They weren’t lying about the nickname “Venice of the North.” Between the colorful canal houses, the constant swirl of bikes, and tulips dotting every other street corner, I fell hard and fast for Amsterdam. But this city is big, and it’s easy to waste time in the wrong neighborhoods or wait too long to book the things you actually want to do.
After spending four magical days exploring the city with my husband, here are the 10 things I’d 100% recommend to any first-time visitor.
1. Buy Anne Frank House Tickets the Minute They Drop
This isn’t optional. If you’re even thinking about going to Amsterdam, stop everything and set an alarm to buy tickets to the Anne Frank House. They release exactly six weeks before the visit date and sell out faster than concert seats. I woke up at 2 a.m. California time to snag mine when they dropped at 10 a.m. Amsterdam time, and even then, half the slots were gone in minutes.
The house is heavy, important, and an absolute must-see. Pro tip: if you miss the first batch, a limited number are released one week before the visit date.
2. Explore The City On Foot (But Watch Out for Bikes)
Do not step into the red bike lanes. I repeat: stay out of the bike lanes unless you want to be run down by a very polite but very fast Dutch person. Amsterdam is gorgeous and super walkable, but always double-check where you’re stepping. That said, wandering without a plan was one of my favorite things to do, especially around the Damrak Canal Houses and the Jordaan district.
3. Take A Sauna The Day You Land
We landed in Amsterdam after a long flight from San Francisco, dropped our bags at the hotel, and immediately went to a sauna in Noord called Kuuma. It was the best decision. A sauna plus cold plunge resets your whole system and kicks jet lag to the curb. Entry is around €15, and I promise you’ll feel like a new human afterward.
4. Eat Bitterballen And Have a Beer in a Converted Airplane Hangar
One of the best meals we had was at Hanger Bar in Noord. It’s literally inside an old airplane hangar with industrial-chic vibes and a waterfront beer garden. We ordered bitterballen, deep-fried Dutch meatballs, and paired them with a local beer. Afterward, we strolled next door to the sauna. That’s a perfect first day.
PS this is next door to the sauna, so head here for dinner.
5. Eat A Dutch Pancake The Size Of A Pizza
Dutch pancakes (pannenkoeken) are not your typical brunch food. They’re enormous, thin, and often savory. We split one at Pancakes Amsterdam and couldn’t even finish it. My next trip, I’m trying Upstairs Pancakes, one of the tiniest restaurants in the city. You’ll need reservations, but it’s worth it.
6. Tour The Van Gogh Museum, See The Sunflowers Up Close
Van Gogh is one of my favorite painters, and the museum dedicated to his work was a highlight of the trip. It’s big, beautiful, and full of his most iconic pieces, including a wall of self-portraits. Tickets are timed but easier to get than Anne Frank House, so you don’t need to set an alarm this time.
7. Get Boozy on a Canal Tour
There are tons of canal boat tours in Amsterdam, and most of them serve wine, beer, or cocktails. After visiting the Anne Frank House, we booked a small boat and cruised the canals with drinks in hand. It’s relaxing, beautiful, and gives you a whole new perspective on the city.
8. Take a Day Trip to the Tulip Fields and Windmills
If you’re visiting in spring, a tulip tour is a must. We booked a private Airbnb Experience with a guide named Chris who took us to Keukenhof Gardens, windmills in Zaanse Schans, and even some private farms for photos.
It felt like we got to see a quieter side of the Netherlands and we were back in the city by 1 p.m.
9. Have A Drink At A Windmill Brewery
Brouwerij ‘t IJ is a brewery tucked inside a real windmill, and it’s just as cool as it sounds. Locals gather here for pre-dinner drinks, and you can sit outside with a pint and some snacks before heading to your evening plans. It’s a little out of the way but absolutely worth the trip.
10. Splurge On Dinner At Restaurant Nomads
We had a multicourse dinner at Nomads, a “traveling restaurant” where the chefs design a menu based on their recent culinary inspiration abroad. It was one of the best meals of my life. Every dish was a surprise, the wine pairing was spot on, and it felt like a celebration of the entire trip.
Amsterdam Travel Tip:
Public transportation is a breeze. Use your phone’s tap-to-pay feature on trains and buses, or buy a travel card for unlimited rides. Just don’t overpack, those cobblestone streets will chew up your suitcase wheels. Bring a raincoat, good shoes, and a fanny pack so you can hop on a bike like the locals.