Amsterdam, a city often stereotyped as just a party destination, is in reality a vibrant hub of history, culture, and captivating experiences. It’s time to look beyond the clichés and discover the true heart of this Dutch capital. Forget the fleeting image of just nightlife; Amsterdam’s story is rich and deep, waiting to be explored. From its pivotal role in the Dutch Golden Age and the rise of global capitalism, to its enduring spirit of tolerance and innovation, Amsterdam offers a compelling journey for every traveler.
This guide is your key to unlocking the best things to do in Amsterdam, going beyond the typical tourist checklist. We’ll delve into iconic landmarks, uncover hidden gems, and share personal insights gathered from immersive explorations of this fascinating city. Prepare to be inspired to craft an Amsterdam itinerary that resonates with history, culture, and authentic local experiences.
Let’s embark on a journey to discover the real Amsterdam.
Immerse Yourself with a Guided Walking Tour
On arriving in a new city, a walking tour led by a local expert is invaluable. It’s the cornerstone of a rich travel experience, providing essential elements that enrich your entire trip.
Firstly, you receive an intensive introduction to the city’s history and cultural nuances. This foundational knowledge deepens your understanding and enjoyment of everything you encounter.
Secondly, spending time with a local guide unlocks insider knowledge. They offer personalized recommendations on the best places to eat, drink, and explore, often leading you to authentic experiences beyond typical tourist traps.
Finally, you’ll uncover hidden corners and local favorites that are easily missed when exploring alone. These off-the-beaten-path discoveries add unique flavor to your travel memories.
While “free” walking tours are common, investing in a paid tour significantly enhances the experience. Free tours are often crowded, led by non-locals, and lack in-depth storytelling, resembling a superficial recitation of facts. For a truly enriching experience in Amsterdam, consider these recommended paid tours:
With Locals Tour: For a personalized and intimate experience, With Locals offers private tours tailored to your interests, whether history, food, or a blend of both. Choose your local guide based on their profile and video introduction, ensuring a connection that feels more like exploring the city with a friend. These tours are customizable and delve into highlights and hidden gems, like the historic Dutch East India Company headquarters, providing a deeper understanding of Amsterdam’s past and present.
Humans of Amsterdam Tour: Step away from the conventional with the Humans of Amsterdam tour. This immersive four-hour experience is more than just a walk; it’s a journey into the heart of Amsterdam’s culture. Gain historical and cultural context, practical tips (even on navigating the famous “coffee shops”), and savor local delights like Amsterdam’s best apple pie (it might surprise you!). Enjoy drinks at a traditional Brown Cafe and a local microbrewery, explore the charming Jordaan district and the historic Old City, and meet local Amsterdam residents who share personal insights into city life. The engaging storytelling, often led by guides like Irish expat Sinead, provides a profound understanding of Dutch culture, tolerance, and the entrepreneurial spirit that shaped Amsterdam.
Embrace the Canal Serenity in Early Morning
The Canal Belt, or Grachtengordel, is the quintessential Amsterdam scene. However, during peak hours, the charm can be overshadowed by tourist crowds. To truly appreciate the canals’ beauty and tranquility, rise early.
Particularly on Sunday mornings, the city awakens at a slower pace, offering a peaceful ambiance perfect for exploration. An early morning stroll along the canals, or several mornings if possible, allows you to experience their magic in blissful quietude.
The “9 Straatjes” (Nine Streets) area is a highlight within the Canal Belt. This charming grid of streets, nestled in the heart of the Grachtengordel, presents some of the most picturesque canal views in the city. Dating back to Amsterdam’s 16th and 17th-century expansion during the Dutch Golden Age, this area showcases the iconic tall, narrow houses once inhabited by wealthy merchant families. Many original buildings still stand, marked with their construction year, adding to the historical atmosphere. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2010, the area’s architectural integrity is protected, preserving its historic facades.
Explore this recommended walking loop to discover prime photo spots in the Grachtengordel.
Beyond the 9 Straatjes, the Plantage district, east of the city center (Plantage on Google Maps), offers equally beautiful canals with fewer tourists. This area provides a more local and relaxed canal experience.
Experience Amsterdam from the Water: A Canal Cruise
Initially skeptical of canal cruises, especially the large, branded tourist boats, experiencing one proved to be a highlight of a recent Amsterdam visit. Despite their “touristy” image, a well-chosen canal cruise offers a unique perspective of the city.
Recommended by both fellow travelers and local guides, a canal cruise unveils Amsterdam from a completely different angle. Opting for an early morning tour on a smaller boat enhances the experience considerably.
Captain Dave’s tour is an excellent choice. Booking in advance is advisable to secure a spot on this popular tour. Setting off when the canals are virtually empty of other tourist boats, this 90-minute journey circles the city center, offering insights into Amsterdam’s history and culture directly from your captain. Engaging with the captain, in our case Dave himself, adds a personal touch to the experience.
The tour takes place on a quiet, fully electric boat, formerly used by the Dutch royal family, adding a touch of elegance. The benefits of a canal cruise are manifold:
- Unique views of houseboats: See the canal-facing sides of houseboats, often hidden from street view, revealing their charming windows and waterside life.
- Photo opportunities: Capture unique perspectives, including iconic shots like the “seven bridges view,” impossible to achieve from street level.
- Extensive city coverage: Cover more ground than walking, completing a full loop around the city center while relaxing and enjoying the scenery.
Captain Dave’s cruise exemplifies how to transform a “touristy” activity into a unique and memorable experience through a small-group, early-morning approach.
Delve into Dutch History at the Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum, the Netherlands’ national museum, is a treasure trove of Dutch history and art. Commissioned by the Dutch government, the museum building itself is a tribute to Dutch artists and craftsmanship, both inside and out.
This museum excels at narrating Dutch history through art, particularly highlighting the Dutch Golden Age. Echoing Florence’s Renaissance fueled by silk trade wealth, the Dutch Golden Age flourished from the 17th century onwards, driven by global trade dominance. Amsterdam became a global hub, attracting wealth and talent from around the world.
Leading artists of the era, like Vermeer and Rembrandt, thrived in the Netherlands. The Rijksmuseum dedicates a gallery to these masters, showcasing their iconic works. However, the museum’s collection extends beyond paintings, encompassing pottery, weaponry, ship models, and intricate dollhouses, offering a comprehensive view of Dutch artistic and cultural heritage. It’s a must-visit museum in Amsterdam, worthy of several hours of exploration.
A guided tour is highly recommended to fully appreciate the Rijksmuseum’s depth. The historical and cultural context behind the artworks is essential for a complete understanding. Consider this guided tour of the Rijksmuseum by Context Travel, known for small groups (max 6-8) and expert art historian guides. Alternatively, this guided tour on Viator is another excellent option if Context Travel’s availability is limited.
Essential visitor tips for the Rijksmuseum:
- Book timed entry tickets online in advance. Skip ticket lines and head straight to security.
- Afternoon visits are generally less crowded. While always busy, afternoons tend to be quieter than mornings and midday.
- Bag check is mandatory and free. Smaller bags are allowed, but larger backpacks must be checked.
Step into the World of Van Gogh
The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, while seemingly unexpected given Van Gogh’s association with France, is a fitting tribute to the Dutch-born artist. Born and raised in the Netherlands, Van Gogh’s roots are firmly Dutch, despite his later life and famous works being created in France.
Unlike artists like Rembrandt who achieved fame in their lifetime, Van Gogh gained posthumous recognition, largely thanks to his brother’s widow, Johanna van Gogh-Bonger. Her strategic promotion of his work through exhibitions and sales built his enduring fame, making him arguably the most recognized artist globally today. Interestingly, the Rijksmuseum declined to acquire his collection in the 1970s, leading to the establishment of the dedicated Van Gogh Museum nearby – a missed opportunity in hindsight!
Van Gogh’s artistic journey is unique. Largely self-taught, with a brief, unfinished art school stint, he drew inspiration from contemporaries, evident in the museum’s exhibits. The museum thoughtfully showcases Van Gogh’s works alongside pieces from artists who influenced him, illustrating his artistic evolution.
His self-portraits, a practice for honing his technique, are particularly insightful. Early portraits reflect the dark, moody style of Rembrandt, while later works show the influence of Impressionism’s bright colors and brushstrokes, especially after his time in Paris. Van Gogh’s mastery of color is a defining characteristic, evident in his unique color combinations, such as the blue tint in his skin contrasted with his fiery red hair in many self-portraits.
The museum poignantly narrates Van Gogh’s life, marked by mental health struggles and a tragic early death, telling the story of an artist who yearned for success but passed away before witnessing his immense impact. Audio guides are highly recommended to deepen your understanding of his life and art. Consider a guided tour of the Van Gogh Museum with Walks, a reputable tour company, for an even richer experience. However, if time is limited, the Rijksmuseum tour might be prioritized for a broader historical and artistic context.
Important note for visitors: Large bags are not permitted in the Van Gogh Museum due to small locker sizes. It’s advisable to leave larger bags behind.
Reflect at the Anne Frank House
Visiting the Anne Frank House is a deeply moving experience, especially for those familiar with “The Diary of a Young Girl.” Stepping into the secret annex where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II provides a powerful connection to history.
However, it’s important to note that the Anne Frank House primarily focuses on Anne’s personal story and experience during the Holocaust in Amsterdam. While profoundly impactful, it offers a limited view of the broader Jewish community’s history in the city. For a more comprehensive understanding, consider exploring the Jewish Quarter and the Jewish Historical Museum (mentioned later).
Planning your visit to the Anne Frank House is crucial:
- Book tickets far in advance, especially during peak season (April/May to October). Tickets are released six weeks ahead, every Tuesday morning at 10am CET for the corresponding dates six weeks later.
- Purchase tickets directly from the official Anne Frank House website. Avoid third-party sellers to prevent scams.
- Consider the optional multimedia introduction. A 30-minute pre-visit introduction (€7 extra) offers valuable context (though potentially not suitable for very young children).
- Utilize the free audio guide for a more immersive and informative tour.
Explore the Rich History of Amsterdam’s Jewish Community
To gain a deeper understanding of Jewish history in Amsterdam, beyond Anne Frank’s individual story, explore the Jewish Quarter and related museums. Amsterdam’s history of tolerance, dating back to its origins as a trading post, made it a haven for Jewish people fleeing persecution, including the Spanish and Portuguese Inquisitions.
This tolerance, rooted in Amsterdam’s foundation outside traditional medieval power structures, fostered a significant Jewish community. However, this community also faced immense hardship during the Nazi occupation in World War II.
To delve into this history, this walking tour of the Jewish Quarter is highly recommended. It guides you through the historical Jewish Quarter, located separately from the Anne Frank House (understandable, as the Franks sought to hide outside the known Jewish area). This tour focuses on the broader historical and cultural context, complementing an Anne Frank House visit or serving as a standalone exploration.
Further enrich your understanding by visiting the Jewish History Museum (Joods Museum) and the Portuguese Synagogue (Portuguese Synagogue), located across from each other in the Plantage district. A single ticket grants entry to both sites.
Dare to Try Pickled Herring
Pickled herring, or Hollandse Nieuwe, might sound unappealing at first, but it’s a quintessential Amsterdam culinary experience worth venturing out for. Surprisingly mild and less “fishy” than expected, pickled herring offers a unique taste of Dutch tradition.
The flavor is subtly pickled, without the sharp vinegar bite, and the texture is silky and smooth, reminiscent of sashimi. This dish reflects Amsterdam’s maritime history and its rise as a global trading power in the 16th and 17th centuries. Fish, particularly herring, was a staple food, especially before land reclamation expanded the city northward.
Pickled herring played a role in the Dutch Golden Age, enabling sailors and merchants to stay at sea longer. Fish were caught, cleaned, and preserved in brine aboard ships, providing sustenance on long voyages.
Today, herring stands are ubiquitous throughout Amsterdam. Hollandse Nieuwe is typically served with raw white onions and pickles in two main ways:
- Plate: Chopped herring pieces served on a plate with a small fork, accompanied by onions and pickles.
- Sandwich: Herring, onions, and pickles served in a soft roll, similar to a hoagie.
While herring stands are plentiful, Stubbe’s Haring (Stubbe’s Haring on Google Maps), near Amsterdam Centraal Station, is a highly recommended spot. Even if you’re not a fish enthusiast, trying pickled herring in Amsterdam is a must-do culinary adventure.
Venture into the Albert Cuyp Market in De Pijp
A visit to Amsterdam is incomplete without experiencing the Albert Cuyp Market in De Pijp. This expansive daily outdoor market, stretching five city blocks along Albert Cuypstraat, is a vibrant Amsterdam institution.
Open daily (except Sundays) from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, the Albert Cuyp Market is a sensory feast. Explore a diverse array of vendors, from fresh produce, cheese, meats, and dairy to food trucks serving ready-to-eat delights and stalls offering flea market finds and unique knick-knacks.
Don’t miss Rudi’s fresh-pressed stroopwafels (check their food truck locations here). The market is also an excellent place to sample pickled herring, with at least one stand typically selling this local delicacy.
Explore the Charm of De Pijp Beyond the Market
While the Albert Cuyp Market is a major draw, De Pijp, the surrounding neighborhood, is equally captivating. It’s a favorite Amsterdam neighborhood, boasting beautiful brick buildings, a lively atmosphere, and a local vibe.
De Pijp offers a welcome contrast to the more tourist-centric areas of Amsterdam. With its multi-story brick buildings (a rare architectural style on the earthquake-prone US West Coast), excellent restaurants, cozy cafes, a charming park, and a distinctly local feel, De Pijp is a neighborhood to savor.
Beyond the market, explore the streets and discover hidden gems. It’s a neighborhood where Amsterdammers truly live, offering an authentic glimpse into city life. Enjoy a stroll through De Pijp, and you’ll likely encounter few tour groups, a refreshing change from the crowded Red Light District.
Recommended spots in De Pijp:
- Craft Coffee & Pastry: A gluten-free haven, offering delicious pastries and baked goods. Even non-gluten-free bakeries recommend this spot. Expect a line, especially for the best selection at opening time.
- Clay Coffee (and Pottery Studio): A top-notch coffee shop with rotating roasters, including Sey Coffee. Also a pottery studio, adding to its unique ambiance.
- Glou Glou: A natural wine bar, a favorite spot with a curated selection of unique and interesting wines. The knowledgeable staff are happy to guide your choices.
- Nook: A coffee shop and Argentinian wine bar, consistently buzzing with activity.
- Sarphatipark: The heart of De Pijp, a charming park with a pond, fountains, benches, and grassy areas, perfect for relaxing and people-watching.
- Bierbaum: Primarily a beer store, but with an excellent cider selection for cider enthusiasts.
- Massimo Gelato: Highly recommended gelato shop serving authentic Italian gelato.
Understand Amsterdam’s Red Light District
Amsterdam’s Red Light District, known locally as “De Wallen,” evokes complex reactions. Its existence reflects Amsterdam’s historical tolerance, influenced by a less dominant Catholic Church, and its location in the city’s oldest core, with buildings dating back almost a millennium.
However, it’s also associated with Amsterdam’s “party city” reputation, sometimes attracting tourists focused solely on nightlife, causing concerns for local residents. Despite Amsterdam’s high cost of living making it less appealing as a budget party destination, the Red Light District remains a prominent, though often misunderstood, attraction.
While not essential for every itinerary, the Red Light District offers some redeeming qualities. It’s part of Amsterdam’s oldest section, with visible remnants of the old city wall. It also boasts beautiful architecture, with a particularly picturesque photo spot located on its edge (Red Light District Photo Spot on Google Maps).
To experience the Red Light District thoughtfully:
- Walk through in the morning: Explore before crowds arrive to appreciate the historic buildings and canals in a calmer setting.
- Evening visit (around 9 pm): If interested in seeing it at night, visit around 9 pm when it’s dark and activity begins, but before the area becomes overly crowded and rowdy.
The Red Light District is heavily regulated by the Dutch government, aiming to ensure worker safety in a profession that inherently carries risks. It’s also approached with less stigma in Dutch society compared to some other cultures, viewed primarily as a profession. Ongoing discussions consider relocating the Red Light District outside the city center, a move that faces mixed opinions, particularly from sex workers concerned about business impact.
Discover the Trendy Jordaan District
The Jordaan, now Amsterdam’s trendiest district, has undergone a remarkable transformation. Once a working-class neighborhood housing those serving the wealthy Canal Belt residents, it evolved into a haven for artists and students in the mid-20th century.
Initially characterized by overcrowded housing and poor sanitation, government-led renovations in the Jordaan made it safer and more appealing, while remaining relatively affordable. This attracted artists and students, followed by businesses catering to a younger, hip demographic. The area then drew hipsters, drawn to its burgeoning trendy scene, and eventually, rising property values and upscale businesses led to gentrification and the influx of yuppies.
Today, the Jordaan is a fascinating blend of its working-class roots and yuppie influences. Efforts were made to preserve the neighborhood’s character during renovations, maintaining its multi-family housing around inner gardens (originally built by wealthy families for workers) and historic businesses alongside trendy new establishments.
The Jordaan is worth visiting both during the day and evening, as different facets of the neighborhood come alive at different times.
Recommended spots in the Jordaan:
- Saint-Jean: A specialty coffee shop and vegan bakery, considered a top coffee destination in Amsterdam for serious coffee lovers.
- Winkel 43: Famous for its modern take on Dutch Apple Pie, a highly-regarded spot that lives up to the hype.
- Café ‘t Papeneiland: A historic “Brown Cafe” visited on the Humans of Amsterdam tour, serving traditional Dutch Apple Pie. Known for its cozy atmosphere, historic charm, and past visit from Bill Clinton. Try “bitterballen” and other Dutch snacks here.
- Café de Tuin: An atmospheric old bar with a memorable, classic Amsterdam vibe.
- Brouwersgracht: A picturesque canal at the Jordaan’s northern edge, once home to breweries and warehouses, now a scenic waterway.
- Bar Oldenhof: A cozy cocktail bar along the lively Elandsgracht, worth a stroll. The park at the eastern end of Elandsgracht is a pleasant spot, especially on sunny days.
Explore Amsterdam’s Lesser-Known Museums
Beyond Amsterdam’s world-class Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, several other museums offer enriching experiences, especially for visitors with more time.
- Dutch Resistance Museum (Verzetsmuseum): This museum powerfully portrays the Dutch resistance during the Nazi occupation in World War II. It highlights both the broad context of life in occupied Amsterdam and individual acts of heroism, often overlooked in mainstream history.
- Amsterdam Museum (Amsterdam Museum): Provides a concise historical overview of Amsterdam’s development. Compact and manageable, it can be explored in an hour or two, especially with the free audio guide that enhances the exhibits with narrated stories.
Other recommended Amsterdam museums include the Jewish History Museum, Moco Museum (modern art), National Maritime Museum, and Grachten Museum (canal history), each offering unique perspectives on Amsterdam’s diverse facets.
Witness the Beauty of Tulips (Seasonally)
A crucial point: tulip season in Amsterdam is seasonal, typically from late March to mid-May, varying slightly each year. If your visit coincides with tulip season, seeing the tulips is a must-do experience.
Peak bloom usually occurs in mid to late April, often considered Amsterdam’s busiest tourist period. While botanical gardens are traditionally more Alysha’s interest, a recent Amsterdam trip in April provided an opportunity to explore the tulip fields just outside the city.
Keukenhof Gardens, located just outside Amsterdam, is the most accessible and famous tulip garden. Open from late March to mid-May, it’s a curated garden showcasing a stunning array of tulips.
However, be prepared for the Keukenhof experience:
- Major tourist attraction: Keukenhof is a very popular tourist destination, especially during peak bloom. Expect crowds and higher prices.
- Less accessible transport: Reaching Keukenhof from Amsterdam involves going to the airport (or RAI station) to catch a bus.
- Limited food options: Food at Keukenhof is generally overpriced and of average quality. Packing your own lunch is advisable.
To mitigate the crowds and enhance your Keukenhof visit:
- Arrive early: Keukenhof opens at 8 am. Aim to arrive as close to opening time as possible to avoid the heaviest crowds that arrive later in the morning.
- Consider a tour with transportation: Organized tours often include transportation and early arrival, simplifying your visit and maximizing your time before the gardens get too crowded. This Airbnb tour combines Keukenhof with Zaanse Schans windmills, offering efficient sightseeing.
While Keukenhof is impressive, consider alternative tulip experiences for a less tourist-heavy approach. Tours visiting smaller, less-known tulip farms offer a more intimate experience. This GetYourGuide tour explores less-visited tulip fields, providing a different perspective on Dutch tulip cultivation.
Amsterdam is a city of layers, offering far more than its party-city reputation suggests. By venturing beyond the surface, you’ll discover a destination rich in history, culture, and unique experiences. This guide provides a starting point for your Amsterdam adventure, encouraging you to delve deeper and uncover the true essence of this captivating city.
