Amsterdam has a way of turning a short visit into a lasting fascination. I’ve been lucky enough to visit twice and spend nearly a month exploring the city, long enough to move beyond the postcard scenes and start noticing the rhythms of everyday life—morning cyclists gliding along the canals, quiet neighborhood cafés opening their doors, and the glow of bridges reflecting on the water at night. What makes Amsterdam special isn’t just its beauty, but how effortlessly history, culture, and daily life blend together.
If you’re planning a trip to Amsterdam, save this. Whether you’re here for the museums, the food scene, the canals, or just a very good cookie (priorities), this is everything I personally recommend — the mix of iconic, cool, and actually-worth-your-time spots.
Best Things to Do in Amsterdam
🍫 Make Your Own Chocolate at Tony’s
Start strong at the flagship store of Tony’s Chocolonely. You can design your own chocolate bar, which is equal parts fun activity and elite souvenir. It’s interactive, colorful, and very on-brand for Amsterdam’s playful side.
Pro tip: Go earlier in the day to avoid long lines.
🍺 Heineken Experience (Don’t Skip the Rooftop)
The Heineken Experience is touristy, yes — but it’s actually well done. You’ll learn about brewing, get tastings, and the rooftop bar alone makes it worth it. Great city views + beer = no complaints.
🥃 Take the Bols Genever Tour
The House of Bols experience is underrated. You’ll learn about genever (the Dutch predecessor to gin), do a guided tasting, and leave slightly more educated and slightly more relaxed.
🚤 Take a Canal Cruise (You Have To)
No Amsterdam travel guide is complete without this. The city is best seen from the water. We went with Stromma, and it was easy, smooth, and informative without being boring.
Book earlier in your trip — it helps you get your bearings.
🧀🍓 Eat Your Way Through Albert Cuyp Market
Albert Cuyp Market is chaos in the best way. Stroopwafels, fresh herring, fries with questionable amounts of sauce — it’s all here. Come hungry and bring cash.
🌷 Visit the Floating Flower Market
The Bloemenmarkt is the world’s only floating flower market. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s colorful and very Amsterdam.
🌿 Escape to Hortus Botanicus
If you’re into plants, butterflies, or just need a cozy indoor activity on a rainy day, Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam is beautiful and peaceful. The greenhouse alone is worth it.
Must-See Museums & Cultural Spots in Amsterdam
Amsterdam does museums extremely well. Plan ahead — most require timed tickets.
🎨 Moco Museum
Moco Museum is modern, edgy, and changes exhibits frequently. Expect Banksy-style works and immersive installations. It’s smaller and easy to pair with other museums nearby.
🖼 Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is iconic for a reason. Rembrandt, Vermeer, and centuries of Dutch history live here. Even if you’re not “a museum person,” this one hits.
🌻 Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum is beautifully curated and gives real context to Van Gogh’s life — not just the greatest hits. Book tickets well in advance.
📖 Anne Frank House
The Anne Frank House is powerful and sobering. It’s one of the most meaningful experiences in Amsterdam. Tickets sell out weeks ahead, so plan accordingly.
🎨 NDSM Wharf + Street Art
Take the free ferry to NDSM Wharf, a former shipyard turned creative playground. While you’re there, visit the STRAAT Museum — massive murals, rotating artists, very cool vibe.
Where to Eat in Amsterdam
🥞 Dutch Pancakes (Sweet & Savory)
- Pancakes Amsterdam
- Carrousel Pannenkoeken Amsterdam
Order one sweet, one savory. The bacon & apple combo was my personal winner.
🍪 The Cookie You’ll Dream About
- Van Stapele Koekmakerij
There’s usually a line. Order ahead online. It’s one cookie. It’s perfect.
🍽 Nicer Eats (But Still Relaxed)
- Coulisse
- Zaza’s
- Jansz.
- Klein Breda (great lunch, too)
- De Plantage
- Bistro De La Mer (especially good for lunch)
Think seasonal menus, cozy interiors, and “I live here now” energy.
🍳 More Casual Eats
- Lagom Amsterdam (brunch/lunch)
- Moeders (classic Dutch comfort food)
- Dignita Hoftuin (brunch)
- Mezzave (incredible sandwiches)
- Box Sociaal (brunch or dinner)
- A-Fusion (dinner)
- Eethuis Sit Joe (Indonesian — a must in Amsterdam)
Where to Drink in Amsterdam
🥃 3 Little Bottles (The Oldest Bar in Amsterdam)
Proeflokaal A. van Wees (De Drie Fleschjes) dates back to 1650. Order their version of a “citywide” — genever + pilsner — and pretend you’ve lived here for centuries.
🍺 Brouwerij ’t IJ
Brouwerij ‘t IJ brews right in the city (next to a windmill, because of course). Their sampler tray is the move.
🍸 Tales & Spirits
Tales & Spirits is for inventive cocktails in a cozy, intimate setting. Great date-night energy.
Final Amsterdam Travel Tips
- Book major museums in advance.
- Rent bikes only if you’re confident (locals do not play).
- Walk everywhere — Amsterdam is incredibly walkable. Pack good walking shoes! (My go to’s for travel are always my New Balance 1080s and Adidas VL Court 3.0)
- Plan at least one slow afternoon just wandering canals.
Amsterdam is one of those cities that feels easy but layered. You can do the big-ticket sights and still find hidden corners, incredible meals, and small moments that make the trip.
My travel faves
As someone who travels a ton, I’ve developed a list of can’t-leave-home-without-them products. These are my tried and true favorite items that you can guarantee are on any and every trip with me.
- BAGSMART packing cubes
These packing cubes are fabulous and at a great price. They help organize and consolidate clothing etc. for easy packing. - Away larger carry on
The best carry on that’s super spacious but still airline-approved as a carry on. Lifetime warranty is great as well! - Calpak Terra duffel backpack
My absolute favorite backpack for travel – it’s sturdy and comfortable to carry, plus it holds as much as a carry on but counts as a personal item on most flights. - BAGSMART toiletry bag
This bag is a lifesaver because it fits all of my makeup, toiletries, and then some, but folds up to save space. - Travel makeup brush holder
This super simple silicone brush holder is an easy way to pack makeup brushes when you travel, keeping them clean and separate from the rest of your makeup. - Travel pill case
This pill case folds up like a little book but holds so much – I fit a month worth of vitamins, supplements, as well as emergency meds in it. - BAGSMART travel jewelry organizer
The perfect way to transport necklaces, rings, and more without ending up with a tangled mess. - Contoured sleep mask
This is my absolute favorite sleep mask – it’s so comfortable, with a face contour that accommodates your lashes and doesn’t squish your face at all. - Portable charger
As someone who is always snapping photos and mapping my way around town when I travel, a portable charger is a must. This one is fast, small, and lightweight. - Away large suitcase
This has been my go-to suitcase for longer trips years, and the quality is great. Even better, they have such a great lifetime warranty that they’ll fix or replace your bag should anything happen – so it’s the last bag you ever need to buy. - Travel luggage scale
An absolute must for anyone traveling with checked bags – no more bag overage fees! - Leakproof travel bottles
These are great little leakproof bottles that make bringing toiletries when you travel easy. - Burst travel electric toothbrush
If you use an electric toothbrush at home, then you know that going back to a manual one when you travel doesn’t cut it. This one is affordable and works great, and code LCLYJF will get you a discount! - Super bagel travel adapter
A perfect compact adapter that works no matter where you go! - Women’s packable rain coat
I take this on every trip, because you never know when it’s going to rain! This jacket folds up super small and has a really flattering A-line shape that looks cute.
If you’re going to Amsterdam soon, I’d love to know what you’re most excited about.
