A Guide to Amsterdam
Hello Sunshines!
My hubby, daughter and I just recently took a trip to Amsterdam right after we spent time in Sweden with family and friends. This city has been on my bucket list for many reasons, and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay here! This blog will include stay, food/drink, and activity recommendations!
Where to Stay
Firstly, when I was researching Amsterdam, I noticed hotel and short term rentals were pricey, so be prepared to maybe spend more than you plan on your living situation, especially if you want to be walking distance to most of Amsterdam. I chose an AirBnb in the area of Jordaan, and I completely recommend our AirBnb as well as this area of Amsterdam. The area of Jordaan was less touristy so we felt like locals while being less than an hour walking distance to everything in the town! If you book the AirBnb through this blog, please let the host know (I don’t receive any commission)! I have a full video tour on my TikTok and IG Highlights.
Other recommendations that I looked into:
Hotel Seven One Seven
Sweets Hotel
Conscious Hotels
Park Centraal Hotels
Amsterdam Canal Hotel
Where to Eat
Amsterdam was not short on amazing food! Another huge plus to our AirBnb was being so close to a variety of local cafes and restaurants. We were able to find places easily by walking 5-10 minutes. I only had a few places in mind I absolutely wanted to check out, while the rest we wandered in to by walking. Here is a list of places I recommend!
Coffee/Breakfast/Brunch : Ree7, Pluk, Dae Bakery, LOCALS, Uncommon, Le Petit Deli, TOKI, Blue Amsterdam, Nu, The Coffee District
Lunch : Zero Zero, Caldi e Freddi, Saint Jean Deli, Moos, Greenwoods, Cafe T’Smalle
Dinner : Nooch, Linguini Trattoria, Brasserie De Luwte
Snack/Dessert : Fabel Friet, Pantopia, Melly’s StroopWafels, Saint Jean, Van Wonderen StroopWafels
What To Do
We were really blessed with amazing weather while in Amsterdam (July) so I know some activities may depend on the time of year you go.
Pure Boats
There are hundreds of boat canal tours, and I will say I am so glad I did my research and chose Pure Boats. You can choose between a private or public tour. For my birthday, my husband booked a private brunch tour, and this was a highlight of our whole trip. Truly, the best way to see Amsterdam.
Markets
There are several markets so see which one is closest to you and open! Here are a few that can be open daily or some open only once a week : Amsterdam Flower Market, Albert Cuypmarkt, Noordermarkt, Lindengrachtmarkt.
Landmarks and Museums
There is so much history in Amsterdam, and you should put some on your list! Our favorite was the Rijksmuseum, and we didn’t even go inside but walked around the gardens and the grounds. It was on a Friday where they allowed the public to pay to use easels, chalk, and paper to draw wherever they please in the garden - so cool! Other places I recommend would be the Van Gogh Museum, Royal Palace, and the Heineken Experience. There are some beautiful flower fields and gardens in Amsterdam, but they are only open for the spring!
Anne Frank House
The number one activity I wanted to do while in Amsterdam was see the Anne Frank House and take a tour. I will say this (in my opinion) is an absolute must for anyone whether you’ve read the book or know the story. I remember reading The Diary of Anne Frank in seventh grade, and to say I have now walked in her house is one of the most humbling experiences I’ve had.
They only sell tickets 6 weeks in advance starting on Tuesdays at 10 AM (their time). I was able to have plenty of options the first Tuesday our week went on sale, but do not wait to buy these or think you can buy them the week of/day of/or walking up. It will be sold out.
Please be respectful of this historic museum. They ask for no photos or videos inside. Do not get me wrong it’s amazing to see this place in person, but you are in a home where several families feared for their lives daily. This isn’t a place for selfies or for you personal gain via social media. You are welcome to take photos outside.
My husband wore our 6 month only in a carrier. You cannot take strollers (they will hold a stroller during your tour) because its mainly stairs, especially once you get into the hiding place.
It’s about an hour long and at your pace. You will be given an audio tour in the language of your choosing. Once you enter the hiding space, the audio will pause so visitors can be respectful.
Fun Facts & Tips:
There are several other beautiful Netherlands cities you can explore easily by day via car/train
We spent 6 days in Amsterdam and it was the perfect amount of time to see and enjoy everything without rushing
Amsterdam might be the most cycled city - your head needs to be on a swivel constantly or you may be taken out by a bicycle or scooter
Coffee shops do not always mean cafe type coffee shops because weed stores are also called coffee shops
If you’re able, rent a bicycle because it's a great way to see the city
Head to my IG and TikTok for more content! @britt_lennartsson
XOXO, Britt
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