AD: This trip was a paid partnership with KLM, I AMSTERDAM and A’DAM Lookout.
Planning a trip to Amsterdam is an exciting and challenging experience – simply because there’s so much to see around those 165 canals. I’ve helped simplify this for you with five handy tips after my trip to the city with partners KLM, I AMSTERDAM and A’DAM Lookout.
1. ARRANGE BICYCLE HIRE AND RESEARCH ROUTES
It’s obvious from the bicycle lined bridges that this city is very cycle-friendly with dedicated lanes and roads meaning it’s a lot less nerve racking and safer to get around.
Hiring a bike on your best day of weather may be sensible, but don’t be like me and not know where to pick them up when the moment arrives. Instead, have a list of locations in place (the most popular is Yellow Bike Hire) and keep a route plan handy to make the most of your peddle time. If going it alone seems a little daunting there’s a good choice of guided cycle tours available year round.
Bicycle road in Museumplein
You can download cycle route maps and itineraries from the I AMSTERDAM website.
2. PURCHASE THE I AMSTERDAM CARD
The I AMSTERDAM card makes it very easy and cheap to get across the city with free public transport from 24 to 96 hours. You also have discounts and freebies in participating restaurants and shops, including access to places like the Van Gogh Museum and Royal Zoo. Have a look at the current offers and discounts available on their website and work these in to your itinerary.
3. BOOK A CANAL CRUISE
If exploring Amsterdam on two wheels doesn’t appeal, then seeing the city from the water will probably float your boat (pun intended). I’d recommend heading to the Damrak near Centraal Station and departing from there at sunset, or consider these options:
- A 4-Course Dinner Cruise, enjoy a romantic feast on your final night
- A Pizza Cruise, chow down on pizza and ice-cream with friends or family
- The 100 Highlights Cruise, a 1 hour cruise that’s free with the I AMSTERDAM card
4. INVESTIGATE AMSTERDAM’S NEIGHBOURHOODS
Hopping on the free ferry shuttle from Centraal takes you to Amsterdam North where the A’DAM Lookout is located. For €5 you can ride Europe’s Highest Swing that launches you over the side of the near 100m tower from the Sky Deck.
The fun begins with a quirky photo call and music-fuelled elevator ride, plus there’s also a food and drink bar with panoramic views to spend an evening in.
This up and coming area is one of several neighbourhoods that has its own personality, North’s cool vibe is also evident at Café de Ceuvel, a Bohemian Hangout in a converted ship yard. The point is, once you’ve ticked off the essentials research beyond the city centre and see what jumps out at you.
Booking tickets for ADAM Lookout in advance is recommended and there’s a couple of package deals to consider on their website as well.
5. LOOK UP BAR AND RESTAURANT REVIEWS
This will save you so much time tapping into Trip Advisor or Pinterest when you’re on your travels (feeling impatient and ‘hangry‘) while also minimising the risk of wasting your money on a bad meal or night out. Simply take a list of recommendations for breakfast, lunch and dinner under the neighbourhood they’re in so you have options ready where ever you end up.
What Amsterdam eats should you be trying?
- Dutch Pancakes and Caramel Waffles, I recommend ‘PANCAKES Amsterdam‘
- Holland’s famous fries or ‘frites’ from Manneken Pis, topped with your favourite sauce
- These 3 Amsterdam Brunch Spots recommended by Pack Your Passport
- Local favourites like Bitterballen and Apple Pie, recommended by Travel Addicts
NH Collection Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky
Do you have any must-do’s before you visit a city like Amsterdam or have you tried any of these tips?
Further reading: 8 tips for Rome on a budget, Flying from Cardiff to Amsterdam, Fun ways to find your dream holiday destination