Your top tips for Amsterdam – insider advice from people who’ve been there

Don’t get knocked down

Jamie Prendergast says:

Before crossing the road, look out both ways for bikes…then trams…then local pedestrians…then cars. Do this and you will survive your trip.

Umbreen Hafeez says:

Not to forget about the cycle lanes as that really pisses the locals off.

Anna EC says:

Buy groceries if you can! The restaurants are limited… And wear comfy shoes and watch out for the the bikers (bicycles)!

Enjoy a beer

Sander Kok says:

Go to brewery ‘t ij and have a beer. And while in Amsterdam take a train to see more of the Netherlands. The Netherlands are more then just Amsterdam and a lot of people forget that!

Engin Eryigit says:

See ‘House of Bols’! (across Van Gogh Museum). I don’t know what’s inside but cool name! 🙂

Jevon Ryan says:

Head to the De Goyer Windmill and get beer(s) at the brewery in the old windwill and former public bath. They are only open from 3pm-8pm and they brew Belgian style frothy beverages. Sit outside on the patio along the canal and under a windmill and let the world pass you by. Also expect to get chatting with random people popping in. Ended up chatting to an old Dutch couple there who ended up taking me out bar hopping for the night. Wander back to your hostel late at night with a smile and a stumble.

Aline Inocencio says:

Have a beer at ‘t Arendsnest overlooking the canal.

Dan Rynoe Ryan says:

Enjoy a relaxing sunny afternoon with a few tins of Heineken in Vondelpark watching the world go by…

Visit a museum

Criss Cheverez says:

My top tip for Amsterdam is the Rijksmuseum. It’s not to be forgotten with all the usual places to be explored like the Anne Frank House. And remember the black bicycles are owned by the state, anybody may use them to cycle around the full cultured city.

Renata Buarque says:

Go to visit “Sex Museum” Damrak Str, 18, close to the Central Train Station. The museum is very funny and interesting…it will assure you good laughs! The ticket price is very cheap, so why not to see something funny and unusual?

Lori Dick says:

Heineken Tour, especially to watch the server clink the glasses when they serve. Also the Van Gogh Museum.

Helen Hancock says:

Anne Frank Huis cos it’s amazing and Albert Cuyp markets for massive wedges of great cheese, beautiful fruit & vegetables and a chance to see normal Dutch life : )

Simply explore…

David Scott says:

Amsterdam – step outside the cliche and enjoy everything that it is…I love this relaxed, cultured, alternate city!!

Fay Gardner says:

Have a walk around the Nine Streets in Jordaan district. Such a cosy area of the city with little cafes, boutique shops and nice Dutch bars!

Uraaa¡a Purkart says:

Get lost in the maze of canals and bridges, explore some cool vintage and record shops, and when you find out where you are head on to Waterlooplein flea market and bargain yourself some sweet stuff.

Fenella Cook says:

Get totally lost and hopefully find the best tapas restaurant that I’ve ever been to….can’t recall where it is!! Also you must visit Anne Frank’s house.

Ride a bike

Sally Rawsthorne says:

Go bike riding through Vondelpark on a sunny day, have a beer in the park, go shopping, go to the AMAZING Van Gough museum, check out the Dutch history part of Madame Tussaud’s – take some time to appreciate what an amazing city Amsterdam is outside of the Red Light District/coffee shops.

Jennifer Mitchell says:

Rent a bike for 48 hours, cause you can’t do all in one day, this is the best way to get to know the city, and go to Vondelpark, buy some cheese at the supermarket (they have a great variety of course). Then have a picnic in front of the lakes surrounded by birds and ducks. You can see local people play a giant chess in Max Euweplein square, then you have the Van Gogh Museum and the Heineken Experience, and apart from the usual sightseeing like Anne Frank Museum (which is very emotional), you can go to the Melkweg to have some fun too.

Some places to eat

Claudia van Tunen says:

Have breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien, eat cake at De Taart Van M’n Tante (even if you don’t like cakes, ’cause this place is simply beautiful), cruise around on a bike, go shopping at De Dappermarkt or Albert Cuyp and have dinner in one of the lovely african restaurant in Oud West (fenan Afrika).

Ceci Medi says:

Eat a really great pankake in “Sara’s Pankake House” and eat the famous “stroopwafels” Mmmm… Delicious!!

Eric Kaye says:

Don’t eat at FEBO when you are sober.

Rich Theemling says:

One of my favorite places to relax and enjoy the atmosphere in Amsterdam is at Cafe Winkel next to Noorerder Kerk (North Church) – a beautiful 10 minute walk from Amsterdam Central. Not only do they serve the best apple pie I have ever had, they also have a wonderful outdoor seating area which is perfect for people watching and just taking in the local atmosphere. Moreover, unlike many parts of the city center, which can be crowded with tourists, the vibe is very ‘organic’ and ‘local’. And don’t skip on the homemade slagroom (whipped cream). And don’t walk on the red pavement (bike paths).

Take a tour on the canals

Cati Esteva Trulla says:

Enjoy a canal ride, visit the Van Gogh Museum, visit the flower market, sit in any bar you like and breathe the wonderful atmosphere in this city…and ride a bike of course.

Rosie Linda Mosqueda Pasimio says:

Enjoy the canal ride and look for the famous gable house ‘Father, mother, sister & brother’…

Meryl Everett says:

Buy a 24 hour canal pass. Takes you to noon 2nd day & stops at museums etc. Easiest way to get around.

Where to stay…

Alexandra Joudon says:

Stay at the FlyingPig Hostel Downtown. It’s a blast and it’s located close to everything. Also make sure you go to the iamamsterdam sign!

Berke Oran says:

Visit Bob’s Youth Hostel’s lounge.

Nicolas Synnott says:

Sleep at the Flying Pig.

Kellie Renshaw says:

Stay in a boat/barge hotel/hostel.

And one other…

Grace Salinas says:

The best way to get around Amsterdam is riding the bicycle. It’s the most common and easiest way to get around. Visit Ann Frank’s House – a very powerful experience. Ride the bike to the Vondelpark and for those who are into photography this has a cool spot that has huge lettering of AMSTERDAM. Also, visit the notorious beautiful Red Light District. Here, u can check out the cook bars/clubs, sex shops and coffee shops the city has the offer. It’s rather a very entertaining experience. Don’t forget to visit the Heineken experience, Dam Square and Van Gogh Museum. There are many cool free things to do in Amsterdam…such a lovely city.