A first timer's guide to Amsterdam
By Casey Clark
Last month I went on my first ever trip to Europe and it was absolutely incredible. I was overwhelmed when thinking about everything to do and see during my trip to Amsterdam, but luckily I was able to come up with a pretty packed itinerary for the five days I was there. If it's your first time in Amsterdam, then you'll want to keep reading to learn more about where to stay, what to do, and where to eat in this beautiful city in the Netherlands.
Where to stay in Amsterdam
The College Hotel
Located right in the heart of the fashion and museum district, The College Hotel is one of the best hotels to stay at in Amsterdam. The luxury boutique hotel is in the building of an old educational institution and pays homage to its roots with its decor and architecture. It's less than a five-minute walk to the Van Gogh Museum and is directly across the street to the tram station which can get you across town in minutes.
Corendon Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
Although the word is in the name, the Corendon Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is not your traditional airport hotel in the least. The rooms are nice and spacious and there's a plethora of dining options on site such as the popular Mondi Skybar. This hotel stands out in that it actually has an airplane located on its grounds that you can go inside of. The property hosts tours of the airplane for $3 a person and you can look inside and even get a glimpse of the cockpit.
Corendon Amsterdam New West
If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the downtown area, head on over to the Corendon Amsterdam New West. This property combines elements of the past and present with a unique twist and is located only steps away from a tram station. One of the highlights of this hotel aside from the spa is the 737 Suite. This room is unique because it has an airplane inside of it — yes, you read that right. There's a full-blown airplane in the center of the room that you can actually go inside of. Whether you're an aviation fan or simply want to stay in a room that's unlike anything else you've ever seen before, then it's definitely worth a visit.
Where to eat in Amsterdam
Mondi
Mondi is home to some of the best Caribbean food in Amsterdam and it needs to be on your list of restaurants to visit. As the restaurant suggests, it's not just a meal but an experience. If you visit on the weekend, you'll not only enjoy delicious food but be immersed in live entertainment from music to dancers that'll get you up and out of your seat. Not sure what to order? You will not be disappointed with the Baka Ribs which is one of Mondi's signature dishes. The meat slips right off the bone and is so moist and juicy. For dessert, be sure to order the Mondi Coin which will leave you with a sweet explosion of flavors to end the night on.
Hans Egstorf
You must have a stroopwafel while you're in Amsterdam. I highly recommend visiting Hans Egstorf, the oldest bakery in Amsterdam, to get your hands on this sweet treat. You'll probably see a line of people waiting to get a stroopwafel but don't worry, it moves quickly. Once you're inside the quaint little bakery, you can see them make the stroopwafels right in front of your eyes. Don't forget to take a picture outside to remember your time at this Amsterdam staple.
Fabel Friet
Aside from stroopwafels, Amsterdam is also known for their fries. Fabel Friet makes Dutch fries using Agria potatoes that are grown specifically in the Netherlands. The fry shop is known for its fries with grated parmesan and truffle mayonnaise. That said, there is the option to pick cheddar cheese and one of numerous sauces including peanut sauce, curry ketchup, piccalilli mayonnaise, spicy mayonnaise, tomato ketchup, vegan mayonnaise, and plain mayonnaise. There will be a line outside and it's super tight inside so you'll want to have one member of your party go inside to order while you wait on the side to pick up.
What to do in Amsterdam
Take a canal cruise
You can't visit Amsterdam without going on a canal cruise. There are many companies that offer cruises through the canals so you'll want to find one that works for you. I went on one with Stromma which was two hours long and included meal service which was a great way to see the sights while eating at the same time.
Go to a museum
Amsterdam is home to some of the top museums in the world and you need to make time to visit at least one on your trip. Some popular picks include the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House, and the Mauritshuis.
See the tulips
Depending on when you visit Amsterdam, you'll want to check out the tulips. Keukenhof Tulip Gardens is one of the most popular places to visit between March and May when the flowers are in full bloom. There's also a flower market that you can visit and even pick up some flowers to bring back home with you.
There is so much to do and see in Amsterdam that you probably won't do it all during your first visit and that's okay. That just means you'll need to come back and explore the rest of this beautiful city again in the future.
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