Explore the Quirky Canals
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re living in a postcard, the Amsterdam canals are your golden ticket. With more than 100 kilometers of waterways, Amsterdam boasts a canal system that makes Venice green with envy. For the best experience, grab a spot on one of the canal cruises that float between quirky houseboats and centuries-old architecture. Whether you’re a local who knows these waters better than Nemo or a tourist aiming for Instagram perfection, there’s always something new to discover along these fascinating canals.
Savour the Culinary Delights
No trip to Amsterdam would be complete without indulging in its culinary curiosities. Whether you’re craving a syrupy stroopwafel or the classic sharpness of an aged Gouda, your taste buds are in for a rollercoaster ride. Locals know that one of the best places to raid is the Markt Centraal, where you can feast on everything from artisanal cheeses to spicy sambal. And if you dare, sample the herring. Yes, it’s raw. Yes, it’s delicious—or at least that’s what you can tell yourself!
Discover Enchanting Museums
Museums in Amsterdam are like bagels in New York: they’re everywhere and everyone promises theirs is the best. Art lovers can’t miss the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum; even if you don’t know your van Goghs from your Picassos, the former’s Night Watch and the latter’s Sunflowers will still leave you awe-struck. For a more unusual journey, try the Electric Ladyland, the world’s only museum dedicated to fluorescent art. It doesn’t just glow in the dark; it makes you glow with delight too.
Wander Around Vondelpark
On a sunny day in Amsterdam—which is as rare as a unicorn sighting unfortunately—the Vondelpark is where locals go to picnic, jog, relax, or simply frolic freely like characters in an indie film. This expansive green space invites everyone, whether you’re a tourist with tired feet or a local merely looking to escape the hustle of city life. With abundant pathways, it happens to be one of the best [walks in Amsterdam] too—just be wary of cyclists, skateboarders, and perhaps the odd mime.
Visit the Anne Frank House
A visit to the Anne Frank House is a humbling yet essential experience for both locals and visitors. The modest façade belies the profound impact of the stories contained within. Book tickets in advance because, just like your ex after reading your social media DMs, space is limited. Expect neither filters nor Instagram-friendly backdrops but rather an education that can change your entire worldview.
Seek Out Hip Haunts and Bars
In Amsterdam, the nightlife is as vibrant as a Vincent van Gogh palette. Whether you wish to sip a cocktail while lounging on a vintage chesterfield or dance the night away in an old converted warehouse, there are endless [bars in Amsterdam] that offer something for everyone. Don’t miss out on the local specialty, jenever—a centuries-old spirit that pre-dates gin, as well as its congenial cousin the craft beer.
Bike Like a Local
Please, don’t be that tourist who walks aimlessly into a bike lane. Renting a bike acts as not only your mode of transport but your gateway to truly feeling like a local, albeit with a map permanently attached to your face. Feel the breeze tousle your hair as you race alongside trams, dodge pedestrians, and witness the city’s hidden gems. The best rides are those where you inevitably get lost and discover a quiet corner, a cool café, or maybe even an impressionist street artist.
Conclusion
Whether you’re visiting Amsterdam for the first time or have been a local for your whole life, this compact city has no shortage of things to do, places to eat, and sights to see. So go ahead, embrace the chaos, take in the views, and enjoy the ride—even when it doesn’t go according to plan. After all, if your bicycle ride doesn’t include a wrong turn, did you even Amsterdam?