14 Cool Things To Do In Amsterdam

As part of my birthday trip to Paris, I took a trip to Amsterdam and had a blast! There are so many cool things to do in Amsterdam. I caught the three-hour Eurostar from Gare du Nord and arrived at Amesterdam Centraal in the heart of the city. It was an easy walk to my beautiful hotel at Hotel Sebastian’s. The weather was gorgeous in August and Google map was on point. I traveled with my eBags Mother Lode Travel Backpack and left my bags with a service company in Paris.

The city and people were warm and welcoming. I had never seen that many bikes in a city in all of my life. Bikers rule in Amsterdam and you have to watch your every step, which you learn quickly if you don’t want to get run over. After two days, I knew to look in all directions before making a move.

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Coffeeshops and Cafes: Be sure you know the difference between the coffeeshop and cafe. The coffeeshops offer products you can buy and consume onsite. They also also sell coffee, espresso, and juices but no alcohol.

Amsterdam is a walking city so wear comfortable walking shoes. The cobblestone streets will have you buying clogs for comfort. I absolutely love Amsterdam and here’s my list of best things to do in the city! 

A’DAM Lookout

After a scrumptious Dutch pancake breakfast, I took the ferry to The A’DAM Lookout that gives you 360 panorama view of the city. The most exciting part is the Over The Edge swing that is Europes highest swing. It’s on the rooftop, along with a fabulous restaurant. I was scared to death swinging but I held on tight and was careful not to move. I don’t even think I was breathing for those few seconds. You swing over water and I imagined sliding into the water. An amazing experience but too damn high in the sky. Swinging over a 22 story building was definitely my greatest adventure and a cool thing to do in Amsterdam. 

Anne Frank Huis

If you want to visit the Anne Frank Huis, you must get your tickets early. The line is wrapped around the corner. Homomonument is in the square as well. With my ticket I went right into the Anne Frank Huis. It’s well organized and interesting to see the hiding place and gain insight from her father. You can’t take pictures but it’s worth a visit. Plan a month in advance of your visit and you can tour at your own pace.

Red Light District

I took a Red Light District guided tour, which was educational and entertaining. The Red Light District was packed and all the ladies had on bikinis and most wore black glasses, playing up the young and naughty fetish. Some looked like dolls, some looked tired, some were on their cell phone. There’s also a Blue Light District, which is the transgender section.

The Netherlands history of prostitution is interesting. Our guide talked about prostitution like it was a time share and said anyone saying they had great sex in the Red Light District is lying. He knows from experience having been with a brothel prostitute and it’s all mechanical. There’s a beautiful church right in the heart of the Red Light District that’s now a museum. There’s an active day care right next to a brothel and regular people live in the Red Light District. He said it’s a normal life.

We went into a live peep show and saw guys lined up. Tissue is supplied and theirs an ATM inside. Our tour guide found $10 after he said don’t touch anything.You can’t take photos in the Red Light District and there’s no need because it’s quite memorable. 

According to our guide, 100% cocoa is an aphrodisiac so he took a hit. We learned about smart shops that sell the stronger items and devices to hide your hash. Mushrooms are banned and you have to be a responsible smoker just like driving.

Albert Cuyp Market

This wonderful market is a favorite for locals and tourists. It’s located in one of the most popular areas in Amsterdam and host tons of food vendors. I had lunch at Benny’s Chicken at Albert Cuyp Market all chicken $2.50 and it’s FRESH from the grill!! It’s seasoned with spices, tastes clean, and delicious.

Poffertjes

When I visit a city I have to try a favorite local dish. Poffertjes and Haring were on the list. Pofferjes are like small fluffy Dutch pancakes and were delicious with my toppings. They also place a slice of butter on it which melts fast.

Haring

Haring can be served on a plate or bun with onions and sweet pickles. I tasted one piece and  that’s all I could eat. The taste wasn’t bad I just didn’t like eating it raw but at least I tried it. 

Heineken Experience

The Heineken Experience gives you quite an experience and is a cool thing to do in Amsterdam, especially if you enjoy beer. It’s very different than the Anheuser Busch brewery tour in St. Louis, Missouri. They have games, a moving beer processing simulation, and rooftop to enjoy your 2 free beers plus a tasting beer. It’s very interactive and an enjoyable experience. They process over 700,000 bottles a day! The use 95% water and it takes 28 days to make. They did have horses but they don’t compare to the Clydesdales.

In Europe, you must always be prepared to pay to pee. After the Heineken Experience, I got caught between the Rikjs Museum and I Amerstandamn sign and had to search for a restroom. Luckily, I had my coins ready and found a restroom. Remember, Heineken is 95% water and that’s the truth. 

Dam Square

Dam Square is electrifying and entertaining! It’s packed with people and leads to the Red Light District. One night, I ended up weaving my way through the Red Light District again. It was safe and mainly tourist. I saw a biker and car crash but they were both cool about and just rode off. Probably happens all the time the way bikes weave through traffic. 

Primark

I heard about Primark in Europe and finally got a chance to check it out. It’s five floors of women clothes and accessories at discount prices. It reminds me of Forever 21 but cheaper and more expansive. I got a pair of leggings for my flight for $4 and Disney night shirt for $7. Folks were racking up and there’s one now in Chicago. 

If you’re running around and need a quick snack. Check out Albert Heijn.

Amsterdam food is diverse and you can find a tasty restaurant or decent meal on the fly. They have pastries shops but they don’t compare to Paris. The Salsa Shop is comparable to Chipotle or QDoba but tastes better. 

I met a lovely native and asked her who told me MannekenPis was  voted best frites so I had to try them. Of course, I couldn’t resist tasty gelato and had to have a scoop!

Cheese Museum

The Cheese Museum is a small museum featuring the history of cheese making & tastings. The store has a variety of cheeses. Close by is the Tulip Museum with a variety of beautiful tulips and bulbs to purchase. 

House Boat Tour

The Houseboat Tour was awesome! Much bigger than I thought. The space is expansive and utilized well. There are several beds and rooms throughout the boat and I could comfortably live on this boat. Staying the night at a boathouse on the canal would be a cool thing to do in Amsterdam.

Pancake Bakery

 A great way to start the day is eating Dutch pancakes at the renowned Pancake Bakery. I ordered a bacon and apple pancake and it was delicious. They have all kind of pancakes with chocolate sauce on the table for drizzling. Amsterdam has a vibrant restaurant scene which is nice for varied tastes. The syrup was thick but it wasn’t heavy nor too sweet and I could only eat half of my pancake. Everything I ate in Amsterdam was fresh and reasonable priced.

Canal Cruise

Sail along the canal and enjoy the beautiful neighborhoods and views of Amsterdam. You’ll pass several landmarks in a comfortable, luxury boat. 

I Amsterdam Sign

Amsterdam is beautiful! I never felt unsafe catching the tram and walking at night. Streets can get very dark. The scariest part is dodging the bikers because they are constant and you’re always on guard even the baby bikers gangsta ride and will take you out. I highly recommend adding these cool things to do in Amsterdam to your travel list

Check out my review Hotel Sebastian’s if you’re looking for a nice place to stay in the city.