A guide from someone who lives here
Amsterdam
Cami's tips for family and friends coming to visit, without the guidebook voice.
Start here
The guide, in four doors
Each little house up there is one part of the guide. Come on in, no need to knock.
Explore
Parks, markets, canals, and what to do when the sky closes in: museums, the library and the little shops downtown.
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Eat & drink
The apple pie that's worth the trip, the cookie that sells out, breweries with a windmill and drinks with a view.
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Day trips
Windmills, a castle, cheese and the beach: the Netherlands is small and the train sorts it out. Eight ideas from Amsterdam.
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Practical
Bikes, public transport, cards and the practical details, like checking out on the tram.
See the page →Only got a few days?
The essentials, in order
If it's a short visit, this is the route I'd do with you.
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Canals + apple pie
Wander the downtown canals with no rush and stop at Winkel 43 for the most famous apple pie in the city.
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Market + museums
The Albert Cuypstraat market in De Pijp, then Museumplein, the museum square, with a lawn to rest on.
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The evening
Bars and lit-up canals downtown, a night out in De Pijp or around Leidseplein.
Before you get off the plane
Three things nobody tells you
Almost everything here is by card
Very few places take cash, and Mastercard doesn't always go through. Have a plan B.
Kitchens close early
Most restaurants stop serving between 9pm and 10pm. Don't leave dinner for late.
Bottles are worth money
Plastic bottles and some beer bottles are returnable at the supermarket (~10 cents each, paid out as a voucher).