Amsterdam Travel Guide

1. More Bikes Than People: Amsterdam has more bicycles than residents.
2. Canal Capital: The city has over a hundred kilometers of canals and more than 1,200 bridges, more than Venice and Paris combined.
3. Houseboats Galore: Amsterdam is home to about 2,500 houseboats permanently moored along its canals.
4. English Proficiency: Over 90% of Amsterdam residents speak English fluently, making it one of the most English‑proficient cities in the world.
5. Tulip Mania Legacy: Dating back to the 19th century, Amsterdam’s Bloemenmarkt keeps the city’s tulip tradition alive, honoring the famous 17th‑century tulip mania.
6. Museum Density: Amsterdam is known for its dense concentration of museums, including the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, and Stedelijk Museum.
7. Biking Culture: Bikes make up a large share of all traffic in Amsterdam, reflecting the city’s strong cycling‑first culture.
8. Historic Architecture: Amsterdam’s iconic narrow canal houses were shaped by a clever 17th‑century tax on property width.
9. Green City: Amsterdam is filled with parks, with Vondelpark standing out as a lush green escape in the heart of the city.
10. Floating Market Tradition: Bloemenmarkt is the only floating flower market in the world, selling tulips and Dutch bulbs year-round.
11. Smallest House in Amsterdam: Oude Hoogstraat 22 is the city’s narrowest house, just over 2 meters wide.
12. Coffee Culture: Amsterdam is famous for its cafés and coffee shops, blending Dutch coziness with a unique café culture.
13. Amsterdam Light Festival: Each winter, the city comes alive with illuminated art installations along the canals.

1. Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge): Capture yourself with the romantic white drawbridge in the background, especially stunning at night when it’s lit up.
2. Herengracht, Keizersgracht & Prinsengracht: Snap a shot of yourself along these picturesque canals lined with historic Dutch houses.
3. Blauwbrug: Pose with the ornate blue bridge framing the Amstel River for a classic Amsterdam scene.
4. Anne Frank House: Capture yourself outside this historic site with the tranquil canal views nearby.
5. Rijksmuseum & Museumplein: Get an iconic shot in front of the museum’s stunning exterior or by the reflective pond and sculptures.
6. Royal Palace Amsterdam: Take a photo of yourself at Dam Square with the palace’s majestic architecture behind you.
7. Begijnhof: Snap a peaceful portrait in this hidden courtyard surrounded by centuries-old buildings and gardens.
8. Bloemenmarkt (Floating Flower Market): Pose surrounded by vibrant tulips and colorful flowers for a cheerful Amsterdam memory.
9. NDSM Wharf: Capture yourself amid bold street art and graffiti at this edgy, artistic hotspot.
10. Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes): Frame yourself along charming cobblestone streets lined with boutiques and cafés.
11. A’DAM Lookout: Take a daring selfie with the city skyline behind you, or on the “Over the Edge” swing for an unforgettable shot.
12. SkyLounge Amsterdam: Capture yourself soaking in panoramic rooftop views over Amsterdam, best enjoyed at sunset.
13. Vondelpark: Capture yourself in a tranquil setting surrounded by trees, ponds, and seasonal blooms.
14. Jordaan District: Photograph yourself wandering narrow streets filled with art galleries, cozy cafés, and canal views.

Amsterdam is one of those cities that truly feels unlike any other in Europe. From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by its charming canal houses, winding cobblestone streets, and picturesque corners around every turn. I loved how easy it was to get around—we could walk from the train station to our hotel, the Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam, which is conveniently located right across the street. The city is bursting with character, from cozy boutique shops and lively bars to irresistible delicacies like stroopwafels and poffertjes—tiny, fluffy Dutch pancakes dusted with powdered sugar.

One of the best ways to experience Amsterdam is on foot or by bike. You can wander down almost any street and stumble upon something magical, whether it’s a hidden courtyard, a canal bridge, or a local café. Our canal cruise was the perfect introduction to the city, offering a great overview of its history, architecture, and must-see sights. Another highlight was the Heineken Experience, a fun and interactive self-guided tour where we explored the brewery’s history, learned about the brewing process, and ended with a tasting while enjoying scenic canal views.

Visiting the Anne Frank Museum was unforgettable. The preserved Secret Annex and carefully curated exhibits depict Anne’s personal story while highlighting the harsh realities of life for Jews hiding during the Holocaust—the constant fear, scarcity, and courage it required. Having studied this period in IB History, it felt surreal to actually see it come to life. Her story suddenly felt so real, and the history around it made so much more sense.

For kids, Dam Square is a simple joy—my daughter loved feeding the pigeons, watching street performers, and playing on the mini playgrounds with slides and monkey bars. I also loved the A’DAM Lookout and the “Over the Edge” swing, which offered exhilarating panoramic views of the city in a fun, thrill-seeking way.

A few insider tips: book popular attractions like the Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, and canal cruises weeks in advance. Carry a reusable water bottle, as most cafés have taps. Don’t miss wandering through lesser-known neighborhoods like Jordaan or De Negen Straatjes, where you can enjoy boutique shopping, cozy cafés, and authentic local vibes. I highly recommend planning your trip around the Keukenhof Tulip Festival, but keep in mind that Amsterdam in spring can be chilly and windy, so be sure to pack a warm jacket and comfortable walking shoes.