💬 First Impressions

Amsterdam is my adopted home, so I’m biased —but, I love this city. So what can I tell you? Fries, stroopwafels, and beer. Indulge. Take it all in — the crooked architecture, the canals, the lights. Even the DeWallen(Red Light District) and the “coffee” shops(hint: coffee shops DONT sell coffee in Amsterdam) It’s a show. A couple of things that don’t make the headlines. It has parrots- yes, parrots, the big green ones. I have a pic. ( below) and some rats, they live in the bushes and banks of the canals-they don’t bug anyone, but they are f-ing big. So, trying to get a cat as a pet is hard, because everyone wants one. True story, Devon ( my daughter) had to get a rescue cat from Greece, because there are no cats available in Amsterdam. Truth is, its a win-win, there are tons of street cats in Athens. Her cat has a passport(cant make this stuff up).

I’ve been lucky enough to see a lot of Europe, but Amsterdam is still my favorite. Safe, walkable, and unique. Small enough to explore in a day, but big enough to keep you busy for a long weekend(or 5 years and running like me).

Don’t miss the brown bars (I list a couple of favorites below). They’re full of history and serve excellent beer —don’t drink the Heineken- come on! and if you’re sticking to public transport, walking or stumbling a bit, like me on occasion, add a shot or two of Jenever for the full Dutch experience.

A few tips: Hardcore recommendation to walk or take public transport, don’t drive — it’s chaos. If you’ve got mad riding skills, or are batshit crazy, rent a bike. Bikes rule here, and you can pick one up cheap anywhere. If you’re not comfortable on two wheels, skip it. Biking is basically a religion in Amsterdam, and locals are pros — not for the faint of heart.

All in- You will be fine- You’ll love this place. Trust me.

⚡ The Buzz Factor

Some cities are slow burns — you have to dig to find their rhythm. Amsterdam? It hits you in the face the minute you step out of Centraal Station. Crowds everywhere, trains and trams crisscrossing, buses flying by, the metro humming underneath, and boats gliding along the canals — the whole place feels alive.

Every time I head into Amsterdam, I get a charge. I truly hate to shop, but if you are so inclined, You’re in paradise. Every brand you can imagine — high-end, low-end, and everything in between — with Kalverstraat as the main artery (hop off the Noord/Zuidlijn Metro 52 at Rokin).

When you need a break, the city’s terraces are everywhere. Grab a drink or a bite on one of the many pleins — Dam Square, Rembrandtplein, Museumplein, or even Marie Heinekenplein. Sit, sip, and soak it all in. This city doesn’t whisper — it buzzes. Truly deserves its A rating.

Just a note about sex and drugs. The city has the reputation for this. On the sex side, its a liberal city, there is a historic red light district with girls in windows(its a small area). Its not seedy, its touristy, and the only ones who frequent the women are British tourists. On the drug side, pot is everywhere. As noted, you don’t get coffee in a coffeeshop, you get pot. Most of those who indulge are tourists, get out of the center area, and its virtually non existent.

Outside Centraal-Almost got hit by the metro in this spot(story for later)

🎨 Fun Stuff to Do

Amsterdam is a cultural wonder — the museums alone are worth the trip.

Rijksmuseum → The national art museum of the Netherlands, home to Rembrandt’s Night Watch, Vermeer’s Milkmaid, and a thousand reminders that Dutch painters knew what they were doing. It’s enormous but beautifully laid out — give it at least 2-3 hours.

Van Gogh Museum → Across the green at Museumplein, you’ll find the world’s largest Van Gogh collection. You can literally walk through his life — early sketches, the sunflower years, and the heartbreak at the end. Im a fanboy, get your tickets early and dont miss it.

Anne Frank House → Somber, powerful, and unforgettable. Book early — tickets sell out fast — but it’s a must-see for the historical perspective alone.

Captain Dave Boat Tours → Yeah, its touristy, but as a local, I done a few. Seeing the crooked canal houses from the water gives you a whole new view of the city, and Captain Dave is the best.

Shortcut Tip: If you’re museum-hopping, base yourself near Museumplein — Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh, and Moco Museum are all within a five-minute walk, plus the park lawn is perfect for an afternoon break. Still close to the metro, so the rest of the city is in easy reach.

The Noordermarkt- A better option to the Albert Cuyp, more unique swap -meet type stuff, good fresh food, breads etc. Only open on Sat, and Monday- check it out here.

🍴 The Bite Test

Amsterdam isn’t about Dutch food (sorry, stamppot fans). Unlike Italy, France, or Spain, the Netherlands isn’t known for its local cuisine. But don’t worry — the city delivers amazing eats from everywhere else. Here’s a few of my favs.

🥐 Breakfast

Bakers & Roasters → New Zealand-style, huge portions, great service. Tucked in just off Ferdinand Bol near Marie Heinekenplein & Albert Cuyp Market. Pro tip: get reservations, then stroll De Pijp.
Blue Amsterdam** → Above the rooftops with panoramic views. Quality food, Casual atmosphere, and one of my personal favorites.
Omelegg → As the name indicates, Omelets are king, but they do much more- big portions, great fresh ingredients- love this place.
Little Collins→ Great Little place- different- limited, curated, clever menu with fresh ingredients. if you are looking for a bit of art in your food- you’ve found it.

🥪 Lunch

Café Luxembourg (Spui, Rokin exit off the 52 Metro) → Classic Amsterdam café, great terrace, perfect for people-watching. Love this old place-and a classic beer bar, Hoppe, is right next door.
The KaasBar** (near Albert Cuyp Market) → 30+ Dutch cheeses with wine pairings. It’s only cheese, but it’s glorious.
Blue Amsterdam (again) → Great all-day breakfast + tasty sandwiches, and again, nice view.
Libertine**Great little place right next to the Noordermart, so if its in your plan, get a reservation-one of the cities gems.

🍝 Dinner

Impero Romano → Best Italian in the city. Hard to get a reservation, but worth it.
Loetje → Casual, local chain, but my go-to Amsterdam fav, famous for its Bali steak. Good food, fair prices, multiple locations.
Venus and Adonis** → Great Ribs and steak, get a table outside by the canal( in season, of course).
Blauw → High-end Indonesian (rijsttafel). Pricey but excellent.
Pasta Pasta → Walk-in, fast-casual, fresh pasta made to order. Cheap, quick, tasty.
The Butcher → Best burgers in town. Local chain, several easy to access locations.

🍺 Drinks

Brown Bars → Old-school Amsterdam pubs, all history and character. There are SO many to choose from- These are Gezelig- My favorites:
- Proeflokaal Arendsnest ** → 0ver 50 Dutch beers on tap, authentic vibe.
- Pilsener Club (just off Kalverstraat) → Feels untouched for 100 years. Local beers, Jenever, and say hi to Dennis(Owner/Server).
Terraces Everywhere → Spot one in the sun? Sit, sip, and watch the world go by. Gezelig.

🌙 Snacks and Treats

FEBO → Dutch institution. Not fancy, just vending-machine-style fast food for the late-night crowd. A rite of passage (and maybe a hangover cure).
FRIES!!!! → many places to choose-its a religion here, Vleminckx is a dutch tradition- keep it simple
Anook** → Little Bakery, amazing treats-A personal Fav for sure.

🚋 The Getting-Around Bit

Amsterdam is extremely easy to traverse — super pedestrian-, bike-, and public transport-friendly.

Public Transport + TAP-IN Rules: You can get 1- and 2-day GVB passes at stations, but if you’ll be moving around a lot, I prefer just tapping in & out with a debit/credit card. Just make sure you tap out. If you don’t, after 24 hours they’ll ding you ~€20. It’s worth doing right. (GVB info → GVB Public Transport Amsterdam) gvb.nl
Metro Line 52 (Noord/Zuidlijn) Highlight: Start at Centraal Station, ride Metro 52 south. Get off at stops, walk around, then hop back on.
- Rokin: Kalverstraat & Dam Square, also an easy walk to Jordaan.
- Vijzelgracht: You’re near Museumplein.
- De Pijp: Albert Cuyp Market, Sarphati Park, great restaurants & cafés.
  Full route/time/schedule here → GVB Metro 52 info reisinfo.gvb.nl
Walking & Biking:
Walk wherever you can — it’s the best way to really feel the city. If you’re comfortable on a bike, rent one (they’re cheap and everywhere). But know: I’m being real here, biking here is serious business, folks know what they’re doing. I have told my friends, I will likely die by bike, almost happened a couple of times already, so, If biking stresses you out, stick with walking or public transport.
Shortcut Tip — Albert Cuyp Market: If you follow Metro 52 and hop off at De Pijp, you’ll hit Albert Cuyp Market. It’s just a big, mainly touristy market, but its the biggest, and its open 6 days a week, lots to see & eat there. (More → Albert Cuyp Market Official) Albert Cuyp Markt+1

**Hidden Gems-My Favs

Amsterdam-Beer, Bikes and Stroopwafels