Feature photo by goulao Photo by rhoadeecha
Clear your head and get outside to explore Amsterdam like a local.
Contrary to Pulp Fiction lore, there’s more to Amsterdam than hash bars.
Coffeeshops are the shit for many an Amsterdam virgin, yet locals view them as tourist traps lacking in “gezelligheid,” or coziness, the cornerstone of Dutch culture. Smoking yourself into a coma at the Bulldog is just fine, but you’re going to miss out.
Follow these ten tips and you’ll do Amsterdam like a local.
1) Immerse yourself in art.
From Spui take tram 2 or 5 to Museumplein, where the Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum keep you occupied for hours.
View Van Gogh’s life through art, from the Potato Eaters up through the last two months of his life in France.
Holland’s Golden Age is the highlight of the Rijksmuseum. Don’t miss Vermeer’s Milkmaid.
2) Day trip it.
For an excursion, the 15-minute train ride to Haarlem is worth the trip.
Browse fashionable boutiques, visit the Gothic St. Bavo church, and walk to the Frans Hals art museum.
For eats, kick back at the spacious Café Brinkman (grandcafebrinkman.nl) on the square, and to top off the day, have drinks at Café 1900 (Barteljorisstraat 10) on the way back to the train station.
Photo by goulao
3) Drink up.
With more than 1200 intriguing pubs to crawl you’ll have more than your fill.
Start at the Heineken brewery (Stadshouderkade 78) to see how famous beer is produced. Check out Café Belgique to taste smooth Belgian brews like La Chouffe and La Trappe Dubbel.
Other standouts: gallery/bar Schuim (Spuistraat 189), Gollem, and In De Wildeman.
4) Night bike it.
Amsterdam is most romantic at night, when the city is aglow from lit up bridges and canals.
Start at Leidseplein and bike down Kerkstraat to the Amstel River, where you’ll find the Skinny Bridge in all its glory.
Cut across Waterlooplein to Jodenbreestraat, which takes you into Nieuwmarkt. Pay a visit to the Waag, a pub/restaurant that once formed the city wall, or brown bar Café ‘t Loosje (Nieuwmarkt 32-34).
Photo by katielips
5) Club it.
For pre-partying, head to Lux (Marnixstraat 403) Bitterzoet (Spuistraat 2), or Seymour Likely (Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 250) for live DJs.
Join the dance crowd at Mazzo (Rozengracht 114), Club More (Rozengracht 133), and Paradiso (Weteringschans 6-8). For a laid-back vibe, check out Café Alto (Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 115) for local jazz acts.
Photo by tylerdurden
6) Shop for treasures.
Walk the famous 9 streets (theninestreets.com), to pick up cutting edge fashion and eclectic wares.
Don’t miss Lady Day, which sells vintage and secondhand European fashion for a steal. Browse for a designer fragrance like Creed at Skins Cosmetics, investigate the Paul Frank Store , and get pampered at Spoiled, where you’ll be custom matched to a designer pair of jeans.
Photo by earcos
7) Do it like the Dutch.
Nothing says typically Dutch better than a hunk of Gouda stuffed in a fresh bread roll.
Savor this ritual by picking up a sandwich at Broodje van Kootje (Spui 28). Grab a newspaper at the Athenaeum bookstore across the way, and plunk yourself down on a bench in the square.
For another Dutch favorite, visit the Pannekoekenhuis, a tiny upstairs restaurant on the second floor of a narrow canal house. Dive into big pancakes, served sweet or savory.
8 ) Indulge, Indonesian style.
A former colony of the Netherlands, Indonesia now occupies Amsterdam, in terms of cuisine.
The rice table (a smorgasbord of dishes) is the name of the game but you can opt for the Nasi Goreng (fried rice) at Sie Joe.
For something more upscale, consider Tempoe Doloe, on the boutique-lined street, Utrechtsestraat or Puri Mas, located in the entertainment district of Leidseplein.
9) While the day away in a café.
At Café Zeezicht (Hoofdweg 456), people watch on the outdoor terrace, sipping a Dutch style latte and nibbling on the best apple tart in town. Brown cafes, named for their wooden interiors, are good for mingling with the locals.
Cafes not to miss: De Balie, Café De Tuin (Tweede Tuindwarsstraat 13), and Café ‘t Smalle (Egelantiersgracht 12).
10) Walk it.
Start at the eastern end of the Albert Cuyp street market in the ethnically diverse neighborhood De Pijp.
Peruse Dutch treats like fish, cheese, and chocolate among 300 stalls. Take a right on Ferdinand Bolstraat, then a left on Stadshouderkade.
Take a right at Spiegelgracht for a stroll in the antique district. Turn left onto Herengracht to see splendid 17th century canal houses. Make a right at Leidsestraat and go up to Singel.
Hit the Singel lunch Café (Singel 404) for homemade soups and baguette sandwiches.
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144 Comments... join the discussion!
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Don’t forget Anne Frank’s house.
Go there even if you haven’t read her diary.↵ -
Time left? Your 2nd Dutch city to visit (yes, you can also smoke pot there) is Maastricht. Intriguingly different. For mellow tours check out maastricht-biking.com
Lonely Planet Guide: Maastricht has a liveliness and energy out of proportion
to its size. The people are irreverent, there’s hordes of university students
and the streets are steeped in history. No visit to the Netherlands is complete
without a visit to Maastricht. Today this lively city has a reputation
even in its own country of being a little foreign, and a place to sample the
distinct tastes of neighbouring cuisines.
Rough Guide:Limburg occupies the slim scythe of land
that reaches down between the Belgian and German borders, its landscape, in
the south at least, truly hilly, and with a charming cosmopolitan capital in
Maastricht.↵ -
Nice list. Two weeks late. Well, maybe next time. *giggle*
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Really nice article and great pictures.
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Hi there,
As for shopping etc, I highly recommend visiting the Haarlemmerstraat. A street which has seen some major changes over the last few years, all for the better. Small shops, from good(!) food shops to specialized games shops, most definitely worth a visit.
Also an excellent area to just wander around, the area between the Haarlemmerplein (currently being redesigned) and the Korte Prinsengracht is just lovely. Also visit the Brouwersgracht, and while you’re there, visit the Cafe Tabac, arguably the oldest cafe in Amsterdam. Rumour has it it once was the entry point to a hidden church across the canal, on number 132.
And a special treat is the Amsterdam Zoo: Artis. Being the oldest zoo in the Netherlands, it’s a typical city zoo, meaning it makes very effective use of the available space, while still offering peace and tranquility – offering a nice break from the busy city life. Public secret: Every sunday at 11am free public tours behind screens of Artis. Just make sure you’re at the ‘apenrots’ (japanese macaques) which is where those tours start. Tours are in Dutch though – you might have to bring someone to translate for you.
Another little-known secret is the area next to the zoo: Entrepotdok – Laagte Kadijk – Hoogte Kadijk. Renovated about 30 years ago this has changed from a no-go area to one of the prettiest parts of Amsterdam. Special treat: Try and find the Binnen Kadijk. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.
A little stroll brings you from the Entrepotdok via a few Kadijken (Laagte -, Hoogte -, Binnen -, and Buiten Kadijk) to the Wittenburgergracht. Right in front of the church you’ll find a nice ‘haringkar’ – go Dutch and have a raw herring. With or without onions, it’s up to you!
Finish with a beer from one of the few microbreweries left: Brouwerij het IJ, housed in a windmill at the Funenkade. Proper beer, ranging from regular (Pilzn) to super strong (Columbus – 9%).
And for those not able to go in person: Check the photoblog of Thomas Schlijper, an Amsterdam-based photographer with a daily fresh selection of pictures, mainly of Amsterdam citylife. Check the archive for pictures of some of the places I just mentioned. http://www.schlijper.nl/
Oh: short selection of (fairly) Dutch stuff:
- Broodje rookworst at the Hema (smoked cooked sausage on a bun, at the Hema shop)
- Broodje bal (meatloaf on a bun – sold at various places, try any butcher – mustad optional)
- Sun, bottle of wine, book, Vondelpark
- Vondelpark Openluchtpodium – Free Open Air podium in the middle of the Vondelpark – check http://www.openluchttheater.nl/ for program (in Dutch)
- Boom Chicago – standup comedy in English, every so often a new show. At the Leidseplein (probably the only reason you’d want to go to the Leidseplein anyway)
- Vlaamse Friet (fries, Flemish-style) at the ‘Manneken Pis’ in the Voetboogsteeg, probably the best fries in town
- Go to the Tuschinski movie theater at the Reguliersbreestraat (just off the Rembrandtplein). Built in 1921 in a mix of styles (most notably Jugendstil and Art Deco) the theater is worth a visit for the building alone.
- Open air market dedicated to books on the Spui, every friday from 10.00-18.00
- Other open air markets (including Dappermarkt and Albert Cuyp – every day of the week I think)Most importantly: enjoy! And don’t hesitate to ask the locals for tips, hints, suggestions – most of them are more than willing to share their favourite places with you.
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Link to Sie Joe is not the right one, this one is: http://www.siejoe.com/
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11. Get mugged.
12. Get stuff stolen from your hotel.
13. Get your rented bicycle stolen.Amsterdam – crime capital of Northern Europe.
I speak from bitter experience.
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No one mentioned the Anne Frank house yet
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Link to Sie Joe is not the right one, this one is: http://www.siejoe.com/
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11. Get mugged.
12. Get stuff stolen from your hotel.
13. Get your rented bicycle stolen.Amsterdam – crime capital of Northern Europe.
I speak from bitter experience.
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11. Take a trip to a more nice city like Rotterdam and see the worlds biggest Port
12. Take a trip to another very nice city "Den Haag"↵ -
Bike theft is a huge problem in Holland. It is why everyone has crappy bikes!
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Thanks Jan Joost, for your excellent tips and secrets about Amsterdam. I especially love that you suggested eating a broodje rookwurst at the Hema, what could be more Dutch? I wrote about it on my blog, http://www.wanderingjewess.wordpress.com
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OK, my recommendations to foodies:
A small Bus ride (Zeeburgerstraat: bus 22; Oosterburgertstraat: bus 32) from Central Station is a working class Belgian style brewerie complete with windmill called Brouwerij 't IJ (pronounced Eye). Their Zatte beer is my favorite and the rest of their beers are very good. I'm a beer snob and I would walk several miles for a Zatte! Just google Brouwerij 't IJ for more information. They offer tours and pub style grub in a relaxed environment.
Chocolate – Don't miss Stam Chocolate. There's multiple locations throughout Holland (and some showing up in the US) including Amsterdam. If you purchase their bon-bons, make sure you ask about the various fillings – let the person behind the counter know ahead of time you don't want this or that and they'll take good care of you. I don't like Marzipan (almond paste) or any kinds of fruit. Their butter creams rock and one of the best milk chocolate bars I've ever had – addictive!
Stam Chocolaterie
Osdorpplein 629 1068TB Amsterdam
(020)6104717Pancakes – Dutch Pancakes are available everywhere. Be sure to get them at more well established, older restaurants. Their much like crepes and you can order just about anything on them – ham/pineapple, curry chicken, etc!
Last suggestion: When in season (colder months) you can purchase raw herring with onions on a small roll pronounced phonetically Broatja Hahring. No visit during the colder months when herring is in season is worth missing this !!!!
Regards,
Norm↵ -
11. Take a trip to a more nice city like Rotterdam and see the worlds biggest Port
12. Take a trip to another very nice city “Den Haag”↵ -
Bike theft is a huge problem in Holland. It is why everyone has crappy bikes!
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Thanks Jan Joost, for your excellent tips and secrets about Amsterdam. I especially love that you suggested eating a broodje rookwurst at the Hema, what could be more Dutch? I wrote about it on my blog, http://www.wanderingjewess.wordpress.com
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OK, my recommendations to foodies:
A small Bus ride (Zeeburgerstraat: bus 22; Oosterburgertstraat: bus 32) from Central Station is a working class Belgian style brewerie complete with windmill called Brouwerij ‘t IJ (pronounced Eye). Their Zatte beer is my favorite and the rest of their beers are very good. I’m a beer snob and I would walk several miles for a Zatte! Just google Brouwerij ‘t IJ for more information. They offer tours and pub style grub in a relaxed environment.
Chocolate – Don’t miss Stam Chocolate. There’s multiple locations throughout Holland (and some showing up in the US) including Amsterdam. If you purchase their bon-bons, make sure you ask about the various fillings – let the person behind the counter know ahead of time you don’t want this or that and they’ll take good care of you. I don’t like Marzipan (almond paste) or any kinds of fruit. Their butter creams rock and one of the best milk chocolate bars I’ve ever had – addictive!
Stam Chocolaterie
Osdorpplein 629 1068TB Amsterdam
(020)6104717Pancakes – Dutch Pancakes are available everywhere. Be sure to get them at more well established, older restaurants. Their much like crepes and you can order just about anything on them – ham/pineapple, curry chicken, etc!
Last suggestion: When in season (colder months) you can purchase raw herring with onions on a small roll pronounced phonetically Broatja Hahring. No visit during the colder months when herring is in season is worth missing this !!!!
Regards,
Norm↵ -
What a shame my excellent tips never appeared here….. Potential visitors are missing out now Marla. All your fault!
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I've always been kind of hesitant to visit Holland since smoking pot doesn't interest me. But lately I've heard about a lot of really great things to do there. This list just solidifies it for me.
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I’ve always been kind of hesitant to visit Holland since smoking pot doesn’t interest me. But lately I’ve heard about a lot of really great things to do there. This list just solidifies it for me.
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This is such a great list of things to do in Amsterdam. The art alone could take up days. The bread with gouda and the Indonesian cuisine sound awesome.
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"Heineken? Fuck that shit! Pabst Blue Ribbon!!"
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This is such a great list of things to do in Amsterdam. The art alone could take up days. The bread with gouda and the Indonesian cuisine sound awesome.
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Thank you so much for the useful information! I am an Indonesian, and very proud to have you say "A former colony of the Netherlands, Indonesia now occupies Amsterdam, in terms of cuisine." Indeed, Indonesian cuisine is among the best cuisines in the world. You will never be able to forget its spicy taste, once you tasted it!
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Good list, glad there are other things to do there, as everyone I know goes for just one reason.
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Thank you for your good list. Who want to go to Amsterdam only 1 reason?
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Getting drunk, meeting locals and traveling with your new friends to sketchy back allley bars is a MUST!
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******* #1 AMsterdam TIP******* Do all the above after hittin up the coffee shop
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hey, I'm an US expat living in A'dam for the past 6 months, couple comments: yes there is a lot of art, but if you're looking to see something cool then do your homework, Foam photo museum and other expositions, A'dam is one of the hottest places for boutique design firms, a little research will take you much much further. The Heineken museum has been closed recently for renovations and no one cares, do yourself a favor and walk into any cafe (outside the red light) and order a bier. All cafes have house bier, always always .25 liter, don't be all surprised when they don't pour you a pint idiot. Walking sucks, you will be labeled a a loser or tourist immediately. Rent a bike and ride it around town – your butt will hurt after an hour – this is normal. Then go buy a bottle of wine and some snacks and chill out in the park. If the weather is nice, all the locals will be hanging out in the parks or cafes. If you're checking out your tourist guide, yes Vondelpark is the most famous, but there are parks just outside the center that are really accessible and beautiful.
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good work..
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thanks for article / experiences..
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Hey, I lived in Holland for almost 7 years, grew up there, i love it, I agree about the jewish museum completely, and I say to add going to the Langstraat for some local small shops
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A few more tips: The Dutch Resistance Museum on Plantage Kerklaan (just by the zoo) is really cool. If it's a nice day, take a bike ride down the Amstel to Ouderkerk. Check out the antique shops on Spiegelstraat.
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Cycling in Amsterdam is worth it just because it's so hectic. The architectures so amazing too – mind blowing.
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Thanks for the tips! Comes in handy when I"m in Amsterdam in Oct. Definately will be visiting 9 street.
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BESIDES could/should be: INSTEAD. It would be nice to change the idea of the Netherlands being a "dope" country so thanks for this article. Nearly every cool/top/exiting destination in the Netherlands is within a 2,5 hours trip by train from Amsterdam Central.
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The main reason I want to go is for the chrondo dankalicious but thanks for all the suggestions look forward to hittin a cafe then seeing all the awesome stuff!
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If you're in Holland in the spring, you've got to see Keukenhof. Third week of March to the third week of May. Flower festival is late April. Seven million bulb flowers. Smoke up before you go. Life is good.
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P.S. Oh, yeah, also: "drop" (licorice) is really popular. You actually can develop a taste for licorice, even *salty* licorice, even when *salty* means not sodium chloride, but *ammonium chloride* = sal ammoniac = smells and tastes like ammonia. Believe it or not–zoute munten drop is addictive. Walking at night is the best. Street markets–flea market at Waterlooplein is great. Queen's Day is a riot, sometimes literally. Queen's Night in Den Haag–stay out all night, drink, and watch every Dutch person get totally hammered and let loose. Heaven or hell, depending on what you like.
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hi im goin on the 13th dec havin never read about amsterdam before, im only going to be there for 10 hours any ideas on what to fit in???
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some wanker always has to say that on every web page about amsterdam. how original!
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how has nobody mentioned the Concertgebouw yet? besides being a beautiful building and one of the best acoustic halls you'll ever find, the Royal Concertgebouw orchestra is possibly the finest in the world. nobody should go to Amsterdam without going to a concert!
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I love your personal comments compared to NO personal comments from the writer of the Article. Why not more of your own experiences, Marla? Especially since your lived in Holland for 6 years? The tips are fine, the pictures are fine. But there's no face to your Article, your own personal small stories – at least two sentences of why, for example Tip #1 or #6 are great.
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No, it's ok – sex workers pile their trade like everyone else – learning to accept human needs is fine. It is when we repress them that trouble begins. It's no different of a prejudice than being against smoking pot. Human nature craves high mental and physical states. Happiness wears somewhat different faces over time and experience. Finally we discover happiness is within.
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Gosh that sounds like fun – especially if you are on the bike when it goes into the canal.
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rent paddle boats and paddle down the canals.. trippin on those shrooms you ingested earlier
peace out!
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Theclub part is outdates, club more and mazo arent in Amsterdam anymore – these days its Melkweg (milkyway), Paradiso, Sugar Factory, 7th Heaven, Club8, Studio 80, Flexbar…… Between these clubs, you can probanly find some decent music (no britney or justin music – thank god)
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you mustve been a right failure to be mugged in amsterdam. Its probably the safest large north european city – speaking from experince havingand llived been to a lot of north european cities
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