Well, I’ve been here a few years now, and perhaps it’s about time that I compiled a list of things I consider “must-see” if you happen to come to Amsterdam.\u00a0 I should probably have this list anyway for the off-chance that I have a visitor from home here and I need to think of things to do.<\/p>\n
My list is generally family friendly, and here is why: I like the more laid-back things in Amsterdam.\u00a0 Parks, bruin cafe’s, the history, the canals.\u00a0 So my top 10 might vary wildly from your top 10.\u00a0 This is my “If I were to show you the city from my point of view, this is what I would show you” list. If there’s something that I leave out that you think people just have to see, let us know in the comments section below!<\/p>\n
1.\u00a0 Amsterdams Historisch Museum <\/a> 2.\u00a0 Vondelpark 3. Winkel 43<\/a>, otherwise known as the best apple pie in town<\/p>\n I have to admit, I was initially a bit skeptical about it being the very best apple pie in town, but I’ve been here awhile, and yes, I confirm, it is the best.\u00a0 Warm, delicious, perfect.\u00a0 Seated right across from the Noorderkerk and the Noordermarkt in the northern end of the Jordaan, this is the perfect little pit stop between shopping at the various area markets and enjoying the beauty of the Jordaan.\u00a0 I should work for a travel agency writing this stuff, but it’s true!\u00a0 It’s a great place.<\/p>\n 4.\u00a0 Cafe Pieper on the Prinsengracht is the best bruin cafe experience you can find.\u00a0 The waiters wear white button-down shirts and black ties, but the atmosphere is very old fashioned Amsterdam.\u00a0 It’s small.\u00a0 It’s tiny.\u00a0 It’s cozy and comfy and a great place to spend some time on a rainy evening.\u00a0 Because it’s located behind the Leidseplein area, there’s always a bit of energy in the neighborhood, but without all that Leidseplein commotion.<\/p>\n 5.\u00a0 Wynand Fockink<\/a> 6.\u00a0 Cafe Noorderlicht<\/a> 7. \u00a0 Bicycles Of course, safety first, so check out my post on Amsterdam bicycle safety<\/a>, and have a good long chat with the bicycle rental agency about the rules of the road here.<\/p>\n
\nI know, there are tons of great museums in Amsterdam filled with the works of such masters as Rembrandt and Van Gogh, but time and time again I find that this little museum in the heart of Amsterdam tucked away behind the Dam and between the Spui is my absolute favorite.\u00a0 They do great monthly expositions on all things Amsterdam, from the Hoerengracht exposition about the Red Light District to photos of children who survived the Hunger Winter.\u00a0 I love this museum.<\/p>\n
\nIt doesn’t really matter what time of year it is, there is always something going on at Vondelpark.\u00a0 Free concerts in the summer, free skating in the winter (if the ice freezes) and plenty of great people-watching to be done.\u00a0 There’s even a sculpture from Picasso tucked away in a corner, although, I find it rather…unpleasant.\u00a0 But there is a cafe\/restaurant in the middle of the park called ‘t Blauwe Theehuis, <\/a>so even if the weather isn’t perfect, you can still get that Vondelpark feeling.\u00a0 And if you spend the day there, you can use their restroom.\u00a0 That’s a very important detail.<\/p>\n
\nYup, you read the name correctly.\u00a0 Wynand Fockink is a 17th Century liqueur distillery tucked away just behind the Dam.\u00a0 Maybe due to the hard to find location, it’s (mostly) filled with locals enjoying a little liqueur and a chat after work.\u00a0 You can have a peek at the distillery, which they are rightfully very proud of, and if the line isn’t too long, have a great conversation with one of the incredibly friendly barkeeps.\u00a0 But be careful!\u00a0 The liqueur is delicious, but strong.<\/p>\n
\nIf you’re looking to check out Amsterdam from a different perspective, just a short ferry ride from behind Centraal Station and across het IJ will take you to this trendy but comfy restaurant.\u00a0 Often the site of small festivals in the spring and summer, there’s usually something going on here.\u00a0 The view across the water is lovely, although the trip can be quite chilly, so bring a coat.\u00a0 An added bonus: the food is great!<\/p>\n
\nOk, it’s kind of a combination of must-see and must-do.\u00a0 It’s not so much a physical place but a mental state.\u00a0 Amsterdam is jam packed with bicycles, and if you’re here, you really should give it a shot.\u00a0 The city is fairly small, but it can be annoying to walk everywhere, and although there is great public transportation, it’s not exactly the cheapest.\u00a0 So why not hop on a bicycle?<\/p>\n