I’ve been lucky enough to visit Amsterdam several times and with each visit I fall a little bit more in love with the Netherlands. I’ve rounded up my favourite things to do, this is the best things to do in Amsterdam.
The Netherlands, my home away from home. I have such an affinity with Holland, I think it’s largely due to the fact that I’m quarter Dutch. My Opa (Dutch for Grandad) grew up in Holland and came to England in 1948. It’s also the only place where I can find my name on things, remember those stickers growing up? The Netherlands is my special place and I’ve only just scratched the surface. This is Amsterdam, the wanderlust guide.
What To See
Keukenhof (March – May).
You can’t visit Holland in the spring and not visit the Keukenhof. Whether you’re into gardening or not, visiting the endless displays of tulips and other arrangements is a must for your trip to Holland. I didn’t realise the variety of tulips and the scale of the Keukenhof. The Keukenhof is a really special experience, so if you’re in Holland during spring, make sure you add this to your list. Tickets can be purchased in advance and you can get there from Amsterdam, Haarlem, Schiphol and Leiden.
Anne Franks House
Book tickets in advance, these sell out quickly and I would highly recommend the talk option. Tickets become available every Tuesday at 10:00 am CEST for a visit in six weeks.
You can’t visit Amsterdam and not go into Anne Franks House. Be warned, this location gets very busy with tourists taking pictures of the outside. If you want to learn a bit more before your trip to the museum, I would recommend watching A Small Light, the story of Miep Gies who helped hide the Frank Family.
City canal cruise
There are lots of boat cruises available, I used the Blue Boat Company What better way to discover Holland than on water. There are trips available on air bnb experiences and booking.com that offer refreshments and cheeses. This is on my own list for next time.
House of Bols
A really fun interactive experience with a cocktail tasting at the end. Uncover the history of Genever and Cocktails. This is located in the museum quarter, so you can discover lots more in the area. Grab tickets!
Explore the museum quarter (Sunday market in this area)
Home to the most iconic museums; Rijksmuseum (National Museum of the Netherlands), Stedelijk (Modern and Contemporary Art), Van Gough Museum, Moco (Modern, Contemporary and Street Art) and the Diamond Museum. If museum’s aren’t your thing sit outside and enjoy a picnic in the green space or have a mooch around the Sunday markets.
Shopping at De 9 Straatjes
(The 9 Streets) lanes in Amsterdam is the perfect spot for some retail therapy. The nine streets include; Berenstraat, Gasthuismolensteeg, Hartenstraat, Huidenstraat, Oude Spiegelstraat, Reestraat, Runstraat, Wijde Heisteeg and Wolvenstraat.
Red light district (De Wallen)
You can’t not take a walk down the famous Red Light District in Amsterdam. To find the district head to De Wallen, this is the largest and oldest red light district.
Val stepele – Best cookies in Amsterdam
They do one type of cookie and they do it well. Arrive early as the queues are long and cookies sell out. Open from 10am until the last cookie is sold, it’s a must for a delicious treat.
Heisteeg 4, 1012 WC Amsterdam, Netherlands
Candlelight event (@fever_uk)
Looking for something a bit different? Head to a candlelight concert by Fever. They are available in cities all around the world, but it’s a great thing to do whilst you’re in Amsterdam.
Day trip to sister towns
It’s really easy to get around in Holland, catch the train and head to Haarlem, Utrecht, Gouda or Delft.
Where To Eat
Tia Rosa Tapas
For those that love Tapas, this restaurant is in a great location, has some delicious food and of course sangria.
Address: Reguliersgracht 11, 1017 LJ Amsterdam
Dal pagliaccio
Probably one of my favourite restaurants that I’ve eaten at in Holland. This small Italian has an authentic feel and the food is heaven. Make sure you make a reservation so you don’t miss out on this incredible Italian-Dutch restaurant. Located by Central Station, it’s the perfect spot.
Address: Dal Pagliaccio, Oudebrugsteeg 8, 1012 JP Amsterdam
Mr Haz Taco bar
Another great find and perfect for evening tacos when exploring the district of Jordaan.
Address: Egelantiersstraat 24, 1015 PM, Amsterdam
Greenwoods
The most perfect brunch place and when the sun is shining you can be sure to have the best Brunch spot in all of Amsterdam. I would recommend the Greenwoods Shakshuka, so delicious.
Address: Keizersgracht 465, 1017 DK Amsterdam
Gastrovino
A really lovely little deli with amazing sandwiches to eat in or have on the go. The menu is extensive and the food is perfection.
Amsterdam is such a special place, whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend, a solo trip or an adventure with friends. Amsterdam has it all. The was the Wanderlust Guide to the best things to do in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. However, the very best way to see Amsterdam is to just explore, get lost and stumble upon it’s magic.