Amsterdam

Canal-side bikes, brown cafes & weekend markets

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Amsterdam is one of the most rewarding places to explore, and this local guide brings together the best things to do, where to eat and where to stay in one place. Highlights include Blijburg aan Zee, Sunday Market Amsterdam and Rijksmuseum. Food lovers should not miss Moeders and La Perla. Below you will find 45 hand-picked local recommendations across sights, restaurants, hotels and tours, which you can filter by category and budget to plan the perfect trip, whether you have a weekend or a week.

Amsterdam at a glance

Ideal stay: 2 to 3 days
Best time to visit: spring and autumn
Highlights: Blijburg aan Zee and Sunday Market Amsterdam
Where to stay: Keizersgracht and Eastern Docklands
Local picks: 45 hand-chosen recommendations
Getting around: walkable, plus easy public transport

Local tips for Amsterdam

Stories and neighbourhood know-how from our local guides.

Local tipsWhere to Stay in Amsterdam: Best Neighborhoods for First-TimersWhere to stay in Amsterdam? A local guide to the best neighbourhoods, from the central Canal Belt and charming Jordaan…

Local tips3 Days in Amsterdam: The Perfect ItineraryA local's perfect 3-day Amsterdam itinerary: canals and the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, plus De…

Where to stay in Amsterdam

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Amsterdam-Noord

A’DAM Lookout

A rooftop observation deck across the IJ with a 360-degree panorama – and “Over the Edge,” a swing that dangles you out over the city 100m up. Hop the free ferry behind Centraal Station.

★ 4.6

De Pijp

Albert Cuyp Market

The Netherlands’ biggest street market, running the length of De Pijp – stalls of cheese, fish, flowers, clothes and, crucially, fresh stroopwafels and herring. A great local browse and graze.

★ 4.5

Centrum

Amsterdam Bike Tour

See the city the way locals do – on two wheels. A guided ride links the canals, the Jordaan, Vondelpark and quieter corners, with the bike and a confidence-building intro included.

★ 4.7

Centrum

Amsterdam Canal Cruise

The classic way to see Amsterdam – gliding the UNESCO canal ring past gabled houses and under humpback bridges. Options run from hop-on-hop-off to candlelit evening cruises with drinks.

★ 4.6

Centrum & Jordaan

Anne Frank & WWII Walking Tour

A moving guided walk through wartime Amsterdam – the Jewish Quarter, hidden histories and the story of the occupation and resistance. Note the Anne Frank House itself needs a separate timed ticket.

★ 4.7

Jordaan

Anne Frank House

The canal house where Anne Frank and her family hid during the Nazi occupation, now a profoundly moving museum around the original secret annex. Tickets are timed and released online in advance and sell out fast – plan ahead.

★ 4.8

De Pijp

Bakers & Roasters

A sunny De Pijp brunch spot with a Kiwi-Brazilian streak – fluffy pancakes, big breakfast plates and strong coffee. No bookings, so expect a weekend queue that’s worth it.

★ 4.5

Centrum

Begijnhof

A hushed medieval courtyard hidden in the middle of the city, once home to a lay sisterhood and holding one of Amsterdam’s oldest wooden houses. A pocket of calm – enter quietly; people still live here.

★ 4.6

IJburg

Blijburg aan Zee

Amsterdam’s own city beach, on the man-made island of IJburg, where the whole city rushes out the moment the sun appears to swim, sunbathe and hang out. The beach bar does surprisingly good food, and the fun rolls on into the evening with parties on the sand and inside.

★ 4.3

Canal Belt

Bloemenmarkt (Flower Market)

The world’s only floating flower market, its stalls set on barges along the Singel canal, heaped with tulips, bulbs and souvenirs. Touristy but a cheerful, colourful stroll.

★ 4.1

Canal Belt

Cafe de Klos

A snug, wood-panelled bar-restaurant near the canals famous for enormous racks of sticky spare ribs at fair prices. No reservations and always packed – arrive early and hungry.

★ 4.5

Grachtengordel

Canal Belt (Prinsengracht)

The UNESCO-listed ring of 17th-century canals that defines Amsterdam – gabled merchant houses, humpback bridges and houseboats. Simply walking the Prinsengracht or Brouwersgracht is one of the city’s great free pleasures.

★ 4.8

Various

citizenM Amsterdam

The Dutch-born design-hotel brand doing compact, tech-forward rooms (mood-lit, app-controlled) with big sociable lounges. Great value for consistent style; several locations across the city.

★ 4.5

Museum Quarter

Conservatorium Hotel

A serene five-star in a converted bank/conservatory by the Museumplein, wrapped around a dramatic glass atrium. Impeccable service, a lovely spa and the city’s art quarter on the doorstep.

★ 4.8

$$$

De Pijp

De Pijp Food Tour

A guided graze around lively De Pijp and the Albert Cuyp Market – herring, cheese, stroopwafels, Surinamese and Indonesian bites – with a local unpacking Amsterdam’s multicultural food story.

★ 4.7

Oud-West

Foodhallen

A buzzy indoor food hall in a converted tram depot in Oud-West – dozens of stalls from dim sum to bitterballen around a central bar. Great for groups who can never agree on one cuisine.

★ 4.4

Oosterpark

Generator Amsterdam

A design hostel in a grand old building beside leafy Oosterpark, with dorms, privates and a sociable canal-side bar. The affordable, meet-people option a short ride from the centre.

★ 4.2

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Book your trip to Amsterdam

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Find hotels in Amsterdam Book tours and experiences

Amsterdam travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Amsterdam?

Two to three days is enough to enjoy the highlights of Amsterdam at a relaxed pace. See our Amsterdam itinerary guide for a day-by-day plan.

Where is the best area to stay in Amsterdam?

Stay central and walkable to the main sights for a first visit. Our where to stay in Amsterdam guide breaks down the best neighbourhoods.

What are the best things to do in Amsterdam?

Browse the local picks above, from top sights and museums to where to eat and stay.

What is the best time to visit Amsterdam?

Spring and autumn usually bring the most comfortable weather and thinner crowds, though Amsterdam is worth visiting year-round.