Amsterdam is a fantastic destination thanks to its charming canals, world-class museums, upscale stores and hotels, unique restaurants, lively theatres, and, of course, renowned coffeehouses. The galleries are breathtaking, the restaurants are delectable, and the Red Light District is, well, the Red Light District. So join ViewCation as we take a stroll on the canal to discover the best things to do in Amsterdam.
FLOAT DOWN THE CANALS
A leisurely stroll along the canals is, without question, one of the most pleasurable things to do in Amsterdam.
Horseshoe-shaped canals fan out from the city’s core in what is known as Grachtengordel. The Singel is the first of these waterways; it was once the city’s moat. The Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht are the three additional canals at the centre of the canal ring. These canals, which resemble spokes on a wheel, are cut in half by streets, bridges, and even smaller canals.
In terms of scenery, the western half of the canal ring is unrivalled. This is where you’ll find De 9 Straatjes, also known as The Nine Streets. There are numerous restaurants, cafes, and art galleries crammed into these nine little lanes. Spending the afternoon wandering from store to store is a really viable option. The area’s maze of canal cottages and cobblestone streets is interesting to wander through, even if shopping isn’t your thing.
Pay a visit to the Anne Frank House.
A museum and educational centre presently stand in the canal house built in the 17th century where Anne Frank and her family and four others hid from the Nazis for two years. You may see the little “hidden annexe” where Anne and her family lived and check out a permanent exhibit about her life. The house is both a terrible and dismal reminder of the atrocities of World War II. It’s also a poignant monument to humankind’s persistent hope, making it one of the most famous and significant historical places in the world. In preparation for your trip to Amsterdam, I highly advise reading A Diary of Anne Frank. It helps put into context a lot of what you’ll see at the Anne Frank House. The secret chambers and the movable bookshelf that concealed the entrance to these rooms can be seen during a tour of the Anne Frank House.
Explore Amsterdam’s street food culture at Foodhallen
This hipster-approved eatery is the perfect place to sample the city’s burgeoning street food culture. More than 30 food stalls and pubs can now be found in what was once a tram depot in Oud-West. You will, without a doubt, find something delicious and tempting to eat here. Pick your favourite from a wide variety of energizing foods, including dim sum, excellent tacos, exquisite doughnuts, smoky barbeque, and more. Reserve a bench outside if the sun is shining. At Foodhallen, you may also find a wide variety of other treats. While Foodhallen is a food haven, there is also an emphasis on unique shops, so come prepared to shop for home decor that would wow an Amsterdam Instagrammer.
HAVE A BLAST IN VONDELPARK
The Vondelpark is the largest park in Amsterdam, providing a green haven in the heart of the city. On its 47 hectares, you’ll find gardens, ponds, lakes, and lawns, as well as a network of trails perfect for jogging or cycling. Visitors swarm here during the summer to enjoy the various waterside terraces and free performances at the Open Air Theatre. Located on Museumplein, it is an excellent spot to go for a stroll if you feel like you’ve had enough of museums after visiting the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. No Rules Vondelpark, an exquisite eatery within the park, is open all year and is located in a beautiful stone building that has been designated as a historical landmark. This eatery provides diners with breathtaking views of the surrounding park.
RIDE YOUR WAY AROUND AMSTERDAM
All the major attractions of Amsterdam are conveniently located within a short distance of the city centre, making exploration on foot a breeze. But it’s a lot of fun to ride a bike around town and see what the city has to offer.
More bicycles than persons can be found in Amsterdam. Parking facilities across the city, especially those close to Central Station, are packed with more bicycles than automobiles. City streets have been outfitted with special bike lanes and lighting so that bikers can feel safe riding at night. The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam is the only museum in the world that allows bikes inside the galleries.
It is possible to rent bicycles from some hotels. The city is also home to numerous places to hire bikes. The best way to see the area is on two wheels, so hop on a bike and ride until you can’t ride anymore.
Relax at a quaint brown café
Amsterdam’s brown cafés (or brown bars) have been serving locals as neighbourhood watering spots for generations. Try some jenever (Dutch gin) or regional liqueurs while taking in the old-world charm of these bars. Squeeze into one of the few tables at the tiny Proeflokaal de Ooievaar, which has been there since 1782 and is located in the Red Light District, and pick from a wide variety of liqueurs and jenevers or one of the six beers on tap. The tiny Cafe de Dokter, opened in 1798 and located just a short distance from Dam Square, packs a lot of character into its 18 square meters, thanks to its eclectic collection of antique chandeliers, clocks, and birdcages. In addition to the standard alcoholic beverages, there is a fine collection of whiskies available and a smooth jazz backdrop to set the mood.
Explore Amsterdam’s most diverse marketplace
The Oost neighbourhood, where the Dappermarkt is located, has become one of the city’s most dynamic and ethnically varied areas since it opened in 1910. There are more than 200 vendors here selling anything from flowers and fresh seafood to fruit and vegetables to exotic spices and brightly coloured textiles from Turkey, Suriname, Morocco, and the Middle East, representing the region’s diverse population. From stroopwafels to Gouda cheese, the Netherlands has a lot to offer. The short trek eastward is well worth it because of the significantly lower prices here than at other marketplaces. Except for Sundays, the Dappermarkt is open every day.
Attend a performance at the Paradiso.
Since its 1968 opening in a renovated 19th-century cathedral, Paradiso has hosted performances by such musical luminaries as David Bowie, Prince, The Sex Pistols, and Lady Gaga. The main theatre area is a converted church with huge stained-glass windows and two levels of balconies that recall the building’s religious history. With only 1,500 people able to fit in the main auditorium, performances here have a cosy, personal feel. Upstairs in a smaller, 250-person auditorium, you can catch eclectic programming and up-and-coming acts, while downstairs at the cafe, you can catch regular live music.
Explore Albert Cuyp Markt
The Dutch have a long tradition of trade, so they know the importance of a good deal. In the heart of De Pijp, you’ll find Albert Cuyp Markt, where residents can be seen at their most chatty and gregarious.
The market stretches the length of the street and features a dizzying array of food, clothing, trinkets, and souvenirs. It’s hard to find better options for fresh seafood, poultry, pork, and produce. Also, it’s a terrific spot to stroll aimlessly, take in some local colour, and meet some real-life Amsterdammers.
Do some high-end boutique shopping at De Pijp.
Fashionable locals are flocking to the boutique-lined Gerard Doustraat in trendy De Pijp as the nearby Nine Streets shopping district grows increasingly commercialized. Only a few larger chains, such as Scotch & Soda and Love Stories, can be found here; the rest are small boutiques carrying up-and-coming designers from the Netherlands and beyond. Ethical clothing and accessories, such as the vegan streetwear by Embassy of Bricks and Logs may be found at Verse. Anna + Nina is a concept store that sells a variety of the owners’ own designs, from colourful knitwear and home products to reasonably priced jewellery. However, if you are in the mood for a more extravagant purchase, head to Goosecraft, which specializes in edgy leather and suede outerwear for men and women
Enjoy a film at a classic movie theatre
When it first opened in 1921, the Koninklijk Theater Tuschinski was housed in a colossal edifice that fused Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles. It had two towers and a stone façade with ornate carvings and stained-glass windows. Despite being divided into six theatres and now being owned by Pathé, the ancient movie palace has retained much of its original splendour. In particular, the Great Hall (Grote Zaal) will impress with its baroque splendour, with high ceilings, antique murals, and balconies with luxurious red-velvet seats that appear as if they belong in a royal opera house. The recently added, ultra-modern Bar Abraham (named for the theatre’s founder, Abraham Tuschinski) offers cinema-inspired beverages and light fare before and after the show. There are no dubs or subtitles, so come prepared to watch a film in its original language with Dutch subtitles.
Pay a visit to the Artis Zoo.
The Amsterdam Zoo, one of the oldest in Europe, makes the most of its canal-side location in Oost, despite its modest size. As well as the usual assortment of wild creatures (big cats, elephants, giraffes, apes), there is also an excellent aquarium, a planetarium, and Micropia, the only microbe museum in the world. In the summer, the zoo stays open late on Saturdays for music, special tours, and one-time performances; you can even pre-order a picnic or BBQ to enjoy together as a family.
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