Overview
For Americans, Amsterdam is that Eurotrip check mark, the location that has to be visited and that takes us back to what we have always wondered about Europe. It’s allure is too much. A city as old as time with a vibe all its own, Amsterdam remains one of the most unique and charming destinations in Western Europe.
Beyond the cobblestoned streets and beautiful Dutch architecture lays a funky and friendly bunch, both welcoming and mysterious all the at the same time. We know about the tourist areas (Amsterdam being the most touristy city in the Netherlands by far), we’ve heard about the red light district and the coffeeshops, but what is behind the veil? What is the real Amsterdam and what as a foreigner do we really have to look hard for and make sure not to miss?
These are the questions we always ask ourselves on our trips to Amsterdam, and in our most recent excursion we found more questions than answers.
Amsterdam first and foremost is a cultural capital, with beautiful Dutch architecture and more museums than you can count. Whether its music, art, cuisine or construction, Amsterdam is a place that will fill your craving for the good stuff.
It takes a bit of effort to stray away from the tourist traps but what you find will really enlighten you.
Amsterdam secondly is a home to all. You’ll see so much diversity in the city you will almost forget you are in the Netherlands, although the constant rain and gloom might keep you in check! Pockets of ethnic neighborhoods are scattered throughout the narrow streets and you’ll find some of the best Indonesian, Surinamese and Caribbean food in the world, in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
There is so much to see in Amsterdam what are you waiting for? Grab an umbrella, some rain boots and prepare for your trip to the Venice of the North.
Is it Cheap?
No. Unfortunately just like Paris and Rome, Amsterdam being incredibly touristy and crowded has made it an expensive destination to travel to. There are many restaurants that serve sub 10 Euro meals, which is great, but that doesn’t change the fact that hostels are generally expensive.
Rijksmuseum
Red Light District at Night
Amsterdam Grachten
Broodje Haring
What To Do
Although Amsterdam is considered a small city, there is always something fun to do! Take to the streets and explore the canal laden walkways like people have done for centuries.
You’ll find bustling markets, quaint little shops and more restaurant options than anyone truly needs. Venice of the North is easily explored by foot (if you make sure not to walk in the bike lane!) or by bike (if you are brave enough to pedal through the chaos).
Get Cultured At The Rijksmuseum or The Van Gogh Museum
Amsterdam is a museum hub, and although the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh are the most visited and certainly the most touristy, they are truly fantastic. The Rijksmuseum is home to Dutch classics like Rembrandt, Vermeer and the like while the Van Gogh Museum is the largest collection of Van Gogh paintings in the world.
If you want to try something a bit off the beaten path, we recommend checking out the M.C. Escher museum, home to the art of one of the most trippy painters you can find and a lover of the ideals of infinity. His tessellations and looping drawings have left guests with dropped jaws and puzzled looks for centuries.
You’ll find the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum on Museumplein in the northern city center. This is a perfect place to sit and have a picnic and to take a selfie with the famous “iamsterdam” sign! From there you can easily go to Vondelpark or the Heineken Experience just around the corner.
Enjoy Nature at Vondelpark
Vondelpark is a large green space carved out in the northwestern part of Amsterdam. The park stretches a few kilometers and is an awesome place to relax or take the bike out in. Compared to the busy streets of Amsterdam’s inner city, Vondelpark is truly an oasis in the chaos.
Take a Boat Tour Through The Canals
While we can admit that on a backpackers budget 7-10 Euros for an hour of entertainment isn’t the best deal, the boat tour is truly the best way to see the underbelly of the city and catch a unique view of the streets you just can’t experience from above.
The boat slowly winds its way through the Amsterdam “Grachten” Canals and you are instantly transported to a time long ago. Look hard and you can see the significance of these waterways to the people of Old Amsterdam, how it was not only a transport system, but a way to make a livelihood. Our favorite part is looking at all the little basement doors that open right to the water to connect with boats floating by.
Go Shopping at Albert Cuypmarkt in De Pijp
Albert Cuypmarkt is one of Amsterdam’s most famous open-air markets and can be found in the De Pijp neighborhood to the northwest of the city center. De Pijp is quieter and more residential than the interior of Amsterdam and has absolutely stunning architecture with various colored Dutch houses lining the wide streets. The market itself is filled with local Dutch cookies and treats along with cheeses, meats and souvenirs, the perfect place to buy something local to bring home with you.
Coffee Shops and the Red Light District
We couldn’t talk about Amsterdam without mentioning these two important factors to know about before visiting the city. Marijuana and prostitution are completely legal and regulated by the Dutch government and many foreigners come to Amsterdam to get loaded and make questionable decisions because one simply can here.
Stag parties and drunk teens line the streets of the Red Light district at night and in all honesty, it is a bit trashy and doesn’t represent the city well. We realize that it is a tradition and an important piece of Amsterdam’s history, but we want to highlight that the city has so much more to offer.
What To Eat
Amsterdam is a hub for food, both local and international. We want to highlight of few of our favorites to make sure you don’t miss out on tasting the local flavor.
Pannenkoeken: The Dutch are infatuated with the combination between sweet and savory and pannenkoeken is as essential to any Dutch house as spaghetti and meatballs is to ours.
Pannenkoeken is a large thin pancake, a bit thicker than a crepe. The savory version is made of buckwheat and served typically with ham, cheese or egg. The sweet version is made from wheat flour and features fruits, jams and the like. The Dutch often combine a bit of savory and sweet and top their pancakes with stroop, a sweet molasses like syrup that simply makes a perfect dish.
Poffertjes: These small “mini pancakes” can be found all around the city and are notably cooked in a pan with little 1″ inch circular divots. They are served with powdered sugar and jam, along with stroop and are the perfect “to go” food.
Stroopwafels and Speculoos: The two most famous cookies of the Netherlands are absolutely to die for and are often made fresh on the streets. The stroopwafel is a thin waffle wafer seasoned with cinnamon and filled with a warm caramel coming from the “stroop” we discussed earlier.
You can buy packs from the vendors of often times have them make you a large fresh one in front of your eyes. Speculoos is much like a gingersnap or snickerdoodle and has found its way to many other countries over the last few years. The cookies are great but also be on the lookout for speculoos butter, a sort of cinnamon and spice Nutella, simply to die for.
Frites: Fries are the go to street food in Amsterdam and you’ll find frites shops all over the place. The Dutch typically top their fries with ketchup and mayonnaise.
Herring: Raw herring is a dish that everyone needs to try on any trip to the Netherlands and can be found along with lekkerbek “fried cod” in many of the markets and street fish vendor stalls.
The herring is either served in bread or simply bare, with lemon and onions. Tilt your head back and knock the fish back like a shot the way any true Dutchmen would.
Transportation
The good news for you is that Amsterdam is super small so walking is both affordable but also incredibly easy to do. If you don’t want to walk, there is a subway and tram system, although rides generally cost around 1.50 Euros. The tickets for the public transit are also a bit confusing as you need to purchase an OV-Chipkaart in order to pay for you rides.
If you want to do Amsterdam like a real local, we suggest renting a bike from the various bike lenders around town. Just don’t forget to wear a helmet.
Getting to Amsterdam
From Paris, you can take a bus north 7 hours and it costs around 25 Euros. From Berlin the trip should be around 6 and cost about the same, both have very good Flixbus connections. On your way to Amsterdam we would suggest stopping in Antwerp. Belgium or Rotterdam to see a different side of Dutch and Flemish life.
If you fly to Amsterdam via Schiphol Airport, you can easily take a train that will drop you off at the central station which is walking distance of basically everything in Amsterdam.
Where to Stay
Amsterdam is small and crowded, making it a challenging city to operate large hostels in, however the city is buzzing with dozens of hostels, each catering to what you are looking for. The Amsterdam hostel scene has a twinge of the hippie vibe, as many of the backpackers use Amsterdam as a refuge to smoke weed, so don’t be surprised to be greeted by trippy pictures and Bob Marley Music.
Clubbing and Nightlife
We asked a few of our local Amsterdam friends where their favorite places to go out were and this is what they came up with!
Reguliersdwarsstraat: commonly known as the heart of Amsterdam’s gay community, this street is generally packed to the brim with tourists and locals and offers a bit for everyone. The entire area is packed with bars and clubs catering to all walks of life.
De school: Known for its techno parties and art exhibitions, it is an excellent place to spend an evening.
Chicago social club: known locally as ‘De Soos’, and found in Leidse square is a great place to see live music and have a night out.
My Travel Essentials For A European Backpacking Trip
Below you'll find a list of my must bring backpacking items. I have gotten this list down to my essentials through trial and error over 4 years of living in a backpack. I hope you'll find these items helpful on your journey!
►Main Backpacking Backpack: https://amzn.to/3vUHdik [Amazon]
►Great Front Facing Duffle-bag : https://amzn.to/3SjK6Ra [Amazon]
►Quick Dry Towel : https://amzn.to/3uarxH8 [Amazon]
►Multi Country Charger Adapter : https://amzn.to/3Ul37p0 [Amazon]
►Refillable Water Bottle : https://amzn.to/48SnG0n [Amazon]
►Padlock : https://amzn.to/3SdyYp7 [Amazon]
►Earplugs : https://amzn.to/498xTpl [Amazon]
►Power Bank : https://amzn.to/3SyXP8e [Amazon]
Travel Photography & Video Favorites
If you're interested in creating your own video content on your trip, these are some of my favorite items I've had. They work, they're effective and besides the Sony Aa7C, they aren't going to break the bank either!
►On the Go Video | Go Pro Hero 12 : https://amzn.to/3u38oHh [Amazon]
►Photography | Sony A7C : https://amzn.to/3u1Y6ap [Amazon]
►Portable Tripod | https://amzn.to/42ojHqc [Amazon]
►Lavalier Microphone | https://amzn.to/3SbL41U [Amazon]
►Drone | https://amzn.to/47TCwSY [Amazon]
►Portable Monitor | https://amzn.to/3Hzv2dg [Amazon]
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