A Long Weekend in Amsterdam for Foodies

Cheese Museum

What is better than free cheese? I loved everything about this museum, from its décor of the ceiling to the floor, wheels of cheese, to the variety of options of cheese to try. I had some “normal” cheeses (think gouda, cheddar, bleu) and some more interesting flavors, such as "strawberries and champagne" cheese.

There is a museum in the basement that discusses how cheese is made and its importance in Dutch history. The Dutch people have been making cheese for thousands of years, and are referred to as “Kaaskoppen” or, in English—Cheese Heads!

Bike rentals

Biking is part of the culture in Amsterdam—it is easier to navigate this city on a bike than on foot!

I rented from Bike City in Jordaan. Bike rentals are around 18 euros per day, and they include a bike lock. I rented a 3-speed city bike. You can choose between a back-pedal brake bike or a handbrake (I went with the handbrake since it is what I am used to.) They also rent e-bikes, family bikes, and touring-style 7-speed bikes.

Canal cruise

A canal cruise is the best way to see Amsterdam by water. There are many canal cruise operators, and there is something for everyone.

"Flagship" canal cruises offers a wine and cheese pairing with their tour while they sail you through the historic canals in their beautiful open-top boat and tell you about the history of Amsterdam, the canals, and other historical sites in the Netherlands.

There are many themed cruises with other operators that include: pizza, cannabis, jazz, wine, and pancake themes!

Vondelpark

Grab that bike you just rented and explore the beautiful Vondelpark! You should include a stop at the Tee House, an adorable spot for snacks and a drink. I personally had the bitterballen and a glass of mint and ginger tea. The tea had fresh herbs and ginger, and it was really refreshing.

After your snack, I suggest riding on the well-maintained paths and discovering the park this way. My personal favorite area was the rose garden, where you can see over 180 types of roses from around the world!

NDSM

This neighborhood is also known as the Netherlands’ Dock and Shipbuilding area, is very hipster, and has some great attractions off the beaten path of the main Amsterdam city center.

You can take the free ferry behind Amsterdam Central Station to NDSM (you can bring your bike, too!) and take the ten-minute boat ride across.

Here you will find artistic attractions such as STRAAT: a street art museum gallery that has unbelievably imaginative paintings from artists around the world. The museum also provides you with the history of graffiti and street art, and shows how it differs from culture to culture.

If you’re hungry (we know you are!) then walk or ride your bike about two blocks over to Pllek—a restaurant and event space in an old shipping container. You can have drinks, breakfast, lunch, or dinner here. Pllek has indoor spaces to eat, but they also have an outdoor area with lawn chairs to relax by the water. Pllek hosts events like yoga and live music, and is a fun place to spend the day.

La Perla

Sometimes you just want pizza. There is a reason everyone in Amsterdam wants THIS PIZZA! La Perla is a Neopolitan-style pizzeria in Jordaan, and I highly suggest you make a reservation, especially if you plan to visit on a weekend. They have an extensive wine and cocktail list, but I enjoyed a Pilsner and a Carciofo pizza (artichokes, olives, garlic, and buffalo mozzarella). The crust was perfectly thin and cooked to perfection. If I closed my eyes and took a bite, I would have thought I was in Naples.

Stoopwafel

You can’t visit the Netherlands and not have a stroopwafel. There are many places to grab one of these yummy thin cookie sandwiches with caramel filling. I found one in Dam Square, and they made it fresh in front of me! Stroopwafels are tasty no matter how they come, but a freshly-made one is extra special.

Saint-Jean Bakery

I didn’t even realize this was a plant-based café until I arrived to stand in the line that was wrapped around the block at the Jordaan bakery. The baked goods and coffee were beautiful and delicious. The matcha with oat milk was made with care, and I enjoyed a cardamom apple bun that was out of this world. You would never know you were at a vegan bakery unless someone told you.

There were many other items to choose from, such as croissants, danishes, and breads. They also have a deli across the street if you are looking for lunch options that look just as inviting as the bakery!

NJOY

NJOY Cocktail bar is in Dam Square, which is the more touristy area of Amsterdam. Normally, I would avoid this area of a city, but I am glad I stumbled into this cozy, dark, intimate cocktail lounge.

I enjoyed the spicy yet delicious ‘Golden Temptation’ cocktail (which came with a bubble of smoke on top that I was able to pop—so fun!) while sitting on a plush velvet sofa. Their menu has a wide range of other delicious and creative cocktails and mocktails. This is a great stop for happy hour or to start your evening.

Café Duende

If you want to shake it up and order Spanish Tapas, I suggest this café in Jordaan. I find that when I am out and about sightseeing, I prefer little bites as opposed to a full sit-down meal. Café Duende is the perfect spot for this!

The pan tomato was so fresh with lots of garlic and diced tomatoes, the bacon-wrapped dates were plump and full of flavor, and the meatballs were served in a stew-like tomato sauce that was great to wipe up with extra bread.

Café Smalle

I rode by bike by Café Smalle multiple times on my way back to my hotel multiple times, and I noted that I needed to stop in there because it was always packed! It is very small, but they have a ton of outdoor seating on the canal. I had a glass of Pinot Grigio and once again, I ordered the bitterballen.

Café Smalle is a great place to enjoy a snack and/or drink by the canal on a sunny day!

Moeders

Moeder means “Mother” in Dutch, and this restaurant is a little slice of Grandma’s house. If you are looking for authentic Dutch food made by a grandma (umm, yes please!) that this is your spot!

I love the theme of this restaurant. It is lined with antiques, photos of mothers and grandmothers that have been brought in by customers. All of the cutlery and place settings are donated by customers as well.

I split the “rice dish” with a friend, and we have never been fuller! It is a combination of stew, cabbage, potatoes, applesauce, sausage, and gravy. It is suggested to order this dish if you are looking for a true experience with Dutch food.

De Kas

De Kas is a Michelin-Star (and Green Star) restaurant in Frankendael Park that is set in a beautiful greenhouse. I can’t say enough about this restaurant. It is a dining experience I think everyone should enjoy.

De Kas grows over 300 different herbs and vegetables (some are grown right in the greenhouse you are eating in!), and they are picked fresh every morning for the lunch and dinner menus. This is some of the freshest, most creative food I have ever enjoyed. The celery butter is so full of flavor, it's hard to believe it came from celery (and this is just a starter served with bread). The menu changes often, so you will have to allow some element of surprise when you arrive, but I promise you won’t be disappointed!

There are two options for dinner: a five or six-course tasting menu (allowing for one or two desserts), an extensive wine and cocktail menu, and impeccable service in a beautiful, lush setting.

Windmill brewery

Okay, that is not the real name of this spot. It is called Brouwerij’t IJ, but everyone will know what you mean when you say “windmill brewery”. It is in—you guessed it—a Dutch windmill!

They have many different selections of beer, and they serve Dutch snacks like bitterballen. I had the brewery’s version of a Pilsner, and it was delicious. It is the perfect place to sit outside on a sunny day and relax by the water inside a piece of history.