Discover Amsterdam
High culture meets good times in Amsterdam, a city as popular for museum-hopping mini-breaks as it is for raucous hen or stag trips.
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Its iconic 17th-century canal houses, delightful cafés and fleets of vintage-style bikes project an air of wholesome, timeless charm. In between sampling local food and drink, there are some truly unmissable sights and events to discover. Make no mistake: there’s more to this destination than Rembrandt and tulips.
Food and Drink
Traditional Dutch food is hearty and heavy, with a focus on meat and carbs. However, the dining scene in Amsterdam is multicultural, and if you’re in the mood for a particular cuisine, chances are you’ll be able to find it.
Street food
From crispy bitterballen (meatballs) and kroketten (croquettes) to sweet, chewy stroopwafel (caramel waffles) and fluffy poffertjes (mini-pancakes), the city’s markets do an excellent line in traditional snacks. The massive Albert Cuypmarkt is always a safe bet for any of the above, and a whole lot more.
Cafés
Amsterdam is full of irresistible cafés. In Jordaan, you’ll be spoilt for choice, but look out for the inviting green and white awning of Winkel 43 on Noordermarkt and you won’t be disappointed – its apple pie is legendary. De Pijp is also known for its café culture. In the hectic central areas like the red-light district, meanwhile, cafés abound but quality is not always assured. Play it safe with a visit to perennial favourite De Koffieschenkerij, known for its lovely, leafy outdoor space.
Restaurants
Steer clear of eateries with a persuasive waiter stationed outside – a sure sign of a tourist trap. Just as during the daytime, Jordaan and De Pijp top the list of evening eating districts, but venture further to the west and you’ll find some more unusual choices, such as the Foodhallen indoor market – excellent for international street food favourites from burgers and tacos to ramen and bao buns.