Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is famed for its picturesque waterways, world-class museums, and lively neighborhoods. Whether you're biking past gabled houses, exploring the masterpieces of the Rijksmuseum, or savoring stroopwafels at a bustling market, Amsterdam offers something for every traveler. The city’s unique blend of culture, history, and laid-back atmosphere makes it an unforgettable destination.

Where We Stayed

Before booking accommodations, I knew I wanted to stay in Jordaan, one of Amsterdam’s most charming and historic neighborhoods. Known for its canals, narrow streets, and village-like feel, Jordaan is home to boutiques, cozy cafés, art galleries, and cultural landmarks, like the Anne Frank House.

We stayed at The Hoxton Amsterdam and absolutely loved it. Set within five historic canal houses, the hotel offers a mix of character and comfort. Our room was clean, cozy, and had an amazing view of the canal. A highlight of our stay was the complimentary bikes, which we used to explore almost everywhere. It made the experience so much fun! If you stay here or are in the area, check out their vintage 1960s photo booth—the developed pictures are such a memorable keepsake. The room, hotel amenities, and location made for the perfect stay.

Trip Highlights

Anne Frank House

We almost skipped this, but I’m here to tell you—you need to go. After some friends said we definitely needed to visit, I booked tickets about six weeks in advance, and even then, the only available time slot was Saturday evening. We planned for an early dinner before heading to the Anne Frank House for our  8:00 pm reservation.

The museum is located in the actual building where Anne Frank and seven others hid for over two years. We walked through the hidden annex and experienced exhibits that provided historical context on the Holocaust and the dangers of discrimination. Walking in silence through the space, hearing the floorboards creak, it’s impossible not to think about the fear Anne and her family must have felt. The Anne Frank House is a powerful, emotional experience and a reminder of the importance of history. If you’re visiting Amsterdam, make the time to go.

Canal Cruise

Oh, what an adventure. As you know, Greg always finds a way to do something involving a motor on our trips. This time he convinced me to let him drive a small boat through Amsterdam’s canals. I’m honestly surprised they allow this because some of the canals are incredibly narrow!

It was all fun and games until he nearly crashed. Luckily, the bridge we were going under was so low and tiny that we were able to stand up and brace ourselves against it to keep from colliding—LOL. We did lose a charcuterie board in the process.

Despite the lost cheese, I still recommend doing this because, near-crash aside, we had a blast, and it’s a fantastic way to see the city. If you’re smart, you’ll let someone else captain the boat. My top pick? Those Dam Boat Guys—explore the canals stress-free with a beer in hand and a charcuterie board in reach!

Dutch Cheese Tasting 

You can’t go to Amsterdam and not experience Dutch cheese! Unless you’re lactose intolerant, of course. We did a 45-minute cheese tasting at Henri Willig and really enjoyed it. The experience included a quick presentation on their authentic cheese-making process, a tasting of their different cheeses, and a choice of wine or beer. They have a couple locations in Amsterdam, so you can choose which is most convenient for you. 

Heineken Experience 

I don’t even like beer, but I enjoyed this! The experience is set in their oldest brewery and takes you through the heritage of Heineken and their brewing process as you tour the facility. The tour is both informative and interactive, and they definitely don’t deprive you of beer. At one point, I had a full glass in one hand while being handed another full glass, which became a slight issue.

One highlight was Heinkeken’s rooftop bar, where you can take in city views while sipping on Heineken or Heineken-inspired cocktails (which I actually liked!). While we had fun, I wouldn’t consider this a must-do, so if you’re short on time, prioritize other activities.

Red Light District

I’m not sure this qualifies as a "trip highlight," but I know you’re curious. 

I don’t recommend visiting during the day, most businesses are closed, and the sidewalks are covered in trash from the night before. We went back around 10:00 pm after dinner, and found the district lively and as advertised. My husband refused to go to a peep show with me, so if anyone does this, please report back.

Helpful Tips:

• Do NOT take photos of the women in the windows. This is their job, and you should be respectful. Also, you can get fined for doing so.

• Watch your pockets, as pickpocketing is common in this area.

Restaurants

De Kas 

If you have one dinner in Amsterdam, go here. De Kas is a Michelin-starred, farm-to-table restaurant set inside a beautifully restored 1926 greenhouse in Frankendael Park. They grow most of their produce on-site or at their farm in Beemster Polder, ensuring the freshest ingredients for each meal. We dined in their glass-enclosed dining room as the sun set, which created the perfect ambiance. Every course was delicious, and the cocktails were spot-on.

RIJKS® 

Located within the Rijksmuseum, RIJKS® is a Michelin-starred restaurant that celebrates Dutch cuisine with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. You don’t need a museum ticket to dine here, as the entrance to the restaurant is separate. You can choose between the tasting menu or à la carte. We opted for the latter and let our waiter guide us. The meal was seafood-heavy, and everything was fantastic, especially the oysters!

Helpful Tips: 

• In Europe, tasting menus take time. Expect to spend at least three hours at the restaurant.

• Ask for the bill. It is rude for waitstaff to bring your bill unless requested.

• Tipping 10% is customary, but many restaurants don’t have a tip line, so carry cash. Our waiter at De Kas told us that during the summer tourist season, their tips drop because Americans don’t tip. Let’s do better, people!

Coffee Houses

I’m a coffee house girly, okay! 

You’ve probably seen The Bulldog all over the internet. While they have several locations now, it was the first coffeeshop in Amsterdam. I’ll be totally honest, I love history but this was not for me. It was a quick in and out – I found the location to be crowded with grimy, dungeon vibes. 

I did, however, really enjoy La Tertulia and The Rookies! They were friendly, clean, and aesthetically pleasing establishments. 

Helpful Tips: 

• Be really careful with the “spacecakes,” aka brownies. I later found out the one I purchased was 500 mg (fortunately before consuming). I’m still trying to figure out if it was attempted murder.

• A “coffee shop” in Amsterdam sells cannabis, while a “café” is where you go for regular coffee and pastries. Don’t mix them up!

Getting Around

Amsterdam is one of the most accessible and easy-to-navigate cities in the world, offering a variety of transportation options that cater to every traveler’s needs. 

Bikes

Biking is the most popular and efficient way to get around. With dedicated bike lanes, countless rental shops, and a cycling-first culture, it’s the best way to experience the city like a local. Just be mindful of pedestrians, trams, and the fast-paced bike traffic!

Walkability

Amsterdam’s compact layout makes it a walker’s paradise. Many of the city’s top attractions, including museums, canals, and markets, are within easy walking distance, allowing you to explore at a leisurely pace while soaking in the city’s charming architecture.

Public Transport

Amsterdam has a well-connected and efficient public transport system, including trams, buses, and the metro. Trams are especially useful for getting around the city center, while buses and the metro connect to the outer neighborhoods. Visitors can purchase OV-chipkaarts, or day passes, for unlimited travel.

Ride-Share & Taxis

While Amsterdam’s public transport and bike culture make ride-sharing less essential, services like Uber, Bolt, and traditional taxis are available. We grabbed an Uber on two occasions: going back to our hotel from the red light district, and to the train station at the end of our stay. 

Final Thoughts 

Amsterdam is a city I’d visit again in a heartbeat. It’s easy to get around, rich in history, and offers a great mix of sightseeing, dining, and local experiences. Whether biking along the canals, exploring museums, or simply enjoying the lively atmosphere, there’s always something to do. Its central European location also makes it a convenient stop on a multi-city adventure, with quick train connections to many other major destinations.