AMSTERDAM TRAVEL GUIDE
Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands, is famous for its bike-friendly culture, charming canals and unique architecture. It’s also famous for its Dutch spirit and progressive policies. Amsterdam offers so much for visitors it can be difficult to narrow down the top sights. Below is my list of places I would recommend to any first-time visitor.
MUST SEE
RIJKS MUSEUM
Undoubtedly Amsterdam’s largest museum and argued as it’s most popular. Soak up the Golden Age greats with Vermeer, Van Dyck, and Rembrandt. Allow for 2-3 hours (at minimum) and then give your feet a break and end your tour at the sculpture garden.
We booked ahead online, and downloaded the Rijksmuseum App. It allowed us to map out the pieces of art from the collection we did not want to miss, and it created the route using interactive floor plans.
Finally, tucked away inside the Rijksmuseum is the charming Netherlands Research Library and Reading Room. The classical interior is impressive with ornate iron railings and an iconic spiral staircase. If you are visiting the museum make sure you take a few minutes to linger quietly and browse the magnificent book collection.
VAN GOGH MUSEUM
The most visited museum in Amsterdam. I booked our tickets for the very moment the doors opened to beat the rush. Its 100% worth the visit, as you see some of the most famous masterpieces including Sunflowers and Almond Blossom in-person. Breathtaking.
PRO TIP: Book and purchase your ticket online to help with skipping the line.
NEMO SCIENCE MUSEUM
Surrounded by water, the oxidized copper-clad museum has become a destination for Amsterdam’s eastern docklands. Designed by Architecture firm Renzo Piano Building Workshop (RPBW), the building’s ship like form echos its surroundings.
A’DAM TOWER 360 OBSERVATION SKY DECK
If you are looking for something unique and gripping try Europe’s highest swing! Sway back and forth over the edge of the building roof top, while taking in a panoramic view alongside an adrenaline rush.
EYE (FILM MUSEUM)
Adjacent to A’DAM Tower, on the northern bank of the IJ harbor, this building appears to be suspended above the water. With its striking white color and dynamic form, the Austrian-based Architecture firm of Delugan Meissl Associated created a distinguishing destination for any traveler who wants to dive deeper into motion graphics and Dutch Film.
VONDELPARK
Head to Amsterdam’s largest city park, spanning over 120 acres. The park is the ideal green spot on a sunny day for a picnic, rent bikes or just explore. Designed by landscape architect Jan David Zocher the park is is no longer the new park, but an established and culturally significant must see.
DAM SQUARE
This historic square includes the National Monument and the striking and impressive Royal Palace of Amsterdam. Once the Town Hall (begun in 1648) the building was intended to represent the cities' wealth, prosperity, and established center for trade. Architect Jacob van Campen perfected Dutch Classicism, as the Royal Palace has true Palladian stateliness and structural clarity.
HEINEKEN EXPERIENCE
As it states in its name, it is not just a brewery but a full experience! This had to be my biggest surprise while in Amsterdam, as I am not a big beer drinker. Heineken may have changed my mind. The digital experiences and design really establish a full and immersive environment, and you get two free beers!
BLOEMENMARKT
Along the Singel canal, stroll through the modern day “floating” flower market. Vendors on fixed barges line the canal edge. Pick up tulip bulbs, flower seeds, or Dutch souvenirs like little wooden clogs.
JORDAAN DISTRICT
Stroll through the art infused neighborhood. The narrow cobbled streets are full of art galleries and bistros. Spend some time perusing 9 Streets full of independent and designer boutiques or hop into a traditional Dutch pub.
DE PIJP
Wander the streets and enjoy the laid back atmosphere. If you are in this neighborhood, make sure to check out the Albert Cuypmarket, it’s one of the best street markets in the city. We were able to try some of the classic Dutch foods while walking down the street taking in the sunshine.
RED LIGHT DISTRICT
While this is controversial, the district is located in some of the oldest and beautiful parts of Amsterdam. If you decide to visit, note photography is not allowed.
ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS
FOODHALLEN
A former tram depot now-converted indoor food hall has something for everyone. Part of a larger cultural center in the West Amsterdam neighborhood, you can find a variety of food stalls offering a plethora of options to suit any craving.
COFFEE SHOPS
Not the traditional American Starbucks, in Amsterdam these shops are for purchase of marijuana. Cannabis is not legal in the Netherlands but they have a ‘tolerance policy’ and a small amount is considered a soft drug, like cigarettes and alcohol.
ON MY NEXT VISIT
ANNE FRANK HOUSE
MOCO MUSEUM
STEDELIJK MUSEUM
ARCHITECTURE CENTER OF AMSTERDAM
HORTUS BOTANNICUS
EAT + DRINK (The Traditional Dutch Food)
STROOPWAFEL Syrup Waffle Cookie
BITTERBALLEN Meat stew thickened and rolled into small deep fried bites
POFFERTJES Mini Pancakes
SLEEP
We typically choose Airbnb when we travel. However, Amsterdam prohibits renting out a property commercially without a permit. The city has cracked down on rentals as a way to protect their housing market, and combat the housing shortages for local residents.
So this time around, we decided to pick something very unique and sustainable with SWEETS HOTEL. Technically it’s a hotel, BUT it is 28 “rooms” dispersed throughout the city that occupy the former control rooms of the historic bridge houses. The concept for the hotel was envisioned by architecture firm Space & Matter. Amsterdam’s bridge houses accommodated the city’s many bridge keepers who were responsible for opening the structures for passing boat traffic. With modern technology, the new centralized control system duplicated the need for the bridge houses, rendering the network redundant…and then came along SWEETS hotel! It was a smaller room, but as you can see in my pictures, it’s such a rare and unique experience you can only get in Amsterdam!
If you are looking for larger hotels and/or more amenities, I would recommend the following architectural icons:
PONTSTEIGER
Architect: Arons and Gelauff
1013 AH Amsterdam, Netherlands
nhow AMSTERDAM RAI HOTEL
Architect: OMA
Europaboulevard 2b, 1078 RV Amsterdam, Netherlands (close to the Amsterdam RAI Convention Centre, and a little further from the city center).
GETTING AROUND (Transportation)
Overall, Amsterdam is relatively compact. Nevertheless, you will most likely use a mix of transportation options in addition to walking.
TRAM & METRO
If you intend to use trams, buses, trains or the metro during your time in Amsterdam, you will need a OV-Chipkaart. You must purchase a OV-Chipkaart or Single Use tickets from the GVB ticket vending machines in the metro station or on a tram or bus- These disposable cards will have a set number of hours/days/journeys associated with it- as it’s not “re-fillable”. When using your chip card- remember to scan/check-in and scan/check-out!!
CANAL BOAT TOUR
(Amsterdam Canal belt) Experiencing the city’s waterways by boat is one of my top recommendations in Amsterdam. The city center canals have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. A boat tour glides you past bridges, houseboats, canal houses, national monuments, museums and notable architecture. We grabbed a few beers and ciders from a local shop before we got on the tour boat.
We opted for a larger boat, which was enclosed in glass, but if I could recommend a more intimate experience- look for a smaller open boat.
TAXI
Official taxi’s in Amsterdam have blue license plates. Make sure you avoid illegal taxis at Amsterdam’s Airport (Schiphol). Our taxi from the airport to Amsterdam city center was a Tesla!
RENT BIKES
Finally, explore the city by bike. With over 240 miles of bike lanes, Amsterdam is a great city for biking. Cycling in the city is a bit overwhelming if you’re inexperienced or nervous, so try renting a bike in Vondelpark or taking a guided cycle tour to get the experience!
PRO TIP: Bikes take priority over cars AND pedestrians so be careful, and keep out of the cycle paths!
Amsterdam is more than “cute, gingerbread house” architecture. This city offers a creative, progressive and sustainable approach to architecture and design, in addition to it being one of the best preserved cities in Europe.
