city that is easy to fall in love with
Thank you! I am glad you found the guide informative. We loved exploring Amsterdam and the countryside.
Still haven’t been to Amsterdam yet but it looks so beautiful! The Anne Frank House is on my bucket list
Amsterdam does get quite busy in the peak season but it’s a lovely city to visit. Spring and fall are probably the best times to visit Amsterdam.
Amsterdam was such an amazing place for me to visit and totally agree about the canal cruises! So touristy but I loved it 😀
We enjoyed the canal cruise so much more when we took the semi-private tour in the evening – it just had a more relaxed feel to it and we got to explore some of the quieter canals that way. Thanks for visiting the post.
I can totally relate! I’ve visited Amsterdam for my very first time in fall a few years ago. Now I want to come back!
Such a detailed post with lots of places to see and things to do. Thanks. Looks like a great place to visit with the family.
I have only spent a day in Amsterdam and it was more than 20 years ago! I definitely need to go back and explore more! I would love to start with a weekend, easy enough to do from Paris.
It’s been too long since I have back to Amsterdam. Anne Frank’s house is just amazing. I still need to see more of the museums.
There are so many museums in Amsterdam! We look forward to returning to it in the future to explore it some more.
My friend and I were JUST talking about going to Amsterdam the other day, so this was a of fun to read! I would want to do every single thing on your list, especially visiting the Van Gogh museum and the Anne Frank House. I’m bookmarking this for my future planning sessions. 🙂
Glad you enjoyed reading the post – wish you a lovely time in Amsterdam, it’s a lovely city to visit.
Amsterdam is such a beautiful place, I would not mind to go back there =)
As someone who lived in the Netherlands for 3 1/2 years, I can say with confidence that this is a very thorough list of what to do and see in Amsterdam. And now I’m craving some frites mit mayonnaise! 🙂
Thank you Sage for the kind message. We loved exploring Amsterdam – it is a fun, vibrant city. Must have been such a fun experience for you to live there for a significant amount of time. We look forward to visiting it again – hopefully soon.
Every single time that I go back to Amsterdam I fall in love with it again. It’s truly a one of a kind city, and you’ve covered it beautifully here!
You have convinced me to give it another go. I visited Amsterdam back in 2010 in winter at the end of 2 months on the road and I just got lost and wet lol.
It does get bitterly cold in the winters there. Try visiting in spring or fall – it’s absolutely lovely at those times. We look forward to returning to Amsterdam every time we plan a trip to Netherlands.
The unique architecture of Amsterdam was what won me over! The colorful dancing houses were so interesting. I wish I had more time to do the historical experiences and museums. Great reason to return!
Yes the architecture is one of the reasons for sure why it is so easy to love visiting Amsterdam. Thanks for visiting the post.
This is such a detailed guide to Amsterdam. I have the same feelings about the city – so modern, yet has the old world charm.
We loved visiting Amsterdam despite the crowds. There are so many pockets of charm to find in this historic and bustling city. Thanks for visiting the post.
Great post!! I wish I could count the times I have been to Amsterdam. HAHA. It’s a city where you never can get bored. The only that has been keep me from going back to Amsterdam is how immensely crowded it had been getting. The last time I flew in and out of Amsterdam it took me hours with the customs at the Airport. I loved the review you made on the food, as food is my favorite part of the city but I didn’t know that it had so many options for Vegans.
It’s true that Amsterdam is crowded especially in the peak seasons. The shoulder seasons are probably the best times to visit the city. However we didn’t mind the crowds frankly since we were quite mesmerized by all the things the city had to offer – museums, foods, canals, architecture. And of yes, pleasantly surprised by the number of vegan and vegetarian restaurants as well.
I have been hearing a lot about Amsterdam but today I got a virtual tour through this post. Canal Cruise and a semi boat ride look exciting to explore the scenic places of Seven bridges, Skinny bridge and Rijksmuseum. Visit to Zaanse Schans look a must thing to do if in Amsterdam. I would love visiting Cheese Museum to get a sneak peek into the history of cheese
Amsterdam is one of those places you need to live and get lost for the real experience right? There is plenty of things to do and you provide great details of all of it! Great piece of content!
Oh yes! One of our favorite memories was to simply wander around those back alleys and find quaint canals, cafes and boutiques. Glad you found the post informative.
I havent been to Amsterdam for 18 years and reading this has made me want to go back the photos are so colourful it hasnt changed much but i only had one day so i have so much more to see
There’s always so much to explore whenever visiting the region – the city has so many attractions and is such a convenient base for exploring the nearby sites and cities of Netherlands as well. Thanks for visiting our blog.
The information you shared about the infrastructure of the canals is fascinating. I’d love to take a canal cruise if we visit here. Thank you also for the wonderful tips you provided – I would love to explore by bike (so nice to know there are bike lanes!)
Biking is certainly the way of life in Amsterdam – I’ve never seen as many bikes in any other city I’ve visited as we did in Amsterdam. Glad you found our post informative.
There are so many reasons to like Amsterdam. I love the gabled streets, the narrow houses, Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh museum, Annie Frank house, the flower market, and also the candles. I would love to take a semi private boat tour so that I can head to the scenic canals which are smaller in size just like you guys did. It was a pleasant reading about Amsterdam yet again.
Glad you enjoyed reading the post Shreya. We’ve been to Amsterdam a few times and love it there – always find something new to discover. Definitely try the semi-private boat tour – it’s fun!
Have been to Amsterdam never imagined so much of activities can be done….nice picture’s. Amsterdam is very beautiful city to visit. Will sure take my family in my next trip, will keep in mind places to visit and things to do..! thanks
We’ve been to Amsterdam a few times and every time we visit we find there’s something new to see and do – so many museums to explore, restaurants to dine in – it’s a truly vibrant city. Thanks for visiting the blog.
This is a wonderful post packed full of information! I really had no idea that the canals of Amsterdam were UNESCO sites. It makes sense, but I just didn’t realize. I feel like you have to see the city either by canal or bike to have an authentic experience.
Definitely – biking, walking and taking the boat tour along the canals is the way to go. While biking in Amsterdam if fun, it’s also a joy to explore the nearby countryside by bike. Thanks for visiting the post.
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Amsterdam is always on my wishlist as it is really a fairy tale town. Strolling across canals of Amsterdam or cruising in these canals would be my first thing to do here. Even the architecture of this city is very unique and colorful.
Definitely – the architecture and the canals are so charming and historic. We loved exploring the Jordaan neighborhood in Amsterdam.
Great post! It is so information- I legitimately had no idea there was so much to do in Amsterdam. I never would have guessed that the locals spend a lot of time on the canals. I always associate canal boat rides with more of a tourist attraction, and it is really cool that the locals enjoy them as well. The museum of purses sounds right up my alley! Thank you for including it in your post. If I ever make it to Amsterdam, I will be sure to check it out.
Glad you found it so informative. There is so much to see and do in Amsterdam – it truly is an amazing destination.
This is an amazing guide for a novice like me! I’m looking into going to Amsterdam this year. I would absolutely love to do a bike and boat tour, both sound wonderful! My mum will be putting in an order for the bulbs in the flower market too…
I’m glad you found the post informative and wish you a wonderful time visiting Amsterdam.
Great article about Amsterdam. Never thought of it, maybe should add to my list of places to visit. It seems like a very beautiful place.
It is a very picturesque city and the architecture is amazing as well. Thanks for visiting the post.
SO much to see and do there. Your pictures are stunning. I have to admit my daughter would love to visit the Ann Frank house but my boys would be more into the Cheese Museum across the street – haha!
Thank you – glad you enjoyed reading the post. My kids had read Anne Frank’s Diary as part of their school curriculum so they really loved visiting Anne Frank House as well.