What to do in Amsterdam?
Recommendations from the Flagship Staff
When you’re reading this, you’ve must have just hopped off a luxury canal cruise. We hope you enjoyed and that we’ve spoiled you with stories and drinks. But your trip to Amsterdam hasn’t finished yet. You have seen some great places by water, we showed you the most famous monuments and told you some jokes and facts. But now it’s time to see more of Amsterdam. We have gathered some recommendations for you, to get the most out of Amsterdam. Some classic recommendations and some local spots we like to visit.
The must-see museums of Amsterdam
Scheepvaartmuseum (Maritime museum of Amsterdam)
If you are interested in the trading history of The Netherlands, Colonies or shipping, this is definitely a must do when in Amsterdam! This museum is suitable for children: The exact replica of the ship ‘Amsterdam’ is part of the museum, you can enter it, seeing how the sailors used to live in the Seventeenth century and they even have a VR experience inside of the ship!
- Kattenburgerplein 1, 1018 KK Amsterdam
Rijksmuseum
The Rijksumeum is one of the most popular museums in Amsterdam, It hosts the biggest Rembrandt collection worldwide. The museum building was designed by architect PJH Cuypers (the same architect who designed the Central Station). It’s located on the Museum Square, and it’s the only museum in Amsterdam through which you can cycle! (go see it for yourself!!)
- Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam
Stedelijk Museum
If you’re more interested in modern or contemporary art, you should go to the Stedelijk Museum. Inside you will find the art of many different international artists such as Picasso, Matisse, or Andy Warhol. This museum is located on the Museum Square.
Tip: if you need cool souvenirs visit the giftshop!
- Museumplein 10, 1071 DJ Amsterdam
NEMO Scientific Museum
NeMo (New Metropolis) is an interactive science museum for kids, definitely worth visiting if you’re in the city with kids. The building itself in unmissable as it looks like the bow of a massive green ship (close to central station), it was designed by Renzo Piano.
Tip: This museum is also a great experience for adults after smoking a happy dutch cigar!
- Oosterdok 2, 1011 VX Amsterdam
The most beautiful neighborhoods of Amsterdam
De Jordaan
Just a street away from our departure points, we can find the most picturesque neighbourhoods of the city ‘de Jordaan’. It used to be a poor working-class neighbourhood but nowadays it has evolved into one of the most trendy and pricey parts of the city. Located on the western-side of the canal belt, you’ll be able to take beautiful pictures, have a drink on one of the terraces next tot he water or simply stroll around and soak in the beauty and authenticity this mini village-inside-a-city has to offer.
Tip: if you’d like to try the best apple pie of the world go to Winkel 43.
De Wallen
This place is better known as ‘The Red Light District’, which should definitely not scare you off from visiting it. At night you’ll find this to be the most crowded place in the city. The Red Light district started off as a place for sailors to go after being at sea for a couple of years with only men around. Nowadays it’s the biggest tourist attraction we have in the city. Definitely a must-see, even though we wouldn’t recommend you to have dinner there. If you go please don’t take pictures of the ladies, we like to treat them with respect and you will be fined by the police if you disrespect them.
9 Straatjes
The 9 streets is a district which is composed of three streets divided by three canals. Over here you will find many local boutiques, thrift stores, small cheese stores and cafes. Perfects if you’re looking for some unique products to take back home,
Tip: If you’re into gin & tonics and are looking for typical dutch snacks go to Proeflokaal A. van Wees.
NDSM (Amsterdam North)
Take a free ferry (behind Central Station) to the old NDSM warf and walk around a completely different scenery than the rest of Amsterdam. Visit the harbour, walk around to contemplate the street-art or stop by one of the cafes by the water. On the first weekend of every month, you’ll find the biggest fleamarket of Europe over here too!
Tip: Go to cafe Noorderlicht and play some board games in their garden by the water while you enjoy a drink!
The best local restaurants of Amsterdam
Dubbel
Looking for local delicacies? At restaurant Dubbel you can find typical dutch meals for a really good price. With its central location at Leidseplein you can go there before initiating a night out.
- Lijnbaansgracht 256, 1017 RK Amsterdam
Five Brothers Fat Champagneria
You’re looking for a unique atmosphere whilst you sip on cava? Then this is the place to go. Known for its delicious tapas, cava and cocktails this is one of the hotspots in Amsterdam. With its multiple locations around the city this is a must go if you fancy a spanish ambience
- De Clercqstraat 56, 1052 NH Amsterdam
- Hobbemakade 64, 1071 XM Amsterdam
Black & Blue
Done with one of our tours and looking for a good restaurant? Just a three-minute walk from our arrival points you can find restaurant Black&Blue. This steak restaurant has a welcoming atmosphere, beautiful interior , and delicious food. The perfect place to go to after a canal cruise!
- Leliegracht 46, 1015 DH Amsterdam
Pasta e Basta
At Pasta e Basta you will find yourself in a complete experience: Italian food, delicious wines and unforgettable performances by professionally singing waiters. Don’t forget to make a reservation before going!
- Nieuwe Spiegelstraat 8, 1017 DE Amsterdam
The Pancake Bakery
Located right next tot he Anne Frank House, this delicious pancake bakery is ideal to have a quick stop before or after hopping on one of our boats!
- Prinsengracht 191, 1015 DS Amsterdam
The bars we go to in Amsterdam
Coco’s Outback
International Aussie Pub located on the main square in the city ‘Rembrandtplein’
- Thorbeckeplein 8, 1017 CS Amsterdam
Bourbon Street
Live music every night, mostly blues!
- Leidsekruisstraat 6-8, 1017 RH Amsterdam
The Waterhole
Live music every night, mostly rock! (Many artists come here after their performances in Paradiso, Melkweg or Bitterzoet)
- Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 49, 1017 PW Amsterdam
Chin Chin Club
Japanese-themed nightclub, which has 3 rooms, karaoke, bar and restaurant during the daytime.
- Rozengracht 133, 1016 LV Amsterdam
Paradiso
This old church building hosts small concerts. Despite its maximum capacity of 1500 pax, many artists have performed here, such as Prince, The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Adele and many more,
- Weteringschans 6-8, 1017 SG Amsterdam
10 Do's in Amsterdam
1. Search on TripAdvisor Amsterdam canal cruise and guess who’s one of the top tours listed? Your friends from Flagship Amsterdam!
2. Visit the Anne Frank House. Most fascinating and sobering museum experience you can get. NOTE: buy your tickets online!
3. Ride a bike, as Amsterdam is the biggest cycling city in the world.
4. Explore the Red Light District, the oldest and most notorious neighbourhood of Amsterdam. From brothels to sex shops to museums, the Amsterdam Red Light District has it all.
5. Try Dutch pancakes or poffertjes. Are you really adventurous? Then try a pancake with cheese/ bacon and stroop.
6. Explore the two best neighborhoods which are filled with charming cafés, beautiful little streets, houses, and canals: the Jordaan and de Pijp.
7. Hang and chill in the biggest and most popular park of the city: the Vondelpark. If the weather is nice have a picknick, take a nap in the grass or smoke your Dutch cigar.
8. Eat a space cake and visit the ‘Rijksmuseum’. To visit the Rijksmuseum you don’t need the ‘eat a space cake occasion’, but it won’t hurt. For starters: don’t eat the whole cake at once ;-).
9. Get outside Amsterdam and explore windmills at the Zaanse Schans or visit Leiden, Utrecht or Rotterdam..
10. Last but not least; enjoy the best of Amsterdam’s nightlife at the Leidseplein!
10 Don’ts in Amsterdam
1. Don’t walk on the red bike lane, Dutchies will take you out.
2. Don’t pee in the canal when you are drunk. 15 people (!) a year die in the canals because they fall in and can’t get out in time.
3. Don t buy and walk on wooden shoes all day. It will hurt a lot and people will laugh at you as the Dutchies don’t walk on them anymore (at least not in the cities).
4. Don’t eat crappy tourist food, check out our recommendations!
5. Don’t smoke the strong green coffee, try a light and friendly Dutch cigar which will result in much more love.
6. Don’t forget your jacket! Dutch weather is like a box of chocolate, you never know what you’re going to get.
7. Don’t hop on the Hop on Hop off busses, they can’t visit many places because the streets are very narrow. Besides, the canals are way better for exploring.
8. Don’t fall off the Dutch stairs.
9. Don’t think Amsterdam is just the Red Light District.
10. Forget everything we just recommended. Walk around, hop on a bike and take in all of Amsterdam’s beauty.