9 tips for your next trip to Amsterdam
28/5/2026
Translation: machine translated
This is your sign to finally book that trip to Amsterdam. Nine tips for great things to do in the city included.
Bikes, canals, coffee shops. Yep, the standard things to do in Amsterdam don't require much research. But if you want to stay in a particularly nice place, eat delicious food and experience a lot, you'll probably have to delve a little deeper into the world of travelling. Theoretically. Because I did it a long time ago and am sharing my nine current Amsterdam favourites with you here.
Stroll & Experience
1. swimming
Of course, you could push your way through Amsterdam's narrow streets with all the other tourists, always on the lookout for the next approaching bike. Or, you could think ahead when packing, take a bikini or swimming trunks with you, and instead enjoy one of the various advantages that make Amsterdam a potential dream city: the many swimming opportunities.
If you have time for a whole day trip, it's best to get on the train at Centraal and travel to the beach in Zandvoort or Bloemendaal in around 20-30 minutes. If you want to keep up the city trip feeling without leaving the city, there are many places where you can cool off on the water via jetties, piers or in parks. Don't forget your picnic basket!
Buitenzwembad Marineterrein, Kattenburgerstraat 5, 1018 JA Amsterdam
Park Somerlust, Korte Ouderkerkerdijk 16, 1096 AC Amsterdam
2. Foam Museum
Stedelijk, Van Gogh, Moco, ... there are many museums in Amsterdam. And all of them are worth a visit. But if you ask me, especially the Foam. This has (unfortunately) nothing to do with foam, but is dedicated to «contemporary photography in all its facets».
Until 12 August, for example, the brightly coloured images by British photographer Martin Parr († 2025) can be admired there. From 6 June, the group exhibition «Foam Talent 2026» will run in parallel, showing works by 15 different artists.
Also make sure to visit the in-house shop, which stocks posters, illustrated books, merchandise and magazines.
Where? Keizersgracht 609, 1017 DS Amsterdam
Source: Instagram @foam_amsterdam
3rd Oatly Bike-Thru
Only open until 7 June (allegedly), but if you're in town before then, hop on your rental bike and jet off to the world's first Oatly Bike-Thru. Here you can enjoy coffee, matcha and soft ice cream, made exclusively with Oatly of course, and all while you cycle past.
In keeping with the tried-and-tested drive-through concept, the streamlined, sloping snack bar only serves customers with wheels. And because it is located in Amsterdam and the name is Bike-Thru, only those on bikes. The idea is funny, the look is cool and the drinks are delicious. Get there quickly before it's too late.
Where? Papaverhoek 24, 1032 JZ Amsterdam
Browse & shop
4. vintage shops
Vintage hearts really get going in this city. And bank balances start to fluctuate ... Well, that's how it is sometimes - but after all, you didn't travel all the way to the Netherlands to save money here, did you? So: treat yourself mode on and go in search of cool souvenirs. Because I can't decide on a favourite shop, I'm recommending three right here. You'll understand.
Nyn Vintage, Utrechtsestraat 106 H, 1017 VS Amsterdam
Mor Store, Herenstraat 13a, 1015 BX Amsterdam
Gimme Glitter, Herenstraat 19, 1015 BZ Amsterdam
5th Athenaeum Boekhandel & Nieuwscentrum
A well-curated - and preferably well-stocked - shop for journals, books and magazines should be on every city trip agenda for me. Letting the impressions of the various covers wash over me, skimming through the elaborately designed pages, inventing flimsy arguments as to why buying and lugging them around is really unavoidable under any circumstances.
All this is easily possible at Athenaeum Boekhandel & Nieuwscentrum. Or you can simply see it as a creative break from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
Where? Spui 14-16, 1012 XA Amsterdam
Source: Instagram @athenaeumnieuwscentrum
6th Albert Cuyp Market
I probably tend to completely romanticise «the market visit». Because let's be honest: markets are usually cramped, expensive and unexciting. Nevertheless, I really want to go when there is one. Do you feel the same way? Then you'll be pleased to know that the Albert Cuyp Market is open six days a week, from Monday to Saturday, from 9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The market (unsurprisingly) sells cheese, fruit, vegetables and flowers, but also clothes, bric-a-brac and clogs, as well as local delicacies such as stroopwafels. If you go during the week and in the morning, the crowds are not quite as big.
Where? Albert Cuypstraat, 1073 BD Amsterdam
Eating, drinking & living
7th Café Coos
In the small Café Coos, you can order homemade granola or sourdough bread (with whipped butter and chocolate sprinkles, for example!) at the aubergine-coloured counter, along with iced coffee and something forbiddenly good from the pastry display case. In good weather, it's best to sit outside under the bulbous awnings. If there's nothing left or the sky is cloudy, you can move inside to a seat by the window. It tastes delicious everywhere.
Where? Bilderdijkkade 25-H, 1053 VB Amsterdam
8th Cornerstore
Speaking of delicious ... This is your cue to book a table at Cornerstore. The restaurant is not quite in the centre of town and is fairly inconspicuous from the outside. Inside, however, you can expect a super cosy atmosphere, an open kitchen, a bar counter with a DJ, delightful service staff and incredibly good food.
The idea: sharing. There's a set menu - in veggie or meat-eater versions - and a wine recommendation if you like. There were six of us who ate (among other things) crispy tofu, marinated yellowtail mackerel, aubergine with black bean sauce and rice pudding with palm sugar ice cream - and we're still dreaming about it today!
Where? Papaverweg 11, 1032 KD Amsterdam
Source: Instagram @cornerstore.ams
9th Carmen
Boutique, restaurant, café, guesthouse. Carmen in the centre of Amsterdam's canal belt is everything you could wish for. The two fantastically minimalist guest rooms - large or standard - are highly sought-after and are best booked well in advance.
Even if you're staying elsewhere, it's worth paying a visit to Carmen. As mentioned, you can also simply have breakfast, lunch, sip a coffee or browse through the shop here.
Where? Keizersgracht 600, 1017 EP Amsterdam
You can find even more tips here:
Header image: Javier M. via Unsplash
Laura Scholz
Senior Editor
Laura.Scholz@digitecgalaxus.chAlways in the mood for good hits, great trips and clinking drinks.
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