Reasons to love Amsterdam
by
I grew up in Amsterdam, and lived there briefly as an adult. I'm too American to want to move back again, but this place still feels like home to me.
brianwestphal, sharon, izzy and 10 other people liked this guide, 489 views
Rembrandtplein in Amsterdam
I always loved passing through here in the summer -- with all the people at the terraces, you felt like you were at the heart of the world.
Hortus Botanicus in Amsterdam
Tropical and desert plants, a beautiful outdoor garden, and a small greenhouse filled with butterflies -- perfect for a midwinter visit.
De Kaaskamer van Amsterdam in Amsterdam
If you love cheese -- hell, even if you just _like_ cheese, you have to stop here. Skip a museum if you have to. They won't make you nearly as happy.
De Carrousel in Amsterdam
It may be touristy, but it works. Tasty poffertjes, and a merry-go-round in the restaurant to distract the kiddies. Fairly close to the museum quarter as well.
Cafe Loetje in Amsterdam
Former owner Loetje used to be a butcher. Even though he's not always around to yell at you to close the door, they still serve the best steak in Amsterdam.
Giant chessboard at Max Euweplein in Amsterdam
My daily commute would take me past this, and in the afternoon I'd usually see a game in progress.
Vondelpark in Amsterdam
Look, it's no Central Park, I know. But it serves the same purpose in Amsterdam, and it's a nice place to be.
Stripwinkel Lambiek in Amsterdam
It's simply the best store in the world for comics and graphic novels. Hop in here for a spell while your friends are overpaying at the nearby Bulldog.
Albert Cuyp Market in Amsterdam
In my mind, this is the way we should shop. If you speak Dutch, it's as much entertainment as it is commerce. I loved going here as a boy.
Febo in Amsterdam
Coin-op fast food is one of the hallmarks of an advanced civilization. Try the kroket.
Noordermarkt in Amsterdam
There's no farmers' market like a Dutch farmers' market. Stop by every Saturday for fabulous organic produce, and get an apple pie from Cafe Winkel.
Cafe Winkel in Amsterdam
It's called the best apple pie in Amsterdam, and I can vouch for that. Get it with whipped cream (slagroom) and a cafe au lait (coffee verkeerd)
Café Pieper in Amsterdam
I'm not much of a barfly, but this is a charming place in one of the prettiest spots in town.
Amsterdamse Bos in Amstelveen
This is a little ways outside the city, but it's close enough for short break from urbanity.
Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam
Van Gogh rocks, but the museum is overrated. I like the Stedelijk much better. It's closed for renovation, but until 2010 you can find exhibits all over town.
Amstel in Amsterdam
It's the river that gave Amsterdam its name. Start around the windmill in the Amstelpark and head out of town. Perfect on a summer afternoon.
Artis in Amsterdam
It's a more traditional zoo, and I've always felt some of the animals' enclosures look cramped. The adjoining aquarium is beautiful.
Condomerie in Amsterdam
Yep, a store that specializes in condoms. Very Amsterdam, and located right near the Red Light District, of course.
Station Amsterdam Centraal in Amsterdam
Grand Central has nothing on the architecture, or the destinations!
Bloemenmarkt in Amsterdam
Only in Amsterdam do you learn to take a floating flower market for granted.
Rijksmuseum Amsterdam in Amsterdam
This place is so huge, you should really plan on making several trips to see it all. The "Nachtwacht" ("Night Watch") is the big draw, of course.
Leidseplein in Amsterdam
The Leidseplein really shines in summer evenings, but whenever you just need a break from whatever it is you're doing, go here.
Coffeeship Goa in Amsterdam
Back when I still inhaled, this is where I'd tend to go. It's right on the edge of the Red Light District, so you can combine your debauchery.
Kalverstraat in Amsterdam
This is the way a mall should be -- outdoors and jam-packed. Just start at one end, move slowly, and eat along the way.
Street Organs in Amsterdam
I almost forgot about the "draaiorgel!" If you walk around the Kalverstraat in the summer, you'll usually see one. Just thinking about them brings on nostalgia.
Spui in Amsterdam
This is a nice little square with some great bars (Hoppe, De Zwart) and a fabulous bookstore (Athenaeum).
Zeedijk in Amsterdam
This is in the oldest part of Amsterdam, and I believe you can find the oldest house in the city here. Amsterdam's tiny Chinatown starts around here.
Leave a comment (5 comments)
crankeeyankee said 7 months, 4 weeks ago:
if only we had a local to show us around! Definitely a few places worth a return visit for thanks!
Choochter said 7 months, 4 weeks ago:
Cool guide, I'm heading to Amsterdam in 3 weeks. Staying near Vondelpark so might try a couple of your recommendations!
heymarcel said 7 months, 3 weeks ago:
Choochter, I'd be interested to hear what you liked best during your trip. It's been a while since I've been back.
aegage said 5 months, 3 weeks ago:
Great guide, really makes me want to go and explore the city
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brianwestphal said 9 months ago:
Really cool guide. I want to go to Amsterdam!