Strolling along the canals of Amsterdam for the first time, you instantly feel welcomed by a refreshing atmosphere that's both energetic and yet calming. In this guide, we feature three of our current favorite boutique hotels, along with the hottest restaurants and cafés neatly divided into breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Beyond the essential canal cruise experience, we've curated a list of additional must-see places and activities, including prime vintage shopping neighborhoods and the finest flower shops in town. Be sure to read all the way to the end for some additional travel tips for your upcoming journey to one of Europes' most special cities.
Hotels
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The Dylan Amsterdam
Part of "The Leading Hotels of the World", The Dylan Amsterdam is one of Amsterdams few five-star boutique hotels. It's set in the 9-streets (De 9 Straatjes) on the Keizersgracht, which makes the location of the hotel almost unbeatable. There are four different rooms styles to choose from, all unique with a love for details. Awarded with two Michelin stars, hotel owned Restaurant Vinkeles offers a unique dining experience through its modern and creative menu.
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Conservatorium
Located right across the street of Amsterdams modern art Museum Stedelijk, Hotel Conservatorium is one of the cities most renowned hotels. When entering through the entrance hall and arriving in the hotels lounge area, you'll be wowed by the incredible architecture and high ceilings. All of their 129 rooms and suites are modernly furnished, spreading calmness through their minimal and soft color palette. Voted as The Netherlands’ number one luxury spa, hotel owned wellness oasis Akasha is the best spa you'll find in the city and open daily from 6:30 AM to 10 PM.
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Pulitzer Amsterdam
Located on the Prinsengracht just a few minutes outside of the vibrant Jordaan neighborhood, The Pulitzer is a historical five-star hotel. Inside you'll find 225 individually designed rooms and suites with a perfect blend between the buildings historical architecture and contemporary furniture. One of our favorite parts of the hotel is the inner courtyard, the Pulitzer Garden, where you'll also find its in-house Restaurant Jansz.
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Cafés & Restaurants
Breakfast & Brunch
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Little Collins
Vegetarian Options, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Known for: The perfect brunch spot with a delicious menu and a relaxing atmosphere.
Location | Eerste Sweelinckstraat 19F De Pijp, 1073 CL Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Saint Jean
Vegan Options
Known for: Modern plant-based coffee shop located in Jordaan.
Must-try: Pistachio cruffins, rosemary & seasalt twist, spiced cheese croissant.
Location | Lindengracht 158H - 1015 KK Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Uncommon Coffee
Known for: Cozy coffee shop with aesthetically calming interior, serving quality coffee.
Location | Huygensstraat 63H, 1054 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Wandu Café
Known for: Neighborhood coffee shop in Jordaan with relaxing vibes. Must-try: The Matcha.
Location | Lauriergracht 71H, 1016 RH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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TOKI
Vegetarian Options
Known for: Local specialty coffee shop serving sweet pastries, tea and more.
Location | Binnen Dommersstraat 15, 1013 HK Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Lunch
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Upstairs Pancakes
Vegetarian Options
Known for: The smallest pancake restaurant in Europe, set in a typical Amsterdam house.
Location | Grimburgwal 2, 1012 GA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Flo's Appetizing Amsterdam
Vegetarian Options, Vegan Options
Known for: Hand-rolled NYC-style bagels, sandwiches and other delicatessen.
Location | 3 locations around the city ( 2 x Flo's Deli & 1 x Flo's Appetizing )
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Oficina
Known for: Canteen-style restaurant with weekly changing breakfast and lunch menu, using seasonal ingredients.
Location | Jan Van Galenstraat 147, 1056 BN Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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ZeroZero
Vegetarian Options
Known for: Delicious Italian sandwiches made of high quality goods from Italy.
Locations | Gerard Doustraat 56, Amsterdam, The Netherlands &
Nieuwe Spiegelstraat 3A, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Snacks
Van Stapele Koekmakerij
Known for: Cookie store with in-house bakery, selling only one type of cookie, made of dark chocolate dough with white chocolate filling.
Location | Heisteeg 4, 1012 WC Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Dinner
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De Kas
Cuisine: Dutch | European
Vegetarian Options, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Known for: Fine dining with focus on vegetables in a spacious greenhouse, awarded with one Michelin star.
Location | Kamerlingh Onneslaan 3, 1097 DE Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Salvatorica
Cuisine: Italian | Mediterranean
Vegetarian Options
Known for: Authentic, fresh and handmade pasta in Jordaan.
Location | Lijnbaansgracht 71 Jordaan near Westerstraat and Noordermarkt, 1015 GX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Restaurant Vinkeles
Cuisine: French | International | European
Known for: Exciting modern cuisine, awarded with two Michelin Stars.
Location | Keizersgracht 384 The Dylan Amsterdam, 1016 GB Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Fiaschetteria Pistoia
Cuisine: Italian | Tuscan
Vegetarian Options
Known for: Cozy Italian restaurant with ingredients and wine imported from Italy.
Locations | Utrechtsedwarsstraat 85, 1017 WD Amsterdam, The Netherlands &
Lindengracht 95, 1015 KD Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Wine Bars
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Shaffy Restobar
Cuisine: Bar | International
Vegetarian Options
Known for: Creative cuisine and a variety of signature dishes, cocktails and wines.
Location | Keizersgracht 324, 1016 EZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Cafe de Klepel
Cuisine: Wine Bar | French | International
Vegetarian Options
Known for: Cozy wine café with daily changing three to four course menu featuring French cuisine and wines.
Location | Prinsenstraat 22, 1015 DD Amsterdam The Netherlands
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Activities
Museums & Art Galleries
There are three main museums in Amsterdam, all located on one and the same street. The Rijksmuseum is a dutch national museum showcasing important historic paintings including Johannes Vermeers „The Milkmaid“, „The Threatened Swan“ or Rembrandts „The Night Watch“. While this museum is more focused on the past, the Stedelijk Museum is the main museum of modern and contemporary art in Amsterdam. You can find artworks by Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and more contemporary exhibitions. Dedicated to the work of Vincent Van Gogh, the Van Gogh Museum right next to the Stedelijk Museum is the largest collection of his paintings and drawings in the world. Here you can find „Sunflowers“, „The Potato Eaters“, „The Bedroom“ and many more original paintings by Van Gogh.
While walking through Amsterdam, you'll encounter numerous independent art galleries worth exploring. Particularly in Jordaan and the southwestern part of the city, you'll stumble upon some unique collections. Many of the paintings displayed are also available for purchase.
Shopping
Our favorite areas to shop are Jordaan and the 9-streets. Here you'll find lots of independent fashion boutiques and art galleries. If you love vintage shopping and concept stores, check out De Pijp, which is a popular neighborhood in the south of the city. For all major designer brands, stop by at Pieter Cornelisz Hooftstraat, a chic street running parallel to the Vondelpark.
During the spring/summer season, the Netherlands are also known for its colorful tulips and flowers, which is why you'll find many flower stores around the city. In the heart of Amsterdam, A.P Bloem is one of the most known full service florist, tailoring their flower bouquets individually to each clients style. If you're looking for an even more high-end alternative, visit The Wunderkammer, a flower boutique inside Amsterdams oldest luxury Hotel De L'Europe.
Just a few meters further and with an impressive collection of fashion, lifestyle and travel books, find our favorite book store MENDO inside Hotel De L'Europe. Re-designed by interior design studio Nicemakers, the interior makes visiting the store an aesthetically pleasing experience all around.
More Amsterdam Tips:
• When crossing the street, always watch out for bikes.
• Since Amsterdam is a walkable city, pack your most comfortable shoes.
• When visiting during high season, book restaurants (for example De Kas) prior your stay.
• If you don't want to wait in line for Van Stapele Koekmakerij's cookies, pre-order one day before visiting for easy in-store pickup (We highly recommended).
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