What to do in Amsterdam

Amsterdam, like so many other major cities, is not a cheap place to hang out but do your research correctly and avoiding the usual tourist traps, you can dine at reasonable prices and sample the Dutch laid-back way of life.

Here are some activities that Amsterdam offers.

Canal Cruise

Most people begin their trip with a canal cruise that lasts about an hour and meanders its way through the vast avenues of canals in an open, or glass roofed boat. It’s a great way to see the city and essential for finding those bearings. Amsterdam is not a huge city so finding your way around is not a particularly difficult task. There are plenty of piers to board a boat but make your way to Stromma off Damrak and you will find several canal tours.

Anne Franks House

The House is a Biographical museum dedicated to the war time writer Anne Frank. During World War 2 Anne Frank hid from German Nazi persecution with her family and four other people in hidden rooms at the rear of the 17th Century canal house known as the Secret Annex. I recommend purchasing tickets in advance as the queue to enter can be very extensive. Tickets cost €16 (GB£13.50).

Red Light District

Amsterdam has become synonymous with the Red Light District that offers rows of glass fronted doors with beautiful woman aiming to entice men.  All this is in good taste but has become somewhat of a tourist attraction these days. However, the girls do not take kindly to photographs being taken and will bang aggressively on the window!

Heineken Museum

Why not discover what lies behind the doors of the former Heineken brewery and learn everything there is to know about the world’s favourite beer. The Heineken museum offers tours starting at €23 (GB£19.40) that lasts roughly 1 hour 30 mins. Tickets can be purchased in advance.

The Xtracold Ice Bar

The Ice Bar is a colourfully lit bar where temperatures are a constant -10c (50f) and everything from the walls to the drinks glasses are made from ice. Don those gloves and coat and enter a cold wonderland. Upon purchasing tickets you will receive three coins that can be exchanged for drinks inside the bar. Tickets cost €24.50 (GB£20.70) can be bought at the venue or in advance.

Dam Square

If you find yourself lost in Amsterdam then make your way to Dam Square and you’ll be fine. Dam Square lies in the centre of Amsterdam and a straight walk to Centraal train station. Often there are market stalls or street acts performing to entertain the crowds of tourists.

Jordaan District

I would definitely recommend taking a stroll away from the hum of the city and tourists and wonder through the leafy neighbourhood of Jordaan, seeing where the locals meet-up and live.

Tiffany Case House

If you are a James Bond buff then you’ll be interested in Tiffany Cases’ house featured in the 1971 ‘Diamonds are Forever’ film were 007 poses as a professional smuggler. Located in the Grachtengordel district of the old city.

Bridges of Amsterdam

In August 2010 the canal ring area of Amsterdam, with its concentric arc shaped waterways and numerous historic bridges, dating back to the Dutch Golden Age of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries was added to the official list of World Heritage monuments by UNESCO. Amsterdam has the largest number of bridges in the world tallying some 2500! Venice in Italy is considered the ‘City of the Canals’ or ‘City of the Bridges’ and Amsterdam is sometimes called the Venice of the North, nonetheless, Venice has only 400 bridges!

Where to eat

Amsterdam offers a plethora of cute cafes, restaurants, pubs and street stands all offering something different. Below are the venues I visited.

Kaasbar –kaasbar.amsterdam

This is a great little restaurant offering all sorts of cheeses and fine wines. It’s located at Ferdinand Bolstraat 10, a good walk from the hub of the city but definitely worth getting those steps in to work off those calories. Book in advance and reserve a spot at the high bar for the ‘Cheese train’ experience.

Foodhallen – www.foodhallen.nl

Located at Hannie Dankbaarpassage 16, a good 25 minutes walk away from the city, Foodhallen is a popular venue inside the old Amsterdam tram sheds offering independent street food prepping burgers, hot dogs, dumplings etc. Foodhallen opens from 12pm onwards.

Cafe Belgique – www.cafebelgique.nl

Located at Gravenstraat 2, this quirky bar with graffitied walls serves good quality bar food with over 50 types of Belgium beers.

Wonderen Stroopwafels

Wonderen Stroopwafels are a chain of biscuit shops that use traditional ingredients and methods to produce a sweet waffle biscuit.

Van Stapele Confectionary – vanstapele.com

Located at Rokin 17 just off the main high street Van Stapele offers high quality and delicious cookies. Great for a snack on the go.

House of Fries – www.houseoffries.nl

One thing the Dutch seem to do well are trays or cones packed with delicious chips smothered with mayonnaise or served with sides such as chicken.

HET ELFDE GEBOD PUB – cafegollem.nl

Located at Zeedijk 5 near to Centraal Station is a quirky little venue that offers some needed respite from all the exploring. Stop here for a cool beer with a great atmosphere.

Final Note

Amsterdam is a wonderful city to visit for a weekend. It isn’t too far away and provides a beautiful backdrop to your stay. The architecture is visually stunning, reaped in history and design.

The locals are friendly and there canal walks are invigorating. The city offers something for everyone of every taste whether it be cute independent taverners, lavish restaurants and everything in-between. If you haven’t been to Amsterdam before I recommend you give it a go.

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