Along those famed Golden Age canals, arched bridges and cobblestone streets of Amsterdam, follow your passion. The Dutch capital remains a magical mecca to uncover Renaissance architecture alongside vibrant markets, global dining and world-class art.
Map out your first adventure over coffee at a local cafe.
The Great Outdoors: Markets, Parks and Bikes
Near Museum Square, home to the renowned Rijksmuseum and Stedelijk Museum, take a quiet stroll or jog around the leafy, peaceful Vondelpark, named after the Dutch poet and playwright.
Vondelpark’s ponds set the scene for lovely picnics.
- Just north of the Jordaan, the less-crowded Westerpark is a local’s treasure. With a jazz café, petting zoo, exhibition space and free WiFi, there are also off-leash dog trails to bring your four-legged friend along.
- Locals head to De Pijp’s Albert Cuypmarkt, where you can find fresh flowers, fish, cheese and the classic Dutch treat, stroopwafels.
Delicious options of locally made cheese.
- On Prinsengracht, every Saturday (all year round) visit Noordermarkt, the happy home of organic vegetables, homemade jams and warm sheep furs. Afterwards, visit the lively Café Winkel for a famed, magical apple tart (some say they’re the best in the city).
- Tired of walking? In Amsterdam, they say there are more bikes than people! The Kimpton De Witt Hotel’s stylish bikes make the perfect cruisers.
By foot or by bike? Both are perfect for wandering through Amsterdam’s canals.
The Culinary Scene: Bistros, Asian Cuisine and Dynamic Food Halls
Embrace Amsterdam’s food scene that offers an abundance of cuisines from every corner of the globe.
- Tucked into an old tram depot, Foodhallen features an array of stalls with local craft beers from Oedipus Brewing, banh mis from Viet View and for dessert, sweet French pies from Petit Gateau. Want to be super Dutch? For “green Dutch cuisine,” try the new stand Padron, with healthy vegetable fries served with aioli.
Rotating brews on tap plus live music at Oedipus Brewing. (Photo credit: @oedipusbrewing)
- The godfather of farm-to-table restaurants in town remains Restaurant de Kas. Set in a chic, light-filled greenhouse, organic ingredients are grown on site and used in ever-changing dishes.
- For laidback vibes, CT Coffee & Coconuts has oversize couches for lounging and fresh coconuts alongside healthy breakfast items like açai bowls and avocado toast.
- The stylish, airy space at Terpentijin has upscale French-Asian cuisine – try the delightful crispy duck and pumpkin soup starters.
Taste of everything on offer at Terpentijn. (Photo credit: @terpentijnamsterdam)
- For more casual Asian street food, the colorful Happyhappyjoyjoy fuses Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean cuisines (don’t miss the curry selection washed down with Yuzu soda).
- For Indonesian, the shareable rijsttafel (rice table) at Sama Sebo remains one of the best in town.
- The Kimpton De Witt Hotel’s new gastropub Wyers Bar & Restaurant is a perfect spot for a pint and seasonally changing American-meets-Dutch cuisine.
A New Perspective: Insider Art and Culture
Of course, world-class museums like the recently renovated Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum, Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House are essentials.
Rijksmuseum houses classical art works in beautiful spaces. (Photo credit: Rijksmuseum/Erik Smits, 2015)
- For a new perspective, explore the lesser-known gems. Start at The Dutch Resistance Museum for a look at the Netherlands of World War II.
- For still and moving images, the small FOAM Photography Museum couples edgy, emerging and established photographers in a renovated canal house.
Intimate and experimental, Foam offers cutting-edge images in a charming townhouse. (Photo credit: Foam Editions, © Foam Fotografiemuseum Amsterdam)
- The wow-architectural moment happens across Central Station at the Eye Film Museum, where there’s a vast collection of Dutch cinema, avant-garde and cinematic exhibitions (there are also a few underground filmography rooms).
Sundown over the clean lines of the EYE Film Museum. (Photo credit: EYE/Ralph Richter)
The stately Museum Van Loon, housed in the 17th-century home, lets guests peek back to the Golden Age with its rooms upon rooms of ornate furniture, silver and paintings.
