Prime 10 Superb Issues to Do in Amsterdam (Netherlands)

The climate in Europe can get very unpredictable; that’s why, every time there’s a coming interval that’s stuffed with sunny days, quite a lot of locals take the chance to go on a visit — and that’s precisely what I did! With completely no prior plans in any respect, I set out on a spontaneous 2-day getaway to Amsterdam, Netherlands! (Issues to Do in Amsterdam)

Dwelling in Belgium, it took me solely lower than 2 hours to achieve it by practice, and naturally: touring to this wondrous capital of the Netherlands has been an excellent expertise total. My first impression although was that… it’s nearly like Belgium. The structure, the meals, and the customs have been all fairly related, and I assume it is smart as a result of Belgium and the Netherlands was one nation up till the 1830s. (Although definitely, there are a LOT — rather a lot! — of distinct issues that also separate one from the opposite).

That apart, do you have to ever determine on dropping by, listed here are the highest 10 issues to do in Amsterdam to profit from your journey, regardless of the variety of days you might have.

Issues to Do in Amsterdam

1. Hire a bicycle

Picture by: Shutterstock

Very like Belgium and Japan, Amsterdam is among the most bicycle-friendly cities on the planet. They’ve correct bike lanes everywhere in the metropolis; however in my view: the biking expertise wasn’t so ‘pleasant’ in any respect.

Why do I say this?

A lot of the cyclists listed here are seemingly reckless! (It doesn’t assist that an enormous variety of these cyclists are vacationers). For example, whereas we have been going round city, a LOT of them crossed the highway even when the site visitors lights had already turned pink. What’s extra, is that there are quite a lot of small streets wherein bikes and automobiles combine all collectively — that there’s nearly no house left on the highway.

So image this: a automobile going inside a small road, with a gaggle of cyclists going together with it and one other group of cyclists going the opposite method round!
Utter insanity.

BUT, I’m undoubtedly NOT saying this to discourage you from using a motorcycle! I didn’t embody this as one of many ‘issues to do in Amsterdam’ for nothing; it’s simply that I see the necessity to focus on this primary so that you’d take the correct precautions and highway consciousness do you have to ever determine to bike across the metropolis — which it’s best to.

Apart from, although trams are plentiful, the expertise of biking in Amsterdam is a particular should. Trams will make you look ahead to the subsequent one to reach, however with a motorcycle, you may go wherever and everytime you need! Plus, for those who let your self get misplaced on this metropolis, you’ll undoubtedly discover some fantastic spots alongside the best way.

The place to lease bikes? You will see that them in all places. Your resort would even have their very own bike rental service. However, I counsel reserving your bike rental on-line beforehand to be able to guarantee a hassle-free expertise. You too can do a guided bike tour. (Take be aware: ALWAYS make certain to lock your bikes as a result of theft may be quiet frequent!)

Now, in fact, a few of the wonders that you will note whereas biking are the canals of Amsterdam. I undoubtedly advocate that you just go to the highest 3 essential canals that are specifically: Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, and Herengracht — with Prinsengracht being probably the most picturesque (that is the place you may also discover the well-known Anne Frank Huis).

In any case, as of 2010, these 3 canals have been positioned on the UNESCO World Heritage Record together with one other canal known as Jordaan.

You possibly can undoubtedly get a canal cruise if you’d like, however for me, biking was much more enjoyable to do!

2. Catch a FREE live performance or efficiency

Picture by: Shutterstock

The Royal Concertgebouw is understood for its distinctive acoustics (see a digital tour of the live performance corridor right here.) You possibly can ebook upfront for a particular efficiency, however if you’d like one thing FREE, go to the Concertgebouw on Wednesdays (lunchtime) and you may be handled to a mini free live performance!

Disclaimer: These ‘Lunchtime Live shows’ usually are not held throughout July and August, and generally, it is not going to be held on a Wednesday. To be correctly knowledgeable about their schedule, simply test their web site right here.
.
These live shows vary from public rehearsals by the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra to chamber music performances by younger up-and-coming artists that may play extra trendy music. As I’ve stated, it’s fully FREE; so that you don’t want tickets, however you must be there a minimum of half-hour earlier than efficiency time to be able to get a seat because the free ‘Lunchtime Live shows’ are very fashionable. (The efficiency normally lasts 30-minutes lengthy).

Alternatively, if you’d like jazz or improvised music, go to Bimhuis! They’ve a month-to-month free night time known as ‘Monday Match‘ wherein dancers and musicians will cooperate to be able to provide you with improvised performances.

As soon as the clock strikes 10PM, a DJ will take over and can proceed enjoying dance music till midnight. There are additionally a collection of Workshops normally held on Tuesdays (8PM) whereby there’s free admission not just for audiences however for performers as properly (more often than not, an impromptu efficiency as instructed by the workshop chief.) To see Bimhuis’ schedule, go right here.

In the meantime, in case you are fairly searching for the proper jazz and blues café, it’s best to undoubtedly strive the Jazz Café Alto at Korte Leidsedwarsstraat (within the metropolis middle close to Leidseplein). Different music locations which you can take a look at for paid live shows of various music genres (that generally convert right into a membership in the course of the wee hours) are Melkweg and Paradiso.

3. Go to the flower market and purchase some vegetation or a bouquet

Picture by: Shutterstock

Discovered on the Singel canal, the Bloemenmarkt (Flower Market) is claimed to be the one floating flower market on the planet given how the flower stalls stand on houseboats or barges.

This can be a very colourful ‘attraction’ in itself that was worthy to be seen when in Amsterdam, and I say this as a result of there have been a LOT of various flowers that have been being bought together with the famed tulips!

The Netherlands is the world’s essential producer of business tulip vegetation so you will note quite a lot of their bulbs being bought right here! I undoubtedly recommendation that you just purchase a pack or can of tulip bulbs to plant in your personal home or to disclose to pals. We have been instructed that it’s finest to plant them throughout winter or fall in order that they are going to bloom in time for spring. In case you are planning to take it in another country as a memento, ensure that it has a customs-cleared stamp on the packaging so that you gained’t have hassle on the border or on the airport.
.
UPDATE: There are articles circulating on-line that solely about 1% of the tulip bulbs in Bloemenmarkt will blossom. It’s stated to be an elaborate rip-off, so if you’d like one other place the place you will get blooming bulbs, take a look at Tuincentrum Osdorp or Intratuin close to Amstel Station.

4. Benefit from the metropolis’s inexperienced areas

Picture by: Shutterstock

Vondelpark is the biggest and hottest ‘inexperienced house’ in Amsterdam and it spans round 47 hectares! It was an absolute pleasure to bike by way of the park’s paths, and much more of a delight for those who cease to benefit from the view and have a quaint picnic.

Apart from the grand panorama, there are additionally completely different statues, ponds, and fountains discovered inside the premises; in addition to eating places and cafés located in some choose spots. There may be even a rose backyard (with 70 varieties) and an open theater known as Openluchttheater.

In June to September, live shows and performances are held in Openluchttheater; take a look at their schedule.

It may possibly get a bit crowded right here particularly on the weekends so I counsel that you just come in the course of the weekdays — however I assume the weekend crowd is an attraction in itself so I go away the selection to you!

5. Discover an Amsterdam neighborhood market

Picture by: Shutterstock

For top-of-the-line issues to do in Amsterdam, go and purchase classic finds or native meals as you rub shoulders with Dutch folks!

The most well-liked market to go to is the Albert Cuypmarkt within the neighborhood of De Pijp and it has nearly 260 stands that supply nearly the whole lot you may consider! (It opens from 9AM to 5PM on Mondays to Saturdays).

Different markets which you can select from are:

• Dappermarkt: normal market in Amsterdam Oost (open from 10AM to 4:30PM, Mondays to Saturdays)
• Lindenmarkt: meals market in Jordaan (open from 9AM to 4PM, Saturdays)
• Ten Kate: open day by day close to De Hallen, or Westerstraat market close to Lindengracht marketplace for lesser crowds.
• Noordermarkt: (primarily an) natural meals market in Jordaan (open from 9AM to 5PM, Saturdays)
• Waterlooplein: flea market in (open from 9AM to 6PM, Mondays to Saturdays)

6. Eat native meals and snacks

Picture by: Shutterstock

It’s a should to try to eat a typical Dutch dish, one in all which is the Haring ‘Hollandse Nieuwe’ (soused herring) which is principally a boneless uncooked herring fish served along with chopped uncooked onions and pickles. The herring will probably be a bit salty and slimy (in a really delish method!) as it’s normally marinated in a preserving liquid, however the paired pickles make this dish divine.

This was such combo that I undoubtedly advocate everybody to strive it! And generally, that is served or eaten with a bread bun.

Apart from the uncooked herring, there are additionally another well-liked Dutch dishes that it’s best to strive (a few of that are frequent Belgian dishes too) and these are:

• Stroopwafel – a distinct sort of waffle: it has two layers with a sticky syrup filling within the center
• Kroket – in contrast to the American croquette (stuffed with mashed potato), the Dutch kroket normally has floor meat inside
• Poffertjes – small fluffy pancakes sometimes served with butter or powdered sugar
• Bitterballen – (additionally a typical Belgian snack) savory meatballs which might be deep-fried and are stated to be an ideal pair for beer
• Drop – Dutch black licorice which is principally a dark-colored sweet snack
• Kaas – the Netherlands is legendary for its cheese particularly since they’re the biggest exporter on the planet (the most well-liked varieties are known as ‘Gouda’ and ‘Edam’)

Quite need a guided meals tour? Attempt any of those…

7. Tour ‘De Wallen’

Picture by: Shutterstock

We’ve all heard of Amsterdam’s well-known red-light district (RLD) which is domestically known as ‘De Wallen’, and properly, I can say that it’s a particular ‘attraction’ in itself.

I swear, there’s nothing seedy about it although! The truth is, for me, it felt prefer it was simply such a touristy place as a result of you’ll even see households with youngsters strolling round, desperate to witness the ‘oddity’ of this space. However in fact, additionally, you will see the occasional man negotiating and speaking to a ‘window woman’... BUT the variety of curious {couples} and teams was way more rampant which in flip makes the place a mystifying factor by itself.

We clearly don’t have this in Asia — I’m unsure in regards to the famed Pattaya in Thailand however our red-light districts like in Manila or Cebu are primarily simply in distinct closed bars and golf equipment (which might be more often than not: unlawful) and so as to add, they don’t additionally hand around in entrance of ‘pink home windows’.

So this place was a brand new factor for me and I actually wished to witness it as a result of I used to be merely curious as to how prostitution is approached on this facet of the world.

NOTE: This type of pink gentle district is NOT solely present in Amsterdam. It’s a typical factor in the entire of Europe; Antwerp for instance has one thing just like this and it was extra ‘organized’ in a way that the home windows are in a flowing method, whereas those listed here are very scattered and you must stroll by way of small streets and so on.

• • •

» Prime Amsterdam Crimson Mild District Excursions «

Apart from the RLD, additionally, you will see quite a lot of intercourse outlets and stay intercourse reveals (or peep reveals) in De Wallen. The intercourse reveals weren’t my factor however the intercourse outlets have been type of enjoyable!

You’ll undoubtedly see lots of people, if not {couples}, laughing in these shops (me included); anyhow, there’s truly one fascinating store that it’s best to go to which is Condomerie.

This can be a quirky place the place you should purchase some humorous sex-related souvenirs on your pals!, and for those who’re into exploring sexuality in an ‘olden style’, then drop by the Intercourse Museum!

To study extra about my pink gentle district expertise in addition to the opposite suggestions and guidelines that you must pay attention to when visiting, come take a look at my publish beneath…

READ: My First Time in a Crimson Mild District

Additionally, if I’ll add, please chorus from laughing or saying something obscene to the ladies; they could be prostitutes however they’re human too. I noticed some folks doing this and please chorus from doing so.

They’re simply there to work, so there’s no have to snicker (test my article above to study extra in regards to the legislation and state of affairs of Amsterdam’s pink gentle district). I wouldn’t know the quantity of people that have been compelled to be there — and naturally, that’s one thing I don’t assist — however now we have to think about the overall indisputable fact that for international locations just like the Netherlands that legalize prostitution, nearly all of these prostitutes select the occupation, whether or not it’s as a result of they take pleasure in it or they simply must (for monetary causes, and so on.)

8. Expertise a “espresso store”

Picture by: Shutterstock

It’s vital to know that in Amsterdam, a café and occasional home (koffiehuis) are each completely different from a espresso store (coffeeshop).

A café is normally an informal restaurant or bar, a espresso home or koffiehuis sells espresso, pastries, or gentle meals; whereas, a coffeeshop is the place you may legally smoke weed or hash and eat house muffins and so on. (a.ok.a. the place you are able to do mushy medication).

Ever since hash and marijuana have been decriminalized in 1976, these licensed coffeeshops are unfold out all throughout town; and naturally, the Netherlands on the whole. Nevertheless, evidently it’s only in Amsterdam the place you don’t want to point out Dutch residency to be able to go inside such institutions.

Take be aware that, in fact, these outlets are solely allowed to promote hashish merchandise in small portions that aren’t better than 5 grams they usually additionally must be correctly licensed. They’re by no means allowed to serve alcohol or different medication — particularly laborious medication; and positively, promoting to minors will not be allowed.

So in a way, promoting hashish continues to be unlawful however not punishable so long as you get it from these espresso store institutions that observe the foundations. That being stated, that is one thing that you must expertise a minimum of as soon as in your life.

TIP: As soon as inside a coffeshop, don’t be afraid to ask questions in regards to the menu and their merchandise. It’s at all times finest to ask the employees (since more often than not they’ve very bizarre names on their menu.) And hey, don’t fear, they’re very pleasant! It’s additionally useful to ask for what they advocate and what results would possibly normally occur thereafter. For more information…
.
READ: First Timer’s Information – Coffeeshop Expertise

Right here’s a enjoyable reality for you: not quite a lot of Dutch folks truly smoke weed and go to those coffeeshops. It’s truly primarily vacationers who flock to those locations.

Anyhow, you may smoke weed that you just’ve acquired from one other espresso store so long as you’re smoking it inside a coffeeshop. Generally, some Amsterdam motels, hostels, parks, or bars let you smoke however make certain to test that you just’re not bothering different folks together with your smoke.

9. Cease by the native museums

Picture by: Shutterstock

There are quite a lot of museums within the metropolis and for those who’re into artwork and historical past, listed here are the most well-liked ones:

• Amsterdam Museum: reveals the historical past of town (web site)
• Anne Frank Home: in fact, the well-known Anne Frank; right here, you may tour her hiding place throughout WWII (ebook a guided tour)
  Tip: If you wish to watch the lifetime of Anne Frank, there’s an superior theater named ‘Theater Amsterdam’ the place you are able to do so. Verify their web site right here for his or her present time schedules.
• Rijksmuseum: Netherlands’ nationwide museum devoted to arts and historical past in Amsterdam (ebook an entrance ticket)
• Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam: museum for contemporary and modern artwork/design – which is the one proven within the photograph above (web site)
• Van Gogh Museum: has the world’s largest assortment from the Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh (ebook an entrance ticket)

There are nonetheless a LOT extra museums in Amsterdam (there’s a cheese museum, a hashish museum, a Science Heart NEMO, and so on.) so I’ll simply go away it as much as you to decide on which you want to go to.

TIP: To profit from your museum visits, I like to recommend shopping for a Metropolis Card that grants you entry to over 70+ points of interest for FREE.

10. Take a look at different landmarks in addition to the nightlife

Picture by: Shutterstock

Very like Amsterdam’s museums, this metropolis additionally has quite a lot of fascinating landmarks and points of interest aside from those I’ve already talked about above. Essentially the most identified ones are:

• Centraal Station: for its magnificent structure
• Dam Sq.: the guts of Amsterdam! Right here, you may already see different well-known landmarks such because the Royal Palace, Nieuwe Kerk (Fifteenth-century church), and the Warfare Memorial.
• Haarlemmerstraat | The 9 Streets (De Negen Straatjes) | The Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat: prime buying districts
• Heineken Expertise: in case you are an aficionado of the well-known Dutch pilsner, you may tour their brewery (ebook a ticket on-line)
• Leiden Sq. (Leidseplein): middle of nightlife in Amsterdam, stuffed with bars and eating places, different nightlife choices are…
• Central Library (Openbare Bibliotheek): largest public library with excellent structure and design

There’s a lot extra that I haven’t included within the record above, and to see the highest record for this, merely go right here.

BONUS TIP: One other fascinating ‘landmark’ that you just would possibly wish to go to is among the ‘I Amsterdam‘ slogans. These ‘metropolis icons’ (or what they name their metropolis’s catchphrase) are positioned all through town—I believe, one may be seen within the Central Library or behind Rijksmuseum.
.
This was truly ‘born’ out of a advertising marketing campaign made by town authorities, and it looks like it’s principally vacationers that take enormous curiosity of this slogan,. I’m fairly positive you might need a tough time having the slogan all to your self when it’s in a crowded space.

^{» Picture by Gkamiya / CC}

UPDATE: This signal has been taken away at Rijksmuseum. To search out the place the signal is these days, see right here for more information.

• • •

Amsterdam Journey Information

» Finest Time to Go to

Amsterdam is a superb place to go to all 12 months lengthy, however if you wish to profit from it, April to Might or September and November are the very best months provided that the climate is normally higher with extra manageable crowds.

– – –

» Getting in to Amsterdam

By air. Located 15km southwest of the capital is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS). If you wish to get a less expensive airplane ticket, heading off to Eindhoven and Rotterdam Airports can be finest because it’s the place cheaper airways normally land; however in fact, that is additional away from Amsterdam and also you’ll must trip a practice/bus afterward.

To make your journey hassle-free, you may also ebook a non-public switch from Schiphol. In the meantime, to be able to discover the very best flight offers out of your level of origin, I like to recommend searching by way of Skyscanner.

By practice. Most trains arrive and depart from Amsterdam Centraal Station and trains from Thalys, ICE, Intercity practice to Berlin, CityNightLine/Euronight, and Eurostar all cross by way of right here.

» If you need a extra detailed transportation planner, strive utilizing Rome2Rio! I’m in love with this platform because it offers you all of the attainable routes.

– – –

» Visa for The Netherlands

The Netherlands is a part of the Schengen Space, and until you’re a citizen of any of its exempted international locations, you’re then required to avail of a visa beforehand.

– – –

» The place to Keep (Amsterdam Lodging)

To seek for the very best resort lodging within the metropolis at the very best costs, I counsel cross-checking resort costs between Agoda and Reserving.com. However for those who’re fairly fascinated by renting comfy homes or residences, it’s best to search by way of AirBnB.

See right here too for the record of the BEST motels.

– – –

» Netherlands Forex

Euro (€) whereby 1 EUR is the same as about USD$1.05 or Php55~ (that is as of Might 2022). Within the occasion that you just wish to change your cash for EUR, I extremely advise that you just do NOT change your cash on the airport because the charges there usually are not aggressive.

– – –

» Price of Journey in Amsterdam

You must count on to journey with a median day by day value of about USD $55~ (Php 2,800~) per particular person on a funds, or a minimum of $140~ (Php 7,000~) if you wish to expertise extra consolation in actions, excursions, motels, and extra. (Values beneath present low funds to medium funds ranges solely).

– – –

» Find out how to Get Round Amsterdam

By public transport. Town is well-connected by bus, tram or practice. To profit from it, ebook an Amsterdam Public Transport 1-7 Day Ticket! It’s probably the most economical method to get round.

By foot or bike. You possibly can reserve a bike rental beforehand on-line.

TIP: While you’re mapping out your day-to-day route, simply use Google Maps as a result of it’ll present intimately the quickest connections you are able to do (by strolling, by automobile, by bus, and by practice).

– – –

» Security within the Netherlands

Journey across the Netherlands is comparatively protected; actually, do you know that they rank 4th within the Secure Metropolis Index record of most secure cities on the planet?! That being stated, solo vacationers don’t have a lot to fret about on this wonderful nation.

However in fact, because it’s a touristy place, you continue to have to train the identical ‘road smarts’ that you just’ve practiced in your house nation to keep away from petty theft which will occur in crowded areas or remoted spots at night time.

– – –

» Useful Dutch Phrases

How are you (casual): Hoe gaat het? (hoo GAHT hut?)
How are you (formal): Hoe maakt u het? (hoo MAHKT uu hut?)
Thanks (casual): Dank je (DAHNK yuh)
Thanks (formal): Dank u (DAHNK uu)
Sure: Ja (YAH)
No: Nee (NAY)
Goodbye: Tot ziens (TOT seens)

I’m sorry: Het spijt me (hut speyt muh)
Is there somebody right here who speaks English?: Spreekt hier iemand Engels? (SPRAYKT heer EE-mahnt ENG-uls?)
Assist!: Assist! (HEHLP!)
Cheers!: Proost! (Prohst!)