A Cultural Trip Through Amsterdam

Advisor - Sarah Howard
Curated By

Sarah Howard

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  • Food & Wine

  • Arts & Culture

  • City Travel

  • Netherlands

  • Amsterdam

  • Local Culture

  • Sightseeing

  • Entertainment

A lake with boats and city buildings on the side.
Curator’s statement

Amsterdam is an ideal location for soaking in the culture and experiencing culinary delights. It’s so much more than the Red Light District or a smokers paradise. I recently spent a weekend here (more than ten years after an ill-fated college trip) and could not recommend it more! Take a trip to experience world class food, museums and architecture.

The Fora Difference

Book with Sarah to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.

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Killer perks

Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you

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Personalized recs

Customized travel planning for your style

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Insider knowledge

Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there

Where to stay

Hoxton Amsterdam

Expect pint-sized rooms and big style at this hip, budget-friendly stay on the Herengracht Canal.

Hotel Mercier

Contemporary hotel with a retro style centrally located in the heart of Amsterdam.

Hotel van de Vijsel

A unique, designer property in the heart of Amsterdam.

Advisor - Sarah Howard

Unlock perks by contacting Sarah to book your trip.

Day 1: A Lay of the Land

A canal flowing within the city with boats during day time.

A Canal Tour is the ideal way to get your bearings and learn about the history of the city. Many of the tours also serve wine, cheese and cocktails. (win win!)

Visit Nazka for a contemporary Peruvian tasting menu. This restaurant is located in the cool De Pijp neighborhood and serves a great variety of fish and meat based dishes. Be sure to try one of their delicious pisco sours.

Sip natural wine at GlouGlou, a natural wine bar just a short walk down the street from Nazka. Find something you like? Take a bottle home with you from their shop. If cocktails are more your thing, or you just want to keep the night going, be sure to visit the Flying Dutchman, an innovative cocktail bar and lounge that’s open until 4 am. Their spicy margaritas were top notch.

Day 2: Bike the Streets

An orange bicycle landmark decorated with yellow and orange flowers.

Sip a morning coffee and try one of the pastry at Pluk before walking (or bike!) down to Vondelpark. Just make sure to look both ways. Those bikes move fast. Following your morning jaunt, visit The Van Gogh Museum. Take in Van Gogh’s masterpieces while also learning about his life and influences.

Refuel with lunch at the Upstairs Pancakehouse. This tiny four table restaurant is located up a steep staircase in a 16th century house. Both the sweet and the savory pancakes are huge and worth every bite. Since it’s so small you MUST make a reservation in advance (and show up on time!)

Spend the afternoon wandering the city and taking in the shops. Shopping is Amsterdam is a must.

Enjoy a casual dinner at Café Parlotte, a lovely neighborhood spot for oysters, charcuterie and cheese. Or Domenica, an Italian restaurant serving creative dishes. End the evening with a drink and apple pie at Winkel 43, a lively cafe best known for its apple pie (in my opinion more like a delicious apple cake.)

Day 3: A Final Taste of the City

A brown and green building with people and I amsterdam letters in front of it.

Start the morning off with pastry and coffee at Bussia.

Then head over to the Anne Frank House. If you’ve read the book or are just curious, it’s well worth a visit to the Secret Annex.

After a thought-provoking morning, enjoy a delicious and seasonal lunch at Restaurant Klein BREDA where you can choose between a three, four or five-course tasting menu.

Need to Know

For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Valerie Mattox's guide, 3 Fantastic Days in Amsterdam.

Advisor - Sarah Howard

Travel Advisor

Sarah Howard

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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Amsterdam.