Amsterdam Guide: Essential Tips for First-Timers
The doors of the tram beep sharply, and passengers shuffle forward to claim the last remaining seats. Outside, the sun beats down on the roof, prompting a collective, knowing look of “it’s just too hot” among the riders. Gazing out the wide window, the landscape slowly begins to shift. Modern, glass high-rises recede, quickly replaced by historic three- and four-story brick facades. With every passing street, simple wonder turns into absolute awe; every corner looks plucked straight from a postcard. Pristine, preserved brick houses line the paths, showcasing uniquely shaped gables and dark hoist beams jutting out high above the pavement. In the gentle breeze, a thick rope dangles over a stack of furniture, waiting to be hoisted through an open second-story window. Then, every few blocks, glittering canals slice through the grid, their banks neatly lined with rows of quiet houseboats.
(Tram 5 from Zuidas)
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AMSTERDAM AT A GLANCE.
| Time spent: | 2 – 4 days |
| How to get around: | Trams, metros, buses, and trains. The city is not too big, so you’d often spend more time on public transport than walking or biking. Bike paths run throughout the entire city and beyond. |
| Would I go back: | I lived here for 2.5 years, and come back frequently – a definite yes! |
| Feeling of safety: | I couldn’t have asked for a better place to live as a young woman, living by herself for the first time. Whether day or night, the city has always felt rather safe to me. Of course, there are places you shouldn’t necessarily go to alone in the dark, but despite being a capital city, it has always made me feel incredibly safe. |
| Tip: | Coffee Shop ≠ Cafe Watch out for cyclists, they are at the top of the hierarchy. Mini cars and scooters are allowed to use bike paths. |
EXPERIENCES AND SIGHTS WORTH IT.
Hover over or tap on the images for more information.
IF YOU ONLY DO 3 THINGS.
What better way is there to see tucked-away yards, beautiful quarters and main sights in the bike country than by bike?
Join a Bike Tour
Starting close to Central Station, the tour takes you through the central neighbourhoods (Central, Jordaan, De Pijp), taking a longer break in Vondelpark and guiding you back to the starting point through bustling main roads and quiet residential streets.
Velvet red carpet cascades down the wide staircase. Emerging at the top, a wide ballroom opens up in front of you
Koninklijk Paleis Amsterdam
A large statue of Atlas carrying the light blue, almost turquoise globe on his bare shoulders looms over the room. Enclosed by gold rails are three large circles on the ground, the celestial sky and hemispheres. Passing through the citizen hall, you can make your way through different rooms, some still in use today.
Following the course of the canals, through the historic district, passing the Negen Straatjes, hop in and out of some of the best cafes and enjoy some shopping in the small boutiques nestled close to one another.
Stroll through Jordaan and De Pijp
Down and around the beautiful old cobblestone streets alongside canals and over bridges, some of which have fairy lights strung on the arches, reflecting on the still water during the night.
UNEXPLORED.
After living in Amsterdam for 2.5 years, there aren’t any places left on my bucket list; thus, this time, the category will stay empty. For many more recommendations, read the Advanced Guide.
Head over to Instagram (@thebeenherebefore) if you have any questions or want to share your thoughts on what’s worth it and what to skip!
SKIP SKIP SKIP SKIP SKIP Skip Ski
01
A’dam Lookout
Amsterdam’s best view is not from the tower, as many new buildings at the riverside and the central station obstruct the view of the beautiful, traditional houses.
If you decide against the swings, head to Oba, the public library. Their main location is close to Central Station and has a free view of the city skyline from a terrace located on the 7th floor.
Otherwise, you can enjoy a warm summer night from the terrace or the sparkling winter skyline from the glass-enclosed bar Canvas in the Oost quarter. Next to the metro station Wibautstraat, enter the Volkshotel and take the elevator to the top floor.
02
Lines
Do me one favour: don’t waste your time standing in any endless lines for cookies, fries, or anything else that sounds good but is praised beyond repair, because, believe me, you can find these treats in a bunch of great cafes without lines stretching over bridges (not kidding). Further, to try fresh Stroopwafels, don’t spend more than 5,00€/p on them. They are delicious but not worth city centre prices. You can buy freshly made ones at many markets or buy a whole pack in the supermarket.
03
Bloemenmarkt
You are likely to pass by the famous flower market if you are in the city centre, as it is located next to one end of the main shopping street (Kalverstraat). Whether you walk past or take a look is up to you; however, don’t be disappointed as the stalls offer roughly the same products, from any kind of tulip bulbs to souvenirs. The quality, from what I experienced, is good, but don’t work yourself up about it if you can’t squeeze it into your itinerary.
04
Albert Cuyp Market
Next to drugstore items and phone cases, you can buy street food or freshly made local specialities such as Stroopwafel and Poffertjes. Yet that is all there is to this market. It doesn’t have the same charm as Noordermarkt and Westerstraatmarkt or the variety of stalls.
The following links will open the sights and photo spots you will want to save to your own Google Maps for your trip, so you don’t miss out.
There are important sights you won’t spend much time at, but are a must-see nevertheless. The other map allows you to take some of the beautiful pictures shown in this guide.
MORE INSPIRATION FOR YOUR TRIP.
How about a trip to Germany next?
Continue reading here for the First Timer’s Blueprint to Berlin.
