First time in Amsterdam – 10 things you must do

Last Updated on February 6, 2021

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Amsterdam is a vibrant and unique European city, and definitely one of my favorites. Even though it’s most famous for its tolerant approach of using soft drugs and legal prostitution, Netherlands’ capital has much more going for it than just coffeeshops and Red Light district. Amsterdam has incredible architecture, over 70 museums and 165 canals, that as of 2010 are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  There are certain things you must do, if it’s your first time in Amsterdam, no matter how touristic they might seem.

10 things to do in Amsterdam

Take a Canal cruise

When you visit a city, that has 165 canals, taking a canal cruise is a must. Exploring Amsterdam on foot is great, but nothing beats experiencing the beautiful surroundings while relaxing on a boat. With no shortage of companies offering canal cruises, you will not have a problem finding one. From the classic daytime ones, to champagne and dinner cruises, there’s is something for every taste. They usually last one hour, and provide commentary, while passing by the main points of interest.

There are variety of boats used, a lot of them enclosed, but for the best experience I highly recommend finding an open boat. Assuming you are visiting during warm months and the weather cooperates. It’s a whole lot better experience, with way less people and without the glass barrier.

Out of the few canal cruises I’ve taken over the years, my favorite was hands down Friendship Amsterdam. This is an open boat and much smaller than the long, standard ones, which gives you a more intimate feeling. The boat is very comfortable with pillows everywhere, there is a small bar on board and your ticket includes a beverage of choice. The crew is awesome, both informative and funny. They are also prepared for Amsterdam’s unpredictable weather, with umbrellas in case of sudden rain, or blankets when it gets chilly.

Visit Anne Franks house

In the Jordaan neigborhood at Prinsengracht 263 , there is a house where a young Jewish girl named Anne and her family hid from the Nazis during World War II. It’s where she spent over 2 years writing her now famous diary. I first read “The diary of a young girl” in school, but decided to re-read it right before my first trip to Amsterdam. Having it fresh on my mind, made for a really moving experience.

The house is now a museum dedicated to Anne and her bravery. During your visit, you get to walk through the Annex where Anne and her family lived. It’s an incredibly sad story of a horrible time, but it’s very important not to forget it. I found that the museum does a very good job, both remembering and honoring Anne’s courage. In addition to the house, there is an interesting display, where you can see the original diary along with other notebooks.

This museum is notorious for having long lines, so it’s best to pre-book your tickets online. This way you avoid waiting in line, and you get to enter right away through a separate entrance. If you want to learn more about Anne Frank’s life growing up, consider The Anne Frank Story & Neighborhood Walking Tour. It takes you through parts of Amsterdam, where Anne spend her time from the moment she moved to Amsterdam till she went into hiding. I think this tour is a great addition to the house visit.

View from Sky Lounge

For an amazing view of Amsterdam you have to check out the roof top bar Sky Lounge. It’s on the 11th floor of the Double Tree hotel, located right near the main train station Amsterdam Centraal. You don’t need to be the hotel’s guest to enjoy a cocktail and a great view of the city.

Rent a bike

During your first time in Amsterdam, you will quickly notice, that bikes are the main means of transportation there. Amsterdam does not hold the title of the world’s most bike friendly city for nothing. Renting a bike is a great way to get around the city. It shouldn’t cost more than € 8-10 to rent one for the day. An important piece of advice: always remember to lock your bike, as they get stolen all the time.

Having said all that, if you decide to explore the city by bike, make sure you obey the rules. Bikers in Amsterdam have no patience for absentminded tourists not knowing what they’re doing, and being in their way. Same goes for when you are just walking around. You need to be real careful and pay attention where you are walking. You can only imagine, that there is nothing more frustrating to the locals, than tourists standing in the middle of bike lanes. During my first time in Amsterdam, I figured that you are probably more likely to get hit by a bike than a car there.

Sit along the canal

One of my favorite things to do while in Amsterdam, is walking along the canals, and stopping in one of many cafes or bars with outdoor seating by the water. It’s great seeing all the boats go by and people watch.

Visit a flower market

Holland is famous for its flowers, especially tulips. When you visit in spring when tulips are in bloom, you can visit some colorful and stunning fields outside of Amsterdam. The prime time for that is usually in April. To get your flower fix any other time, make sure to make it to the Bloemenmarkt floating flower market.

If you want to buy a few tulip bulbs to bring home with you, but wonder if you will be allowed to travel with them to US, the answer is yes. But don’t just grab any flower bulbs. Look for the ones, that are labeled as inspected and safe to bring into US. The bulbs with the certificate can be brought into the country within 6 weeks of inspection.

Get a picture with the sign I Amsterdam

Getting a picture with the I Amsterdam sign in the back of Rijksmuseum is a must, especially if it’s your first time in Amsterdam. Everyone does it, and so did I. It will be much harder to do now, since the city of Amsterdam decided to remove it. They claim it was attracting too many people and overcrowding the square. It’s not gone forever though, as there are plans that after restoration, it will return to the streets of Amsterdam during special occasions. It will travel through the city, periodically changing locations. For now, there is a smaller version of the sign at the Schiphol Airport.

Go to Rijksmuseum

Amsterdam has over 70 museums, some of them quite unusual like Vodka Museum or a Museum dedicated to Bags and Purses. The most famous and popular is without a doubt Rijksmuseum. If you want to check out an amazing collection of Dutch art, that’s where you should go. The museum has over a million works of art, with the most famous being Rembrandts’ painting ” The Night Watch “. The building itself is quite impressive as well.

Visit a Coffee shop

Even though the city has so much more to offer, legal use of cannabis is still one of the biggest tourist draws to Amsterdam. With 250 coffee shops all over the city, you will see them at every corner. The first coffee shop in Amsterdam The Bulldog opened in 1974 and is now a chain with many spread around the city. The original one Bulldog No 90 is in the prime location at Oudezijds Voorburgwal 90 and it’s hard to miss with its colorful mural like façade.

Every coffee shop has a menu with all the selections. Aside from different kinds of marijuana, you can also buy edibles, which are usually little baked cakes with marijuana in them. In most places you will be able to get coffee and juice as well. One thing you will not find in any of the coffee shops is alcohol. Per Dutch law coffee shops are not allowed to serve it.

Walk through Red Light district

Holland is a country where prostitution is legal, and a stroll through Red Light district is something not to be missed, especially if it’s your first time in Amsterdam. This area is a collection of brothels, sex shops and peep shows. And if you feel a little weird about it, don’t worry, you won’t be the only person there. The area became quite an attraction, and you will see many curious people doing the same thing.

WARNING: Taking photographs in the Red Light district is not allowed, and this rule is strictly enforced. Don’t even try to take pictures or film, unless you want to say good bye to your camera.

Getting from the airport to the city center

Schiphol International Airport ( AMS ) is located 9 km away from the city center. You can just hop into a taxi, but that will be pretty pricey. Be prepared to pay around 40 Euro for the 20 minute ride.

A much cheaper and very easy way to get to the city is taking the train. The station is located directly underneath the airport, and it doesn’t take more than 20 minutes to get to Amsterdam Centraal. Once you collect your bag, just follow the signs to the escalator down to the train station. A single ride ticket costs € 5,50 and you can get it at the window, or an automated machine ( you will need Euro coins or credit card with a chip ).

PRO TIP: DO NOT BUY a return ticket, unless you’re returning the same day. It’s valid for the same day only.

How to get around

The city is very compact and easily walkable. Even though it has a subway system, it’s best to get around on foot. Plus, would you really rather be underground, when you can stroll along beautiful canals and enjoy the picturesque surroundings?

Another option is using the Hop on Hop off boat. With many stops by all the most important attractions, you can create your own tour, and easily get between them in the most enjoyable way.

Where to stay in Amsterdam

A place I discovered during my second visit is a little Bed and Breakfast Tulip of Amsterdam. That’s where I stayed a couple of times, and where I plan to stay on any future trips. This small ( only 2 rooms ) B&B is the most welcoming and charming place, all thanks to Chris and David, who are the best hosts and will truly make you feel like it’s your home away from home. It’s a traditional Dutch building, right on the canal, with rooms beautifully decorated with traditional accents. The location is perfect, right by the Waag building, walking distance to most attractions and not far from Centraal Amsterdam.

Weather in Amsterdam

Weather in Amsterdam is pretty tricky, and can change often. I could swear I once experienced 3 seasons during one day. No matter what time of year you visit, the key is to be prepared with different options. Even in the summer, you might need warmer clothes, light rain jacket and umbrella.

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