There is a time and a place for everything in the Capital of the Netherlands. It is a city of sensations that begs you to explore. This old European city is home to the continent’s highest density of museums, a thriving street culture, world-class dining and entertainment, and scenic beauty in all its forms. Come with us, beyond the red lights and coffee shops, for our favorite things to do in Amsterdam.
Go to a Museum
There is a museum for every aspect of Amsterdam’s culture. From the history of beer to the master painters of the Renaissance, you can while away your days exploring Holland’s rich culture and history.
While in town, we chose to visit the Moco for an exhibition of the sculptures and installations of Banksy and Salvador Dali. This modern and contemporary art museum hosts the most cutting-edge and thought-provoking works from current and more recognizable genre pioneers.
Within walking distance, you can visit the Stedelijk Museum of contemporary art and design, The Van Gogh Museum of Art, the Diamant (diamond) Museum, the collection of European Masterpieces at the Rijksmuseum, and many more.
Tour a Brewery
Amsterdam is a cicerone’s delight. Holland loves a pale lager and is home to Heineken, Amstel, Kolsch, and more. One of the more popular activities among visitors is the Heineken Experience. This guided tour through the historic former brewery of the Netherlands’ most recognizable beer comes with a trip to the tasting room.
Maybe your palette craves something a little less mainstream. Amsterdam is home to a thriving local craft beer scene. You can explore the many craft breweries and tap rooms on your own or join a hop-on, hop-off bus tour. Most people in town speak English so getting around is fairly straightforward. Asking for directions is easier than trying to read the signs.
Go for a Canal Cruise
One of the most popular ways to see the city is to enjoy a cruise on Amsterdam’s historic canals. This latticework of traversable waterways originally served as a conveyance of goods, services, and citizens. These channels remain an excellent way to see this picturesque destination’s many historical sites and landmarks.
There are multiple ways to enjoy these iconic waterways, from casual water taxis to formal dinner cruises. Tours will visit the residences of current and prominent citizens, the Anne Frank House, historic bridges, and local landmarks. Guests will also enjoy local stories and legends told by experienced guides.
Eat Up
The food scene in Amsterdam is excellent. Start your day with dense and decadent brownies or muffins from a traditional Dutch Bakery, or sip a cup of coffee or hot chocolate by the canal. One of the most rewarding things you can do while traveling is to sample the local fare. From stroopwafels to crepes, your sweet tooth doesn’t stand a chance on these streets.
Amsterdam loves cheese. Holland is most known for Gouda, but varieties like Edam, Maasdam, Boerenkaas, Leyden, and more are available to round out your charcuterie board. A big ball of gouda makes an excellent gift for friends back home but beware, U.S. Customs will seize soft or meat-laden cheeses. It would be best if you enjoyed those locally.
Take time to experience some of the street food classics of the city. You can sample oliebollen, a local favorite that consists of fried dumplings dusted with sugar. Another popular choice is deep-fried fish bites known as kibbeling. You can even enjoy a cone of thick-cut Dutch fries covered in mayonnaise and ketchup. You read that correctly, mayonnaise. That’s how it’s done in the Netherlands.
There’s nothing that says you have to stick to tradition. Amsterdam is home to a melting pot of ethnic influences, and it shows on the menus. While touring the city, we enjoyed excellent Chinese food, hearty Italian, and several quality gastropubs.
Tour the Surrounding Area
Northern Holland is known for its scenery. If you are in Amsterdam anytime from March until Mid-May, we highly recommend taking a short train ride into the countryside to see the vast, colorful fields of Tulips.
Another fun day trip is a tour of the historical windmills at Zaanse Schans. This open-air museum provides fantastic cultural and historical insights into the region. It also provides a great opportunity to buy souvenirs like handmade wooden clogs.
As you can see, there are myriad ways to enjoy Amsterdam. As a common port of embarkation for both river and ocean-going cruises, it makes a perfect opportunity for a pre or post-cruise extension to allow you to immerse yourself into the city fully. Making sure you “see it all” is just one of the many services Luxury Cruise Connections can provide. Our concierge and advisory teams will assist you with your hotel, restaurant, tour reservations, and much more. For more great destination and product insights, don’t forget to keep following our blog and newsletter.
