Amsterdam is one of my all time favorite cities. I’m not a big fan of repeat travel destinations {there’s just so much out there to see!}, but Amsterdam is one of the few places that I’ve been to twice and one that I would go back to again in a heartbeat.
With an elaborate canal system lined with picturesque narrow townhomes, delicious restaurants and historic landmarks, Amsterdam will pull at your heart strings and have you constantly craving more.
HOW WE GOT THERE:
Ben and I started this trip out in London and our second stop was Amsterdam. There are two main ways to get to Amsterdam from London and either would work just fine. You can take the train from London St. Pancras Station or you can fly from any of the main airports.
I decided to book us flights–mainly because we were on a time crunch and I found cheap airline flights. We booked through EasyJet { a European budget airline} that left from Luton Airport and arrived in Amsterdam about 2 hours later. The total cost for those flights was around $45 per person. Not too shabby!
STAY:
Our hotel in Amsterdam was in one word–perfect. It was easy to get to from the main train station {Centraal Station} and sat on a quite street just steps from the Herengracht Canal and minutes from the famous Jordaan neighborhood.
The Hoxton is a boutique hotel that will have you wide eyed the second you walk through the front door. Once the Mayor’s home, The Hoxton sports 111 guest rooms all with brass chandeliers, modern decor and beautiful timber herringbone flooring. The rooms range from Shoebox (the tiniest), to Cozy (perfect for two), all the way to Concept Rooms {these rooms all have a unique theme and style). We went with the Cozy room and that included a queen bed, dreamy decor, and a free light breakfast. Each room also included The Hoxtons very own brand of soap, shampoo and conditioner. Trust me when I tell you that this stuff will change your life and no other soap with ever compare!
The hotel also has its own bar that was hip and chic and surrounded by cozy leather couches and armchairs. Plus, an upstairs sitting and viewing area was perfect for those looking for a little more privacy. It’s the kind of bar that makes you feel like you’re *someone*–or that you’ll at least see someone! The set-up was ideal for mixing and mingling and the space was rounded out with a funky photobooth perfect for capturing your evening out with friends.
EAT AND DRINK:
We learned pretty quickly that Amsterdam wasn’t necessarily known for any type of food, but it was more so a cultural melting pot with countless options for international cuisine. While we did a lot of eating on the go, we did try a few places that I wanted to mention.
One thing to note before I list these spots: When you go out to eat, there’s not a typical host as you find in a standard US restaurant. If you’re going to a spot that takes reservations then there may be someone upfront, but overall expect to scout out seats on your own. Also, a service charge is normally included in the price of the meal so tipping is not expected.
- Indonesian Kitchen: This spot was recommended to us by our hotel and boy, am I glad we listened. This restaurant is straight off the Herengracht Canal and hidden down some steps nestled at the bottom of a rowhouse. The space was small, we were shoulder to shoulder with the couples next to us, but the vibe was warm and inviting and the food was incredible.
- Lotti’s: This was The Hoxton’s hotel restaurant and we loved it! The space is modern and hip and it makes for a simple transition between your dinner spot and the hotel bar for a nightcap. If you go, the Hoxton Beef Burger is a must.
- Foodhallen: If you’re looking to sit back, relax and try a variety of food all under one roof, this is your spot. This food hall has over 20 different stalls that serve up everything from Michelin star concepts to international street foods.
- P. King Cafe and Restaurant: We stumbled upon this little cafe and were instantly drawn to the comfy outdoor seating area. The food wasn’t exronidary, but it was an easy and quick meal in the middle of a day of sightseeing and the space had a great atmosphere.
- The Pancake Bakery: Yum, yum, yum! If you like crepes {or as they call them, pancakes} you have to go. They have every type of pancake you could imagine from The Canadian that consists of crispy bacon, ham, cheese and bbq sauce, to The French with melted goat cheese, honey, pine nuts and sundried tomatoes.
- Waffles: This is moreso a general statement to make sure you try a waffle. You’ll see shops selling them left and right and they’re a perfect afternoon snack. If you’re onboard with submerging yours in nutella, I would highly recommend it.
- Proeflokaal Arendsnest: A bar recommended to us and one that I would pass on to all beer lovers. With over 100 dutch beers on tap and a location on the Herengracht canal, you won’t leave disappointed.
TO DO:
There is so much to do in Amsterdam and even in the surrounding suburbs that it can seem a little overwhelming at first, but I promise you it’s manageable!
I would suggest that you look at how much time you have and then decide on the best tourist attractions for your trip. If you have more than 3 days, then I would definitely recommend a trip outside of the city such as a day trip to the Keukenhof Gardens or seeing the Windmills of Kinderdijk.
If you’re time is short, then I’ve got your back with some must sees in Amsterdam.
Before I dig in, one quick note: Amsterdam has a tram system that provides easy and inexpensive transport around town. You can get a day pass for $12 or an hour for $3. You can purchase these tickets once you jump on and there’s various stops around the city. I would get the day pass because you’ll use it more than you think!
Ok, first up–museums, museums, museums! The majority of Amsterdams museums are grouped together in the Museum District which makes visiting them so easy. There are also additional ones spread throughout the city, so your best bet would be to map out the spots you want to go and plan your route ahead of time.
Museums:
- The Anne Frank House: While the Anne Frank House isn’t located in the Museum District, it’s a must see that will surely leave you speechless. Make sure you buy your tickets online–they’re around $10 per person and they’ll allow you to skip the standard 3 hour walk-in line. You can buy them here.
- Rijksmuseum: This spot is a must and is only about $7 per person. Once you’re done admiring Dutch history inside, walk the gardens outside and see the famous I AMSTERDAM sign. If you go during the winter, the area in front of the sign is transformed into an ice rink! You can get tickets here.
- The Van Gogh Museum: A beautifully setup museum that walks you through Van Gogh’s life. You have to purchase tickets online for this one as well, so don’t attempt to do it there. They’re around $20 per person and you can get them here.
- Moco Museum: Such a fun spot if you’re a Banksy fan! This museum is located in what looks like an old refurbished house. There are a ton of beautiful pieces inside along with some interactive activities in the garden. You can buy tickets here for around $12 that will also let you skip-the-line.
Next up, I just wanted to share a few fun areas to visit if you’re looking to roam the city and pop into some eclectic neighborhoods.
Areas to visit:
- The Jordaan Neighborhood: The trendiest neighborhood in Amsterdam and a spot to find indie boutiques, hip restaurants, cozy coffee shops and endless cafes for wine and spirits. Walk around and check out all of the different townhomes and the gorgeous greenery flanking their front doors.
- Dam Square: Known as the town square of Amsterdam, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful and notable buildings.
- Rembrandtplein: Also known as Rembrandt Square, this area is named after the famous Dutch master painter, Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn and is filled with lively cafes, bars and nightclubs.
- The Bloemenmarkt: This is the world’s only floating flower market and it’s such a fun spot to wander through.
And last, but not least, here are a few additional things to add to your Amsterdam bucket list!
Things to do:
- Rent a Bike: If you’re visiting in the summer, rent a bike and roll around! You’ll be one of the many people doing so and you’ll see a ton in a short amount of time.
- Canal Cruise: A lot of hotels on the canal offer their own private cruises, so I would definitely check that out first. There are a bunch of additional options here!
- G’s Brunch Boat: If you like brunch and if you like boats, then this right here is your jam! G’s Brunch Boat offers a 1.5 hour canal ride, brunch, one boozy drink and one regular drink for about $45 per person. Purchase your tickets here.
- The Heineken Experience: Heineken’s original brewery is located in Amsterdam’s city center is open to the public! Save $3 when booking your tickets online (you can do so here) and get an hour and ½ self guided tour and 2 perfectly chilled beers.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
If you’re considering a trip to Amsterdam, I would definitely recommend booking it! The city itself is incredible, the people are kind, the sites are beautiful and it’s just the perfect place to spend your vacation!
