Your Not-So Touristy Travel Guide for Amsterdam's Top Spots

I spent two whole months here working remotely and exploring the epic city of Amsterdam. Despite traveling to over 25+ cities around the world, Amsterdam still remains my number one spot.

The food, safety, culture, bike life, "smoke weed every day" vibes, charming canal, outdoor parks, and dope thrift markets...It's everything you need in one small city!

I aspire to ultimately end up here one day with a cute little red brick house on the canal.

This guide will surely guarantee you to have the best time with my top spots in Amsterdam (and some tips if staying longer term.)

1. Tips

2. Yoga

3. Cafes

4. Markets

5. Restaurants

6. Bars

7. Spots to vibe at

8. Spots to explore

Tips:

1. Get a bike as soon as possible (Swapfiets if you're staying long-term for affordable and free of charge alterations)

2. Obtaining a museum card (around 65 euros) is wise so you can access all museums in Amsterdam for free.

3. Join "Amsterdam Digital Nomads" and "Amsterdam Housing" group chats on Facebook for insight into housing, sublets, meet-ups, and like-minded individuals

4. Get a card for the subway!
   

Yoga:

• Yoga Den: The ideal yoga space—a warm, beautiful studio that made my Amsterdam experience. The best studio I have been to in my life

• De Nieuwe Yoga School: Incredible community space with gardens, coffee, and showers—white and heavenly!

• The White Door Studio: Amazing yoga studio with top-notch classes and atmosphere.
  

Cafes:

• Alchemist Garden: Wow, I can't quite express the sense of community this cafe has given me. On Mondays or Fridays, you can grab a tray and take orders, cook in the kitchen, or prepare drinks behind the bar. Owner Alec and his friend Johan warmly welcome anyone willing to contribute. If you pitch in, they offer free food, discounts on your bill, and even teach you kitchen skills. Sometimes, they share tips left by patrons! It's been a 10/10 experience, and I'll cherish these memories forever.

• Coffee Company: Yummy ice lattes and more—like an elevated Starbucks all over the city. A favored spot to read!

• Chun: A favored spot with incredible matcha and boba options—don't miss the strawberry matcha!

• De Laatste Kruimel: Freshly baked bakery, near Rokin, with homemade goods, sandwiches, soups, and coffee.

• The School of Life: Cafe, hangout, books, and more.

• Shake City Amsterdam: Juices, wraps, and more—a cute cafe near Vondelpark with a friendly owner Steven!

• Greenwoods: Signature brunch spot on the canal with large plates and delicious options.

• STATCH: Modern, healthy convenience store across the city—perfect for quick bites.

Markets:

• Waterlooplein Market: Legendary and oldest Amsterdam thrift market—find rad vintage clothing, accessories, and more. 9:30-18:00 Mon-Sat

• Noordermarkt: Saturdays and Mondays only—delicious produce, jewelry, and clothes.

• IJ Hallen Flea Market: Known as one of Europe's biggest flea markets, cash only, happens on the weekend once a month. The best market I have seen in my entire life!

Restaurants:

• Men Impossible: Everyone sits at one table with a pre-set Asain-infused menu and fixed price, including water and tea upon arrival. Able to grab alcohol from the coolers—it’s hands down my favorite restaurant here.

• Golden Temple: Welcomed me perfectly on my first night. Cozy and fun vegetarian Indian spot with a great selection of dishes.

• Yuan's Hot Pot: Beyond cozy with gigantic hot pots customized to your liking and desires. Orders are completed through a personal iPad with robots roaming around. Very cool and futuristic experience!

• Veganees: Fire food, beer, and service—try their menu favorites.

• Mr. Blou I Love You (Food Truck): Mediterranean-inspired vegan street food truck—fantastic falafel wraps and cakes.

• Zoku: Rooftop bar, workspace, live music, and great vibe with plenty of sunlight—reasonable prices.

• Bardak: Tel Avivian street food with kick-ass drinks—try the Bardak Experience!

• Karavaan: Modern Mediterranean food with great drink pitchers and indoor/outdoor seating.

• Bam Boa: Beautiful outdoor seating with a view of the canal—Miami vibes with small plates and a chill atmosphere.

• Mastino Vegan Pizza: Delicious vegan pizza—large and loaded with toppings!

• Vegan Junk Food Bar: This is a cool spot for vegan "American" junk food—colorful and tasty options at three locations.

• Bar Mash: This is a cozy spot in Pijp with drinks and Thai food.

Bars:

• Jazz Café Alto: Dope live jazz and speakeasy vibe—arrive early for a good spot! A top spot for me

• Waterkant: Cool waterside bar with a variety of drinks.

• De Tulp: A must-hit bar with a tropical vibe and large drinks. Ask for their socks!

• Cafe Hill Street Blues: Coolest bar in the Red Light District—decked-out graffiti walls and a must-visit before Casa Rosso (Red Light District)!

• Chin Chin Club: Solid dinner, drinks, and clubbing experience all in one—$$$

• Quartier Putain: Cozy coffee shop and bar in the Red Light District—great for a chill time with nice music.

• t' Paardje: Fun bar in the Pijp—ideal for late-night bar-hopping.

• Cafe de Groene Vlinder: Fun late-night bar in the Pijp—perfect for bar-hopping!

• Mazazik: Fun hookah bar in Noord with a cool Middle Eastern vibe—excellent service and drinks.

• Skate Cafe: Big nightclub with different rooms on a skate park—groovy lights and people.

• P96 Cafe: Cute bar with canal seating in Jordaan—beautiful views!

Spots to vibe at:

• Vondelpark: The iconic park of Amsterdam. Huge park with flower beds, water, and fountains. Check out Rosarium for beds of roses—ideal for chilling.

• Buitenzembad Marineterrein: Fun swimming area with docks and spots to jump off—great on hot days.

• Jachtaven Olympia: Quiet dock with beautiful boats passing by frequently.

• OBA Central Library: Not just a typical library. Immaculate views and beyond cozy. Perfect for work and study with Wi-Fi.

• Green House Coffeeshop: My favorite place to vibe out and smoke some weed. Joints are reasonably priced.

• University of Amsterdam (UVA) Campus: A beloved spot on the canal in a prime location with areas to hang, people watch, and vibe.

Spots to explore:

• Foam Museum: Cool photography exhibitions with a cafe inside—great for inspiration!

• Wereldmuseum: Fascinating museum with exhibitions on various global topics—check out their reflections on identity and beliefs.

• Boat trip around the canal

• Rijksmuseum: A must-hit—The National Museum of the Netherlands featuring Dutch history and art.

• The Book Exchange: Quality second-hand English books at cheap prices—Fred gives the best recommendations!

• AMAZE Amsterdam: An incredible interactive light production show with a bar to welcome you in before you enter! Must hit if in Amsterdam!

• Het Scheepvaartmuseum: Big museum with an open ship to explore—hammocks included!

• Nemo Science Kids Museum: Super interactive with different floors on global topics and a food court with a stunning city view.

To the dopest city I have ever seen! I will be back soon <3

Xoxo,

Chelsey