Amsterdam

5 things to absolutely do in Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s summer temperature habitually hovers between 10°C and 25°C which makes staying outdoors a lot more fun than other destinations in Europe. Amsterdam is typically touristy but our carefully curated list of 5 experiences put a different spin to the touristy angle and ensure a unique stay in the Dutch Capital.

Rent a boat in Amsterdam

1. Cruising on the Canals of Amsterdam, rent your own boat

Amsterdam is of course well-known for its numerous canals. But don’t do the regular touristy thing by taking a boat cruise. Do different and rent a small boat and follow your own course on the water.

If you’re looking for something more exclusive, then why not privatise a boat for lunch or dinner?

2. Feel local in the De Pijp neighbourhood

Amsterdam’s city centre throngs with tourists. Deviate and discover a traditional Dutch neighbourhood which is just a few metro stops away from the city centre: De Pijp. Start by strolling along the Albert Cuypmarkt. You can also shop for souvenirs and discover the local gastronomy. Around the market, stop by at the little shops to taste the famous raw herring and do not miss the numerous boutiques that sell vintage clothes or even the little cafes with their sunny terraces. Our advice: buy all what you need for a picnic from the market or its surrounds and picnic away in the Sarphatipark.

3. Guaranteed thrills and breath-taking views of Amsterdam

If you want to break away from the touristy centre, then take one of the numerous ferries from the Central Station, that bring you to the northern parts of the city. It takes just a 10-minute free crossing to reach the shores of Buiksloterweg. Once there, in addition to enjoying a drink or eating lunch on a terrace at any of its numerous eateries, go right up to the top of A’Dam Lookout. Giant swings placed on top of a large tower offer a magnificent view over Amsterdam: the historic city center with its canals and its busy port. Swing away, suspended at a 100 metres above the ground!

Netherlands - Amsterdam - Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam - shutterstock

4. Loving Vincent at the Van Gogh Museum

All through his life, the Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh was misunderstood and was subject to a lot of suffering. But his works are remarkable and largely well-known and appreciated and today find pride of place at the Van Gogh Museum. Spend a few hours in front of his vividly coloured and eventful paintings to find a connect with his life. If you have time to discover only 1 museum while in Amsterdam, put this on your list. Unless  of course if you want to discover the works of all the Dutch painters, then it’s the Rijkmuseum for you!

Netherlands - Zaanse Schans - Windmills with tulip fields around - shutterstock

5. A day trip to Zaanse Schans

If a little bit of countryside exploring is on your mind and if you need a little escapade outside of Amsterdam, we suggest the region of Zaanse Schans. Here you will discover strong aspects of the local culture, with the famous windmills surrounded by tulip fields, the making of wooden clogs and cheese dairies.