A Guide to Amsterdam: Where to Go, What to Eat, and What to Do?

Amsterdam is a beautiful city in the Netherlands, located on the country’s nautical coast of the North Sea. It is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, attracting millions of visitors from around the world each year. From its vibrant culture and amazing food scene to its historical landmarks, Amsterdam has something for everyone.But if you’re planning your first trip to Amsterdam, the sheer number of attractions and activities can be overwhelming. With so much to enjoy, it’s hard to figure out where to start. In this guide, you’ll learn all about what to do in Amsterdam, from visiting must-see attractions, exploring the city’s diverse culinary scene, and discovering lesser-known gems. So whether you’re a first-time visitor or long-time admirer, here are some must-dos when visiting the city of Amsterdam.

Visiting the Old City Center and Main Attractions

Amsterdam is a city packed with history and heritage. The best way to explore its many attractions is by taking a free walking tour through the centuries-old streets. But if you prefer something more guided, there are plenty of other options too. The main attractions in the heart of Amsterdam include:

• Anne Frank House
• Van Gogh Museum
• Royal Palace Amsterdam
• Rijksmuseum
• Heineken Experience

The Anne Frank House — a poignant reminder of the horrors of war — tops that list immediately. It used to be the hiding place of Anne Frank and her family between 1942 and 1944 but is now a museum dedicated to her memory. The Van Gogh Museum contains hundreds of works of art by the Dutch post-Impressionist painter Vincent van Gogh, among many other artists, while the Royal Palace was once home to Dutch kings and queens. It’s one of Amsterdam’s most popular attractions and offers guided tours, free concerts, and regular openings throughout the week. Next on the list is the Rijksmuseum, housing thousands of Dutch masterpieces from the late 16th century to the mid 20th century — including famous paintings from Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, Johannes Vermeer and Vincent van Gogh. The fourth popular attraction is the Heineken Experience — an interactive tour of the iconic beer brand’s history and brewing process. At the end, visitors can enjoy a cold beer in the famous Heineken bar in the museum’s courtyard.

Exploring Windmills and Discovering Cute Canals

No trip to Amsterdam would be complete without exploring its many historic windmills — or grachtengordel, as they’re known in Dutch. These old mills dot the picturesque landscapes of both the Netherlands’ countryside and its cities. In fact, there are more than 1,000 windmills in total throughout the country — with 700 in strong working order. If you find yourself in Amsterdam, there are two iconic windmills to explore: De Gooyer and De Otter — both located near other popular attractions like the Rijksmuseum and Albert Cuyp Market (more on that below!). Besides enjoying a visit in one of these awesome windmills, Amsterdam’s stunning canals are also worth exploring — particularly during summertime when residents tend to families sunbathe, boat rides are more frequent, and canal banks become one big outdoor party atmosphere! A fun way to appreciate Amsterdam’s canals is by taking a tour through them during sunset — a time when lights from buildings in the city center create an idyllic backdrop for a calm activity like canalling (especially if you get lucky with a beautiful cream-colored sky as I did!). In any case, exploring Amsterdam’s canals is a must!

Trying Local Dutch Food

On to another important aspect of any trip: food! Enjoying some local dishes is part of almost any adventure abroad, so it’s absolutely obligatory to indulge in a hearty plate of Dutch specialties while in Amsterdam. Popular dishes include:

• Poffertjes
• Stamppot
• Kroketten
• Hachee Met Appelmoes
• Bitterballen

Poffertjes are small round pancakes often served as street food or with whipped cream or ice cream. Stamppot is a hearty mashed potato dish with various ingredients like bacon, onion or kale added; while kroketten are deep fried bites made from beef or veal leftovers mixed with mashed potatoes, herbs and spices — definitely a must try! In Holland’s colder months, Hachee met appelmoes can found on many menus — a delicious beef stew served with applesauce that helps defend against those chill winds! And last but certainly not least are Bitterballen — deep fried croquettes filled with beef or veal ragout served with mustard dip and usually found in venues like bars or cafés.

Exploring Markets and Nightlife Scene

On top of all these attractions, Amsterdam also boasts an impressive market scene — particularly its Albert Cuyp Market where fresh fruits and vegetables as well as spices and sweet treats can be found — as well as an amazing nightlife scene with trendy restaurants and bars in every corner of town. For those looking for a unique experience, check out some of Amsterdam’s unique bars like the Floating Bar — a bar located on a canal boat docked just off Dam Square! For music fans, check out legendary venues like Paradiso or Mc theater for world class entertainment from both international and local Dutch acts. From its charming canals to its vibrant nightlife scene, Amsterdam really does offer something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend getaway or an adventurous student trip — this historic City has so much to offer that no two visits will ever be the same! With this guide on what to do in Amsterdam, visitors should have no problem finding something enjoyable that fits their interests!