Hiya, my identify is Sam, I’m an Amsterdam-based journey blogger on the hunt for the brand new and unknown. I write about all issues Amsterdam and Europe with another lovely locations sprinkled in.
Amsterdam is one in all Europe’s most lovely and magical cities to go to. It is filled with surprises and has many alternative sides to it so that each traveler can discover one thing they like!
Regardless of its shady repute, Amsterdam is a historic metropolis stuffed with tradition that everybody ought to go to at the least as soon as of their lifetime. As a resident of Amsterdam for the final 4 years I’ve been in a position to uncover the very best issues to do, see, eat and uncover within the metropolis.
Right here’s my native’s information to visiting Amsterdam!
The place to Keep
Amsterdam is made up of fairly just a few completely different areas and neighborhoods all with their very own distinctive choices. There are some which might be higher than others and can supply a extra genuine native expertise.
Jordaan
The Jordaan is situated within the coronary heart of Amsterdam and is the nicest and most costly space of the town. This small neighborhood is the place you will discover probably the most lovely canals, fashionable retailers, and a plethora of eating places and cafes.
The Jordaan is the very best place to get up in Amsterdam and look out your window to the bill streets and canals.
The place to Keep in The Jordaan:
- Pulitzer Amsterdam: Stunning resort situated on the most costly road in Amsterdam in an 18th-century canal home.
- The Hoxton: A high-end resort situated inside strolling distance to all the largest points of interest within the metropolis.
- The Dylan Amsterdam: A lovely genuine resort with a contemporary design that’s centrally situated.
De Pijp
De Pijp is a classy and hip space of Amsterdam situated close to among the cities hottest points of interest. This space doesn’t have any canals however the streets are made up of genuine Amsterdam homes and you will discover a ton of eating places and cafes to make this space dwelling.
The place to Keep in De Pijp:
Getting Round
Surprisingly, Amsterdam is a reasonably small metropolis which makes it tremendous accessible! There are a ton of the way to get round which make exploring enjoyable and thrilling:
By Bike
Biking is the most well-liked mode of transportation in Amsterdam and renting a motorcycle to cruise round is one of the simplest ways to immerse your self within the locals’ methods!
Renting a motorcycle prices round €8-€10 and you may often both hire via your lodging or discover a bike rental store within the metropolis and with this, you may zip round to all the very best points of interest.
Useful Tip:
Simply be very cautious when renting a motorcycle. The bikers in Amsterdam are relentless and have little endurance for vacationers biking incorrectly. You’ll want to know the foundations of the highway and solely get round by bike if you happen to really feel assured.
By Foot
Since Amsterdam is such a small metropolis getting round on foot may be very simple. You can be drained after strolling all day however if you happen to aren’t snug biking however wish to get monetary savings with transportation it is a good choice!
By Public Transportation
Amsterdam has a very good public transportation system made up of busses, trams and even an underground metro.
When you plan on getting round with public transportation your finest wager is to get a GVB unlimited travel card. With this, you get limitless entry to trams, busses, and the metro for a set quantity. Simply observe this card doesn’t depend for practice utilization.
By Automobile
Getting round by automotive is without doubt one of the least standard methods to get round Amsterdam. When you hire a automotive you’ll find yourself spending €25 + a day in parking alone. Whereas Ubers can be found within the metropolis, they have an inclination to value fairly a bit.
Top Things To See and Do in Amsterdam
Visit a Museum
Amsterdam is a museum lover’s heaven. The city is packed with museums of all kinds ranging from art to photography, to history and more! Some of the top options that you must visit are The Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, and Moco Museum.
*Local Tip: Go to a museum first thing in the morning as this is when they are least busy and you can enjoy the experience with fewer people*
Go to a Street Market
Going to a street market is something Amsterdam locals love to do. Street markets are the perfect place to find fresh local foods, handmade jewelry, flowers, art, and more!
Most locals visit the markets for fresh meat, cheese, and vegetables — making them the perfect place to grab something to eat. They are also the best place to pick up fresh bouquets of flowers!
You will find Amsterdam street markets are always buzzing with activity and a visit here will show you what local life in Amsterdam looks like. The most popular street market in Amsterdam is Albert Cupy Market. However, this one is super touristy.
A great local alternative is Westerstraat Market.
Go on a Day Trip
If you have enough time venturing to other cities in the Netherlands is a great way to broaden your horizons and see more of the country than just Amsterdam.
The Netherlands is a stunning country and since it is so small you can go on a train ride and be in an entirely new city within 20 minutes!
You will likely find Amsterdam to be very touristy so going to a new city will allow you to see the Dutch beauty without all the people.
Some of the best day trips from Amsterdam are:
- Haarlem
- Utrecht
- Zaanse Schans
- Muiderslot
Walk Through the Red Light District
The Red Light District is one of Amsterdam’s most polarizing points of interest. This area is a place of legal prostitution where women stand in windows surrounded by red lights and people can walk by and enter for their services.
You will likely find the Red Light District feels more like a tourist attraction than anything else. The area is all neon lights and bars with groups of men visiting for parties and events.
Visiting the Red Light District before 11 PM is best. After this time the area becomes a little bit seedy and it is no longer tourists wandering around.
There are many other great things to do in Amsterdam after 6 PM so spending your time right here isn’t wanted.
Useful Tip:
Discover the 9 Streets
The 9 streets are a well-known set of 9 streets in Amsterdam which might be dwelling to the cutest cafes, trendiest retailers, and prettiest streets.
It’s undoubtedly probably the most Instagrammable space of Amsterdam and the proper place to see among the finest choices of the town.
The 9 streets are a fantastic place to discover if you wish to purchase some new garments from Amsterdam, get a brand new piece of jewellery, or strive some lovely meals you see on Instagram.
Go to a Native Park
Amsterdam locals like to spend a day within the park on a heat summer season day in Amsterdam. There are parks all all through the town with good paths for strolling and a ton of inexperienced house for sitting out.
It’s tremendous standard to seize some drinks and meals from a close-by grocery retailer and head to a park with a blanket for a bit picnic! One of the best parks in Amsterdam are Vondelpark, Westerpark, and Oosterpark.
Go to the Tulip Fields
From late March to early Might the fields of the Netherlands turn into stuffed with vibrant tulips!
Tulips are the Dutch Nationwide flower and other people from world wide come to the Netherlands within the spring to see the rows upon rows of this flower. It’s tremendous magical and if you’re visiting throughout this season a visit to the fields is a should.
Keep away from the Vacationer Traps
Amsterdam is without doubt one of the most touristy cities in Europe. Town welcomes over 10 million vacationers a yr which implies the most well-liked vacationer points of interest are filled with folks.
It’s best to keep away from these because the crowds of individuals usually result in an disagreeable expertise. A few of the huge vacationer points of interest I counsel you keep away from (or simply stroll by to say you’ve seen it are): Dam Sq., Central Station, Rembrandtplein, and Kalverstraat.
Greatest Locations to Eat in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is filled with superb eating places. It actually is a meals lover’s paradise! Here’s a listing of the highest locations you should eat in throughout your keep in Amsterdam.
Pluk
Pluk is a girly and cute cafe/restaurant situated on the well-known 9 streets. Right here you will get wholesome eats in a past lovely environment.
Bam Boa
Bam Boa is a brand new restaurant situated on the Amstel River. It has the proper bohemian/coastal feeling and serves tasty luxurious feeling dishes.
Mr. Stacks
It is a vegan restaurant with the very best pancakes you will get in the entire metropolis!
Vegan Junk Meals Bar
If you’re a vegan and in search of scrumptious junk meals, that is the place for you.
Bulls and Canines
Craving one thing candy and completely unhealthy? Bulls and Canines have the very best freakshakes in Amsterdam with flavors like Stroopwafel, pistachio, marshmallow, and extra.
Useful Ideas When Visiting Amsterdam
- Hold an eye fixed out for pickpockets, within the touristy areas that is fairly frequent.
- If you’re strolling maintain an eye fixed out for cyclists. When you hear a bell it means to be careful.
- When you take public transport you need to check-in and take a look at.
- Medication should not authorized. Some are tolerated however they don’t seem to be authorized.
- Respect the locals. You may even see a ravishing home and wish to look inside or take a photograph, however keep in mind folks reside right here and respecting their privateness is a should.
I hope you loved this native information to Amsterdam! Listed below are some extra of my Amsterdam posts:
Amsterdam Vegan Guide, Amsterdam in Summer, & Amsterdam Weekend Guide!
