Curator’s statement
Spending a week in Amsterdam gave me the chance to experience the city beyond the highlights. Between historic canal cruises, world-renowned museums, charming neighborhoods, and unforgettable meals, I quickly fell in love with the city’s relaxed yet vibrant energy. What makes Amsterdam so special is how seamlessly history, art, and modern culture coexist—all best explored by walking, biking, or drifting along the canals. It’s a destination that feels both iconic and surprisingly personal.
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Things to do in Amsterdam
Golden hour along Amsterdam’s canals—a perfect moment to pause and take in the city’s charm.
Rijksmuseum & Museumplein
One of the most iconic museums in the Netherlands, the Rijksmuseum houses masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer along with beautiful decorative arts, historic weapons, and model ships. The surrounding Museumplein area is also a lovely place to stroll between museums and soak in Amsterdam’s cultural heart.
Anne Frank House
Walking through the hiding place where Anne Frank and her family lived during World War II is an incredibly powerful and moving experience.
Note: Tickets are released about six weeks in advance and sell out quickly, so planning ahead is essential.
Historic canal cruise (day and night)
Experiencing Amsterdam from the water is a must, and if you can, try to do both a daytime and evening canal cruise. During the day, you’ll admire the historic canal houses and charming bridges, while at night the softly lit canals create a completely different, magical atmosphere.
Jordaan walking & food tour
The Jordaan district is one of Amsterdam’s most charming neighborhoods, filled with boutique shops, cafés, and local eateries. A guided walking and food tour is a fantastic way to learn about the city’s history while sampling Dutch favorites like poffertjes and fries with mayonnaise.
Countryside day trip to Dutch villages
Venturing outside the city offers a glimpse into traditional Dutch life, with charming villages, historic windmills, and scenic landscapes shaped by the sea. Stops like Edam and Marken showcase picturesque streets, local culture, and beautiful waterfront views.
Visit a historic windmill in the Dutch countryside
Exploring one of the Netherlands’ historic windmills offers insight into the country’s centuries-old relationship with water management and land reclamation. Many are located in scenic polder landscapes that are perfect for photography and learning about Dutch engineering history.
Durgerdam village & overnight stay at De Durgerdam
Just outside the city, the lakeside village of Durgerdam feels like stepping into a peaceful Dutch postcard.
Spending a night at the charming De Durgerdam hotel offers a true locals’ vibe, with cozy historic suites and waterfront views. After a stroll along the lake, enjoy lunch at Restaurant De Mark—a standout dining experience featuring fresh, seasonal cuisine and stunning IJmeer vistas.
House of Gassan Diamond experience & shopping
At House of Gassan, visitors can learn about Amsterdam’s centuries-long diamond trade while watching expert craftsmen cut and polish stones. Guests staying at the Pulitzer or Kimpton de Witt can even take a private hotel boat straight to the canal entrance for a seamless arrival. The experience also includes the chance to shop for beautifully crafted diamonds and jewelry, making it both educational and memorable.
de Bijenkorf: Dutch shopping & Champagne views
de Bijenkorf is Amsterdam’s iconic department store, perfect for discovering uniquely Dutch fashion, design, and lifestyle brands. A visit to the top floor offers champagne and snack views over the city, and private shopping experiences can make it feel like a truly personalized and local adventure.
Places to eat & drink in Amsterdam
Enjoying a historic 1910 Amstel canal boat ride with coffee and pastries—a quintessential Amsterdam experience.
Amstel Hotel: Dining & canal cruise breakfast
The Amstel Hotel offers refined dining experiences, including breakfast with stunning views of the Amstel River. Guests can also swap their hotel credit for a historic canal boat ride with coffee, pastries, or Champagne for a luxurious start to the day.
Kimpton de Witt: Super Lyan & social hour
Super Lyan is a must-visit cocktail bar with a lively, modern vibe and inventive drinks. The hotel also hosts a daily social hour from 4–5 p.m., welcoming locals with free beer and wine for a fun, communal atmosphere.
Pillows Maurits at the Park: Speakeasy & terrace dining
Pillows Maurits features a chic speakeasy bar and a gorgeous restaurant terrace overlooking the park. The hotel also has a spa and beautifully designed gym, making it a perfect blend of relaxation and style.
de Durgerdam & De Mark
In the charming lakeside village of Durgerdam, lunch at Restaurant De Mark is a standout experience, featuring fresh, seasonal cuisine with views over IJmeer lake. Spending a night at De Durgerdam hotel also offers a true locals’ vibe and historic charm.
Cantine de Caron
This modern, cozy restaurant in Amsterdam offers creative French-inspired cuisine in a vibrant, intimate setting. The menu is seasonal, highlighting fresh local ingredients and carefully crafted flavors.
Trattoria Graziella at Hotel De l’Europe
Set within the elegant Hotel De l’Europe, Trattoria Graziella serves classic Italian dishes in a refined setting. It’s the perfect stop for a leisurely dinner after a day of exploring the city.
Street food favorites: Pat’s Poffertjes, Fabel Friet & Bun Bun
For quick bites and authentic local flavors, try Pat’s Poffertjes for mini Dutch pancakes, Fabel Friet for fries served with the classic Dutch mayo, and Bun Bun for pistachio buns and other sweet treats. These stops are perfect for tasting the city’s beloved street foods while exploring on foot.
Pulitzer Hotel garden
The Pulitzer’s hidden garden is a serene oasis tucked among historic canal houses. It’s the perfect spot for a peaceful coffee, cocktail, or light bite while enjoying the lush, private surroundings of the hotel.
Need to know
Plan ahead for iconic sites: Tickets for the Anne Frank House sell out quickly, often up to six weeks in advance, so booking early is essential.
Experience the canals both day and night: If possible, do both a daytime and evening canal cruise—the city feels completely different under sunlight versus the glow of the bridges and canal houses at night.
Mix city and countryside: A day trip to charming villages like Durgerdam, Edam, and Marken adds perspective to traditional Dutch life and is an easy escape from the city bustle.
Street food is a must: Don’t miss local treats like poffertjes at Pat’s Poffertjes, fries with mayo at Fabel Friet, and pistachio buns at Bun Bun—perfect for exploring while walking.
Hotel perks and unique experiences: Many boutique hotels, like Amstel, Pulitzer, Kimpton de Witt, and De Durgerdam, offer unique perks such as private canal boat rides, garden escapes, and social hours that give an insider’s feel of the city.
Comfortable shoes for walking: Amsterdam is best explored on foot. Bring comfortable shoes and be ready for cobblestones in historic neighborhoods.
Hidden gems await: Explore the courtyards, gardens, and lesser-known streets of the city for quiet moments away from the main tourist hubs.
City center biking: Biking in the city center is not recommended for most travelers due to the busy cycling traffic, unless done very early in the morning. Head to the countryside to enjoy biking at leisure.
Travel Advisor
Alyssa Digangi
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Amsterdam page.