7 Things You Must Do When Visiting Amsterdam

Savor Local Dutch Cuisine

While you’re in Amsterdam, you absolutely have to try some local Dutch cuisine. While the city has its fair share of chain restaurants, including American favorites like McDonald’s, it’s not there you’ll get your fill of authentic Dutch dishes.

• I strongly recommend The Pantry if you’re looking for a top-quality traditional Dutch restaurant.
• It’s a little on the pricey side, but The Pantry’s chefs serve up Dutch classics like hutspot and boerenkoolstamppot with mouthwatering culinary skill.

Once you’re done with your smoked sausage main, try wonderful desserts like vlaflip (vanilla custard with yoghurt) or poffertjes (pancakes with butter and sugar), or simply savor a Dutch cheese platter.

Indulge in Pancakes at The Pancake Bakery

The Dutch are world-renowned for the quality of their pancakes, and nowhere is that more evident than in The Pancake Bakery.

• Though it’s situated by the canals of Prinsengracht, The Pancake Bakery is actually a homely little restaurant with wonderful décor and a tempting selection of pancakes.
• The sweet treats here are delightful—try the Belgian or Brazilian pancakes for a decadent feast—but it’s the savory options you’ll truly appreciate.

From themed global dishes (Indonesian peanut sauce, Hungarian chorizo, and Canadian crispy bacon, to name but a few) to old-school favorites like ham and cheese, The Pancake Bakery is your one-stop shop for pancakes in Amsterdam.

Warning: Be careful, though; there’s often a long queue. Book in advance to beat the lines!

Visit the Eye Filmmuseum

The Netherlands has a rich tradition of filmmaking. Famed directors like Paul Verhoeven and Anton Corbijn hail from the Netherlands, and the Eye Filmmuseum is the crown jewel in the country’s storied cinematic history.

• The museum’s permanent installation demonstrating the history of film is fascinating.
• There are clips of famous movies playing accompanied by plaques deconstructing their technique.

You’ll find pieces of cinema history on display, including a Mitchell 35mm camera and a mutoscope showing Charlie Chaplin’s famous movie, The Kid. If the exhibitions weren’t enough, you will naturally also find various films screening throughout each day at the Eye.

Pro tip: This is definitely one to check out for film buffs, but even those without an interest in the art form will be captivated.

Explore the Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is probably the most prestigious collection of fine art in the Netherlands, if not one of the finest museums in the world.

• If you’re lucky (and quick), you should be able to book yourself on one of the museum’s famed drawing tours.
• These guided interactive presentations allow you to put yourself in some of the Netherlands’ most famed masters, copying their drawing style and learning how art is created.

From Rembrandt to Van Gogh, you’ll find everything important about Dutch art history in the Rijksmuseum. Even if you don’t manage to go on a drawing tour, you’ll still marvel at the sheer range and scope of the art on display here.

Important note: Every trip to the Netherlands must include a trip to the Rijksmuseum.

Cycle Around the City

The best way by far to find your way around Amsterdam is by bike. Forget what you know about most other cities, because Amsterdam is easily the most cycling-friendly city in Europe, if not the world.

• There are plenty of places you can leave your bike securely locked up, and it’ll be totally safe.
• Pretty much every road in Amsterdam has an accompanying cycle path, and the rules of these paths are just as important to follow as those of the road.

You’ll probably have trouble navigating Amsterdam on foot if you’re not used to all the bikes, so just grab one yourself and join in. There’s no better way to get around, and the feelings of freedom and inclusivity are enticing.

Pro tip: Check out Amsterdam by bike and you won’t regret it.

Visit Artis Zoo

Artis is one of the oldest zoos in Europe. There are a frankly ridiculous number of animals, microbial life (yes, really), and plants to take in while you’re there.

• The walk-through area is a treat, with tiny primates clinging to tree trunks and birds flying freely overhead.
• Huge elephants roam massive enclosures, spiders stalk their glass cases, and lions prowl their artificial savannah.

Artis provides a massive amount of information and education about every creature it houses. There’s also a strong commitment to animal rights at Artis; the zoo wants to make sure it’s doing its bit for animal rights, so going there is also declaring tacit support for this important task.

Plus, who doesn’t love cute chimps?