Explore the Rich History at the Rijksmuseum
Amsterdam’s not just about wooden shoes and windmills, folks! At the heart of this vibrant city lies the famed Rijksmuseum, where history buffs can cavort with veritable rock stars like Rembrandt and Vermeer. Whether you’re a local or a tourist with your map unfolded the wrong way, visiting the Rijksmuseum is like stepping into a Netflix binge-watch session of Dutch history—sans the ‘Are you still watching?’ prompts. Don’t forget to snap a selfie with “The Night Watch” and make your Instagram followers think you’re a cultured globetrotter.
Cycle Through the Vondelpark
No trip to Amsterdam is complete without embracing its cycling culture. If you’re feeling bold and perhaps slightly reckless, pedal through the lush expanse of Vondelpark. Locals savor this green haven to escape the omnipresent aroma of stroopwafels and the city buzz. Tourists, too, can join in—or at the very least, dodge the cycling masses with the finesse of a gazelle. Either way, mastering the art of cycling could be your ticket to joining Amsterdam’s unofficial Olympic sport.
Discover Quirky Bars in Amsterdam
Ah, the infamous bars in Amsterdam. If you’re keen on sampling peculiar beverages or wish to avoid recognizable human interactions, these watering holes are your best bet. Whether you’re tasting a Dutch classic like jenever or debating whether ‘bitterballen’ are edible, diving into Amsterdam’s drinking scene is as essential as the canals themselves. From speakeasies to bars adorned with more plants than a botanical garden, your choices are endless. Check out some of the best here.
Wander Along the Picturesque Canals
Who needs Venice when Amsterdam boasts over 100 kilometers of canals just begging you to saunter beside them? Perfect for romantic souls or really anyone who appreciates not getting lost in Amsterdam’s labyrinthine streets. Grab a coffee or, better yet, a local beer, and relish the charming bridges and gabled buildings reflecting in the water. These walks in Amsterdam are guaranteed to provide that quintessential serene European moment you’ve been craving.
Escape to the Bloemenmarkt
For locals who fancy playing tour guide, or tourists who wish to scout for some vivid bouquets, the Bloemenmarkt offers a delightful escape. Established in 1862, it’s the world’s only floating flower market, perchance to imagine flowers defying gravity. Get some tulip bulbs for your garden back home, or just pretend you know the difference between a daffodil and a narcissus.
Catch a Performance at The Royal Concertgebouw
Need a cultural antidote post the bar visit? Slip into something posh and make your way to The Royal Concertgebouw. This architectural beauty isn’t just eye candy; it boasts some of the best acoustics globally. Whether it’s classical music or something more experimental, you’ll leave feeling like an entirely more sophisticated version of yourself—one who appreciates fine experiences, and not just fine cheeses, thank you very much.
Explore Modern Art at the Stedelijk Museum
For those who get their kicks from art installations that look like what happens when IKEA and a paint factory collide, the Stedelijk Museum is your haven. Bridging classic and modern, the Stedelijk offers art aficionados—of both the legit and the social media variety—a chance to immerse themselves in a world so vibrant it could cause retinal overload. One selfie here is worth a thousand likes.
Feast at Foodhallen
This former tram depot transformed into an eclectic food market is a paradise for those who live to eat rather than eat to live (my type of people). Sample from over 30 stalls featuring everything from Spanish tapas to Vietnamese street food. Comparing your calorie intake with your daily steps on your fitness tracker is optional, but not recommended.