Amsterdam for First Timers

Welcome to Amsterdam, a city that’s like a big, friendly playground for art lovers and foodies. In Amsterdam, art isn’t just in museums; it’s all around you, from cool street art, to hip art galleries, to famous museums like the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum. And getting around is a breeze—just take a leisurely walk along the canals or hop on a bike like the locals do.

When you’re not admiring art, you can explore lively markets like the Albert Cuyp Market and the Flower Market, where you’ll find all sorts of goodies. And speaking of goodies, the food scene here is amazing, from cozy cafes to fancy restaurants. Best of all, the people are super friendly and always up for a chat or sharing their favorite local spots. Amsterdam is a city that’s all about art, culture, and delicious food, and it’s ready to be your new favorite travel destination.

Below you’ll find helpful tips and recommendations on where to stay, what to do and where to eat.

 

HELPFUL AMSTERDAM TRAVEL TIPS

I recommend you learn as much as you can about the city prior to arriving. Visit your city’s book stores and libraries, or search online for helpful books and articles to obtain insight as to the culture, currency, history, famous sights, etc.

What I personally did for this particular trip:

1. Read Rick Steves Amsterdam & the Netherlands book before going. I highlighted the places I wanted to visit the most to make it easy for me to quickly identify these when opening the book in Amsterdam. And yes, I brought the book with me on our trip, as I love having an easy access reference guide when touring around.
2. Read forums or blog posts on Amsterdam travel for unique insights and travel pointers. This tactic can give you great ideas of things to do that you normally wouldn’t find in travel books. People love to share their own personal travel adventures online, and a lot of readers will jump in and add their own experiences in the comments section, too; not only is it fun to read, but you can get a better idea of what to expect and also set realistic expectations for yourself. I have personally found lots of “gold” in forums.

A tip for foodies regarding Amsterdam: look for Indonesian “Rijkstafel”!

Rijsttafel is a culinary tradition that has found a special place in the hearts of Amsterdam’s food enthusiasts. This Indonesian feast takes you on a journey of flavors, reflecting the historical ties between the Netherlands and Indonesia. When you order Rijsttafel in Amsterdam, you’re in for a treat. Picture a table laden with small, flavorful dishes—spiced meats, succulent seafood, aromatic vegetables, and an array of sambals and condiments, all centered around a fragrant mound of rice. It’s a symphony of tastes where each bite reveals the diverse and complex flavors of Indonesian cuisine. It’s a must try experience!

HOTEL

We stayed at a modern 5-star hotel right in front of the canal and close to one of our favorite neighborhoods, Negen Straatjes. The hotel was the Andaz Prinsengracht Amsterdam.

The Andaz Pringengracht used to be a public library; they remodeled it completely, but they kept a little bit of the library theme going in their common rooms and decoration. It’s modern, classy, friendly with a young vibe, and a little bit quirky. The rooms are large (which is a huge plus for me when in Europe) and both the hotel and the in-room amenities are fantastic.

In-room, you have every kind of luxury you’d expect from a 5-star: robes, slippers, great toiletries, a safe, strong AC, comfortable beds with plush bedding, complimentary snacks, refreshments and beer in a mini-fridge. And the hotel amenities are equally wonderful: an inviting “library room” where you can go read, play cards or work from; a nice gym with cardio machines and weights; a very cute “Alice in Wonderland” themed garden, where you can go enjoy some sun or some zen time; event rooms and conference rooms; a spa with various treatment options; a complimentary daily “Gin hour” at 5pm; and, last but not least, a very complete and very delicious breakfast buffet (probably one of my favorite parts of the stay).

Service is very attentive and willing to help; they made our stay simply fantastic. We cannot emphasize enough how great they were. Highly recommend this hotel if you are thinking of going to Amsterdam.

 

THINGS TO DO

In Amsterdam, there’s no shortage of cool stuff to do. You can dive into the art scene at world-class museums and galleries like the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum. Then, grab a bike and pedal through the city like a local, or take a leisurely stroll in charming neighborhoods like Jordaan for some unique shopping finds. Don’t forget to hop on a boat to cruise the iconic canals, where you can admire the beautiful architecture from a whole new perspective. Amsterdam’s got a little something for everyone.

1. Walk Through the Anne Frank House

A visit to the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam offers travelers a profound and moving experience, providing a glimpse into the life and courage of a young girl during a tumultuous period in history. It was definitely one of the highlights of the trip for me, and I would highly recommend going. Be sure to make reservations months in advance, as space is limited and tickets sell out.

2. Visit the Van Gogh Museum 

A trip to the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam promises travelers an inspiring journey through the vibrant world of one of history’s most beloved and expressive artists, Vincent van Gogh. While there you’ll learn that he did the entirety of his work in only 10 years; it is mind boggling how he accomplished this, as he has so many beautiful works of art in his portfolio. Highly recommend this as well, and remember to make reservations in advance.

3. Experience the Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam is like a treasure chest of Dutch history and art, with captivating masterpieces that will transport travelers through time and culture. Get ready to immerse yourself in the Golden Age of Dutch creativity, surrounded by friendly faces and fascinating stories at every turn. We loved the campus in which the museum is housed in, loved the variety of art, and loved the user-friendliness of their self-guided tours.

4. Gawk at Street Art in the STRAAT Museum

The STRAAT Museum in Amsterdam is a hidden gem for travelers seeking an artistic adventure off the beaten path. Prepare to be captivated by the incredible talent of street artists showcased here, as you explore the mesmerizing and ever-evolving world of urban art. My husband’s favorite part of our Amsterdam trip was here. He was obsessed with the artwork and the talent of the artists; luckily they had a delicious cafe bar for me upstairs where I went to wait for him until he got his street-art-fix in!

5. Stroll down the Albert Cuyp Market

The Albert Cuyp Market in Amsterdam is a vibrant and bustling treasure trove, with nearly 300 vendors offering a kaleidoscope of goods, from fresh produce and delectable local foods to unique souvenirs and eclectic fashion finds. It’s not just a market; it’s an experience that lets travelers taste the flavors of the city and shop for everything from spices, to tulip bulbs, to shoes while soaking in the lively atmosphere of Amsterdam’s street life.

6. Take a Canal Boat Tour

Embarking on a canal boat tour in Amsterdam is like unwrapping a special gift for travelers. Not only do you get to efficiently explore the city’s charming waterways and admire its romantic architecture, but you’ll also savor delicious food, enjoy unlimited drinks, and have the chance to bond with fellow travelers for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. This is the tour we booked.

7. Get a Tour at the Heineken Experience

A visit to the Heineken Experience in Amsterdam offers a fun and immersive journey into the world of brewing. With various tours to choose from, you can step into the original brew room, learn the secrets behind Heineken’s craftsmanship, and even enjoy some delicious beer samples along the way – making it a must-do activity for beer enthusiasts!

8. Grab Dutch Beer at a Pub

When you’re in Amsterdam, grabbing a Heineken in a cozy pub is a “must”, and here’s why: it’s like sipping on a piece of local history while mingling with friendly locals, creating an authentic Dutch experience that’s hard to beat. So, raise your glass and toast to Amsterdam’s iconic brew!

9. Ride a Bike

Riding a bike in Amsterdam is an absolute must-do activity for first timers, as it offers a unique and enchanting way to explore the city like a local. With its bike-friendly streets, picturesque canals, and charming neighborhoods, pedaling through Amsterdam not only provides a memorable experience but also a delightful sense of freedom and connection to the city’s culture.

WHERE TO EAT

1.  Bluespoon Restaurant (Breakfast)

The Bluespoon Restaurant at the Andaz Amsterdam was probably one of my favorite spots for both breakfast and lunch. It was so good that not only did we eat breakfast there every day, but we also enjoyed lunch there three times during our trip. The food was fresh, healthy and flavorful. The ambiance is wonderful, too. Highly recommend!

2. Market Eats (Lunch) 

Go to one of Amsterdam’s many markets and get all the eats! Try new flavors, see what calls your name. Look for the wonderful Dutch cheeses, homemade spreads, freshly baked breads and Stroopwafels.

3. Cafe de Doffer (Lunch or Dinner)

Cafe de Doffer is a cozy pub located in one of my favorite streets in Amsterdam. It’s a spot where locals and tourist meet for good Dutch food and spirits.  We went for the traditional Dutch dishes; think bitterballen, cheeses, pickles and mustards, satays with home sauce, and french fries with mayo.  This was our first restaurant in Amsterdam, and we were very satisfied!

4. Venus & Adonis (Dinner)

Venus & Adonis is a cozy and chic restaurant with delicious appetizers, seafood and steaks. Their bread is to die for, as are their vegetarian offerings. Highly recommend this spot for a romantic date night. Make reservations as it fills up!

 

5. nNea Pizza (Dinner) 

nNea Pizza in Amsterdam is crazy popular, and for good reason. When you’ve tired of Dutch food and need something casual and comforting, this is your place. It is busy, so plan accordingly. We loved their Oro di Bufala pizza (made with yellow tomato sauce); the crust is doughy and perfect, and the flavors are fantastic. This was my husband’s pick for his birthday dinner!

Hope you found this guide insightful, and that you’re able to use some of these tips for when you’re planning your own trip to the enchanting city of Amsterdam!