Welcome to Amsterdam, the city that steals the hearts of millions each year! (20 million hearts to be exact)
Bursting with beautiful canals, world-class museums, an international atmosphere, and a mix of modern times and history, Amsterdam is a must-visit for every traveler.
Here are (some of the) reasons to visit Amsterdam and make it a top priority on your travel bucket list.
Canals
Amsterdam’s canals aren’t just pretty; they’re the city’s heartbeat. Walk by the water or hop on a canal cruise for a romantic peek at Amsterdam’s unique charm.
The Centraal station is the departure point for the Lovers and Rederij Kooij canal cruisers. Both are equally good and follow about the same route.
The boats are covered so it doesn’t matter even if it rains.
Remember to take plenty of pictures!
Museums
Calling all art buffs! The Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum are treasure troves of masterpieces that’ll make your cultural heart skip a beat.
Don’t forget the Anne Frank House, the Moco Museum, and other amazing museums Amsterdam has to offer!
Biking
Embrace the local lifestyle by renting a bike and exploring the city like a true Amsterdammer.
Make sure you are familiar with the traffic rules first. For instance, don’t take selfies while biking. That’s not only dangerous but illegal too. You might get a fine.
So save the photo sessions for later.
Dutch Cuisine
Amsterdam’s culinary scene is a joyride of Dutch treats and global flavors. Try typical Dutch delicacies, like stroopwafels, poffertjes, bitterballen, or haring (Dutch herring) at local markets and eateries across the city.
Beer
For beer enthusiasts, Amsterdam’s craft breweries and traditional pubs are a hoppy haven. Dive into a world of local and international brews.
Visit the Brouwerij t’IJ, an industrial-style brewery right next to a windmill. Take a seat (if you can find one!) and enjoy their organic blonde & dark beers. Proost!
Red Light District
Ah, the infamous Red Light District. A must-visit if you’re in Amsterdam just for the fact that this kind of thing is possible anywhere.
It’s always crowded and full of other tourists but still worth experiencing. Make sure you know the rules though: there’s no drinking or weed-smoking at the Red Light District. Don’t take any photos of the girls either and behave respectfully in general.
Coffee Shops
In Amsterdam, the term “coffee shop” takes on a unique meaning. Unlike the traditional coffee shops you might expect, Amsterdam’s coffee shops are places where you can legally buy weed. If you’re into cannabis culture, then a visit to a local coffee shop is probably already on your list.
Brown Cafes
Amsterdam’s “brown cafes” or “bruin cafés” are informal neighborhood spots, much like pubs in England. They serve regional dishes, local beer, and sometimes live music.
The name brown cafe comes from its interior: sparse lighting and lots of (dark brown) wood in the furnishings. If you want to experience this typical Amsterdam thing, visit De Twee Zwaantjes, Café De Dokter or Café Chris in the Jordaan.
Nightlife
When the sun sets, Amsterdam’s energy kicks up a notch. From jazzy bars to lively nightclubs, the city’s nightlife promises a venue for every taste.
Tulip Season
Spring transforms Amsterdam into a riot of colors, with tulips blooming everywhere. Don’t miss the Keukenhof Gardens – it’s a tulip paradise!
Festivals And Events
Throughout the year, Amsterdam throws parties like no other. Join in the celebrations, from King’s Day to the dazzling Amsterdam Light Festival.
If you’re into electronic music, then ADE, the Amsterdam Dance Event, is for you.
Park Life
Need to escape the city hustle? No problem! Amsterdam has plenty of parks where you can relax and unwind.
Take a stroll in Vondelpark, enjoy a picnic at Rembrandtpark, or bike through Westerpark. These are just some of the parks the city has to offer. Here’s a complete list of the best parks in Amsterdam.
Day Trips
If, for some strange reason, you feel the need to take a break from Amsterdam, that’s not an issue either.
Amsterdam is just a train ride away from other unique European destinations, like Haarlem, Delft, Marken, Keukenhof, Ghent, or Bruges. Taking a day trip from Amsterdam is easy and literally takes just one day. You wouldn’t want to stay away from Amsterdam longer anyway!
