Discover Amsterdam Like a Local
Amsterdam is like a perfectly brewed pot of stroopwafel-infused coffee with just the right amount of chaos. Whether you’re a local or a wide-eyed tourist, the city offers an eclectic mix of activities that will have you pining for your next visit. So grab your bicycle, strap on some clogs if you’re feeling adventurous, and let’s explore the Amsterdam activities that both natives and visitors can enjoy.
Paddle Through the Canals
Why walk when you can paddle? Rent a kayak or hop on a canal cruise to explore Amsterdam’s famous waterways. Meet swans, fellow boaters, and possibly the ghost of Van Gogh if your imagination paddles along with you. Keep an eye out for the Anne Frank House and the ever-Instagrammable seven bridges.
Meander Through the Museums
Museumplein is your one-stop plaza for Amsterdam’s cultural kahunas: the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art. Prepare for a visual feast that will make your Instagram followers drool and your culture gauge hit overdrive. Pro tip: bring a magnifying glass if you plan to gaze intensely at Rembrandt’s tiny brush strokes.
Tiptoe Through the Tulips
Okay, so technically you can’t tiptoe through the tulips in Amsterdam. But you can admire them at the Bloemenmarkt, the world’s only floating flower market. Located on the Singel canal, this fragrant haven sells everything from vibrant tulips to exotic seeds—ideal for thumb winners and thumb twiddlers alike.
Groove in the Parks
Vondelpark is Amsterdam’s answer to Central Park but with fewer squirrels and more opportunity to boogie with buskers. Join a yoga class, have a picnic, or simply sprawl on the grass while gawking at inline skaters who think they’re auditioning for Cirque du Soleil. For a more laid-back outdoor vibe, try the Amsterdamse Bos, which is three times larger and offers actual cows to moo at.
Browse Unique Boutiques
Despite being a city very much in touch with its past, Amsterdam is a shopper’s dream. Wander around The Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes) for a mix of vintage shops, independent boutiques, and high-end stores. Remember, window shopping is free, and gawking is always fashionable—just don’t lick the windows.
Wander Through the Wonderland of Street Markets
Amsterdam’s street markets are as varied as its funky architecture. At Albert Cuyp Market, feast on freshly made stroopwafels that will leave you swimming in syrupy happiness. Meanwhile, Waterlooplein Market provides a treasure trove of vintage finds, making hoarders internationally feel right at home.
Sip and Savor in Amsterdam’s Bars
Wear the crown of King Nightlife and conquer the vibrant bar scene. From indulgent cocktail dens to low-key beer palaces, bars in Amsterdam offer just the right mix of quirky and classic. Bottoms up, but perhaps refrain from shouting, “Proost!” while standing on a table.
Kick Back with Canal Walks
When in Amsterdam, do as the Amsterdammers do: walk alongside the beautiful canals. It’s easy on the feet and perfect for digestion post-pancake scarfing. Count as many bicycles as you like, or debate how many bikes are actually inside the canals instead. Remember to duck when passing beneath low bridges unless you want a free hat—of water.
Food Frolics at De Foodhallen
These days, food is more than sustenance; it’s a form of social currency. Head to De Foodhallen to enjoy everything from dim sum to gourmet hot dogs. Even the pickiest of eaters will find something to nibble on while arguing if keeping up with a diet is worth giving up this edible Eden.