Tourism:

For a cultural day out Amsterdam is the place to be. The city is a full of famous museums as well as hidden historical gems. Here are some of the highlights that you will not want to miss. 

NDSM Wharf: While we are on the water theme NDSM Wharf is a great place to check out. Once the largest shipyard in the Netherlands, NDSM Wharf has been transformed into a thriving cultural hotspot over recent decades. Characterized by its gritty industrial architecture, creative community, and vibrant street art, the area is a testament to urban revitalization. Amongst the repurposed shipping containers and converted hangars, you'll find an array of unexpected attractions, from pop-up restaurants to waterside hangouts, art spaces, and a buzzing nightlife scene.

STRAAT Museum: Apparently, art and water tend to go together in Amsterdam. Located in a former shipyard, STRAAT is a must-see museum for street art enthusiasts. This museum displays large, colorful works from artists worldwide, staying true to its name (“STREET”) and showcasing graffiti and urban art.

Museum Het Schip: This museum delves into the Amsterdam School architecture movement, housed in an iconic building designed in that style. It offers fascinating insights into the city’s early 20th-century urban development and the things that make the architecture of Amsterdam so unique.

Tropenmuseum: Near Oosterpark, the Tropenmuseum offers immersive exhibits on human culture and global themes. We would recommend this museum for several reasons. The imposing building has stunning architecture and is also very beautiful on the inside. The museum focuses on humanity with exhibitions that highlight universal human themes, such as mourning, celebrating, praying, or fighting. Plus the museum café, Café de Tropen, has been completely renovated and is getting great reviews, making this the perfect spot for a great cultural experience that you can combine with a tasty lunch.

Nieuwmarkt: A lively and historic square, Nieuwmarkt is known for its charming architecture, cafés, and the iconic De Waag building. Plus, nearby you will find one of Amsterdam's oldest streets, Zeedijk, which offers a blend of history and culture, featuring historic buildings, a great shopping scene, and cozy bars and restaurants. This area is a lovely place to experience the culture and history of Amsterdam along with the locals.

Jordaan: Famous for its narrow streets, independent boutiques, and cozy cafés, the Jordaan is a picturesque neighborhood with a bohemian vibe. It is also home to the Anne Frank House,
The historic site where Anne Frank and her family hid during WWII. Now a museum, it offers a moving insight into her life and legacy, making it one of Amsterdam’s most visited landmarks.

For fun:

Amsterdam is not only known for its history, but is also home to a vibrant entertainment scene. Whether you are into nature, music, movies, or just a fun day out, you will find something for you in Amsterdam.

City Parks: Amsterdam has many little green escapes throughout the city that you will not want to miss whether you are here for a day, or living like a local.

• Vondelpark: Enjoy the city’s most famous (and not so little) park. The ideal place for leisurely strolls, picnics, and outdoor concerts. Vondelpark is beloved by locals and tourists alike.
• Amstelpark: A large, activity-filled park featuring themed gardens, a petting zoo, a children’s train, galleries, and even mini-golf. Perfect for a family day out.
• Westerpark: A vibrant park offering more than just green space. It includes restaurants, bars, a cinema, markets, and cultural events throughout the year. Plus, check out Woeste Westen, a nature playground located in the park that is perfectly set up for kids to explore and learn about the natural environment while climbing and playing on sunny days.
• Sloterpark: Surrounding the Sloterplas lake, this park is perfect for running, barbecuing, water sports, and enjoying hidden restaurants. It even has a swimming pool.
• Oosterpark: A beautiful green oasis in Amsterdam East, great for walking, picnicking, and playing. It offers ponds, playgrounds, and even a children’s splash pool.

Jaap Eden Ice Rink: Another time honored Dutch tradition to try - ice skating! Open from October to March, this ice rink is the place to go for skating enthusiasts, or just if you are looking for a good time and a way to embrace the cold.

Boutiques, markets, and more: For the shoppers among us, Amsterdam will certainly not disappoint. Here are a few spots that the locals say you will definitely want to include in your spree.

• Pure Markt: A Sunday market held several times a year offering local and international products, artisan food, and creative goods. A great spot to shop and sample delicious treats.
• Dappermarkt: One of Amsterdam's most famous markets, located in the east of the city. Dappermarkt is a great place to shop for all your typical Dutch ingredients like fresh produce, fish, cheese, and more.
• De Hallen: A trendy, industrial-style retail center with boutique shops, a bustling food hall, bars, and a cinema. A hotspot for foodies and shoppers alike.
• De 9 Straatjes: A charming neighborhood of nine small streets (it’s all in the name 😉) filled with unique boutiques selling clothing, art, books, and vintage products.
• Utrechtsestraat: A hip shopping street known for its concept stores, fashion boutiques, interior design shops, and one of the best music stores in the city.
• Haarlemmerstraat:
  A lively street with independent boutiques, trendy shops, and affordable restaurants. A favorite spot for locals and tourists alike.

Filmhallen: While we are on the subject of movies, Filmhallen is a popular choice for catching up on the latest blockbusters films. Located in Amsterdam West, the Filmhallen is right next door to the Foodhallen which serves a large variety of food and drinks. So, as you probably guessed, combining the two makes for a great evening of food and fun.

Nice places to get a drink or dine out:

Continuing on the subject of food, after a long day of exploring the historical sites and checking out all the available parks and entertainment, it is time to get some nourishment. In the true Undutchables’ spirit, we love taking culinary adventures into other parts of the world. We have put together some of the best local spots to make sure you get fed well, so we hope you enjoy these these suggestions that are favorites from our team members in Amsterdam.

Cornerstore: Located in the trendy NDSM Wharf, Cornerstore offers a cozy setting with a fusion of international dishes and craft cocktails, making it a great spot for brunch, lunch, dinner, or drinks.

Bacalar: A taqueria specializing in authentic Mexican street food, Bacalar is the place to go for tacos, mezcal, and vibrant flavors in a laid-back atmosphere.

NENI: Situated near the Olympic Stadium, NENI offers a delicious Eastern Mediterranean sharing menu, perfect for trying a variety of mezze and larger dishes with friends.

TonTon Club: This arcade bar offers retro video games, pinball machines, and Japanese street food. TonTon Club is perfect for a fun night out with a nostalgic twist.

Bar Bukowski: Located next to Oosterpark, this all-day café-bar is a lively spot for coffee, lunch, or evening drinks, and is especially fun on Friday nights.

Canvas: A rooftop restaurant offering great views of Amsterdam. Canvas serves dinner, cocktails, and transforms into a nightclub later in the evening.

LouLou Pizzabar: Serving up delicious pizzas with a beautiful terrace overlooking the Amstel River, LouLou is the perfect spot for a relaxed meal with a view.

Twenty Third Bar: Located on the 23^rd floor of the luxurious Okura Hotel, this bar offers panoramic views and an elegant setting for sipping on finely crafted cocktails, perfect for a fancy night out.

Ô Mai: This Vietnamese restaurant is close to our office (maybe a nice combination 😉). It is known for its fresh, flavorful dishes and is a favorite spot for locals to grab a quick and delicious meal.

Brasserie Nel: This French-style café that is also near our office is a favorite spot for our team. We even host some of our candidate events here, and it is ideal for networking or casual dining, or just grabbing a coffee or celebratory glass of wine. With its cozy atmosphere and lovely terrace some time spent at Brasserie Nel is never wasted which is why it is one of our longest-standing recommendations that you will definitely want to check out.