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A Travel Guide to Amsterdam’s Best Museums, Restaurants, and Activities

Travel guide to Amsterdam

A bustling cultural scene, picturesque canal network, and rich history make Amsterdam the most vibrant city in the world. You can find endless things to do in Amsterdam no matter the weather, and many of the best experiences are outside the well-trodden tourist paths. This essential travel guide to Amsterdam will lead you through the wealth of wonders listed below.

The Best Museums in Amsterdam

The following list of Amsterdam museums is for backpackers’ convenience so that they can amuse themselves while on vacation.

  • Rijksmuseum

A Travel Guide to Amsterdam

Located on Museum Square, Amsterdam’s renowned museum features ancient sculptures, paintings, antique furniture, and more from the 18th century to the 21st century. An incredible art collection, from Rembrandt to Frans Hals, but the venue’s ambience keeps you coming back.

  • Nederlands Scheepvaartmuseum

Museums in Amsterdam

Its location at sea level prevents Amsterdam from sinking because of its canals. See the Dutch East India Company or VOC for examples of their explorers and entrepreneurs. Both sides of this obsession are reflected in this museum. It is a must-see place for anyone interested in history.

  • Stedelijk Museummuseums in Amsterdam

Over 90,000 eclectic pieces are on display at this modern art museum. The Stedelijk Base also offers some of the best contemporary art (including Picasso, Koons, Lichtenstein, etc.). Even with its excellent Museum Square location and bathtub-shaped exterior, there’s less foot traffic here than at any other major museum. 

The Best Restaurants in Amsterdam

Here are some of Amsterdam’s best restaurants that will keep you coming back for more.

  • Jansz

travel guide to Amsterdam

This former apothecary shop offers classics with a modern twist. While dinner is the real star here, they also serve a mean lunch and are happy, accommodating kids. Chef Arnout van der Kolk’s cooking is robust and flavourful. You can’t find fresher Dutch produce anywhere else.

  • Stork

best restaurants in Amsterdam

Stork is the best place to eat fresh fish and seafood in the hollow, south-facing space on the banks of the River IJ. You can take a ferry across the water from Noord to this former factory, which serves up lobster, oysters, and fish of the day.

  • Hap-Hmm

best restaurants in Amsterdam

You can find traditional Dutch food at ‘Yummy Bite’ for a reasonable price since 1935. This restaurant offers butter-soft beef steaks, excellent schnitzel, and meatballs that won’t break the bank.

The Best Activities in Amsterdam 

If you are not sure of what to do in the city, follow these easy travel guide to Amsterdam to enjoy the activities like:

  • Discover windmills, countryside, and beaches
  • Experience the culture of Westergas
  • Take a boat ride past canal houses and bridges
  • Explore one of the historic breweries in the area
  • Visit the renovated shipyard in Amsterdam Noord on the free ferry
  • Check out a world-famous venue for a concert