My wife just got back from a girls' trip to Amsterdam.
That meant I was on dad duty for the long weekend, which was a blast.
Better yet, she came home with a long list of things to do and places to eat, so I figured I'd compile a city guide based on her recs.
(Don't worry, I've also been to Amsterdam many times over the years, so I can vouch for them.)
🏨 Where to stay in Amsterdam
Amsterdam has no shortage of great places to stay, and there are even some good points options as well.
Hilton and IHG have a large collection of properties, while Hyatt has just a couple. Marriott’s Amsterdam portfolio isn’t the strongest, in my opinion.
There are also some hotels that aren’t affiliated with a loyalty program that are worth checking out.
Conservatorium Hotel — My favorite hotel in the city. Worth checking out the lobby even if you’re not staying there. Now part of the Mandarin Oriental group.
Kimpton De Witt — Approachable IHG property with a good location and reasonable rates.
Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam — Hilton’s flagship gem. Worth staying here if you’re a Honors loyalist.
The College Hotel Amsterdam, Autograph Collection — One of Marriott’s nicest properties in the city that was recently renovated.
Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht — The best Hyatt in the city. Rates (cash and points) have increased over the years, but it’s still a good option for those who want Hyatt’s best option.
🍽️ Eat & drink in Amsterdam
De Kas — Michelin-starred restaurant, with an on-site garden growing as much of the produce as possible. Go for lunch so you can walk the gardens before or after. Every bite was totally unique, and the service was exceptional.
Blauw — The Indonesian spot that blew my wife away. Every dish was incredibly well-seasoned.
Paskamer wine bar — Wine bar with small bites. Sit outside. Very good food and wine list.
Zero Zero — Incredible sandwiches on house-made focaccia. So good my wife went back two days in a row.
Winkel 43 — Famous for a cup of fresh mint tea and an (oversized) slice of apple cake.
Massimo Gelato — Some of the best gelato I’ve ever had. Get the pistachio or the ricotta and berries.
Hummingbird Coffee — Great coffee and matcha, plus house-made pastries. The cinnamon bun is divine.
📍 What to do in Amsterdam
Van Gogh Museum — Book tickets in advance.
Rijksmuseum — Still the anchor museum in the city, double up with Van Gogh since they’re next to each other.
Moco Museum — The modern and contemporary counterpoint, also on Museumplein. Worth an hour.
Anne Frank House — A must-do in Amsterdam. Book well in advance, because it sells out quickly.
Canal tour — Tons of options, and they're not all created equal. Some include an open bar. Check amenities before you book.
Shopping along the 9 Streets — Plenty of cute boutiques, and the best place in the city to buy souvenirs for family and friends. The Singing Toes was my daughter’s favorite store.
Vondelpark — Beautiful and vast, reminds me a bit of NYC’s Prospect Park. Also a great place to rent bikes and ride around.
Mike's Bike Tours Amsterdam — The single-best bike tour I’ve ever taken in Europe.
🚲 Getting around Amsterdam
Ubers are hard to come by and slow. Use public transportation, or rent a bike (with a helmet) and ride like a local.
Better yet, some hotels will lend a bike. Just be careful.
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