Eating in Amsterdam

Het Stadspaleis | A hidden treasure in the middle of the city.

Upstairs Pannenkoeken | If you can get a spot here. We passed it on to my classic tour.

The Pantry | Consider indulging in a traditional Dutch culinary experience.

De Laatste Kruimel | Try to get a seat behind the bakery; it is a real hidden gem and the best spot in Amsterdam.

OBA Library Café | On top of the library OBA, you have a great view of the city and can enjoy good food at a reasonable price.

Moon | Spinning restaurant with a great view over the city.

Eating on the Water in Amsterdam

The 3-Course Dinner Cruise | Long boat cruise with a great view of Amsterdam. Friendly staff and good dinner. Sunset adds a day + evening tour experience.

Pancake Boat Amsterdam | All-you-can-eat Dutch pancakes on the IJ outside the city. Good for children. Thinner than American pancakes, rounder than French.

Pizza & Beer Cruise | Basic long-boat cruise with pizza from New York Pizza. Cheap, quick, and a fun start to a night in Amsterdam. Sunset is ideal for photos.

Drinking in Amsterdam

Madam | Go after 9 pm to the top of the A’DAM Tower for a cocktail. Great view, nice place.

Brouwerij ‘t IJ | Worth the bike ride or tram trip. A classic Amsterdam brewery experience.

Gollem | For Belgian beers, try to secure a seat in this small minibar tucked away in a central alley.

Het Elfde Gebod | Small bar at the Zeedijk. Everyone is welcome, rock music, good vibe. Name means “The Eleventh Commandment.”

Shopping in Amsterdam

Kalverstraat | The premium shopping street. Do go into the Lego store and Rituals shop; it is worth it.

Hema | The very Dutch shop. When you are there, try the Dutch pea soup; it is really good!

The 9 Streets | A shopping area between the canals of Amsterdam. Get lost exploring the shops in this area.

Second Hand & Antiques Market: Noordermarkt | Open every Saturday and Monday. The nearby Jordaan neighborhood also has numerous second-hand stores waiting to be discovered.

Waterlooplein Street Market | Take a special look at all the second-hand bike stores while exploring this street market.

Albert Cuyp Market | Street food of any kind in the Pijp area; definitely worth a visit.

Getting High in Amsterdam

The Dampkring | Beautifully decorated, and gained fame as the location where scenes from the legendary film Ocean’s 12 were shot. Definitely worth a visit, even if you’re just stopping by for a coffee.

Grey Area | For buying weed to take away – nothing beats it. Also, hands down the best spacecake.

Museums in Amsterdam

The Van Gogh Museum | Marvel at the extensive assortment of paintings and drawings by Van Gogh, constituting the world’s largest collection. This museum is truly something special. Take the time to fully enjoy it. I would recommend booking ahead and visiting in the early morning to avoid potential crowds.

Rijksmuseum | The prominent national museum of the Netherlands. All the remarkable works of the Dutch masters are housed in this expansive museum. Its collection is so extensive that it can be overwhelming. Therefore, to make the most out of your visit, I recommend exploring the Rijksmuseum with an entertaining guide.

National Maritime Museum | Has an excellent exhibition about the East India Dutch Trading Company, known as VOC.

Our Lord in the Attic | A wonderful museum dedicated to the Hidden Churches and history of religion in Amsterdam.