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    15 Of The Most Fun Things To Do In Amsterdam If You’re Currently Planning Your Next Trip

    You have been pre-warned: their beer snacks might just change your life.

    Valeza Bakolli
    by Valeza Bakolli

    BuzzFeed Staff

    1. Take a boat tour through the canals.

    Valeza Bakolli / Via BuzzFeed

    Experience the city from a completely different angle via the scenic waterways. I didn’t realise *quite* how many interwoven canals there were in Amsterdam till I travelled through them myself! There are a few different tours you can book, such as ones with drinks and nibbles included or a designated guide to really get the most out of the tour. You’ll learn loads of surprising facts about the city and might even get to see the famous ‘dancing houses’ up close!

    2. Then treat yourself to dinner and drinks at one of the incredible restaurants and bars along the canal.

    Three pictures - one of some fancy food, one of a pretty canal-side view of the canal from a restaurant, one of two cocktails on a table with flowers inside
    Valeza Bakolli / Via BuzzFeed

    Including (but not limited to): De L’Europe for the most incredible appetisers, Freddy’s bar for aesthetically-pleasing (and absolutely delicious) cocktails, Marie Brasserie for a canal view to die for, The Hoxton hotel for coffee and breakfast (they also have a DJ most nights so it makes a great pre-night out spot), and Satchmo for the best triple-cooked truffle fries you’ve ever had in your life.

    3. Go on a Heineken Experience tour.

    Valeza Bakolli / Via BuzzFeed

    Amsterdam is the home of the iconic beer brand, so where better to learn all about the company’s rich history? You’ll walk through their original distillery, picking up info on all things Heineken – from their unique brewing process to the meaning behind their quirky smiling ‘e’s. You’ll even be turned into a bottle of Heineken beer (okay, not literally, but their simulation ride feels pretty realistic if you ask me!) AND get to sample the brew for yourself at the end.

    4. Obviously rent bikes and take a ride around the city.

    a huge amount of bikes tied up on either side of the canal
    Valeza Bakolli / Via BuzzFeed

    We couldn’t do a roundup of the best things to do in Amsterdam without including the one activity/ mode of transport/ general entire vibe they’re best known for! Bike riding isn’t just a fun way to get around the city, it also feels super safe thanks to their cycle-friendly lanes, and with the narrower streets and winding roads, many people actually find it easier (not to mention more cost-effective and eco-friendly) than driving.

    5. And make sure you see the tulip fields by bike if you’re travelling in spring!

    Valeza Bakolli / Via BuzzFeed

    Unsurprisingly, there are a number of beautiful floral sights in and around Amsterdam that you can easily travel to by bike! The Flower Strip is the best place to enjoy the famous Dutch tulips, and can be easily accessed via flat, bike-friendly paths. FYI, the best time to experience them in full bloom is between late March and mid April.

    6. Go to see the incredible artwork on display in their galleries and museums.

    pablo lucker's gallery with a number of prints displayed and pablo working at his desk
    Heineken

    From Van Gogh’s series of sunflowers to Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring, the Netherlands has produced some of the world’s finest works of art, and their more contemporary offerings are just as impressive! I was lucky enough to see Pablo Lücker’s Amsterdam gallery in person. The House of Pablo is adorned with the Dutch artist’s iconic ‘dream script’, which can be perceived as visual storytelling about childhood dreams, current ambitions, and future aspirations. Lücker designed this year’s trophy for the Formula 1 Heineken Dutch Grand Prix, which captures the adrenaline, the rush, and the joy of a crowd celebrating together.

    7. Speaking of which, if you’re lucky enough to have your holiday fall on the weekend of the Heineken Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, it’s an amazing experience to plan your trip around!

    Heineken, Valeza Bakolli / Via BuzzFeed

    Formula 1 fans, listen up – if you can get your hands on tickets, this will probably be the best event you’ve ever been to. Not only is the atmosphere absolutely electric, but you'll also be celebrating the local talent (this year featured Pablo Lücker's designs on the trophy and Dutch DJ and producer Afrojack's post-race performance on the podium!).

    8. Explore the city’s quirky shops and boutiques.

    two of amsterdam's boutique display windows showing home decor and fashion
    Valeza Bakolli / Via BuzzFeed

    If you’re a fan of the practical-yet-chic approach to Dutch fashion and interior design, you’re probably gonna have a great time perusing the plethora of lil’ boutiques they have dotted around the city! 

    9. Sample their superior selection of snacks and finger food.

    Valeza Bakolli / Via BuzzFeed, GIF of a hand picking up a dutch beer snack and dipping it into a pot of mustard

    From stroopwafels and dutch pancakes to their croquette-like beer snacks and triple-cooked fries (served with the famous Dutch mayonnaise of course), I cannot fully express how good their nibbly bits are!

    10. Have a picnic in Vondelpark.

    two different angles of vondelpark on a sunny day
    Imogen Ashby / Via BuzzFeed

    I mean, it’s popular with locals and tourists alike for a reason! With manicured lawns, peaceful ponds, and charming trails to wander through, it’s the best place to take a chilled moment away from the bustling city.

    11. Take a trip to the Anne Frank House.

    an outside view of the anne frank house
    Massimocatarinella / Getty Images

    The narrow annex where the Frank family hid for over two years during World War II is full of history, and might make for an emotional experience. It gets busy pretty quickly, and the small space can’t hold too many guests at a time, so it’s recommended to get there early if you don’t want to wait too long.

    12. Spend a day at Zandvoort beach.

    zandvoort beach as seen from a sandy path leading down to the sea
    Thomas Wegner / Getty Images

    A short bus, train, or (slightly longer) bike ride away, the beach with its white sand and lively bars is the perfect place to spend a sunny day away from the city. 

    13. Travel via tram for convenient links to popular spots around the city.

    Valeza Bakolli / Via BuzzFeed

    Is it just me, or is there something so cosy about this mode of transport? Okay, I’ve been on a tram journey a handful of times in my life, so maybe that’s why the whole concept is pretty exciting to me, but it's an undeniably convenient way to travel around the city – especially if you're not planning on doing any bike riding!

    14. Visit a traditional Dutch cheese shop.

    a man cutting a big block of cheese with countless rolls of cheese stacked behind him on shop shelves
    Reza Estakhrian / Getty Images

    There are plenty of them dotted around the city! Dutch cheese is famous, so one of these is well worth checking out (and don’t take this as gospel but I hear each child gets a free slice of cheese in certain shops – making them the perfect family-friendly place to stop!).

    15. Finally, stay in a houseboat for a truly unforgettable trip.

    Valeza Bakolli / Via BuzzFeed

    Featuring sleek and stylish (yet still cosy) designs, many have accessible rooftops and stunning views of the city from the water. Loads of houseboats are available to rent for about the same price as a hotel room, and if you really want to feel ~immersed~ in the city, then what better way than by literally living on their iconic waterways?!