Curator’s statement
Amsterdam is an ideal location for soaking in the culture and experiencing culinary delights. It’s so much more than the Red Light District or a smokers paradise. I recently spent a weekend here (more than ten years after an ill-fated college trip) and could not recommend it more! Take a trip to experience world class food, museums and architecture.
The Fora Difference
Book with Sarah to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay
Unlock perks by contacting Sarah to book your trip.
Day 1: A Lay of the Land
A Canal Tour is the ideal way to get your bearings and learn about the history of the city. Many of the tours also serve wine, cheese and cocktails. (win win!)
Visit Nazka for a contemporary Peruvian tasting menu. This restaurant is located in the cool De Pijp neighborhood and serves a great variety of fish and meat based dishes. Be sure to try one of their delicious pisco sours.
Sip natural wine at GlouGlou, a natural wine bar just a short walk down the street from Nazka. Find something you like? Take a bottle home with you from their shop. If cocktails are more your thing, or you just want to keep the night going, be sure to visit the Flying Dutchman, an innovative cocktail bar and lounge that’s open until 4 am. Their spicy margaritas were top notch.
Day 2: Bike the Streets
Sip a morning coffee and try one of the pastry at Pluk before walking (or bike!) down to Vondelpark. Just make sure to look both ways. Those bikes move fast. Following your morning jaunt, visit The Van Gogh Museum. Take in Van Gogh’s masterpieces while also learning about his life and influences.
Refuel with lunch at the Upstairs Pancakehouse. This tiny four table restaurant is located up a steep staircase in a 16th century house. Both the sweet and the savory pancakes are huge and worth every bite. Since it’s so small you MUST make a reservation in advance (and show up on time!)
Spend the afternoon wandering the city and taking in the shops. Shopping is Amsterdam is a must.
Enjoy a casual dinner at Café Parlotte, a lovely neighborhood spot for oysters, charcuterie and cheese. Or Domenica, an Italian restaurant serving creative dishes. End the evening with a drink and apple pie at Winkel 43, a lively cafe best known for its apple pie (in my opinion more like a delicious apple cake.)
Day 3: A Final Taste of the City
Start the morning off with pastry and coffee at Bussia.
Then head over to the Anne Frank House. If you’ve read the book or are just curious, it’s well worth a visit to the Secret Annex.
After a thought-provoking morning, enjoy a delicious and seasonal lunch at Restaurant Klein BREDA where you can choose between a three, four or five-course tasting menu.
Let's talk about customizing this itinerary for you. Or, about other destinations.
Travel Advisor
Sarah Howard
Get in touch with Sarah
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
You can normally expect a response from Sarah within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).
For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Valerie Mattox's guide, 3 Fantastic Days in Amsterdam.
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Amsterdam.