Canals, Crooked Houses & Everything in Between
Where to stay, what to eat, and a few things you shouldn’t miss in one of Europe’s most charming cities.
What’s not to love about Amsterdam? Beautiful canals, crooked little houses, fabulous shopping, and cozy cafés around practically every corner. It’s a city that manages to feel both wonderfully old-fashioned and effortlessly cool. Throw in a few thousand bicycles, some world-class museums, and plenty of places to linger over a good meal, and you’ve got the makings of a fabulous getaway.
Amsterdam is also wonderfully manageable. It’s compact enough to explore on foot, although you’ll definitely want to hop on a canal boat at some point. And while the city is famous for its tulips, Anne Frank House, and picturesque waterways, there’s so much more to discover beyond the usual tourist stops.
Whether you’re visiting for a long weekend or staying a little longer, here are a few places worth adding to your list.
Where to Stay
Amsterdam has no shortage of fabulous hotels, from historic canal houses to stylish boutique properties. These four each offer something a little different.
The Craftsmen — For the Canal-Side Charm
If your idea of Amsterdam involves waking up to canal views in a beautifully restored historic building, The Craftsmen might be just the place. This intimate boutique hotel celebrates traditional Dutch craftsmanship, with individually designed rooms filled with character. It’s quirky, charming, and quintessentially Amsterdam.
Hotel De L’Europe — For the Special Occasion
Sometimes a trip calls for something a little extra, and De L’Europe certainly delivers. Overlooking the Amstel River, this elegant grand hotel combines old-world European glamour with contemporary luxury. Think beautifully appointed rooms, exceptional dining, and the kind of service that makes a stay feel like an occasion. Definitely one for the splurge list.
INK Hotel Amsterdam – MGallery — For the Creative, Chic Atmosphere
Housed in a former newspaper building, INK Hotel embraces its journalistic past with clever design details and a creative spirit. It’s stylish without feeling stuffy, with a central location that makes exploring the city easy. A great choice if you appreciate a hotel with a little personality.
The Hoxton — For the Hip, Trendy Vibe
The Hoxton knows how to do effortlessly cool. Its Amsterdam property brings together historic canal houses, vintage-inspired interiors, and a lively lobby that’s just as popular with locals as it is with guests. Come for the beautifully designed rooms, stay for the atmosphere. It’s the sort of place where you’ll actually want to spend time hanging out at the hotel.
Where to Eat
One of the best things about traveling is discovering where to eat, and Amsterdam has plenty to offer. From leisurely breakfasts to stylish brasseries and memorable dinners, these spots are worth keeping on your radar.
Blin Queen — For Pancakes with a Twist
Pancakes are practically a requirement when visiting Amsterdam, but Blin Queen offers something a little different. With creative takes on the classic pancake, it’s a fun choice when you’re in the mood for something beyond the usual breakfast.
Bakers & Roasters — For a Fabulous Brunch
A little New Zealand, a little Brazil, and a whole lot of delicious. Bakers & Roasters brings together influences from both countries in a colorful, laid-back setting. Expect hearty breakfasts, inventive brunch dishes, and plenty of good coffee. Come hungry.
Herengracht — For Modern Dutch-French Dining
Set along one of Amsterdam’s prettiest canals, Herengracht offers a modern take on Dutch-French cuisine. It’s a lovely choice when you want something a bit more polished without making the evening feel overly formal.
Café George — For a Little Paris in Amsterdam
Who says you have to be in Paris for a proper French brasserie? Café George brings a little Parisian flair to Amsterdam with its stylish interiors and classic brasserie atmosphere. Perfect for a long lunch, a leisurely dinner, or simply watching the world go by over a glass of wine.
Little Bon Fire — For Comfort Food with Personality
Think of Little Bon Fire as a stylish downtown living room where the food just happens to be fantastic. With a relaxed atmosphere and contemporary comfort food, it’s the kind of spot that makes you want to settle in and stay awhile.
Restaurant de Kas — For Something Special
This one deserves a spot on your Amsterdam dining list. Located in a stunning greenhouse, Restaurant de Kas takes farm-to-table dining quite literally. Much of the produce is grown in its own gardens and greenhouses, with seasonal ingredients shaping the menu. Fresh, thoughtful, and beautifully presented, it’s as much about the setting as it is about the food. And what a setting it is.
What to Do
Amsterdam is a city best enjoyed without rushing. Leave plenty of time to wander, pop into shops, and stop for coffee, but make room for a few of these experiences.
Take a Canal Cruise
Yes, it’s touristy. And yes, you should absolutely do it. Amsterdam’s canals are what make the city so special, and seeing those beautiful canal houses and little bridges from the water gives you a completely different perspective. A smaller boat cruise, like those offered by Amsterdam Flagship, is a lovely way to experience the city.
Visit the Anne Frank House
Few places in Amsterdam are as moving as the Anne Frank House. Visiting the secret annex where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II is an experience that stays with you long after you’ve left. It’s an important reminder of the city’s history and one of its most meaningful attractions. Be sure to reserve tickets in advance.
Explore the Dutch Resistance Museum
For another fascinating look at Amsterdam during World War II, visit the Dutch Resistance Museum, also known as the Verzetsmuseum. Through personal stories, photographs, and artifacts, the museum explores how ordinary Dutch citizens responded to the Nazi occupation. It’s both thought-provoking and incredibly worthwhile.
Experience the Heineken Experience
For something a little lighter, there’s the Heineken Experience. Housed in the brewery’s original historic building, this interactive attraction takes visitors through the history of one of the world’s most recognizable beer brands. A fun stop, particularly if you enjoy a little beer tasting with your sightseeing.
A Few More Reasons to Love Amsterdam
Of course, half the fun of Amsterdam is what happens between the planned stops.
Spend an afternoon wandering the Nine Streets, known locally as De Negen Straatjes, where independent boutiques, vintage shops, and little cafés line the picturesque streets. Browse the shops, admire the architecture, and stop whenever something catches your eye.
If you love art, make time for the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum. And if the weather cooperates, a stroll through Vondelpark is always a good idea.
But don’t feel the need to fill every minute. Some of Amsterdam’s best moments are the simplest ones: a coffee beside a canal, a pretty little street you hadn’t planned to explore, or a long lunch that turns into the better part of an afternoon.
Until Next Time, Amsterdam
Amsterdam has a way of making you feel right at home, even when you’re miles away. It’s beautiful without being precious, sophisticated without taking itself too seriously, and full of those little discoveries that make traveling so much fun.
My advice? Pack comfortable shoes, leave some room in your suitcase for shopping, and don’t overschedule. Amsterdam is one of those cities that’s just as much fun to wander through as it is to explore with a plan.
For more travel inspiration, browse the Destinations feature in the November 2026 issue of The Roxbury Edit.
