The capital of the Netherlands is famous for the tall narrow houses lining up by the canals, renowned museums, and artistic heritage. Also home to high-end shopping district, quirky festivals and fantastic cultures, Amsterdam is more than meets the eye. Fast paced yet laid back, adventures and new discoveries await in this charming European city.
1. Go around the city on a bicycle
Credit: Diego Portela on Flickr. Riding a bike is an essential Amsterdam experience, and no visitor should leave the country without experiencing the city’s world famous bike culture.
In Amsterdam, trams are helpful and the weather is always pleasant to walk around, but there’s nothing like navigating your way around the city on a bicycle like a local.
Cyclists rule in this flat city, which makes this activity more bearable, but there are two different things that people who are planning a trip to Amsterdam must understand from this statement. Bicycle takes you to places trams, buses and cars cannot reach, and you are able to discover the city on your own pace. However, taking it slowly might be dangerous as the locals often swarm the paths in a hurry, so one must be careful not to be in the way.
![AmsterBiKERs [Protected Family] (166/365)](https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1742/42762801122_e3a19d824b.jpg)
Credit: Walimai.photo on Flickr
2. Get educated at the Museum Quarter
There’s no better place to learn about art than at the cultural hub of Amsterdam, the Museum Quarter (or Museumplein in local language). Featuring three world famous museums: the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art – all within walking distance from one another – the Museum Quarter draws tourists from all corners of the globe.
Credit: marcon Flickr
Rijksmuseum showcases some of the most valuable treasures in the Netherlands, including iconic artworks like Rembrandt’s ‘The Night Watch’ and a vast collection of artefacts, reflecting over 800 years of Dutch history. At Van Gogh Museum, the legacy of celebrated painter Vincent van Gogh and his greatest works, which includes ‘Sunflower’ and his self portraits, are on full display. On the other hand, Stedelijk Museum is the largest Dutch museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art and design.
Credit: loveyourself_hcra on Instagram
3. Shop at the markets
“Everyone wants to bring back a little something a souvenir to remember their trip.”
Instead of going to the mainstream stores to do shopping, head over to the street markets and save a great deal of money. With lively colours, vibrant sights and lip-smacking smells, Amsterdam’s bustling open-air markets are where travellers can find the best gems, taste the local food and soak up the local culture.
For the ultimate flea market experience, make your way to Waterlooplein Market, the oldest and largest in Amsterdam. Situated n the former Jewish quarter, Waterlooplein is where stalls are lined with vintage fashion items, second-hand books and local art. Albert Cuyp Market has over 300 stalls that offer a little bit of everything, but the real treasure here is the traditional Dutch treats, most prepared fresh upon order! Taste the authentic stroopwafels, potterfjeis, kibbeling and so much at this market.
Most of the markets are located in the center of the city and in close proximity from one another or from the tram stop, which makes it even easier to visit them. Whether you’re on a hunt for the best deal or simply browsing around, you’re likely to find yourself purchasing or munching on something!
