Amsterdam 🇳🇱🚲🌷
“A City of Culture & Charm.”
Amsterdam has always been on my travel radar, and after finally experiencing it, I can say it exceeded every expectation! This captivating city offers a unique blend of charming canals, vibrant neighborhoods, world-class art, and a food scene that’s simply unforgettable.
Weather in Amsterdam
I visited in the October, and the weather couldn’t have been more inviting. The autumn weather was ideal for wandering through Amsterdam’s scenic streets and exploring its rich cultural sights.
What to Eat in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a haven for food lovers, with an array of iconic bites and culinary delights around every corner. Here are some Dutch classics that you simply can’t miss:
Stroopwafels – Two thin waffles with a gooey caramel filling, best enjoyed fresh from a market.
Poffertjes – Fluffy mini pancakes often served with powdered sugar and butter.
Bitterballen – Crispy Dutch meatballs, perfect with a cold drink.
Kaas – Dutch cheese is a must-try, with varieties like Gouda and Edam that are simply delicious.
Patat – Thick Dutch fries served with unique sauces, like mayonnaise and peanut satay.
And for dessert, Amsterdam has some iconic sweets to indulge in:
Appeltaart – A Dutch apple pie with a flaky crust, usually enjoyed with whipped cream.
Van Stapele’s Chocolate Cookie – Famous for its soft, gooey center and rich chocolate taste.
Oliebollen – Dutch doughnuts, often enjoyed warm and dusted with powdered sugar.
Kruidnoten – Bite-sized spiced cookies, especially popular around the holiday season.
Exploring Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a city of picturesque beauty, with canals winding through historic neighborhoods. Don’t miss a stroll through Vondelpark or a visit to Museumplein, where you’ll find the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum. History buffs will find themselves captivated by the Anne Frank House, and art lovers will be enchanted by the variety of galleries and unique installations.
Where to Eat in Amsterdam
Whether it’s coffee and pastries at a quaint canal-side cafe or exploring the vibrant food scene with everything from local favorites to international flavors, Amsterdam has endless options for food enthusiasts. Below, I’ll be sharing my favorite places to eat, drink, and enjoy all that this city has to offer!
Restaurants & Must Try Dishes
BREAKFAST & COFFE SPOTS:
Fort Negen 🥐: Enjoy artisanal pastries and breads at this popular bakery in Amsterdam.
Margo's Amsterdam ☕️: Perfect spot for a morning coffee in a cozy, local ambiance.
et CLAIRE 🥐: Savor fresh pastries and coffee in this quaint cafe with a warm vibe.
LOCALS Specialty Coffee ☕️: A top choice for coffee lovers with expertly brewed drinks.
Coffee District Willemsparkweg ☕️: Specialty coffee and a relaxed setting, ideal for starting your day.
Uncommon Cafe ☕️: Trendy spot with unique coffee blends and delicious breakfast options.
Breadwinner 🥐: Grab fresh bread and pastries to fuel your morning.
Salvo ☕️: Experience rich coffee and light breakfast bites at this neighborhood gem.
Van Stapele Koekmakerij 🍪: Famous for their iconic chocolate cookies – a must-try!
Screaming Beans ☕️: Known for its quality coffee and inviting atmosphere.
Bakers & Roasters 🥞: Kiwi and Brazilian-inspired brunch dishes in a lively setting.
Buurtcafé De Tros 🥐: A cozy local cafe offering coffee and breakfast staples.
Back to Black ☕️: Quaint spot serving fantastic coffee in the heart of the city.
grammes ☕️: A minimalist cafe with delicious pastries and quality coffee.
LOT61 Coffee Roasters ☕️: Enjoy bold, expertly crafted coffee here.
Luuk's Coffee Noordermarkt ☕️: A charming spot for coffee lovers at the local market.
Ulmus Bakery 🥐: Delightful bakery with fresh pastries and breads.
Dignita Hoftuin 🍰: Beautiful garden cafe with a brunch menu worth exploring.
Pat's Poffertjes 🥞: Try these traditional Dutch mini pancakes for a sweet treat.
Staring at Jacob 🍳: Hip brunch spot offering hearty breakfast options.
DINING:
Choux 🍽️: Fine dining with a focus on fresh, local ingredients and creative dishes.
nNea Pizza 🍕: Authentic Italian pizza made with love and attention to detail.
Graca Amsterdam 🍤: Portuguese-inspired dishes with vibrant flavors.
Yan Yan Dumplings 🥟: Delightful handmade dumplings in a cozy setting.
Fuku Ramen 🍜: Savor authentic ramen bowls and Japanese comfort food.
louf 🍽️: Modern, stylish restaurant with seasonal and innovative dishes.
Baladi Manouche 🥙: Lebanese flatbreads and Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
Cafe Restaurant Metro: A warm and inviting spot for casual dining and drinks.
Troef 🍽️: Creative dishes in a rustic, urban atmosphere.
BREDA : High-end restaurant offering an inventive tasting menu.
Sama Sebo 🥘: A traditional spot for Indonesian rijsttafel (rice table) dishes.
The Lebanese Sajeria 🥙: Simple, delicious Lebanese wraps and snacks.
New King 🥢: Well-loved Chinese restaurant serving classic dim sum and dishes.
KAIA Contemporary Greek 🍽️: Greek-inspired fare with a contemporary twist.
Miri Mary Indian Restaurant 🍛: Authentic Indian flavors and a vibrant atmosphere.
Toki ☕️: Stylish cafe known for its coffee, pastries, and relaxed ambiance.
OTHER SAVORABLES:
Banketbakkerij Het Koekemannetje 🍪: Delight in classic Dutch cookies and pastries.
Skina 🥐: A little bakery with delicious fresh breads and pastries.
Fabel Friet Runstraat 🍟: Crispy fries with a variety of delicious sauces.
van Wonderen Stroopwafels 🍪: Customize your stroopwafel with toppings for a sweet treat.
Winkel 43 🍏: Known for their famous Dutch apple pie – a local favorite.
SAINT-JEAN Bakery 🥐: Artisan bakery with beautifully crafted pastries.
Vlaams Friteshuis Vleminckx 🍟: Legendary spot for Belgian fries in the heart of Amsterdam.
Eetsalon Van Dobben 🥪: Enjoy traditional Dutch croquettes and sandwiches.
Van Soest Amsterdam 🍫: Chocolate shop with decadent treats and sweets.
Ko 🍫: Delicious chocolates and sweets from this local chocolatier.
Top Travel Spots to Explore
Albert Cuyp Market 🛍️: Discover a bustling local market with food, clothes, and souvenirs.
De Carrousel Pannenkoeken Amsterdam 🥞: Have a traditional Dutch pancake in a historic carousel building.
Van Gogh Museum 🖼️: Explore an impressive collection of Van Gogh’s masterpieces.
Anne Frank House 🕍: Visit the historic house where Anne Frank hid during WWII.
Negen Straatjes 🛍️: Wander through these charming streets filled with boutiques and cafes.
Jordaan 🏘️: Explore this scenic neighborhood with quaint streets and art galleries.
Rudi’s Original Stroopwafels 🍪: Try freshly made stroopwafels at the famous Albert Cuyp Market.
de Bijenkorf Amsterdam 🛍️: Luxury shopping at one of Amsterdam's largest department stores.
Beadies - Kralen, Sieraden en Accessoires 💍: Create your own jewelry with a selection of beautiful beads.
Sarphatipark 🌳: Relax in this lovely green park, perfect for a picnic.
Royal Palace Amsterdam 🏰: Take a tour of the grand Royal Palace in Dam Square.
Allard Pierson Museum of Antiquities 🏛️: A fascinating museum with ancient artifacts.
Oude Kerk Amsterdam ⛪️: Amsterdam’s oldest building and church with striking architecture.
NEMO Science Museum 🧪: Interactive science museum for all ages.
H'ART Museum (Hermitage Amsterdam) 🖼️: Impressive art exhibitions in a historic setting.
Amsterdam Cheese Museum 🧀: Discover the history of Dutch cheese and taste samples.
Vondelpark 🌳: Amsterdam’s largest park, ideal for a bike ride or leisurely walk.
Noordermarkt 🛍️: Popular market with antiques, food, and a local vibe.
Corsgenbrug 🌉: A beautiful bridge for perfect canal views.
Seven Bridges View Point 📸: A scenic spot to capture Amsterdam’s iconic bridges.
Chinatown 🏮: Explore Amsterdam’s vibrant Chinatown with shops and restaurants.