A tourists guide to Amsterdam

By Rose Vollum, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands

Becoming a hostess with the mostess is a rite of passage when doing a year abroad, especially when you’re just an hour flight away from home. Throughout my year in Amsterdam, I’ve had many friends and family come to visit! It’s always fun to become a tour guide, as it allows you to see the city in a different light and explore places you wouldn’t normally. However, initially, due to the wealth of activities available in Amsterdam, I found it a bit daunting trying to decide what to do and where to show people. Here is a list of all my favourite touristy activities:

1. A canal cruise

A boat trip along Amsterdam’s canals is a must-do with guests! It’s a fantastic way to soak up the sights and learn fun facts about the city’s history. For my birthday, I went on an unlimited cheese and wine canal cruise with some friends from home, which was amazing. The captain had lots of funny anecdotes, and I highly recommend taking a sunset cruise for maximum views! We booked with Stromma Netherlands, and it was £25 per person for 75 minutes, but if you check on Get Your Guide, you’ll find plenty of other deals.

2. Walking Tour

A free walking tour is another excellent way to get a feel for the city! My friends and I did one at the end of our year in Amsterdam after doing similar tours in other cities. It was fun learning about the history of the places we always pass by and gaining a better understanding of the city’s architecture. The Guruwalk app has plenty of free walking tours to choose from. You typically need to tip the guide at the end, but it’s definitely worth it!

3. Visit a Museum or Art Gallery

Visiting a museum or gallery is always a popular request from guests, and it’s a great rainy-day activity . My favourite is the Van Gogh Museum because it takes you through his life story using his paintings. Be sure to book your tickets a few days in advance, as they tend to sell out quickly, and ask for the student discount if you visit during the week! The Rijksmuseum is another excellent option, especially if you’re into historical paintings. The museum is massive, so make sure you allow plenty of time—I’ve visited twice and still haven’t made it to the third floor!

4. Get a Donkey

Renting a bike is essential for giving your guests an authentic Dutch experience! It’s also the most efficient and affordable way to get around the city. I’d recommend using the Donkey Republic app for bike rentals; they’re similar to Lime bikes and can be found all across the city.

5. Sample Some Dutch Cuisine

Sampling Dutch cuisine is a delightful way to break up a day of sightseeing. De Sluyswacht is a lovely pub located in an iconic slanty house, making it a great place to take guests. They serve traditional Dutch snacks like fries, bitterballen, and gouda cheese. If you’re in the mood for a full meal, I recommend going to a Dutch-Indonesian restaurant and trying a rijsttafel. This meal consists of an assortment of small dishes, like fried rice and satay tofu, that you can share. It feels like a special occasion as they bring out so many plates to your table, and it’s a great way to sample different flavours.

6. Soak Up Some Culture in the Evening

Deciding where to take guests in the evening can be tough! I always think Mezrab, a storytelling bar, is a unique place to take people. At the beginning of the evening, people who want to share put their names in a hat and then are randomly called to the stage to tell their stories. You never know what you’re going to get—sometimes the stories are funny, other times they’re reflective or sad—but you always leave with some food for thought. If live music is more your scene, Jazz at Café Alto is great. It has a cosy interior, and the music is amazing! The cover charge is usually 5 euros at the door, and I recommend arriving before 9 p.m. if you want a table.