I love Amsterdam. I’m lucky I’ve gotten to visit a few times over the years - for business, for weekends away, and as a layover to bag a cheap “ex-EU” flight.
The following is my “go to” list if you are visiting Amsterdam and want some suggestions!
Hotels
- Pillows Anna van den Vondel was a lovely boutique hotel just outside the city by Vondelpark. Was a great location as you didn’t feel like a tourist. Unfortunately it has not close, but can’t recommend the area around here enough.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal Station. I’m a bit of a Hilton fan, mainly due to staying at them far too much with work and having Diamond Status (so free upgrades etc). This hotel is in a great location just by the water and the train station (so handy to get to from the airport).
Bars
- Bubbles and Wine cool little wine bar in the city centre.
- Bar Oldenhof little speakeasy style bar doing great cocktails!
- Cafe de Ebeling nice local bar with a good range of both beers and food options.
Food
- Foodhallen is a great venue on the outside of the city full of different food vendors and a couple of bars. I try to go every visit - nice chilled vibe!
- The Butcher Social Club is a nice casual restaurant (burgers etc) and bar just on the waters edge. Great to get a ferry over to for a different scene.
- Breakfast Club relaxed casual place for breakfast / lunch just outside the centre.
- YamYam Trattoria Pizzeria relaxed pizza / Italian restaurant.
Sight Seeing
- Van Gogh Museum you can’t come to Amsterdam and not visit the Van Gogh Museum! Makes for a nice cultured couple of hours!
- Vondelpark is a great way to spend a relaxing morning, maybe on the way to / back from breakfast!
- Heineken Experience chance to visit the brewery to understand the history of Heineken and to sample a couple as well!
Getting around
- Definitely recommend getting the train from the Airport into the City centre. Easier and quicker than a cab!
- Do explore the city by getting the ferry from behind the station over to different areas!