Guidebook for Amsterdam
Parks & Nature
We love recommending this park -- while, don't get me wrong, Vondelpark is fantastic, Westerpark has more of a hip and local vibe. There are always tons of activities going on here, and it has great trails for running and walking. There is also a fantastic restaurant/movie theater here that you can go to for dinner/drinks/and a movie! What a great combo! On the first Sunday of every month there is a market -- complete with food trucks, oysters + champagne, and vintage finds.
1599 locals recommend
Westerpark
4 HaarlemmerwegWe love recommending this park -- while, don't get me wrong, Vondelpark is fantastic, Westerpark has more of a hip and local vibe. There are always tons of activities going on here, and it has great trails for running and walking. There is also a fantastic restaurant/movie theater here that you can go to for dinner/drinks/and a movie! What a great combo! On the first Sunday of every month there is a market -- complete with food trucks, oysters + champagne, and vintage finds.
Vondelpark is a public urban park, it is a great spot for outdoor music, a bike tour, a run, or a picnic.
4196 locals recommend
Vondelpark
Vondelpark is a public urban park, it is a great spot for outdoor music, a bike tour, a run, or a picnic.
Come here to take a break from the business of the city. Have a coffee and enjoy walking around. Take in all the variations of plants and greenery!
299 locals recommend
Hortus Botanicus
2a Plantage MiddenlaanCome here to take a break from the business of the city. Have a coffee and enjoy walking around. Take in all the variations of plants and greenery!
Keukenhof, also known as the Garden of Europe, is one of the world's largest flower gardens. It is situated in Lisse, the Netherlands. You can get here by taking the train or the bus from Amsterdam Central Station and then making a transfer to the Keukenhof bus.
465 locals recommend
Keukenhof
166A StationswegKeukenhof, also known as the Garden of Europe, is one of the world's largest flower gardens. It is situated in Lisse, the Netherlands. You can get here by taking the train or the bus from Amsterdam Central Station and then making a transfer to the Keukenhof bus.
Kaag has lots of boat rentals and on the water restaurants you can reach by boat. If you are a boater (as we are!) I would highly recommend getting out of the city and renting a sailboat or a powerboat. Pack a picnic and really get the local experience here. The views area amazing and the restaurants are fantastic. Just note that your sailing skills should be fairly proficient in order to get on the water in a sailboat as it can be a bit windy.
15 locals recommend
Kaag
Kaag has lots of boat rentals and on the water restaurants you can reach by boat. If you are a boater (as we are!) I would highly recommend getting out of the city and renting a sailboat or a powerboat. Pack a picnic and really get the local experience here. The views area amazing and the restaurants are fantastic. Just note that your sailing skills should be fairly proficient in order to get on the water in a sailboat as it can be a bit windy.
Shopping
Great clothing shop with local brands. Very trendy and hip, I always find something fantastic here. Great for both guys and girls.
13 locals recommend
Six and Sons
41 HaarlemmerdijkGreat clothing shop with local brands. Very trendy and hip, I always find something fantastic here. Great for both guys and girls.
One of the best selections of clothing here -- lots of brands to chose from, including Levi's, Scotch and Soda, Selected Femme, Maison Scotch, Soft Rebels, and much much more...! Plus, the people who work here are always so friendly and helpful!
Tally-Ho
23 HaarlemmerpleinOne of the best selections of clothing here -- lots of brands to chose from, including Levi's, Scotch and Soda, Selected Femme, Maison Scotch, Soft Rebels, and much much more...! Plus, the people who work here are always so friendly and helpful!
Luxury clothing and textiles are found here at this amazing shop. This store will make you want to throw away all of your clothes and start again with a clean slate of neutrals and all white. Highly recommended.
21 locals recommend
Sukha Amsterdam
110 HaarlemmerstraatLuxury clothing and textiles are found here at this amazing shop. This store will make you want to throw away all of your clothes and start again with a clean slate of neutrals and all white. Highly recommended.
All of the shops in the 9 Streets are fantastic, but this is one of my favorites. Just go and enjoy!
52 locals recommend
OU. Boutique Stories
252 HerengrachtAll of the shops in the 9 Streets are fantastic, but this is one of my favorites. Just go and enjoy!
Best shopping is located in the Nine Streets. This is a shopping district full of great shops, restaurants, and bars. You can't go wrong here! Spend a day just meandering through the shops.
1405 locals recommend
De 9 Straatjes
Best shopping is located in the Nine Streets. This is a shopping district full of great shops, restaurants, and bars. You can't go wrong here! Spend a day just meandering through the shops.
Essentials
Great local grocery store -- just around the corner from our casita. Just note -- they only take Dutch Pin cards or CASH (Euros). Great selection of all the essentials and more.
303 locals recommend
AH Westerstraat
79 WesterstraatGreat local grocery store -- just around the corner from our casita. Just note -- they only take Dutch Pin cards or CASH (Euros). Great selection of all the essentials and more.
Upscale and organic grocery store. Think, Whole Foods (for those of you from the States) but in Holland. Outstanding selection of meats and cheeses, and highly recommended if you are planning a chic picnic or are in dire need of some organic stroopwafel.
857 locals recommend
Marqt
402 CeintuurbaanUpscale and organic grocery store. Think, Whole Foods (for those of you from the States) but in Holland. Outstanding selection of meats and cheeses, and highly recommended if you are planning a chic picnic or are in dire need of some organic stroopwafel.
Essentials = Kaas (Cheese). This store is amazing for bread and cheese (brood + kaas), if the smell of butter in the morning doesn't get you out of bed, then I don't know what will. Highly recommended for cheese, bread, stroopwafel, and nuts. The are usually open early.
13 locals recommend
Kaasland Haarlemmerdijk
1 HaarlemmerdijkEssentials = Kaas (Cheese). This store is amazing for bread and cheese (brood + kaas), if the smell of butter in the morning doesn't get you out of bed, then I don't know what will. Highly recommended for cheese, bread, stroopwafel, and nuts. The are usually open early.
The Wash Company
32 HaarlemmerdijkDrop off your laundry for same day service.
Forget something? Come here for all your needs from first aid items, to nail polish, to shampoo, vitamins...etc...
209 locals recommend
Etos
140 B SloterkadeForget something? Come here for all your needs from first aid items, to nail polish, to shampoo, vitamins...etc...
Great English speaking doctor/clinic that is easy to get an appointment with -- if you get sick while traveling, this spot will take care of you!
Doctor Service Amsterdam, Expat Medical Centre
112 BloemgrachtGreat English speaking doctor/clinic that is easy to get an appointment with -- if you get sick while traveling, this spot will take care of you!
Everything Else
Amazing yoga studio, you can take a drop in class for around 20 euros. The teachers come highly recommended and every class is worthwhile. They have many locations around the city, so be sure to look them up online to book a class and check them out. Great to get some good stretching in for your mind and body while traveling :)
43 locals recommend
Delight Yoga
20G PrinseneilandAmazing yoga studio, you can take a drop in class for around 20 euros. The teachers come highly recommended and every class is worthwhile. They have many locations around the city, so be sure to look them up online to book a class and check them out. Great to get some good stretching in for your mind and body while traveling :)
Local Market every Saturday morning. A 'must' for everyone who stays over the weekend. From vintage finds, to fresh flowers, or fish! There is absolutely something for everyone here. All the locals come out to shop, and it's great for people watching and the like -- I would highly recommend the crepes, in particular the Lemon and Sugar flavor!
892 locals recommend
Noordermarkt
42B NoordermarktLocal Market every Saturday morning. A 'must' for everyone who stays over the weekend. From vintage finds, to fresh flowers, or fish! There is absolutely something for everyone here. All the locals come out to shop, and it's great for people watching and the like -- I would highly recommend the crepes, in particular the Lemon and Sugar flavor!
Arts & Culture
In the heart of Amsterdam on the Keizersgracht the house of the Amsterdam regent family Van Loon can still be seen. In 1602 Willem van Loon co-founded the Dutch East-India Company. Seven days a week the family opens their home and collection to the public. This is my all time favorite museum, highly recommended for the stunning decor and architecture.
138 locals recommend
Museum Van Loon
672 KeizersgrachtIn the heart of Amsterdam on the Keizersgracht the house of the Amsterdam regent family Van Loon can still be seen. In 1602 Willem van Loon co-founded the Dutch East-India Company. Seven days a week the family opens their home and collection to the public. This is my all time favorite museum, highly recommended for the stunning decor and architecture.
The Van Gogh Museum is an art museum dedicated to the works of Vincent van Gogh and his contemporaries in Amsterdam in the Netherlands. I would highly recommend booking online
2485 locals recommend
Van Gogh Museum
6 MuseumpleinThe Van Gogh Museum is an art museum dedicated to the works of Vincent van Gogh and his contemporaries in Amsterdam in the Netherlands. I would highly recommend booking online
Food Scene
Beautiful, light-filled interior...with fantastic wifi! Everything on the menu is fresh and amazing. I always opt for the avocado toast, but to each their own...The bright and light atmosphere makes it one of my go-to spots.
31 locals recommend
Pluk
19 ReestraatBeautiful, light-filled interior...with fantastic wifi! Everything on the menu is fresh and amazing. I always opt for the avocado toast, but to each their own...The bright and light atmosphere makes it one of my go-to spots.
Great sushi take out for a canal side picnic. There are a few stools for eating inside as well.
Tanoshii Sushi
11 Tweede TuindwarsstraatGreat sushi take out for a canal side picnic. There are a few stools for eating inside as well.
5 stars -- this restaurant is not only delicious, but it is romantic, historic, and just downright fantastic. I would highly recommend a dinner for two here!
74 locals recommend
De Belhamel
60 Brouwersgracht5 stars -- this restaurant is not only delicious, but it is romantic, historic, and just downright fantastic. I would highly recommend a dinner for two here!
Bar + Restaurant. Great easy food and fantastic drinks. Small restaurant, but great spot to have a few drinks outside and enjoy the canal views.
105 locals recommend
Cafe Tabac
101 BrouwersgrachtBar + Restaurant. Great easy food and fantastic drinks. Small restaurant, but great spot to have a few drinks outside and enjoy the canal views.
Drinks + bar snacks + restaurant. We go here mainly for bar snacks and beers, but they also have a great menu for dinner. Fantastic terrace for afternoons, as well as fun and lively interior.
160 locals recommend
Café Thijssen
107 BrouwersgrachtDrinks + bar snacks + restaurant. We go here mainly for bar snacks and beers, but they also have a great menu for dinner. Fantastic terrace for afternoons, as well as fun and lively interior.
Located in the magnificent De Hallen cultural complex in Amsterdam’s hip Oud-West neighbourhood, Foodhallen is a classy indoor food market and bar serving up a range of high-end street food and beverages in historic surroundings.
1500 locals recommend
Foodhallen Amsterdam
16 BellamypleinLocated in the magnificent De Hallen cultural complex in Amsterdam’s hip Oud-West neighbourhood, Foodhallen is a classy indoor food market and bar serving up a range of high-end street food and beverages in historic surroundings.
Fantastic shop with lots of Amsterdam locations. Go here for a morning cappuccino and croissant or pick up picnic necessities. Great spot for a quick pick me up, eat in or take out.
45 locals recommend
STACH Food
1A Nieuwe HoogstraatFantastic shop with lots of Amsterdam locations. Go here for a morning cappuccino and croissant or pick up picnic necessities. Great spot for a quick pick me up, eat in or take out.
Best pizza in Amsterdam! Definitely more of a take-out spot, but there are a few stools to sit on to enjoy your pizza. Or hop next door for a drink while you wait for you pizza.
37 locals recommend
da portare VIA
34HS LeliegrachtBest pizza in Amsterdam! Definitely more of a take-out spot, but there are a few stools to sit on to enjoy your pizza. Or hop next door for a drink while you wait for you pizza.
Amazing Apple Pie! Fantastic terrace, recommended to go to Nordermarkt on Saturday morning, then stop by Winkel 43 for a coffee before heading off again to explore.
506 locals recommend
Winkel 43
43 NoordermarktAmazing Apple Pie! Fantastic terrace, recommended to go to Nordermarkt on Saturday morning, then stop by Winkel 43 for a coffee before heading off again to explore.
Pllek is a great spot to meet up with friends and experience something a bit outside of Amsterdam. Take the ferry across from Central Station or from one of the other locations. This spot has live music and has an urban beach. Great to relax with some Rosé and enjoy the city from afar.
1052 locals recommend
Pllek
59 T.T. NeveritawegPllek is a great spot to meet up with friends and experience something a bit outside of Amsterdam. Take the ferry across from Central Station or from one of the other locations. This spot has live music and has an urban beach. Great to relax with some Rosé and enjoy the city from afar.
Another great pizza hotspot. There is a take out pizza place, across the street from the restaurant. Both are highly recommended.
248 locals recommend
La Perla Pizzeria
53 Tweede TuindwarsstraatAnother great pizza hotspot. There is a take out pizza place, across the street from the restaurant. Both are highly recommended.
We love coming here on the weekend to get out of the city and enjoy some amazing views of the water. Great restaurant if you have rented a car and are out exploring.
Eetcafe de Otter
131 Oud-LoosdrechtsedijkWe love coming here on the weekend to get out of the city and enjoy some amazing views of the water. Great restaurant if you have rented a car and are out exploring.
Amazing location very close to the house. Great tapas, specializing in ceviche and organic food. Wonderful cocktail bar and view!
27 locals recommend
Wolf Atelier
20 WesterdokspleinAmazing location very close to the house. Great tapas, specializing in ceviche and organic food. Wonderful cocktail bar and view!
Chic garden conservatory serving Mediterranean dishes made from organic ingredients grown on-site.
267 locals recommend
De Kast
3 Kamerlingh OnneslaanChic garden conservatory serving Mediterranean dishes made from organic ingredients grown on-site.
The Blue Spoon at the Andaz has a new chef, and his dishes are amazing. The presentation is great --- simple but overwhelmingly fantastic. Highly recommended for cocktails as well!
17 locals recommend
Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht - a concept by Hyatt
587 PrinsengrachtThe Blue Spoon at the Andaz has a new chef, and his dishes are amazing. The presentation is great --- simple but overwhelmingly fantastic. Highly recommended for cocktails as well!
The restaurant that pairs with the stunning Pulitzer Hotel -- amazing food, drinks, and ambiance. Definitely one for the books.
17 locals recommend
Restaurant Jansz.
8 ReestraatThe restaurant that pairs with the stunning Pulitzer Hotel -- amazing food, drinks, and ambiance. Definitely one for the books.
Restaurant Nooch
11 ReestraatSushi in the 9 Streets!
Sightseeing
The Anne Frank House is a writer's house and biographical museum dedicated to Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank. The building is located on a canal called the Prinsengracht, close to the Westerkerk, in central Amsterdam in the Netherlands. I would highly recommend booking online.
2775 locals recommend
Anne Frank House
20 WestermarktThe Anne Frank House is a writer's house and biographical museum dedicated to Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank. The building is located on a canal called the Prinsengracht, close to the Westerkerk, in central Amsterdam in the Netherlands. I would highly recommend booking online.