The Dutch capital, Amsterdam, has had a questionable reputation for decades, particularly known as a drug hot spot and a party capital of Europe. Furthermore, many of you will have heard about the city’s infamous red-light district and shady black markets. This is why the Dutch capital probably gets often overshadowed wrongfully by other European cities like Rome and Paris when it comes to cultural and historical aspects, the urban atmosphere and its attractiveness to tourists. But let me tell you something that may not be a secret anymore: Amsterdam has so much more to offer than the mentioned prejudiced cliches.
For my latest trip to Amsterdam in 2024, I took the time to spend 2 entire weeks in the Dutch capital to dive as deep as possible under the city’s surface to discover its hidden gems. I arrived on a Saturday evening and drove from the airport to the Jordaan district. On my way, I bought some snacks at the “Albert Heijn” supermarket and had a little picnic directly next to one of the canals. From this moment on I felt immediately enchanted by the city’s soul and charm. It is this wonderful mixture of the many crooked but adorable houses. The numerous numbers of cyclists in the streets with all these colorful bikes. And the wind of past centuries sweeping through the timelessly beautiful canals and alleys.
Culture and People of Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a very modern city, especially when it comes to its people and cultural diversity. It has been known as a bastion for tolerance for centuries, and that tolerance of different people and beliefs has led to a very diverse and colorful city. Most locals treated me with kindness, courtesy, and hospitality. I never felt unwelcome as a tourist in their town. The people seemed used to the great amount of tourists during all seasons. Dutch people in general have good English skills. So communication won’t be a problem for the most of you.
Architecture
Due to the damp and sandy subsoil, wooden piles had to be driven into the ground to reinforce and secure the city’s buildings. That´s why Amsterdam today stands on around five million of these wooden piles – an architectural marvel.
The Construction of the famous canal belt began in 1612 and was completed in 1652. The canals served as the main transport routes for goods of all kind. The buildings along the canals served as warehouses and department stores, as well as residential buildings for the wealthy. Depending on the width of the house fronts, lower or higher taxes became due for the residents. Because of this, the houses were built as narrow as possible, tall, and with projecting rear ends. The impressive gables of the houses feature protruding beams, that are still used to hoist goods through the large windows into the building’s interior. All of that make the city’s appearance unique!
What to do in Amsterdam?
I am not going to give you a list of every single museum, park, square, and church that you could possibly see in the Dutch capital. But to make your visit to Amsterdam as unforgettable as mine, I’ll show you my personal highlights of my stay there.
Canal Belt (Grachten)
One thing you absolutely have to see is the canal belt – the canals are called “Grachten”. The canal system of Amsterdam consists of the Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, Herengracht, and Singelgracht and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010. All of the canals offer particularly harmonious photo opportunities. Personally, I liked the Prinsengracht the best. It winds around the city’s historic center like a wide ribbon. The most expensive addresses are located here. It’s absolutely lovely to take a relaxing stroll through the narrow streets of the historic canals or to grab a boat and discover the city from the water.
Flower market
Anyone who loves flowers, and especially tulips, should plan a visit to Keukenhof. You’ll be amazed. I’ve never seen so many different colors and varieties of tulips anywhere else! One thing you should be aware of is that Keukenhof is packed with people. This is certainly because Keukenhof is only open for eight weeks in spring.
Discovering History
If you are as passionate about history as I am, you will get your money’s worth in Amsterdam. The city was founded in 1275 and therefore has a long history to tell. From the dark Middle Ages through the era of great artists to modern times you’ll find numerous silent witnesses and places in Amsterdam that will bring you closer to the lives, sufferings, joys and deaths of the city’s inhabitants of past epochs:
Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum is one of Amsterdam’s absolute must-sees! There you can not only experience the wonderful works of a gifted artist, but also learn about the eventful and tragic life of the iconic Vincent Van Gogh.
Tipp: The queue outside is almost everyday an absolute mess. If you don’t want to wait two or three hours, you can get an online tickets and schedule a time to visit the painter.
House of Anne Frank
The Anne Frank House is located in Amsterdam’s canal ring on the Prinsengracht. Anyone who enters the Anne Frank House is immediately drawn into the cramped and incomprehensible world of Anne Frank, who hid from the Nazis in this house in Amsterdam for two years. The entrance to the Secret Annex was through a bookcase, which served as a door and sealed the family off from the outside world. Anyone visiting the Anne Frank House should be aware of its oppressive atmosphere. It is a place where an unspeakably dark period in history becomes tangible and real. A truly haunting experience that will resonate long afterward.
Torture Museum
The Torture Museum is definitely something for those interested in another dark side of history, but it’s also not for the faint-hearted. Nowhere else have I been so vividly confronted with the history of torture, justice, and imprisonment in past human epochs. The cruelty involved is both shocking and enlightening, and gives a sense of the great achievements humanity has made regarding human rights and independent, humane justice.
Insider Tip:
To add a culinary experience to your trip, I recommend a visit to one of the many pancake houses in Amsterdam – in Dutch called “Pannekoeken”. Here I had the best pancakes of my life! The pancake houses offer a wide selection of pancakes in every imaginable variation. So its up to you! Will you choose the classic pancake with cheese, will you sprinkle it with syrup and powdered sugar or will you go for a challenging variation such as with liqueur or ginger? At these places in Amsterdam and surroundings, your favorite pancake is guaranteed to be among them.
I hope that my tips have given you a little inspiration for your trip to Amsterdam and that you enjoy your stay in this charming city as much as I did. Pack your bags and discover the this wonderful European gem!
Greetings, Ada 🙂