Top 10 Things To Do To Ensure an Amster-dam Good Time
When most Americans hear the name “Amsterdam,” the first thing that comes to mind isn’t necessarily the city’s incredible network of canals, charming architecture, or rich history. And while the city does have a lot to offer as far as…um…extracurricular activities go, there is much more to do and explore in Amsterdam than just Coffee Shops and the Red Light District. If you follow this list, you are sure to have an Amster-dam good time during your visit to one of my favorite cities in Europe!
1. Visit the Anne Frank House
I was so moved by my first visit to the Anne Frank House that I made sure to visit again my second time in Amsterdam. For those who have read “The Diary of Anne Frank,” wandering the very halls where the Frank family spent years hiding from the Nazis is an experience you won’t soon forget. Preserved wall markings, Anne’s original Diaries, and the famous bookshelf which hid “The Annex” are among the highlights of the Anne Frank House.
2. Explore Bloemenmarkt Flower Market
Don’t miss out on a quick trip to the world’s only floating flower market. Wander from floating shop to shop admiring the blooms and maybe even pick up a souvenir to take home (they also sell seeds). I took a detour here on a whim before going to the Anne Frank House and was happy I made the stop!
3. Cruise the Canals
Why not see Amsterdam as the city was originally intended-from the water? Head on a canal cruise and see many of Amsterdam’s popular sites while listening along to some of the city’s history. There are several tour companies to choose from, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a time that works for you! This is a great way to get off your feet during a long day of touristing.
4. Frequent a Coffee Shop
Image: Jeff and Jeanna Sarmiento
Amsterdam is famous for its “Coffee Shops” which are decidedly not your typical cafe. The term Coffee Shop, in Amsterdam, has come to mean “alcohol-free establishments where cannabis (weed, hash, marijuana) are sold and consumed.” Head to the popular Dampkring coffee shop and enjoy its beautiful setting and interior-you may recognize it from the film Ocean’s 12!
5. Visit a Museum (or 2 or 3!)
There are a variety of excellent museums in Amsterdam that are worth a visit. Simply head to the museum quarter, Museumplein and choose from the Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art, and the Van Gogh Museum. If you are looking far a more unique museum experience, try Amsterdam’s Houseboat museum the Amsterdam Tulip Museum.
6. Check Out the Red Light District
Image: Cristiano Gatti
If you’ve heard of Amsterdam, then you have heard of its Red Light District. On my last visit I headed on a quick walking tour early at night to see for myself what all the hype was about. De Wallen is the most well known area of the red light district. The alleyways in this area are home to around 300 rooms for rent, which are lit by red lights where women beckon to passersby from behind glass doors. If you are nervous about heading to this area by night, you can always check it out during the day.
7. I Amsterdam
A visit to Amsterdam wouldn’t be complete without a picture near the famous “I Amsterdam” sign. Kill two birds with one stone by snapping your picture on your way to one of the museums in Museumplein, where this photo opportunity is located. Pro tip: Head there early to avoid having tons of other tourists in your pictures!
8. Try the Heineken Experience
Image: Traverse Earth
Beer lovers are sure to enjoy Amsterdam’s Heineken Experience, a tour of the original brewery established in 1864. Though the facility no longer produces any beer, it has become a popular tourist attraction. During the Heineken Experience visitors can learn about the brand’s history, enjoy the building’s 19th century architecture, discover what goes into the beer making process, and of course, taste beer!
9. Wander Vondel Park
Get in touch with nature in Amsterdam’s beautiful 120 acre park. The park receives over 10 million visitors each year, and has a network of bike paths (the perfect place to try biking in Amsterdam for those not ready to brave the city’s incredibly busy bike paths), and there is even a Picasso statue to be found. An afternoon wandering this park is an afternoon well spent.
10. Eat a pancake, or try some fries
Try a delicious pancake like the apple one I had at a restaurant overlooking a canal. Pancakes not your thing? Try some fully loaded French Fries in the city they were actually invented in. Yum!
What is on your list of Amsterdam must dos?
Another great thing to do is a bike tour! When I travelled there, I did Mike’s Bike Tours through the country, and it was a blast. Even though it was a country bike ride to a cheese farm, we still went through Vondelpark and bits of the city. I actually ran into my tour guide later that day while he was giving a city bike tour. It was one of the most memorable parts of my stay.
That sounds amazing Cassie, thanks for the tip! I wish I had more time do do this while I was there, looks like I’ll just have to go back!