Helmer’s Personal Recommendations For Amsterdam
Hi party people, I’m Helmer! Some know me as the Dutch Giant, some don’t know me at all. The only thing that I want you to know is that for two hours straight, I’ll give you my all. I’m in love with history and stories, but most of all: people. Although I’m 2 meters long (most ceilings in old Amsterdam are shorter), don’t ever be afraid to ask me any question. Also, don’t forget to leave me a review.
Yours sincerely, Helmer

Helmer
Tours: Classic Tour, Alternative Tour
Likes: Tennis, football, reading up on history
Favourite city (besides Amsterdam): Lisboa
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Eating · Drinking · Shopping · Coffeeshops · Museums · Parks & outdoors · Museums · Don’t miss in Amsterdam · Videos

Skip lunch on Saturday and try out fresh Dutch staple at the Nieuwmarkt Market

If you haven't tried poffertjes, you haven't lived
Eating in Amsterdam
Lunch: An old jazz & writer’s cafe, come taste the relaxed atmosphere at De Engelbewaarder.
Lunch: Enjoy the light atmosphere and tasty bites on the lovely terrace of Stroom.
Lunch: Pay a bit more and you’ll eat like a lion at De Plantage, situated next to the city’s zoo.
Lunch/dinner: For typically Dutch food and a festive atmosphere, swing by Eetcafé Sonneveld.
Dinner/dance: Open on Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays, visit unique concept Skatecafé for their great food and afterwards buzzing dance music!
Dinner/take-out: Wonderful Indonesian food at Kantjill en de Tijger, enjoy on the spot or get your meal at the take-out counter.
Try before you die: Poffertjes, enjoy these small pancakes lathered in butter and powdered sugar. Good for the soul, maybe not so for the heart. Get yours at sweet-tooth paradise Metropolitan.
Drinking in Amsterdam
Bar: My old favourite pub, cafe De Wetering has no website – but a dedicated Facebook page.
Bar: Get ready for a wild night at Café Weber, a hip bar close to Leidseplein’s entertainment area with night clubs Melkweg & Paradiso
Bar/restaurant: Enjoy a beachy vibe near the river at Pllek. Ask for their menu to fill up before partying.

The perfect place to kick off the night

The high end shopping street of Amsterdam, also the priciest street on Dutch Monopoly games.
Shopping
Coffeeshops in Amsterdam (no coffee, cannabis!)
Coffeeshop: One of the oldest and most renown coffeeshops in the city, De Tweede Kamer is your first hit in Amsterdam.
Coffeeshop: De Dampkring is a famous coffeeshop, known locally for its good quality resell.
Coffeeshop: Stylish and quality-branded, Kadinsky offers a great assortment.

Make sure you are well-informed on the effects of the strong varieties of available marijuana

Wander through the beautiful yards of the Rijksmuseum (garden = free entry)
Museums
Top Choice: If you want to pick one of the main museums I would personally go to the Rijksmuseum. It’s the biggest museum in Amsterdam and they have the art of all the great painters from the 17th century.
Museum: Are you left wanting more after two hours of my talking during the tour? Delve deeper and go to the Grachtenmuseum.
Alternative Museum Choice: For an idea and feeling of an old Amsterdam house, step into the Rembrandthuis and see where the famous Rembrandt lived and painted.
Parks & outdoors
Top Choice: The #1 hangout spot in Amsterdam and biggest park, chill out at the Vondelpark.
Park: The Sarpathipark is a lovely, smaller park in the beloved area of De Pijp (South Amsterdam).
Family-friendly park: Great for biking and hiking, take a stroll around the Oosterpark.
Forest: The place for nature lovers, the Amsterdamse Bos is a large woodland situated right outside the city. Beautiful walking opportunities.

Excellent hangout spot at any time of year

Your best choice for exploring Amsterdam from its canals

Choose from 6 different rooms and find you way out before the clock runs out!
Don’t miss this in Amsterdam!
Entertainment/leisure: My favourite place to go out and have a great time, the unofficial North Entertainment Area at the Gedempt Kamerkanaal has a great selection of leisure activities. Go with your loved one for a view at the river.
The Amsterdam Experience: The historic neighbourhood De Pijp is where the young Amsterdammers reside. Here you will find a typical Dutch market, great restaurants & bars and a great selection of shops.
Cruise the canals: Your visit to Amsterdam isn’t complete without taking a boat trip. For a quality tour with excellent service, I highly recommend Flag Ship.
Escape Room: From the Roald Dahl-inspired Chocolate Factory to the horrific Cabin In The Woods, each themed room has a challenge at the Escape Room Amsterdam.
Videos
Watch before the tour
Watch after the tour