Skip the cheesy canal tours and the coffee shops, the waffle houses and the tourist-heavy museum district and, instead,
discover the path less trodden on your next trip to Amsterdam. This is the ultimate guide to the Dutch capital (for people who’ve already been here).
It’s impossible to set foot in Amsterdam and not be immediately enchanted by it. Europe’s best-preserved 17th-century city is home to 165 gorgeous, tree-lined canals, more than 1,200 picturesque bridges, some stunning medieval architecture, and approximately 2,500 charming houseboats. And between the van Gogh Museum, Red Light District, Floating Flower Market, and Anne Frank House, the city has more than its fair share of tourist attractions to keep first-time visitors happy for at least a weekend.
But let’s face it, chances are, at this stage, you’ve visited the eighth most popular travel destinations in Europe at least once before and you have seen Amsterdam city attractions. So what do you do, once you’ve exhausted the checklist in your guidebook?
For anyone looking to head off the beaten track, it turns out Amsterdam is home to several über-trendy, up-and-coming new neighbourhoods, a blossoming culinary scene – not least thanks to the abundance of unusual ingredients and flavours brought to the country by its former colonies –, a fantastic local design movement, and, of course, more bikes per capita than almost any other city in the world (at last count the city’s population amounted to 850,000 humans and 900,000 bikes).
Here are our top tips for what to do in Amsterdam, when you’ve done the usual Amsterdam city attractions:
1. Hang with the hipsters in de Pijp
Amsterdam’s hippest district can be found just south of the city centre, in the Oud Zuid to the west of the River Amstel. Frequently referred to as the Brooklyn of Amsterdam, beards and stylish eyewear reign supreme in de Pijp, which features more cool bars and restaurants than in any other part of the Dutch capital. Stroll through Albert Cuypmarkt, a bustling open-air market that is open every day of the week and sells everything from local fare, to souvenirs and general bric-à-brac, before exploring the small streets around Sarphatipark, packed with design shops and bars.
If you’re feeling peckish, grab a cinnamon roll at Scandinavian Embassy but make sure you save room for dinner at Bardak. Since opening earlier this year, this lively Israeli street food joint has become an instant hit with Amsterdam’s trendy young things, and it’s easy to see why, with its menu of simple, tasty crowd pleasers including charcoal grilled rib-eye skewers, mushroom shawarma and falafel with tahini, and an atmosphere that’s bursting with good energy. We love it and so do the locals.
2. Rent a bike
Amsterdam is among the most-pedalled cities in Europe, second only to Copenhagen. Given that it is home to more bikes than people, there really is only one respectable way to get around it. Avoid the crowded bike tours and, instead, rent your own two-wheeled ride from MacBike. MacBike has five locations in the city with 12 different types of bikes available to rent by the hour or day. The easy-to-use three-gear handbrake bike is ideal for spinning around the city, or, for something a little different, why not try an electric bike or a tandem bike.
3. Get down with the locals at Amsterdam Foodhallen
On weekend afternoons, Amsterdammers in the know gather in Foodhallen, a former tram depot that has been converted into a spectacular indoor food market. Reminiscent of London’s Borough Market or Mercado San Miguel in Madrid, Foodhallen is a must for foodies, with more than 20 stalls, all serving different culinary delights ranging from the sensational Bitterballen (Dutch-style “croquettes”, typically filled with meat and cheese, and served with mustard), at de Ballen Bar, to Vietnamese Banh Mi sandwiches at Viêt View, or crispy soft-shell crab bun with wakame and creamy wasabi at le Big Fish. Even if you’re not hungry. Foodhallen in Amsterdam is a great place to while away the hours and get chatting to the friendly locals over a couple of pints of craft beer. If you get bored, the latest film releases can be found at the nine-screen Filmhallen cinema, all within the same building.
4. Treat yourself to a Michelin star
If you want to catch a glimpse of the beautiful people of Amsterdam, look no further than THE DUCHESS. After opening in 2015 in the city’s historic KAS Bank building, which it shares with the superb W Amsterdam hotel, the restaurant has gone from strength to strength. Earlier this year, it was awarded its first Michelin star. With its jaw-dropping Belle Époque design, and tantalizing Nouveau-Niçoise menu, featuring exquisite takes on fan favourites such as Dover Sole Meunière, Beef Wellington and steak tartare, it comes as no surprise that THE DUCHESS is at the top of so many best restaurants in Amsterdam lists.
5. Gorge yourself on Indonesian rijstafel
We love bitterballen, stroopwafels and haring as much as the next canal-dwelling bike lover, but let’s face it, the Netherlands has never been famous for its culinary finesse. Instead, some of the most memorable food you’ll ever eat in Amsterdam is likely to originate with Holland’s vibrant immigrant communities and former colonies. And among all these, the one that really stands out is Indonesian rijstafel.
We suggest you pay a visit to one of Amsterdam’s excellent Indonesian restaurants and order rijstafel – a word that literally translates as “rice table” and refers to an elaborate tasting menu containing an array of small, colourful shareable dishes that range from mild to mega-spicy. We love Blue Pepper, an unassuming little eatery that wows patrons with its innovative take on this mind-blowing Indonesian feast. Like your food spicy? Make sure you order the extra-hot sambal paste on the side. It will (literally) blow your mind.
6. Step back in time with the Van Loons
History enthusiasts will delight in Museum van Loon, an immaculately preserved 17th-century canal house that once belonged to one of the founders of the Dutch East India Company. Built in 1672, the house was home to the wealthy trader family Van Loons from 1884 to 1945. The building, which has been renovated with the wood panelling and stucco that was typical of the era. Museum van Loon is also packed with unique pieces made of silver and porcelain, as well as artwork, sculptures and paintings from the mid 19th century Romanticism era.
7. Book a high-end boat tour
Amsterdam is exceedingly popular with Northern European stag and hen parties, and there are few things these fun-loving groups enjoy more than living it loud on one of the city’s raucous canal boat tours. Fortunately for you, there’s another way to experience the best Amsterdam has to offer, without having to contend with the crowds. Rederij De Jordaan offers a more sophisticated alternative, with its two luxurious vintage saloon boats that can be booked for exclusive, bespoke cruises along the city’s magnificent canals. The experience is available for one to 12 people and can be customised entirely in accordance with your wishes.
8. Get crafty
There’s a lot more to Dutch beer than Amstel and Heineken. While these two global brands may be the best known Amsterdam draughts, the city is also home to a growing number of exciting craft breweries. Brouwerij’t IJ organic brewery, located in a former bathhouse next to the De Gooyer windmill on the east side of Amsterdam, produces highly rated pils and an amber, as well as the double Natte and triple Zatte. Check out the website for details of tours and tastings. Other hoppy treasure troves include Brouwerij De Prael, with its popular “Johnny” pils named after the local crooner Johnny Jordaan, and Oedipus Brewing, a young, local brewery known for its avant-garde flavoured beers including Thai Thai, with lemongrass, coriander, galangal, orange peel and chili, and Mama, a hoppy pale ale with delicate aromas of citrus and lychee. Or why not just try them all at In de Wildeman, a former distillery that is now a bar and beer-tasting room, serving more than 200 different bottled beers draughts from around the world.
9. Get some Dutch Courage
Take a stroll down a tiny alleyway called Pijlsteeg, and you cannot help but stumble up on the historic liqueur distillery known as Wynand Fockink. This is said to be the original home of Genever, a traditional Dutch liqueur made from juniper berries. Historically, it is believed to have been the reason for the expression Dutch Courage, as it was used by English soldiers for its calming effects before battle, during the Anglo-Dutch Wars (1652–1674).
Genever is also known as Dutch Gin, although it bears little resemblance to its distant cousin from London, apart from also being made from juniper. In fact, some say a malty, full-bodied Genever actually has more in common with un-aged Scotch. We say, it’s probably best to taste it and see for yourself. Ginever can be ordered at Wynand Fockink, in most bars in Amsterdam, or, you can sign up for the full Cocktail & Genever Experience at House of Bols.
10. Bag a piece of local design
Home to more than 400 museums, there is enough Amsterdam museums to keep even the most die-hard culture buffs entertained. However, assuming you’ve already paid a visit to van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Heineken, now’s the time for something a little different. Housed in a 17th century canal house, the Museum of Bags and Purses does exactly what it says on the tin, with its mind-boggling array of historic and contemporary bags. Highlights include Madonna’s famous Versace bag, a bag once carried by Margaret Thatcher, and too many historic pieces to list. Make sure you leave enough time for a visit to the museum shop, which doubles as a boutique for Dutch designer handbags.
Where to stay in Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Few hotels in Amsterdam can rival the glitz and prestige of the Pulitzer. Nestled amongst the city’s most iconic canals, this luxury hotel in Amsterdam spans an intricate maze of 25 historic houses, seamlessly blending traditional Dutch craftsmanship with modern design.
If opulence is your middle name, then look no further than Hotel TwentySeven. Hidden inside a turn-of-the-century building right on Dam Square, you’d never find it unless you knew it was there. Once inside, discover an ultra-exclusive five-star hotel.
Located in the city’s Eastern Docklands, overlooking one of the waterfronts is the distinctive outline of the Hoxton Lloyd Amsterdam. It is housed in an old landmark that was initially commissioned by the Royal Holland Lloyd Shipping Company in 1921. The building’s heritage has been honored, all while while embracing the vibrant, laid-back and creative energy of its waterside district.
Set in the heart of the city’s trendy De Pijp district and housed in a former diamond factory, Sir Albert Hotel Amsterdam exudes understated cool. The vibe is ‘modern aristocratic,’ featuring light, airy rooms adorned with sublime furniture and quirky art.
With its bold presence in the 22-story A’DAM Tower, Sir Adam Hotel Amsterdam spans eight floors. With unparalleled views of the city, the hotel radiates the vibrant energy of the building’s present occupants, including Sony, Semifest and MassiveMusic.
The W Amsterdam Hotel embodies the city’s cool, creative and cutting-edge vibe. It spans across two unique buildings — a former telephone exchange and a bank. The rooftop bar-lounge is unparalleled. Offering striking views across the city, this cocktail bar and lounge features an outdoor heated pool that runs the length of the building, making it the best spot to unwind.
