Amsterdam is a city that’s easy to fall in love with. It has a youthful, energetic vibe and a laid-back attitude that makes it feel like you’re in another world.
It’s full of surprises!
Fun fact: Amsterdam was founded in the 10th century yet it has more bikes than people in its population. And when you think you know everything there is to know about Amsterdam, you find out something new.
EXPERIENCE AMSTERDAM LIKE A LOCAL
Explore the neighborhoods
Follow the locals’ lead and explore all of Amsterdam’s many neighborhoods. Visit Oud-West for secret coffee shops, alternative music venues, and chic stores. For industrial-chic eating, stunning street art, and vintage shopping, take the free ferry to NDSM. Explore De Pijp’s hopping street markets, busy cafe patios, and trendiest new eateries. These neighborhood guides are brimming with suggestions for the most incredible sandwiches, hidden gems, and cultural attractions.
NDSM Wharf Amsterdam
Shop at Amsterdam’s local markets
The vibrant street markets of Amsterdam are a terrific place to learn about local shopping habits. The Ten Katemarkt in Oud-West and the Dappermarkt in Oost, brimming with merchants selling fruit, vegetables, fish, flowers, and fabric, are two of our favorites. You can also discover a variety of food carts selling deep-fried treats and other characteristic Dutch goodies. The city’s street markets are the best place to try the following:
- kibbeling (battered cod bits with herb mayo).
- Loempia (Indonesian spring rolls).
- A broodje haring (raw herring sandwich) if you haven’t already.
Broodje Haring
Make an effort to attain Gezelligheid in Amsterdam.
Gezellig is a key component of Dutch identity. It signifies “a warm atmosphere,” “cozy,” “pleasant,” or “togetherness.” Gezelligheid is something that Amsterdammers take great pride in; therefore, you should organize your activities with this idea in mind if you want to experience the city like a local. Keep everything informal and social, and hang out with individuals that uplift you. You might spend the afternoon people-watching at a real brown bar or use brunch to catch up with an old buddy. Always think, “How can I make this situation more comfortable and pleasant?”
Go to a bar and take a boat in Amsterdam Canal!
There are a lot of canals in Amsterdam, as you may have already noticed. But did you know that you may often arrive by boat at a beachfront bar? While many residents own their boats or share one among friends, there are many places across the city where you can rent a boat. How convenient is it that you might not even have to get off the bus at some bars to order food and drinks?
Amsterdam Canal
THE HIDDEN GEMS OF AMSTERDAM: BEYOND THE FAMOUS SPOTS
Museum Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder
The museum Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder is a small but charming museum located in Amsterdam’s city center. You can find it at the top of a steep set of stairs, which might make you think that you’ll be climbing right into the building—but you’ll be climbing into history.
The name “Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder” means “Our Dear Lord in the Attic,” It refers to the fact that this church stood in an attic space.
Museum Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder
Your coffee awaits at De Koffieschenkerij!
De Koffieschenkerij is one of Amsterdam’s oldest coffee shops. It has been serving coffee since 1664 when it was founded by a man named Jan Jansen van der Does. The shop still serves up its famous coffee today, and it does so in an atmosphere that feels like it hasn’t changed much since the 1600s—except for maybe some more modern amenities like WiFi and electricity!
De Koffieschenkerij – De Koffieschenkerij Facebook
The Taste of Distilleerderij ‘t Nieuwe Diep in Amsterdam
Distilleerderij ‘t Nieuwe Diep is a distillery in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The distillery was founded in 1853, and the same family has run it for over five generations.
In 1993, they introduced “Francois Marie Absinthe Verte,” which has become one of their most popular products ever created at Distilleerderij ‘t Nieuwe Diep. This product won awards at the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) and Paris Spirits Competition (PSC).
Distilleerderij ‘t Nieuwe Diep – www.nwediep.nl
Museum Perron Oost
Since Museum Perron Oost has a surface area of only 6 m2, the entire exhibition is visible through the windows. The old cattle market area and railroad tracks were converted into a tiny park by artist Joep van Lieshout in 1993. Since 2013, the experiences of locals have been told in this modest art gallery inside the former supervisor’s home.
Museum Perron Oost – www.museumperronoost.nl
Amsterdam City Archives
The Amsterdam City Archives is the most excellent repository of municipal history worldwide. It is all housed within the enormous De Bazel building, an Art Deco jewel that is well worth a visit in and of itself. Visit the fascinating displays in the former bank’s underground vault or have a guided tour of the period chambers.
The Woonboot (House Boat) Museum
If you’re looking for an authentic Dutch experience and don’t mind getting your feet wet, then the Woonboot (House Boat) Museum is the place for you.
The Woonboot (House Boat) Museum is a unique attraction that combines an impressive collection of old houseboats, a historic working shipyard, and a modern museum dedicated to water culture.
The museum offers visitors an opportunity to see life on a houseboat when these vessels were first introduced in the late 19th century by Dutch entrepreneurs who wanted to capitalize on their country’s abundant waterways.
Visitors can also explore the shipping history in Amsterdam and learn how it has shaped the city’s development over time.
Marvel at Orgelpark’s musical charm
Orgelpark is an international performance hall that provides the church organ with a new face in contemporary music culture. It is located in the Vondelpark neighborhood’s heritage-listed Parkkerk. This place showcases a lovely Art Deco atmosphere, a small performance hall with magnificent organs, beautiful and clear acoustics, and a cozy foyer.
Experience Zuiderbad
The Zuiderbad is a public bathhouse in Amsterdam that was built in 1912. The water is heated by solar power, and the building is made out of wood. The Zuiderbad has been restored many times over the years. Still, it has always remained true to its original purpose: providing a place for locals and visitors alike to relax, unwind, and enjoy themselves.
Zuiderbad – Zuiderbad Amsterdam Facebook
Discover Hortus Botanicus
The Hortus Botanicus has a history of scientific excellence and innovation. In the 17th century, it was the first botanic garden with a formal structure and organization dedicated to research and education. More than 300 years later, in 2004, it became the first botanic garden to be awarded UNESCO’s prestigious title of “World Heritage Site.”
Amsterdam won’t be complete without a touch of windmill: Brouwerij de 7 Deugden
It sometimes feels like traveling back when you enter the historic village of Sloten. Here you may discover Brouwerij de 7 Deugden, one of the top microbreweries in the city, and the Sloten Windmill Museum, one of the few still operating polder mills. Weather permitting, you can request a guided tour and taste your way through the flavors in the garden.
Brouwerij de 7 Deugden – Brouwerij de 7 Deugden Facebook
YOUR HOME IN AMSTERDAM
Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam
The Sofitel Legend, The Grand Amsterdam, promises its guests a wonderful stay, not just because the structure was formerly a monastery from the fifteenth century. This storied hotel has been elegantly updated with 21st-century sensibilities. It is tucked away in the city’s heart among two of Amsterdam’s most beautiful canals, Oudezijds Achterburgwal and Oudezijds Voorburgwal. The 178 roomy guest rooms, which feature exposed brick, striking damask, and lively designs, each have their own distinctive character. The award-winning restaurant Bridges delivers regional food with a French flare, and the private garden patio is a must in fine weather. Suites also come with butler service.
The Grand Terrace – Virtuoso Travel
Produced by Inspired Travel Designs with iamamsterdam.com and Virtuoso Travel