Immerse yourself in the charm of Amsterdam, a city steeped in history and boasting an one-of-a-kind canal network. If your travels during the summer take you to Northern Europe, we’ve curated a selection of classic landmarks and beloved local favorites, ensuring that every visitor can experience the best this captivating city has to offer.
Recently, Amsterdam was brimming with excitement as it marked its 750th anniversary this year (specifically on October 27). The annual Celebration of the Ring, likened by locals to a lively blend of parties, wedding ceremonies, street festivities, and food events, unfolded along the A10 Ring Road. The entire region was filled with an infectious positive vibe.
If you’re seeking an adventure, Amsterdam caters to diverse tastes! For those who love a good time, there are plenty of vibrant nightlife spots. Food enthusiasts can explore local delicacies such as bitterballen or pickled herring, getting a taste of Dutch traditions. Beer lovers will be captivated by the deep-rooted history of Heineken, one of the city’s iconic brands. In our latest Amsterdam city guide, we’ve compiled an itinerary that steers clear of typical tourist attractions and common hotspots.
Dive into can’t-miss restaurants, bars, cafes, stores and more below.
Shopping
Afura
Afura is a carefully selected retail space featuring items from both emerging and established brands, particularly those originating from the Netherlands and Scandinavia. You’ll find the newest collections by Ganni, OperaSport, Isa Boulder, Arc’teryx, among others. If you’re searching for exclusive items that exude Northern Europe’s understated elegance, this is your destination. Additionally, the store promotes local running culture through partnership with Amsterdam-based Bambas Sports Club, organizing a fashionable community run scheduled for July.
Address: Vijzelgracht 13, 1017 HM Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Amsterdam Vintage Clothing (AVC)
Exploring Amsterdam Vintage Clothing is like taking your cherished online vintage treasures and stepping into a laid-back, fashionable Dutch environment. Amsterdam Vintage Clothing (AVC) showcases carefully selected items, ranging from reliable, timeworn leather jackets to designer pieces hailing from brands such as Prada, Gucci, and others. This is an iconic vintage store nestled in the city center, frequented by locals seeking unique pre-owned garments.
Address: Prinsengracht 226, Amsterdam, Netherlands 1016HD
Van Dijk & Co
If you’re on the lookout for vintage home items, Van Dijk & Co has a trove of secondhand treasures spanning over 2,500 square meters! Nestled within an old industrial warehouse, this space is jam-packed with Hungarian furniture from yesteryears, seating, home decor pieces, ceramics, glassware, and Danish design gems – just to name a few.
Initially starting as a modest storefront at Noordermarkt, it has since grown into a prominent establishment known for its collection of consigned furniture and home decor. The enterprise takes great pride in highlighting the charm of pieces with a past, and actively advocates for the importance of reusing items and promoting sustainability.
Address: Pieter Ghijsenlaan 12A 1506 PV Zaandam
Food
Cornerstore
As a devoted fan, I’d describe my favorite cornerstore as a time-warp eatery that gleefully merges East Asian and European tastes in an old-school ambiance. Every day, the place is filled with positive energy, thanks to the tunes spun on vinyl records throughout the week. The menu is a tantalizing fusion of cultures, serving up classic Asian flavors infused with intriguing twists – such as shrimp soup dumplings and spicy red chili king fish.
Amidst savoring Cornerstore’s varied dishes, you might also encounter unique DJ performances, these are later posted online for all to enjoy. Additionally, if comfort food is your preference, the eatery offers dim sum every last Sunday of each month.
Address: Papaverweg 11, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Euro Pizza
Euro Pizza offers a unique blend of traditional tastes in a sophisticated dining setting. Their compact pizza menu features unconventional yet delightful flavor combinations such as bolognese with green chili, pecuillo, and calamari. Alongside this, they serve exquisite wines, appetizers, and dishes that highlight the area’s fresh, local produce. A fantastic aspect of Euro Pizza is that you can savor their culinary creations in the comfort of your own home! The restaurant also offers its artisanal sourdough bread for sale in frozen batches.
Address: Gedempt Hamerkanaal 79, Amsterdam Centrum, Noord-Holland, Netherlands 1021KP
HappyHappyJoyJoy
Locals rave that HappyHappyJoyJoy offers some of Amsterdam’s finest Asian street food, with its name reflecting the lively, colorful ambiance within. Decked out from top to bottom with striking wallpapers and neon lights, the menu showcases authentic, comfort dishes such as Gaeng Phed Neua curry and pad thai noodles. The multicolored bao buns are a crowd pleaser. Furthermore, the restaurant aims to grow beyond its physical location, with aspirations to release sauces, cookbooks, and more.
Address: George Gershwinplein 1 1082 LS Amsterdam
Zero Zero
This isn’t your average “hole-in-the-wall,” instead it stands out uniquely. The cherished local sandwich shop, known for its daily freshly made sourdough, serves as an exceptional base for mortadella, piccante, porchetta sandwiches, and many more culinary delights.
Zero Zero offers a variety of imported Italian items, offering a true Italian flavor in the Netherlands. If you’re seeking a quick snack, you’re in good fortune as there are numerous locations, so you might be just a few steps away from one.
Residential Locations:
1. Gerard Doustraat 56, Amsterdam, Netherlands 1017 DB
2. Nieuwe Spiegelstraat 3A, Amsterdam, Netherlands 1017 DB
3. Gustav Mahlerlaan 399, Amsterdam, Netherlands 1017 DB
4. Nieuwe Spiegelstraat 3A, a repeated address in Amsterdam, Netherlands 1017 DB
These are the addresses where I can be found, all located within the city of Amsterdam, Netherlands with postal code 1017 DB.
Benji’s
At Benji’s, you can enjoy brunch throughout the day at any of their three locations within the city. It’s an ideal spot to grab a bite before embarking on a canal tour, providing ample energy for exploring Amsterdam’s ancient streets. Some popular menu items include homemade falafel, Bloody Mary cocktails, and Salmon Avocado Teriyaki Toast.
Address(es):
Wibautstraat 196 (Oost)
Baarsjesweg 188 (West)
Maassluisstraat 243 (Nieuw-West)
Hospitality/Hotels:
Hotel De L’Europe
1896 saw the establishment of Hotel de L’Europe, a historic gem on our list, steeped in authentic Dutch tradition. Originally built on the same spot as Amsterdam’s first inn, it boasts an impressive collection of priceless Dutch art donated by the Heineken family, adorning its lavish interiors. The hotel is also home to several exquisite dining options such as Flore, which garnered 2 Michelin stars in its inaugural year, Marie, and Trattoria Graziella.
Address: Nieuwe Doelenstraat 2-14, 1012 CP Amsterdam, Netherlands
Volkshotel
Situated in Amsterdam’s Eastern District, Volkshotel combines boutique elegance with late-night snacks, a hidden soundbar, and rooftop saunas for relaxing pauses during sightseeing. The sauna area, known as Badplaats, provides saunas and hot tubs offering panoramic city views, allowing you to unwind while enjoying unique perspectives of the city.
Address: Wibautstraat 150, 1091 GR Amsterdam, Netherlands
Bars/Cafes
Freddy’s Bar
Freddy’s Bar, famously known after Alfred “Freddy” Heineken, stands as a historic gem. It offers a warm and inviting ambiance with rich wooden accents and plush leather seating. Here, patrons can savor unique cocktails such as the Dutch highball, all while grooving to live jazz tunes. The cherry on top? You get to appreciate the stunning canal vistas throughout your visit.
Address: Nieuwe Doelenstraat 2-14, Amsterdam
Skatecafe
The Skatecafe is an exceptional venue offering both a skate ramp and outdoor seating, making it perfect whether you’re keen on mastering your kickflip or prefer relaxing with an icy beverage. This unique establishment exudes vibrancy and energy, hosting DJ sets, live performances, and parties regularly. During the spring and summer seasons, it becomes the go-to spot for those in the know, local residents included. If hunger strikes, you can visit Skatecafe Karin & Yvonne, Dick & Dick Game Cafe, or Bar-Bodega, all located nearby for dining options.
Address: Gedempt Hamerkanaal 42, 1021 KM Amsterdam, Netherlands
Arie Cafe & Bar
On Saturdays, Arie transforms into a bustling café and bistro, exuding a charming local atmosphere. During the day, you might spot locals savoring pancakes, fresh salads, or Dutch cheese platters. And if you’re around on game days for Amsterdam’s football club, Ajax, this is the place to be as it occasionally hosts watch parties here!
Address: Ferdinand Bolstraat 24, Amsterdam, Netherlands 1072 LK
Experiences
Heineken Experience/Brewery
As I roam through the cobblestone streets of Amsterdam, it’s clear that Heineken is more than just a brewery – it’s a part of the city’s very soul. The iconic logo greets me from nearly every pub, and locals raise their glasses in cheers, savoring it alongside traditional Dutch dishes. This beer giant might have humble beginnings as a family brewery over 150 years ago, but today, its reach stretches across 190 countries. In the U.S., it even holds the prestigious title of first imported beer post-Prohibition. For any gamer who wants to dive deeper into this legendary beverage’s history, make sure to stop by the Heineken Experience right in the heart of the city.
The Heineken Experience provides an immersive journey through the brand’s history, showcasing its iconic four-ingredient beer (which includes the unique Heineken A yeast) as well as contemporary advancements such as alcohol-free Heineken® 0.0. Guests can learn about the brewing process, examine unique artifacts in the Private Archives, and taste Mokum 750, a special brew created for Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary that combines coriander seeds, citrus peels, and Heineken A yeast.
Address: Stadhouderskade 78, 1072 AE Amsterdam, Netherlands
Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum, located in the Netherlands, serves as the country’s national art museum, showcasing awe-inspiring pieces that depict Amsterdam’s rich history. Interestingly, one of Amsterdam’s top Michelin-starred restaurants, also known as Rijks, can be found on the museum grounds. It’s highly suggested to spend a day immersed in art and then round off your visit with an exceptional meal. Rijks boasts an extensive wine list and creative menu items such as beet millefeuille, glazed sweetbreads, and various other delectable dishes.
Address: Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam, Netherlands
Canal Tour
As a fan, I’d say exploring Amsterdam via a canal tour is an excellent way to immerse myself in the city’s unique charm. You can embark on these tours right from the heart of the city and journey into the less-crowded waterways, offering breathtaking glimpses of its seven-hundred-year-old scenery and ingeniously designed houseboats. It’s also a fantastic spot for people watching!
Address: City Center, recommended to take off from Stationsplein, 1012 AB Amsterdam, Netherlands
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2025-07-03 20:26