Whether you have already visited the city or not, I’m going to share with you my personal list concerning the 5 things to do in Amsterdam, that doesn’t include tipical turistical places or tipical transgressive activities.

  1. A walk in the Jordaan area.

Probably you will be there if you plan to visit the Anna Frank’s House, but you should know that this museum is not the best thing this area can offer. You should plan at less one hour for having a walk in the little streets of this area of Amsterdam and you will realize that they hold the real soul of the city. Bicycles parked in front of the little houses’ doors, the amazing flower beds that citizens care everyday, little boutiques along the streets, a lot of little cafes plenty of local employes… The quite city atmosphere, far away from chaotic and turistic areas, is the most representative of the authentic life in the city.

  1. A promenade in the Albert Cuyptmarkt

Is the most streaked market in Amsterdam, close to the Museum Quarter, with hundreds of stalls of everything: clothing, decor, souvenirs, food… It’s colorful and full of life, and offers a very artistic scene to enjoy. I recomment it for a walk at lunch: you will find excellent local food for very affordable prices. (For more information visit the official website).

  1. A walk in Amsterdam Noord

It’s the area of the city placed across the Ij river and is a 5 minute ferry ride. The peculiarity is taking the ferry itself, which is an experience you should definitely do. It’s for free, runs every five minutes from the City Central Station and let you enjoy a breathtaking view of the city from the water. Once that you arrive in the Noord neighborhood, let your instinct guides you in a relaxing walk: there’s a green and quiet area, away from the bustle of the City Centre.

  1. A beer at Brouwerij’t.

In the north-east part of the city, this pub is located in an old mill, and preserves the original interior. It has a very informal ambient, sometimes a bit chaotic, and offers a wide selection of handcrafted beers for a very cheap price, to taste with local cheese or salami (all products and details on their website). Very popular for the locals, it’s a perfect place to spend a summer evening, when you can sit back in the yard and enjoy the view. Trust me, you will love it.

  1. A trip to Cities and Towns near Amsterdam.

If you have some days more to spend, you should take a train and have a walk in some places near the City. Whether Haarlem (just few minutes away) or The Hague (35 minutes by train), these places will give you a much more realistic idea of the Dutch city’s style. They preserve a very typical and historical centers, with large pedestrian boulevards full of cafes, bookshops, vintage stores, art galleries. They are the perfect places to take a breath from the big city, without loose the wonders of the Country.

Netherland is a fascinating Country, always amazing. So if you have other points to add to my list, or if you did any of mines, let me know 🙂

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Chi è l'autore

A writer by profession, a traveler for passion (and vice versa), I love to explore new places and immerse myself in different cultures, bringing my southern spirit around the world.