We hopped over to Amsterdam this spring for a quick visit. This was my first visit there and it charmed the pants off me. It checked several boxes I like about a European city: easily walkable, a lot of important art and history, and low crime. I only mention low crime because I like to feel safe walking around after dark and we did! We combined this with a few days in Belgium, which will be a different post.
We did the usual (I mean, we are tourists) and visited the famous Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh, Anne Frank House, and Rembrandt house. All highly recommended. We also did a couple of canal boat tours. I suggest one in the daytime and one at night. Amsterdam has oodles to choose from: some private and with wine and cheese and some packed with tourists, so whatever suits you.
Another great way to get around Amsterdam is via bicycle. Yes! Amsterdam is famous for bicycles. There are more bicycles than people in Amsterdam! As a pedestrian, look out for bikes. They basically have the right of way and it is easy to confuse bike paths versus sidewalks. Yikes….I saw an oblivious tourist get clipped by a cyclist and the cyclist was unhappy! We didn’t bike because we had no idea really where we were going, but it certainly gets you from point A to B quickly!
As far as reservations, obviously if you are traveling in the summer months, consider booking everything in advance. We were there in April and almost did not get a spot to see Anne Frank House despite booking in advance. Just a word of warning as it would suck to go all the way there and miss something special.
We also did a trip out to Keukenhof to see the tulips because….well….April. It was gorgeous though Keukenhof is a manicured garden and not the tulip fields. I probably would have preferred the fields but my husband loves to be the itinerary person and the Keukenhof trip is easy because it is a “tour package.” Less to think about. (Good news and bad news there.) In any event, the sheer number of varieties and colors of tulips is breathtaking. This is a spring activity and took all morning (8 – 1).
There are distinct neighborhoods in Amsterdam if you look at a map, but they flow seamlessly. With charm around every corner, I found it better to wander around rather than stake out a particular neighborhood I had to make a beeline for. My suggestions for Amsterdam are as follows:
- Rijksmuseum (this is a big one so allow at least 2 hours)
- Van Gogh (duh) This is a super comprehensive about his life and work. it is essentially a timeline. I would also allow at least 2 hours minimum here. It is right behind the RIjksmuseum if you want to double down on your art in one day. There is an outside area with restaurants in between the two museums if a quick bite suffices.
- Anne Frank House. This is a heavy place and I was down after this visit. Go when you can get tickets but note your mood afterwards might not be one of smiles and joy.
- Rembrandt House. Fascinating look inside Dutch life of a famous painter (he saw fame while alive!).
- Our Lord in the Attic Museum. This is the hidden Catholic church house. Back in the day when Catholicism was illegal, some people set up places of worship in their homes. This museum showcases the living quarters as well as the top floor church with pews and an altar. Fascinating.
- Red Light District. I have mixed feelings about this whole idea but it is interesting to experience and understand. Basically, the country has tried to make sex workers safer but my understanding is that if you are a sex worker you must rent these spaces (you cannot work in a private home) and these spaces cost money. Sex workers also pay taxes like other workers. I am not morally against sex workers or anything, but the way they actually “advertise” in these windows for prospective customers to see is a bit disconcerting to see and I feel a bit exploitative for them. I mean, if they could be private about their work thousands of people wouldn’t be ogling them. Instead, they must be on display to work. I took the picture below with closed windows so you get the idea. I will add I have zero idea how sex workers feel about this set up.
I didn’t find Amsterdam to have any real “food culture” but given I am a vegetarian I don’t pay as close attention to the food. I like it when my food is great but I am also happy to simply find something I can eat. Amsterdam is a multi-cultural melting pot so you will find all kinds of cuisine there. Of course, grab a stroopwafel… too sweet for me but there are lots of options!
Amsterdam is definitely worth a visit. The houses are unique. Fun fact: the houses are narrow but deep because back in the 17th Century, citizens were taxed on their property frontage. Thus, when you see the larger (wider) houses along the canal, these were the wealthy folks. Some houses are so crazy narrow, you wonder how they lived. Without a lot of sunshine is what I think! This house, #22 is billed as the tiniest house in Amsterdam, if I recall.
Enjoy being charmed in Amsterdam! Tell me your favorite parts of your trip there!