I’ve started writing a weekend guide for the I amsterdam blog, which might come in handy ahead of your visit to Amsterdam. The blog is published every Thursday, and contains five or so hand-selected (by me!) ideas of things to do this weekend in Amsterdam. If you need more ideas – Facebook is your friend. You’ll…
Category: Stuff to do
Ton Ton Club West
Calling all arcade nerds! Ton Ton Club is one of Amsterdam’s funnest (is that a word?) places to spend an evening, with good food, good music and all of those retro arcade games you remember from childhood. There are two locations – one in the Red Light District and a bigger one in the Westergasfabriek…
5 x Record Stores in Amsterdam
Rush Hour Records At Rush Hour, marvel at the selection of rare, world and funk records as well as electronic releases old and new that have been expertly curated by some of Amsterdam’s brightest tastemakers – eg. Hunnee, Antal and the Rush Hour crew. Minimal aesthetic, well organised and friendly staff willing to chat about…
Gs Brunch Boat
Apparently the only brunch boat in the world, this culinary cruise is operated by legendary Amsterdam brunch hotspot Gs Really Nice Place and sets sail every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 10.00, 12:00 and 14:00. I went on the brunch boat whilst pregnant so didn’t get to take full advantage of the Bloody Mary-ness of…
Stedelijk Museum
The building that looks like a giant bathtub on Museumplein (next to the Van Gogh museum) is the Stedelijk – Amsterdam’s museum of modern art and design. Perhaps our favourite Amsterdam museum – or the one that we visit the most frequently in any case – the Stedelijk is a must visit for anyone with…
Zevenlandenhuizen (houses of seven countries)
If you find yourself in or nearby Vondelpark, don’t miss the chance to see the Zevenlandenhuizen – a unique row of seven houses built in the architectural styles of seven different countries. The houses were built in the 1890s to a commission by a wealthy politician with a love of faraway places, and designed by…
Amsterdam Light Festival
If you’re lucky enough to visit Amsterdam in December or January, then you absolutely have to take in this magical winter spectacle. Now in its fifth year, this annual festival of light turns the city into a living art gallery of light installations by international artists, which can be viewed by boat or walking tour….
Sunday Market
Taking place at Westergasfabriek on the first Sunday of the month, the Sunday Market is a monthly gathering of Amsterdam’s finest makers, artists, caterers and designers. More than just a market, the event features delicious food stalls, bars, live music and more, and is a wonderful place to mooch around and enjoy some tasty treats….
Friday nights at the Van Gogh Museum
There’s just something special about being in a museum after dark, so if you’re planning on visiting the Van Gogh Museum while you’re here, we’d recommend doing it on a Friday night when the museum is open until 10pm with DJs, cocktails and free guided tours. Book your tickets online in advance to skip the…
The Jordaan and Nine Streets
The Jordaan is probably Amsterdam’s most famous neighbourhood – and with very good reason. An historic area of cobbled lanes, canals, tumbling houses and secret gardens, the Jordaan is the quintessential picture postcard image of Amsterdam. It’s officially classed as the area to the west of Prinsengracht (see map below!), although many people also include…
Hire a bike
Sounds obvious, but you really should do this. You’ll cover so much more of the city and experience Amsterdam like a local. People say that cycling in Amsterdam is scary but actually, it’s easier than cycling in any other city as the cycle paths are so well ordered and you’re rarely in contact with traffic….
EYE Film Institute
That weird spaceship shaped building you can see across the IJ behind Central Station is the EYE Film Institute; a beautiful cultural centre housing an arthouse cinema, exhibition space and an airy cafe restaurant with views across the water. The EYE hosts regular exhibitions, film events and special screenings alongside their normal cinema programme, but…
My pal in Amsterdam 