10 THINGS YOU MUST DO IN AMSTERDAM
For years, without knowing much about Amsterdam, I thought it was just “the party city” where young people go to experience things that are illegal in most parts of the world. I assumed the streets would be filled with belligerently drunk people and nothing more. While Amsterdam is definitely a place to let loose, I found that after spending a few days in the city it is so much more than that.
What surprised me most is how romantic the city feels, and I say that having visited Paris numerous times. I may even go as far as saying it’s as romantic if not more romantic than the ‘city of lights’. The greenery, canals, museums, eateries, and unique architecture of the Dutch Canal houses, truly make this city special. If you’re planning a trip, here are 10 things you must do in Amsterdam.
1. jordaan
explore the charming area of jordaan
Jordaan is one of my favorite areas in Amsterdam. With its narrow canals, and trendy boutiques and eateries, the vibe is relaxed in contrast to the city’s crazy nightlife in the red-light district. If you’re visiting on a Saturday or Monday stop by the Noordermarkt square market which offers stalls of jewelry, clothes, antiques, and organic food.
2.anne frank house
pay your respects at the anne frank house
In the United States most history classes from middle school through high school, teach students the in-depth history of WWII, Nazi invasions, and the heart-wrenching story of Anne Frank and her family.
Having already learned much about the family, I knew when visiting Amsterdam that the Anne Frank house was a must see. Walking through the main house of her father’s business and the secret annex where she and her family stayed in hiding for 25 months allowed me to attach emotions to the story that I knew so well.
In this post, I share my visit to the Anne Frank House and explain everything needed for your visit. I also share ticket options and which one you should purchase to take photos while learning more about Anne and her family before entering the secret annex.
Book a walking tour
explore the city + learn more about Anne
3.food hallen market
grab a bite at food hallen market
With over 20 vendor stalls this is a great venue for trying a variety of foods and beverages. De Ballenbar is the most popular, so stop by and order their bitterballs. It’s an old classic Dutch snack but at De Ballenbar they’ve added their own twist! If you prefer to explore the city while trying the most popular foods of the Dutch, you can book a walking food tour below.
4. albert cuyp market
visit the most popular market in the city
The market began trading in the early 1900s and now has over 250 stalls lining both sides of the Albert Cuyp street in the neighborhood of De Pijp. Prices are among the cheapest in Amsterdam with stalls selling everything from fruit, vegetables, cheese, fish, spices, clothes, and souvenirs. This is a great market for trying authentic Dutch foods that I’ve included in my post 6 Dutch foods to try in Amsterdam most of which you can find here.
5. bike ride
explore the tulip fields by bike
Each year Holland is transformed into a vast sea of flowers from mid-March to mid-May. It begins with the Crocus season in March, followed by daffodils and hyacinths. Finally, the tulips show their gorgeous colors, from mid-April through the first week of May. If you’re looking to recreate those beautifully stylized “influencer” photos all over Instagram, you’ll want to head straight to Keukenhof Tulip Gardens. If you have a few extra days in Amsterdam and are looking to get away from the hustle of city life, booking a full-day countryside bike tour is a fantastic idea.
Most tours ride along the Amstel River beyond the edge of town passing the few remaining authentic windmills in the countryside. Some include a visit to a Dutch cheese farm/clog factory where they will demonstrate the traditional art of making wooden shoes and the famous Gouda cheese.
6. tulips in bloom
stop by the tulip market
If you’re able to visit Keukenhof in the countryside, you’ll most likely fall in love with Hollands Tulips so be sure to stop by Bloemenmarkt the world’s only floating flower market. Founded in 1862 on the Singel River between Muntplein and Koningsplein in the city’s southern canal belt, the market is one of the main suppliers of dried tulip bulbs and tulip paraphernalia to tourists visiting Amsterdam.
If you pick up a bag of bulbs and give your green thumb a-go you could end up with your own Holland field of tulips for seasons to come. Be sure to find a vendor who sells tulip bulbs specifically for import back to the US since US Customs only allows certain strains of tulips.
7. canal cruise
cruise the canals of the city
One of the best ways to see Amsterdam is cruising through its canals by boat. As you can imagine there are a lot of companies offering tours however not all of them are created equal which is why I created a post dedicated to boat tours and the differences between them as well as my favorite. You can read more about that here.
8. red light district
when in amsterdam!
I’m just going to leave this right here because “when in Amsterdam!” There’s a lot of fun to be had in this city but if you prefer to keep it PG, pub-crawls are a way to make fast-friends while exploring local bars and pubs.
9. vondelpark
picnic in vondelpark
Vondelpark is a public urban park, the largest in Amsterdam stretching across 120 acres. It’s a great way to spend a sunny afternoon laying in the grass picnicking. If you’re visiting during June, July or August enjoy a performance at the open-air theater. Admission is free, but some performances are so popular that an online reservation may be required via their website, bike and skate rentals are also available in certain parts of the park.
10. get cultured
top museums in the city
Amsterdam is a city filled with fantastic museums which I recommend booking in advance as they sell out quickly. Below I’ve included the city’s top three.
Rijksmuseum is a Dutch national museum dedicated to arts and history in Amsterdam. It displays works by Ruisdael and Vermeer among others. If you’re a fan of Rembrandt, here is where you’ll find one of his most famous paintings Night Watch.
Rijksmuseum, arts and history in Amsterdam.
Van Gogh Museum, obviously a must if you’re a fan of his work.
Rembrandt House – Learn about the Dutch artist and visit his home where he lived and worked for twenty years.
more amsterdam posts
to help you plan your trip
The Best Canal Cruise in Amsterdam
One of the best ways to see Amsterdam is cruising through its canals by boat. There are many companies offering tours but booking this type of boat gives the absolute best views!
READ MORE HERE
6 Dutch Foods To Try in Amsterdam
These are the 6 Dutch foods to try in Amsterdam. The first is Amsterdam’s most popular treat, Stroopwafel, and this shop has the most authentic Stroopwaffle in the city!
READ MORE HERE
Visiting The Anne Frank House
A complete guide to visiting the Anne Frank House. Which ticket to purchase and tips for visiting the Museum and Secret Annex in Amsterdam.
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