It’s so easy when you live somewhere to stop seeing your city through the fresh eyes you had as a first-time visitor. Jon and I have been living in Amsterdam for over a year now. It feels like home, which means it also feels less like a tourist destination to us.
I’m always reminded when people come visit that there are so many amazing things to do and see in Amsterdam. So I’m finally sharing my one-stop Amsterdam travel guide. You’ll find all the best things to do and see in this city, straight from the mouth of an American in Amsterdam.
Continue below for my Amsterdam travel guide and enjoy your stay in this beautiful city.
Xx, Kelsey
Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands and famous for its canals and narrow 17th century houses. Also known for it’s biking (there are more bikes than people), Red Light District, and springtime tulips, the city has so much to offer.
WHEN TO VISIT
Amsterdam is wonderful to visit year-round. It is most famous for its tulip season in late April, but the tulips only last for two or three weeks. Summertime is absolutely gorgeous with everyone outside enjoying wine and sunshine at the cafes. Fall is perfect for brisk walks to admire the changing leaves. Winter shows off the famed canal houses best and is ideal for enjoying a beer or gluhwein in a Dutch brown bar.
The city is fairly small, so you’ll be able to see everything over a long weekend. If you’re staying longer, look into some day trips to Delft, Haarlem, or the Zandvoort beaches.
WHERE TO STAY
I highly recommend staying either within the canal belt or just outside of it. There are hotels at any budget, but I suggest the Pulitzer for its perfect location on the Prinsengracht canal. Airbnb here is also really great, so don’t discount them, especially if you’re traveling with a group. Head to this post for all my top recommendations for where to stay.
HOW TO GET AROUND
Amsterdam is a very walkable city, but of course biking is the main means of transportation for locals. You can get anywhere in the city within 15 minutes by bike. There is also a great public transport system of trams, the metro, and buses if you’re looking to move quick. Be warned they only take debit or credit card, though. Uber is also available and usually no more than 15 EUR.
WHAT TO DO
Museums
Every Amsterdam travel guide will tell you to head to Museumplein to get your fair share of culture. And rightfully so. My favorite museum is Rijksmuseum, featuring famed Dutch masters including Rembrandt. It’s also architecturally stunning. Also make sure to check out the Van Gogh Museum, but make sure to reserve a ticket and time slot. And don’t forget to save an hour to see Banksy at the Moco. It rains a lot in Amsterdam, no matter what time of year, so these museums are always a good idea.
Canal Tour
The best way to see Amsterdam is by boat. Take a group tour with Floating Amsterdam or book an affordable private tour with Those Dam Boat Guys, and enjoy a glass of wine or beer as you cruise along. In the summer, you’ll be in good company, as all the Dutchies head out to the water on sunny days.
Rent Bikes
Not for the faint of heart, but it’ll give you the true Amsterdam experience. And in all honesty, it’s not as scary as you’d think. Go out early on a weekend morning and head to Vondelpark if you’re nervous. Bike rentals are pretty cheap. Just remember to stay to the right of the bike path and let the crazy Amsterdam bikers zoom by on the left.
Shop Til You Drop
Europe has some of the best shopping, and Amsterdam is no exception. Kalverstraat is the main shopping street featuring all your big box stores like Zara, Nike, and the Dutch department store de Bijenkorf. If you want a more authentic experience, head to the 9 Straatjes to check out all the best boutiques and local Dutch stores. Swing by Pluk for an Instagrammable cup of coffee or quick lunch.
Albert Cuypmarkt
Visit Amsterdam’s outdoor market, open Monday through Saturday all year round. Come hungry and snack on some Dutch cheese, poffertjes, and stroopwaffles.
Wander the Canals
Honestly, one of the best things to do in Amsterdam is to get lost wandering the canals. Prinsengracht is one of the most beautiful canals to walk. I also highly recommend wandering through the Brouwersgracht area, one of the most photographed parts of the city.
WHAT NOT TO DO
Heineken Experience
Save yourself the hassle and skip this tour. While the Heineken building in De Pijp is quite impressive, the tour is a tourist trap. Instead, head up to Brouwerij ‘t IJ. This brewery next to an old windmill is about as Dutch as you can get. Spend that 20 EUR on some of the most popular local beers instead of wasting them on the tour.
Dam Square
Unless you’re headed to the Dam Palace to go inside and tour around, I’d avoid this area at all costs. It’s something similar to Times Square in New York and total tourist mayhem.
Red Light District
An interesting thing to walk through one time, but don’t spend any more time than that. The area is full of rowdy drunks and touristy restaurants. I promise you won’t miss out if you don’t go.
Act Like a Rowdy Drunk
A lot of people come to Amsterdam because of it’s loose laws when it comes to drugs and prostitution. Not only does the city have far more to offer, locals really don’t appreciate rowdy drunkeness in the streets. Stay classy and don’t make a fool of yourself.
WHERE TO EAT
Head here for an exhaustive list of the best restaurants in Amsterdam. And here for the best places to get coffee. For a short trip I recommend:
Brunch – Bakers & Roasters
This Kiwi breakfast spot is the most popular in Amsterdam. Get there before 10am and expect to wait at least 30 minutes. Put your name in and then head down the street to Coffee Company for a cup while you wait.
Lunch – Pluk
Pluk in the 9 Straatjes is an Amsterdam favorite for it’s Instagrammable interior. Enjoy a sandwich or smoothie bowl if you’re in the area shopping.
Dinner – Foodhallen
This indoor food hall is always super busy on a Friday night. Expect to fight for a table, but the atmosphere is great. Enjoy a giant gin & tonic while you take a lap and try to decide what to order from the many stalls.
Summer Drinks – Waterkant or Cafe de Jarin
In the summer, head to Waterkant or Cafe de Jarin for drinks in the sunshine. Be warned it gets quite crowded because Dutchies love their sun. I also highly recommend grabbing a bottle of wine and posting yourself up on the side of the canal to watch the boats go by. No reservation required.
Winter Drinks – Pulitzer’s Bar
Even if you aren’t staying at the hotel, I recommend hitting up this chic bar for a cocktail on a chilly night.
