guide to amsterdam

• the well-traveled wife's guide to amsterdam •

amsterdam was such a pleasant surprise...i felt like i had only heard about it's

crazy ways, the red light district, loose laws, etc. i got there and instead found

beautiful canals, amazing food, nice people, great art + museums,

pretty flowers, and more bikes than cars. i love this city.

it's even nicknamed the "venice of the north" 

for it's canals. you'll fall in love!

a few favorites:

Amsterdam Hotel Boat

i discovered this hotel boat a few years ago when in amsterdam, 

and it was one of the most memorable places i've ever stayed!

we literally stayed on a BOAT on the water. be warned-- it's not 5 stars, it's

sort of a hostel feel but very clean and such a fun experience. you can get your 

own rooms and then share the bathrooms on the boat. they served a 

great european breakfast every morning on boat, so we ate while

taking in the water & city while eating. i adored staying here!

Anne Frank House Museum

it's so incredible that anne frank's house + the room where she hid is still

preserved and was turned into a museum! whether you've read the diary of anne frank or not,

this place is amazing and they've done such a good job with it. it opens at 9 AM and it's inexpensive.

a line forms early in the morning, so it's best to put this early in your plan so you can beat the line! 

<<Get off at bus stop ''Westermarkt'' and walk to your right onto the Prinsengracht>>

Pancake House

Prinsengracht 191
best dutch pancakes + omelettes. it's right down the street from the
anne frank house, so go after you visit the museum!

Pannenkoekenhuis Upstairs
another amazing pancake house in the red light district in
a cute little old house. all different toppings. YUM!!!!!

Other Food Suggestions

--dutch pancakes: you will find these all over amsterdam {like the 2 places listed above}
they are kind of a combo of crepes and regular pancakes...they melt in your mouth, and
they are best with sweet toppings. get them with ice cream, chocolate, etc.
--stroopwafels- these are the famous dutch treat. i am obsessed with these! they are like crispy waffle
cakes with caramel in between..they are all over amsterdam, get some fresh and also take some home!
--"chippers"- you will find french fry shops all over the place. you can get them in paper cones and
all different sauces. my favorite is the curry sauce, like a fry sauce with a little curry taste. yum!

Van Gogh Museum

loved this museum with an incredible collection of van gogh!

so worth seeing. we spent hours here.

Rijksmuseum

national museum, full of lots of art & historical items.

the building is beautiful, and it's right in the museum square so 

it's worth stopping into if you have time.

Museumplein

fun square right between three main museums..the van gogh museum is 

on one side, and the rijksmuseum are both right here, plus the famous

"i am amsterdam" sign which you have to get a picture by :)

Amsterdam Tulip Museum

if you're a flower//tulip lover, this is fun to visit.

you have to see the famous dutch tulips!

if you get the city card, this museum accepts it. 

Flower Parade

depending when you're planning to visit amsterdam, there will always be fun events going on.
i've only been to amsterdam in the summer, but this flower parade in the spring is on my bucket list 
to see one day! it is a HUGE parade with massive floats, all covered in flowers. the parade starts
off a weekend in april every year, and the floats stay downtown all weekend lit up.

Canal Cruises

book a fun canal cruise here or here, depending what kind you want!

or, get the city pass {info below} and a canal cruise is included!

last, we've loved doing these fun walking tours, so click here and plan it out!

you should also rent bikes, there are rentals everywhere and it is the

best city to bike in..everyone is biking, all over the place!

***depending on what you want to do in amsterdam,

this i amsterdam city card can be great. click here for info..

it includes:

• entry to many museums
• unlimited use of the tram/ bus system
• entrance to main museums/ attractions
• one canal cruise
• discounts on various restaurants, etc

this pass can be worth it depending 

on what you want to see and do. so check it out!

we have also partnered with netherlands tourism to share

their tips to amsterdam, which you can see here.

their site is a great resource for all things holland!

enjoy amsterdam for me!!

xo