Amsterdam is basically one of those cities that is simply calling your name for spontaneous escapades. Whatever your vibe is—hanging out for an extended weekend or living the whole digital nomad lifestyle—this one knows the best way to help you live your best life. I recently spent some time exploring it, and believe me—there is so much more to this city than canals and coffeeshops.
From hip ‘hoods to offbeat museums and relaxed cafes, this is what I did and how you can completely make the best of your visit as well.
🛬 Just arrived in Amsterdam: My Initial Impressions
The minute I arrived at Schiphol Airport, I was completely blown away by how convenient it was to reach the city. The train to Amsterdam Centraal is fast, cozy, and reasonably cheap. I purchased a 3-day public transportation pass, which really came to the rescue. The trams, buses, and metros of Amsterdam are so efficient that it is an absolute cakewalk to travel around the city.
The moment I stepped out onto the street, the atmosphere just struck me. People were wheeling by on bicycles, the canals glimmered under that beautiful spring sun, and the air was filled with this incredible aroma of freshly made stroopwafels. Saturday afternoon, and the city was alive.
🚲 Getting Around: Hop on the Bike Life!
If you’re going to Amsterdam, you simply have to rent a bike. It is essentially obligatory there. I rented one at a store near where I was staying, and it was the best decision ever. Cycling through the canals, along Vondelpark, and around the Jordaan district helped me totally get into the spirit of the place.
Amsterdam is totally cycle-friendly. They have bike paths everywhere, and the people are okay with sharing the road with bikers. Make sure you lock your bike up securely, though—bike theft is common around here.
☕ Café Culture: The Best Places to Have a Drink and Stay Productive
For visitors and digital nomads alike, getting the right café to work from is really crucial. Amsterdam has tons of great spots with great Wi-Fi, awesome coffee, and cozy vibes. Here are some of my favorite ones.
- Leeuwen’s Koffiehuis: Tucked away in the Jordaan, this place has great espresso and relaxed atmosphere that is perfect for getting things done.
- Bocca Coffee: It’s really near to Leidseplein, and it’s an amazing little café. The coffee is great, and there are plenty of spots to relax.
- Coffee & Coconuts: Located in this awesome old cinema building at De Pijp, this bar has a really relaxed tropical atmosphere. It’s a little more upbeat, but seriously, the atmosphere is ideal for brainstorming sessions.
I spent some hours at each of these places, drinking lattes and doing some work. The best part? They completely match the old Amsterdam atmosphere—high ceilings, wood floors, lots of natural light.
🖼️ Museums and Culture: Beyond the Basics
Amsterdam has some incredible museums, but there are some really cool off-the-beaten-track gems you really have to visit!
Rijksmuseum
You really have to visit the Rijksmuseum if you’re going to Amsterdam! I spent a few hours there getting to enjoy totally awesome things like Rembrandt’s Night Watch. It’s huge, so if you’re really not an art fan, you might find it better to visit the highlights only.
Van Gogh Museum
Right across from the Rijksmuseum is where you’ll find the Van Gogh Museum. I was completely surprised at how much more interactive it was. The museum is really nicely organized, and you get to really see Van Gogh’s development as an artist.
STRAAT Museum
Are you a street art enthusiast? You have to visit STRAAT Museum! It’s directly at the NDSM wharf, and it contains over 180 artworks by over 170 artists. The venue is really cool—it is an old welding facility turned into this hip hangout space. And for real, you don’t want to miss that exterior mural of Anne Frank by Eduardo Kobra; it’s incredible!
NEMO Science Centre
Want to have some fun? Try going to the NEMO Science Museum. It’s like this great five-story building filled with science exhibits that are really fun to play with. I spent like two hours there fiddling with chemistry, physics, and even testing my memory. And the rooftop has really great views of the city, just an added plus.
🌳 Parks and Chill Spots
Amsterdam parks are great to relax at after spending the day sightseeing.
- Westerpark: It’s kinda hidden away, but seriously, it’s really relaxed with a park, some neat art things, and great cafés. I just stumbled upon this pop-up market one afternoon out of the blue, and it was such a great surprise!
- Vondelpark: This park is really popular in the city, and for good reason, in my opinion. It’s huge, with ponds and outdoor theaters and plenty of relaxing areas. I picked up a blanket, scoped out a sunny area, and just people-watched and read for a few hours.
- Oosterpark: It’s over to the eastern side, and it’s really relaxed without all the tourists. It’s great to simply walk around or have a picnic.
🍽️ Food Vibes: From Street Food to Fancy Eats
The cuisine of Amsterdam is incredibly varied and delicious. Truly, regardless of who you are and where you’re from, there is plenty to satisfy everyone.
Albert Cuyp Market
This street market in De Pijp is the place to grab an impromptu bite. I sampled the famous herring there—raw, topped with onions and pickles. You know, one of those you-love-it-or-you-hate-it things, but it completely hooked me!
Foodhallen
It’s located in this old tram depot, and it’s this indoor food market with lots of various cuisines. I ended up trying all kinds of things, from Vietnamese banh mi to Dutch bitterballen.
De Kas
Fancy dining? De Kas is the place to be. Located in a greenhouse, where they prepare dishes using vegetables grown onsite, it is an experience you’ll never forget. The tasting menu was the highlight of my visit.
Rijks
You have to try it at the Rijksmuseum! This Michelin restaurant truly gives Dutch cuisine an entertaining twist. The atmosphere is sophisticated, and the cuisine is incredible.
🌆 Nightlife: Where to Go After Dark
Amsterdam’s nightlife is as varied as the city itself, you know? If you’re interested in live music, dancing, or simply sitting with a drink and companions, there’s really something for everybody.
Melkweg
This cool venue hosts live performances, club nights, and all sorts of cultural events. I caught a band performing here one evening, and the atmosphere was just crazy.
De School
We have this one old school that’s been converted into a nightclub, and it has this amazing underground techno atmosphere. It is somewhat off the beaten path, but if you like electronic music, you’ve really gotta check it out!
Leidseplein
This square is surrounded by bars, clubs, and theaters. It’s touristy but lively, and I spent a few nights hopping between venues here.
Red Light District
Yeah, it is known for the whole adult entertainment, but the nightlife is great there too. Went for a walk one evening, and it was really packed with energy.
🗺️ Day Trips: Explore Beyond Amsterdam
Hey, if you’ve got some spare time or simply want to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city for a day, Amsterdam is really easy to do day trips from. Here are some that I highly recommend.
Zaanse Schans: Windmills & that Dutch atmosphere
Just a 20-minute train ride from Amsterdam, Zaanse Schans is like stepping into a Dutch postcard. This open-air museum features historic windmills, wooden houses, and artisan workshops. You can watch traditional crafts like clog-making and cheese production in action. It’s a great spot for photos and a peaceful stroll along the canals
Haarlem: Your Hip, Relaxed Neighbor
Haarlem’s only 20 minutes away by train from Amsterdam, and really, it’s much more relaxed. You have the great Grote Kerk, some of the adorable little hofjes—they are like secret courtyards—and the brewery Jopenkerk that’s in this beautiful old church. I visited once on a Saturday to visit the market and sample some of the brewery’s craft beers—it was the perfect day out!
Delft: Art, Pottery & Relaxing Canal Atmosphere
This sweet little town of Delft is seriously the best, known for its blue-and-white pottery and as the home of painter Johannes Vermeer. You have to visit the Royal Delft factory, visit the Vermeer Centrum, and walk around the beautiful Markt market square. It’s only an hour by train from Amsterdam, and I find it’s such a relaxed place with lots of culture.
Giethoorn: The Venice of the North
It is like a fairy-tale village where there are canals instead of streets, and people travel by boat rather than car. You can hire a whisper boat (it’s electric and really quiet) or paddle along its relaxing waterways. The journey there is not short—about 1.5 to 2 hours by bus and train—but it’s completely worthwhile for an experience you won’t get anywhere else.
Kinderdijk: The iconic windmills and Dutch landscape
Kinderdijk is this incredible UNESCO World Heritage site featuring 19 really cool old windmills from the 18th century. Getting there is a bit of an adventure—about 1.5 hours by train and bus—but trust me, the breathtaking views and the history make it well worth it.
💡 Practical Tips for Every Traveler
Amsterdam’s an extremely welcoming city. Whichever way you’re visiting it — by yourself, with your loved ones, or balancing work with traveling — these tips are going to make your trip even more great:
Public Transport
Amsterdam public transport is very efficient and relatively easy to navigate. You may care to buy an OV-chipkaart for hassle-free rides on trams, buses, and the metro. The I amsterdam City Card grants unlimited travel on public transportation along with free admission to tons of attractions if you’re only staying briefly.
Cycling Safety
So, biking is completely a must-do activity in Amsterdam. Ensure to secure your bike properly with both locks because bike thievery is prevalent. Make sure to watch out for pedestrian areas and cycling pathways to ensure everyone’s safety.
Weather Preparations
Amsterdam weather is really unpredictable. Pack some layers and bring either a light raincoat or an umbrella, especially for spring and autumn.
Local Etiquette
The Dutch value directness and punctuality. When interacting with locals, be respectful and considerate. It’s also customary to greet with a firm handshake.
Restaurant Tips
Many places accept credit cards, but some traditional cafes may only accept cash. So it is wise to carry some cash as well as credit cards.
Advance Bookings
Popular attractions like the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum can get crowded. Booking tickets in advance can save time and often provides skip-the-line access.
Family Fun
The city has plenty of parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly museums such as the NEMO Science Museum. And because Amsterdam is small, it is an easy place to explore with the kids.
Safety for the Solo Traveler
Amsterdam is generally pretty safe, but it’s always a good plan to be aware of your surroundings, particularly in crowded areas. Keep your belongings safe and avoid the dark streets at night.
Digital Nomad Resources
If you’re a remote worker, Amsterdam’s got you covered with ridiculously fast internet and tons of co-working spaces. De Pijp and Jordaan are so cool, with tons of cafes where you can actually get stuff done.
The most important tip is: Amsterdam has something for everybody. As long as you think ahead a little and are open-minded, your travels are going to be incredible!
✨ In truth, Amsterdam really feels like home to me
Regardless of what you have planned, whether you’re relaxing for the long weekend or staying at home to work, Amsterdam completely knows the way to make you feel like home. Its charming cafes, fashionable bike tours, incredible history, and energetic atmosphere have always got you covered with something great to see.
I visited for a few days and brought away with me memories that’ll last an eternity. So pack your bags, grab your laptop, and prepare to completely fall head over heels for this great place.
FYI: If you’re considering going to visit the fields of tulips, the mid-April to early May period is typically the best. The Keukenhof Gardens are really crowded, but if you don’t like to be around the tourist crowds, you can always rent a bike and walk through the fields by yourself! The views and the scents are incredible!