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Explore Amsterdam: Best Places to Eat, Drink, Stay, and Explore

A view of traditional buildings beside a canal in Amsterdam with the title Amsterdam City Guide

Everything you need to know for visiting Amsterdam

I consider Amsterdam one of Europe’s underrated destinations. Not to say it isn’t popular, it draws a crowd throughout the year, but underrated in the sense that it has so much more than you expect. While it definitely has its tourist traps and loud, late night scene, the version of the city I keep coming back to is the vibey neighbourhoods, minimalist coffee spots, treasure trove vintage shops, artisanal bakeries, trendy wine bars with sunny terraces.

Below, you’ll find my top picks for eating, drinking, and exploring the best of Amsterdam.

Planning your visit to Amsterdam

Essentials to know

  • Currency: Euro (€). Cards accepted, but cash is still needed in some smaller places.
  • Language: Dutch, though English is spoken everywhere.
  • Plugs: Type F (two round pins).
  • Weather: Toasty summers and chilly winters. Layers are always a good idea.
  • Etiquette: Watch out for bikes, the cyclists rule this city.
  • Local Events/Festivals: King’s Day (April), Amsterdam Light Festival (Dec–Jan), Canal Pride (Aug), Tulip season (April–May).

When to visit Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a year-round destination, but your experience will change depending on the season.

  • Spring (March–May): Famous tulip season, the city starts to bloom and weather is pleasant.
  • Summer (June–August): Long days, picnics in the park, perfect canal cruising conditions. A bit busier, but worth it for the sunshine.
  • Autumn (September–November): Leaves turning golden in Vondelpark and along the canals, quieter streets.
  • Winter (December–February): Chilly, sometimes snowy, but also peaceful and pretty. Far fewer crowds make it a great time for museums.

Getting around

  • Walking is the best way to get a feel for the city and wander the canals.
  • Trams and buses are easy and reliable. Google maps is a go-to for navigating the public transport.
  • Biking is very Amsterdam, but be prepared – the locals are fast. If you’re feeling unsure, opt for quieter streets or cycle around the parks. There are heaps of places to hire bikes any many hotels offer bikes to borrow.
  • Canal boats are a tourist favourite but also surprisingly pleasant way to see the city.
  • Taxis & Ride-shares: Taxis and Uber are reliable in a pinch.

What to see and do in Amsterdam

Amsterdam blends historic charm with a creative spirit. The museums are world-class, but keep some space in your itinerary for exploring the canals and under-the-radar neighbourhoods.

Don’t miss:

  • Rijksmuseum
    • Dutch masterpieces from Rembrandt to Vermeer live here. Wander the grand galleries, admire the iconic Night Watch, and don’t skip the beautiful gardens out back.
    • Visit: rijksmuseum.nl
  • Jordaan District
    • Once a working-class neighborhood, now the city’s most photogenic area full of indie boutiques, quiet canals, and cosy cafés.
  • Anne Frank House
    • An emotional and reflective experience, but a must for history lovers. Step inside the secret annex where Anne Frank hid and wrote her diary.
    • Visit: annefrank.org
  • Vondelpark
    • Amsterdam’s green heart. Rent a bike or stroll under leafy canopies, watch the locals picnic or play guitar, and pause for a coffee at one of the park cafés. Perfect on a sunny day.
  • Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes)
    • A grid of pretty shopping streets filled with vintage shops, design stores, and local labels.
  • Albert Cuyp Market
    • Lively, loud, and lined with food stalls. Grab a fresh stroopwafel, browse local goods, and take in the vibrant atmosphere of Amsterdam’s most famous street market.
  • Van Gogh Museum
    • Step inside the world of Van Gogh through the largest collection of his work. From sunflowers to self-portraits, it’s an intimate look at his genius — and his struggles.
    • Visit: vangoghmuseum.nl
  • Eye Filmmuseum
    • A striking modern building on the waterfront with world-class film exhibitions and screenings. Even if you’re not catching a movie, come for the architecture and restaurant..
    • Visit: eyefilm.nl
  • De Pijp
    • A vibey, multicultural neighborhood with a laid back local feel. Home to great food and drinks spots, indie shops, and a cool atmosphere.

Where to eat in Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s food scene might just surprise you — it’s not up there with Europe’s top foodie destinations, but offers a mix of cozy, global, and low-key cool. It’s worth booking ahead for dinner at popular spots.

Some top picks include:

AM

  • Bakhuys
    • Bakery heaven. Come for the pastries and a morning coffee, stay for the fresh loaves and lunch time sandwiches.
    • Visit: bakhuys-amsterdam.nl
  • Louf
    • Perfect, flaky pastries , breads and buns for sweet or savoury lovers. Multiple locations.
    • Visit: bakkerijlouf.nl
  • St Jean
    • Ultra popular bakery with standout cardamom buns and pistachio croissants.
    • Visit: saintjean.nl

PM

  • Fou Fow Ramen + Fou Fow Udon
    • After being Amsterdam’s first ramen restaurant, Fou Fow only went and opened the city’s first udon spot too. Fresh made noodles and brothy perfection.
    • Visit: foufow.nl
  • Dough Studio
    • If, like me, you can’t resist a focaccia sandwich this place will leave you satisfied. Fluffy focaccia packed with creative fillings.
    • Visit: doughstudio.nl
  • De Plantage
  • Café Parlotte
    • Small, seasonal French-ish plates in a cosy bistro setting. Bonus points for excellent wine. A local gem.
    • Visit: parlotte.nl

Where to drink in Amsterdam

For coffee:

  • Screaming Beans
    • A pioneer in the local coffee scene. Quality is consistent, the space is laid back, and the espresso is strong.
    • Visit: screamingbeans.nl
  • Bocca
    • Coffee lover’s paradise. In-house roastery, spacious café space, and skilled baristas.
    • Visit: bocca.nl
  • Coffee District
    • Beautifully calm yet serious about coffee. IMO the best flat white spot in the city.
    • Visit: coffeedistrict.nl

For drinks:

  • La Dilettante
  • Bottleshop
    • Great small plates and a seriously good natural wine list
    • Visit: bottleshopams.nl
  • Beer tasting room in the wildeman
    • Traditional beer bar with an overwhelming (in a good way) selection
    • Visit: indewildeman.nl
  • Cafe Gollem Raamsteeg

Where to stay in Amsterdam

Amsterdam has accommodation options for every budget. You’ll find cool boutique hotels or budget stays depending on your price point.

Hotels:

  • The Hoxton
    • Trendy, boutique hotels, choose from the central canal-side location for sightseeing on your doorstep, or Hoxton Lloyd for an out of the way escape.
    • Visit: thehoxton.com
  • Sir Albert
  • Citadines Canal
    • A comfy bolthole for exploring the canals, complete with free bike rental.
    • Visit: discoverears.com

Apartments:

  • Airbnb
    • Stylish lofts, warehouse apartments, and cozy flats.
    • Visit: airbnb.com/s/Amsterdam
  • Zoku
    • Technically a hotel but the loft rooms come complete with a kitchen and living area perfect for a longer trip. The rooftop bar and restaurant is an added bonus.
    • Visit: livezoku.com