Amsterdam Travel Guide: Discover the Magic of the Dutch Capital! 🌷
Truvhana- Nov 4, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Jan 13
Welcome to Amsterdam, one of Europe’s most enchanting and vibrant cities! With its iconic canals, historic architecture, and a delightful blend of old-world charm and modern flair, this destination captivates travellers from around the globe. Whether you’re here for world-class museums, colourful tulip fields, or simply to enjoy the friendly, laid-back vibe of the locals, Amsterdam has something for everyone. Let’s dive into all the magic this city has to offer!
Table of Contents
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Getting There
Amsterdam is accessible, no matter where you’re coming from. The easiest way to arrive is by flying into Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, one of Europe’s busiest and best-connected airports. From there, you’re just a short train or taxi ride away from the city centre. If you’re travelling through Europe, the city is also well-connected by high-speed trains from major cities like Paris, London, and Berlin. Fancy something a bit different? You can even arrive by car or boat, making it a scenic and exciting way to begin your adventure.
Getting Around
Amsterdam is a compact and walkable city, which makes it such a joy to explore. But for the true Dutch experience, you have to hop on a bike! Cycling is a way of life here, and with dedicated bike lanes all over the city, it’s the perfect way to get around. If you prefer to sit back and relax, the public transport system is excellent too, with clean and efficient trams, metros, and buses. And don’t forget the free ferries, which will zip you across the IJ River to explore the city’s northern districts. Trust me, you’ll never feel lost here!
Best Time to Visit
Amsterdam is a year-round destination, but your experience will depend on the season:
March to May 🌷 | Tulip season! If you want to see the famous fields of flowers, spring is the perfect time to visit. Keukenhof Gardens are in full bloom, and the sight is absolutely breathtaking. |
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June to September ☀️ | Summer is all about long sunny days and outdoor fun. It’s the best time for picnics in the park and wandering around the city’s many outdoor markets. |
October to February ❄️ | For a quieter and more budget-friendly trip, winter offers charming vibes with warm cafés, enchanting Christmas markets, and a peaceful cityscape. Don’t forget the dazzling Amsterdam Light Festival—a stunning display of illuminated art installations that transforms the city’s canals into a magical winter wonderland. |
Truvy's Top Choices
When in Amsterdam, here are my must-do experiences:
Heineken Experience: Step into the birthplace of Heineken at Amsterdam’s iconic brewery for an immersive, behind-the-scenes journey. Starting with the brewing process, you’ll see how four generations of Heineken mastery created one of the world’s most recognised beers. The interactive exhibits make this more than just a tour—brew your own virtual beer, practice pouring the perfect pint, and even “be the bottle” in a lively 4D experience. And of course, the grand finale includes a tasting session in the sleek, lounge-style bar, where you can relax with a fresh pint, Heineken style!
Classic Boat Tour: There’s no better way to experience the charm of Amsterdam than by drifting along its UNESCO-listed canals. A classic boat tour offers a relaxing journey through the city's waterways, framed by centuries-old merchant houses, elegant bridges, and vibrant houseboats. Many tours provide a historical commentary, sharing stories of the Golden Age, hidden neighbourhoods, and famous landmarks along the route. If you’re lucky enough to visit during winter, don’t miss the Amsterdam Light Festival. This annual event transforms the canals into a dazzling art gallery, as international artists create stunning light installations that illuminate the waterways. A night tour during the festival is a surreal experience, with reflections of vibrant colours and illuminated sculptures creating a magical, otherworldly atmosphere.
This is Holland 5D Flight Experience: Ever dreamt of soaring over the Netherlands’ famous landscapes without leaving Amsterdam? The 'This is Holland' 5D flight experience lets you take off in a multi-sensory journey across the country’s most spectacular sights. As the seats rise, you’ll find yourself “flying” over windmills, tulip fields, and coastlines, with realistic sensations of wind, mist, and even aroma to fully immerse you in the scenes below. This thrilling simulation is perfect for anyone who wants to experience the Netherlands’ beauty in just a few unforgettable minutes—without stepping foot outside Amsterdam.
Van Gogh Museum: The Van Gogh Museum houses the largest collection of Vincent Van Gogh’s masterpieces in the world, making it an absolute must for art lovers. Here, you’ll journey through his life, struggles, and triumphs, observing the evolution of his style and the influences that shaped his work. See iconic pieces like Sunflowers, The Bedroom, and Almond Blossoms up close, while learning about the artist’s tumultuous life and his intense passion for colour and emotion. The museum also offers rotating exhibits of works by Van Gogh’s contemporaries, giving you a fuller picture of the Post-Impressionist movement.
Moco Museum: If contemporary art is your thing, the Moco Museum is a treasure trove of edgy, thought-provoking exhibits. Located in a classic 1904 townhouse, Moco houses works by some of the most impactful modern artists, including Banksy, Keith Haring, and Jean-Michel Basquiat. The exhibitions highlight pop culture, street art, and digital installations, creating an atmosphere where old meets new in unexpected ways. Dive into immersive installations, explore interactive digital exhibits, and see provocative works like Banksy’s Girl with Balloon up close. Moco is a refreshing blend of traditional charm and avant-garde art, ideal for those looking to experience Amsterdam’s contemporary edge.
Must-See Museums
Anne Frank House
Tulip Museum
Diamond Museum
Must-Do Experiences
Hortus Botanicus
Must-Try Dutch Delicacies
Dutch cuisine offers some truly delightful flavours! Here are a few must-try dishes and my favourite spots to savour them:
Dutch Cheese: A paradise for cheese lovers. Henri Willig offers unique flavors like herb-garlic, beer, lavender and coconut. My fave? Herb and garlic!
Dutch Pancakes & Poffertjes: Dutch pancakes are large, thin, and often filled with sweet or savoury toppings, while poffertjes are their tiny, fluffy cousins—served warm with butter and a dusting of powdered sugar. For an authentic taste, head to Pancakes Amsterdam!
Stroopwafel: A gooey waffle filled with caramel syrup; try Hans Egstorf for an authentic taste.
Bitterballen: Crispy, deep-fried meat-filled balls. De Ballenbar in Foodhallen makes the best in town!
Dutch Apple Pie: Thick, cinnamon-spiced, and served with whipped cream—don’t miss it at Winkel 43.
Dutch Fries: Thick, golden, and crispy, Dutch fries are an absolute must-try! You’ll find some of the best at Manneken Pis, served with a variety of sauces, including the Dutch specialty, frietsaus. We were pleasantly surprised by the addition of chopped onions on top, which turned out to be a delicious extra. It’s the ultimate snack for exploring the city streets!
Souvenir Shopping
One of my favourite parts of travelling is finding unique souvenirs that capture the essence of a place. Here are my top picks from Amsterdam:
Wooden Tulips: These colourful, handmade tulips are the perfect keepsake that will never wilt!
Tulip Bulbs: Take home a piece of Amsterdam by planting tulip bulbs in your garden. Perfect for green thumbs, you can find genuine bulbs at the Tulip Museum for a vibrant reminder of your visit.
Stroopwafels: These sweet treats make perfect gifts—or a delicious snack for yourself!
Dutch Cheese: Packaged for travel, you can bring home a taste of the Netherlands.
Hand-Painted Pottery: Discover Delftware, the iconic blue and white ceramics of the Netherlands, beautifully crafted and hand-painted. For an authentic selection, be sure to visit Heinen Delfts Blauw for both classic and contemporary designs.
Personalised chocolate: Head to Tony’s Chocolonely Superstore, where you can create a personalised chocolate bar! Choose your favourite flavours and add a custom wrapper.
The IAMsterdam Card
Get the most out of your trip with the IAMsterdam Card! Available for 24 to 120 hours, it covers over 70 attractions, unlimited public transport, a canal cruise, bike rentals, and even discounts at restaurants. You can buy it digitally or pick up a physical copy at the IAMsterdam store at Centraal Station. It’s a fantastic investment if you plan on doing lots of exploring (just remember that it doesn’t cover the Van Gogh Museum or Anne Frank House). P.S. With the IAMsterdam card, you’ll also enjoy discounts on souvenirs in the store!
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