Travel Guide: Amsterdam

When we traveled to Paris in 2016 we took a weekend in Amsterdam and I wish we had booked at least an extra day or two because I fell in love with this little city. With its charming architecture and beautiful canals, it is truly the Venice of the West. Here is my Travel Guide to Amsterdam: where to stay, when to go, what to eat and see and I’m even sharing an interesting story or two along the way!

Why Go

Amsterdam is world-famous for its museums, canals, and cannabis. But it’s also a city of tolerance and diversity. The nightlife and restaurant scenes are second to none, however because of its very little road traffic, it is quiet. The romance and culture are palpable as you walk the cobblestone streets. Rent yourself a bike so you can see as much as possible during your stay!

When to Go

.We went in August and it was not nearly as busy as Paris, but still busy. I think seeing Amsterdam in late spring or early fall would be beautiful so I’ve added that to my bucket list!

Where to Stay

The AirBnB where we stayed in Amsterdam is actually one of my favorite places of all time. This gorgeous, huge flat with a view of the canal is so unique and beautifully decorated with its pink Marcel Wanders couch that was just perfect for pictures. I almost didn’t want to leave it to explore the city. 

Unfortunately, we’ve outgrown Anouc’s charming place so next time we’ll have to find something with another bedroom like this bright apartment in Amsterdam-West which is so pretty that I want to move in. Or maybe this minimalist mansion that is just walking distance away from Dam Square and the Anne Frank House. We could also stay in this light and airy penthouse which features a rooftop deck with an incredible view. Seriously, it’s like everyone in Amsterdam is an interior decorator.

What to See

Every great city has a great museum and Amsterdam has three: The Van Gogh Museum. The Stedelijk Museum, and Rijksmuseum Twenthe. Depending on your love and appreciation for art, you could spend an hour in each or several days exploring one. But my advice is to definitely check them all out.

I am not a beer drinker, but even I was excited about The Heineken Experience. Yes, you learn the history of the beer and how it’s made, but you also learn more about the city of Amsterdam and you finish your tour on their roof deck sampling their wares while enjoying the view. Not a bad way to spend an afternoon!

You must take a canal cruise and they have tons of options that can be pre-booked or you can just walk up to any vendor in the city and basically hop on. Most of them are either open top or glass top so you get to see the beautiful roofs of the city. Some tours even come with a drink. Cheers!

On a more somber note, you cannot go to Amsterdam without visiting the Anne Frank House. That being said, you must reserve your tickets months in advance. I tried to get them three months ahead and it was completely booked up. On a whim, I checked back about a month before our trip and we lucked out. Someone had either canceled or they had opened up more slots and we were able to book two of the last tickets for the only full day we were going to be in Amsterdam. Obviously, this was an emotional experience and everyone was very respectful as they made their way through the place where Anne Frank hid and wrote her famous diary during the last few years of her life, 761 days to be exact. When you see just how small the space is where they spent all of their time, it is eye-opening, to say the least. 

One thing we didn’t have the time for and wish we had was a tour of the windmills outside of the city. Next trip!

The Homomonument, located near the Anne Frank House, is the first of its kind and the largest monument in the world dedicated to homosexuality and remembrance. Though it was originally meant to commemorate the gay men and women who lost their lives in World War II, by the time it was designed and dedicated in the 1980s, it also came to include all LGBTI people who have been or are still being persecuted by government regimes.

Where to Eat

My favorite restaurant during our time in Amsterdam was Tomaz Traditional Dutch Kitchen. While we sat outside, there are books stacked on shelves all around the restaurant that you can borrow! I think that’s what made it my favorite. Next time we go back, I need to check out Foodhallen, an upscale food hall with something for everyone. I’d also love to try Café Restaurant Amsterdam for the chic minimalistic ambiance and extensive menu. 

Street delicatessens actually have herring sandwiches and Alex was brave enough to get one while I just took a nibble of his. It was better than I thought it would be, and definitely an experience, but I wouldn’t go searching it out.

Just like Paris, Amsterdam is known for its sweets and there are hundreds of bakeries throughout the city that sell delicious treats. ​​Of all of them though, Van Stapele Koekmakerij is definitely a must-visit. The shop only sells one type of cookie: dark chocolate and filled with delicious, gooey white chocolate. I regret not buying one of their beautiful tins because it is a keepsake in and of itself. 

While in Amsterdam you must try the Poffertjes, mini Dutch pancakes. We were lucky to have them at De Vier Pilaren which is now known as The Pancake Club and they were decadent and delicious!

What to Bring Home

Royal Delft, made in Delft which is less than an hour from Amsterdam, is the most beautiful fine blue porcelain. You can take a tour to Delft or you can pick up Royal Delft items in shops around Amsterdam. Just make sure it’s the official Royal Delft because there are many copycats. Royal Delft is definitely something to bring home to your closest family and friends and for your own collection as it’s been around since 1693.  

Amsterdam is also famous for its cheese and you can find it at several specialty shops like the Amsterdam Cheese Company, which, conveniently, had a location right down the street from our AirBnB, Old Amsterdam Cheese Shop, and Henri Willig. 

Tulip bulbs make great gifts and are sold in stores and flower markets around the city. Just make sure that the package says that it has been approved for entry to the country you’re bringing them back to or you may have issues with customs. 

Traditional Dutch wooden shoes or clogs (klompen), are an important part of Dutch heritage. While you won’t see them on feet in Amsterdam, they are still worn in rural parts of the country today. And you’ll definitely see them in every souvenir shop in the area. I brought home a few pairs of the traditional wooden clogs as well as a pair of soft clog slippers for my mom. I wish I’d bought a pair for myself now!

My Favorite Memories

Because of the canals, there are very few cars and but tons of bicycles on the road. I remember one night being extremely overtired. I was paying absolutely no attention to where I was going as I was crossing the road. At the same time, a group of about 50 cyclists came down the street, all of them swerving to miss me. It must have looked like something out of a cartoon or a sitcom because a few people came up to me afterward to ask if I was okay. I’m not sure if I should consider this a favorite memory, but it is certainly memorable.

I really appreciated our visit to the Anne Frank House. I always think it’s so important that we remember the sins of the past so we don’t repeat them. 

As for a more romantic memory, I loved floating down the water on our canal cruise. It was the first time during that trip that we got to really relax and soak it all in. 

Next up, we’re traveling to the Caribbean, St. Martin to be exact, so stay tuned for that!

*This trip was taken pre-COVID. Make sure that you check into your destination’s COVID protocols prior to booking and traveling.