Ilya's Recommendation Bible
Let me take you on a historical adventure through the streets of Amsterdam and the centuries of its history. The Dutch invented gin, eyeglasses and capitalism – the tour will connect the significance of those things to history and modernity. Did you know the #7 Best Bar Of The World is here in Amsterdam? Would you like to know where that is? That would be just one of many tips i share with you during the tour. My tours are a mix of history, humour and wide range of suggestions for enjoying your time in our city!
Sincerely, Ilya
Tours | Classic Tour, Food Tour, Alternative Tour
History, Cooking & Wine (but that’s more than a hobby 🙂
Leiden is a charming, comfortable university city, only 30 minutes from Amsterdam. It has many wonderful bars and restaurants, as well as a terrific Museum of Natural History.
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Eating in Amsterdam
Kapitein Zeppos | For a relaxing lunch in the centre, try this hidden treasure.
Kessens Amsterdam | Enjoy a modern Dutch lunch.
Upstairs Pannenkoeken | Have lunch like the Dutch and enjoy a pancake treat.
The Pantry | For a traditional Dutch food experience, consider this excellent option.
L’Invité | More Dutch gastronomy, but with a French name.
‘T Zwaantje | Another authentically Dutch experience.
Restaurant Breda | For Dutch gastronomy with a modern twist.
Street Food | For the best Street Food head to Spui street and snack away at Vleminckx, Van Stapele Koekmakerij and many, many more!
Café Binnenvisser | Enjoy a vegetarian meal at this walk-in restaurant.
Betty’s Restaurant | Another great option for the veggie lovers.
Drinking in Amsterdam
Tales & Spirits | The #7 in the world, you can’t miss out!
Bar Oldenhof | This speakeasy is my personal favourite, and locally infamous.
Door 74 | If you want a cocktail mixed with some late night magic, step through…
Gollem | For Belgian beers, visit legendary beer bar in the centre (check their website for 2 more locations).
Wijnbar | The first wine bar in the Netherlands, fittingly named.
Glou Glou | For naturally produced wines, sample your choice here.
Bar Parry | Local favourite wine bar of Amsterdam West.
Paulus | This wine bar is a local favourite in Amsterdam East.
Shiraz Amsterdam | Your top choice for wine tasting in the city centre.
Wine Cellar | Don’t miss out on this hidden tastery, right on Dam Swuare (close to our meeting point).
Bar Hopping | For the best bar wandering, visit the Jordaan for the classic Amsterdam experience, go to De Pijp for a younger scene or Javastraat to hang out with the hip & trendy.
Shopping in Amsterdam
Kalverstraat | A great shopping street for your high end & basic needs.
Hema | Your one-stop-shop for inexpensive everyday basics.
9 streets | This area is where I go for unique, one-of-a-kind boutiques & lunch!
Noordermarkt | Visit this market for unexpected treasures, open on Saturday and Monday. In the same neighborhood, Jordaan, there are many 2nd hand stores.
Waterlooplein | This excellent market is open from Monday trough Saturday.
Museums in Amsterdam
Rijksmuseum | The national museum of the Netherlands has a large, modern exhibition of classic Dutch art with a strong historical element.
The National Maritime Museum | This musuem has an excellent exhibition about the East India Dutch Trading Company known as VOC. (Book Now)
Our Lord in the Attic | This ‘secret’ museum is dedicated to the Hidden Churches and the history of religion in Amsterdam. (Book Now)
Parks & Outdoors
Vondelpark | The main city park of Amsterdam remains very popular with locals and visitors alike. Visit Het Blauwe Theehuis for a drink on a everyone’s favourite terrace.
Westerpark | This urban park offers both the serene greenery as well as the samplings of Amsterdam cultural life. Full of cafés, restaurants and exhibition places, it is a great destination for Sunday afternoons.
Amsterdam Forest | For serious greenery, this forest is worth the trip. Great place for a bike ride!
Dam Square
2 hours
All ages
