First-Timer’s Guide to Amsterdam
The stillness of the canals as the sound of church bells rings in the distance. Bicycles begin to make their way onto the streets and bridges as the morning sun climbs into the sky.
Different from other capital cities with their grandiose archways and triumphant
The history of Amsterdam dates back to the 12th century but the Dutch Golden Age of the 17th century is when the city really came to life as one of the most important trading centers in the world. With 65 miles of ancient canals, Amsterdam is still the most watery city in the world.
I have to admit, Amsterdam was not on my list of priorities to visit once I moved to Europe. Well, the joke’s on me because as it turns out, Amsterdam was the second major city outside of Germany that I visited after my move and it very quickly stole my heart and completely won me over. In 2022, I even ended up moving to Amsterdam. In this post, I’ll explain what makes Amsterdam so special and what to do to get the most out of your trip to the capital city of the Netherlands.
Where to Stay
Jordaan
Staying in the Jordaan neighborhood was absolutely the best decision I made while planning this trip to Amsterdam. If you stay in Jordaan, you’ll get a local and intimate experience. You’ll be able to enjoy the quiet early mornings on the canal as people leave their homes and head to work on their bikes. You’ll have the bridges and tiny side streets all to yourself to wander and marvel at. And yet, you’ll still be so close to it all.
You’ll be very close to the Anne Frank House, close to Amsterdam Centraal Station, and within a 20-minute walk of most major attractions. The public transportation from here was a breeze as well. Just hop on a tram and go!
Accommodation: Mr. Jordaan
I absolutely adored staying at Mr. Jordaan Hotel. The personal touches, the staff that felt like friends, the incredible breakfast, and perfect location. My stay there was not sponsored or anything so this is 100% just me telling you I can’t imagine staying anywhere else. You know when a hotel or Airbnb experience is the cherry on top to your already incredible visit? (Like my memorable Airbnb in Copenhagen) Well, Mr. Jordaan was the cherry on top.
The rooms are a little bit on the smaller side but I hardly even noticed. What’s more memorable to me was the thoughtfulness of the welcome gift (and a generous goodbye gift), the delicious complimentary flavored water and coffee/tea around the clock in the lobby (we’re talking cappuccinos, latte macchiatos, etc.), and the incredibly friendly and down-to-earth staff that went out of their way to make our stay as comfortable as possible. I also LOVED staying in the Jordaan neighborhood, as noted above. Mr. Jordaan was right around the corner from some of the places I list below too!
If you enjoy staying at well-designed, beautifully furnished boutique hotels that go above and beyond, what are you waiting for? Book a room at Mr. Jordaan and get ready for their adorably heart-warming welcome email :)
The Conservatorium Hotel
If you’re looking for luxury and staying right in the middle of one of the best parts parts of Amsterdam, look no further than the Conservatorium Hotel. Once a beautiful 18th century bank and later a music conservatory, the building has been beautifully converted into a contemporary hotel, salvaging original details such as the stone staircases and stained-glass windows.
You’ll be right in the heart of Amsterdam’s Museum District with museums such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk Museum just a short walk from the hotel as well as some of the best cafes and shopping in the city. As a local, this is one of my favourite parts of Amsterdam. Book a room or suite at the Conservatorium Hotel.
What to Do
Get the I Amsterdam City Card for complimentary entry to the city’s top attractions, a canal cruise and free public transport for the duration of your stay. If you’ve read my raving reviews about the Copenhagen Card, then you know I’m a big fan of these city cards. If you’re a museum lover like I am, they’re almost always worth it. Plus, they make using public transportation super easy! Not to mention the amount of time that they help you save.
With the I Amsterdam City Card, which you’ll be able to access digitally via the app, entry to many of the must-see attractions (which I talk about in detail below) is included with the cost of the card such
Buy your I Amsterdam City Card in advance here!
Rijksmuseum
The highlight of the Rijksmuseum is Rembrandt’s largest and most famous portrait, ‘Night Watch.’ Though you could spend hours or even days exploring the Rijksmuseum, this is one piece that should not be missed. From there, proceed to the Gallery of Honor where you’ll see more of Rembrandt’s work as well as impressive pieces from Vermeer, Steen, Hals, and other great painters of the 17th century.
Be sure to explore the historic building itself such as the multi-level Cuypers Library or enjoy a cappuccino and cake at the cafe which is situated in the light-filled atrium. Do book your tickets in advance and go early as there is often a queue at the door.
Anne Frank House
A visit to the Anne Frank House is a must when you’re in Amsterdam. Be sure to book tickets online in advance as they will quickly sell-out, especially during peak season. This deeply moving tour takes you through the house where Anne Frank and her family hid for two years during World War II. Step-by-step, and room by room, you are taken through Anne’s story. Please note that no photos are allowed inside the home. I suggest giving yourself a minimum of two hours to properly go through the guided audio tour. It’s also worth noting that there are some rather steep staircases that must be climbed including a climb up a ladder toward the end of the tour.
Or if you’re looking for a walking tour, one of the most popular tours in Amsterdam is the Life of Anne Frank and World War II Walking Tour.
Explore the Canals
Whether you prefer to travel by foot or on bike, go for a leisurely stroll or ride through what Amsterdam is best-known for; its canals. You won’t be disappointed! Due to trade really taking off in the 17th century (the Dutch Golden Age), a large-scale expansion project began. Over the span of 50 years, the three main canals of Amsterdam, Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht were dug and the houses around them were built. Merchandise from all over the world was able to be delivered to canalside merchants thanks to the efficiently-designed maze of canals that now connected the city.
In 2010, Amsterdam’s 17th-century Canal Ring was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List for its urban development and architectural artwork. It is also recognized for its physical expression of the major economic, political, and cultural growth of the city in the Golden Age.
So, I hope that bit of information gives you that extra push to get to Amsterdam and see these incredible canals for yourself. And not only
The Nine Streets (D e Negen Straatjes)
If you’d like a recommendation on where to go, I really love the Nine Streets area (where the two photos above were taken). Google Maps describes this as a “cozy shopping neighborhood.” And I have to agree. You’ll get more well-known shops such as the Amsterdam-based chain Scotch and Soda but also some of the cutest little local cafes such as Van Stapele Koekmakerij which many tourists say has some of the best cookies in Amsterdam. As a local, I’d recommend skipping the long queue there and going to Het Koekemannetje instead!
I don’t shop much while I travel so I spent my time meandering across the bridges and through the cosy streets as the locals sped by on their bikes. If you’re lucky, you might also catch an incredible musician who mysteriously appears on his tiny boat in the canal to entertain passersby.
This area is named Nine Streets because it is made up of three parallel streets which are broken up by the Herengracht and Keizersgracht canals, therefore creating nine streets.
Canal Boat Tour
Give your legs a rest and see the Amsterdam canals by boat. If you’re there around Christmastime, you’re in a for a real treat because the canals will be decorated with lights for the Amsterdam Light Festival.
You can book your canal boat tour here.
H’ART Museum
If you’re a fan of the 17th-century Dutch painters like I am, then the Portrait Gallery of the Golden Age inside the H’ART Museum (formerly the Hermitage Museum) is a MUST! Here, you will see thirty enormous group portraits said to be the ‘brothers and sisters’ of Rembrandt’s ‘Night Watch.’ Be sure to stay for the special ‘light show’ where the portraits come to life. I really enjoyed learning about each piece and the story behind them!
Rembrandt House Museum
Visit the historic Amsterdam house and studio where Rembrandt lived and worked from 1639 until 1658. What an honor it was to walk through the rooms of one of history’s most celebrated artists. The interior rooms have been reconstructed to look as they did during his time living there. You’ll get to see his kitchen with copper pots and pans, his living quarters with a tiny box bed similar to the one he slept in. Oh, and thanks to this tour, I finally learned why their beds were so short back then. It’s because they slept partially sitting up! And just wait until you see Rembrandt’s Cabinet of Curiosities, home to a peculiar and expensive collection of objects.
Book your ticket for the Rembrandt House Museum here.
Van Gogh Museum
An entire (and massive!) museum dedicated to the famed Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh. I can’t say that I’m the biggest fan of Van Gogh’s art so this museum isn’t at the top of my list of must-see Amsterdam attractions but if you have time (and especially if you have the I Amsterdam card, because it’s included!) then you could check this out. His
Get your ticket here to avoid disappointment as tickets often sell out quickly!
Where/What to Eat
Café de Sluyswacht
Just across the street from the Rembrandt House is a wonky, crooked, charming house. (See map below) I had seen it in a photo once and then accidentally stumbled upon it while walking to the Rembrandt House. Oh, don’t you just love surprises like that? Stop inside for a bite to eat!
Moeder’s
This authentic Dutch restaurant has a “mother” theme. Moeder = Mother in Dutch! You’ll find photos of visitors’ mothers hung on the wall and the cutest mismatched plates and cutlery. As it turns out, they had everyone who attended the restaurant opening bring a piece from home and that’s what you’re served on today. Such a personal touch!
The incredibly friendly service really made us feel at home. I heard so many good things about trying a stamppot while in the Netherlands so I ordered their vegetarian hotchpotch/
Do keep in mind that Moeder’s is a popular spot so it would be a good idea to book a reservation in advance. We didn’t make a reservation and only had to wait about twenty minutes for a table but I would imagine the wait can get pretty long during the peak months. Make a reservation for Moeder’s here.
The Pancake Bakery
Indulging in pancakes while you’re in Amsterdam is a must! You’ll most likely see pancakes and signs for pancakes everywhere you go. But they’re not what we’re used to in the U.S. (flapjacks).
Poffertjes (pictured above) are light, fluffy, little baby pancakes that are such a delicious sweet treat to have with a little powdered sugar and butter. They also have a nearly endless menu of sweet or savory pancakes of which I ordered the ‘Dutch’ pancake and it was phenomenal. Dessert for dinner ;)
Stroopwafel
This delicious caramel waffle was so delicious, I didn’t even get to snap a picture before I ate it! I was often served a little mini stroopwafel with my coffee but you can find some as big as your head, with chocolate, and all sorts of toppings. But basically, it’s two thin, fresh circular waffles with a sweet syrup in the middle holding them together.
Head to Original Stroopwafels at the famed Albert Cuyp Markt or stop by the cozy bakery, Lanskroon.
Transportation
Generally, due to Amsterdam’s compact size, getting around the city is quite easy. I found public transportation to be efficient and rather effortless, though you may have to do a little bit of walking to get to the nearest station. I imagine, after all, that bikes are the most popular method of transportation for a reason ;)
Again, I recommend the I Amsterdam City Card for all-inclusive transportation. And a word of advice, if you try going in the wrong door on the tram, the tram driver may or may not lovingly call you out on the loudspeaker but it’s all in good fun. I’m sure my face turned beet-red but in typical Dutch fashion, everyone kindly smiled at me and shared in my embarrassment.
What to Pack
Having lived in Amsterdam for two years now, I can say that layers are always best when deciding what you’ll be wearing each day. Regardless of the season, we often have days where you’ll see wind, rain and sunshine all within one hour. If you happen to be travelling in the autumn months, I’ve written a detailed post with my packing recommendations.
Other Things to Note
If you’re wondering whether it’s easy to avoid the Red Light District, I’d say that it is. De Wallen (the neighborhood of the Red Light District) is the oldest part of Amsterdam. I only ended up seeing one or two red lights and they were down a tiny side street while I was on the tram leaving Centraal Station. And if you’re going to any of the places I’ve mentioned above, you most likely won’t see anything. That said, if you do go, iamsterdam.com recommends not traveling through the area alone.
“Coffeeshops” in Amsterdam are not where one goes to relax outside at a table with a cappuccino. Instead, coffeeshops are where hashish and cannabis can be bought and smoked. They are taxed and strictly regulated and you must be at least 18 years of age to enter. Though you may occasionally smell marijuana as you walk by, I noticed that I was generally unphased so that’s a pleasant surprise for anyone not partaking ;)
If you’re wondering why I didn’t mention Dam Square, it’s because I think your time will be better spent seeing other parts of Amsterdam. Dam Square does have some beautiful architecture such as the neoclassical Royal Palace and the 15th-century Gothic Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) but it’s mostly filled with tourists hanging out. I just happened to pass through on my way to a museum but wouldn’t have minded avoiding the area altogether.
Amsterdam is a city unlike any other. It’s equal parts charming and quiet, yet buzzing with life. For culture, history, the arts, and architecture, this is a city you truly won’t want to miss. I’m counting down the days until I’ll be back in the spring to see Amsterdam in bloom.
If you’re planning a trip to Amsterdam,
Recommended Reading: Europe Travel Guides
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