Amazing Amsterdam - Your Go-To Guide

Rent a bike — One of the best ways to see all the wonderful neighborhoods in Amsterdam is by renting a bike (kid-friendly, too!) and riding through the city. The city is very bike-friendly, especially throughout the various parks in the city. Want to wander out of the main city center? Head north to Amsterdam-Noord, known for its redeveloped wharf area, with trendy restaurants, art galleries and DJ events around the NDSM cultural center or in the neighborhood of Amsterdam-Oost. Don't forget to fuel up on a stroopwafel along the way!

Canal Cruise — Cruise down the famous canals of Amsterdam aboard a luxury wooden boat and see the city's top landmarks. Your onboard guide will provide live commentary and answer any of your questions while you nibble on a platter of Dutch cheese with mustard and sip unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks.

Day trip to Zaanse Schans — Travel back in time and explore this free outdoor park with a collection of historical windmills, craft stores and museums. Located about 20 minutes away from the main city center, this is a must-do!

Museums Galore — Amsterdam has something for everyone, with about 75 museums in the city, you can find a museum for just about everything — from golden age paintings, history, modern art, film, house music, etc. My husband and I visited the MOCO Museum and were really impressed by the modern art in this quaint museum.

Shopping in Jordaan and De Negen Straatjes — These picturesque areas are dotted with great restaurants, cafés, art galleries, jewelers, boutiques and vintage stores. With an exceptional array of styles, trends and prices, these areas are truly a shopper’s paradise.

Heineken Experience — Visit the original brewery where Heineken beer began. This fun, interactive tour is two and a half hours of fun and is perfect for a rainy day (this is when I did it!). You receive two tastings with your ticket and can enjoy their rooftop bar. Great for groups or couples!

Food Tour — Want an insider's guide to the best Dutch specialties? Go on a food tour to taste the best of Amsterdam's local eateries and try some classics like pickled haring, stroopwafels, stamppot and bitterballen.

Foodhallen — Amazing indoor food market with a lot of great vendors and boutiques.

Vinkeles — Two-star Michelin restaurant serving upscale modern French cuisine. Located in a former 1700s bakery in the hip Dylan Hotel.

Pancakes Amsterdam — Dutch pancakes are an absolute must when you visit Amsterdam, and these were incredible! Get the goat cheese and spinach pancake... trust me!

The Pantry — Highly recommend this restaurant for a traditional Dutch meal. Run by a husband and wife (love a family-run restaurant), the food was delightful. The restaurant is small so reservations are recommended, but they save some tables for walk-ins.

Brouwerij 't IJ — A small local brewery located inside a windmill. A great spot for local beers and cheap eats.

Fabel Friet — The best french fries EVER! A perfect snack after all that biking around town. There will likely be a line during the day, but we noticed it was less crowded going later in the night.

Ashoka - Amsterdam is known for their amazing Indian and Nepali cuisine and we had a great meal at this vibey restaurant. With two locations in the city, I recommend the one near the city center.

Bar Mokum — A “hidden” cocktail bar located beneath a famous pancake restaurant in the De Pijp neighborhood.

Hans Egstorf — The oldest bakery in Amsterdam with one of the best traditional stroopwafels in the city. Locals approved!

Flying Dutchman Cocktails — Cocktail bar in the heart of Amsterdam with a focus on (neo-) classic cocktails. The bar features the largest back bar in the Netherlands with over 800 unique spirits. Reservations recommended.