Your Ultimate Guide to Amsterdam — Destination Dreamer Diaries

For the past couple of years, I’ve had this little saying to myself…

… that Paris is the most beautiful city in the world.

And Amsterdam?

That Amsterdam is the most charming city in the world.

Outside of Amsterdam Central; January 2018

Wandering the streets of Amsterdam; June 2019

Wandering the streets of Amsterdam; January 2018

Exploring Amsterdam in the winter; January 2018

I’ve been there three times now, and the way the overflowing amount of bikes rest against the canals is like unlocking the meaning of the word ‘magic’ every single time.

Everyone I’ve met in college is always itching to go there solely to smoke weed and walk through the Red-Light district.

While you could fly across the world to do that, this city has much more to offer than a wild night out.

In fact, one of the great things about Amsterdam is that it really has something for everyone.

If you want to have that crazy night out, you can.

If you want to hit up all of the museums, you can.

If you want to just explore the scenic city, be a photography nerd that takes pictures at every corner, and then find views of the Rijksmuseum to write against…

Writing with a view of the Rijksmuseum; June 2019

…you can.

Have I convinced yet that there’s more to the city than you thought?

… that what we all see on Instagram is merely the majority of us scratching the surface?

Having been so many times, I want to share all the things I’ve seen and done and let you know what I think is worthwhile.

1. Almost Got Hit by Bikes… Several Times

When I’m in Amsterdam, I will repeat to myself several times,

“What are we going to do? Not get hit by bikes, and not get hit by cars… and not get hit by bikes.”

It’s so easy to mistake the bike lanes in Amsterdam for the sidewalks… and they will not stop for you, if you’re in their lane.

They’ll honk at you. They’ll tell you to move.

Don’t fret – the Dutch are some of the friendliest people I’ve ever met.

One time, I fell flat on the ground – and five different people came up to me and immediately spoke English to ask if I was okay.

They’re friendly and then some… but when it comes to them and their bikes…

… don’t mess with them.

2. Visited a Windmill

What most people don’t realize, is that the famous windmills that they dream of seeing in Amsterdam aren’t even in Amsterdam.

Riekermolen is at least 25 minutes away from the city center.

If it’s really that important to you, by all means – make the trip out there.

However, if you’re going to dedicate your day to it, you might as well see…

3. Cheese Making Demonstration

When I went to the Netherlands for the first time, my tour group took us to a family-owned farm outside of Amsterdam to see how they make their infamous cheese wheels.

If you’re looking to bring a cheese wheel with you back home, don’t worry - you’ll see one every few blocks, in Amsterdam.

If you’re a cheese fan, you’re in luck – because you’ll see stores nearly everywhere in the city.

4. The “ I Amsterdam” Sign

When I just went this past June, they had taken this sign down.

Me at the “I Amsterdam” sign in May 2017.

In all honestly, I liked it better without it… because it used to be flooded with tourists.

This past time around, I could finally get a person-less shot of the Rijksmuseum.

5. Rijksmuseum

While it’s cliché for me to say this, this has always been my favorite building in Amsterdam.

It’s just as exquisite looking in person as it is in pictures.

View of the Rijksmuseum from Weteringplantsoen; June 2019

Now, I’ve never been inside – because we all know how I feel about museums (they bore me to tears).

Whether you want to go inside is a personal choice. My fifty-something-year-old uncle loves it and can’t believe that I’ve never bought a ticket in.

On the other hand, I have a friend who was born and raised in the city, and despised it.

The good news is, if you have no idea whether you want to go inside or not – I’ve never seen a long line for this place.

If you go around eleven in the morning; you can check it out for yourself with practically no waiting line.

If you go past three o’clock though...

… the actual museum should still be relatively clear, but the surrounding areas… have fun, in the midst of the tourist mobs.

6. Canal River Cruise

One of the first and only things I did my very first time in the Netherlands.

Absolutely worth it, and absolutely something you should do on a first-time trip.

After all, it’s a city built on water; thus, traveling via the canals is the easiest way to see it.

7. The Red-Light District

Yes, it’s exactly what you think it’s going to be.

It’s very much garnered towards tourists.

Walk through it, take a peek at whatever you wish – but I wouldn’t spend all of your time here… or maybe you want to, and that’s fine.

To each their own.

8. Amsterdam Central Station

Amsterdam Centraal Station; January 2018

All the way up Noord; it’s a very underrated, gorgeous piece of architecture to photograph and be in awe of.

Outside Amsterdam Centraal; January 2018

9. Dam Square

It’s prettiest during Christmas time…

… and at night – when it’s not filled with tourists.

One of the many reasons why I prefer Amsterdam in the winter.

10. Royal Palace of Amsterdam

I think there are prettier palaces around Europe, but you should still walk by this one.

Outside the Royal Palace of Amsterdam; January 2018

11. Anne Frank Museum

Again, I’ve never been inside – but I can and will warn you that the line for this is long all the time, no matter the time of day or year.

Outside the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam; January 2018

When my friends ran to go inside before our canal cruise tour in May, it was long.

When I walked by in January at eleven in the morning, it was long.

When I walked by this past June at one in afternoon… it was really long.

Nevertheless, my friends who went in May said it was incredible and worth the stress to go see it.

Still, if this is something you must do while you’re in Amsterdam, I would strongly suggest into booking your tickets online ahead of time.

12. Explored Marqt

If you’re a food nerd like me and like to walk into their local grocery stores to see how people live and what they buy abroad – this is a fun one to check out.

Replenishing my travel snack bag in a Marqt in Amsterdam; January 2018

Think of it as their version of Whole Foods.

13. Walked down Kalverstrrat

Where you’ll find all the upscale shopping.

Not really necessary if you’d rather be spending your money in the coffee shops, but it’s fun to say that you’ve been down the most expensive shopping street in the Netherlands.

14. Remembrant Square

Not sure why this was on my list one time, but I walked by it…

Rembrant Square in Amsterdam; January 2018

… and I’ll probably will never walk by it again.

15. Vondelpark

Much like Regent’s park in London, this is Amsterdam’s big park.

You can walk through it in the winter, like I did…

Walking through Vondelpark; January 2018

… but it’s much prettier (and livelier) when you do so in the summertime.

Walking Vondelpark in the summer; June 2019

16. Spiegelgracht

Winter-infused-magical-luminiscent-dreams come to life.

An absolute must see if you come to Amsterdam during the winter.

17. A’DAM Lookout Tower

Not the greatest view I’ve seen of the city, but it’s an eye opener to see just how big the Amsterdam metro area really is.

View of Amsterdam from the A’DAM Lookout Tower; January 2018

View of Amsterdam from inside the A’DAM Lookout Tower; January 2018

18. Europe’s Highest Swing

An energizing experience if you’re an adventure seeker like me!

Riding Europe’s Highest Swing in Amsterdam Noord; January 2018

You’ll swing with Amsterdam roughly 100 meters (a little over 300 feet) below you.

Best part; it’s only €5… what are you waiting for?

19. Noord

The area surrounding the A’DAM Tower is supposedly really vibrant and really underrated… but I can’t speak for it.

I don’t really drink; so, bar hopping up there (or really, anywhere in Amsterdam) has never been of interest to me.

I’ve spent most of my time in the city center.

20. Had Fancy Drinks at the top of the W Hotel

While I don’t drink, I was feeling out of character one night… and came up to his hotel with a friend native to the city.

At the W hotel in Amsterdam; January 2018

Not many people will want to spend €15 on drinks when they don’t have to, but it was an amusing experience to try their over-the-top cocktails.

Trying the cocktails at the W Hotel; January 2018

Again, not the greatest view of the city, but better than the A’DAM tower… because you’re in the middle of all the action.

21. Leidseplein

Right next to the Rijksmuseum; this place lights up at night in the winter time like you couldn’t believe.

Leidseplein lights up in the winter time; January 2018

Dozens of restaurants to choose from around here.

22. Jordaan

The area I’ve explored and wandered on foot without a care in the world the most while in Amsterdam.

A cute, picturesque neighborhood…

… but honestly, nearly all the neighborhoods in Amsterdam are.

23. De Negen Straatjes

Which translates to, “The Nine Streets”.

Basically, all of the vintage shopping your heart could ever desire.

24. Prinsengracht

Probably (definitely) my favorite canal to take pictures of in Amsterdam of all time.

Prinsengracht in Amsterdam; January 2018

This is as picturesque as it gets; Prinsengracht; June 2019

25. Herengracht

Another popular one; while I prefer Prinsengracht for photography – this serves as a close second.

26. Singel

The canal that surrounds the flower market; not the best for pictures as it’s busier with tourists.

Further up the street is much more appealing.

Taken near De Brabantse Aap near Singel street; January 2018

27. Lauriergracht

I discovered this street on my last trip.

The houses of Amsterdam get me every time. — The houses of Amsterdam get me *every* time.

Essentially, the definition of a photogenic street.

28. Leidsegracht

If you’re looking for a quieter canal to stroll down, you know, one that isn’t flooded with girls posing for Instagram – this is the one.

29. Magna Plaza

Big, busy shopping plaza – not much more to it.

30. Eat at the Avocado Show

Something I would’ve never thought to do or check out if it weren’t for a friend.

Beet Hummus Avocado Toast from The Avocado Show in Amsterdam; January 2018 — Beet Hummus Avocado Toast from *The Avocado Show* in Amsterdam; January 2018

If you like avocados… specifically avocado toast… it’s a must.

31. The Flower Market

The epitome of a tourist trap.

Walking the Flower Market in Amsterdam; June 2019

It’s the same set up shop after shop – selling magnets, cheese wheels, seeds…

… you should walk it once, but once is more than enough.

Not as endearing as I had hoped it would be; it’s really more for families sightseeing the city.

32. Westertoren Tower

Hands down, the best view of the city I’ve ever seen.

Street view of the Westertoren Tower; June 2019

You do have to snake up several sets of very narrow stairs, but it’s very worth it.

It’s the only “up-at-the-top” view where you’ll see the canals from a bird’s eye view.

The view from the Westertoren Tower in Amsterdam; June 2019

I hope this gave you some ideas on what to do in Amsterdam. If you’re looking for other things to do in Europe, click here.