The Weekend Guide to Amsterdam

Amsterdam is one of those cities that has it all – old-world charm, a famous art collection, and a thriving nightlife. It’s a city known for its winding canals, bicycles, and controversial laws: here, prostitution and marijuana are legal in some capacity. The city was home to Rembrandt, a Baroque master painter, and Van Gogh, where the largest collection of his works is housed. Culture centers and concept stores like Droog and De Hallen keep the city’s creativity alive.

Personally, I loved my time in the Netherlands because it turned out to be one of the few places in the world where I walk around and the majority of people are actually taller than me. (At 5’9” this rarely happens!) The people are very friendly and more than happy to speak English.

Below find a few recommendations to make the most of a weekend in Amsterdam!

About Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital of The Netherlands, accepts the Euro as currency, and its inhabitants speak Dutch.

Amsterdam is especially beautiful in the fall and winter, but temperatures are most favorable during the summer months, although rarely rising past the 70s.

The nearest airport is Amsterdam (AMS), accessible by train in just 15 minutes.

Where to Stay & Eat in Amsterdam

Hotels

Hotels
Volkshotel – Wibautstraat 150
W Amsterdam – Spuistraat 175
The Dylan – Keizersgracht 384
Sir Albert – Albert Cuypstraat 2-6
De L’Europe – Nieuwe Doelenstraat 2-14

Restaurants

Restaurants
Louis – Singel 43

Cafés

Cafés
Sweet Cup – Lange Leidsedwarsstraat 93HS
Bocca Coffee – Kerkstraat 96HS
Coffee & Coconuts – Ceintuurbaan 282-284
Scandinavian Embassy – Sarphatipark 34
Toki – Binnen Dommersstraat 15
Lot Sixty One – Kinkerstraat 112
White Label Coffee – Jan Evertsenstraat 136

What to Do & See in Amsterdam

Here are the sites in Amsterdam I recommend visiting during your trip.

Anne Frank House – Prinsengracht 263-267
IAmsterdam Sign – Hobbemastraat 19
De Hallen – Bellamyplein

Museums

Museums
Rijksmuseum – Museumstraat 1
Museum Van Loon – Keizersgracht 672
Van Gogh Museum – Museumplein 6

Day Trips

The Castle De Haar, a 19th Century castle with flower gardens is only a 30-minute drive away. Nearby cities The Hague and Rotterdam are all less than one hour away by train.

Did I miss anything? What’s your favorite part of Amsterdam?