Amsterdam Travel Guide
There’s probably a lot that comes to mind when someone says, “I’m going to be visiting Amsterdam”.
For me as a solo traveller and a woman in my thirties, I wasn’t interested in the “party scene”. I was more interested in taking in the cultural sights and foodie experiences of Amsterdam. If you resonate with that, read on my friend, I have the perfect Amsterdam travel guide for you.
I was visiting Amsterdam for about 48 hours prior to an Avalon Waterways river cruise that I was invited on (you can watch that series on my YouTube channel here) in June 2022, so I wanted to create an Amsterdam Travel Guide that I could share with my clients who are visiting Amsterdam for the first time, or who are looking for options on something a bit different. As with all my travel guides, as I visit a place again and again, I’ll be updating this guide with new gems I’ve found and experienced.
Where to Stay in Amsterdam
There are so many great places to stay in Amsterdam. The following are some of my favourite hotels based on service and amenities offered to make your stay in Amsterdam memorable.
Pulitzer Amsterdam (luxury accommodations) – The Pulitzer Amsterdam is very unique as the rooms and suites are located in 25 historical canal houses, which means the charm of this property is amazing. I also really loved the touches inside the suites, including a plaque in every room that gives the specific history of that particular canal house the room or suite is located in. Not to mention the inner courtyard is very peaceful and an oasis in the centre of Amsterdam. Be sure to check out my Amsterdam video on YouTube for a peek into a couple of the suites at the Pulitzer Amsterdam, click here to watch.
Pulitzer Amsterdam - Pulitzer Suite
Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam (luxury accommodations) – The Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam is located near the Rembrandt House Museum and spans six historical canal houses. Suites are beautifully appointed and dining on site includes Spectrum, who's team is led by a Two Michelin Star Chef.
Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht (luxury accommodations) – Historical yet trendy, Andaz Amsterdam is a great option overlooking the Prinsengracht canal. The Prinsengracht Suite boasts Amsterdam's largest hotel terrace overlooking the canals.
Conservatorium Hotel (luxury accommodations) – This hotel is a stunning architectural masterpiece that crowned this hotel as the “Number One Luxury Hotel in The Netherlands” for multiple years. It is located on the doorstep of the Rijksmuseum, The Van Gogh Museum and several others around Museumplein. It's location is also reflected in the stunning design pieces located throughout the property.
Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam (luxury accommodations) – Located on the main square in Amsterdam and across from the Royal Palace, it's a great hotel to explore all that Amsterdam has to offer. Dining options include Michelin starred cuisine served in The White Room and their “Wintergarden” has hosted Royal dinners.
Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam Hotel (luxury accommodations) – The Grand again offers gusts a unique historical stay. From a 15th-century convent, lodgings that once catered to The Royals, the Dutch admiralty headquarters to the city hall of Amsterdam, Sofitel Legend The Grand offers five-star luxury in a unique ambiance.
Kimpton De Witt Amsterdam (luxury/boutique accommodations) – Located just around the corner from Amsterdam Centraal Station, The Kimpton De Witt Amsterdam is a great option for both leisure and business travellers.
Kimpton De Witt Amsterdam - King Bed Executive Room
Mercure Amsterdam North Station (mid-range accommodations) – A great option part of the Accor family of brands for leisure and business travellers. Located seven minutes from Amsterdam Centraal Station at the Noord Station in Northern Amsterdam, it's an upcoming neighbourhood with an easy connection to the city center.
Mercure Amsterdam North Station - Superior Room with Sofa
Things to Do in Amsterdam
There are so many things to do and see in Amsterdam. Whether you're visiting Amsterdam for a river cruise, for business or for a quick getaway, there's something for everyone. These are just some of the highlights of things you can do in Amsterdam.
i amsterdam City Card – I was gifted a 72 Hour i amsterdam City Card and it was a great way to see Amsterdam. It includes access to more than 70 museums, use of the city-wide public transportation system (the metro, trams, buses in the Amsterdam area), a canal cruise and bicycle rental. With the Amsterdam City Pass you can save money and get exclusive discounts at restaurants and some of the other attractions that aren't included for free with the pass. Some of the included attractions you do need to make reservations for, however all the information is on their website and information guide when picking up the pass at the i amsterdam store. The i amsterdam city card is available in 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hour lengths. I highlighted several of the attractions using my i amsterdam city card in my Amsterdam Travel Guide YouTube video, click here to watch.
i amsterdam city card is a great value for anyone, including families visiting Amsterdam.
Rijksmuseum – I really enjoyed my visit to the Rijksmuseum. The highlight for me was seeing some of the works by Rembrandt (Night Watch), Van Gogh and Claude Monet. There are so many exhibitions here, some of which do change. You could easily spend the entire day here, however I only spent a couple hours as that's all I had time for. You will need to book a time for entry to the Rijks currently online even if you use a city card for entry.
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
Anne Frank House Museum – A somber, yet really well done museum experience. As you move through each room with your included audio guide, you interactively learn about Anne Frank, her family, friends and the people that helped her and her family hide for two years. You do need to book your tickets in advance, they no longer sell tickets at the door from my understanding and there is very limited tickets available. As you are in a way touring through the old canal house, there is very limited accessibility and you would need to be able to walk up very steep stairs in some areas to access some of the house, therefore unfortunately someone in a wheelchair could not access the “secret annex”.
The original entrance to the house where Anne Frank and her family lived.
Houseboat Museum – Located near the Anne Frank House Museum, if you're interested in the various houseboats on the canals, this is a great opportunity to peek inside one.
The Van Gogh Museum – Unlike the Rijksmuseum, The Van Gogh Museum has a permanent collection of some of Van Gogh's Masterpieces. There are other artists on display in other exhibitions, along with other artists from The Netherlands and more unique exhibitions that are comedy and fun focused. They also offer guided tours at an additional cost for a more in-depth look at the collection.
Missed purchasing some gifts from the Van Gogh Museum or want to order a few items before your trip to Amsterdam? You can now shop from home! Click here to shop authentic Van Gogh Museum gifts.
A'DAM Lookout – A'DAM Lookout, is atop the A'DAM Tower. To get here you can take the free pedestrian ferry for foot traffic and bicycles across the IJ to the other side. You will find a few attractions in addition to the A'DAM Lookout, including the EYE Film Museum and This is Holland. Once you are whisked up a very unique elevator experience (check out my YouTube video), you arrive at the top of Amsterdam. This viewpoint is stunning on a clear day and if you dare, you can even pay an additional cost to “swing” over the edge of the Lookout. There is a restaurant and bar at the top with obviously amazing views, so highly suggest checking this place out.
A’DAM Lookout in Amsterdam - Spot the “Swing” over the edge?
This is Holland – A really cool 5D experience “flying” over Holland. I was really excited to do this experience as I did a river cruise around Holland and Belgium, and this highlighted some of the places I would be visiting on that cruise. Allow for at least an hour when you do visit as you are taken through a few different video experiences before the actual 5D “flight” experience. It is a family friendly experience, however check with This is Holland for guidelines and requirements.
Rembrandt House Museum – This was a highlight for me. From 1639 to 1658, Rembrandt called this place his home and painted some of his masterpieces, including Night Watch from the studio located in this house. There is a complimentary audio guide that you use to walk though the various rooms in the house and learn the history of what life was like when Rembrandt lived here. Again due to the nature of the original house, it isn't accessible for those in wheelchairs or for those who use mobility aids, however the new part of the museum is.
Rembrandt’s House (now home to the Rembrandt House Museum) - Built in 1606, Rembrandt lived here between 1639 to 1658.
Heineken Experience – This was currently under renovations when I visited in June 2022 and apparently will be until the end of 2022. There are a few different tour options that can be purchased. If you are into beer, this is a tour for you. It's a very unique, interactive way to learn about how Heineken brews beer and their history. You end your tour experience with a taster (or two), if you're of legal age of course.
Lovers Canal Cruise – I asked quite a few locals and Lovers Canal Cruise came highly recommended to me. It is a great way to get a unique perspective, cruising the canals of Amsterdam. They offer many departures during the day, rain or shine. The boats are covered and have an open air viewing area at the rear of the river ship. On their one hour, Amsterdam Canal Cruise, they also provide an audio guide in 19 languages with a headset.
Lovers Canal Cruise Amsterdam
Albert Cuyp Market – Around the corner from the Heineken Experience is this local, outdoor market. Here you'll find food vendors, clothing, housewares, fruits, vegetables and much more. Be sure to check out Rudi's Stroopwafles here!
Red Light District – I did walk through this area before it got too busy with a few friends, in the future I won't visit again for personal reasons. It is an area that is a draw for tourists, however please be respectful if you do visit. These workers are trying to make a living and it's not a Vegas style, open air show. If you do try to take photos or videos while visiting the red light district, expect that your phone might end up taking a swim in the canal aka thrown into the canal (I've heard many stories of this happening).
Where to Eat in Amsterdam
These are some of my favourite places to check out for food in Amsterdam in no particular order,
Albert Cuyp Market (Rudi's Original Stroopwafels) – If you're exploring the Market, be sure to stop by this stall and grab yourself a fresh stroopwafle. It was definitely the most reasonably priced, fresh stroopwafle I had during my visit to Amsterdam.
Amsterdam Foodhallen – This food market or food hall, is a great place to check out for some local bites. My favourite here was De Ballenbar for a local favourite dish of “bitterballen”. Across from the Foodhallen, you'll find a FEBO Amsterdam location where you can get hot bites right from a vending machine of sorts.
The Pancake Bakery – I visited The Pancake Bakery right as it opened and was glad to not have had to wait in line (yes, this place gets busy as it is quite small). There are several different breakfast options and pancakes to choose from. I had the “Dutch Pancake” which was a thin pancake served with stroopwafel chunks, cinnamon ice cream, chocolate flakes and whipping cream. The pancake was so large I actually couldn't finish it. It was really good and would come back in a heart beat.
The Pancake Bakery in Amsterdam
The Avocado Show – There are now a few locations of The Avocado Show around Amsterdam (and now in a few other European cities). I love this trendy eatery, it's great for brunch or a light lunch and offers some great vegetarian and vegan friendly options too.
Van Stapele Koekmakerij (Cookies) – Somewhere else you need to check out early as they sell out of their famous cookies daily. These aren't stroopwafles, they are dark chocolate cookies with a white chocolate filling. Need I say more?
Van Wonderen Stroopwafels – If you're looking for unique stroopwafles Van Wonderen Stroopwafels are whimsical and delicious. One of the two places where the stroopwafels are very Instagrammable.
Melly's Stroopwafels – Another Instagram worthy stroopwafle, around the corner from Dam Square.
Manneken Pis Damrak (Fries) – On the main street of Damrak, MannekenPis (named after the statue in Brussels) has probably the best Flemish fries in Amsterdam, although I'm sure many could argue this point. The line here is really long, so be prepared to wait. That being said, the fries are really fresh and the sauces are pretty good (my favourite was the Amsterdam Onion Sauce).
Mannekenpis Fries in Amsterdam - It gets busy!
Celia at Kimpton De Witt – Celia offers a California-inspired, family style menu in the heart of Amsterdam. Located in the Kimpton De Witt Hotel, this is a trendy restaurant is open for dinner only.
Winkel 43 – Located in Jordaan, Winkel 43 is THE place to go for a slice of Dutch Apple Pie. Don't miss this place, it is so good! They also offer breakfast, lunch and dinner options.
Taiko at Conservatorium Hotel – If you're craving amazing sushi, Taiko is a must visit. Working with local suppliers and farmers, this unique farm to table, contemporary Asian cuisine restaurant also features a bar with equally extraordinary cocktails.
Spectrum – Located at the Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam, Spectrum is a fine dining restaurant who's team is led by a Two Michelin Star Chef.
Outside of Amsterdam
Whilst there is lots to do and see in Amsterdam, I highly suggest getting outside of Amsterdam and exploring some of the areas close by to round out your visit to The Netherlands.
Zaanse Schans
Located approximately 20-25 minutes outside of Amsterdam, Zaanse Schans feels like you've been transported to a different land. A quaint village, lined with windmills along the canal, Zaanse Schans is a must do if you're visiting Amsterdam. I was able to visit shop where they make wooden clogs, a windmill to see the inner workings up close and one of the cheese factories. There are plenty of other locally owned shops to check out and some of the entrance fees are covered by the i amsterdam city card.
Visit the historic windmills in Zaanse Schans.
After learning how to make wooden clogs in Zaanse Schans, strike a pose!
Amsterdam Insider Tips and Tricks
One of my biggest tips, especially if you are visiting Amsterdam and planning to visit a few of the local attractions is to pick up an i amsterdam city card. They come in various lengths of time which will more than likely cover your visit. I really appreciated that it covered the public transportation all over Amsterdam. Public transportation in Europe far exceeds what we have in North America and is very easy to use.
I'll also mention the differences between a “Coffee Shop” and a “Cafe”. As someone from Canada these two typically mean the same thing, however in Amsterdam it does not. A “Coffee Shop” is where you buy “an herb substance” and a “Cafe” is where you can sit down, enjoy a cup of coffee whilst people watching. Two very different things when visiting Amsterdam.
Bicycles… Okay, so I need to include this as it needs to be said. The locals who cycle in Amsterdam are ruthless, but that’s not their fault. I’ve seen people get yelled at, hit and knocked over, because tourists weren’t paying attention. There is a live bicycle lane and a separate pedestrian walkway. DO NOT WALK IN THE BIKE LANE. That’s pretty self explanatory, however so many tourists were walking in the bike lanes (insert face palm here) or crossing them without looking or heeding the pedestrian walk/don’t walk lights. The bike lanes are normally a reddish colour or clearly marked they’re for bikes. If you plan on renting a bike in Amsterdam (unless you’re a seasoned bike rider, I personally don’t recommend it), be sure you’re riding on the correct paths and give way to faster riders. I would suggest however renting a bike and taking it to the lesser known areas of Amsterdam such as the up and coming north area (take the free ferry across from Amsterdam Centraal and explore from there).
I hope you found this travel guide to Amsterdam helpful. As I visit Amsterdam again and again, I’ll keep this up to date with my favourite recommendations and photos.
If you have any questions about Amsterdam, or if you’re looking for help planning your next trip to Amsterdam I’d love to help. As I’ve mentioned before, I am a travel agent who specializes in luxury travel and I’m a proud travel agent member of Virtuoso. Click here to contact me on how we can work together.
Safe Travels!
Ariane
Zaanse Schans, just outside of Amsterdam
You can watch my Amsterdam Travel Guide here on YouTube:
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