Visit Beautiful Amsterdam: City of Canals – With iconic canals, centuries-old townhomes, cobblestone lanes and flower-adorned bridges. Amsterdam is one of the rare places that attracts history buffs, luxury-minded travelers, couples seeking romance and backpackers alike.
Besides its cultural attractions, such as the Anne Frank House and The Concertgebouw, Amsterdam has scenic parks, hip shops and a sense of the past that thankfully never fades. Enjoy world-class museums, bicycle tours, and a thriving arts scene. Just wandering around the quaint streets and sitting outside at the sidewalk cafes can make a enjoyable day.
Amsterdam also boasts world-class restaurants that make every meal a gourmet adventure. In the evenings enjoy cozy speakeasies, bustling bars, and plenty of nightclubs. And of course, you can’t talk about Amsterdam without mentioning “coffee shops” (and not the kind that strictly brew espresso). Amsterdam won’t disappoint. You can visit The Best Rhine River Cruise Guide here, or visit us on Pinterest.
Amsterdam Weather – Best Time to Visit Amsterdam
Typical weather in Amsterdam ranges from cooler temperatures in the winter (42°F) with little snow, to beautiful sunny days with temperature around 77°F in the summer.
Late spring is the best time to visit Amsterdam. The mild temperatures couldn’t be more perfect for biking around the city and exploring the surrounding countryside. Starting in early April, the legendary tulips begin to bloom, which brings in travelers from around the world. The famous King’s Day carnival, held on April 27, is another major draw.
Early fall is marked by pleasant temperatures and plenty of opportunities to spend time outdoors. Don’t write off wintertime. Sure, the days are short and there’s a frosty chill in the air, however, the sparkling frozen canals, holiday spirit, and lack of crowds make it a really special time. You can also score great deals on airfare and hotels.
5 Amazing Sights To See In Amsterdam In The Spring
King’s Day
It’s King Willem Alexander’s birthday on April 27 and an occasion for the entire country to party heavily all day long, but especially so in Amsterdam. The king’s last name is Orange-Nassau, therefore, orange is the dominating color of the day. Everybody wears something orange and so should you if you visit, at least a scarf, cap, or orange flower in your buttonhole. Traffic will be horrendous and alcohol is also flowing freely. Go by train, tram, taxi, or, the Dutch’s favorite means of transport: the bicycle and using your feet.
Open Canal Boat Tours
There is no better way to admire the beautiful architecture of Amsterdam’s Golden Age of the 17th century than to go on a lengthy canal boat ride along the famous grachts (canals), like Single, Herrengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keisersgracht. You have a great choice of tour operators. All of them come with explanations, some even with wine and cheese, or even a meal. The evening tours are great because seeing all the lights of Amsterdam reflected in the water will make it an even more magical experience.
Open Tower Day
Towers are not usually open to the public, but April 26 is a date to bookmark. That is when Amsterdam holds the Open Tower Day, this year also celebrating the 10th anniversary of the event. Some of the towers that have taken part in past years are De Bijenkorf, Kalverpassage, Zilveren Toren, QO, Cityden Amsterdam West, A’DAM Lookout Amsterdam Noord , Oranjekerk, and The Edge.
Visit a Windmill
Visiting one (or more) is an interesting sight which gives you insight into what life was like for millers in past centuries. On May 14, the country actually celebrates National Windmill Day when windmills all over the country are opened to the public. The Windmill van Sloten is open to the public year-round. Enthusiastic volunteers show you around on a guided tour and you get to meet the miller himself, who, whenever possible, will demonstrate how he turns the cap of the mill, moves the vanes so they catch the wind, and puts the sails on the vanes.
Keukenhof Tulip Gardens
Keukenhof in Lisse is also known as the “Garden of Europe” and the largest flower garden in the world. Every year in the fall, 7 million bulbs are planted by hand so that they are in full bloom at the time of the Keukenhof Tulip Festival, lasting this year from March 24–May 12. It’s not only flowers that make Keukenhof such a dazzling sight, there are also walkways among the flowers, statues by international artists, pavilions, and ponds.
Best 5 Amsterdam Restaurants
De Kas (Farm-to-Table) $30 & Over
Housed in a bright and airy glass-domed space, De Kas wows with farm-to-fork multi-course tasting menus. Much of the produce comes from the one-site greenhouse—which patrons can tour before or after eating. Pro tip: It’s easier to snag a reservation for lunch. Plus, the midday light is sublime for snapping food photos. Telephone: 31 20 462 4562 Web: De Kas
Restaurant Floreyn $11 – 30
At restaurant Floreyn the specialities of Dutch cuisine will amaze you. The chefs cook with daily fresh regional and seasonal products from Dutch soil and sea. They also serve a complete Dutch wine pairing and have more than 30 Dutch wines on the menu. Telephone: 31 20 670 7357 Web: Restaurant Floreyn
De Laatste Kruimel $10 & Under
Bakeries are a dime a dozen in Amsterdam. But De Laatste Kruimel is something truly special. This neighborhood gem delights visitors and locals with its French toast and bread pudding. Don’t sleep on the more savory offerings like quiche either. Telephone: 31 20 423 0499 Web: De Laatste Kruimel
Breda $11 – 30
Breda is a power player within Amsterdam’s burgeoning Michelin-star food scene. The menu showcases seasonal ingredients and there’s nearly always a delicious surprise in store for diners. We’d be remiss not to mention that reservations are essential. Telephone: 31 20 622 5233 Web: Breda
Vleminckx de Sausmeester $10 & Under
A delicious tradition dating back decades, Vleminckx de Sausmeester has perfected the art of fried potatoes. It’s worth waiting in line for the chance to dig into perfectly crispy spuds. Don’t forget the homemade sauces. Curry ketchup, anyone? Web: Vleminckx de Sausmeester
Best 5 Amsterdam Bars & Pubs
Door 74
Amsterdam used to be more a beer town, but over the past few years the cocktail scene has exploded. Door 74 is a speakeasy (reservations are required by same-day text) that mixes up whimsical creations from an ever-changing menu as well as custom tipples. Telephone: 31 6 34045122 Web: Door 74
Hiding in Plain Sight
Walking into this classy speakeasy-style bar, you feel like you’ve entered a secret clubhouse. Close to the center but tucked away enough to avoid the tourist crowds, Hiding in Plain Sight richly rewards those who walk through the corner door. With inventive cocktails, knowledgeable bartenders and lounge-style seating, Hiding in Plain Sight is a truly delightful place to spend an evening – whether solo or with friends. Telephone: 31 6 25293620 Web: Hiding in Plain Sight
Distillery ’t Nieuwe Diep
This former polder pump station in leafy Flevopark looks like a church from a distance but is actually a jenever distillery with a setting that couldn’t be prettier. Set on a quiet lake, ’t Nieuwe Diep has a gorgeous terrace for summer and a cosy tasting room for winter. If classic jenever is too harsh for your palate, try the unique fruit versions made with plum, apple, berries or citrus. Web: Distillery ‘t Nieuwe Diep
Brouwerij ‘t IJ
The famous tasting house at the base of the Gooyer windmill, where wares from award-winning local brewery ‘t IJ can be sampled. Inside is bare and seating minimal, so if weather permits, grab a beer and park on the pavement outside. Their standard range includes pale Plzen and darker, stronger Colombus. Telephone: 31 20 261 9801 Web: Brouwerij ‘t IJ
De Druif
‘The Grape’ has been quenching locals’ thirst on this spot for at least 400 years. It boasts a liquor license that dates back to 1631 and is rumored to have served departing sailors as far back as the 1580s. With wooden casks lining the walls and plenty of earthenware jenever bottles behind the bar, De Druif feels like a glimpse into Amsterdam’s past. Telephone: 31 6 38523553 Web: De Druif
