Amsterdam
Hidden gems in the Netherlands
I went to Amsterdam for the first time in college while studying abroad. Going back as an adult, it was a joy to experience this quaint and relaxed city. Do as the Amsterdammers do; enjoy the many green spaces, sit on the canal with a bottle of wine, and don’t get anywhere too quickly. You already know the top sites to visit in Amsterdam - here’s a few you may have missed.
Fresh figs at Lindenmarkt
Take the bus 30 minutes north to Edam. In this waterfront town, stop in for drink at a cafe before renting a bike to glide through this notoriously flat country. The Netherlands is incredibly bicycle friendly, with many well marked paths far away from traffic. Take a dreamy bike through windmills, farmland, cows, flowers, and dikes. Stop for lunch at another waterfront town before returning to Edam.
The Amsterdam Zoo was absolutely delightful. When I think of zoos in the US… I think of huge crowds, hot days on long stretches of pavement, and overpriced food. But not here! Expansive, filled with green space, and several opportunities to get up close with the animals (an elephant sneezed directly in my face), this was an incredibly fun last minute addition to our plans.
New friends at the zoo
Look at this guy!
Take the ferry to Amsterdam Noord. Get out of the main city center and take the 5 minute pedestrian ferry from Amsterdam Central Station to Buiksloterweg in Amsterdam Noord. Explore the waterfront cafes and restaurants.
Restaurant Pick ($$$): Daalder Amsterdam. Look beyond the unhinged restaurant decor (neon lights, graffiti) and you’ll get a very relaxed fine dining experience. The menu is quirky yet upscale, and they play on local favorites like Irish Mor oysters and stroopwafel. For any fine dining done in Amsterdam, especially in the summer, people will be dressed VERY casually.
“Fish and chips”
Bao shrimp
Nigiri salmon
Don’t forget to get pancakes, which can be made sweet or savory. PANCAKES is a popular local chain.
Make sure to get your fill of stroopwafel. You can find it in street markets and cafes all over the city.
