When people ask me for Amsterdam tips, I always have one thing in mind – education. I want to inform people that there’s so much more to the Dutch capital than a small neighbourhood with red-lit windows where boisterous men deal with temptation in different ways and that not all cafés deal in herbal remedies.
You see, there’s so much more to Amsterdam than that. It’s got atmospheric restaurants, hipster neighbourhoods, world-class museums and stunning architecture. All of the above are addressed in my ultimate day in the Netherlands’ most famous city…
The first thing anybody should do in Amsterdam is rent a bike. You can take your pick from where to get one, but I always recommend going to Rent a Bike Damstraat on Pieter Jacobszdwars Straat just off Dam Square. You can get branded bikes, but if you want to fit in with the locals, ask for one without any signage.
After you get your bike, stop and admire the famous Royal Palace on one of the city’s best known squares.
Photo courtesy of Nenyaki
‘Bagels and Beans’ is a chain of cafés, but I recommend going to the one on the canal at Keizersgraacht 504. If you’re lucky (and if the weather’s on your side) you’ll be able to enjoy the first meal of the day along the canal. Try their ‘Power Breakfast’ to get you on your way. It’s good value and there’s lots in it
Photo courtesy of Julius Cruickshank
Walking through the Anne Frank House is a sobering, yet equally fascinating experience. Adjoined to an interactive and extremely captivating museum, don’t be surprised if the journey through the house where this young Jewish girl hid from the Nazis during World War II moves you to tears.
Photo courtesy of Barbara Walsh
Amsterdam’s answer to Central Park is home to cycling tracks, lakes, open gardens and bandstands. Lazing in the grass mightn’t be an option around this time of year but it’s worth passing through and sitting down on a bench for an hour or so.
This neighbourhood just south of the city centre has a lovely local vibe. The best place to go for lunch is in one of the cafés and restaurants along the small Eerste van der Helststraat. Take your pick from traditional cafes or sushi restaurants, then watch the local life go by.
Photo courtesy of Franklin Heijnen
De Pijp is also where you’ll find Amsterdam’s best known market, the Albert Cuyp Markt. Boasting over 100 years of liveliness (it’s been taking place since 1905), it’s great for food, cheap toiletries and more.
There are departure points for canal tours in different parts of the city (Leidseplein and along Rokin are two which spring to mind), so decide where you’re going to jump on board a canal tour and relax for an hour. Amsterdam is home to some breathtaking and fascinating architecture, and the only way you’ll really appreciate it is on a canal tour. It will arguably be the most enjoyable hour of the day.
Smack bang in the middle of one of Europe’s craziest cities is one of the continent’s most tranquil spots called Begijnhof. An enclosed courtyard dating back to the 14th century, it is remarkably peaceful considering its surroundings.
Upon exit, go for a cold Heineken or Amstel in Caffe Hoppe on a square known as Spui. It’s one of Amsterdam’s most celebrated ‘brown cafés’ (traditional Dutch pubs), first opening its doors in 1640.
Photo courtesy of Bernardo Contopoulos
Meaning ‘9 Streets’ in English, Amsterdam’s Negen Straatjes neighbourhood is known as the city’s Soho. Teaming with quirky boutiques and local, independently run stores, there are restaurants everywhere. My personal favourite is Restaurant het Zwaantje, a Dutch bistro at Berenstraat 12.
Photo courtesy of apalca
Of all of Amsterdam’s canals, I love Prinsengracht the most. Walking from east to west, seeing the steeple of the Westerkerk always paints a smile on my face. Located along this canal is Vyne (Prinsengracht 41), a sleek wine bar with a huge selection and good cheeseboards too if you've still got room for a nibble.
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