A Local’s Guide to Unlocking the Magic of Amsterdam

A canal cruise is a must. Those Dam Boat Guys are a local favorite—think laid-back, pirate vibes. Their tours are fun, and in a small group, there are never more than 10–12 people. They have a BYOB and BYO(snacks) policy. You will laugh, and you will learn a lot about the history and quirkiness of Amsterdam.

If you want a more catered-to vibe, Captain Dave’s tours are a great option. Still a small group and an unscripted tour.

If a little adrenaline is your thing, A'DAM Lookout is a must! It’s a sky-high observation deck offering sweeping 360-degree views of the city—also home to Over the Edge Swing: Europe’s highest swing, suspended about 100 meters above the ground—thrilling and unforgettable!

Aside from the main museums, such as the incredible Rijks, Van Gogh, and Moco, there are a few others that locals love. Straat is a new street art museum that showcases local and worldwide artists alike. You can wander at your own pace, or if you’re feeling creative, you can do a workshop and learn different techniques to create your own graffiti masterpiece.

Get out of the center and head to the local neighborhood of De Pijp and check out the Albert Cyupp Markt. You will find everything from artists selling their jewelry to clothing boutiques, local produce, and more! There are also amazing food trucks that line the pedestrian-only street that houses the market, so you have many options for lunch.

Get out of Amsterdam—there is more to the Netherlands than Amsterdam. A quick train ride away, and you will arrive in the fourth-largest city, Utrecht. With charming alleys to discover, great shopping, and amazing restaurants. It’s a wonderful day trip.

A food tour is a great way to see a city and get to know the local cuisine. The charming neighborhood of Jordaan is a great place for this, with tons of local favorites. Jordaan Food Walking Tour is one of the best!

If you love a good show and deep belly laughs, head to Boom Chicago for an improv show. Every show is in English, so no need to worry about language barriers. Seth Myers even started there in the 90s and comes back frequently to perform at the annual comedy festival held there.

Brunch

• Staring at Jacob: While there is sometimes a line, the wait is worth it. The chicken and waffles, and bloody mary's are amazing.

• Little Collins: In the De Pijp neighborhood, is a charming brunch spot loved by locals. The Shashuka and Holy Shishito are favorites!

Lunch

• The Garden at the Pulitzer Hotel: In a beautiful setting, you can enjoy amazing plates like the zucchini and burrata, fresh oysters, and the foccia is incredible.

• De Kas: A veggie-forward, laid-back, one-Michelin star restaurant set in a greenhouse where they grow everything they serve. Every dish is intentional and delicious.

• Kikkie: A local brown bar. Everything here is delicious, my favorite is the smash burger paired with a klein biertje (small beer).

Cocktails

• Pulitzer Bar: The mixologists here know what they are doing. The cocktails are creative and delicious—pair them with a Dutch snack such as bitterballen or kroket for a pre-dinner treat.

• Bar Odenhof has a cozy jazz vibe. It has a kind of old-school elegance, with cozy couches, a fireplace, and mixologists with knowledge to make you anything you can dream of. A perfect place for an after-dinner drink.

Dinner

• Pesca: If you love seafood, this is the spot! There are no menus—when you arrive you will pick your daily catch and veggies from their market, pick how you want it cooked, and they will prepare it for you in their open kitchen.

• The Madra Diaries: This cozy Indian restaurant serves up the best Butter Chicken, curries, and Samosas.

• Verlan: A French bistro-inspired restaurant, it has a cozy, romantic vibe. The steak tartar is out of this world, but everything here is amazing. I usually like to order the chef’s tasting menu with wine pairing.