Coming from Amsterdam myself (I was born and raised there) I’m often asked for tips on what to see, where to eat, and what to do when visiting Amsterdam.
Of course, there are the iconic must-sees: the canals, Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and all those places that make Amsterdam… well, Amsterdam. But there’s another side to the city that’s just as fun: new restaurants, quirky experiences, hidden gems, and places that locals are talking about (or that I keep discovering online).
So, if you’re heading to Amsterdam, here’s my growing list of things I’d put on your radar—from the timeless classics to the newer, more unexpected experiences. Consider it your invitation to explore Amsterdam beyond the usual tourist trail.
This list is a work in progress. Here’s a start.
SEE THIS — museums, landmarks, neighborhoods, architecture
Sky Lounge Amsterdam – Best Rooftop Bar – great view.
Oosterdoksstraat 4, Amsterdam
Rijksmuseum – “De Nachtwacht”
Van Gogh Museum
TASTE THIS — Dutch & Indonesian food, cafés, markets, sweets
The Pantry – traditional Dutch food. *hutspot, boerenkool stamppot, Hollandse biefstuk etc. Vlaflip etc.
Leidsekruisstraat, 1017 RE Amsterdam
FEBO – Automat – street food. Dutch finger foods like Kroket, Kaas Soufflé, Patat Speciaal and Frikandel
Leidsestraat 94, Amsterdam
Restaurant Blauw – for a Rijsttafel experience
Amstelveenseweg 158-160
1075 XN Amsterdam
Haring & Kibbeling – Vishandel Albert Cuyp
Albert Cuypstraat 155
Hema – Rookworst (sausage with mustard)
Ferdinand Bolstraat 93
https://winkels.hema.nl/nl/amsterdam/hema-amsterdam-ferdinand-bolstraat
The Pancake Club Poffertjes + Pannenkoeken
Leidsebosje 5 Amsterdam – opposite the Marriot Hotel
Kwekkeboom – kroket and saucijzenbroodje (ate there with your parents)
Ferdinand Bolstraat 119
Stroopwafels at the Albert Cuyp market – enter from Ferdinand Bolstraat
Stroopwafel large and buy it warm/fresh
DO THIS — activities, canal cruises, cycling, experiences
LOVERS CANAL CRUISES – canal boats / rondvaartboat – always fun
https://www.lovers.nl/
Combined with Heineken Experience
https://www.lovers.nl/en/combination-tickets/heineken-experience-amsterdam-canal-cruise/
Heineken Experience – museum
Corner Stadhouderskade – Ferdinand Bolstraat (walking distance from Albert Cuyp Market
https://www.heinekenexperience.com/en/
DISCOVER THIS — hidden gems, lesser-known places, local finds
DRINK THIS — cafés, brown cafés, breweries, cocktails
TERRACEs
Leidseplein
Rembrandtsplein
De Jordaan
SHOP THIS — markets, vintage, Dutch design, specialty stores
Albert Cuyp Market
DON’T MISS THIS — iconic Amsterdam experiences
NEW & NOTEWORTHY — newer restaurants, attractions, and experiences
Puspita- Amsterdam
Amsterdam MAPS for download.
