Intro
Amsterdam remains one of my favorite cities I have ever visited. We only had a short time to visit this city, but our recommendations are things you must do while here!
Before visiting Oslo, Norway, we decided to make a pit stop here to see what this city was all about, and ever since, we have been dying to go back. The architecture looks like never ending gingerbread houses squashed together, and the canals are never ending.
Amsterdam is widely known as a city of adventure and wonder, with countless sights to see and activities to partake in. Amsterdam offers something for everyone, from picturesque canals to world-renowned museums.
The top things to do in Amsterdam are plentiful and include experiences such as visiting the Rijksmuseum, exploring the canals on a boat, or taking a bike tour through its cobblestone streets and through Vondelpark.
However, one of the most appealing aspects of this vibrant city is its fascinating nightlife. Amsterdam is known for its lively late-night scene, having many bars, clubs, music venues, and many “coffee houses.” I am so excited to talk about all the best things to do here and all our experiences.
Canal Boat Ride
Taking a canal ride tour is something you must do while in Amsterdam. These picturesque canals offer an enchanting experience that is hard to replicate elsewhere, with each showcasing different parts of the city and showing off its unique beauty.
Some boat rides even offer champagne and Dutch pancakes, which makes seeing the city even more wonderful. Once you’re aboard, sit back and relax as you take in breathtaking views of Amsterdam’s stunning architecture while going through tranquil waters under graceful bridges lined with charming Dutch houses and beautiful cafes.
These tours can range from extremely simple to very extravagant, depending on what you are looking for.
Anne Frank Museum
Whether you like history or not, the Anne Frank House is something that you can’t skip. Its unique and immersive experience allows visitors to step inside the secret annex where Anne and her family lived in hiding for over two years.
We did a walking tour that guided us through each room, sharing a new story. The museum did a wonderful job at preserving the house so that you really get a glimpse into the secret life of Anne Frank and her family…I even got the chills more than once.
An important thing to note is that we did book our tickets one month in advance, so be sure to do so if this is something you absolutely do not want to skip (which you don’t).
https://www.annefrank.org/en/museum/tickets/
Food Tour
Amsterdam offers so many unique food choices that you can’t miss! From traditional Dutch dishes to international cuisine, Amsterdam has something for everyone. My favorites included Dutch specialties like Stroopwafels and Bitterballen, which are among the most delicious treats you can find in this city.
Stroopwafels are thin waffles with caramel syrup between them, and Bitterballen are small meatballs mixed with spices and then deep-fried, making them crunchy on the outside while tender on the inside.
We also loved Dutch pancakes! Since we are used to a traditional American pancakes, these were so fun to try since they come in a variety of flavors. Josh got a savory pancake while I, of course, got a pancake dripping in Nutella.
Lastly, we stopped at Manneken Pis fry shop to indulge in their infamous fries.
Bike Ride
Taking a bike ride through the city was probably one of my favorite things in Amsterdam. There are many bike shops all over Amsterdam to rent a bike. We rented bikes and then headed to the famous Vondelpark. We did a few laps around the park before heading to see some of the famous museums Amsterdam has to offer, including the famous Rijksmuseum.
In Vondelpark we even made a pit stop to get some hot chocolate at a beautiful little café. We finished our ride with site seeing houses on the cobble stone streets (and trying not to get hit by a car, in my case).
Conclusion
As we were only in Amsterdam for two days, our list of adventures in this city is brief but memorable. Josh and I can’t wait to go back to check out the rest of what this incredible European city has to offer.
These Amsterdam bucket list activities include seeing the tulips in the springtime, visiting more world famous museums, perfecting my bike ride through the city, and of course, eating so many more Stroopwafles.
Till next time – Mason 🙂
Check out our Amsterdam Food Blog!
Best Food to Try in Amsterdam: 8 Must-Try Dishes