a trip to amsterdam

Whether you are on a Eurotrip, or looking for a nearby city getaway – a trip to Amsterdam is always a good idea. That is because no matter the season, the city has such a vibe. There is no place like it anywhere else in the world. It is a vibrant metropolis with a rich cultural heritage, picturesque canals, and a wide range of activities to enjoy. Since I spend a lot of time in the “Venice of the North”, choosing Amsterdam as the first city to share some of my travel recommendations seems only fitting.

On top of having more bicycles than people, the city is filled with a variety of different restaurants. You can find all kinds of cuisines in all kinds of price ranges. To make your life and next trip to Amsterdam easier, I collected a few of my favorite spots. For those of you that may not know me yet, my general vibe is that I look for places with good quality but reasonably priced. It does not need to be fancy but I do enjoy a good cuisine. I love cute cafés and coffee shops (in Amsterdam there are two kinds of those), book stores and strolling around and exploring neighborhoods. So if this sounds like your travel energy as well, you came to the right place. There are obviously endless amazing places, restaurants and cafés in the city that has more canals than Venice but I hope you will still enjoy one or two from my limited selection:

1. Spaghetteria

Multiple locations all over the city. Fresh pasta, seven different dishes, daily changing menu. Ideal place to dine, whether you’re taking a solo dinner, a date or friends & family.

2. Sushi Fanatics

Simple menu, yet fresh authentic sushi that is reasonably priced. Nice ambience with communal as well as outside seating in Amsterdam Oost.

3. Café – Winkel 43

Very authentic, slightly touristy café with a menu of local dishes in the middle of Jordaan. Famous for its Dutch “Appeltaart”.

4. (Little) Collins

Cozy bar and eatery with two locations. Seasonally-inspired dishes from all over the world. Menu changes regularly.

Little Collins: Lunch & brunch menu + delicious coffee in de Pijp.

Collins: Lunch, dinner & wine in Amsterdam West.

5. Café – Five Ways Coffee Roasters

Delicious coffee & pastries. Cozy ambience to work or meet for a coffee date. Two locations in Amsterdam Oost and West.

Considering that a trip to Amsterdam might be your first introduction to the Netherlands, I would like to encourage you to also try some Dutch local delicacies such as stroopwafels (waffle cookie with caramel) and poffertjes (small, fluffy pancakes), as well as bitterballen (fried meatballs) and herring (fish snack).

In addition, I highly recommend trying some Surinamese and Indonesian food. Surinam (South America) and Indonesia (Southeast Asia) were former Dutch colonies and therefore continue to influence the Dutch culture and cuisine. My favorite and probably the most popular Surinamese dish is Roti, a savory delight consisting of a wrap filled with meat and/ or vegetables. While Indonesian food might be more well known, some of you might be surprised that you can find really delicious and authentic Nasi Goreng, Bami and Satay during a trip to Amsterdam.

You can find all the above-mentioned street food delicacies around town across multiple city markets which Amsterdam has plenty of. Some of my favorite markets are:

• Albert Cuyp Market (De Pijp)
• Bloemenmarkt (Grachtengordel)
• Dappermarkt (Oost)
• Foodhallen (West)

With over 2,500 houseboats, Amsterdam actually lies below sea level. But fear not, there is no need to become a mermaid, the city is supported by millions of wooden poles that are between 15 and 20 meters (50-65 feet) in length. This careful engineering ensures that Amsterdam remains secure and continues to flourish despite its low-lying position. It is a testament to the Dutch innovative spirit and their ability to adapt to the challenges posed by their environment. That being said, I highly recommend renting a boat with friends or going on a Grachten Tour to get a unique view of the city. If you don’t feel like boating or walking all day, take advantage of the city’s excellent public transportation system or rent a bike to get around easily.

Before wrapping up this post I would like to leave you with one more fun fact about the city and a few more general tips on what to do during a trip to Amsterdam:

• The narrower the houses, the lower the taxes. (Back in the 17th century, the amount of tax citizens had to pay was based on the width of their houses. This resulted in numerous slender buildings with about 4 or 5 floors.)
• Anne Frank House (book tickets in advance to avoid long queues).
• Take a leisurely walk along the picturesque canals in the Jordaan district.
• Head to Museumplein. Visit the Rijksmuseum, home to many Dutch masterpieces including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer.
• Admire the incredible collection of Vincent van Gogh’s works at Van Gogh Museum, inlcuding his famous painting”Starry Night.”
• Enjoy a pint of Heineken at the brewery .
• A few options for taking a day trip close to Amsterdam:
  • Option 1: Zaanse Schans, a neighborhood in the Dutch town of Zaandam, full of historic windmills and distinctive green wooden houses recreating the look of an 18th/19th-century village.
  • Option 2 (Seasonal, March to May): Visit Keukenhof Gardens, famous for its spectacular tulip displays.
  • Option 3: Take a day trip to Haarlem, a charming city with historic architecture, museums, and beautiful parks.
• In the evenings, venture into the lively neighborhoods of Leidseplein or Rembrandtplein, where you’ll find an array of restaurants, bars, and clubs.

These are just a few suggestions to make the most of your time in Amsterdam. I hope you get to immerse yourself in the city’s unique atmosphere, embrace the Dutch concept of gezelligheid (coziness), and create your own unforgettable memories. Feel free to share your own experiences and recommendations in the comments. I would love to hear them!

Sincerely, The Blonde Yeti