Amsterdam, Netherlands — Traveling Deux

Eat + Drink

The top places to spark your tastebuds and quench your thirst

Tasting Menu at Daalder

Our #1 dinner recommendation is Daalder. Michelin star food with a family-run vibe, every single bite was memorable and made with love. You choose the number of courses and the chef chooses the dishes. Make a res now.

Dine at Restaurant Lastage

Want to step it up with a fancy night out? Eat at Lastage for upscale French-Dutch cuisine in a cozy, sophisticated canal house. Incredibly inventive meal, every dish was an art piece. The sommelier knows details about the wineries you wouldn’t believe, and everyone was friendly and knowledgeable. Open for dinner Tuesday-Sunday.

Dinner at Gebr. Hartering

For a sophisticated and seasonal meal in an upscale, rustic setting, try Gebr Hartering. Order the tasting menu or a la carte- dishes change daily depending on the season. Request a table on the secret bottom floor/below deck (only 2 tables) for a more romantic, intimate setting. This is where we celebrated our engagement. You’ll be eye level with the water in the canal, and feel like you have the whole place to yourself.

Dutch Apple Pie at Winkel 43

You can’t leave Amsterdam without trying the best apple pie in the world at Winkel 43, topped with homemade whipped cream, and a warm cappuccino. A lively cafe/bar with indoor and outdoor seating, there’s always a line but it moves fast and is well worth it. If you’re a tea lover, don’t miss their mint or ginger tea. Full disclosure, we came here for breakfast AND dessert in the same day: it’s that good.

High Tea at Gartine

A magical, cozy, antique-filled cafe located in the center of Amsterdam. Open for breakfast, lunch and tea (2-5pm), using homemade ingredients from their onsite garden. Highly recommend making a reservation in advance (by phone only) or expect a long wait. Call 020 320 41 32. Open Wednesday to Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm. Learn more.

Door 74

Door 74 is the first speakeasy-style cocktail bar in town. Looks like an abandoned building from the outside (it’s so deceiving we swore the place closed down and almost gave up), but if you can find the doorbell you’ll be delighted by the creative cocktails and intimate vibe. For reservations call +31 (0)6 34 04 51 22 or visit door-74.com. Reguliersdwarsstraat 74.

Hiding in Plain Sight

Need a classy place to grab a drink, with creative cocktails and trendy vibe? Check out Hiding in Plain Sight, an award winning cocktail bar located just around the corner from Gebr Hartering restaurant.

Tales & Spirits

A famous cocktail bar with excellent cocktails and lively atmosphere.

Get Your Cheese On

In the Netherlands, making cheese is an art form. If you’re a cheese lover (and who isn’t), Amsterdam will be your heaven. Pop into any cheese shop around the city to sample your favorites, and try new flavors. Find something you like? They’ll shrink wrap it for you so it stays fresh for over a month. One of our favorite local shops is De Kaaskamer in the 9 Streets.

Dutch Apple Pie at Winkel 43

Tales & Spirits

Restaurant Lastage

De Kaaskamer

Amsterdam Fall Bikes LS.jpg — See + Do

The top things to do while you’re in town

Explore the “Nine Streets”

For a true taste of Amsterdam, explore the “Nine Streets” area, named for a ring of canals in the heart of Amsterdam. Wonderful shops, cute eateries, and picturesque scenery that should not be missed. Make sure to have your camera ready. Just look both ways before crossing the streets to avoid a collision with bicyclists.

Stroll through Vondelpark

The largest city park in Amsterdam, and the most famous park in the Netherlands. Beautiful place to enjoy the good weather. Rent bikes or simply walk the grounds.

Lay Out in Museumplein

Grab a book, headphones, or just simply people-watch on this huge grassy lawn in the center of town, where all the museums are.

Rent Bicycles

Trust us: the best way to see Amsterdam is hopping on their main mode of transportation. Don’t be afraid of the locals. Get comfortable biking along the canals, or through Vondelmark, which tend to be less crowded and is by far the most beautiful part of the city.

Visit the Noodermarkt

The ‘trendiest’ of outdoor markets with vintage finds, great food + people watching. Small but good quality vendors. Want the true local experience? Cap off the morning with the best dutch apple pie in town from Winkle 73. Saturday + Monday mornings only. Learn more.

Try a Coffeeshop

Before going to Amsterdam, you should remember this important distinction: A “Coffeeshop” is where you go to smoke, and a “Koffe-house / koffiehuis” is where you get caffeine + espresso. You’ll find them all over the city, typically with a marijuana leaf outside. Curious what to expect? Read this Coffeeshop Etiquette.

Explore De Pijp

De Pijp is the former Latin Quarter, located just southeast of the main downtown (canal) area. Amsterdam is similar to NYC, in that the city keeps expanding outward to new areas because of all the density and population growth. De Pijp is home to a variety of ethnicities and nationalities, which makes it a great melting pot of food and culture. Go for brunch or spend the whole afternoon exploring the beautiful architecture, stylish and trendy restaurants, and independent boutiques.

Van Gogh Museum in Museumplein

Noodermarkt

Bike riding

Lunch at Ree7 in the Nine Streets

Get Cultured

Soak up some history and art

There are about 75 museums in Amsterdam, so there’s no excuse to get a little culture while you’re there. Most of the major musuems allow you to buy tickets in advance, which is a great option if you’re traveling during high tourist season (June-August). If you only have a few days, below are the ones you should check out:

Van Gogh Museum (Museumplein)- One of the best-known museums in Amsterdam (and our personal favorite), this museum houses the largest collection of Van Gogh’s work in the world. Located in the center of Museumplein, stop by a kafeshop, grab a spot in the grass, then head inside and get your creative mind blown. Don’t miss his famous “Sunflowers”.
Rijksmuseum (Museumplein)- See 5,000 paintings (plus clothing, weapons and libraries) from over 800 years of Dutch Golden Age history in one beautiful building. You’ll recognize this building from the famous “I Am Amsterdam” installation. I compare this museum to the Louvre: definitely check it out if you have time, but you don’t need to spend hours here.
Stedelijk Museum (Museumplein) – Collection of modern and contemporary art and design. It recently re-opened in Museumplein after a long renovation, known as one of the biggest building projects in the entire city.
Anne Frank House - Must see. Insider’s tip: you MUST buy your tickets online for a specific day and time (they no longer sell them in person). They release 80% of the tix up to 2 months in advance, then 20% are released online that day. To save $, try purchasing package deals, like Anne Frank House + Canal Cruise package.
Hermitage- The Hermitage houses exhibits from the State Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg. The building– a former 17th century hospital- has an impressive setting, set along the Amstel canal with a large, green courtyard.
Canal Cruise- Great option for your first time in Amsterdam. Part historical tour, part relaxation, it’s a nice way to see many parts of the city from a new perspective without having to exert yourself. If you’re feeling more adventurous, rent a private small boat for a couple hours to explore on your own.

Amsterdam - canal house hotel — Stay + Sleep

Amsterdam is full of authentic boutique hotels - here’s the best places to rest and recharge

Pulitzer Amsterdam

We keep coming back to the Pulitzer. Set within 25 restored canal houses, this hotel has an upscale, funky vibe. Think Alice in Wonderland puffed couches, bright colors, delicious food and a striking cocktail bar. Great location set between two major canals, ideal views, high-class service with a good price point. When the weather is nice, enjoy a cocktail or lay out on their manicured outdoor garden or very Instagram-able swings. https://www.pulitzeramsterdam.com/

The Hoxton Amsterdam

Who doesn’t love the Hoxton Hotels? This is our other favorite place to stay. Quintessential boutique hotel tailored to younger audience, with bohemian, hipster style, at an affordable price. Also, you can't beat this location. They clearly put a lot of thought into the decor (we love all the tiny details so much that we took pics to replicate in our NYC apartment). Price depends on the size of the room (choose the “Shoebox” room if you’re on a budget, or splurge for the high end “Concept” rooms). The comfy lobby lounge is a great place to grab a coffee, work on your laptop, or people watch. Herengracht 255 https://thehoxton.com/holland/amsterdam/hotels

The Dylan

This 5 star hotel is known as the best boutique hotel in Amsterdam. Located in a 17th century canal house in the famous 9 Streets area (center of Amsterdam canals), the Dylan has a classic, modern design with unique rooms. This is the place to stay if you have a bigger budget and want a luxurious but intimate, local experience. https://www.dylanamsterdam.com/boutique-hotel-amsterdam/