Amsterdam On the Fly
Canals, Bikes, Tulips, Museums, Cosmopolitan.
What not to miss
What to do
What to eat
Where to stay
Know before you go: Amsterdam
- Time zone: Central European Time (CET)
GMT +1 hour and 6 hours ahead of the U.S. EST - Language: Dutch
- Climate: Moderate oceanic climate, similar to that of Great Britain and is strongly influenced by the North Sea.
- Currency: Euro
- Electricity: The Netherlands operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. You will need a Type ‘C’ or Type ‘F’ travel adapter in Amsterdam
What NOT to miss in Amsterdam:
Trade exploded in the 17th century, ushering in Amsterdam’s Golden Age. When the intricate and efficient waterway system was completed in 1660, the city grew 4 times its size. Today, taking a canal cruise is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of Amsterdam. Although there are many different canal tours, I highly recommend a smaller group or private cruise to get away from the crowds and enjoy a more personalized experience.
What TO DO in Amsterdam:
The Rijksmuseum houses some of the world’s most famous paintings, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer. Built in 1876, the museum tells the story of 800 years of Dutch history from 1200 to today.
The most visited museum in the Netherlands, the Van Gogh Museum, contains the largest collection of artwork by Vincent van Gogh in the world.
The Anne Frank House museum is a must see experience dedicated to the life of the young Jewish girl who hid with her family from the Nazis during World War II. As one of the most popular attractions in Amsterdam, tickets are only available online and book out weeks in advance.
The Nine Streets (DE 9 STRAATJES) are located just south of the Anne Frank House, and include Reestraat, Hartenstraat, Gasthuismolensteeg, Oude Spiegelstraat, Wolvenstraat, Berenstraat, Runstraat, Huidenstraat, and Wijde Hiesteeg.
Other popular activities include taking a bike tour of the city, visiting the Bloemenmarkt, floating flower market, or strolling through Vondelpark, one of Amsterdam’s largest parks.
Places TO EAT in Amsterdam:
A few of our favorites:
- Mama Maken Indonesian Kitchen specializes in the family-style Rijsttafel table banquet
- Restaurant Satchmo is a great dinner spot known for its craft cocktails, oysters and caviar
- Visit restaurant Café Van Puffelen for traditional Dutch cuisine including Bitterballen
- Foodhallen, a modern food hall with 21 vendors serving everything from vegetarian street food, to tapas, to French pastry
- Pancake Bakery serves delicious savory and sweet Dutch pancakes
Where TO STAY in Amsterdam:
Off the beaten path Amsterdam
The Begijnhof (traditional almshouse) consists of a group of houses built around a secluded courtyard and garden, providing modest homes for the Beguines – a group of unmarried religious women.
Our Lord in the Attack Museum (Museum Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder) – take a journey in a unique well-preserved canal house from the 17th century. Narrow corridors and stairs lead to historically decorated living quarters and a complete church in the attic.
Klompenmuseum (International Wooden Shoe Museum) – view over 3,000 pairs of clogs and other footwear from more than 45 countries.
