Touristy stuff you should really do on your next trip to Amsterdam.
I’m so over the whole (murky) “traveller” vs. “tourist” debate. To me, they are one and the same — two sides of the same coin. I’m not sure when it became cool to not do the touristy stuff in a destination (though I’d wager it was around the same time that the phrase “travelling off the beaten path” catapulted itself into rampant overuse), but I for one still find it important to experience some of the more salient aspects or attractions of a place.
With this in mind, after Liebling and I booked our plane tickets and hotel for Amsterdam, I contacted the tourism board to see if they could assist with what to do once there. In response, they provided us with a long list of information and things to try, a tad overwhelming since we had less than 36 hours in the city. They also gave us two I amsterdam city cards— the cards provide free entry to or significant discounts on most of the attractions the city has on offer.
Anyhoo, I digress. I present five über touristy things we did that you probably shouldn’t miss when in Amsterdam:
1. Ride a bike
I usually prefer using my own two feet to get me places but I longed to join the oodles of people on bikes in Amsterdam. So it was inevitable that I would twist Liebling’s arm and get a little cycling in. We got our wheels from MacBike and spent the afternoon leisurely pedaling around town. (Not going to lie though, there was torrential rain part of the time, I had difficulty maneouvring traffic and damn near ran into a tram, and my derriere was sore for a few hours after our adventure. Eh.)
2. Do a canal tour
Jumping in a boat and navigating Amsterdam’s waterways is another fab way to explore the city.
3. Stroll through the Red Light District
I wrote that my visit to the district made me highly uncomfortable and challenged my beliefs about moral responsibility and female agency. Whatever your feelings on the topic of legalized prostitution, you should stroll through the district at least once. Not to ogle, but to become more aware.
4. Visit the Van Gogh museum/ Anne Frank House/ Rijksmuseum
Tight on time, we only made it inside the Van Gogh museum (though we did manage to walk around the premises of the nearby Rijksmuseum and snap pictures before the iconic I amsterdam sign). Van Gogh’s artistic genius and documented struggle with mental illness have always piqued my interest, despite me not being a huge fan of his actual work.
5. Indulge in some Dutch street eats
Have some raw herring or poffertjes (dutch mini pancakes) or fries (topped off with one of many special sauces available — though admittedly, plain old mayo is my favourite).
Have you ever been to Amsterdam? Do you agree with my suggestions?
118 Comments
Thanks for posting this. We are heading there in a couple of days to visit my sister. We have done 2 – 4 so we’ll have to try for 1 & 5 this time around. Thanks!
Really loved the Heineken tour.
Yes, I agree considering I’ve done 3 out of the 5 things on your list. Perhaps next time I’m in Amsterdam I’ll dare to ride a bike, and I definitely have to hit up the street food scene the next time as well!
Been to Amsterdam and done all these minus riding a bike, i preferred walking:) it’s such a lovely city.
I’ve been to Amsterdam many times although I’ve never taken my bike (or rented a bike) there. I did a blog post about them once, though (http://farfromkansas.blogspot.nl/2013/04/pas-opfiets-sundays-in-my-city.html). I’ve done all the other things on your list plus a whole lot more. There’s a great photography museum called Foam that I highly recommend to anyone who likes photography. The Museum of Dutch Resistance is great for those interested in WWII history…post about that here (http://farfromkansas.blogspot.nl/2013/04/i-amsterdam.html). I could go on and on…and on as Amsterdam is my favourite city!
Amsterdam is just a happy place! I love everything about Amsterdam and I will definitely be back again and again.
Great article. I’ve been to Amsterdam a several times, and each trip, I never used anything but a bike! I also almost ran into a tram (I just got the bike and didn’t realize they were back pedal brakes). But having a separate bike lane, complete with traffic lights was superb. There are more bikes than cars in the city, and whole families sometimes ride the bike. I love to see it so much! Especially since Dutch men and women are typically very tall, so their bikes are massive. Well, my ex was from Amsterdam, and because of him, I was shown many of the amazing parts of the city, touristy and local. All your suggestions are point-on. For those into it, the Heineken Museum was pretty cool. You learn how to make it, you get some free tastings, etc. There are several outdoor vintage markets, there are a few “squares” where locals/tourists hang out, there are chocolate factories, there are the windmills. You’re right. It’s too much!
Other suggestions are to catch the tulip festival outside of Amsterdam. It’s seasonal, and ends in Spring!
Overall, Dutch people are amazing. They are very down to earth (hence the lackadaisical attitude toward sex workers and cannabis)! Also, I love the diversity. There are many people from Suriname (another suggestion is to try Surinamese food. Wow!).
Thanks for allowing me to reminisce!
Hear hear re the traveler / tourist thing!
And for the touristy things in Amsterdam: yes. (though due to long long queues at the Anne Frank House that may not be the best option if you only have 36 hours). I’m Dutch, currently living in Germany, and I think also for locals it’s good and fun to sometimes do touristy things in their own country/city.
Haven’t been to Amsterdam yet, but these are some of the top things I want to do there!
Totally hate the stupid tourist vs. traveler debate as well… nothing wrong with seeing some of the more “touristy” things!
The canal tour I did was one of my favorite parts of my Amsterdam trip. As well as the Anne Frank House – I recommend that to anyone who doesn’t have knee problems, as those stairs are SUPER steep.
Great list! I’ll be sure to take a look once I make my way there. What I think is interesting about that whole tourist vs. traveller debate is that a lot of the things that are considered ‘touristy’, locals often haven’t done! I’m not sure what my point is, but I think it intrigues me as to why that is – especially when some of the things were there prior to tourism booms.
Yours in Travel,
I have been a few times and if you want to do something really weird and whacky you should go to the Sex Museum. It is a hilarious place!
Hi Oneika! Great tips. I just loved the raw herring; I had it both plain and on a bun with pickles and onions. To your list, I’d add two things:
—Go to an outdoor market – there are so many, and you can find great mementos for your trip.
—Hit Vondelpark – make a picnic (or by herring and fries 😉 and head into the park to relax and stroll. This is a great spot to see the Amsterdammer’s doing what they do.
If you’re interested, here’s my post – http://bostonurbansafari.blogspot.com/2012/07/safari-59b-bostonian-in-amsterdam.html
Oh noo not the mayo! Amsterdam looks lovely, but no one will ever convince me to mayonnaise on anything. I’ll stick with the sightseeing, instead.
I´ve LOVED the canal tour! And also the 3 museums you wrote about. About the food, i think the best dutch thing are the stroopwafel!! About the bike, i think there are too many in Amsterdam so for me it would not be a good idea to ride one! hehehe I have a travel blog in Portuguese, but if you guys want to read, there´s a traslation button on the top right part! My Amsterdam posts are here: http://taindopraonde.blogspot.com.br/2013/09/post-indice-amsterda.html
I agree with your list! sometimes the touristy things are the most fun!
While in Netherlands You should go for Vodka Museum for a boy’s night out or a stag weekend which combines fun with learning! Take a tour around the museum learning everything there is to know about vodka from its history to its production along with the different types of vodka. Of course, you’ll get to learn all about the taste of it too!
I absolutely love Amsterdam as an African American. I never felt so accepted anywhere else on the planet. I have visited on a few occasions and on each occasion, it never fails that I have been asked if I am an American. Anecdotally at least, they have very little concept of “African American” only American. Once identified, don’t be surprised that you are invited to parties, bars, homes, etc.
Right on my man!
Right on my man!
I was just telling my friend about that.
When I initially commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now
each time a comment is added I get four e-mails with the
same comment. Is there any way you can remove people from that service?
Bless you!
I could not refrain from commenting. Well written!
What’s up to every , since I am genuinely keen of reading this webpage’s post to be updated daily.
It consists of nice data.
I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you create
this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for
you? Plz reply as I’m looking to create my own blog and would like to find out where u got this
from. thanks a lot
I am regular visitor, how are you everybody?
This paragraph posted at this web site is actually pleasant.
Its like you read my mind! You appear to know so much about this, like you wrote the book
in it or something. I think that you can do with a few pics to drive
the message home a little bit, but instead of that, this is fantastic
blog. An excellent read. I’ll certainly be back.
If you would like to grow your experience only keep visiting this website and be
updated with the most recent news update posted here.
Attractive element of content. I simply stumbled upon your blog and in accession capital to
assert that I get in fact loved account your blog posts.
Any way I’ll be subscribing in your augment and even I fulfillment
you get entry to persistently rapidly.
Hello there, I found your web site by the use of Google
while looking for a similar subject, your website got here up,
it appears great. I’ve bookmarked it in my google
bookmarks.
Hi there, just become alert to your weblog thru Google, and
located that it’s really informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels.
I’ll appreciate if you continue this in future. A lot of folks might be
benefited from your writing. Cheers!
Heya i am for the primary time here. I found this board and I in finding
It truly useful & it helped me out a lot. I am hoping to give one thing back and help others like you helped me.
always i used to read smaller articles or reviews that also clear
their motive, and that is also happening with this piece of writing which I am reading at this time.
What a material of un-ambiguity and preserveness of valuable
knowledge concerning unpredicted emotions.
Hi to all, how is all, I think every one is getting more from this web page, and your views
are nice for new visitors.
That’s very good point
Great site you’ve got here.. It’s hard to find high quality writing like yours these days. I truly appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!|
It’s going to be finish of mine day, however before ending I am
reading this impressive piece of writing to increase my experience.
Hello just wanted to give you a quick heads up and
let you know a few of the pictures aren’t loading properly.
I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve
tried it in two different internet browsers and both show the same results.
Wow! In the end I got a webpage from where I be capable
of genuinely obtain useful information concerning my study and knowledge.
Hi there friends, how is the whole thing, and what you wish for to say about this paragraph, in my view its in fact awesome for
me.
Today, while I was at work, my sister stole my iPad and tested
to see if it can survive a 40 foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now broken and she has
83 views. I know this is completely off topic but I had to share it with someone!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about vitamin supplement.
Regards
I pay a quick visit everyday a few websites and information sites to read
content, however this weblog offers feature based content.
Great article, just what I wanted to find.
Do you have a spam problem on this blog; I also am
a blogger, and I was wondering your situation; we have created
some nice methods and we are looking to trade strategies with others, please shoot
me an e-mail if interested.
It’s nearly impossible to find well-informed people for this topic, however, you sound like you know
what you’re talking about! Thanks
Howdy! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after reading through some of the post I realized it’s new to me.
Nonetheless, I’m definitely glad I found it and I’ll be book-marking and
checking back often!
Hi! I simply wish to offer you a huge thumbs up for the great info
you’ve got right here on this post. I will be coming back to your
blog for more soon.
Good info. Lucky me I discovered your blog by accident (stumbleupon).
I have book-marked it for later!
Wow that was odd. I just wrote an incredibly long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear.
Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyways, just wanted to say fantastic blog!
Right now it seems like Drupal is the preferred blogging platform available right now.
(from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?
Hi there i am kavin, its my first time to commenting anyplace, when i
read this article i thought i could also make comment due to this good post.
Excellent beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your web site,
how can i subscribe for a blog website? The account aided me a
acceptable deal. I had been a little bit acquainted of this
your broadcast offered bright clear concept
This is really attention-grabbing, You are an excessively professional blogger.
I have joined your rss feed and look forward to
in the hunt for more of your wonderful post. Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks
Wonderful beat ! I wish to apprentice whilst you amend your website, how can i subscribe
for a blog web site? The account helped me a applicable deal.
I have been tiny bit familiar of this your broadcast
provided vivid clear idea
I quite like looking through an article that can make
men and women think. Also, thanks for allowing me to comment!
Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an very long comment but after I clicked
submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyhow, just wanted to say superb
blog!
Great post. I was checking continuously this blog and I’m impressed!
Extremely helpful information particularly the last part 🙂 I care for such info a
lot. I was seeking this certain information for a very long time.
Thank you and best of luck.
Thank you for the good writeup. It in fact was once a enjoyment
account it. Look advanced to far added agreeable from
you! However, how can we be in contact?
Can I simply say what a relief to uncover a person that
truly understands what they are discussing online.
You definitely realize how to bring a problem to light and make it important.
More and more people ought to read this and understand this side of the story.
I was surprised that you are not more popular since you most certainly possess the gift.
It’s awesome designed for me to have a web page, which is good in support
of my experience. thanks admin
I was curious if you ever thought of changing the page
layout of your blog? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say.
But maybe you could a little more in the way of
content so people could connect with it better.
Youve got an awful lot of text for only having one or two pictures.
Maybe you could space it out better?
I simply could not depart your site before suggesting that I extremely loved the
usual info an individual provide for your visitors?
Is going to be back often in order to check out new posts
It’s the best time to make some plans for the future and it’s time
to be happy. I’ve read this post and if I could I want to suggest you some interesting things or advice.
Maybe you can write next articles referring to this article.
I want to read even more things about it!
Excellent post. I’m facing a few of these issues as well..
If you want to improve your knowledge just keep visiting this
site and be updated with the newest news posted
here.
I was curious if you ever thought of changing the page layout of your website?
Its very well written; I love what youve got to say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better.
Youve got an awful lot of text for only having one or two pictures.
Maybe you could space it out better?
I didn’t know that.
Hello, you used to write great, but the last few posts have been kinda boring¡K I miss your super writings. Past few posts are just a bit out of track! come on!
This post is actually a good one it assists new internet visitors, who are wishing in favorof blogging.
I dugg some of you post as I thought they were handy very helpful.
You should be a part of a contest for one of the finest blogs on the internet. I am going to recommend this blog!
Looking forward to reading more. Great blog article.Thanks Again.
Remarkable things here. I am very happy to peer your article.Thanks so much and I’m taking a look ahead to contact you. Will you kindlydrop me a mail?
Howdy! I could have sworn Iíve been to this blog before but after looking at many of the articles I realized itís new to me. Regardless, Iím certainly pleased I stumbled upon it and Iíll be bookmarking it and checking back frequently!
Hmm is anyone else encountering problems with the pictures on this blog loading? I’m trying to figure out if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog. Any feed-back would be greatly appreciated.
Very nice info and right to the point. I am not sure if this is actually the best place to ask but do you guys have any ideea where to employ some professional writers? Thanks
Greetings! Very useful advice within this article! It’s the little changes that will make the largest changes. Many thanks for sharing!
I’m extremely impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your blog.Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself? Anyway keep up ban ca the cao nice quality writing, it’s rare to see a niceblog like this one these days.
It’s actually very complex in this full of activity life to listen news on TV, so I onlyuse internet for that purpose, and get the latest information.
ivermectin 1 cream 45gm generic stromectol – ivermectin brand
Usually I don’t learn article on blogs, however I wish to say that this write-up very pressured me to take a look at and do it! Your writing taste has been amazed me. Thanks, quite great post.
Muchos Gracias for your post.Thanks Again. Fantastic.
Fantastic article.Really looking forward to read more.
I truly appreciate this blog post.Thanks Again. Really Cool.
It¡¦s actually a nice and useful piece of information. I am happy that you just shared this useful information with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.
That is a great tip particularly to those fresh to the blogosphere. Brief but very precise info… Thank you for sharing this one. A must read article.
A fascinating discussion is worth comment. I do believe that you ought to publish more on this subject, it might not be a taboo subject but typically people don’t talk about these subjects. To the next! Cheers!!
Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is an extremely well written article. I?ll be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post. I will definitely return.
I value the post.Much thanks again. Great.
Aw, this was a very good post. Finding the time and actual effort to generate a great article… but what can I say… I hesitate a lot and don’t seem to get nearly anything done.
Having read this I believed it was extremely enlightening. I appreciate you finding the time and effort to put cara main togel online this content together. I once again find myself personally spending a lot of time both reading and leaving comments
whoah this blog is great i love studying your articles.Stay up the great work! You realize, lots of individuals are searching round forthis info, you can aid them greatly.
Hey there! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any problems with hackers?My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing months of hard work due to no backup.Do you have any methods to protect against hackers?
I truly appreciate this post.Really thank you! Cool.
the best ed pills: erectile dysfunction pills – what is the best ed pill
You made certain good points there. I did a search on the topic and found mainly people will agree with your blog.
Wow that was strange. I just wrote an very long comment butafter I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear.Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyways, just wantedto say excellent blog!
We’re a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your web site offered us with valuable information to work on. You’ve done an impressive job and our whole community will be thankful to you.
wonderful points altogether, you simply gained a brand new reader. What would you suggest about your post that you made some days ago? Any positive?
Transmisión de OM PSG: dónde ver la copa de contendiente igualada en vivo
This is a very good tip especially to those new to the blogosphere. Simple but very precise infoÖ Thanks for sharing this one. A must read post!
Point clearly used!! Provigil Cancer Related Fatigue
It’s going to be finish of mine day, but before finishI am reading this wonderful post to increase my knowledge.
Hey! Would you mind if I share your blog with my twitter group? There’s a lot of people that I think would really appreciate your content. Please let me know. Cheers
ivermectin cream 5
Looking forward to reading more. Great article post.Thanks Again. Really Great.
I have been checking out some of your posts and it’s pretty good stuff. I will surely bookmark your blog.
Great, thanks for sharing this blog article.Really thank you! Will read on…
I love foregathering useful info, this post has got me even more info! .
Aw, this was a really good post. Taking the time and actual effort to produce a good article… but what can I say… I put things off a lot and don’t seem to get anything done.
Generally I do not learn post on blogs, but I would like to say that this write-up very pressured me to check out and do it! Your writing style has been amazed me. Thanks, very great post. Berget See Kaete
Have you ever thought about including a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is important and all. Nevertheless think of if you added some great pictures or videos to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with pics and clips, this blog could certainly be one of the greatest in its field. Great blog!