Amsterdam Travel Guide
Picture yourself sipping a cup of warm coffee in the cool early morning, the ringing bells of bycicles filling the air, the subtle movement of the water caused by these picturesque wooden boats casually floating a few steps from your table. The uneven old stone underneath your shoes and the countless bridges you will cross wondering at some point if it was the same one you traversed one hour ago.
Amsterdam is this distincitve city well known for its charming canals and the design of the skinny long houses perched by the water. Here I'll tell you how to navigate Amsterdam, what are the best neighborhoods to stay, where to eat and what to do in this wonderful city.
Let's begin with some basics, but before: May this travel guide never deprive you of creating the space to explore and wander around, to have your own discoveries and find hidden gems. Always allow yourself some unplanned time to be spontaneous.
What's the best neighborhood in Amsterdam to stay in?
Avoid De Wallen. As much as you probably want to have quick access to the most touristy attractions, please trust me when I say the best options are either Vondel Park or Jordaan for a nicer experience. It is a tad more local and prettier.
I stayed at S&A Vondel Park Hotel. Loved my cozy room and the location.
How to navigate Amsterdam?
How to use public transportation in Amsterdam is extremely easy. There is a net of efficient trams that you can use by simply tapping your credit card. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you tap your card when you get in and also right before you get out, otherwise you get a fine automatically charged to your credit card.
Uber works in Amsterdam but very slowly in De Wallen area since streets are very narrow due to the canals. Sometimes connecting with an Uber there takes twenty minutes or longer, depending on the time of the day. Uber is very cheap.
Is Amsterdam safe for a female solo traveler?
Amsterdam is very safe as long as you are not walking by your own very late at night in alleys or in Da Wallen, especially when everything closes.
How to go to the airport in Amsterdam?
Very easy. There is a bus that goes straight to the airport and also a train depending on your location. It takes about thirty minutes. Always use google to check the schedule of the day and what's working.
Best Cafes in Amsterdam
De Roos
Locals love this coffee shop, and in fact the entire menu is in Dutch. To blend in and experience the culture I highly recommend.
Cafe Coos
So vibrant. The rhubarb lemonade is one of their best drinks, and in terms of food even the basic bread with butter is good.
Nook Cafe
Fantastic atmosphere, a long table in a clean and white room with high ceilings. Coffee here is superb, the kind that is not too intense nor too mild and you want to savor every single drop. At this Coffee Shop there is also a wine shop on the ground floor.
The Laatste Kruimel
Lovely place right in Jordaan. Ideal for an afternoon tea, or a meet up with an old friend to have a long conversation and stay there for hours. They offer so many food options. Quiche, pies, cakes, pastries. This is very tasty. The latte is by far the best drink.
Cafe Magari
Cute little cafe, cozy during fall, winter and spring. Equally perfect during the summer as it offers outdoor seating and it is right by the water. They have many creative drinks, their specialty is the matcha.
De Koffieschenkerij
Right by a cathedral, this coffee shop consist of two floors and delicious capuccinos. There is a stunning outdoor space to soak in some sun and fresh air. Big tables and a cozy environment.
What to do in Amsterdam
Rijksmuseum
Well known for having an incredible collection of Rembrandt. I purchased my tickets ahead as this is a very popular place.
Bedrijfspand Deenik en Zoon
A gorgeous facade facing the canals. Walk by and admire the architecture. Boat tours tend to even pass by it and show it to people. I would not get out of the way for it, but if you are a couple of blocks away worth seeing it.
Royal Palace of Amsterdam
The beauty is in the details of this place, the high ceilings embellished with chandeliers and paintings. Get yout ticket online on their official website to visit first as soon as it opens. They have bathrooms and a cloak room.
Dutch National Opera and Ballet
Check for the calendar with the program. Attending the ballet is something I enjoy very much when I visit Europe and I try to do it every time. It Is something that typically only locals do and will permit you to escape from being a tourist for a few hours.
Museum Van Loon
You can totally get tickets at the booth on site. This old mansion is idylic and a good way to wrap yourself with a more quiet and calm environment. The gardens are a dream and there is a coffee shop on the back.
Museum of the Canals
One of my highlights in Amsterdam is the Museum of the Canals. This consist in an immersive experience, audio guided tour where every room has a story about how Amsyerdam was born and built. With projections and interactive experiences you will learn everything you need to know. The visit takes about 30 minutes and it keeps you entertained all along. Do not forget to take a look at the mirrored room on the first floor.
The Flower Market
Very busy place. It closes at 5 p.m. Make sure you go there about 4 pm. to avoid the crowds. They have bulbs, seeds, real tulips and rubber tulips. Postcards and bags. And everything tulip.
Albert Cuyp Market
This is a market that goes along several blocks. Pastries, flowers, cheese, produce, clothing, bags, second hand, magnets, postcards. Go early in the morning if you can, about 10 am.
Stedelijk Museum
This museum displays some classics but is mostly modern art. The rooms are interestingly arranged with this mix I just mentioned. I enjoyed my visit and recommend to go. Tickets can be purchased at the booth or online.
Van Gogh Museum
This is probably the most touristy place in Amsterdam. It is not as overwhelming as it may seem and the visit is done in about 45 min. They do a great job explaining Vang Gogh's journey in a brief way. You'll get out actuallly knowing information instead of feeling overloaded and forgetting everything about it two hours later.
Boat Ride through Canals
A tulip boat through the Amsterdam Canals to keep learning about Amsterdam and see it from another perspective. This was one of my favorite activities. You can book either with the company Flagship or use Get Your Guide to book with them. The boat carries handfulls of gorgeous tulips and delicious wine to sip while you cross the canals. If you use Get Your Guide here is my discount code THEWILDVOYAGE5
Enjoy!
Noordermarkt
This market is in the Jordaan area. On the link below is everything you need to know: vendors and schedule.
Red Lights District
Visiting the Red Lights District in Amstedam is an experience of its own. Everything there starts working after sunset. About 8 or 9 pm. Peak at 10 pm. This is located in De Wallen area. You can see it all, from shops that sell "fun" toys to those that sell the strangest artifacts. You won't only see workers at the windows but there are also little theater houses were "peep shows" are sold. To me it was enough to walk two blocks since I was there for the cultural experience and not because I was interested in any of the services or products they sell. It's strictly prohibited to use your phone and record or take pictures in these streets. There is police walking all over to make sure that doesn't happen.
Photobooths
Having one of these everywhere I go has become a thing. I always make sure to save them to my maps. I recommend these two photobooths. They work with credit cards. It takes about five mminutes to develop. Once you pay get ready cause it's pretty fast. Below are the locations.
Boothclub Amsterdam: Raamsteeg 2, 1012 VZ Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Hoxton Hotel Amsterdam : Heregratch 255, 1016 BJ Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Dancing Houses
The famous crooked houses by the canal. Early in the morning grab a coffee and go for a walk. Don't go exactly where the dancing houses are, the short distance won't allow you to contemplate the facade entirely. Instead, cross the Halvemaansbrug bridge and turn right immediately. Walk a bit to the end of the street and right at the corner you'll have the best view of the houses and even a bench to sit and appreciate it.
Best Restaurants in Amsterdam
I tend to stay in one same location for extended periods of time to absorb everything I can and to try to live more of a local life than a tourist one. Often, my travels are a balanced combination of both. That lenght allows me to explore every neighborhood, to try many places and determine what's worth recommending. When it comes to restaurants I am confident to say that my list won't ever dissapoint you.
Markerhuisje
This is a bit out of the way but I found it very peaceful. I had a salad that was full of good flavor. You can sit inside on the sun room and look over the water from the comfort of a warm room, or you can choose to sit outside right by the canal and feel the breeze on your face.
Cafe R de Rosa
Excellent wine bar. Two floors, very nice atmosphere, you feel very welcomed in it. The menu is not expensive which makes it easy to choose. The lentils taste like they are made in heaven, please order that along with a glass of the house wine they have at the moment. I enjoyed my homemade meal by the warmth of a candle while watching the rain pour through the window. One of my favorite afternoons in Amsterdam.
Box Social
Viby brunch spot, they have outdoor seating as well to be by the canals and enjoy of a sunny day. It is located in a the touristy blocks of Jordaan. It is not crowded and reservations are not needed. Meals are fulffiling, cuisine is not fine nor elegant but great for an empty stomach and tired legs after exploring the city all morning.
Bar Bellini
This is Italian Cuisine, located in a vibrant area full of other restaurants and bars where locals go out. Reservations are not neccesary to find a table. Walk in, get the ravioli and a wine of glass. Enjoy!
Brasserie de Luwte
Warm lights, cozy and friendly. The pornstar martinis are great and pasta is very well cooked-in case you haven't noticed yet how much I love pasta-and you can stay there for hours seduced by the comfort of the cushions and the dim cnadle light.
Hap-Hmm
Traditional Bavarian cuisine. Schnitzel is great. For authentic food scene this is one of the best. Not too close from the tourist spot, it requieres a walk a bit out of the way. Totally worth it. It usually requires reservations made only by phone. I showed up being only one, ordered, ate and paid all in forty minutes at most. to free the table that had been reserved before the commensals arrived.
Food in Amsterdam
Arnold Cornelis Bakery
I loved buying edible gifts here. From cookies to chocolates. If you want to gift something special, this is the spot.
Bun Bun
The pistacchio rolls are something else. There is a short line in the afternoon, usually just five minutes. This is a pick up spot, not a cafe to sit down.
Salvo
This is a great bakery option in Amsterdam. The size of pastries is huge and fulfilling.
Stoopwafel
You can keep calling it the tourist trap but this is truly delicious. Stoop waffles are everywhere in Amsterdam for a variety of prices, the most expensive option is probably Hans Egstorf, but I really liked it there. If you find a local spot that is not a chain, even better!
Best Shops in Amsterdam
When it comes to shops I am also goood at, depending on what you are looking for. Lately, I've been really trying to be purposeful when shopping, I don't like to accumulate things I don't need nor suffer of buyer's remorse. I have to fall in love, it has to be one of a kind or timeless reagrdless of what it is, an antique, a jacket, a purse, candles. I like it to be special, and of course say with pride "I got it when I was traveling through...". If I can also get it in the US (and for the same price) then it's not special. I entered many stores in Amsterdam for different reasons: looking for a statemnet piece for my wardrobe, accent table centerpiece, a gift to bring to a family member. The ones I list are the ones that stayed with me and that stood out.
Nous Sommes Labels
Clothing and accesories. Ok, so to contradict myself a bit, this store is not incredibly special but I got a bracelet here that I use a lot and that was well priced and if you find a single thing that you will treasure, why not?
Ko Concept Store
Very fun objects, bags, clothing and more. I got a set of twisted candles with a glossy finish that is divine and looks stunnning on my dining table.
Gimme Glitter
Luxury vintage, the condition of items is almost pristine and prices are incomparable. I fell in love with a vintage Fendi that I highly regret not getting. Would go back first thing as soon as setting foot in Amsterdam again.
Gold Bend
Antique Shop. This shop is very particular. Thousand of treasures are piled up absolutely everywhere and moving around is very difficult. You could spend hours at this shop just searching for things. I could not load my suitcase with everything in sight but if I lived in Amsterdam you know exactly where all my pottery would be coming from.
AVC
Also a vintage store, very well sorted out and organized. Not only purses but many designer sunglasses and accesories. People who work there are very well informed and know a lot of this kind of goods.
Hay House
I love HAY. I discovered first when traveling through Copenhagen and I loved not only the architecture of that store but also the minimalism. Hay is well known for furtniture and household items. Everything form kitchen to bedroom linens. Lamps, ceramic plates, even my favorite brand of toothbrushes: Piave Lavorati a Mano.
Mint Mini Mall
This is for fun and affordable gifts if you are into that. A fabulous pair of earrings pherhaps, or a gift for your niece or nephew.
Millesime Vintage:
Great selection of vintage, from regular brands to designers on teh top floor. They have a great variety of scarves.
Bars
Cafe Twee Prinsen
Afordable wine bar. Bites are exquisite. Everyone loves hanging out here, the place to be. You can sit outside and entertain yourself with the life unfolding before your eyes.
Ariee
Vibrant at all times. Perfect for brunch and also at night when all the locals hangout.
Cafe 't Smalle
A postacard living in a cozy corner of Amsterdam. Sit here and spend a few hours journaling ousitde, or inside if it's rainy and absorb the authentic atmosphere.
How long do you need to see Amsterdam?
Tu fully see Amsterdam you need at least a week. For a weekend trip I would focus on highlights, just pick two cafes, a couple of restaunts and then from the list of things to do choose the ones that resonate with your traveling style.
Have the best adventure in Amsterdam!
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