Amsterdam with it's historic architecture, beautiful canals and laid back culture is one of the most famous cities in Europe. Being only a short flight from the UK, and with some world class museums as well, it's certainly an interesting place to visit.

Take a canal cruise


This will help orientate you for the city and I can't think of a better way to see the city than gliding along on the water. From this viewpoint you can see the beautiful architecture of the narrow houses, and watch the world go by. The canals are also home to the many gorgeous houseboats. In days gone by the poorest people used to live on the houseboats as they were used for transporting goods but now these structures moored on the canals are home to many people and are worth as much as some homes.


Visit the museums 




From the large world renowned museums like the Van Gough and Rijkmuseum to the small and quirky museums like the Houseboat Museum and the Erotic Museum, Amsterdam has something for everyone. 




The Rijkmuseum has the Night Watch by Rembrandt and The Kitchen Maid by Vermeer whilst the Van Gough museum has the famous Sunflowers. Find out how Anne Frank lived in the Anne Frank House, and if modern art is more your thing the Stedelijk museum houses art from Andy Warhol and Pablo Picasso. If you like lager, try the Heineken museum, where the history of this brew is examined. Did you know it used to be delivered on horse back? As you walk around you are given lager to enjoy and a souvenir glass to take away. 




Experience the sex and drugs, from near or afar

I bet that headline caught your attention! Amsterdam is a very laid back city. You can't visit Amsterdam without at least walking down 'The Red Light District'. The sex shops, live sex shows, peep shows and doors with the red lights where ladies entice you in are famous around the world. If you are unsure about visiting, walk down during the day, when there are plenty of couples, coach parties and even the odd family around. Although during the day it feels safe, at night it has a different vibe and gets sleazier with stag parties and single men.  



Amsterdam's coffee shops, where cannabis is openly sold for personal consumption, were legalised in 1980. There are now at least 250 in the city. If you want to visit one but are unsure check out the Timeout Guide on Amsterdam's drug laws and etiquette.  Staff are reportedly helpful and a menu is available if you are not sure what to order.

Eat local food


From bitterballen (meatballs) to fries with mayo and stroopwaffle (a waffle with syrup inside), Amsterdam has many delicious street foods particular to the region.  The FEBO machine dispenses snacks such as meatballs, fries and hamburgers, whilst a number of cool organic cafes sell delicious salads, juices, cakes and sandwiches. Have a piece of warm apple pie with slagroom (cream), whilst people watching in a pavement cafe.

Amsterdam is famous for Indonesian food due to their link with the country and if you can, try an Indonesian rice table or Rijsttafel whilst visiting the city. A wide selection of small portions are served, sometimes up to 40 dishes, with the emphasis on different flavours and textures, and popular dishes being satay and rendang. 

There is also a great foodie scene in Amsterdam, with a number of upmarket and Michelin starred restaurants, for those that like their food stylish and refined.



For tourist information check out I Amsterdam.  I was given the I Amsterdam city card for entrance to the many museums, and free unlimited public transport. It is worth checking out the card if you ever visit. Book your accommodation in Amsterdam now if you want to enjoy this amazing city.

So this is my guide to the top things to do in Amsterdam. Tell me, have you been or do you want to go?