The El Camino Travel Guide to Amsterdam, Netherlands
Written by Kayla Doris
Amsterdam, the Netherlands' capital city, is a destination whose reputation precedes it. The cultural and historic hub is famous for its canals, coffee shops, Red Light District, and attractions such as the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum. Frequently labeled as the ‘city of freedom’, it has a long history of tolerance and acceptance—from the 17th century when it was one of the few places in Europe where different religious groups could practice their faith freely, all the way to the present, where it has embraced progressive policies such as drug decriminalization and support for LGBTQ+ rights (the Netherlands was the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage).
While its inclusive atmosphere is a point of pride and celebration, its reputation as a place for freedom has contributed to a wealth of tourism issues, including disruptive behavior from party-goers who visit to enjoy its liberal policies, and over-tourism which has pushed out local residents, businesses, and culture. As a result, the city is currently trying to implement a number of changes to constrain the number of visitors and the impact they’re having. So how can you make sure you’re being a benefit to this dynamic city and not a burden? If you can, try visiting during the low season, broaden your activities to include less-frequented neighborhoods, shop local, support positive impact businesses, and consider giving Airbnb a miss while you’re here.
We’ve collaborated with local insiders, tourism expert, Anne Zoetelief, writer Conor Cuniffe, Pansy boutique owner, Alina Tang, and a trio of in-the-know restaurant managers—Janiro from AMOI, Mariana from NOOCH, and Laura from Purnama—to showcase some of the city’s most exciting places to eat, shop, and play. We’ve also included recommendations from ECT community members Kate Sullivan, Lillian Bijl, and Giorgia Matrone.
If you’re planning a trip to Amsterdam and want a more thoughtful approach, we can help.
Our Custom Trip Planning focuses on strong local partners, cultural context, and an itinerary shaped around what matters most to you. Learn more.
Stay
Check into the Max Brown Hotel in the Museum Quarter for a stylish stay in a central location. Recommended by ECT community member Giorgia Matrone the hotel is made up of four traditional Amsterdam townhouses. The rooms are simple in design with bright decor, plenty of natural light, and walk-in showers. For more space, book the medium triple or the extra large for a desk and seating area.
When we plan trips to Amsterdam, lodging often looks like:
A boutique hotel has been run by a family for 80 years in a stunning 17th-century building
A luxury hotel within Michelin dining in one of the most popular locations
Sustainable stays in renovated former-derelict sites around the city
Saint Jean, sourced from Instagram
Drink
Sip on natural wines among the candlelight from Bottleshop on Wibautstraat in Oost. The cozy bar is small and minimal, but the service is warm—the staff is happy to share their suggestions or let you sample the different wines. Pull up a seat at the bar and order a couple of bar snacks to go with your drinks.
When we plan trips to Amsterdam, we often include spots like:
A family-owned venue with a terrace overlooking the canal that’s perfect for summer drinks
The first urban winery in the Netherlands
A creative hub and bar which aims to be a safe space for all people in Amsterdam
Max Brown Hotel, sourced from Instagram
Eat
Start the day with coffee and pastries at Saint-Jean, a favorite of NOOCH restaurant manager Mariana. “It’s a small bakery that makes delicious homemade vegan pastries. It’s usually quite busy, but the food is worth the wait!” Based in the historic neighborhood of Jordaan, you’ll find a small seating area inside—though with plenty to explore in the surrounding area, you may want to take your coffee to-go. The cafe has also recently opened a new deli shop where you can grab larger bites to eat.
When it comes to dining in Amsterdam, we often plan around places like:
The “most delicious falafel in town” from a low-key supermarket
Where to find authentic Indonesian food
A lakeside restaurant that has been curated by Michelin-starred chefs
Bottleshop, sourced from Instagram