Youll get some free time as well, to experience your own choice of a Brussels adventure. Coming to see them here, then, is made all the more important. It helps to be a bit fit, although you wont cycle for too long. Theres loads of little pubs to hang out in, galleries, all sorts of stuff. You can enjoy the festival by all means by foot, by boat, on a bicycle. Guided bike rides, canal cruises and daytrips to the countryside offer even more ways to make the most of your time in Amsterdam. Fun Fact: Did you know many Amsterdameses have several bikes? And 2nd, we are big fans of local markets! Aggressively guard your table if you manage to get one at all. Nestled in between Arnhem and Apeldoorn, the Hoge Veluwe National Park is the biggest and most famous of them all. There are many different boat tours and cruises. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Fashion, Design, Art: This concept store will be your Lil heaven! Its one of the most bike-able cities in the whole wide world and thats how pretty much everyone gets around. Visit Bruges for a day with an English-speaking tour guide, and enjoy some must-see sights along the way. Amsterdammers love getting around by bike so much so that there are more bikes than people in this city. Any information published by Cond Nast Traveler is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Eliza didn't know where to turn for help when she found out about her husband's sex addiction. They list all hostels in Amsterdam and they compare the prices for you on the major booking sites. There is a 3-hour bike-tour to the windmills, along the canals. Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum 4. You can also find Escape Rooms on GetYourGuide. Just 20 minutes from Amsterdam Central by train, the picturesque city of Haarlemoverflows with history and culture, plus a great selection of shops, cafes and restaurants. Learning about her life and her story is important, making this one of the most unmissable things to do in Amsterdam. Happened to us. Compare prices for Rijksmuseum atTiqets | Get Your Guide. Bring some hunger and thirst, there is plenty of choices to eat and drink. Simply check-in on boarding a tram, bus or metro, and then check out when you exit or disembark the vehicle. And you can try it here in Amsterdam as well. Amsterdam is a creative city! Strolling around this well-curated museum is great to stroll around for any art fan. Using your ticket is easy and convenient. It hosts two site-specific exhibitions annually, featuring top international contemporary artists. In Haarlem you can cycle to a beautiful beach and get lost in theZuid-Kennemerland National Park. Back in Amsterdam, youll head straight to take in the breathtaking panoramic views from ADam Lookout. Buy a Geopress: its the last water bottle youll ever buy. Dam Square is right in the city centre, its pretty much where everything goes down and its packed full of fascinating history. It is suitably crazy and would be made even more trippy after some time spent at a coffeehouse, we would imagine. Youll probably smell this timeworn, flag-festooned fish kiosk before you even spot the queues along the Singel canal, about 550 yards from Centraal Station. It is halfway to the Atlantic coast and beach, near Keukenhof. Compare prices at: Get Your Guide | Tiqets. The party scene of coffee houses (many of which sell marijuana . We joined a tour by Ecomama and had a great time. Explore Amsterdam off the beaten path. Pllek offers a wide variety of good food and drinks. At the end of this guide, we cover our recommended accommodation with hotels, Airbnb and hostels. De Hallen houses a cinema, independent stores and a boutique hotel, as well as the impressive Food Hallenwhere visitors can munch their way through a selection of upmarket street fare from one of many vendors located around a central bar. We had a look around and collected some of the coolest collections. Keukenhof is known as one of the worlds largest spring garden. The dramatic static paint will come alive with the use of light and shadow. Tip: This place is by appointment only, so make sure you call ahead. Sunday Funday: A Guide to the Best Things to do in Amsterdam Theres something odd about a Gothic church thats located in the Red Light District and surrounded by brothels, but thats Amsterdam in a nutshell. The scene doesnt really get up and running until late, kicking off from 10 to 11 pm most nights, which is when this hedonists playground gets into full swing. Its not the cheapest view in the world, but its worth it; especially if you go on the crazy over the Edge swing. The tour takes you around the. With the help of Unwana van der Werk, guest relations manager at Conservatorium Amsterdam, we've broken down the best times to visit the capital for great weather, fewer crowds, colorful flowers . Cute Things To Do In Amsterdam. Its unusual and kooky and if you want to get off the tourist trail, heres the place. The I Amsterdam sign is right next to the Rijkmuseum. Its definitely one of the best things to do in Amsterdam if youre keen on the beautiful game, youll get to tour the ground and glimpse behind the scenes places you wouldnt be able to see otherwise with a bit of history thrown in for good measure. We put together the ultimate list of smart items to bring. Required fields are marked *. Popular escape room in Amsterdam are Locked in Amsterdam, Sherlocked and AfterMath. Yet, you have almost every single option for transport you can imagine. This cute little cafe is on a square in front of the 17th-century Noorderkerk (northern church) in the heart of the historic Jewish quarter, the Jordaan. The Red Light District is definitely the place to go if you're looking for things to do in Amsterdam at night for couples. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. They have a quaint common area where you can grab a free coffee and meet other travelers. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. check out the kid-friendly canal tour. Good to know: Book your ticket online and skip-the-(long)-line with Tiqets or Get Your Guide. Look out for regular food markets, mini-festivals and events held here, such as the vibrant Sunday market held on the first Sunday of every month. There are a whole plethora of interesting, interactive exhibitions that are fun for children young and old (we mean you!). If youre not staying at Ecomama, the 5 Star Hostel, then youve two choices: Talking about Vondelpark, there is way more you can do besides a lovely picnic. Situated on Singel Canal, here you mingle with locals and tourists alike as you browse for fragrant flowers. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "af1d5d00f25894d34966fac591977942" );document.getElementById("cf3d1e10cf").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Send me the smartest newsletter from Hostelgeeks. Take a scenic bus ride with your tour group from Amsterdam to Brussels on this full-day trip. You are old enough, though, right?! Step into the cavernous space, or browse the many stands that spill out onto the wharf, to rifle through a wild collection of records, vintage clothing, home furnishings and antiques. Never get caught with your pants down again! If youre looking for souvenirs to take home, skip the tourist traps and shop for authentic Dutch design and quality Amsterdam brands at the Local Goods Store in De Hallenor the I amsterdam Storein Central Station. To lead you through the wealth of wonders, weve whittled down the selection to this essential guide. (We have visited all hostels in Amsterdam in person to actually review them!). Get a quote below or read our in-depth review! This lush urban oasis provides ample opportunities for bike rides, picnics, swimming, strolling over hills and flower-blanketed valleys, or just barbecuing with friends. If you prefer an apartment, my personal recommendation for an apartment is Keizersgracht Suite 471. Often cited as Amsterdams most charming neighbourhood, wandering into the Jordaan feels like stepping back in time. Packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for thereal adventurers these babies are a travellers best kept secret. The building still has no electricityevening services are illuminated by hundreds of candles in the large brass chandeliers. Many different restaurants, bars, cafs and most of them have a design background. Herring At Food Trucks - Spice Lovers. Basically, this place is a psychedelic wonderland that needsto be on your list of unique things to do in Amsterdam. Cycle your way through the city. 1 - Cruise through the canals No trip to Amsterdam is complete without seeing it from its iconic canals! It only costs 8 and takes 45 minutes. Experience Amsterdam stress-free with an unlimited travel card for all public transport networks. The sheer amount of visitors however, does mean that it can be tricky to feel like youve escaped the tourist trail. Have a look at the bikes decoration, tiny public libraries, and other small items. Everything is super geared up for cyclists, so why not join them; trust us: pedalling around the city centre is one of the most quintessential things to do in Amsterdam. The boat has an additional separate toilet as well as the main bathroom. Why so techy? The Cocomama Hostelis the best hostel for couples in Amsterdam. Cityhub is a unique mix of the classic social vibes of old-school hostels, mixed with a new innovative experience thats probably why the ratings are so high! You get hot pizza, unlimited drinks (wine, beer and soft drinks), Audio guide, and even free WiFi. document.getElementById("ak_js_2").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); document.getElementById("ak_js_3").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Travel with peace of mind. This is going to be the highlight of your European tour, combining an utterly beautiful vintage boat, the most sophisticated company in town, and (for a supplement) red roses, gourmet finger food, and bottomless champagne. Needless to say, its one of the top things to do in Amsterdam. It is a piecewise presentation of live sex show which is viewed through a viewing slot. Smoked eel, anchovies, and shrimps are all on the menu, but raw herring is what you want. Once a month there is the Neighbor-food fest. Hostelgeeks is your gateway to the worlds finest hostels, the 5 Star Hostel. Good to know: Coffee shop in the Netherlands means a bar/ caf to smoke legal drugs. For heartier fare, head to Meerzicht Farm and Pancake House where the Dutch-style pancakes are beyond delicious. There are many castles, palaces and fortressesin the Amsterdam Area that provide a window into the regions regal past and will make you feel like the star of your own fairytale. People come from far and wide for the canals, the cannabis, the culture. It was a popular spot for sailors back in the day. Set up in memory of the owners cat, this art museum is situated in a grand old house from the 17th century, with all the fittings and fixtures youd expect, but its the art thats more interesting. I would go for one of the smaller ones like Mr. Joordan Hotel. Save this guide if you ever visit this city on a weekend and have yourself a Sunday Funday: a guide to the best things to do in Amsterdam. Yes, there are plenty of galleries of Golden Age paintings, though with 8,000 masterworks on display, this isnt a niche affair. Theres less scary stuff too, like the Fairytale Forest and Aquanura, the biggest water show in Europe (apparently). 1. Read our complete Amsterdam travel guide here. It looks exactly like a normal beltexcept for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash or a passport copy. Its still used for award ceremonies, royal receptions and state visits. Waiting times are often lengthy, so visit early in the morning or book online in advance to beat the queues. Amsterdam is a creative city! Your Swiss-knife to booking is Hostelz.com. For every curious traveler, we also found 14 incredible secrets you did not know about Amsterdam. It is actually not pitch dark, it is magical black light providing an exciting effect. You can visit the flower market, or take a canal cruise. This street market on Albert Cuypstraat, between Ferdinand Bolstraat and Van Woustraat, has been at it for over 100 years. Naturally, with so many tourists in town, there are a ton of things to do in Amsterdam. You might learn a thing or two exploring the worlds largest collection of weed-related artefacts! So theres actually a lot of history steeped in these sinful streets you can even find the Oude Kerk, the citys oldest church (dating back to 1213), in this area, which may or may not say something about the mindset of the city! Compare tour prices here: Tiqets | Get Your Guide. or get your tour for red light district online, a Restaurant for delicious breakfast, lunch & dinner. If youre visiting Amsterdam in spring, then take the short 20-minute trip out to the world-famous tulip fields (Bollenstreek) stretching out in colourful stripes across miles of lowland fields between Haarlem and Leiden. A wonky, wooden watering hole that was, once upon a time, a lockkeepers cottage, Caf de Sluyswacht is a cosy place to visit. There are over 800,000 bicycles in Amsterdam. Have a look at all the fun things to do we found for Amsterdam including Darth Vader! Because instead of a traditional dorm room you get your own private pod/cabin and it looks more like a spaceship than a bed! . Herring is a small fish that is the signature dish of the Dutch. It has the motto We trust no dog. Find our step-by-step process in our review about Skyscanner. The Royal Palace was originally the Amsterdam Town Hall before being converted. Epic post as always, You can also create a family game together. Dam square is the heart of the city and its free to explore the stunning architecture, fascinating history and buzzing atmosphere. Tanja, a local guide gives you an introduction on 18 Free things to do in Amsterdam. This place is the bomb for curious minds. Rooms also have a TV, Wi-Fi, a safe, a phone, and a coffee maker. He and his partner Miloe run the show, taking private groups (reservations necessary) on bespoke tours of Amsterdams legendary canals. I mean, how often do you have the chance to party a bit on a boat in a gracht in Amsterdam?! The largest and oldest art history library in all of the Netherlands; and this grand temple to books has been going strong since 1885. For Luxury and High-End Hotels, check out these amazing boutique hotels in Amsterdam. There is endless clubs and bars to go wild. You can find all types of tours and activities here. Update: You can now only book the tickets for Amsterdam Swing on their website. Candlelight Cruise with Wine and Cheese 3. That's more bikes than people! Maybe its Darth Vader spending some free days in Amsterdam, not sure. Walk around the centuries-old Jewish Quarter in the city centre, visit the Portuguese Synagogue (dating back to the 17th century), and read about the background of this Jewish neighbourhood along the way. Dance with Lady Gaga, touch Justin Bieber, take your photo with Robbie Williams and be dazzled by George Clooney! Besides cuddling those cuties, you can also give them milk! Depending on what youre into, you can go to the brutalist nightclub Shelter (for the hardcore only), the more fun, friendly Club X, or De School set inside an old school, obviously to name just a few. We love it here, and so will you! Next. The Travel Essentials Our Readers Bought Most This Prime Day, Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam. The NEW Anne Frank walking tour. Probably one of the most off the beaten track things to do in Amsterdam, KattenKabinet combines two great things of our time: art and cats. Picnic, read a book, and watch time pass by in Vondelpark 5. Royal Concertgebouw: Amsterdam's Royal concert hall, considered one of the world's best. Party the night away in one of the nightlife capitals of Europe. Quick and easy way to book hostels as you go! Well, those are well-invested, curious 1-2! The Grayl Geopress is the markets leading filtered water bottle protecting your tum from all the waterborne nasties. Amsterdam is definitely not an off the beaten track destination. The Red Light District is a unique and unusual experience for many different reasons but it has to be seen. THINGS TO DO BREAKFAST & BRUNCH SPOTS BAKERS & ROASTERS DROVERS DOG DIGNITA LITTLE COLLINS TEDS ALL DAY BRUNCH SEARCH THE SITE Search for: SHOP FOR THIS CUTE AMSTERDAM TOTE BAG THINGS TO DO THINGS TO DO VISITOR TIPS Lucky for you, there are plenty of good spots in Amsterdam to catch a flick: theres Path Tuschinski, for a start. You could also check out the famous Int Aepjen bar or party the night away in one of the cities epic clubs. We consider the Madame Tussauds something you should have visited somewhere in the world. Located on a tiny street just off Spui Square, Van Stapele sells just one specific thing: freshly made chocolate cookies with a white chocolate centre (just 1.85 Euros each). This one is quite obvious. But the real draw here is Westergas, a massive former gas plant thats been turned into a lively entertainment hub. Naturally, exploring Jordaan is awesome, if quite hipster-y, thing to do in Amsterdam. The royal palace is one of the most historic buildings in the city so youre gonna want to take one of the guided tours to see all the details of the impressive collection of artefacts held here. This is your super handy guide for everything you need to know for having fun in Amsterdam. Also, pretty handy, thisdetailed article about this alternative naturetour byAwesomeAmsterdam.com. It will keep your valuables safe no matter where you go. Over in Utrecht, the 14th-century De Haar Castlewas updated with impressive turrets and towers in the 19th century courtesy of Pierre Cuypers, the famous Rijksmuseum architect. Just keep your eyes open. Dam Square 5. Singel is the first of these canals and was originally the moat that surrounded the main city center. However, no visit to Amsterdam is successful without a good place to stay. There are sights such as the 15th century Nieuwe Kerk, the National Monument and the old Town Hall (now the Royal Palace) to lap up here, as well as upscale shopping opportunities and the suitably majestic NH Grand Hotel. And if lying on a beach is more your thing, then the beautiful golden stretches at Bloemendaal aan Zee and Zandvoort aan Zeewill be happy to oblige with golden sands, dunes and plenty of watersports. Cruise along Amsterdam's romantic canals 2. These are some of the best free things to do in Amsterdam: Explore the red Light District Visit the floating flower market Bloemenmarkt Hang out in Vondelpark. Some Additional Tips for Visiting Amsterdam, Have a beer or two at the Heineken Experience, Spend an afternoon at the Nemo Science Museum, Keukenhof, Zaanse Schans & Adam Lookout Combo Day Tour, Brussels: Full-Day Excursion from Amsterdam, From Amsterdam: 12-Hour Guided Day Trip to Bruges, Relax at Het Stenen Hoofd, an urban beach thats popular with locals, Get your gaming head on and go retro at Ton Ton Club, a cool arcade with classic machines, Sample local beers at De Prael brewery and Troost, You never know what may happen on the road so make sure you have decent, Make sure you do some research beforehand to find out whether, If you visit a coffee shop, just remember weed is only legal if consumed on the premises, so. There are plenty of coffee shops nearby as well in case you fancy trying some of the green stuff for real it is legal here after all! Nestled alongside a tranquil pond, this distillery and tasting room is set inside a quaint 19th-century pump house, complete with rustic wood floors and old-timey black-and-white photos on the walls. 3. Home to the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk Museumand The Royal Concertgebouw, Museumplein is the cultural beating heart of Amsterdam. At the end of the day, youll be transported safely back to Amsterdam centre. Said by some (ok,many) to be the best cookies in Amsterdam, Van Stapele with its cute, vintage-style interiors provides a must-try experience for anybody with a mouth and a tongue to taste things with. A short (free) ferry tripwill take you to several drop off points, including cultural hotspot NDSM, where you can enjoy a host of hip waterside hangouts, frequent festivals and events. Types of Attractions Boat Tours & Water Sports Nightlife Sights & Landmarks Museums Fun & Games Nature & Parks Spas & Wellness Classes & Workshops Zoos & Aquariums Water & Amusement Parks Traveller rating & up Its all set on barges turned marketplace complete with purpose-built glasshouses added to the top and is open every day from 9 am (11 am on Sundays) till 3:30 pm. Part of the charm of drinking at Caf de Sluyswacht is embracing its quirks: step inside, and everythingfrom the stone floors to the staircase to the wood-beamed ceilingstilts to one side, making you feel like youve had one too many before youve even had your first sip. There is also a walking tour of Brussels to be enjoyed, with stops at attractions such as the Royal Palace and the Atomium. Its not just about coffee here, however as you can get some good old fashioned Dutch pub grub (and even vegan options) along with a glass ofwit bier white beer. There are wild rollercoasters, a ghost ship to explore on De Vligende Hollander, and Baron 1898 a mine-themed ride. I scheduled high tea with them. The tour lasts 2 hours and costs 14 per person only. The ticket will be validated on first use and can be used for unlimited travel until the end of its validity. Slick, slick, slick. And there is way more than just cycling around, visiting the red-light district and chartering a boat on the canals. After reading this, you'll know for sure what you want to do! Confession time: There are some secret spots we also did not know about yet, a good reason for us to always come back! There are endless things to do in Amsterdam in any weather and many of the most rewarding experiences lie beyond the well-trodden tourist paths of the city centre. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Who doesnt love free stuff? While many visitors head straight to the busy chain-stores on Kalverstraat, those in the know get their retail therapy at one of the city's more locally flavoured shopping paradise. Good job its in central Amsterdam so you can walk home! Unappreciated in his own lifetime, Van Gogh left behind a legacy of paintings that got him pretty famous only after his death. . I highly recommend joining a Pub Crawl. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. Check the video below, it shows everything. We just gave you the most amazing hostel in Amsterdam and a huge list for having fun in Amsterdam. Now transformed into a colourful cultural hub, Westergasis home to a variety of tempting bars, restaurants, coffee roasters, a microbrewery, art-house cinema, and a whole host of creative businesses. Very interesting as this is part of the culture! 1. A lot of the paintings and sculptures are cat-themed. Visiting when covid ends. The shows are held every Friday (unless its summer break) at CREA Caf. Good to know: For actually visiting the famous Anne Frank House, you have to book on their website. Go for some street art hunting at the street Spuistraat and area. Go ride a bike 3. Because, trust us, when we say: Amsterdam is not the typicalNetherlands. Amsterdam with Kids: 30 Best Things To Do in Amsterdam, the Netherlands Get your Fast-Line ticket here to skip the queue. They organise yo packing and minimise its volume too so you can pack MORE. Many of Amsterdams best-kept secretscan be discoveredfrom the comfort of your saddle. Tip: visit Houten Huys (built in 1528, its one of two remaining timber houses in the city). Entry is by online reservation only, with timed tickets released two months ahead and a limited number on the day itself. All in all, this is a great place for a moment of quiet reflection if youre feeling overwhelmed by the seediness of the Red Light District. Explore Amsterdam's nightlife 7. We are always keen to improve this article and add more and more! 1. TheCasa Rosso is the most popular venue for this kind of event. Well, okay, we have no idea what this guy in the Darth Vader costume is doing here in Amsterdam. Ride a bike around Amsterdams City Center 2. Here youll find over 200 retailers, including a fine selection of independent boutiques, vintage shops and specialty stores selling everything from designer dresses to handmade cosmetics. 1. There are a lot of cute things to do in amsterdam! The tour lasts 2 hours and costs 14 per person only. By Meredith Bethune and. Its full of designer and vintage boutiques, cutting-edge galleries, quaint cafes, and delightfully cluttered antique shops. Travel back in time on a visit to this 17th-century house of worship for one of the more unusual things to do in Amsterdam. Okay okaythis is getting weird, we know. Just 15 minutes on the train, its an easy day trip from Amsterdam. 9 AM: Get your picture taken at the IAMSTERDAM letters Not just any theme park, however: Efteling is the largest amusement park in the whole country! You will be strapped on a swing on the edge in almost 100 meters height.