Few places on earth have harmonised verve and serenity like the cosmopolitan utopia that is the Netherlands’ famed canalled city. While Amsterdam has undoubtedly benefited from its renowned tolerance, it is reciprocally far too often over-identified with its red lights, drugs, and general debauchery. If you can relegate the influx of stoned tourists and commercial bric-a-brac to your periphery, the calibre of the city’s parks, streets, cafés, restaurants, and watering holes of all kinds is truly beyond compare.
Top Things to Do
1. Travel around like a local
There are two ways in which Amsterdam must be experienced: by bike and by boat. Once you have settled into wherever you are staying head out and rent a Dutch bike and blend in with the locals. Cycling around the streets and parks of Amsterdam allows you to see all the city has to offer and appreciate how wonderfully the city has been constructed to prioritise bikes. Rent one from Black Bikes (13 locations) or A-Bike (near Dam Square) and pedal through leafy streets, across canals, and into the heart of neighbourhoods like Jordaan or De Pijp. For longer stays, consider picking one up secondhand via Waterlooplein Market or Facebook groups.
The second way to travel is by boat. Either on one of the city’s many boat tours run all the time, from various areas of the city, or if you’re feeling brave you can navigate yourself on a self-guided experience with the likes of Mokum Boat or Canal Motorboats. Pack some drinks and snacks and drift under the bridges at your own pace.
2. Explore the city’s exceptional parks and museums
Amsterdam has some of the best parks and museums in Europe. Vondelpark, centrally located, is a joy to cycle around and has fountains, lakes and outdoor bars to grab a drink in the sun. It’s a great place to pass some time if the weather is nice and is well-located, regardless of where you’re staying. Other parks worth exploring are Rembrandtpark, Westerpark, the Botanical Gardens in the east, and the enormous Amsterdambos (Amsterdam Forest) in the south, if time allows.
Along with the multitude of stunning parks, there is also an equally large number of terrific museums. Acclaimed museums illustrating life in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam from 1940-1945 offer an unparalleled insight into this period of European history, such as the Anne Frank House, Jewish Historical Museum, Dutch Resistance Museum and National Holocaust Museum.
Home to artists such as Van Gogh and Rembrandt, Amsterdam’s art museums are just as prestigious and plentiful. Luckily, most of these are located within a short walk of one another in Museumplein. The Rijksmuseum (The State Museum) is a 200-year-old museum dedicated to arts and history, today one of the most remarkable museums in the world and home to Rembrandt’s The Night Watch.
Nearby are The Van Gogh Museum and The Stedelijk Museum (the latter an international museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art and design). Three quite unique museums to add to the mix are the NEMO Museum of Science & Technology, the incredible FOAM Museum of Photography and the EYE Film Museum (open both day & night).
3. Visit De Negen Straatjes (The Nine Streets), a picturesque neighbourhood nestled in Amsterdam’s historic canal belt. This charming area is made up of nine narrow, cobblestone streets filled with an eclectic mix of boutique shops, vintage stores, and artisan ateliers. It’s the perfect place to hunt for one-of-a-kind fashion pieces, handmade jewellery, unique home décor and charming café hopping. Trendy eateries scattered throughout the lanes offer everything from speciality coffee to Dutch treats, all set against the beautiful backdrop of classic canal views.
Honorary mentions go to Pathé Tuschinski Cinema and Roest. The former is arguably one of the most beautiful cinemas in the world, combining Art Deco and Amsterdam School architecture. Catch any film—and let the space do the rest. The latter, meanwhile, is part beach, part bar, part warehouse club. With DJs, pop-up markets, and riverside lounging, it’s never the same twice, and always worth a visit.
Typical Food to Try
1. Vlaams Friteshuis Vleminckx (Centre)
Legendary fries with a wide range of sauces. A small shop with a big reputation. Don’t miss the peanut sauce or classic mayo combo.
2. Winkel 43 (Jordaan/Central)
Famous for one thing: apple pie. Soft, deep, buttery—served warm with whipped cream. Go early or be prepared to queue.
3. Café Sonneveld (Jordaan/Central)
Dutch comfort food in a homely setting in a cool neighbourhood. Try the stamppot, meatballs, or stews. Perfect for cooler days and those seeking an authentic Dutch culinary experience.
Special mention: Foodhallen (Central West)
A go-to for foodies, and when you’re dealing with an indecisive group with varying cravings. A large indoor market full of street food-style vendors from around the world. Slightly pricey, but plenty of options and always satisfying.
Bars
1. Brouwerij’t IJ (East)
Housed under a windmill near the zoo, this brewery is an Amsterdam classic. Order a tasting flight (€8.95), grab a snack, and soak up the casual, communal atmosphere.
2. Waterkant (Central West)
A lively canal-side hangout where people sit on the banks watching the boats pass. Expect music and beers under the open sky on sunny evenings.
3. Café Brecht (Central)
A cosy “living room bar” full of vintage charm between Leidseplein and Museumplein. Perfect place to kick back with a drink any time of the day between activities.
Honorary Mentions:
- Brouwerij de Prael (Central) – Local brewery and social enterprise in the Red Light District.
- Hiding in Plain Sight (East Central) – Small, speakeasy-style cocktail bar.
- Bar Botanique (East) – A tropical oasis of green tile and hanging plants.
- Café Belgique (Central) – A tiny beer haven near Dam Square
- Tripel (West) – 200+ beers, strong Belgian vibe.
Coffee
1. Bocca Coffee (Central)
Hidden just off Leidseplein, Bocca is the perfect balance of calm, quality, and centrality. A place to blend in or refuel with friends.
2. C.T. Coffee & Coconuts (De Pijp/East)
Housed in a repurposed cinema, this three-story spot buzzes from morning lattes to late cocktails. Laid-back, tropical, and popular for good reason.
3. De Koffieschenkerij (Oude Kerk/Central)
A snug coffee bar hidden away in the oldest building in Amsterdam—De Oude Kerk—De Koffieschenkerij is a courtyard oasis nestled in a 16th‑century sacristy offering a serene escape in the bustling Red Light District.
Honorary Mentions:
- Lot Sixty One (West) – Roastery-café spilling out onto Kinkerstraat.
- Saint Jean (Central) – A plant-based café in a quiet corner of the centre.
- Back to Black (Museumplein/Central) – Great after museums.
- Coffee Bru (Oosterpark Area/East) – Colourful local hangout
- Scandinavian Embassy (De Pijp/East) – Micro roasts and serious beans.
Restaurants
1. Café de Klepel (Jordaan/Central)
Tucked away on a quiet Jordaan street, this cosy, romantic, no-fuss bistro is a haven for wine lovers and fans of classic French cooking. Expect intimate, dim lighting, small tables, kind staff and a chalkboard menu featuring daily specials.
2. Pesca (Centre)
Part restaurant, part experience—Pesca reinvents dining with its seafood market concept. Upon arrival, you’re guided to pick your fish or shellfish from a glistening ice display titled the “Theatre of Fish”, advised on preparation options, and then invited to choose a wine pairing. The atmosphere is vibrant and theatrical, with communal tables and an energetic staff.
3. Mossel & Gin (Westerpark/West)
Nestled by the water in Westerpark, this place centres around mussels and gin, as the name suggests. Choose your style of mussels, ranging from classic with white wine to bold with Thai curry, and combine it with a creative G&T pairing. Great terrace for summer, cosy inside year-round, and all in all, ideal for a laid-back but elevated meal with a twist.
Honorary Mentions:
- D&A Hummus Bistro (De Pijp/East) – Inviting neighbourhood favourite known for its generous portions of Levantine comfort food, especially pillowy pitas and creamy hummus options.
- Wilde Zwijnen (East) – Stylish yet down-to-earth minimalist restaurant housed in a former industrial building championing modern Dutch cuisine with a seasonal twist.
- La Perla (Jordaan) – A beloved neighbourhood pizzeria known for its wood-fired, Neapolitan-style pies. No fuss, just damn good pizza.
- Entrepot (Central East) – Modern, ingredient-driven restaurant tucked inside a former warehouse near the Entrepotdok canal with an open kitchen and bare brick walls.
- Choux (Close to Central Station) – Vibrant, vegetable-forward fine dining in a relaxed setting.
When to Go
King’s Day (April 27th)
An unmissable nationwide party. The entire city turns orange with canal parades, street markets, and live music. Book far in advance—it gets busy.
Spring (April–May)
Best for the tulip season. Rent a bike and explore the Keukenhof Gardens, or take a bus from Amsterdam to see the endless rows of blooming fields. Peak bloom is unpredictable but usually early to mid-April.
Summer (June–August)
Long days, buzzing parks, and overflowing terraces. The entire city moves outdoors. Rent a boat, picnic in Vondelpark, and join locals on the water.
Winter (December–February)
Cold but cosy. Ice-skating on frozen canals (if you’re lucky), fairy-lit streets, and warm cafés. A good time for museums, mulled wine, and introspective wanders.
A Perfect Day in Amsterdam
- Start the day taking it easy with a coffee at one of Amsterdam’s top-notch cafés (I’m going to push De Koffieschenkerij for how unique it is and its location).
- You can then walk to the Nine Streets and rent from Black Bikes 9 Streets.
- Once on your bikes, cycle along Prinsengracht but take stops cycling around Vondelpark and through the Rijksmuseum in Museumplein to get used to them while taking in the sights.
- Then turn the afternoon into a bike crawl stopping off at three stellar spots on the edge of the centre: Brouwerij’t IJ, Roest and Hannekes Boom.
- When you’ve had your fill of snacking, drinking, and cycling while seeing a more authentic side of Amsterdam, cycle along past the Central Station and back to the Jordaan area for a quick slice of apple pie at Winkel 43.
- It’s then a short cycle back to drop off your bikes and then walk to Waterkant for an early evening drink on the canal.
- Finish the day off by grabbing a cab or tram to Mossel & Gin, walking over to Pesca, or choosing any other restaurant in the vicinity!
