Enjoy Amsterdam Like a Local

For the art lover, Amsterdam is a gold mine.

Visit the Rijksmuseum, which houses the Dutch masters of realism. The museum itself is a fantastic representation of renewing old buildings with modern architectural elements. For more modern and contemporary art and design, don't miss the Stedelijk museum. The Van Gogh museum takes you through the famously fanatical artist's life through his works of art. This is a must-see! All three of these museums border the Museumplein, where you can relax on the grass or grab a drink between museum hopping.

Renting a bike is the way to go in this city! It can be overwhelming at first, not knowing the rules of the path, but if you take in a busy intersection before you hop on and ride, it can help you learn how traffic flows. By the end of the week, we had the signaling and dos and don'ts under control and we're riding our bikes from one side of town to the other! Take a ride through the 120-acre Vondelpark, a lush retreat from city life.

For shopping head to De 9 Straatjes (The Nine Streets) area located among the canals in the center of the city. De Pijp is also a hip and trendy neighborhood for fun shops and they have an open-air market on the weekends.

Eat

Keep in Mind: A lot of restaurants in Amsterdam serve Prix Fixe Menus, but don't let that lead you astray, it doesn't mean they are expensive. We had many dinners that were under 100 Euros per person even with Prix fixe menu in addition to drinks.

Men Impossible - A vegan ramen experience, yep, you heard me, vegan ramen. I was skeptical at first, but we made a reservation and it was honestly such a unique experience. You are shown to your spot at a singular long, wooden table, where your courses are brought out to you. You can help yourself to some unique sake options from the little fridge at the front.

The Papeneiland Cafe - Although touristy, this cute little pastry shop with windows full of decadent treats is worth a stop. Order your coffee in the front and then head to the back and secure a spot on their small balcony overlooking a bustling canal to enjoy your drinks and treats.

Balthazar's Keuken - I have to say this was my favorite spot I ate in Amsterdam. Family run with a few seating times throughout the evening since the men and their father are the cooks and servers. The food was amazing and the vibe was cozy, casual and comfortable with an open kitchen and simple tables.

Fou Fow Ramen - A casual spot in De 9 Straatjes for a bowl of noodles and a beer.

Breda - An upscale, yet rustic restaurant with high ceilings and wooden tables, offers a modern take on southern Netherland dishes.

4850 - Take a stroll through De Pijp on your way towards Oosterpark and you'll find this quaint, minimalist restaurant full of locals. They serve chic dishes and have an extensive wine list.

De Kas - Outside the city center located in Park Frankendael, the greenhouse-style restaurant grows all their own produce to create elevated Mediterranean dishes. This is more than a meal, it's a culinary experience, I highly recommend for lunch or dinner.

Restaurant Zwaantje - Cozy, old restaurant serving traditional dutch dishes in a vibrant part of central Amsterdam.

Drink

Pulitzers Bar - Swanky, high end bar with velvet and leather seats in a beautiful hotel with fantastic cocktails.

Bar Parry - Hip, cozy bar. Great for a before or after dinner drink while wandering around town.

Cafe De Doktor - Traditional old Dutch pub that opened in the late 1700s, located down a small alley in the city center

Glouglou: Adorable natural wine bar in De Pijp, perfect for a mid day charcuterie.

Fromagerie Abraham Kef - Head to the Amsterdam North location for a cheese tasting and wine pairing! This was a really cool experience and I learned so much about cheese.

Van Stapele Koekmakerij - Stand in line to try the famous chocolate cookies.