Amsterdam is unlike many other cities in the world. It has progressed to become a city of modernity while also retaining its history and traditional values. The great thing about this city is that as you get closer to the center, there seems to be more and more things to do. While you’re here, check out some of the top things to do that you definitely should not miss out on.
1. Bike ride around the city
Amsterdam bike |
Ilnur Kalimullin
Amsterdam is a city where most people get around by bike. There’s even a bike garage that holds thousands of bikes. Riding bikes is eco-friendly and possibly the best way to see the city. In Amsterdam, they can be rented all around the city. One great place to bicycle around is in Vondelpark, considered to be one of Holland’s most famous and beautiful parks. Otherwise, you can ride bikes as a cheap way to tour the city on your own time. Just be sure to stay in the correct lanes and watch out for cars and pedestrians. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try riding a tandem bike with a friend.
2. Explore the cuisine
Fries | Christopher Flowers
Amsterdam is home to a diverse selection of foods from around the world that actually taste authentic. During your trip to Amsterdam, I would suggest trying as many new types of food as you can. Amsterdam is especially known for its Dutch fries, which have been known as the best in the world. Fries shops can be found all over Amsterdam. What makes Dutch fries special is that they are very crispy and you can choose a wide range of sauces to go on the fries. Some of the sauces are very unique, and the fries are actually really filling. Another thing I would recommend trying are stroopwafels, which are thin waffles with delicious filling, often caramel or some kind of chocolate. They can be bought at grocery stores for cheap, or at a stroopwafels stand where it’s handmade, and there are a variety of fillings to choose from. Nevertheless, you cannot leave Amsterdam without trying stroopwafels.
3. Take a canal tour
Canal | Adrien Olichon
The canals are one of the many things that makes Amsterdam extremely unique, and getting a tour of the city from a canal boat is a whole different experience. During the wintertime, there is the Festival of Lights where artists create a unique combination of light and art and display it all around the city. A canal tour is a great way to see all the wonderful art, especially at night. Even if you don’t come in the wintertime, touring the canals is beautiful all year round. On the tour, you’re able to see all the different parts of the city and neighborhoods. Canal tours are inexpensive, and depending on which one you choose, there are different features such as open bars and heating.
Book a canal tour: https://www.tours-tickets.com/en/canal-cruises/
4. Visit Dam Square
Dam Square | Leisure Group Travel
Dam Square is the central square in Amsterdam overlooking historical buildings and the former Royal Palace (Koninklijk Palace), beautiful for taking photos. By the square are places to shop, dine, and view interesting exhibitions. Just like many famous plazas in the world, Dam Square is a must-see.
5. Go to a museum
Van Gogh at Rijksmuseum | Ståle Grut
Lastly, Amsterdam is an artistic city known for its many museums. I would highly suggest going to the Anne Frank House, which as we all know, is the house where Anne Frank and her family hid during the Holocaust. Her famous book has resonated throughout the world. Visiting the Anne Frank House is a very emotional and changing experience. Another museum I would recommend is the Van Gogh Museum. It is set in a very refined building and takes you through the life of world-famous artist Vincent van Gogh through his art collection. Other incredible museums include the Rijksmuseum, a history and art museum containing pieces from around the world, and the Body Worlds in Amsterdam, an educative exhibition that uses real human bodies donated to science.