Exploring Amsterdam

I believe if you travel somewhere, you should take the time to enjoy the place, food, culture and along the way stop to take some pictures to capture the moment.

Amsterdam has be one of my absolute favourite cities to visit. After the last trip I had a lot of questions on my social media so I thought creating a central place would be a great way to share some lovely spots.

Below I’ve listed some of my favourite spots to stay, places to lunch and also cute places to nibble (obviously including cookies and Stroop waffles). Some of my favourite places for dinner as well as a good night out

Amsterdam-Centrum – Ideally like to stay here for your first visit. If you are on a budget there are many hostels and cheap hotels. I stayed at Rho hotel which is located 0.9 miles from Dam square and 950 metres from Amsterdam Central Railway Station. Even though it is in the centre, once you’re in the hotel it’s quite peaceful. If you book in advance you can get a really good deal and it also includes a lovely breakfast. You are located near everything! You can get a cheaper deal going through Booking.com and booking 3 nights!

Jordan – Quiet, quaint and beautiful. With it’s leafy canals and abundance of coffee shops, If its the perfect place for you go if you want to stay away for the busy central. You are going to be a little further out but there are tram stops located everywhere. I booked the AirBNB linked. It is a little pricey but it looks over a beautiful canal and located near lovely coffee shops. You can get a cheaper rate off season.

Oeuf – If you like eggs for breakfast, this is a great place for you. Fresh food, quick service and you don’t necessarily require a reservation! Super cute, can get very busy but it does have a great breakfast.

The Pancake Bakery – It says it in the name. Amazing Dutch Pancakes by the canal. Sweet or savoury, this is a great please for a breakfast treat, or in my case a hangover meal!

I have endless recommendations and whilst you are walking, you will come across so many wonderful places. Most days I went for a breakfast/ brunch and didn’t need any more food but then I would see a spot and just eat anyway (because why not)!

Freddy Friday Chips – Ever though of trying magic mushroom toppings on chips? They have several options for vegetarians and non vegetarians. I skipped dinner and just had theses chips! It’s always worth asking what the specials are.

Sweet Snacks

Cookies – The little blue bag. Amsterdam’s infamous cookies. VAN STAPELE are always on top of a lot of any foodies list when they visit and rightfully so. These dark chocolate cookies with a white chocolate gooey centre are a must but, these are the things to keep in mind. The shop is very small and get VERY BUSY! Try and avoid weekends if possible but that’s the only time I would suggest like all popular places, arrive early (ideally before 11:00).

Stroop waffles – Do not leave Amsterdam without trying these. Traditional Dutch crispy waffle with a sweet soft centre.

Van Wonderen Stroopwafle – Number one for instagrammers and also children! An abundance of choices. So many flavours to try and incredible looking waffles. If you’re visiting for a couple of days, I would add this spot to your list. 

The Secret Garden – A hidden Gem in Amsterdam. Serving fusion of Peruvian and Japanese cuisine, also know as Nikkei cuisine. Doesn’t really look like much from the outside, however once you’re in, you’re in a little jungle paradise. With an incredible bar, great food and music, it’s a perfect dinner date. I haven’t experienced this myself however I have seen they have live music on a Thursday and it is a great place to be. Make sure to book early!

Amsterdam Foodhallen – If you can’t decide what you want, or you just feel like having a little bit of everything, the Amsterdam Food hall is brilliant. Food from all over the globe. If there’s a couple of you, I suggest split and take different stations. We went for Pizza and Dim sum (I mean why not). It does get quite busy but It’s a great place to visit.

Pata Negra – Amazing atmosphere. Popular amongst the locals as well as the tourists. Good fun, great staff and a lovely tapas which doesn’t blow the bank account. It does get very busy and hot, so wear layers. Located on one of the most popular shopping streets. I would suggest having a reservation, else get there early (around 7pm) and you may just get a table with a short wait.

Did you know there are 23 one and two Michelin Star restaurant’s in Amsterdam. I personally haven’t been to any however there are 2 on my list which I would recommend.

BAK restaurant – Initially started of as a vegetarian restaurant’s which now serves local meats and fish. Being a vegetarian I’m always interested in trying new things and the menu here sure seems appealing.

De Kas – This restaurant looks absolutely incredible. Only using locally sourced produce, providing one of the freshest menus around. The restaurant is located slightly further out, you can easily reach there using public transport. This is a must on my next trip visit.

There is always something going on in Amsterdam, whether it’s the weekend on a Monday!

De School – If you are up for a night out (as in get home early hours) and want a dance this is your place. Slightly outside the city great night out! Some of the biggest DJ’s have come here, it’s always worth looking at what’s going on. It has a great following, if you like to party and dance then this is a must (whilst it’s still around).

Garage Noord – Located in an old repair shop which switched up at 10:30pm to become this epic night out. Vast mix of music, more low key. It has a very inclusive and mixed crowd and great array of music. Not commercial and very trendy.