The 6 Must-Do Things and Must-See Places in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam was never on my radar, despite it being a destination that most airline employees jet off to (have I mentioned that I am a part-time airline employee?). At work, I was always hearing about this or that person flying off to Amsterdam.  They were always sharing must-do or must-see checklists. I had a co-worker heading off to Amsterdam every chance he could get. I questioned him about it, and he stated he would live there in a heartbeat. That definitely intrigued me.  But still, I wasn’t motivated to go.

However . . . 

In 2019 my brother (to his great misfortune 🤪) called me regarding flights.  He had a work conference in Amsterdam and had some questions. I answered them but after I hung up, the ol’ wheels started turning. If I can fly to Amsterdam using my airline flight benefits and stay for free (by crashing in his room), that would be a VERY inexpensive little vacay for me.

So yeah – an inexpensive European trip apparently is a strong motivator for me.

I asked my brother if he minded me tagging along, and once my sister heard about the trip she wanted in as well. So, flights were booked and soon enough – we were off. 

The 6 Things You Must-Do & Must-See in Amsterdam

There was much I loved about the 3 days I had exploring the city, but what I loved most was spending that uninterrupted time with my brother and sister.  My brother lives in Texas and my sister – though living within an hour of me at the time – normally lived far away. Her husband is Air Force so they’re never long in any one spot. So even though I visited my brother or sister from time to time, we never were in the same spot at the same time. Amsterdam changed that and it was such an unexpected blessing. I remember thinking how happy it must have made my mom, knowing her three children were spending this time together and I hope to make it a tradition.

But enough of that – so what did we love about Amsterdam? What did we do during our time there? What did we experience? Here is our list of the must-do and must-see of Amsterdam.

Must-Do: Take a Walk

We walked everywhere. The hotel was just outside “old town”, so we took the train into the heart of Amsterdam every morning.  From there we walked wherever we wanted to go.  We rambled past beautiful homes all lined up in a row. We walked over canals and past boutiques and quaint little restaurants. For the most part we wandered from street to street admiring everything we came across.  Our phones and their GPS’ were our guides. Though ubers were available, we never used them. I was spouting things like – “Oh! The Anne Frank house is only a 45-minute walk.”  If you knew me, you’d know how laughable that statement is.  Kathleen lived 2 houses down from me and I drove to her house almost every time I visited.

But walking in Amsterdam was amazing and something you must-do. We would have missed so much ubering from one destination to the other. It was just so beautiful. The canals and architecture was eye candy. We laughed and talked and at one point when it rained, we ducked into a small little Italian restaurant and had lunch. No fussing. No looking for an uber. No grimacing at the weather. We ate, had an after dinner cocktail, and then hit the pavement again because the shower had passed. It was such an awesome way to absorb the city that by the time we left, I felt as though I had lived there.

Must-Do: If Not Walk . . . Then Bike!

Amsterdam has the right idea regarding transportation and doing their part to fight global warming.  I have never, EVER seen so many people riding bicycles in my life. Business men and women, families, students, young, old – EVERYONE rode a bike.  There were very few cars on the narrow roads, so most were either riding a bike, or walking. It’s their number one mode of transportation and it was awesome.

Must-See: Museums

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We visited three museums while we were there. The Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum and The Anne Frank House. Regarding the art, as a former art student and museum professional there were two things at the top of my list.  Seeing Rembrandt’s, The Night Watch and seeing every Van Gogh painting I could find. Van Gogh was, and still is, my favorite artist and Amsterdam has his artwork in abundance. My brother and sister were happy to go despite me acting like a pre-teen schoolgirl with a crush. They just kept their distance from me when I would start to act all fan girly. 🤣.

While the museums were amazing, The Anne Frank House was rightfully solemn. The building is not a big one, and it is incredible to think that eight people lived for over two years in fear of being discovered, within a small, cramped portion of that building. It was tragic and heartbreaking.

Must-Do (& See): Canal Cruise in Old Town

A visit to Amsterdam is not complete without a canal cruise. You can hop on at multiple points within old town and admire the city from the different vantage point. The city looks so different from the water, and we grabbed one just as dusk was settling in and the amber lights were turning on. We sailed past the beautiful 17th-century grachtenhuizen (canal houses) and floated under arched bridges. You can book a normal canal cruise or even enjoy special ones with candlelight dinners or all-you-can-drink beer. Either way, it’s a treat and has to be experienced.

Must-Do: Shop The 9 Streets

The Negen Straatjes, or 9 little streets, are a popular shopping area in the heart of Old Town. This quaint neighborhood is made up of three parallel roads that are broken up into three blocks by the canals, making 9 streets. You’ll find boutiques selling fashion as well as many charming restaurants and cafes. The streets are narrow and the architecture is a photographers dream. I didn’t buy anything, but certainly wanted to. We did eat though. Because with all that walking, we built up a healthy appetite. 😂

Must-See: The Red Light District

Yep. We went there. I must admit I was more than a little ambivalent about visiting the area and was expecting a dark, dank seedy corner of town infested with shady and dangerous characters. BUT – to be perfectly honest, it wasn’t that bad. Certainly, you have to keep your wits about you and be mindful of pickpockets, but it was a little mind-blowing to see skimpily-clad women, sitting in windows, bathed in red light waiting for . . . customers.  Most appeared bored and were either talking on their phones or checking social media (I assume). It was a bit surreal.

However, the streets were mostly lined with curious tourists like us.  We even saw a family with small children accompanied by what had to be an 80+ year old grandmother. So yeah – it was a bit less dodgy than expected and more carnivalesque. I relaxed.  

A bit. 

But it’s not for everyone so consider where you are and what you’ll be seeing before going. 

Must Do: Reconnect

So those are what I would consider the must-do and must-see items of Amsterdam. As I said earlier, by the time we left, I felt as though I knew the city through and through. I would definitely consider returning.  There is just something so charming about the entire area and I loved experiencing it all.

However, as much as I loved all that we saw and everything we did, what made Amsterdam amazing was the company I enjoyed it with.  Reconnecting with my brother and sister, reliving childhood memories while making new ones, was what made all that walking all the better. I will never be able to see a picture of Amsterdam without thinking of my brother and sister. The city and my siblings will forever go hand in hand. Bogart and Bergman will always have Paris – we will always have Amsterdam.❤️

– Darlene