Amsterdam pocket guide.
The rich cultural prominence of Amsterdam has resulted in the city becoming one of the most iconic and internationally loved tourist destinations on Earth. The picture-perfect historic centre has all the hallmarks of a fairy-tale village: quaint winding canal waterways, red-brick bridges, charming narrow townhouses and cobbled streets. However, scratch beneath the surface and discover a deeply modern city that nurtures its creative population and adopts environmentally conscious sensibilities, looking forward to a bright future whilst retaining its past.
Dive head-first into the Amsterdam experience with the help of this guide, showcasing the best places to sample cheap local food, drink on balmy summer evenings and even the best places to enjoy the Amsterdam coffeeshop scene. Blend in with the locals by hopping on a bike to pedal across the magical historic centre, or take advantage of the excellent tram system.
Sights, Culture + Experiences.
Whether walking the cobbled streets or sailing upon the waterways, exploring the endless meandering canals of Amsterdam is a wonderful way to pass the time in town. The canals of Amsterdam are bustling on summer afternoons, with locals and tourists alike navigating the quaint waterways (📷) from their open-top canal-boats. In the evening time, countless tour operators offer night cruises—often with dinner incorporated—allowing visitors to enjoy an idyllic evening traversing the illuminated archways with vibrant nightlife surrounding them.
One of the most chilled out cities in Europe, seize the opportunity to unwind whilst in Amsterdam by indulging in one of the most pleasant pass-times in town—people watching. Whether enjoying a drink or meal by the banks of the canals, taking a leisurely stroll through the leafy Vondelpark (📷), or joining the droves of locals in cycling across the city, the simplicity of everyday life here is what enchants so many.
The opulent facade of Amsterdam Centraal Station (📷)
Home to some of the most renowned and famous museums in the world, Amsterdam should satisfy the itch of all culture buffs who are looking to enrich their knowledge of the local history. Firstly, the city is home to the famous Anne Frank House—the location at which she was apprehended by the Nazi regime during World War II. The museum is constantly busy, and there is often a substantial line to wait in for those who have not purchased tickets before-hand online. Regardless, making the journey to the site and the museum based around it is an essential, humbling experience.
Flaunting an expansive exhibit of over 8,000 items, the Rijksmuseum is an art lovers dream. Founded in The Hague at the turn of the 19th century, the museum was relocated to Amsterdam shortly after, and has become dedicated to immortalising the city’s immense contribution to art and culture—housing masterworks by Rembrandt amongst others. Close by, the Van Gogh Museum is a stand-alone institution focused on the work of the enigmatic Dutch painter, whose work has become amongst the most celebrated amongst both critics and the general public.
Whilst exploring the south of Amsterdam, another museum-of-sorts beckons those who love beer. The locally brewed Heineken brand has seen immense success overseas since its bottles started hitting the streets. The immersive factory tour at the Heineken Experience chronicles the history of the company, and bolsters a rooftop bar overlooking the city.
Bars + Nightlife.
Tucked away north of the historic centre of Amsterdam, the thriving borough of Noord has become a haven for creatives and the alternative community in town. Great for all ages, the abundance of open-air riverside venues and flea-markets found here are ripe for tourism.
The NDSM cultural centre adopts a similar approach as many which have been cropping up across Europe in recent years—converting a dis-used industrial space into flourishing venues whilst retaining the rugged edge. Here, excellent outdoor venues can be found which are absolutely perfect for a balmy summer evening. Take note of the fluorescent greenhouse at Noorderlicht Café (📷), and chilled-out spot of Pllek (📷) —which even has maintained an on-site beach during the summer months.
Further emphasising the locals passion for making the most of the seasonal sunshine, there are even more spots in the surrounding area that offer amazing outdoor areas. The decked out riverside shack of Café de Ceuvel is an exceptionally laid-back option for those looking to relax on a hammock with an ice cold Heineken. With two great venues on the south bank of the river, it is also perfectly possible to enjoy a similar experience without taking the ferry across to Noord. Hannekes Boom is another spruced up shack with ample outdoor seating, that lights up in rainbow colours when the sun sets, whilst Amsterdam Roest is a ridiculously chill spot with a sandy beach on-site.
The late-night scene in Amsterdam will surely provide you with a night to remember. Locals have fully embraced the advent of clubbing culture, and have paved the way for some exciting venues to crop up across the city. A stone’s throw from the grand opulence of Amsterdam’s Centraal Station, the trendy club of Bitterzoet is a must-visit for music lovers in town. This dimly lit chamber adorned with stained glass windows hosts eclectic DJs spinning rock, reggae, funk, hip-hop and more.
Coffeeshops.
When it comes to progressive legislation around drug reform, the Netherlands as a whole has been ahead of the curve for decades. The incredibly relaxed approach by the government when it comes to cannabis has romanticised the existence of Amsterdam’s copious coffeeshops to weed enthusiasts across the world—so that’s the funky smell you’ll come across during your time in the city.
When all is said and done, the coffeeshop experience in Amsterdam is something that should be embraced by all who are open to it. With many of these places cooking up food to satisfy the insatiable hunger of their guests, and others specialise in brewing up a mean cup of coffee to go alongside your pick-me-up.
Nestled in the heart of Amsterdam, Abraxas is one of the most enduring coffeeshops in the entire city, and has become a staple venue noted for its varied selection and reasonable prices. This two-storey townhouse has a ramshackle vibe and offers upstairs seating, creamy coffees and constant flow of music. Somewhat isolated from the rest of the curated selections, the hip coffeeshop of La Tertulia (📷) is located in the centre of the peaceful Jordaan district. Inside, the leafy interior and free-flow of natural light in a spacious home makes this the perfect spot to relax on a hazy day.
Food + Drink.
Budget-wary travellers may have a hard-time surviving due to the inflated prices of accommodation, alcohol and—yes—food in Amsterdam. However, there is cause to rejoice in many aspects, as some of the most enjoyable local food is very cheap and fulfilling. Strewn across the city, you will come across numerous hot-plate carousels containing tasty street food, dispensed in a vending machine style. Simply drop a couple of euros into the slot and you will be chowing down on some delicious breaded Edam cheese bonbons in no time.
Another popular fast food option amongst locals the universal favourite side dish of fries. A literal hole-in-the-wall, one of the best places to go in town is Vlaams Friteshuis Vleminckx (📷), which has been whipping up tantalising Belgian style fries with an array of custom toppings to choose from at a great price. And yes, as John Travolta tells us in Pulp Fiction—locals eat their fries with mayonnaise. Don’t knock it until you try it!
With roughly 20 independent vendors vying for the attention of hungry customers, the expansive culinary market of Foodhallen is a competitive hotbed centred on who can make the most delicious food to stand out from the crowd. Whether you are in the mood for some Vietnamese chicken, wood-fired pizzas or a vegan friendly lunch, Foodhallen is a safe bet to grab a wallet-friendly meal.
Unique dining experiences await those who are willing to splash out ever so slightly whilst in the city. Venture across the IJ River to the Noord district where a cavernous shed on the banks of the river has been transformed into a trendy restaurant with funky décor. Contrasting the shabby chic of the unpainted metallic walls and pillars that prop up the venue, Hotel de Goudfazant showcases vintage cars, chandeliers and classy food.
On the higher spectrum of spending, the eco-conscious eatery of De Kas occupies a grand garden conservatory and focuses on Mediterranean influenced cuisine with the essence of fine dining thanks to the inventive chef at its helm. The focus on freshness and versatility is so profound that the restaurant has a menu which rotates on a daily basis to correspond with which fresh ingredients they have—some of which are even sourced from the restaurant’s private plots and on-site herb garden.
Accommodation.
Dorms from £23.00 per night.
Rooms from £131.00 per night.
Dorms from £32.00 per night.
Rooms from £187.00 per night.
