AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam is a captivating capital defined by its concentric rings of 17th-century canals, historic gabled houses, and a uniquely liberal culture. It seamlessly blends world-class art and deep history with modern vibrancy.
Known as the “Venice of the North,” the city is a masterpiece of urban planning and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s a walkable, cycle-friendly hub of iconic museums, cozy ‘brown cafés’, and charming neighborhoods.
Most Popular Attractions
Museum Quarter & Art:
Rijksmuseum: The national museum of the Netherlands, home to masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age, including Rembrandt’s The Night Watch.
Van Gogh Museum: Houses the world’s largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh and his contemporaries.
Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam: A leading museum for modern and contemporary art and design.
Moco Museum: Features modern and contemporary art, including Banksy and street art exhibitions.
Museumplein: The large, vibrant public square that hosts the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk Museum.
Rembrandt House Museum: The former home and studio of the Dutch master Rembrandt van Rijn, restored to its 17th-century state.
Historic Center & Landmarks:
Anne Frank House: The house where Anne Frank and her family hid from Nazi persecution during World War II, a poignant and essential visit.
The Canal Ring (Grachtengordel): The iconic 17th-century canal system and UNESCO World Heritage site.
Dam Square: Amsterdam’s main central square, home to the Royal Palace and the National Monument.
Royal Palace of Amsterdam (Koninklijk Paleis): A grand 17th-century palace on Dam Square, originally built as the City Hall.
Oude Kerk (Old Church): The city’s oldest building, a beautiful church located in the heart of De Wallen (Red Light District).
Begijnhof: A tranquil, enclosed courtyard dating to the Middle Ages, offering a peaceful escape.
Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder (Our Lord in the Attic Museum): A clandestine Catholic church hidden in the attic of a 17th-century canal house.
Iconic Neighborhoods & Leisure:
Jordaan: A charming, picturesque neighborhood known for its narrow streets, canals, small boutiques, and ‘brown cafés’.
De Negen Straatjes (The Nine Streets): Nine picturesque side streets connecting the main canals, famous for independent shops and vintage boutiques.
Vondelpark: The largest and most popular city park, perfect for relaxing, cycling, and free open-air performances in summer.
De Pijp: A vibrant, multicultural neighborhood, home to the bustling Albert Cuyp Market.
Albert Cuyp Market: Amsterdam’s largest and most famous street market, offering food, clothes, and local goods.
NDSM Wharf: A former shipyard in Amsterdam-Noord, now a cultural hotspot with street art (like the Straat Museum), restaurants, and a monthly flea market.
Unique & Modern Attractions:
A’DAM Lookout: An observation deck with panoramic views of the city and the thrilling ‘Over The Edge’ swing.
Heineken Experience: An interactive tour through the original Heineken brewery.
NEMO Science Museum: A hands-on science center in a distinctive copper-green building, with a great rooftop plaza.
Houseboat Museum (Woonboot Museum): A furnished, floating houseboat offering a glimpse into life on the canals.
Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam: One of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, established in 1638.
Eye Filmmuseum: A striking modern building across the IJ river, dedicated to cinema and moving images.
Activities & Experiences
Go on a Canal Cruise: Cruise the UNESCO World Heritage Canal Ring by boat, viewing the iconic gabled houses from the water. Consider a smaller, open-air boat for a more intimate experience or an evening wine and cheese cruise.
Visit World-Class Museums: Immerse yourself in art and history at the Rijksmuseum (home to Rembrandt’s The Night Watch), the Van Gogh Museum (the world’s largest collection of his work), and the Anne Frank House (book tickets months in advance).
Explore the City by Bike: Embrace the quintessential Amsterdam experience. Rent a bicycle and cycle along the canals, through Vondelpark, or take a day trip to the countryside to see windmills and farms.
Wander the Jordaan District: Get lost in the charming, quiet streets of this former working-class area, known for its narrow canals, hofjes (hidden courtyards), traditional brown cafés, and independent boutiques.
Take a Day Trip to the Countryside: Easily escape the city by train or bus to places like Zaanse Schans (historic windmills, cheese, and clogs), Volendam (fishing village), or the Keukenhof Gardens (tulips, late March to mid-May).
Taste Dutch Culinary Delights: Sample local snacks like stroopwafels (syrup waffles), poffertjes (mini pancakes), bitterballen (deep-fried meat balls), and fresh herring (haring).
Discover a Hidden Church in an Attic: Visit Museum Our Lord in the Attic (Ons’ Lieve Heer Op Solder), a beautifully preserved 17th-century house containing a complete clandestine Catholic church built during the Reformation.
Visit the Albert Cuyp Market: Stroll through one of Amsterdam’s largest and most popular street markets in the De Pijp neighborhood for street food, fresh produce, and unique local goods.
Experience the Heineken Experience: Tour the former brewery of this world-famous beer, an interactive and often busy experience that culminates in a tasting.
Take a Free Ferry to Amsterdam-Noord: Cross the IJ river behind Centraal Station on a free ferry to discover the trendy, industrial-chic north side, home to places like the A’DAM Lookout and the NDSM Wharf with its street art.
Hunt for Hidden Courtyards (Hofjes): Look for the peaceful, typically public courtyards surrounded by small houses, originally built for elderly or poor women, particularly in the Jordaan and city center.
Local Tips & Transport
Walking and Cycling are Primary: The historic center is very compact and best explored on foot. For slightly longer distances, cycling is the local way of life.
Bike Lanes are Sacred: NEVER walk in the red-paved bike lanes. Cyclists in Amsterdam are fast and direct, and you must stay on the pedestrian path. Listen for the ringing of a bell, which means you are in the way.
Public Transport (GVB): The city has an excellent network of trams, buses, and a metro. Trams are the most scenic and convenient for visitors.
- Check In & Out: Whether using a GVB day ticket, a rechargeable OV-chipkaart, or a contactless payment card (OVpay), you must tap in when boarding and tap out when exiting. Forgetting to check out will charge you the maximum fare.
- Free Ferries: Take advantage of the free passenger ferries behind Centraal Station to explore Amsterdam-Noord. They run frequently and are a pleasant way to view the city from the water.
From Schiphol Airport (AMS): The train is the fastest and most efficient way to the city center (Amsterdam Centraal Station, $\approx$ 15-20 minutes). Taxis are significantly more expensive and often get stuck in traffic.
Dining Times are Earlier: Locals typically have dinner earlier than in Southern Europe, often around 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Many restaurant kitchens close by 9:30 PM or 10:00 PM. If you plan to eat at a popular restaurant, make a reservation well in advance.
Cashless is King: Many establishments, from supermarkets (Albert Heijn) to museums and even some tram ticket machines, prefer or only accept card payments (contactless is widely used). You will need very little cash.
“Coffee Shop” vs. “Café”: Be aware of the difference. A Coffee Shop is where cannabis is sold and consumed; it does not sell alcohol. A Café (koffiehuis or koffiebar) is for coffee, tea, and pastries. A Bruin Café (brown café) is a traditional, cozy Dutch pub.
Directness is Cultural: The Dutch are known for being very direct and honest. This is not meant to be rude; it’s simply a cultural value of clarity and efficiency. Don’t take straightforward feedback personally.
Tipping is Modest: Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service. For restaurant service, rounding up the bill or leaving a $5-10\%$ tip is standard. For a coffee or a drink, rounding up to the nearest Euro is sufficient.
Hidden Gems:
- Begijnhof: A beautiful, peaceful inner courtyard (hofje) and former convent, one of the oldest in the city, tucked away behind a discreet door near Spui Square.
- De 9 Straatjes (The Nine Streets): A picturesque micro-neighborhood crossing the main canals, famous for independent boutiques, vintage stores, and specialty shops.
- Oud West/De Pijp: Explore these neighborhoods outside the main center for a more local vibe, better prices, and a fantastic food scene, including the bustling Albert Cuyp Market in De Pijp.
- Tap Water is Excellent: Amsterdam’s tap water is some of the cleanest and safest in Europe. Bring a reusable water bottle and refill it freely to save money and plastic.
The Red Light District (De Wallen): This is a residential and working neighborhood. Do not take photos of the window workers. Be respectful, especially at night, as it can get very crowded.
Top Restaurants
Moeders [$25-$40] – A charming, rustic spot in the Jordaan known for hearty, traditional Dutch cuisine like stamppot (mashed potatoes with vegetables) in a setting decorated with photos of guests’ mothers.
Café de Klos [$25-$40] – A legendary, no-frills, dimly lit pub near the Leidseplein, famous among locals for its huge, perfectly grilled spare ribs and meats. Expect a wait and a boisterous atmosphere.
Hap-Hmm [$20-$35] – A small, family-run restaurant with a nostalgic vibe serving simple, authentic, and incredibly affordable traditional Dutch dishes. It is a genuine local institution.
Café Caron [$40-$70] – A beloved French-inspired bistro in De Pijp with a convivial atmosphere, serving classic, unpretentious dishes with high-quality ingredients, popular with the city’s food scene insiders.
De BallenBar (at Foodhallen) [$15-$25] – Specializing in gourmet bitterballen (deep-fried meatballs), this stall offers a high-quality take on the classic Dutch snack with creative fillings.
Café Vliegende Schotel [$20-$35] – A vegetarian classic in the Jordaan, serving simple, home-cooked-style meals with an organic and healthy focus, popular for decades with locals seeking unfussy food.
Omelegg [$15-$25] – A local favorite near De Pijp specializing in creative, filling omelets and brunch dishes, perfect for a non-touristy start to the day.
Pompet [$25-$40] – Located in Amsterdam Noord, this laid-back, French-inspired haven offers simple, quality food (like steak frites and mussels) in a park-like setting with a jeu de boules court.
Bar Fisk [$30-$50] – A lively, Mediterranean-inspired spot in De Pijp focusing on fresh fish, seafood, and vegetables prepared with a Middle Eastern touch, very popular with a younger local crowd.
Wilde Zwijnen [$40-$60] – A favorite in Amsterdam East, known for its focus on Dutch and seasonal produce, often featuring game, in a warm, unpretentious setting.
Breda [$70-$110] – A chic, lively modern restaurant in the city center known for its adventurous multi-course menus that put a creative twist on classic European flavors. Reservations are essential.
Watergang [$60-$90] – Tucked away in a beautiful small canal house, this cozy restaurant offers refined, seasonal cuisine with a focus on pure flavors and is highly regarded by locals for its intimate charm.
Graham’s Kitchen [$60-$90] – Located slightly off the main routes, this spot offers a concise, changing multi-course menu of modern European cuisine with excellent wine pairings and warm, personal service.
Restaurant Sinne [$80-$120] – A Michelin-starred restaurant offering an elegant yet relaxed experience with an emphasis on pure flavors, known for its creative use of high-quality seasonal ingredients.
Hotel de Goudfazant [$50-$80] – Located in a vast, old industrial warehouse in Amsterdam Noord, this spacious restaurant offers modern French-inspired cuisine and has been a pioneer in the area’s culinary scene.
Restaurant Choux [$80-$120] – Focusing on vegetables, fermentation, and sustainable practices, this creative spot near Central Station offers inventive multi-course menus in a stylish, buzzing setting.
Restaurant Wolf Atelier [$60-$90] – Situated on a unique glass bridge over the water, this modern restaurant offers inventive, beautifully plated dishes and an unforgettable ambiance.
NAZKA [$60-$100] – A highly-regarded restaurant in De Pijp that brings a modern, fine-dining approach to traditional Peruvian cuisine, offering multi-course tasting menus.
Sagardi [$30-$50] – A Basque restaurant and pintxos bar near the center. Guests can choose from a wide array of excellent pintxos (small snacks on bread) displayed on the bar, paying by the number of skewers.
La Oliva [$30-$50] – Located in the Jordaan, this Northern Spanish spot is popular for its Basque-style pintxos and a la carte menu, with a great wine list and cozy vibe.
De Kas [$100-$150] – Located in a stunning former greenhouse, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers a unique experience with a focus on ultra-fresh, hyper-local produce, much of it grown on-site or at their farm.
Vinkeles [$120-$180] – A Michelin-starred restaurant nestled in a former 18th-century bakery inside The Dylan hotel, offering refined French cuisine with modern twists in an intimate, elegant setting.
MOS Amsterdam [$100-$150] – A fine dining restaurant on the water with stunning views, offering contemporary and inventive French/International cuisine in a beautiful, modern space.
Bolenius [$90-$140] – Focused on the “New Dutch Cuisine,” this Michelin-starred restaurant in the Zuidas district emphasizes local, seasonal ingredients with a sustainable and contemporary approach.
Daalder [$80-$130] – Located in a cozy canal-side building, this restaurant offers a surprise multi-course menu of modern, high-quality European dishes with a relaxed, no-fuss atmosphere.
RIJKS® [$90-$140] – The Michelin-starred restaurant of the Rijksmuseum, it presents “Low Countries cuisine” with a focus on local produce and a surprising influence from international culinary traditions.
Oocker [$40-$70] – An upscale, but casual and lively spot offering a menu with strong Asian influences, primarily focusing on Japanese and Korean dishes, excellent for sharing.
De Japanner [$30-$50] – An authentic Japanese izakaya (a casual bar serving drinks and small dishes) in De Pijp, perfect for small plates, sushi, and sake in a buzzy environment.
Café-Restaurant Stork [$30-$50] – Located in a huge, former factory hall on the water in Noord, this vibrant restaurant specializes in fresh seafood and a great atmosphere, often with views of passing boats.
Restaurant Blauw [$40-$60] – Widely considered one of the best Indonesian restaurants in the city, offering a refined, modern take on the classic rijsttafel (rice table) with many small, flavorful dishes.
Lalibela [$20-$40] – A popular, highly-rated Ethiopian restaurant in Amsterdam West, offering a cozy experience where you eat communal style with your hands using injera bread.
Toscanini [$40-$60] – A high-quality, authentic Italian restaurant that feels like a slice of Italy in the Jordaan, known for simple, fresh ingredients and a lively, open-kitchen atmosphere.
Bak [$50-$80] – Located in a former warehouse with great views, this creative spot focuses on vegetables, natural wines, and surprising, seasonal dishes with a great view over the harbor.
REM Eiland [$40-$70] – A unique dining experience located on a former pirate radio platform far out in the harbor, offering a unique setting and views with a European-inspired menu.
Sinck [$60-$90] – A modern restaurant with a focus on high-quality ingredients and a fusion of international flavors, praised for its excellent food and warm service outside the main tourist paths.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Door 74: Considered one of Amsterdam’s premier speakeasies, this spot in the city center (near Rembrandtplein) is hidden behind an unmarked door, offering a mysterious, luxurious, and intimate Prohibition-era experience. Reservations are highly recommended.
The Flying Dutchmen Cocktails: Located centrally on the Singel canal, this bar is all about craftsmanship and quality. It boasts the largest back bar in the Netherlands, with over 800 spirits, and focuses on perfectly executed classic cocktails, often using local Dutch spirits like Jenever.
Hiding in Plain Sight (HPS): Found on the corner of Rapenburg and Peperstraat in the far eastern side of the Old Centre, this cozy, dimly lit, 1920s-style lounge bar serves award-winning, creative cocktails in a seductive atmosphere.
Pulitzer’s Bar: An elegant, classic hotel bar located within the Pulitzer Amsterdam hotel, with its own entrance on the Keizersgracht. It features Art Deco glamour, a golden bar, and an intimate setting for enjoying sophisticated cocktails.
Tales & Spirits: This lively bar with a warm, welcoming, and slightly quirky atmosphere is located in the Singelgebied (near the Red Light District). Known for its award-winning mixologists, the menu features classic cocktails with creative twists and surprising ingredients.
Vesper Bar: A stylish and sophisticated cocktail bar in the Haarlemmerbuurt (northern edge of the Jordaan). Named after James Bond’s Vesper Martini, it’s a modest but excellent spot for high-quality cocktails with a frequently changing seasonal menu.
Super Lyan: Situated near the Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal, this colorful, playful bar is known for its inventive, fun cocktails and laid-back vibe, often putting its own spin on well-known drinks.
LuminAir: An elevated sky bar on the 11th floor of the DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal Station, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and waterfront along with creative, light-inspired signature cocktails.
The Tailor: Found in the Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky, right on Dam Square, this refined bar pays homage to the hotel’s founder, a tailor, offering bespoke and expertly crafted cocktails in an upscale environment.
Rosalia’s Menagerie: Tucked away inconspicuously in a charming townhouse near the Nieuwmarkt/Red Light District, this hidden gem is inspired by Dutch distilling history, serving cocktails often based on Jenever and locally made spirits.
Fitz’s Bar: Located in the Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Maurits at the Park, on the edge of Oosterpark, this intimate and stylish bar features a 1920s glamour and speakeasy-style hideaway perfect for refined cocktails.
Bar Mokum: Situated under MOAK Pancakes De Pijp, this bar is a relaxed, non-pretentious spot for classy cocktails, with a menu that pays homage to Amsterdam (Mokum is a local nickname for the city), often using Dutch spirits.
Twenty Third Bar: Located on the 23rd floor of the Hotel Okura in Amsterdam Zuid, this sophisticated and elegant bar offers high-quality cocktails and stunning panoramic views of the city.
Dutch Courage: Sister bar to The Flying Dutchmen Cocktails and located near Central Station, this bar specializes exclusively in Dutch spirits, boasting an impressive collection of over 150 jenevers.
Calle Ocho: Found near the Albert Cuypmarkt in De Pijp, this bar offers a Miami-inspired concept with a colorful atmosphere, serving fruity cocktails centered on tequila and rum, often paired with street food.
Shelter: A subterranean electronic music club and cultural space located in the basement of the landmark A’DAM Tower on the northern waterfront (easily accessible by ferry from Central Station). Known for its state-of-the-art sound system and music-first programming, mainly focusing on house and techno.
Escape: One of Amsterdam’s largest and most famous clubs, situated right on Rembrandtplein. It attracts a mixed crowd and hosts internationally acclaimed DJs, with multiple spaces including a main hall and the more intimate Escape Lounge.
AIR Amsterdam: A well-known and stylish house and dance club located on Amstelstraat, near Rembrandtplein. It has a high-tech design, multiple world-class bars, and focuses on tolerance and diversity with a continuous lineup of international and local artists.
Melkweg (The Milky Way): A legendary cultural center located just off Leidseplein. It hosts concerts, films, and art exhibitions, and features multiple venues that transform into lively club nights with diverse music genres, including hip-hop, R&B, and electronic music.
Paradiso: Housed in a former church just off Leidseplein, this iconic venue is known primarily as a concert hall but transforms into a massive, lively club night on weekends, often featuring big-name DJs and varied music.
RADION: A multidisciplinary creative haven located in a former dental center in Amsterdam Nieuw-West. It hosts exhibitions, workshops, and high-energy club nights, mainly focusing on techno music in its great hall, and has a 24-hour license.
Lofi: Located in a former warehouse/bus garage space in the Sloterdijk district (Amsterdam West). It is known for its chill vibes, outdoor dance floor, and curated electronic music events, offering an industrial, free-spirited nightlife experience.
Jimmy Woo: A luxurious and chic nightclub near Leidseplein, famous for its opulent Asian-inspired interior (including a ceiling with over 12,000 light bulbs), exclusive vibe, and a strict door policy, often playing R&B, hip-hop, and house.
Warehouse Elementenstraat: Situated in a former peanut factory in Amsterdam West, this venue is a pillar of the techno scene, known for its huge modular space that hosts large-scale raves and cutting-edge electronic music events.
Chicago Social Club: A popular, vibrant club right on Leidseplein, hosting varied and lively themed nights, often focusing on urban, hip-hop, R&B, and dancehall music, appealing to a younger crowd.