Amsterdam is a city full of charm and beauty that will capture your heart. Despite its notorious reputation, there is much more to this city than meets the eye. Beyond the bustling red light district, Amsterdam is a place of stunning architecture and countless hotspots to explore. Although it may be impossible to see everything in one weekend, we’ll do our best to guide you through the must-visit areas and top eateries.
The Best Areas
Jordaan
Escape the touristy crowds and immerse yourself in the hipster vibe of Jordaan. This neighborhood is known for its charming Dutch architecture, including gingerbread houses. Don’t miss the courtyards, which open to the public during the daytime, and be sure to relax on one of the café terraces with a cold beer.
Nine Streets
For a shopper’s paradise, head to the cobbled streets surrounding the canals known as Nine Streets. Here, you’ll find a plethora of independent boutiques, vintage shops, and cozy cafes for rejuvenating coffee breaks between your retail therapy sessions.
Seven Bridges
Immerse yourself in the quintessential Amsterdam experience by visiting Seven Bridges. This location offers the perfect photo opportunity, showcasing a view of seven brick bridges along a picturesque canal. It’s a sight that truly captures the essence of the city.
I Amsterdam Letters
Located behind the Rijksmuseum, the “I Amsterdam” letters have become an iconic symbol of Amsterdam. Taking a photo in front of these letters has become a tradition for many tourists, but the real challenge is capturing the shot without anyone else in it.
Top Eateries
Cotton Cake
Indulge in blueberry and lavender spelt waffles at Cotton Cake, a café with a stunning interior and beautifully presented dishes. This concept store and café is small but will keep you contented for an entire afternoon.
Address: 1e van der Helststraat 76-hs, 1072 NZ | Open: Mon-Fri 10am-6.30pm, Sat 10am-5.30pm, Sun 11.30am-5.30pm
REIN
For a healthy breakfast, head to REIN, a health-conscious café that offers nourishing fare sprinkled generously with superfoods.
Address: Rijnstraat 58A, 1078 RD Amsterdam | Open: Mon-Sat 9am-8pm, Sun 11am-6pm
YOGHURT BARN
Indulge in pure, organic yogurt and choose from a range of healthy toppings at Yoghurt Barn. Whether you prefer fresh berries or homemade granola, this spot dedicated to yogurt is a must-visit.
Address: Eerste van der Helstraat, 80, 1072 NZ | Open: Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat-Sun 9am-7pm
PLUK
Located in the heart of the Nine Streets, Pluk is a newly opened café that offers delightful dishes such as watermelon and feta salads, as well as delicious smoothies.
Address: Reestraat 19, 1016 DM, Amsterdam
SLA
Literally translated as “lettuce,” SLA is a salad and juice bar where you can enjoy a huge bowl of green goodness. Their healthy and delicious salads are a must-try in Amsterdam.
Address: Westerstraat 34, 1015 MK Amsterdam | Open: Daily 11am-9pm
MARIE-STELLA-MARIS
Marie-Stella-Maris is a unique café and beauty store. The café offers tea, coffee, water, and croissants, while the beauty store sells heavenly products focused on aromatherapy. Each purchase supports drinking water projects.
Address: Keizersgracht 357HS, 1016 EJ | Open: Tue-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 2pm-5pm, Mon 12pm-6pm
SCANDINAVIAN EMBASSY
If you have the time, make sure to visit the Scandinavian Embassy, known for its superb coffee, delicious cinnamon buns, and mouthwatering salmon and eggs. Enjoy the experience and let us know how it is!
Address: Sarphatipark 34, 1072 PB Amsterdam | Open: Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat-Sun 10am-5pm
Specialty Coffee
Amsterdam is a haven for specialty coffee enthusiasts. Here are a few of the best coffee shops in the city:
HEADFIRST COFFEE ROASTERS – Known for serving what some claim to be the best flat white in Amsterdam, this specialty coffee shop is run by coffee fanatics who love sharing their passion with customers.
COFFEE AND COCONUTS – This three-story café offers fresh coconut water alongside its coffee. With lively atmosphere and loud music, it’s a fun place to relax and enjoy quality coffee.
BACK TO BLACK – In addition to great coffee, this café also showcases and sells local art from all over the Netherlands, including the furniture you’ll be sitting on.
ROOST – Located in the Oosterparkbuurt area, Roost focuses solely on serving good coffee with a few baked goods available.
BAKERS AND ROASTERS – An Australian-style café where you can enjoy not only excellent coffee but also delicious breakfasts, including various egg dishes, fresh fruit platters, and stacks of pancakes.
Sweet Treats
Ijscuypje Ice Cream
Visiting Ijscuypje Ice Cream is a must-do in Amsterdam. With a variety of flavors, this busy ice cream parlor is known for its high-quality ice cream. Enjoy your treat while strolling along the canals.
Stroopwafel
Indulge in the iconic Dutch treat known as stroopwafel, which consists of two thin waffles sandwiched together with sweet caramel. The best stroopwafels can be found at Lanskroon, but for fresh warm ones made in front of your eyes, head to the Albert Cuyp Market. Don’t forget to enjoy them with fresh berries from Markt or Stach.
Shopping
Amsterdam is a shopper’s paradise, offering a wide range of high street brands, designer stores, and unique boutiques.
For high street brands, head to Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat. Leidsestraat is known for its higher-end stores, and don’t miss out on & Other Stories and Hay, which are nearby.
For unique finds and hours of browsing, explore the Nine Streets area.
Some notable concept stores include Anna & Nina, Charlie & Mary, and Cotton Cake, although it’s easy to get carried away and spend your whole travel budget!
If you’re looking for designer stores, visit P.C. Hooftstraat, Amsterdam’s most exclusive street, for some window shopping.