The things to see in Amsterdam are a lot, yet it’s a city within walking distance, everything is close and easily accessible by transport or on foot. As soon as I arrived I got the Amsterdam Card, which in addition to being valid for any means of transport, also helped us get in for free or with discounts in museums and also receive gifts.
The boat tour in the canals is obviously a must that you can’t miss, in this way you will already see many things about the city. Then of course as first stop Dam Square, which surrounded by those wonderful buildings of 1500-1600, makes it a wonderfully evocative place. Then pass through the Red Light District and you will arrive to visit the Old Church and the New Church, eventually stopping to eat in a super nice and unusual place: Latei. To end the day in the best way, walk along the canals until you reach the Bloenmarkt – the flower market-, a fantastic explosion of colors. On the way back stop to explore the secret garden of Begijnhof, a residential area immersed in silence and quiet, an oasis that was once the privilege of a few and only women.
Now let’s move on to another route I loved: the museum district. The most important museums to visit are located south of the city and near the famous Vondel Park. Among the museums I loved the most are obviously the Van Gogh museum and the Rijks Museum. As is my habit, I can’t avoid recommending a place to stop for a snack: my friend and I went to Hummus house, a delicacy if you are a fan. Another museum, continuum of the famous winter palace of St. Petersburg, is the Hermitage, absolutely worth a visit. Not far away, and easily accessible on foot, you will find the Botanical Garden, not very large, but still relevant for nature lovers thanks to the diversity of species that you can find there.
You surely have to visit the Waterlooplein and Rembrandtplein districts. Here, before heading towards Rembrandt House and the famous flea markets of Amsterdam, I eat at a little place, Soup en Zo, which I highly recommend! Specialized in soups of all kinds, you can also find great salads and is perfect for those who want to spend little, is in a hurry but loves good food.
After visiting the house-museum I went to the other side of town to visit the Anne Frank house. I suggest you book your visit in advance online because the tickets sell out quickly and the alternative is to stand in line for at least 3-4 hours – and standing outside in the cold or rain is not the best of things.
Before visiting the house and reliving the atrocious memories of this sweet little girl, I stopped by the Anna + Nina store. It’s very unique and you can find everything from furniture to accessories. To end the day I tried a delicious cocktail in the famous old pub Tales & Spirits, famous for the invention of cocktails but also for its delicious cuisine.
On my last day I visited the neighborhood of the 9 little streets – De Negen Straatjes – formed by the intersection of the three main canals of the city: Prisengracht, Keisergracht, Herengracht, composing a chessboard of little streets, each characterized and specialized in the sale of certain objects or by excellent typical and traditional places where you can have lunch. After shopping at Nuvo Niche, a store similar to Anna+Nina, Carhartt and the bar-shop Pluk Amsterdam, I had a delicious lunch at Bij Ons and then tried the excellent cappuccinos at Screaming beans. Here the coffee and tea blends come from all over the world and it’s made exactly as we Italians love it – and this is coming from a caffeine addict!
