When it comes to visiting The Netherlands capital, there is so much more than bicycles, canals, “coffee” shops and the Red Light District. We visited Amsterdam in the month of November and it was honestly perfect. The weather was crisp, the crowds were tame, and we were able to fit in everything we wanted to! If you’re lucky enough to visit this city, feel free to use this itinerary as your personal checklist!
WHERE TO STAY:
- Corendon Village Hotel Amsterdam – I could not recommend this hotel enough! I’ve stayed at my share of hotels and this one by far had the easiest check-in process ever! The USA needs to take some notes! Self check-in, a bicycle simulation in the lobby, a spa and cinema are just a couple perks to mention. If you need to stay close to the airport, book your stay here! You won’t regret it.
- Michele’s Houseboat on Airbnb – Such a unique experience while staying in Amsterdam! I would even go so far to say that staying in a houseboat, regardless of the host, is an absolute must.
WHERE TO EAT:
- Coffee & Coconuts – The best place in Amsterdam to grab a juice, latte, or their specialty coconut coffee (espresso, coconut milk, and agave). The coffee shop could not be cuter. You’ll be grabbing your phone to take a picture from the moment you walk in the door. (Location: Ceintuurbaan 282-284, 1072 GK Amsterdam)
- Cereal & Chill – Amsterdam’s first ever cereal cafe! This place opened literally days before Allie and I visited so I like to say I was one of their first customers! 🙂 You basically pick your bowl, mix up to three cereals, pick your toppings, and then choose your milk! Since I visited, they have branched out and offer toasties, cereal waffles, and more!(Location: Dusartstraat 22, 1072HS Amsterdam)
- Deer Mama – While I am not vegan, I do my best to eat as plant-based as possible and this place makes it easy! As Amsterdam’s go-to vegan mylk and burger bar, you can’t go wrong no matter what you order. I highly recommend the mushroom croquettes! (Location: Ceintuurbaan 71 1072EW Amsterdam)
- Wok to Walk – Located all over the city, this place is no joke! It’s essentially a Mongolian grill where you choose a base, your veggies, sauce, toppings, protein, etc. It may have possibly been the best stir-fry I’ve ever eaten.
- Van Wonderen Stroopwafels – Don’t even think about getting a stroopwafel from somewhere else in Amsterdam. This boutique bakery makes the tastiest, most Instagram aesthetically-pleasing waffles in all of the city! Snag one, two, or three and go take a photo with it by the canals! They offer mini ones too if you don’t have a big sweet tooth!
WHAT TO DO:
- Amsterdam is home to world famous museums so make sure to check them out if time allows! Museums include: Van Gogh, Anne Frank, and Rijksmuseum (to name a few)
- Taste test cheeses at Henri Willig Cheese Store and browse through Amsterdam’s different street markets
- Visit the world’s only floating flower market (Bloemenmarkt). Smell the fresh flowers and use your remaining euros to buy souvenirs and gifts for family back home!
- Explore Amsterdam’s city square and wander through the different neighborhoods to see all the different houses and architecture the city has to offer (Damrik and Jordaan were my fav!) Public transportation can get you just about anywhere.
- Ride a bike to a “coffee” shop in the Red Light District (or outside it; they are everywhere!) People watch, sip some coffee, or take part in other activities if that’s how you roll. No pun intended.
- Walk along the canals during nighttime to see the city and all sorts of houseboats lit up. Visit in the winter months and you’ll be able to see all the Christmas lights line the streets!
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