Start your Amsterdam trip by exploring the city's iconic canals, which are a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take a scenic canal cruise, passing by narrow canal houses, picturesque bridges and historic landmarks such as the Anne Frank House and the Rijksmuseum. Afterward, wander around the Jordaan neighbourhood's narrow streets and lively cafes, and indulge in some Dutch food delights like a fresh stroopwafel or some poffertjes at the Pancake Bakery.
Visit some of Amsterdam's world-renowned museums, including the Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk Museum, and the Rijksmuseum. If you are an architecture lover, don't miss the futuristic EYE Film Museum, shaped like a giant spaceship. Then take a stroll down the trendy Nine Streets neighbourhood, full of independent boutiques, vintage shops, and quirky bars.
Take a day trip to the picturesque village of Zaanse Schans and experience Dutch traditions. Visit the scenic windmills, watch a cheese-making demonstration, and take home some Gouda or Edam cheese from the Cheese Factory. Then wander around the village's quaint streets, past old-fashioned wooden houses and charming gardens. If you want to learn more about the Netherlands' rich maritime history, visit the Maritime Museum in Amsterdam, too.
End your trip on a cultural note by visiting the historic neighborhoods of Westerpark and Oud-West. Start with exploring the Street Art Museum, and then head to the famous Vondelpark, where you can enjoy an open-air concert, a picnic or a bike ride. Afterward, visit the old-fashioned De Foodhallen, which is transformed from a tram depot building to an indoor food market, and enjoy some mouth-watering bites.
If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to the lovely beach town of Haarlem, just a 15-minute train ride away. Alternatively, if you have less time, skip a museum or two and spend more time exploring the quirky neighbourhoods of NDSM or De Pijp. Also, be sure to try some of the local specialties such as a Heineken beer, Bitterballen, and Dutch herring. Finally, watch out for bicyclists, as they have the right of way in Amsterdam.