Insider Tips for Amsterdam
Discover the best of Amsterdam with these insider tips, from a charming tulip museum to a romantic date night on a canal terrace. In 2025, Amsterdam will mark its 750th anniversary with a year-long series of commemorative events. Here’s what else you shouldn’t miss on your next visit to the Dutch capital.
Tour Amsterdam’s Canals in Style
Skip the crowded, open-air tour boats and opt for a salonboot—elegant wooden vessels with cozy cabins—to explore Amsterdam’s 60 miles of UNESCO-protected canals (grachten). “Amsterdam’s layout is deeply rooted in its canals,” explains Eva van Dijk, co-founder of Amsterdam Odyssey, a private tour company. “Canals were the first roads of the settlement, and everything revolved around shipping and sailing.” Touring by water offers a unique view of the city’s essence and heritage.
While some luxury hotels provide private boats for their guests, you can also book a tour through an operator. If your budget allows, van Dijk recommends choosing a tour with both a skipper and a separate guide for a richer and more immersive experience.
Dig into a Rijsttafel at an Indonesian Restaurant
While Dutch classics like poffertjes (mini pancakes) and bitterballen (fried meat or veggie snacks) are must-tries for first-time visitors, don’t overlook Indonesian cuisine, especially a rijsttafel. This term, meaning “rice table,” refers to a delightful assortment of meat and vegetable dishes served with rice.
Rijsttafel is a Dutch adaptation of traditional Indonesian fare, reflecting a complex history of Dutch colonization in Indonesia, formerly known as the Dutch East Indies, before its independence in 1945. In 2022, rijsttafel was recognized in the Netherlands’ register of intangible cultural heritage, honoring Indonesian cuisine’s significant role in Dutch culture.
“Tourists are often surprised to learn that Indonesian food is a staple of Dutch cuisine,” says Hendra Subandrio, executive chef at Restaurant Blauw, who moved to the Netherlands from Indonesia at age 13. “I recommend trying a rijsttafel not only to sample a variety of Indonesian dishes but also to appreciate the historical connection between Indonesia and the Netherlands.”
Cycle in Amsterdam Safely
If biking along Amsterdam’s canals is on your travel bucket list, follow this advice from Ruud van Es, co-founder of Het Amsterdams Fietscollege, a renowned bike school: prioritize cycling safely over sightseeing. “When I ride with non-Dutch students, we often joke about the behavior of tourists on bikes,” says van Es. “While it’s often amusing, it can also be quite dangerous.”
Instead of navigating the busy city center, van Es suggests exploring quieter neighborhoods like Spaarndammerbuurt, De Pijp, and Amsterdam Noord (accessible via a free ferry from Amsterdam Central Station). No matter where you ride, stay single file, keep to the right, use your bell when passing others, signal when turning, avoid using your phone, and always check over your shoulder before making any moves.
Head to an Urban Beach
While Amsterdam’s famous canals are a must-see, the city’s lakes and urban beaches offer refreshing alternatives during warm summers. At Somerlust Park, a grassy spot along a tranquil section of the Amstel River, you can join locals for a swim and a picnic. The Gaasperplas nature reserve, with its expansive beach and spacious lawn, is easily accessible by metro. Further south, the scenic Ouderkerkerplas, near Ouderkerk aan de Amstel, is a favorite among families for its sandy beaches and shallow waters.
Museum-Hop Beyond the Dutch Masters
While Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum is a must for art enthusiasts, showcasing Dutch art and masters, there are many lesser-known museums worth exploring.
Beyond the Museum Quarter, start at the Rembrandt House Museum, where you can walk through the life of the famous Dutch painter Rembrandt van Rijn and explore his recently renovated attic studios. For a floral twist, the Amsterdam Tulip Museum delves into the fascinating history of tulip mania during the Dutch Golden Age. History buffs should visit the Verzetsmuseum (Dutch Resistance Museum), a compelling alternative to the Anne Frank House, focusing on Dutch resistance during WWII. Lastly, the NEMO Science Museum offers interactive exhibits that captivate both children and science enthusiasts.
Spot Kingfishers, Parakeets, and More
Amsterdam’s unique geography, with much of the city below sea level, creates a rich environment for diverse wildlife. Nature enthusiasts can explore Amsterdamse Bos, a vast polder forest three times the size of Central Park. This expansive area offers ample opportunities to spot wildlife, including foxes, rabbits, and vibrant parakeets. In city parks like Vondelpark, you might even catch sight of storks. Mónica Guimarães Cruz, a local biologist, emphasizes the surprising variety of flora and fauna found in Amsterdam’s green spaces. “If you really take the time and just look around, you will discover amazing plants and animals,” she says. “Don’t assume that because it’s a city, it’s just stone.”
Do Date Night the Dutch Way
For a quintessential Dutch date night, head to a canal-side terrace. “Going to a terrace on a canal, I think that’s the most Dutch thing in the world,” says Derek Mitchell, a comedian with ties to Amsterdam. One of his favorite spots is De Ysbreeker, a historic restaurant dating back to 1885, offering lovely outdoor seating along the Amstel River. Another charming choice is Café de Sluyswachtis, located in a quirky building from 1695 that once housed the lockmaster.
If the weather isn’t cooperating, consider a cozy brown bar like In ’t Aepjen or Café Hoppe. Known for their tobacco-stained ceilings and historic charm, these century-old pubs are perfect for a warm and intimate experience. Order a beer (a “biertje” in Dutch, with Heineken being a reliable choice) and embrace the Dutch concept of *gezelligheid*, which captures the essence of coziness and conviviality.