AmsterDean

Things Dean recommends if you are visiting Amsterdam!
dean standing in amsterdam
dean sitting in a bar in amsterdam

What do I know?

Not much, but I spent a couple great months in the great city of Amsterdam. While there I did a lot of things. Many of those things I would recommend other people do as well. And here we arrive at this website, these are things I recommend you do in the Amsterdam.

Keep in mind these recommendations are sorta old at this point. However people who have visited recently told me they still hold up.


Rent a god damn bike

People bike everywhere in Amsterdam. Bicycles rule the streets, the sidewalks and most of the airways. Renting a bike is like renting a car, but slightly easier to park. Do it, and follow the rules.


Food

  1. Winkle*
    The Best god danm apple pie you will ever have. If there is any place you should stop it is right here. There is a reason it is number one on this list. Make sure to order your pie met slagroom.
  2. The Pancake Bakery*
    Prehaps you already knew this, but dutch pancakes are sort of a thing. In America we might classify these things as crepes, but no matter what you call them, they are tasty. Both savory and sweet, bring an apetite.
  3. Bitterballen
    If you walk into any small bar in the Netherlands, they will likely serve this delicious fried ball of potato and meat. Please try one (or one hundred) of these while visiting.
  4. Stroopwafels
    These delicious little cookies are everywhere in the Netherlands. They will likely be served along side coffee or tea. I recommend picking up a bag at the nearest Albert Heijn. You can get the cheap stuff here, it will still be awesome.
  5. Chips
    I have little to say about french fries, but make sure to get them. Have them with mayo, or some mayo based sauce. My personal favorite spot was Chipsy King, but its pretty hard to find bad chips in Amsterdam.
  6. Mint Tea
    A small but special treat is the fresh mint tea. Enjoy it on a breezy dutch morning with a nice toasty. Mint leaves, washed and placed into a glass with steaming hot water.
  7. Indonesian Food
    I only dabbled in this while I lived in the Netherlands, but I remember having a good meal at Kantjil & de Tijger. There are also a fantastic place by Vondel Park called Sama Sebo.The cool thing about Indonesian food is how it made its way to the Netherlands through its colonial ties.
  8. Johannes
    I only dabbled in this while I lived in the Netherlands, but I remember having a good meal at Kantjil & de Tijger. There are also a fantastic place by Vondel Park called Sama Sebo.The cool thing about Indonesian food is how it made its way to the Netherlands through its colonial ties.
* means it is a resturant

Nightlife

There are a ton of great places, but here I will paint with broad strokes.

Generally there is a happening time at the clubs around Leidseplein and Rembrandtplien. If you stroll around there at night, the party will reveal itself to you!

For a chiller experience of drinking without loud thumping bass, head over to Nieuwmarkt

Check out this map for the big plazas.


Places of Note

Off the beaten path: Check out the Jordaan. Sort of like the west village of Amsterdam, it is a very nice place to walk around on a weekend. It has cool bars like Cafe Nol. Nearby the Jordaan is De Nieuwe Anita, a big bar that has all sorts of events. Check their calendar around your visit for activities. You might want to stop at the Amsterdam library. It is the tallest building in Amsterdam and will give you a unique view of the city. Plus it has a little cafe/terrace at the top where you can get a beer/enjoy the sun.

Tourist sights:

Stay away from the heineken factory. Not worth the time.

leave the bike selfies to the professionals.

Utility

Learn these two phrases, and say them often:

People usually speak english, but using these words is just polite in the Netherlands. After all it is their country, might as well use their language.

If you need groceries check out Albert Heijn, its the local grocery store chain.

For pharmacy type stuff, I believe HEMA should fit the bill. Its the CVS/Wallgreens equiviolent.