It’s hard to imagine a small city that has as much to offer as Amsterdam does. Fighting neighboring Bruges for the title of ‘Venice of the North’, Amsterdam’s treats expand well beyond its myriad of photogenic canals and the masterpieces of Van Gogh.
Visiting Amsterdam
Amsterdam has something to offer for most people, whether Art, Architecture, Beer, History or just exploring a new city is your thing. Many visitors are surprised by the amount to see that this city has packed in, so be sure to allow yourself time to explore!
Museums in Amsterdam
Some of the city’s big museums are handily packed together into the same area - the city’s museum district. The Van Gogh, Stedelijk and Rijks Museums are all around the corner from each other. Do get up early for the museums and make sure your tickets are pre-booked to avoid queuing for hours.
The Hermitage museum is located near the city’s opera house and on the banks of the River Amstel. A great place to pause for a few photographs and take in some of the city’s stunning water views.
Taking to the Water in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is literally a city built on water, with much of the city being below sea level. No one manages water quite like the Dutch do, and the best way to see Amsterdam has got to be from its beautiful canals.
There are a range of companies offering canal tours with various hop on hop off routes that leave from around the city centre, or take an evening dinner cruise.
For a free mini-tour, free ferries leave from the River Ij side of Central station to various points in Amsterdam North - a great way to see the city from a different side and explore a different part of the city.
Red Lights & Green Lights
Amsterdam is of course famous for its Red Light District and Coffee Shops (which do not sell coffee and are usually easily distinguishable by their aroma). The Red Light District is easy to walk around for those keen to see it, although bear in mind that it does get extremely congested with stag/bachelor party groups on a Friday and Saturday night, and that of course the area is not suitable for children. If coffee shops are your thing, they are located all over the city and can be found easily.
Cycling in Amsterdam
In Amsterdam, as in the rest of the Netherlands, cycling is the main mode of transport for most inhabitants of the city. Do take care when crossing roads and walking in the city as cyclists tend to move fast and take priority over pedestrians and most other vehicles on the roads.
It’s possible in many parts of the city to rent a bike for a day or a few hours (some hotels even supply them for free) but please be aware that in the summer the streets can become very congested with cyclists. It’s not advised for those who are not used to cycling to rent bikes in Amsterdam. Some tours may include a cycle tour of Amsterdam which can be another great way to see the city - check with your tour operator for more details.
Food & Drink in Amsterdam
The Netherlands may not have the best reputation for its food, but there are plenty of delights to try during your time here. From bar snacks ‘bitterballen’ to the delicious freshly made apple pie that you’ll find in many cafes, the Dutch believe in hearty food. Another typical winter dish is ‘stampot’ - which is sure to keep you warm and full.
Don’t miss the delicious Dutch Stroopwaffels (syrup cookies)! And of course, no visit to Amsterdam would be complete without sampling some Dutch Gouda. There are many cheese shops located throughout the city, or try a local supermarket for cheese and cookies to take home.
When it comes to drinking beer is the natural choice of beverage - you can visit local Amsterdam brewery Brouwerij T’Ij, located in a windmill in the east of the city for the full experience.