7 Unforgettable Things About Amsterdam
Filled with historic buildings, winding canals, and more bicycles than you can even imagine, Amsterdam is a city rich in culture and diversity. Whether you’re hoping to see a masterpiece from some of the most renowned artists in history, visit a coffeeshop and indulge your hedonistic side, or simply stroll through some spectacular greenery, there’s something in Amsterdam for everyone to enjoy. No matter where your experience in the Dutch capital takes you, it’s sure to be an unforgettable one.
World-Class Museums
From distinguished, high-profile institutions to quirky, independent collections, Amsterdam is home to some of the best museums in world. The popular Museumplein brings together big-name establishments like the Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk Musuem, and the Van Gogh Museum into a buzzing, green-filled space. The largest museum in Amsterdam, the Rijksmuseum, displays over 8,000 paintings from prominent artists (like Rembrandt and Vermeer) inside a massive building which itself is a breathtaking work of art. At the Vincent Van Gogh Museum, fans of the famed Dutch artist can explore the largest collection of his work in the world.
For those looking to discover more unconventional museums, Amsterdam is the place to be. Our favorite alternative museum is the world’s only microbial zoo Micropia, where visitors can learn all about the teeming microorganisms which inhabit everything from the hair on our head to the bristles on our toothbrush. It may seem a bit gross, but as we learned, these invisible creatures can carry vital nutrients throughout our planet or save lives through modern medicinal science.
Venice of the North
There are more canals in Amsterdam than in the whole of Venice, which is how the city earned its nickname “Venice of the North.” The 17th century Canal Belt which encircles the city has even been named a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s not hard for visitors to get lost while blissfully wandering through these seemingly never-ending rows of canals. At night, the spectacularly lit canals reflect off the water, creating a magical and romantic scene for onlookers. One particularly popular spot to visit along the canals at night is the Skinny Bridge, where the legend has it that lovers who kiss on this bridge are blessed with good luck.
Dutch Beer
The Dutch are famous for their beer. In fact, I’m sure you’ve heard of their most popular brew Heineken. In the Dutch capital, the behemoth beer brand hosts a one-of-a-kind brewery tour at their canal-side attraction called the Heineken Experience. The tour comes with a whole host of fun facts about the beer giant and several proper beer tastings, ending at a colorful clublike bar with futuristic games and electrifying music. Besides Heineken, visitors can find endless varieties of microbrews at one of Amsterdam’s many trendy beer bars. We couldn’t get enough of the laidback De Gollem beer bar, where we had access to over thirty different types of Dutch brews.
Coffeeshops, The Red Light District, and Nightlife
We couldn’t write about Amsterdam without talking about the infamous nightlife scene, the most famous of which includes the Red Light District and the mysterious “coffeeshops”. The Red Light District is the area in Amsterdam where people can buy a night with whomever they please, and the women are on display in windows throughout the area. Let’s just say the vibe walking through this is area is strange… Amsterdam is also home to countless coffeeshops, which is code for marijuana shops. It’s not uncommon while walking in the city to smell a certain something coming from the coffeeshop down a nearby alleyway. However, partying in Amsterdam isn’t all weed and women; it’s quite the contrary! The city has countless fun and unique bars and clubs for visitors to explore. A great place to start is Leidensplein, a square of bars and clubs which stay hopping till early in the morning. We also had tons of fun at the retro arcade bar, TonTon.
Serene Parks and Gardens
After a long night in Amsterdam, everyone is looking for some peace and quiet to start their day. Luckily, Amsterdam has plenty of lovely green spaces where visitors can enjoy some rest and relaxation. Vondelpark is the largest green space in the city, and it even has a treehouse café and bar where you can catch a drink with the birds. One of the city’s best kept secrets is a walled garden known as Begijnhon. This historic space hidden right in the city center is the site of a 14th century Catholic female order, and inside visitors can find two historic chapels, Amsterdam’s oldest standing wooden house, and several charming gardens.
Mouthwatering Food for Every Palate
Amsterdam isn’t necessarily known for its food, but we were delighted to find a plethora of diverse cafes and restaurants which suited our needs. We got our first taste of Amsterdam at the Vegan Junk Food Bar, where we chowed down on vegan versions of shwarma and chicken sandwiches. We also enjoyed many delightful brunches in the Dutch capital at top-notch digs such as: Bakers and Roasters, where you can enjoy the flavors of New Zealand in your morning meal; Omelegg, which no doubt serves up the best omelets in the city; and Mook Pancakes, home to some of the tastiest and most creative pannekoekens we’ve ever laid eyes on.
For lunch, visitors can enjoy some drinks and cheap fare from one of the many canalside cafes Amsterdam has to offer. Those looking for something different can head over to Moaz, a chain falafel bar serving up mighty falafel sandwiches for cheap. Craving something sweet? Amsterdam’s pride and joy is Stroopwafel, two thin waffles pressed together with caramel in the middle. Yes, it’s as addicting as it sounds.
At dinnertime, Amsterdam is lit up with rows of specialty restaurants. Our favorite is Mr. Krabb, a centrally-located restaurant serving up fresh seafood alongside modern décor. Seafood is fresh and abundant in Holland, so it’s no surprise we found plenty of incredible sushi spots throughout our stay. The best sushi in Amsterdam has to be Chi Sushi, where the head chef has crafted secret recipes with homemade sauces which were passed down from his grandfather. It’s clear that no matter what you’re in the mood for, Amsterdam can serve it up.
Bountiful Flower Markets
Holland is famous for its incredible flowers, namely tulips, which makes the Amsterdam markets a can’t-miss. If you’re in search of flowers, Blomenmarket is the place to be. Stroll through rainbow rows of blooming floras taking in the sweet scents of fresh blossoms as vendors pedal the best Holland has to offer. Another must-see is the Albert Cyup market, where vendors are selling everything from regional fashion to fresh flowers to delectable street food. We spent our morning at Albert Cyup enjoying some Stroopwafel and exploring every plant vendor that we passed.
