Best Time
April to October
“Amsterdam captivates with its intricate canal system and vibrant tulip fields; each corner offers a glimpse into a rich history. The city’s laid-back vibe and artistic spirit invite you to explore its museums, cafes, and charming streets, creating a delightful balance of history and modernity.”
Off the beaten path places in
Amsterdam
“Amsterdam is a city filled with lovely canals, impressive architecture and more than a thousand bridges. There is something for every traveler’s taste, from culture and history, partying or just to take a vacation with the chart of an old European city. Maybe that’s a reason why its colloquially known as the Venice of the North.”
Amsterdam Views
Canals, museums, and cycling culture.
Amsterdam has more than 1,500 bridges and is often referred to as the "Venice of the North."
Amsterdam is a city where art, history, and modernity blend seamlessly. Known for its beautiful canals, historical architecture, and vibrant cultural scene, Amsterdam has something to offer every visitor. Whether you’re cycling along the canals, visiting the world-renowned Rijksmuseum, or enjoying the city’s coffee shops, Amsterdam provides a unique experience. The food scene is eclectic, with everything from street food to fine dining, while the music scene ranges from jazz to electronic.
Amsterdam is home to over 165 canals, and it’s known for its world-class museums like the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum.
Airport
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)
Places to See
Stadhouderskade 78, 1072 AE Amsterdam, Netherlands
4.4
21–25
10:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Includes a 4D ride and tastings at the end of the tour
Get To:
Tram 24 (Stadhouderskade stop)
Tip:
Beer tastings, Interactive exhibits
Interactive brewery tour and experience with ice cold beers
https://www.heinekenexperience.com/en/Overhoeksplein 5, 1031 KS Amsterdam, Netherlands
4.7
13–15
10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
The highest observation deck in Amsterdam, with a rooftop bar
Get To:
Ferry from Amsterdam Central Station
Tip:
Over the Edge' swing, Cocktails
Observation deck featuring the world’s highest swing
https://www.adamlookout.com/Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, 1018 CZ Amsterdam, Netherlands
4.5
14–16
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
The only museum of its kind, highlighting the invisible world
Vibe:
Interactive, Educational
Get To:
Tram 14, Bus 22 (Micropia stop)
Tip:
Guided tours, Interactive displays
Interactive museum featuring micro organisms with fun live exhibits
http://www.micropia.nl/
Must Visit:
Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum
Places to Eat
Sophialaan 55, 1075 BP Amsterdam, Netherlands
4.5
40–60
12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Known for its unique flavor combinations
Get To:
Tram 12, Stop: Wibautstraat
Tip:
Creative tapas, Local wines
Contemporary tapas style restaurant with an open kitchen
https://rongastrobar.nl/Prinsengracht 274, 1016 HH Amsterdam, Netherlands
4.5
30–50
12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Located along the water's edge
Get To:
Tram 1, Stop: Amstel
Tip:
Seafood dishes, Premium wines
Popular restaurant serving steak and surf & turf options.
http://www.venusenadonis.nl/Scheldeplein 4, 1078 GR Amsterdam, Netherlands
4.5
50–70
12:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Known for its sustainable practices and fresh seafood
Get To:
Tram 10 (Heemstedestraat stop)
Tip:
Seafood dishes, Wine pairings
Upscale contemporary seafood restaurant
http://www.visaandeschelde.nl/Tweede Hugo de Grootstraat 2-6, 1052 LC Amsterdam, Netherlands
4.5
25–35
7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Known for its intimate setting and quality service
Get To:
Tram 10 (Zoutkeetsgracht stop)
Tip:
Seasonal dishes, Brunch specials
Mediterranean restaurant serving visually appealing food
http://www.morganandmees.com/Must Try:
Stroopwafels, Herring, Dutch Pancakes, Poffertjes, Bitterballen
Places to Drink
Dijksgracht 4, 1019 BS Amsterdam, Netherlands
4.4
10-20
11:00 - 01:00
Located on a historic boat dock, popular for sunset views
Get To:
Tram 10, Stop: Molenwijk
Tip:
Traditional Dutch dishes, Local drinks
Busy Dutch bar and cafe offering drinks by the waterside
Reguliersdwarsstraat 74, 1017 BN Amsterdam, Netherlands
4.4
15-30
18:00 - 03:00
Features a secret entrance and unique cocktails
Vibe:
Intimate, Exclusive
Get To:
Tram 1, Stop: Centraal Station
Tip:
Signature cocktails, Tasting menu
Top drawer speakeasy bar with a small intimate setting, just ring the bell
Lijnbaansgracht 234A, 1017 PH Amsterdam, Netherlands
4.5
10-30
Event-based
Hosts a variety of events and performances
Get To:
Tram 1, Stop: Leidseplein
Tip:
Concerts, Art exhibitions
Historic concert venue playing everything from afro beat to live electronic
Funenkade 7, 1018 AL Amsterdam, Netherlands
4.5
5-10
14:00 - 20:00
Features a unique windmill brewery
Get To:
Bus 22, Stop: Brouwerij 't IJ
Tip:
House-made beers, Local snacks
Brewery situated beside a windmill offering a pleasant atmosphere
Spuistraat 2 HS, 1012 TS Amsterdam, Netherlands
4.1
10-20
Event-based
Known for its vibrant nightlife scene
Vibe:
Underground, Eclectic
Get To:
Tram 1, Stop: Amsterdam Central
Small and cosy venue hosting live gigs from hiphop to reggae
Klönneplein 6, 1014 DD Amsterdam, Netherlands
4.2
15-30
10:00 - 01:00
Features a large outdoor terrace with views of the park
Get To:
Bus 21, Stop: Westergasfabriek
Tip:
Diverse menu, Craft beers
Trendy outdoor terrace café offering a kid friendly atmosphere
Music / Dance:
EDM, Jazz, Blues, Classical, Folk
Places to Network
Silodam 402, 1013 AW Amsterdam, Netherlands
4.7
Free - 50
Event-based
Comprehensive event listing and ticketing.
Get To:
Online booking; events often held in central venues.
Wide variety of networking and fun events in Amsterdam
Key Industries:
Tech, Trade, Tourism
Places to Shop
Singel, 1012 DH Amsterdam, Netherlands
4.5
5-20
09:00 - 17:30
Unique floating market experience.
Get To:
Located on the Singel canal; easily reachable by tram.
Tip:
Flowers, bulbs, local plants
Flower market with large varieties of Tulips
Wolvenstraat 7, 1016 EM Amsterdam, Netherlands
4.6
30-150
11:00 - 18:00
Specializes in mid-century modern pieces.
Get To:
Located near the Leidseplein, easily accessible.
Tip:
Antiques, vintage decor
Vintage dresses and clothing store
Haarlemmerstraat 92, 1013 EV Amsterdam, Netherlands
4.5
50-200
10:00 - 19:00
Focus on sustainable and ethically produced fashion.
Get To:
Central location in the Nine Streets district.
Tip:
Denim, fashion accessories
Curated denim and jeans store
Singel, 1012 DH Amsterdam, Netherlands
4.5
5-20
09:00 - 17:30
Unique floating market experience.
Get To:
Located on the Singel canal; easily reachable by tram.
Tip:
Flowers, bulbs, local plants
Flower market with large varieties of Tulips
Herenstraat 2, 1015 CA Amsterdam, Netherlands
4.5
50-200
11:00 - 19:00
Offers unique designs and limited editions.
Get To:
Conveniently located in the heart of Amsterdam.
Unique gifts and souvenir store
Nieuwe Doelenstraat 10, 1012 CP Amsterdam, Netherlands
4.7
20-100
10:00 - 18:00
Known for its curated selection and aesthetic appeal.
Get To:
Conveniently located near the city center; easily accessible.
Well curated book store offering fascinating pieces on every topic
1011 PG Amsterdam, Netherlands
4.4
Free
09:00 - 18:00
Historic market dating back to the 19th century.
Get To:
Accessible via tram lines 1, 2, and 5 to Waterlooplein stop.
Flea market with vintage clothing and souvenirs
Luxury
Kamerlingh Onneslaan 3, 1097 DE Amsterdam, Netherlands
4.9
50-100
12:00 - 22:00
Unique setting in a former greenhouse.
Get To:
Accessible by tram line 9 to the Duivendrecht stop.
Greenhouse restaurant with ingredients harvested fresh from the garden
Singel 235, 1012 WE Amsterdam, Netherlands
4.8
50-100
12:00 - 22:00
Luxurious boats equipped with fine dining.
Get To:
Departure from various central locations.
Luxury dinner cruise on an antique riverboat
Watch Out
Watch out for Crowded Areas
Skip
Skip Super Touristic Places
Transportation
Bikes dominate, good public transit
City Overview
Amsterdam is famous for its canals, cycling culture, and artistic heritage, home to the works of Van Gogh and Rembrandt. The city’s laid-back vibe mixes historical charm with a modern, eco-conscious ethos.
3 Day City Itinerary Guide
- Day 1: Morning: Visit the Rijksmuseum. Afternoon: Stroll through the Jordaan neighborhood. Evening: Canal cruise and dinner at a waterside restaurant. - Day 2: Morning: Anne Frank House and the Westerkerk. Afternoon: Visit Vondelpark and Van Gogh Museum. Evening: Explore the nightlife in the De Pijp district. - Day 3: Morning: Bike tour of the city. Afternoon: Explore NDSM Wharf. Evening: Sunset at the A’DAM Lookout.
Current Trends
- Pop-up galleries: The city’s art scene is thriving with temporary exhibitions and street art. - Sustainable fashion: The city is becoming a hub for eco-friendly and second-hand fashion with places like Episode and The Swapshop. - Food markets: Trendy food spots like Foodhallen offer local and international cuisine in a sustainable setting.
Local Events Guide
- King’s Day (April): A national celebration with outdoor parties, flea markets, and music events. - Amsterdam Dance Event (October): A massive electronic music festival drawing top DJs. - Grachtenfestival (August): A classical music festival held along the city’s canals.
Local Insider Tips
- Jordaan neighborhood for trendy cafes and boutique shops. - NDSM Wharf for an artistic, industrial vibe and street art. - Vondelpark for local picnics and people-watching.
Sustainable Travel
- Biking: Amsterdam’s bike-friendly infrastructure makes cycling the greenest way to get around. - Canals: Eco-friendly canal tours are a sustainable way to explore the city. - Green hotels: Stay at Conscious Hotels, which emphasize sustainability and eco-conscious practices.
Explore the Best Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences:
Ready to see through a local’s eyes? Our curated guide unveils top hidden gems, secret spots, and local favorites that you won’t find in typical travel guides. Whether it’s a cozy café tucked away in a historic neighborhood, a scenic trail only known to insiders, or unique cultural sites, has so much more to offer beyond the tourist hotspots. Dive into our off-the-beaten-path guide and discover the true heart —perfect for adventurous travellers, culture enthusiasts, and anyone looking for an authentic journey
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Unlock the Hidden Side:
Each spot in our City guide is handpicked to help you experience the city like a local, avoiding the crowds and discovering the best-kept secrets. From charming local eateries and breathtaking viewpoints to tucked-away art galleries and vibrant local markets, this guide lets you explore beyond the surface. Follow our recommendations for an unforgettable adventure and see why these places stand out as favorites among locals. For more unique experiences like these, explore our full collection of off-the-beaten-path city guides and make every trip a journey of discovery.
