Amsterdam is one of my favorite European cities to visit! From its elaborate canal system, beautiful architecture, countless museums and delicious dining scene, the Netherland’s charming capital city has so much to offer.
Here’s the ultimate guide to Amsterdam!
Where to Stay in Amsterdam
Where to Stay in AmsterdamFrom luxurious to trendy to budget-minded, Amsterdam has no shortage of hotels!
- Conservatorium Hotel: If you’re looking for a luxury stay, this one’s for you! This hotel is part of The Leading Hotels of the World and features a beautiful glass ceiling lobby, modern rooms and a central location close to museums and more. (Luxury)
- The Hoxton: You may have heard of this trendy hotel chain with locations in many major cities. Expect a buzzy lobby and bar, hip rooms and complimentary bikes. (Moderate)
- Eden hotel Amsterdam: Located near Rembrandt Square, this clean and modern hotel has plenty of restaurants and coffee shops nearby and is a 20-minutes walk from the museum district. (Moderate)
- Hotel Dwars: This small boutique hotel feels more like a home than a hotel! The rooms feature cozy furnishings and amenities like a Nespresso machine, and it’s centrally located — what could be better? (Moderate)
- Generator Amsterdam: This hip hostel is located in a former zoological building near the De Pijp neighborhood. (Budget)
Things to do in Amsterdam
Whether you’re looking to get outdoors in the summer or want to keep warm in the winter, the city has plenty on offer.
- Explore the canals by boat: this is hands down one of my favorite things to do in Amsterdam! Read more on how you can rent a boat to explore the canals here.
- Visit a museum: there are tons of museums in Amsterdam so no matter if this is your first or tenth time visiting the city, there is probably a museum you haven’t yet seen! Some of the most popular museums are the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Anne Frank House. On my most recent trip to Amsterdam, I visited (and loved!) the Moco Museum which features modern, contemporary and street art from artists like Banksy Basquiat and Yayoi Kusama.
- Check out the Bloemenmarket: while in Amsterdam, don’t miss the world’s only floating flower market! Yes, it’s a bit touristy but I loved seeing the iconic tulips.
- Picnic in Vondelpark: spend a relaxing summer afternoon in this sprawling green park. Pack a picnic and enjoy!
- Red Light District: known for its coffee shops and brothels, this area is also one of the oldest areas in Amsterdam and on most first-timers’ itineraries.
- Heineken Experience: if you’re a beer lover, don’t miss this brewery tour and tasting room experience.
- Wander the De Pijp neighborhood: grab brunch, shop at the boutiques or visit the famous Albert Cuypmarkt street market in this vibrant neighborhood.
- Grab a rooftop drink: head to Mr Porter at the W Hotel or SkyLounge at the DoubleTree to enjoy a cocktail with sweeping city views!
Where to Dine in Amsterdam
From delicious street eats to elegant Michelin dining, Amsterdam has a fantastic and unique dining scene!
- Van Wonderen Stroopwafels: you can’t leave Amsterdam without eating an ooey gooey stroopwafel and Van Wonderen makes the best!
- Foodhallen: former tram depot turned food hall, this is the place to go if you can’t decide what to eat! They have everything from dim sum to bitterballen to french cuisine and hot dogs!
- Cafe Touissant: this isn’t a spot that I found online in advance but I stumbled upon on a previous trip to Amsterdam and was immediately taken by its charm (and I make a point to go back on each visit to Amsterdam!). It’s a neighborhood gem with outdoor seating on a quaint street and is always buzzing with locals drinking coffee or having a glass of wine. Perfect for a casual lunch!
- Beulings: tucked away off the canal in a charming little restaurant, Beulings offers an elevated dining experience with good food and good wine!
- Restaurant Klein BREDA: this trendy restaurant in the vibrant Utrechtsestraat district serves incredible seasonal 5- or 7-course dinners that feature dishes like barbecued turbot and razor clams.
- Bord’Eau Restaurant Gastronomique: if you’re looking for a fancy dinner, this Michelin-star dining experience on the canal in Amsterdam historic center is it!
Love your posts on Amsterdam and Prague- if you had to choose one for a 3 night weekend in early April- which would you choose? I’m truly torn!
I honestly love both cities so much! Amsterdam has such great museum and dining scenes that it is nice to visit year-round but I have to say my favorite time to visit is in the summer… whereas Prague will probably be a bit warmer in April than Amsterdam!