Introduction to Amsterdam

The Netherlands' cultural talk is pretty much incomplete without mentioning Amsterdam. Being the country's leading cultural center has done significant good to the city's reputation during the past few decades. So, be prepared for a very pleasant cultural shock upon landing and head straight for Amsterdam's national museum, the Rijksmuseum. The place is over 200 years old, houses tens of thousands of cultural monuments, paintings, and ancient books, and is bathed in a million colors and patterns. Along with the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum is a must-stop in Amsterdam. Be sure to book your tickets to both museums ahead of time, these are truly popular attractions.

Website: https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/Link opens in a new tab

Address: Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam, NetherlandsLink opens in a new tab

If you've read the all-famous diary of Anne Frank from the time of the Holocaust, you won’t want to miss this place. The Anne Frank house is a popular tourist destination and heritage site that's definitely worth visiting. While there are newer expansions around the house, you can still see most of the original structure of the house where Frank and her family hid from the Nazis. Again, pre-booking your tickets here is a very smart move.

Website: https://www.annefrank.org/nl/Link opens in a new tab

Address: Westermarkt 20, 1016 GV Amsterdam, NetherlandsLink opens in a new tab

The Royal Palace of Amsterdam is a magnificent sight that is still functional and operational. It houses the King and His Majesty's company whenever they visit the city, so if you end up in Amsterdam at the same time as the Royalty, you're bound to witness a spectacular show of excitement and enthusiasm. However, even without the King, there's much that you can see in the palace. With mid-17th-century architecture and mammoth structures, the palace will leave you in awe at every corner of its buildings.

Website: https://www.paleisamsterdam.nl/Link opens in a new tab

Address: Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 147, 1012 RJ Amsterdam, NetherlandsLink opens in a new tab

Keeping in mind its cultural prowess, the city of Amsterdam has also kept its stock of botanical collections in the best condition. The Hortus Botanicus in Amsterdam is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, as well as one of those with the rarest, eye-popping collections one can find under a single roof. Since 1638, this place has continued to collect, revive, and thrive on some dazzling collections of botanical wonders. 

Website: https://www.dehortus.nl/Link opens in a new tab

Address: Plantage Middenlaan 2a, 1018 DD Amsterdam, NetherlandsLink opens in a new tab

The Dutch have a special connection with meaty dishes, and star chef Ron Blaauw's Gastrobar is ensuring that visitors of this Dutch city get a kick out of the country's most relished recipes with a special twist. The interior isn't super fancy, which makes it a good place for casual dining or even lunches and dinners. From herrings to steaks to shrimps to stir-fried mushrooms, you can get a lot at a reasonable price to fill an empty tummy after a day full of touring.

Website: https://rongastrobar.nl/Link opens in a new tab

Address: Sophialaan 55, 1075 BP Amsterdam, NetherlandsLink opens in a new tab

If your appetite for historical visits is insatiable, why not try a diner with its roots buried deep in the city's history? The White Room in Amsterdam's Dam Square is perhaps the oldest restaurant operating in full swing in Amsterdam. A pristine white interior with gold detailing gives this restaurant a high-end finish. The menu dutifully backs up this perception. The White Room is a place for fine diners and isn't one you should miss out on just because of higher price ranges! The staff creates an aromatic blend of fruity and spicy flavors and textures in its vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes in five- and seven-course meals for diners.

Website: https://www.restaurantthewhiteroom.com/Link opens in a new tab

Address: Dam 9, 1012 JS Amsterdam, NetherlandsLink opens in a new tab

Looking for an all-inclusive diner that serves multiple cuisines at all times of the day, Foodhallen is the best place to meet all your needs. Whether you're traveling solo or have a group of twenty tagging along, Foodhallen has options that will definitely not disappoint. If you're not up for a good old Dutch lamb roast, you can go for Mexican, Chinese, Pan-Asian, or any other cuisine that you find appealing. However, you may want to keep an eye out for tables and seats. The place is almost always crowded with growling tummies, so you might have to wait a while before you can get a spot.

Website: http://www.foodhallen.nl/Link opens in a new tab

Address: Bellamyplein 51, 1053 AT Amsterdam, NetherlandsLink opens in a new tab

This is hands down, the pancake heaven of Amsterdam. It's a cozy setup recreated in a 16th-century house right beside the Red Light District. A single staircase leads visitors to the restaurant interior, which is lined with timelessly graceful décor. The place serves only pancakes — albeit with flavors, sides, and garnishes of all sorts. Bacon, cheese, apple, cream, bananas, and dozens of other sweet and savory options. It may not be apt for a proper dining experience, but it's definitely a one-of-a-kind diner that can easily win you over if you decide to give it a go.

Website: https://upstairspannenkoeken.nl/Link opens in a new tab

Address: Grimburgwal 2, 1012 GA Amsterdam, NetherlandsLink opens in a new tab

Besides many other quirks, the city of Amsterdam is famous for its incredible network of bicycle tracks and the bizarre amount of public-use bicycles. The city boasts having 800,000 bicycles for itself. This figure is more than the total population of the city, which means you'll never find a street empty of available bicycles for you to ride. If you can't afford to spend on the city's transport system, you can choose to pedal your way through the streets at any hour of the day.

In the north of Amsterdam, you’ll find the Noord renovated shipyard. This place is lined with small eateries and recreational services. A free ferry ride along the waterfront can drop you off at any of these spots, so you can get a mellower taste of the city's otherwise-vibrant lifestyle.