Amsterdam travel guide: Best things to do and where to stay for a 2023 city break

As attractive as it is edgy, from cobbled canalside streets to a vibrant art scene, the Dutch capital remains perenially popular for a reason. Shilpa Ganatra shares the best ways to explore

The heart of Amsterdam is furnished with photographic backdrops at almost every turn (Getty/iStock)

You’ll know when you’ve arrived in Amsterdam. The constant ring-ring of bicycle bells, the wonderfully oddball Dutch humour, its mighty museums filled with eclectic treasures, cute-as-a-button canals and the occasional waft of legal marijuana single it out as a special destination within Europe.

It's a brilliantly walkable city, delightful when just strolling past the gabled buildings – similar to something out of a Wes Anderson film – but also heavy with green spaces. Plump for barbecues in Rembrandtpark and open-air theatre within Vondelpark. Eating spots creatively span traditional to super-modern, whether you're after snacks or fine dining, and there's no shortage of places for drinks, from cocktails to local beers.

Amsterdam is one of Europe's most popular city break destinations, and a little extra planning goes a long way – so here’s our guide to getting the most out of a visit.

What to do

Museums, galleries and exhibitions

It’s rare to turn a corner in central Amsterdam without hitting what might be the main attraction in lesser cities. The most famous trio are the Heineken Experience, the Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank House, as suggested by the impossibly large queues at peak times. Niche offerings stretch to a museum dedicated to hidden attic churches with the delightful Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder, and even an interactive microbe exhibition, Micropia. At the bigger attractions, including the Rijksmuseum (adjacent to Van Gogh), booking timed tickets in advance is a must.

Discover the work of Vincent van Gogh and his contemporaries at his namesake museum (Getty)

Read more on Netherlands travel:

• Follow in Van Gogh’s footsteps on an off-the-beaten-track Netherlands tour
• The best cheap hotels in Amsterdam: Where to stay on a budget
• The green guide to visiting The Hague

Lounge around at A’dam Toren

A free ferry ride away from Centraal Station is the A’dam Toren, a music-themed 22-storey multi-use building in which to eat, drink, party and sleep. It’s for daredevils too: the rooftop bar, which often features live DJs, features a swing that propels you off the building.

Smoke up

For those who choose to, Amsterdam is the place in Europe to imbibe cannabis legally. As the longest-running coffee shop, The Bulldog is a popular hangout, as is the Grey Area: the Amsterdam coffeeshop of choice for Snoop Dogg, Woody Harrelson and Willie Nelson. Owners are accustomed to novice smokers, so seek a few words of advice before getting stuck in (and opt for a pre-rolled joint rather than attempting it yourself).

The Bulldog is the most famous coffeeshop in the city (Getty)

Hang out at NDSM

Very much the Shoreditch of the Dutch capital, NDSM is a reclaimed industrial wasteland now filled with street art, cafes, event spaces and even a beach – because hipsters need to catch the sun, too.

Explore the canals

The classic excursion for seeing the waterways is to go on a canal boat tour – again, booking in advance will help preserve your sanity – but if you prefer to feel in control, opt for hiring a pedalo instead and take yourself on a self-guided tour.

The junction of the Leidsegracht and Keizersgracht canals on Amsterdam’s historic canal ring (Getty/ iStock)

Where to stay

A decently priced option is The Albus, a budget design hotel that’s well-located and offers great service, including a welcome drink. Rooms are functional for a short break, especially with triple-glazed windows blocking out any traffic noise.

Ecomama is a funky hostel that looks like a member’s club on entering. In addition to private rooms and basic but functional dorms, those used to festival life can crash in the teepee or sleep pods, just off the reception area.

These individual suites are dotted around the city (Sweets Hotel Amsterdam)

For something uniquely Amsterdam-esque, Sweets Hotel is a city-wide series of 28 transformed bridge houses, where staff once manually controlled the canals. Now, guests use a passcode to electronically enter their unique suite, with beautiful canal views and modern amenities.

Or swap the convenient location for a better price at Volkshotel. With dedicated workspaces, a raft of social goings-on and a rooftop hot tub and sauna, it’s one for those looking for a temporary community.

An outstanding premium option is The Dylan, in the 9 Streets area. It’s a homely 40-room boutique hotel with impressive attention to detail; the inviting open-fire lounge and Michelin-starred restaurant are appealing enough to delay guests from exploring the city outside (at least temporarily).

Where to eat

Bakers & Roasters is the go-to place for breakfast. They don’t take reservations, but show up, get your place in the queue, and wander around for an hour or two while checking the website to see your progress. Once inside the cramped space, dishes are generous and contemporary. Alternatively, try Dignita, which has a number of locations around the city and whose all-day menu includes their version of brunch classics.

Pancakes Amsterdam is close enough to Centraal Station to be disregarded, but its prime location on the banks of the IJ and unending range of pancakes – try the apple and cheese toppings for the traditional Dutch style – are a treat. De Kas is a former municipal greenhouse that now serves a daily fine dining set menu of divine dishes. A daytime visit highlights the airy, glass-encased space.

Need a nibble? For the sweet-toothed, Van Wonderen serves top-quality Stroopwafel, freshly caramelised while you wait, with chunky toppings like mixed nuts, Oreos and speculaas. For savoury munchies, nearby Vlaams Friteshuis Vleminckx offers a premium style of chips with an extra-long list of toppings.

For dinner, Harmsen is great for modern European cuisine, while the country’s colonial history means Indonesian restaurants are popular, and the rijsttafel (small bowls of curries served with rice) is a must-try while in Amsterdam. At Blue Pepper, owner and chef Sonja Pereria’s modern takes include excellent vegan and vegetarian options; occasionally, the kitchen moves into a canal boat for a dinner cruise – an efficient use of time for the weekend visitor.

Where to drink

On a cold day, a takeaway hot chocolate from Urban Cacao hits the spot – they use 15g of chocolate drops in each cup, and the choice of 60 per cent, 70 per cent or milk cocoa is yours. Die-hards can take a tour of the factory too. Excellent tea options are found at T’s. It’s out of the way in the De Baarsjes suburb, but can’t be beaten for lovingly prepared brews for supping on site, or bags of loose-leaf tea for enjoying later.

Beer aficionados will adore the In De Wildeman, which offers hundreds of Dutch, Belgian and international beers by the bottle and a good selection on draft. If you take a shine to craft beer brand Walhalla, the taproom in Amsterdam Noord offers tasting flights of four brews.

The Flying Dutchman is an always-popular diminutive drinking den that hits the holy trinity of impressive service, innovative cocktails and great atmosphere. A stylish alternative is Satchmo, a hotspot found in the depths of a former tobacco HQ dating from 1647. Forgo the restaurant upstairs in favour of drinks and bites at the cocktail bar, where their signature espresso martini – including Patron and white chocolate liqueur – is just one of the well-balanced concoctions made to order. For drinks with a view, the W Lounge is a pricier but sophisticated rooftop bar with 360-degree views of Dam Square and beyond.

Where to shop

Visitors who get a kick out of browsing supermarket shelves should make a beeline to one of the many Albert Heijns around. Otherwise, the first place to check out is the 9 Streets, an area between the central canals with a range of independent and boutique stalls that sell everything from locally made gifts to elaborate hosiery (the latter is Nic Nic).

De Hallen is another cluster of independent traders, this time under the shared roof of a former tram depot. The cafes outside catch the morning light perfectly, so enjoy a coffee before wandering through the stalls selling black garlic, handmade jewellery, funky stationery and wall art. At lunch, the Foodhallen is a mix of street food stalls circling a bar – this is the place to get burritos and bao.

Find independent shops on the 9 Streets (Getty)

Nearby, Ten Katemarkt is an outdoor street market selling foods and nick-nacks. It’s less touristy than the Albert Cuyp Markt but just as captivating. On a rainy day, Magna Plaza is a decent mall in a stunning building that was Amsterdam’s former main post office. Browse international brands like Lacoste and Mango alongside specialist fashion and gift shops. Open until 7pm daily, or 9pm on Thursdays.

For designer shopping, don those Louboutins and take a walk along PC Hooftstraat, home of labels like Dolce & Gabbana, Tiffany, Rolex and Gucci.

Architectural highlight

Unending rows of super cute canal houses – tall and narrow from the outside, steep staired from the inside, and occasionally sunken on one side – are the hallmark of Amsterdam. Find out their history and unique features at the Het Grachtenhuis Canal House Museum, open 10am-5pm.

Amsterdam is renowned for its colourful canal houses (Getty)

FAQs

What currency do I need?

Euros.

What language do they speak?

Dutch, but English is widely spoken.

Should I tip?

Service charges might already be included. If not, a 10–15 per cent tip is appreciated but not necessary.

How should I get around?

Much of central Amsterdam is walkable, but if not, the tram network is easy to navigate, especially with apps like Citymapper on hand. If you’re confident enough, rent a bike and travel as the locals do.

What’s the best view?

Madam is A’Dam Toren’s panoramic bar, and features information about the city, plus a great view of Centraal Station.

Read our guide to the best hotels in Amsterdam