I’ve had a few people contact me over the past year or so asking for recommendations for their trips to Amsterdam. I have been sort of dragging my feet writing this post because I think that recommendations for what to see and where to eat in a city is fairly personal, so what I recommend may or may not fit what you’re looking for. But that being said, I’ve put together a list anyway. Obviously a lot of what is below is kid-friendly, since we live here with our two little ones, but there are some bars and date-night options included for those of you who are lucky enough to be traveling sans-babies.
Click on the links for more info.
Groceries, Basics, etc.:
- Lidl (takes cash or PIN)
- Albert Heijn (takes cash or Maestro PIN cards only)
- Marqt (cards only)
- Etos (drugstore)
- Kruidvat (drugstore)
- Albert Cuypmarkt (good for: cheese, nuts, fish, fruits/veggies, flowers, etc.)
Breakfast/Brunch:
- Bij Paul (our favorite croissants in the city)
- Bakers and Roasters
- Drovers Dog (outdoor seating is nice on warm days)
- Dignita (especially good for kids)
- Omelegg
- De Carrousel (pannenkoeken — Dutch pancakes)
- Bagels and Beans (multiple locations)
Lunch:
- De Wasserette
- Hutspot
- Bakhuys (sandwiches/pizza/bakery/coffee – best bread in Amsterdam, in my opinion — I go roughly once a week to buy bread.)
- Vlaamsch Broodhuys
Dinner:
- De Foodhallen (lots of choices)
- Spaghetteria
- Dim Sum Now
- De Pizzabakkers
- The Seafood Bar*
- Los Feliz (Mexican)
- Fa. Pekelhaaring*
- Thrill Grill (burgers)
- Bistrot des Alpes* (fondue)
- Riva*
- De Wilde Zwijnen*
*adult/date night options – less kid-friendly
Coffee:
- Coffee Company (multiple locations)
- Scandinavian Embassy
- Coffee and Coconuts (also good for breakfast)
- De Koffie Salon
Beer:
- Gollem (any of the locations)
- Craft & Draft
- Arendsnest (only Dutch beers)
- Beer Loves Food
- Beer Temple (American beers)
- Brouwerij ‘t IJ (brewery under a windmill)
- Brouwerij Troost
**There is a pub crawl you can easily do over the course of a day or night (visit this site for more info). You have one beer at each: Arendsnest, Beer Temple, Beer Loves Food, and Craft and Draft, then present your receipts from each bar at Craft and Draft at the end and receive a free t-shirt. (Easiest/Fastest way to do this is on a bike.)
Other:
- Tales and Spirits (delicious cocktails, also good for date nights)
- Ijscuypje (ice cream)
- Gall and Gall (liquor store for beer/wine/spirits)
- Stach (beer/wine, snacks, treats)
Favorite toy stores:
- Oude Muis & Kleine Beer
- Mikado
- De Kleine Parade*
- Mini Markt*
- Goochem
- Blender Concept Store*
- De Zaailing
*These are kid cafes as well as toy stores
Favorite Tourist Activities:
- Canal cruise
- Rijksmuseum
- Anne Frank House (book tickets wayyy in advance if you can)
- Vondelpark (you can bike through the park if you’re brave!)
- Albert Cuypmarkt
- NEMO Science Museum (fun for kids and café on top is great on a nice day, also you can visit the café and outdoor area on top of the Museum without having a Museum ticket)
- Artis Zoo (great for kids!)
- Red Light District (not kid friendly!)
- Sunday Market at Westergasfabriek (only the first Sunday of each month)
A little outside the city:
- Keukenhof Gardens (only open in Spring)
- Zaanse Schans
- Rotterdam
- The Hague