Ahh, Amsterdam. Famed for the Dutch façades that dominant the canals, the exuberant nightlife in the Red Light District and the tolerance of recreational activities that are normally forbidden. I’ve been to the city too many times to count, some for a quick evening concert and others for a full-on 5 day binge. Regardless, there are a few things that everyone should see and do when on a visit to A’Dam.
Here are 13 Things You Can’t Miss in Amsterdam:
#1: The Canals
Arguably, the most iconic element of Amsterdam is the picture-perfect channels strewn throughout central Amsterdam. Most locals who live on the canals own boats instead of cars to easily navigate around the center of the city. A stroll down the canals is a must on a trip to Amsterdam.
#2: The Coffeeshops
The coffeeshops in Amsterdam are famous for more than just a good cup of cappuccino. Amsterdam is one of the only places in the world you can relax on comfy sofas, sipping a latte all while recreationally smoking a joint. If you’re looking for the perfect place to enjoy a coffee and a smoke, stop in at my favorite cafe, Coffeeshop 1eHulp, for one of the most chill atmospheres in Amsterdam with the friendliest staff.
#3: The Cats
While I’m really more of a dog person, you can’t help but fall in love with cats after visiting Amsterdam. The Dutch absolutely love their felines and that can be seen throughout the whole city of Amsterdam. With cat boats on the canals, cat-themed restaurants and hotels and cafe kitties like this one here.
#4: The Sweets
I’d bet a lot of money that Amsterdam has the most bakeries and sweet shops per square mile than any other city in the world. Maybe it has something to do with tourists wandering around with the munchies. Whether you’re sober or not, be sure to snag some fresh macaroons, mint chocolate chip ice cream, white chocolate doughnuts, chocolate covered strawberries or, my favorite, the Dutch stroopwafel.
#5: The Ice Bar
While there are over 30 ice bars spread all throughout the world, Amsterdam’s IceBar Xtracold is one of the top things to do in the city. For around 20 Euro you can enjoy a drink at the bar before the tour then bundle up with complimentary coats and gloves. Head into the -10° Celsius ice bar, complete with ice sculptures, fur rugs and a frozen bar.
If you plan on going to the IceBar, I recommend buying tickets online ahead of time to ensure a spot on the tour. If you visit in the winter, the inside of the bar won’t be too bad but if you come in the summer, bring an extra pair of pants to stay warm (I didn’t last but 5 minutes in my shorts and sandals!)
#6: The Heineken Experience
One of the top can’t-miss things to do in Amsterdam is the Heineken Experience. I love this place so much that I’ve actually been there three times, with every instance better than the last. While this isn’t actually where the Heineken beer is brewed, the interactive factory tour is a one of a kind experience. You’ll to learn about the history behind the brew, how it’s made and how to pour a Heineken correctly, all while sipping on the best Dutch beer. Head up to the rooftop deck afterwards for some amazing views of surrounding Amsterdam.
#7: The Rijksmuseum
A museum of Dutch arts and history, the Rijksmuseum is one of the most stunning buildings in Amsterdam. If you choose not to tour the inside of the museum, walk around the perimeter of the building to grasp the beauty of this amazing Dutch architecture. Follow the bike path under the building to find yourself at another can’t-miss in Amsterdam…
#8: The “I Amsterdam” Letters
Possibly one of the more popular tourist spots in Amsterdam, the “I Amsterdam” sign has been dominating the back of the Rijkmuseum since 2004. It’s quickly become the slogan for all who reign from Amsterdam and is one of the most-photographed areas in the city.
#9: The Ajax Stadium
Formerly the Amsterdam Arena, the Ajax Stadium is home to the Netherlands National Soccer (Futbol) Team and sits on the outskirts of the city in the business district. The massive stadium has an exterior presenting models of colorful Amsterdam-style homes and is conveniently located next to AFAS Live (formerly Heineken Music Hall) where I’ve had the privilege of watching Dave Matthews strum his guitar and Hardwell DJ’ing until 5 in the morning. Multiple hotels, a multi-level mall, various restaurants and shops line the area around the stadium.
#10: The Anne Frank House
Even if you’re not a huge history buff, the Anne Frank House is a can’t miss in Amsterdam. If you’re unfamiliar with the story, during WWII, Germany invaded Holland, forcing Anne Frank and her family to hide in the upstairs attic of a home. While in hiding, Anne kept a diary with hopes of publishing it after the war was over. Eventually, her and her family were found and the only to survive was her father who returned to Amsterdam and recovered her diary to publish.
Because it’s one of the most famous places to visit in the city, the entrance to the Anne Frank House has a constant queue outside. I recommend buying tickets online beforehand to ensure a visit to this historic place.
#11: The Wooden Shoes
Iconic to Dutch culture, wooden shoes can be seen throughout the city in shops and souvenir stores but the real clogs can be found at the center of Amsterdam. No one does clogs like Bruno, the owner of Knuffels and the Kompenboer (Clog Farmer) over at the Wooden Shoe Factory. If you’d like to watch the process of the production, visit Alida Hoeve on the outskirts of the fishing village of Volendam, just north of Amsterdam.
#12: The Cheese
Cheeeese. The one food I can never seem to tire of. The Netherlands is a cheese-lover’s dream (aside from all of the sweets!) Walking around the city, multiple cheese shops entice you with their creamy-aged Bettine Grand Cru goat cheese and perfectly-round wax-coated gouda wheels. Fun fact: Gouda actually accounts for more than half of all Dutch cheese production.
The wooden shoe tour at Alida Hoeve in Volendam mentioned above is also a cheese farm where visitors can see exactly how those gouda wheels are made.
#13: The Magna Plaza & Dam Square
When you see this massive building you know you’ve made it to the Dam Square, a large pedestrian-friendly hangout spot on the edge of the Red Light District. This can’t-miss spot is where I frequent when I visit Amsterdam. Relax at a cafe in the Dam Square and then shop the Magna Plaza where multiple shops that are popular in the U.S. exist. The European styles presented in every window is a shopper’s dream. I go absolutely mad here at the tri-level H&M where prices seem to be much cheaper than what I pay in the States.
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Having only spent one day in Amsterdam, I definitely want to make it back again. I loved walking around the city – the canals, the coffee shops, the bicycles – it’s a great memory. But, now I have more reasons to return – thank you! I’m posting to Pinterest, G+ and Flipboard for more to see your great ideas.
Thank you SO much! I’m so happy you enjoyed the post, definitely return to A’Dam if you ever get the chance! It’s my favorite city in Europe, well right behind Paris! Thanks for sharing it for me so others can see it. Appreciate that so much!
great blog, we absolutely love Amsterdam !
Thank you! I love A’Dam!