Amsterdam really is a charming city. The canals give it so much character, winding through historic streets lined with cafés, boutiques, and bridges that are impossible not to stop and photograph. Bikes are everywhere, locals are always on the move, and the city somehow feels lively without ever being overwhelming.
We had three days to explore and made the most of every moment. From wandering neighborhoods and snapping photos along the canals to indulging in Dutch pancakes, stroopwafels, and loaded fries in a cone, every corner had something fun or delicious to discover.
And just to clear up a common misconception, you definitely don’t have to be into cannabis to enjoy Amsterdam. The city has incredible food, tons of history, beautiful architecture, and so much charm.
Fun fact: cannabis is technically illegal in the Netherlands, but it’s tolerated and can only be purchased and smoked inside licensed “coffeeshops.”
That also brings up something that confused us at first. In Amsterdam, a “coffeeshop” actually means a place that sells cannabis, while a “café” is where you go for coffee, breakfast, or lunch. So if you’re looking for a latte and a pastry, make sure the sign says café or koffiebar rather than coffeeshop.
Ok, now that that’s all cleared up let’s jump into the fun part!
Most locations are linked to Google Maps, plus linked Instagram handles!
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🏨 WHERE TO STAY (AREAS)
We stayed at Park Centraal Amsterdam and absolutely loved the location.
The hotel sits right between Vondelpark, Leidseplein, and the Museum Quarter, which made it incredibly convenient for exploring the city. We could easily walk to the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, tons of restaurants, and some great shopping streets. The area feels a little quieter and more upscale than the busy city center, but you’re still close to everything.
Other great areas to stay in:
Jordaan – One of Amsterdam’s most charming neighborhoods filled with canals, boutiques, and amazing restaurants.
Canal Belt (Grachtengordel) – The iconic canals you see in photos. Very central and picturesque.
De Pijp – Trendy and lively with amazing restaurants and the famous Albert Cuyp Market.
Museum Quarter (Museumplein) – Great if you want to be close to museums and parks.
Amsterdam Centrum – Very central near Dam Square, but can be busier and more touristy.
🚲 Transportation
Getting around Amsterdam is super easy and honestly part of the fun.
🚶♀️ Walking – The city is very flat and incredibly walkable. Wandering along the canals is one of the best ways to discover hidden streets, cafés, and little bridges.
🚲 Biking – This is how locals get around. If you rent a bike, just be VERY aware of the bike lanes. They are absolutely no joke. Bikes fly by like traffic and locals will ring their bells if you’re in the way… which you probably will be at least once 😂
🚊 Trams – Super convenient for getting across the city quickly.
🚕 Uber & Taxis – Easy to find but not really necessary since public transport is great.
🚤 Canal Boats – Not technically transportation, but one of the best ways to see the city.
💶 CURRENCY
The Netherlands uses the Euro (€) and Amsterdam is extremely card-friendly.
Most places accept credit cards and Apple Pay, and we barely used cash the entire trip. Smaller markets or street vendors may prefer debit or cash, so it’s helpful to carry a little.
Tipping isn’t mandatory, but rounding up or leaving around 5–10% for great service is appreciated.
💬 PHRASES TO KNOW IN DUTCH
Most locals speak excellent English, but learning a few phrases is always appreciated.
Hallo – Hello
Goedemorgen – Good morning
Dank je wel – Thank you
Alsjeblieft – Please
Ja / Nee – Yes / No
Pardon – Excuse me
De rekening alstublieft – The bill please
🌆 SIGHTSEEING / Museums
Amsterdam is full of beautiful spots worth checking out:
Anne Frank House
Rijksmuseum
Van Gogh Museum
Vondelpark
Dam Square
Bloemenmarkt
🏙 NEIGHBORHOODS TO EXPLORE
Jordaan
One of the most charming neighborhoods in the city with canals, boutiques, galleries, and amazing restaurants.
De Pijp
A trendy neighborhood known for great food and the Albert Cuyp Market.
The Nine Streets (De 9 Straatjes)
One of the cutest areas for boutique shopping and cafés.
Amsterdam Canal Ring
The iconic canals and bridges that Amsterdam is famous for.
Red Light District (De Wallen)
If you’re curious, it’s definitely interesting to walk through at least once. We went during the day to play it safe haha, and it felt much calmer than at night.
🍽 MUST-TRY FOODS
Amsterdam is a foodie paradise! There are literally endless Instagram-worthy foods to try, and I’m going to list them all along with the best spots to get them (below).
🥞 Dutch Pancakes (Pannenkoeken)
🍟 Loaded French Fries in a Cone
🧇 Stroopwafels
🧀 Dutch Cheese
🍪 Peppernuts (Pepernoten) We loved these small cookie treats! Wish we could’ve taken home a whole suitcase full!
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
*A lot of restaurants are super busy in Amsterdam so I highly recommend making a reservation in advance!
Eggs Benaddicted – @eggs_benaddicted.amsterdam
A favorite brunch spot known for creative eggs Benedict dishes. Usually a wait to get in.
Box Sociaal – @boxsociaal
An Australian-style brunch café with great coffee and hearty breakfast options. (Make a reservation!)
Humphrey’s Restaurant – @humphreysrestaurants
Hands down my favorite restaurant in Amsterdam. The food, the ambience, the drinks. All amazing!
Van Speyk – @vanspeykamsterdam
Classic Dutch cuisine in a beautiful historic building. We didn’t eat here but it was on my list.
Black and Blue – @blackandblue.amsterdam
Great steakhouse along the canal. The food was delicious! (Make a reservation!)
🥞 DUTCH PANCAKES (and regular pancakes)
The Pancake Club – @the.pancakeclub (Dutch style)
We ate here right before heading to the airport! It’s right on the canal, by our hotel and the staff is so sweet.
Other great spots:
Pannenkoekenhuis Upstairs – @pannenkoekenhuisupstairs (Dutch style)
Tiny historic pancake house inside a 16th-century building. We tried to dine here but they were booked for days! There’s only a few tables available.
⚠️ Make a reservation way in advance.
Pancakes Amsterdam – @pancakesamsterdam (Dutch, traditional and mini)
The Happy Pig Pancake Shop – @thehappypigamsterdam (more than just pancakes)
MOAK Pancakes – @moakpancakes (regular pancake style)
🍟 DUTCH FRIES (FRIES IN A CONE)
Manneken Pis – @mannekenfriet
Famous for loaded fries served in a cone. They have 2 locations.
Other great spots:
Vleminckx Sausmeesters – @vleminckxdesausmeester
🧇 STROOPWAFELS
Van Wonderen Stroopwafels – @vanwonderenstroopwafels
Always a line out the door but it went pretty quick.
Other great spots:
Original Stroopwafels Albert Cuyp
Hans Egstorf Stroopwafels – @hansegstorf
🥪 QUICK BITES / SPECIALTY SHOPS
Sandwichshop Amsterdam | Rokin – @sandwichshopamsterdam
Peppernuts Holland – @peppernutsholland
Grab some traditional peppernuts (pepernoten) and definitely bring some home!
Cheese & More by Henri Willig – @henriwillig We bought cheese here to take home! You will find tons of cheese shops to sample cheese from but this was our personal favorite.
☕️ BEST CAFES FOR COFFEE
Lot Sixty One Coffee Roasters – @lotsixtyonecoffee
Back to Black Coffee – @backtoblackcoffee
🍸 BARS
Ventuno Skylounge – @ventunoskylounge
🎡 WHAT TO DO / EXPERIENCES
🚤 Flagship Canal Cruise Must do! This was easily my fav experience we had in Amsterdam! 🤩 I could’ve stayed on that boat exploring all the canals all day! 😍 We also learned so much about Amsterdam and its history from our tour guides.
Use my code WANDERLISSA5 for a discount! ✨
Other great activities (LINKED HERE):
🤩 A’DAM Lookout (Swing on a rooftop!)
🚲 Amsterdam Guided Bike Tour
🏛 Anne Frank House Walking Tour
🍺 Heineken Experience
🧀 Dutch Cheese Tasting Experience
Between the beautiful canals, incredible food, charming neighborhoods, and endless places to explore, Amsterdam is definitely a European city worth visiting.
You can check out more of my Amsterdam experience over on Instagram @wanderlissa_ 🇳🇱
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