Amsterdam, the city of freedom, canals, and bicycles. Whatever is better for you to call it. It's one of my favourites cities in the world, a place I'll always make a stop if I am around the Netherlands. The city with more bikes than people and with almost 1500 canals. Amazing in winter, adorable in Summer. Whether you are interested in art, visiting museums, feel the smell of the flowers in the morning or sit in a coffee shop and get high, Amsterdam will always have an alternative for you.
Here comes the most important question before visiting a city: Is Amsterdam cheap? It's affordable, I would say. Although the city is reachable by foot, the Dutch capital has impressive Public transport which is easy to use and understand. Tickets are between 8 euro one day and 36 euro 7 days. If you want to become a local during your stay, it's also possible to rent a bike for 12 euros a day.
So, if Amsterdam has numerous things to do, where do we start? This guide below will help you to pick the place you like the most if you have a long layover or just a few days. Or do visit every single spot if you are planning to stay longer.
Are you in for a new adventure?
Amsterdam central
Yes, a central station. It is one of the most beautiful European railway stations. The neo-gothic building is located in the heart of the city and was built-in 1889 by the architect Pierre Cuypers, the same architect who built the Rijksmuseum. Today, the station receives around 200.000 passengers a day.
Backpacker tip: the station has a piano and people can use it for free.
Do you want to be a musician for a while? Go and show your talent!
Dam square
Minutes away from the Station is Dam Square which gives its name to the city. Amster. Dam.
A Dam was built around the Amstel river to protect the city from an inland sea.
The Square is surrounded by historical monuments. The most important is the Royal Palace, the house of the Dutch kings. The entrance is 10 euros, and the tour which will take you to its impressive rooms takes between 1 and 2 hours. On the sides of the palace are located Oude Kerk - the oldest church in the whole country- and Madame Tussauds which combines a wax collection mixed with humour and insight of Dutch history. In the middle of the square, you will see the national monument in honour of the Dutch victims of World War II. Today is also the meeting point of different tours if you are willing to take some.
Begijnhof
Not too far away from the square is located Begijnhof, probably the most peaceful place in the city. A group of delightful buildings will immerse you to another world inside the city and makes you appreciate the beauty of every single part. Begijnhof is the home of a group of unmarried women who decided to live together. A group of houses which a lovely courtyard which deserves a visit.
Spui
Do you want to make a stop and have some drinks? What about some food? Let me give you an idea. Take your path to Spui. A pleasant square full of cafes, restaurant and bookstores. An ideal place to take a rest and watch Amsterdam life goes by.
Backpacker tip: The square has a small open-air art market where artists sell their paintings, photographs ad sculptures.
Bloemenmarkt
Do you love flowers? Then, you might have heard about Tulips. Don't you? Let me present you Bloemenmarkt or flower market in English. This colourful floating market sited by the Singel offers all types of flowers and different variety of Tulips. It's a pleasure for all the senses. The flower shop of the world as Dutch people named it, has many gifts shops where you can choose the one of your preference to bring back home.
Rembrandtplein
Let the road takes you to Amsterdam's main square. Rembrandtplein receives its name in honour of Rembrandt van Rijn who owned a house closeby. Nowadays, there is a museum with daily demonstrations about his work. The square also has numerous bars to have some drinks and start the night. If you are here in the night, it's the perfect place to go clubbing.
Magere Brug
Are you a romantic person? Did you decide to make a trip with your partner? Yes, Amsterdam also has a place for you. Although every canal around the city could have some tones of romanticism, Magere Brug is the favourite of many couples. The picturesque bridge is a throwback to the past. The bridge opens every 20 minutes to let the boats pass through. It is worth to walk especially in the evening to appreciate the sunset.
Rijksmuseum
Amsterdam is a synonym of history wherever you go. It's like an open-air museum. Therefore, I want to emphasise two museums you won't regret visiting. Rijksmuseum, located in Museumplein, is a neo-gothic building which features a collection of Rembrandt, Vermeer and other famous Dutch painters. Here you'll be able to see The Night Watch, considered Rembrandt's best painting.
The museum is open every day from 9 - 17 and the entrance 20 euro or free if you have the Amsterdam City Card.
Backpacker tip: Walk around the museum and check the sculptures outside. It's free.
van Gogh museum
Located on the right side of the Rijksmuseum, van Gogh museum is probably the most popular tourist attraction in the city. It houses many van Gogh best work starting from his first paintings, some of them related to his personal life. The museum features a hundred letters written by the artist as well.
The best time to go is in the afternoon to avoid the crowd.
Leidseplein
When the evening sets, there's no better place to go than Leidseplein. Buzzing square plenty of cafes, bars, restaurants, cinemas, theatres, clubs and street musicians performing unique shows for passers-by. Whatever you are interested in, you will find it around this square.
You might be wondering: can I find a coffee shop around here? Absolutely!
Coffee shops are allowed to sell cannabis, but you are limited in how much you can buy in a day and how much you can carry with you. The limit is around 5 grammes per day and shop.
Vondelpark
The Dutch capital is also about nature. The best example of it is Vondelpark, a massive and lively park in the northwest of the city. It's a great place to go for a stroll, bike, do sports, people watch, go with friends or alone and relax. In the summer, a lot of locals and tourist alike spend their time enjoying free concerts and open-air theatres.
Anne Frank Museum
It's a place you must see if you come to Amsterdam. It was the hiding place of a young girl during the Nazi occupation. Anne and her family spent two years inside the building and is in this period when she used to write a diary about what life was like for the Jews. If you have read her diary or not, it's a unique place to meet and understand history.
The museum offers a 2 hours tour where you will see Anne's diary, the desk of people who help the family during those years, where they hid out and things related to Anne's family.
The entrance fee is 10.50 euro and is open daily from 9 to 19 hrs and Saturdays until 22 hrs.
Backpacker tip: Book the ticket online to avoid the queue.
Heineken Experience
Are you a beer lover? If your answer was yes and the name Amsterdam comes to your mind in which beer do think?
Exactly! Heineken.
Then, the right place for you, my dear visitor, is the Heineken Museum. The first and big brewery built in Amsterdam centre 1867. Head down to this interactive museum to learn about the beer brewing process and how the Heineken business has emerged. The tour takes 1,5 hours ending with two Heineken beers included.
The entrance fee is 18 euro but the experience worth every single euro.
Backpacker tip: If you want to save some euros book the ticket online to get a discount of 3 euro or take the discount card many hostels and hotels offer. Prost! (cheers in dutch)
IJ ferry and "Iamsterdam" sign
The Dutch capital is plenty of canals but are those cosy boats the only way to have an experience by the water? The answer is no.
What if I tell you that there's a free ferry crossing to the other side of the city?
The IJ ferry gets its name because of the IJ lake which connects Amsterdam downtown with Amsterdam North.
It departs every 5 minutes from Amsterdam central station and is completely free. Take it in the early morning to enjoy the views and avoid the crowd. Once you arrive, look at the left side to see the "Iamsterdam" signs. The most photographable part of the city which used to be in Museumplein. Take as many pictures as you can and bring a good memory back home!
Are you looking for a place to have a drink or coffee? There's a restaurant on the left side of the signs. Go to the 20th floor and appreciate the beautiful view. On sunny days you can also relax in the park in front of the lake.
Red Light District
Besides architecture, history and drinks, there's another must-see place to visit once you are in Amsterdam. The famous Red Light District, located in the Old town is the most visited neighbourhood in the city, its narrow streets with red colour windows displays where women sell their services are the attraction of thousands of tourists.
Is prostitution legal in Amsterdam? Yes, it is.
The Dutch government made it legal since 1911. Prostitutes can rent a one-cabin room and have to pay their taxes like every citizen.
Around these narrow and lightened streets, there are some museums about the history of prostitution and how it became legal in Amsterdam.
Backpacker tip: Be careful if you want to take photos around these streets. Prostitution is like any other job in the city most of the girls don't like being photographed.
Food in Amsterdam:
Are you looking for traditional food? Amsterdam has much mouthwatering food you should not skip if you are passing by.
You will find some shops selling chips while walking through the streets. Ahhh, but not any chips. Dutch-style fries has particular ingredients like raw onions, peanut satay sauce and mayo. Might sound strange but believe me, it is a tasty mix which is ideal for long tours or long walk hours.
Are you going out and forgot dinner? Head into FEBO. This self-service shop is all around the city and offers a huge variety of hot snacks, from hamburgers to kroketten (croquettes) and Frikandellen (mincemeat hot dog). Insert some coins in the machine, select the one you like and dinner is ready!
If you are keen to try something sweet, you can not leave the city without trying Stroopwafels. These circular two waffles filled with syrup are available in every supermarket and best enjoyed with hot drinks but is also delicious to enjoy it every time of the year.
Backpacker tip: Do as the locals do, put one waffle on the top of your cup, wait some seconds and enjoy!
