A BLONDE VINTAGE

I’ll be honest, this is one of the most difficult travel guides I’ve written. Growing up with parents that emigrated from the Netherlands to the United States, the only travel we did in my childhood was to Holland to visit family. To look at Amsterdam (even the Netherlands as a whole) through a tourist lens, and not as a Dutch Citizen, is kinda hard! I cannot simply tell you to just walk through the Vondelpark towards my uncle’s house, and that dinner will be at 6:00 pm and to simply prepare for the best meal of your life…it’s just not that simple! In addition, my family is more than likely reading this and I’m SURE they will have many opinions (we are Dutch after all!) and other ideas. Talk about pressure. Now, without further adieu, here is the best travel guide to Amsterdam, Netherlands from a citizen’s perspective. Amsterdam for tourist Amsterdam for tourist

First off, Amsterdam is located in the Netherlands and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Europe (plus, it’s also downright charming!). The city is well-known for it’s rich history, museums, coffee shops, elaborate canal system, and stunning architecture. No matter what time of the year you visit, or even for how long, be prepared to have plenty to do, see and eat, and for Amsterdam to completely delight you. I promise, you’ll leave wanting to return.

Stay

No matter where you travel to in the Netherlands, the Dutch take hospitality and cleanliness very seriously. Of course, there are always a few bad eggs in the bunch, but overall you’ll be hard pressed to find a terrible hotel in the three-star quality and above. Below are a few that are at the top of my list, narrowed down for luxury comfort, amenities and location.

Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam – If you can afford it, stay here. The property is a unique 5-star luxury hotel created by combining six, 17th century canal palaces. From the time you walk in, you’re treated like royalty. From the comfort of the beds, to the breakfast in the morning, you will not want to leave this hotel! This is one of my favorite spots to stay in all of Amsterdam!

Amsterdam Marriott – I love the hospitality and location of this hotel. It’s located right next to the Vondelpark and is an easy walk to the Museumplein. The beds are comfortable, there is a very well-equip gym onsite and if you opt for breakfast in the morning, you’re in for a treat!

Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht – This modern hotel overlooking the city’s iconic canals is a short stroll from the quaint Nine Streets and bustling Museumplein. I adore the hotel’s common spaces and garden, which provides a peaceful retreat after a day of sightseeing.

The Hoxton, Amsterdam – The five canal houses that make up the property used to be home to the Mayor of Amsterdam and offers views of both the Herengracht and Singel canals. This buzzing, hip hotel is welcoming, comfortable, and you’ll love the “bag breakfast” delivered to your door every morning!

Do

Anne Frank Huis – You absolutely cannot go to Amsterdam and not visit the Anne Frank Huis. This incredible part of history is amazing to see and experience. Buy tickets online in advance to avoid waiting in long lines (otherwise you definitely will).

Canal Cruise – Seeing Amsterdam by canal offers a unique perspective you won’t have by foot, bike or car. Make sure to book either a private canal cruise, or take a cruise with a company that offers a smaller boat and offers a more intimate experience for your journey.

Museumplein – This is where you’ll find the Rijks Museum and the Van Gogh Museum. Don’t stress if you cannot find the infamous “iamsterdam” sign. It was removed at the end of 2018 because of too much tourism around the sign.

Heineken Experience – Contrary to what you might think, the Heineken Experience was actually super fun and my whole family enjoyed it.

Vondelpark – A public urban park of 47 hectares located inside Amsterdam, it’s easily one of Holland’s most famous. Opened in 1865 as Nieuwe Park, it was renamed Vondelpark to honor the 17th-century dramatist Joost van den Vondel. The park contains cafes and restaurants, features indoor and outdoor activities, and is utterly enjoyable any time of the year. I love to go for a morning run through the park, or enjoy a morning cup of coffee at one of the small cafes.

If you still have time and feel as though you’ve seen all the top sights Amsterdam has to offer, consider visiting Volendam. Volendam is not far from Amsterdam, accessible by boat and located on the edges of IJsselmeer lake. It’s an old fishing village is famous for its harbor full of old Dutch ships, authentic Dutch character and cute shops. You can even visit a strop waffle factory, wooden shoe factory and sample cheese as you stroll the harbor side streets.

Eat

It’s difficult to find a bad meal in Amsterdam! There are so many delicious street carts, cafes, restaurants…I swear, I hardly ever have enough room to eat all the yummy foods! Below are a few of my absolute favorites narrowed down for both deliciousness and experience.

Dik & Cunningham – We celebrated my birthday at this gorgeous little restaurant along the Kerkstraat which features creative, French-inspired cuisine, with tasting menus & European wines, in a chic modern space. It was simply amazing and I could not have asked for a better experience!

Frens Haringhandel – I made my husband try herring the first time we went to Holland together, and if he can stomach it, you can too. It’s absolutely delicious and very typical. Swing by this local fishmonger shop and order it sliced with pickles and onions. So. Good. You can thank me later.

Restaurant MOS Amsterdam – One of the best meals I’ve ever had, we dined at this sophisticated waterfront eatery spotlighting high-concept local cuisine and desserts paired with wine. It is a Michelin starred restaurant that cannot be beat. A must-go.

Vlaams Friteshuis Vleminckx – After a few days of sightseeing, your bound to see lots of locals walking about with cones of fries in their hands. In the afternoon one day make sure to swing by this little fry shop to have some of the best fries that have ever hit your lips. Order them with mayo, and stroll the canals while you snack.

Pannenkoekenhuis Upstairs – (Upstairs Pancake House) is a typical Dutch house built in 1539 and located in the centre of Amsterdam. It is the smallest restaurant in Europe with only 4 tables which you reach by climbing a very steep staircase. Here, you can enjoy a typical “Dutch Pancake” which is nothing like the American kind, and is truly delicious!

Blauw –  As all Dutch people know but many visitors don’t, Indonesian food is widely eaten in the Netherlands due to the two countries’ history. Make sure to not leave the city without trying a rijsttafel (literally: “rice table”) and check out this Indonesian restaurant in Amsterdam. It’s my favorite place to go every time we visit!

De Kas is one of the best and unique restaurants in Amsterdam. It’s also one of my absolute favorites as the restaurant is located in a set of greenhouses which date back to the 1920s and used to belong to the Amsterdam Municipal Nursery. The food is fresh, utilizing only local ingredients. Make sure to book well in advance for dinner!

Cafe-Restaurant Stork – I love this restaurant for the adventure of arriving there and how perfect it is during the summer months. Hop on the IJplein ferry (near Central Station) for lunch or dinner to arrive at the restaurant which is housed in a former Stork engines factory building on the north banks of the river IJ. Glorious.

Transportation

Amsterdam has impressive public transportation. Travelers will have access to bicycles, metros, buses, ferries and trains to explore the city and beyond. Note: The public transport chip card (OV-chipkaart) is used for travel on local buses, trams and metros. The best option for tourists is a disposable one-hour card or day card (valid for one to seven days). One-hour cards can be purchased from the train conductor, or drivers on the bus or tram. However, day cards can only be bought on the tram or purchased in advance. I highly recommend you purchase in advance.

Walking: Most places you’ll want to visit in Amsterdam are relatively close together, so make sure to wear your best walking shoes! This trip, I wore these knee high boots which were super comfy and stylish!

Bicycle: Most locals use bikes to get around and as a pedestrian, cyclists have the right of way so be well-prepared for lots of bike traffic! You can easily rent one for your time there, but make sure to learn the street signs as you must be a good, confident cyclist!

Public Transport: You’ll find that the quickest mode of transport is a combination of bus, metro and tram rides. Purchase a daily transportation pass, available for 1 to 7 days, which is valid for use on all three types of transport. This is definitely the way to go if you’re in the city for a few days!

The Etc.

Language: The official language is Dutch, but almost everyone speaks English, so don’t worry too much about there being a language barrier.

Currency: Euro

Credit Cards and Banks: Pretty much all restaurants and hotels will accept credit/debit cards. Make sure all cards you bring along have a chip – check out this card here as it’s my very favorite credit card for international travel!

Climate: You can visit Amsterdam year-round, but the winter months (November through March) can be a bit chilly. Make sure to pack layers and bring a very warm coat. The warmest and busiest (for tourism) months in Amsterdam are May through September. My personal favorite month to visit is April and if timed perfectly, you’ll see all the tulips in bloom!

Planning a trip to Europe? Make sure you read my Packing For Europe guide!

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