First Time in Amsterdam

Description:

From world class art collections at the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, to the houses of important historical figures like Rembrandt van Rijn and Anne Frank, to the history of beer at the Heineken Brewery - Amsterdam has a museum for all interests. As it's the world's most international city, travelers will also find ethnic restaurants for all tastes and budgets. Since Amsterdam is a small city geographically, all this excitement is crammed into a small amount of space, and easily accessible by public transport. However, the quintessential way to explore Amsterdam is by bike, and there are many bike rental places located around Dam Square in the heart of the city. Perhaps the most charming way to explore the city is on foot, as most major neighborhoods and sights are within walking distance of the city center. No streets are straight and none are parallel, so it's easy to get lost - but even a mindless wander along Amsterdam’s canals is a beautiful way to spend the day.

Author: AnnaInAmsterdam


Day 1 - Amsterdam


No visit to Amsterdam would be complete without a visit to the houses of two of its most important historical figures. Rembrandthuis (or Rembrandt’s house) is a nice way to see a house of a wealthy business man from Amsterdam’s Golden Age and an extensive collection of Rembrandt’s work at the same time. Anne Frank’s house, now empty since all the possessions of the Frank’s were removed by the Germans after the family was discovered, is a touching experience for anyone familiar with the young girl’s story. If you are an art lover, the Rijksmuseum has an excellent collection of Dutch and Flemish paintings, including Rembrandt’s famous “Nightwatch”, while the Van Gogh museum houses Van Gogh’s most famous paintings and offers an excellent description of the artist’s life. For a slightly different museum experience, the Heineken Experience is housed in the beautiful former brewery and offers a history of the beer along with a few tastings. If you’re more interested in spending time outdoors and discovering the city’s streets, Dam Square, the city’s historic center and the site of the Royal Palace, is a good place to start. Walking distance from the square is Centraal Station, the main train station from which many of the city's boat tours operate - seeing the city from the canals is a highlight of many visits.The Bloemenmarkt, the city’s famous flower market, is also near by and well worth a visit if you’re in need of bargain souvenirs. Near Dam Square is also the famous Red Light District, a must see by night, which borders with Chinatown, an excellent place for good, fast and cheap food.


1

Dam

user rating

expert pick

Location:

view in google maps
Dam
Amsterdam, Netherlands


2

Red Light District

user rating

expert pick

Location:

view in google maps
Between the Dam and Nieuwmarkt
1012 LH Amsterdam, Netherlands

Phone:

+31 20 551 2512 / +31 20 201 8800


3

Chinatown

user rating

expert pick

Location:

view in google maps
Zeedijk & Nieuwmarkt
Amsterdam, Netherlands


5

Rederij Lovers

Location:

view in google maps
Prins Hendrikkade opposite 25-27
Amsterdam, Netherlands

Phone:

+31(0)20 530 10 90


8

Bloemenmarkt

user rating

Location:

view in google maps
Singel
1017 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Phone:

+31 20 625 8282


9

Rijksmuseum De Meesterwerken

user rating

expert pick

Location:

view in google maps
Jan Luijkenstraat 1B
Philips Wing, at Museumplein
1071 CJ Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Phone:

020/647-7047


11

Van Gogh Museum

Location:

view in google maps
Paulus Potterstraat 7
1071 AJ Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Phone:

+31 20 570 5200


12

Heineken Experience

user rating

Location:

view in google maps
Stadhouderskade 78
At Ferdinand Bolstraat
1072 AE Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Phone:

+ 31 20 523 9222


13

Anne Frankhuis

user rating

Location:

view in google maps
Prinsengracht 263
At Westermarkt
1000 AS Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Phone:

020/556-7105


14

Rembrandt House Museum

user rating

Location:

view in google maps
Jodenbreestraat 4
At Waterlooplein
1011 NK Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Phone:

+31 20 520 0400


Day 2 - Amsterdam


Amsterdam is a very international city with many cultures represented in the various ethnic restaurants. Even the Dutch spend very little time eating “Dutch food” and instead have appropriated international cuisine. Still, if you would like to try some tradition Dutch food, the pannenkoeken, or pancake, is the best and most varied. The Pancake Bakery has an extensive menu of sweet and savory pancakes, and is located just down the street from the Anne Frankhuis. Dutch apple pie is also excellent, and the cafe Winkel is regarded by many Dutch as the best apple pie in town. If you’re looking for something international, the Bird is an excellent Thai restaurant located in the heart of Chinatown. With beautiful interiors and a lovely view of the Red Light District, it’s very popular with locals and tourists alike, and often busy. Another option is Bazar, located closer to the Museum district. Offering a taste of the Middle East in a former church, it’s a good stop for those traveling on a budget. Many visitors come to Amsterdam to visit one of the city’s many coffeeshops. With hundreds to choose from, there’s a lot of variety, but the Old Church Coffeeshop offers the best view as it’s located in the hart of the Red Light District right next to the Oudekerk (Old Church).


1

Bird

user rating

expert pick

Location:

view in google maps
Zeedijk 72-74
1012 Amsterdam, Netherlands

Phone:

31 20 620 1442


3

Winkel

user rating

expert pick

Location:

view in google maps
Noordermarkt 43
1015 NA Amsterdam, Netherlands

Phone:

31206230223


4

Bazar

user rating

expert pick

Location:

view in google maps
Albert Cuypstraat 182
1073 BL Amsterdam, Netherlands

Phone:

31 20 675 0544


6

Old Church Coffeeshop

user rating

expert pick

Location:

view in google maps
Oudekerksplein 54
1012HA Amsterdam, Netherlands

Phone:

31 20 4201264


7

Pancake Bakery (The)

user rating

Location:

view in google maps
Prinsengracht 191
1015 DS Amsterdam, Netherlands

Phone:

31 20 625 1333


Day 3 - Amsterdam


Amsterdam has two squares with outdoor nightlife: Rembrandtplein is more popular with Dutch tourists in town for a night out, while Leidseplein is bigger and attracts more international tourists. Both squares offer bright lights, bars, clubs, coffeeshops and plenty of outdoor seating to enjoy a nice evening outdoors. If you’re looking for a night of clubbing, Odeon in Rebrandtplein is a classy club with American style table service and VIP lounge. Melkweg and Paradiso are located closer to Leidseplein and attract a more local crowd. Paradiso is located in an old church and hosts an unofficial student night every Wednesday, playing all the popular songs. Melkweg is located in an old milk factory and hosts more alternative evenings. Both clubs also act as concert venues for many popular artists playing in Amsterdam.


1

Rembrandtplein

user rating

expert pick

Location:

view in google maps
Rembrandtplein
1017 CT Amsterdam, Netherlands

Phone:

+31 20 551 2512


2

Leidseplein

user rating

expert pick

Location:

view in google maps
Leidseplein
1017 Amsterdam, Netherlands


6

Odeon

user rating

Location:

view in google maps
Singel 460
Near Muntplein
1017 AW Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Phone:

31 20 521 8555


Day 4 - Amsterdam


Amsterdam's hidden gems are scattered around the city center, in plain sight! This makes them incredibly easy to visit as you pursue some of the more popular attractions. The Condomerie is located next to the Red Light District, yet its collection of creative condoms offers a more pleasant shopping experience than the hundreds of sex shops in the neighbourhood. If you’re a beer enthusiast and would like to visit an active brewery, check out Brouwerij ‘t Ij, located in a windmill and still producing its very own brew. The Tuschinski movie theatre is located next to Rembrandtplein, and if you don’t have time to catch a movie in the main hall, pop in and check out the beautiful Art Deco lobby. For a unique shopping experience, Amsterdam has two excellent outdoor markets. The Albert Cuypmarkt is located walking distance from the Museum District and is Europe’s longest outdoor market. A local favorite it has everything from groceries and clothes to souvenirs. Waterlooplein, located right in the city enter, is a quirkier market and slightly more expensive, but here you can find one of a kind items such as antiques and vintage clothing.


1

Condomerie Het Gulden Vlies

user rating

Location:

view in google maps
Warmoesstraat 141
Behind De Bijenkorf
1012 JB Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Phone:

020/627-4174


2

Tuschinski Theater

user rating

expert pick

Location:

view in google maps
Reguliersbreestraat 26-34
1017 CN Amsterdam, Netherlands


3

Brouwerij 't IJ

user rating

expert pick

Location:

view in google maps
Funenkade 7
at Sarphatistraat
1018 AL Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Phone:

020/622-8325


4

Albert Cuypmarkt

user rating

expert pick

Location:

view in google maps
Albert Cuypstraat
1072 Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Phone:

+31 20 678 1678 / +31 0900-8844 / +31 20 252 4000


5

Waterlooplein

user rating

expert pick

Location:

Amsterdam,


Contact   ·   Privacy   ·   Terms