Avoid the allure of getting stoned all day and wandering the gimmicky Heineken museum. Escape the tourist traps, and leave the city feeling like you know what it might be like to live as a local. Read on for the full itinerary from one of my favorite days, spent looping lazily around the outer rim of Amsterdam’s city centre.
Jordaan
I recommend making this trendy neighborhood your home base. If you wake up with a brunch craving, start off at Cafe Thijssen. If you can resist, save room for a post-meal snack. Top options nearby include:
- Stubbe’s Harring (Haarlingersluis) – no tables, no nonsense. A small kiosk serving up authentic raw herring sando’s for cheap
- Lindengracht Market for everything from Bratwurst to oysters
- Noordermarkt is also good for a wander
- Winkel 43 for famous Apple Pie
If you find yourself here on a Monday, explore the Westerstraat market. What began as a textile trading area now sells past season threads (or slightly defective items) from brands like Nike and Adidas.
When you’ve had your fill, walk along the canal on Prinsengracht Road toward Museumplein. About halfway through, you’ll pass Coffeeshop Johnny. This is my favorite one in the city, and a great place to grab a pre-rolled for the remainder of your walk.
Museumplein
Figure out which museum(s) interests you most and book in advance:
- Moco Museum – trendy art museum, currently showing a fascinating Banksy Exhibition until January 2019
- Rijksmuseum – Dutch national history museum
- Van Gogh Museum – Exactly what it sounds like. Check out pieces made by our old friend, Vincent
- Stedelijk Museum – another modern art museum.
After all that art, you’ll be feeling cultured as shit and ready for a beer. You can walk 15min to Brouwerij Troost, or take a 10min Uber to Brouwerij ‘t IJ.
Breweries
- Brouwerij ‘t IJ – still have no idea how to pronounce this, but that’s not important. These guys churn out Belgian style beers out of an old Dutch windmill and bathhouse. The beer is creamy and delicious, but I think the snacks are what made this one of my favorite breweries. Get the cheese, and don’t be put off by the raw sausage and mustard.
- Brouweij Troost – Didn’t get a chance to go, but this one comes highly recommended. It is built out from a converted monastery (resourceful, the Dutch!).
Dinner
You’ll probably need to stop home before evening activities, so head back to Jordaan via taxi/Uber.
- D&A Hummus Bistro – You’ve had a long day and can’t even be asked to read a menu. Get a bottle of house red and the “A bit of This & A bit of That”.
Honorable Mention
- Sunset at Pllek – On the other side of river IJ, the NDSM Wharf is a former shipyard turned cultural hotspot for live music and events. Time didn’t allow us, but try and head to Pllek restaurant for panoramic views of the river banks
- Oedipus Brewing – Also on the north side of river IJ, Oedipus is a psychedelically decorated taproom
- Blue Amsterdam – sip back and enjoy the view!
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