What Not to Miss in Amsterdam
To many foreign tourists, Amsterdam means three things: legal prostitution, legal weed and the Anne Frank House.
Although those three things are accurate (though the legality of marijuana is a bit more complicated than many think), if you limit your experience to the typical tourist spots you will find you’ve missed a whole world of amazing things to do and see in the capital of the Netherlands.
If you live in the UK, Amsterdam is easy to get to, making it a great August Bank Holiday weekend getaway. Whether you’re there for a long weekend or a whole week, don’t miss these Amsterdam points of interest.
1. Riding a Bike
This is the way to get around for most Dutch people, so if you want an authentic experience, you’ll need to climb aboard a bike and go. Amsterdam is a pretty small city in comparison to cities like New York, Paris or London, so biking to your destinations is always feasible.
Be aware that most Amsterdammers have been biking as a form of transportation since they could walk and bicycle rage is a real thing there. Try your hand at biking in the outskirts of the city before you cycle into city center.
Additionally, try to rent a bike from a place that doesn’t give out uniform bikes with the logo of the company in the front of it. Although your riding skills may be a testament to your tourist status, you don’t need an extra sign on your back for annoyed commuters to direct their annoyance at.
Don’t fear, though, riding a bike is fairly safe and believe it or not, very few cycling injuries or fatalities occur in Amsterdam. Plus what’s more romantic than cycling around the city with your honey? This trend is one of the many reasons why Amsterdam makes a great summer vacation destination for couples.
2. Keukenhof
If you happen to visit in April, Keukenhof should be one of your must-see Amsterdam attractions. Open late-March through mid-May, Keukenhof is one of the largest and most beautiful flower gardens in Europe. It boasts breathtaking displays of tulips (the national flower of the Netherlands) in addition to many other types of flowers.
Visitors can also climb into an authentic windmill and make a day of it with several restaurant choices on the premises. Be warned, however, Keukenhof can be very crowded, so it is a good idea to arrive as early as possible.
To get to Keukenhof, take the train to Schipol Airport and from there you can take a bus that will drive you directly to the gardens, which are actually located a few miles outside of Amsterdam in a little city called Lisse.
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3. Rembrandthuis
Are you a fan of art? If so, visiting the Rembrandthuis is an absolute must. Visitors can see the inside of the home where Rembrandt lived and worked, including his bedroom. You can also have a look at his workroom and learn about the techniques he employed when painting and teaching, in addition to looking at the types of canvases he worked with.
Be careful, however, if you have any mobility issues. As with many houses in Amsterdam, the stairs are quite steep and difficult to navigate.
4. Jewish Historical Museum and Portuguese Synagogue
If you like history, this is one not to be missed. Though there is no longer a large Jewish population in the Netherlands due to the devastating impact of the Holocaust, it was once referred to as the Jerusalem of the West. There is a ton of Jewish history all over Amsterdam, but the untrained eye may be oblivious to it.
If you take a visit to the Jewish Historical Museum, you can learn all about the Jews in Amsterdam and Holland, from their first appearance to present day. The Museum also has a bimah (or altar) from a synagogue that was desecrated by the Nazis, in addition to many Torah scrolls from destroyed synagogues throughout the country.
Just across the street is the Portuguese Synagogue. Before the Holocaust, Amsterdam had a vibrant Sephardic community, mostly hosting those from Portugal. Although the congregation has dwindled, the synagogue itself remains a treat to see. If you go into the synagogue during evening hours, the lighting resembles a gorgeous Rembrandt painting.
It is worth a look for anyone interested in history, Jewish culture or architecture. The synagogue also houses a small museum.
5. Begijnhof
A bit like a secret inside of Amsterdam, here visitors can enjoy a little tranquility in the middle of the Amsterdam hustle and bustle. The Begijnhof is an inner courtyard with an entrance at Spui, but it is not necessarily noticeable to those who don’t know it exists.
Inside the courtyard sits a chapel, one of the only Catholic churches to remain in existence after the Protestant takeover in 1578. The surrounding houses used to be owned and operated by beguines, nun-like women who took a vow of chastity, but who were able to leave religious life whenever it suited them.
Now, the houses overlooking the courtyard are inhabited by 105 women. Because it is a private residence, you must be quiet when you enter the Begijnhof, but it is definitely worth a look.
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6. Vondelpark
If you’re in Amsterdam with kids during one of the few sunny days of the year, take a trip to Vondelpark to enjoy a picnic or an afternoon in the sun. The extensive park is located in the centre of Amsterdam and is completely dog friendly.
It is big enough that you can bike through it, and is a great place for those who want to bike in Amsterdam but haven’t quite gotten their bearings yet, as it isn’t bombarded by bikers. On nice summer days you can grab an ice cream or cold juice from one of the many stands.
7. Pancakes
Though the Dutch, like the English, may not be well-known for their amazing cooking, there is one thing they make well, and that is pancakes. Thicker than a French crepe but thinner than an American pancake, rolled out and served well with fruit, eating pancakes in Amsterdam is an absolute must.
Amsterdam is an unlikely winter destination — it’s amazing how a dusting of snow can make the city seem that much more romantic. Plus the cold is a great excuse to slip inside for some warm pancakes!
Most restaurants will serve this Dutch specialty, but if pancakes are your main aim, you can find several places in Amsterdam to accommodate you.
Some of your best bets are:
Sara’s Pancake House
Raadhuisstraat 45
1016 Amsterdam
Pancakes! Amsterdam
Berenstraat 38
1016GH Amsterdam
Pannenkoekenhuis Upstairs
Grimburgwal 2
1012 GA Amsterdam
Pannenkoekenhuis Upstairs is so tiny that it has only four tables! Reservations are strongly recommended.