Amsterdam Travel Guide: Best Things to Do and See

Amsterdam is easy to get around and I enjoyed walking from each destination. There are, however, different ways to get around the city. You can boat, bike, use the train, the tram, or a bus. If I were to suggest anything, biking would be your best form of transportation especially if you want to live like a local. Although, the biking here is intense and if you aren’t skilled at biking on the roads with traffic and such, I would suggest skipping altogether. If you wanted to use the train, trams, or buses for any reason you are going to want to purchase the OV chip card. These are disposable cards and are based on time. You can put in anywhere from an hour to seven days and you can travel as many times as you want in that allotted time frame.

For the first time I went, I went with a group of people and we all stayed in an Airbnb right in the heart of the city. I would suggest an Airbnb if you are traveling with a group, it wasn’t too expensive for the entire apartment. For the second time, we stayed in this hostel. Although the hostel was super budget-friendly and it was nice, I hated it. The reason? You have to take a ferry to get to the main part of Amsterdam. The ferries stopped running at a certain time too so if you were out too late you would have to take an almost 100 USD Uber or Taxi because they had to go all the way around the canal. This was the hostel in case you are curious.

Here are six things you should really consider seeing and doing when traveling to Amsterdam.

ONE

Anne Frank House. As a huge part of history, it was important for me to become educated on Anne Franks’ story. I am not normally a history person but seeing this museum was very informational and it brought me on a special journey. I think it helped me to understand more the history behind Amsterdam as well. When I visited Anne Frank’s house it was easy to get tickets a few days prior but this was during the off-season. If you are going during peak travel which is usually the summer months, it is important to book your tickets and tour time ahead of time because it will sell out. The tickets are 14 euros and they are open every day of the week until 7 pm. The Anne Frank House is located in the city center but the exact address is, Prinsengracht 263-267. The tour will take you through a story that has been put together through quotes, videos, photos, and original items. This tour had a huge impact on me and my understanding of Anne Frank, it was a beautiful display of information.

Two

Red Light District. It wouldn’t be a trip to Amsterdam if you didn’t walk through the red light district. Coming from America, I had a culture shock seeing how real the red light district is. Whether you participate in it or just walk through it, it is something that represents Amsterdam’s culture. It was a must see even if it was for a few minutes. It is located in the De Wallen district which is just about southeast of the central train station.

Three

Heineken Brewery. I would say my favorite thing I did while in Amsterdam was going to the Heineken Brewery. When I say I had so much fun, I mean more fun than any other brewery I’ve been to and I have been to a lot. I would suggest booking your Heineken tour tickets online because it is cheaper. The Heineken experience includes learning about the heritage, brewing process, how to drink the beer, and stories behind the amazing beer. This brewery is Heineken’s first ever built brewery and the tour includes a 1.5-hour self-guided tour with two free beers at the end. It is worth the cost. Speaking of the cost, it was about 20 euros.

Four

Go To a Coffee Shop. This information I am about to share might be new to you but it might not, Amsterdam is known for its legal marijuana and shrooms. The city also has an array of coffee shops. You can find many local places to get coffee but that is not what I am talking about here. The people of Amsterdam call coffee shops where you can buy and smoke marijuana. Even if you don’t smoke I suggest at least checking out one for a quick minute. It is something that brings you closer to experiencing their true culture and living like a local. One in particular that I think is the best and the most popular is the Bulldog Coffeeshop. It was the first-ever coffee shop. All I knew before my trip to Amsterdam was that one time Miley Cyrus was caught at this coffee shop, so I knew I had to check it out.

Five

The Amsterdam Letters. I am sad to report that the famous I Amsterdam letters and selfie trap in front of the Museumplein have been removed. But never fear, I am here to report to you that there are still letters located at the Schiphol Airport, Sloterplas, and the letters that were at the museum are going to travel to any festivals or special events the city has. Just another reason for you to go to Amsterdam during a festival!

Six

Boat through the Canals. When I did this, my friend new a local here and we were able to have a private tour on their family’s boat. It was the most incredible experience and such a fun way to see the city. A great way to do it, though, is through a tour company. Amsterdam Canal Cruises has so many options. They offer private or group tours and aren’t too expensive. I would suggest it.