Amsterdam is a land of bikes, museums and beautiful people. It boasts a picturesque canel landscape spanning across the old and new town. The capital of the Netherlands narrowly excaped the WW2 bombing, and thus able to retain the glorious beauty of the original architectures.
Amsterdam is a very walkable city but because of that there are also many bikes on the street. You will need to look 360 degree before crossing anything or even just walking on the pavement. There is also a very well connected tram system which I did not have the pleasure to try out, as honestly most attractions can be reached via walking. Uber is also available for the occasional journeys.
Accommodation
As with any capital cities, Amsterdam does not come with a cheap price tag when it comes to accomodations. Note that this is also post pandemic so I am not sure the price I got would be a good reference point.
I have come across many accomodations during my walks and here are some of my recommendations. I personally think Jordaan is a great place to stay as it is right between Centraal Station and most museums. You have a number of boutique hotels that are converted from the historic canal warehouses. On this occasion I stayed at Soho House Amsterdam inside the Bungehuis Building.
Other options are the famous Pulitzer Amsterdam which featured some of the nicest themed room in the city. If you are more on the budget you can also consider CitizenM.
Restaurants
Being one of the most visited cities in Europe, this place is not short of restuarnts that covers both ends of the spectrum.
Foodhallen
Literally means Food Hall in Dutch. This neighbourhood food court is a hip hang out for young professionals looking for a casual dining experience. Vibes always good and many international options at reasonable prices.
Fabel
A roadside snack bar that serves anything potato. Relaxed outpost producing fried potatoes & croquettes, plus locally sourced & homemade toppings.
De Kas
De Kas is located in a chic garden conservatory inside a park serving Mediterranean dishes made from organic ingredients grown on-site. This is one of the most popular restaurants in the country so one should be booking months in advance. However if you call up on the day for lunch, sometimes they will have late cancellations. I would recommend going in the day time anyways as you get to see the beautiful park that the conservatory sits in.
Restaurant Jansz.
Jansz. serves beautifully crafted dishes inspired by modern-Dutch cuisine and reflects a passionate commitment to ingredients that are led to and from the Netherlands. It is more upscale as it is located in the same complex as the Pulitzer Amsterdam Hotel. The interior has a hip business lunch vibe.
Moeders
A quirky eatary serving traditional Dutch home cusine. Very popular amongst the tourists and locals alike. The below sharing portions is for 2 but honest it could have fed 3-4 people. Reservation is also recommended.
https://moeders.com/en/menu
Cecconi's Amsterdam
Located in Soho House Amsterdam, this is actually one of the most popular italian restaurants in the city.
https://www.cecconisamsterdam.com/enhttps://www.cecconisamsterdam.com/en
Attractions
One of the many charms that makes Amsterdam a great long weekend destination is that most of its attractions can be reached by simply walking. This is also a great way to explore and take in the surroundings. The famous attractions are their world renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Mesuem, Vondelpark and of course the Red Light District. You can find what you want to do on most tourist websites. If you have a friend who lives in the Netherlands you can ask them to apply for an Museum Kaart, which is significantly cheaper than buying per entry. However it takes about a week for them to process.
Jordaan
The narrow canals and streets of trendy Jordaan are flanked by indie boutiques, cozy pubs and hip eateries. This is certainly my favourite neighbourhood and I strongly recommend you to take a Canal Tour at the beginning of your trip, as the insights you receive from your guide will let you explore the city later on with a different set of eyes. I can recommend to go with the Flagship Amsterdam Canal Cruise. You can order drinks on board as well.
North Amesterdam
On the other side of The Centraal Station you have Noord (North Amsterdam). Some of the guided tours, in particular the ones run by This Is Holland, depart from here. You can catch a free ferry from Centraal Station across. On this side you have the A'dam Hotel where the highest swing in the world sits on. I was also lucky to get invited to a birthday dinner by a local friend at Cafe Modern. This eatery serves up modern intepretation of international dishes.
Zaanse Schans
Zaanse Schans is a neighborhood in the Dutch town of Zaandam, near Amsterdam. Historic windmills and distinctive green wooden houses were relocated here to recreate the look of an 18th/19th-century village. The easiest way is really just to do a guided tour. The one I did with This is Holland starts at 11:00 and will return to Amsterdam at around 3-4:00pm. There is defnitely time for your to have lunch there. Avoid the Windmill area and just go to the other side of the bridge to Wolfsend for a light lunch.
Late Night and LGBT
There is no doubt that Amsterdam is a party city and it certainly offers plenty of options for everyone. Super Lyan is an amazing cocktail bar in an 80's inspired interior and Chicago Social is a club that caters for the young ones in their 20s.
Amsterdam is the LGBT Capital of Europe and although small it is very thriving. The few iconic bars such as Taboo, Soho and Exit are all on the same street so you can certainly bar hop. Club Church is a cruise bar where on certain fridays ladies are welcomed and Sauna Nieuwezijds is run by the same people and it starts to get busy from 5:00pm.
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