Amsterdam is a bustling beauty of culture, history, entertainment, and CHARM! It is known to be one of Europe’s most exciting cities, and if that isn’t the official name then I don’t know what city is. This 700 year old city is filled with curious corners from The Red Light District to craft breweries, vintage boutiques, and everything else in between. Whether you are an art aficionado, a history buff, or just want to have a good time this city is bound to have something for you. With that said, here are the top ten things to do in Amsterdam:
1) Damrak, Near Amsterdam Centraal
You will surely cross this at some point since it’s a 2 minute walk from Amsterdam Centraal Station and Dam Square. Make sure to not overlook it as it’s a beautiful and picturesque spot like the rest of Amsterdam. Also, Damrak is the perfect place to create Instagram Reels because it fits a vertical frame really well.
2) Floating Flower Market Bloemenmarkt
Bloemenmarkt is one of the only floating flower markets in the world, so this is definitely something you don’t want to miss. It was established back in 1862 and no matter the season the flowers give off a wonderful scent. Make sure to snap a picture of some tulips which is one of the things Amsterdam is famous for.
3) Go on a Canal Cruise
In Amsterdam canal cruises are one of the most popular activities for tourists to embark on. It’s the best way to see the city in about an hour or two and it is very informative. You will learn what each house was at some point, and all the history that the city holds. This might be the only “down” time you have on your trip, so be prepared as you might get very sleepy. There’s something about the rocking of the boat and the canals that can just knock you right out.
4) Indulge in a Dutch Dessert
In one of the Amsterdam street markets or elsewhere in the city you have to try a Dutch Stroopwaffel. Stroopwaffels are wafer-thin cookies with a layer of ooey-gooey caramel syrup layered in between. Don’t forget to pack some for your friends and family back home!
5) Go to The Red Light District
The Red Light District is a bit of touchy subject for some – it’s a place where weed is tolerated, and prostitution is legalized. At night the area is lite up with red lights and recently they started implementing blue lights which is for the trans workers. The number one rule is to NEVER take pictures. There are more than 200 coffee shops throughout Amsterdam, but something to note is that a coffee shop is not somewhere where they serve coffee it’s where they sell weed. The most famous one is the Bulldog, located in the Red Light, in the Singel canal, and in the Leidse Square. What might come to you as shock is how close in proximity is the religious area to this area.
While roaming around late into the night you might run into a FEBO – this is a modern vending machine that serves fast food. It serves up popular Dutch fried food like krokets, frikandellen, hamburgers, Kaassoufflés, french fries and more.
6) Museums
Everything has a history in Amsterdam (yes including the above mentioned Red Light District), and the best way to see the culture and history is through their museums. The top and frequently mentioned museums are Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank Museum – but did you know there are over 75 museums! If you plan to explore the museums make sure to buy your tickets ahead of time to make sure you get in.
7) The Albert Cuyp Market
The Albert Cuyp Market is located off the beaten path in a residential neighborhood (de Pijp); but is well worth it as it features more than 260 vendors who sell fresh vegetables, fruits, cheeses, meats, bread, accessories, clothes, flowers, and fabrics. De Pijp is becoming the “happening” part of the city so make sure to visit this lively and youthful area.
8) Ajax Football Stadium Tour
If you are a football (soccer) buff you MUST take the tour of the Johan Cruijff ArenA. Ajax is Amsterdam’s top tier football/soccer club; and although I am a new recruit in the football world I did admire taking this tour.
9) Explore the Royal Palace at Dam Square
The buildings facade is somewhat somber and unassuming but it’s a living building where you can follow in the footsteps of the royal guests. It is one of The Netherlands’ most important monuments as it’s the largest and most prestigious buildings from the seventeenth century.
10) The Heineken Experience
Ye, the world famous beer company was started in Amsterdam! So if you want to enjoy some beer, smell the authentic scents of a brewery and feel some hops, make sure to do The Heineken Experience. Note that you have to be 18+ years old.
There is so much to see and do in Amsterdam. We barely scrapped the surface even though it was my husbands 5th time visiting (my first). This is definitely a city you CRAVE to visit again and you won’t get bored of. While we were there we did a quick trip to The Hague. So stay tuned for a travel blog post on how we spent our day there! While there I was inspired and created some notebooks so make sure to check them out!
My favorite city! This was a good read.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed! And it’s def an amazing city!