In amsterdam the most common local mode of transport is the bicycle. You can rent these at many places, one of the biggest companies is MacBike. Be careful to lock up your bike properly as there is a lot of bicycle theft in Amsterdam.
Riding is a great way to get from A to B, but often you miss a lot on the bike as you can be very focused on avoiding other traffic so it can be nice to get to a destination then walk around from there to explore the city further.
There is also an extensive tram network through the city and to outlaying areas. You can can buy tickets valid for various periouds, from 1 hour to 48 hours on the tram itself. If you want a ticket for longer, you can get this at the central station.
Use this tour to get around town, get some information about the city, see the city from another perspective (and it's protected from ever-present the rain).
Big park, great for picnics and a couple of kids play areas
This famous museum showcasing the works of the Dutch masters has recently been refurbished. Don't miss Rembrandt's "The Nightwatch".
Showcasing the works of one of the most famous Dutch artists, this museum is very popular.
Constantly changing photographic exhibitions - see what's showing here
Keizersgracht 609
The library (Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam) is in the north of Amsterdam, 5 minutes from the train station. It is Europe's biggest library with each floor dedicated to a different category, e.g childrens books or science. The restaurant level has great views over Amsterdam.
Visit the Amsterdam zoo to see all kinds of animals and birds
Cheese shop
Huge selection of cheeses, without the touristy feel of many other cheese shop chains in Amsterdam
Upmarket department store
Translated to English as 'the beehive', this multi-storey department store has only top-notch products. Organised by brands within each department, you can find everything from
clothing and acessories to homeware. On the ground-level you will also find individual shops such as Louis Vuitton and Gucci.
Shopping area
These 9 streets in 3 rows of 3 streets are filled with boutiques for clothing, food and everything in between. There are also many quirky
restaurants, cafes and bars to visit.
Shopping street
This street has many top design brands for the young and trendy
Shopping street
This long pedestrian shopping road has all kinds of clothing and beauty shops including many big brands, from H&M to Mango and Adidas
For a more detailed list of shops and shopping roads, have a look at nlstreets.nl
Relaxed restaurant.
Diverse food, good breakfast, snacks & bar
Famous apple tart - a must try!
Pancakes & more Sweet and savoury pancakes Try the poffertjes - delicious little pancakes/crumpets topeed with butter and icing sugar
Laid back bar and restaurant
Great daily menu with reasnable prices.
They also have quiz nights and other events.
Great steak restaurant
Try the "biefstuk bali" - really tender steak in a delicious buttery sauce. The original is near the museum district, but they now have
other branches (e.g at central station)
Indoor food market
This food market opened in 2014 and houses many independent food stalls set in a large warehouse space.
Savoury
Bitterballen - most bars will sell bittreballen, some better quality than others
Croquettes - kind of like a bigger, sausage shaped version of bitterballen, often served on a roll with mustard as a lunch dish
Herring - with pickles and onions on a roll (or without if you're feeling adventurous).
Our favourites are Stubbe's Haringhandel at the top of Singel
and Frens haringshandel at Koningsplein (at top end of flower market)
Cheese - Holland has some incredible cheeses. At most grocery stores you will be able to get an old Amsterdammer cheese -
check how many months its been matured for, I recommend the 48+ months.
There is an amazing cheese shop in the 9-straatjes area, called Kaaskamer, on Runstraat
Filet americain - not for everyone, but one of my favourites - it is a lightly smoked beef spread (almost fillet tartare-like)
Vlaamse Frites - pretty much french fries served with mayonnaise, the Dutch do these pretty well and have many stores dedicated to them
Sweet
Drop (Dutch liquorice) - especially Kleine brand e.g. muntdrop, katjes, waterwerken (more salty), or just get a mix 'n match bag
Apple tart - Winkel on the Noordermarkt is famous for this, definitely with whipped cream!
Poffertjes - small pancakes/crumpets with butter and icing sugar - amazing!!
A good (although touristic) place for this and other pancakes such as ones with apple baked in them is called
The Pancake Bakery on the Prinsengracht, near Anne Frank House
Stroopwafels - really good syrup wafel biscuits. Make sure you get the roomboter ones (made with real butter). Good ones at Albert Heijn