Date: December 15th, 2025
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
This fall, my mom and I took a trip to Amsterdam, and I wanted to share some honest reviews of the activities we did and the spots we’d recommend. I was immediately impressed by the city’s walkability, stunning architecture, and especially the shopping. The number of American vintage stores was surprisingly high (honestly, more than I’ve seen in the U.S.), and Amsterdam might be the best city for vintage shopping that I’ve found so far.
While I was a bit underwhelmed by the food overall, we did discover several great places that are definitely worth highlighting. Here are our favorites…
Local and non-touristy food options…
Proeflokaal A. v. Wees:
This local restaurant is absolutely worth securing a reservation for. While the Netherlands doesn’t have a signature national cuisine, this spot serves all the classic Dutch staples. I recommend the bitterballen (though I’ll admit the ones at our hotel were even better), the beef stew, and, of course, a beer. Prices are reasonable, the outdoor seating has a great atmosphere, and the location right along the canal is perfect.
Hans Egstorf:
This small café and patisserie was stunning inside and served the best stroopwafel I had in Amsterdam. They make them fresh right in front of you (truly the only way to enjoy one), and the coffee was solid as well. I loved this place for its aesthetic and the fact that it’s tucked away from the heavy tourist areas.
Madame Crossaint:
Located on a main shopping street in Amsterdam, this spot offers excellent iced and hot coffee along with a variety of specialty croissants. I had the hazelnut croissant, and my mom tried the Nutella version - both were incredible. I also spotted matcha, strawberry, and Biscoff croissants that looked amazing. There’s limited outdoor seating, but if you can snag it, it makes a perfect spot for people-watching during a shopping break.
Gertrude:
If you enjoy tapas-style dining and French cuisine, this restaurant is a must. Even though I’m not usually drawn to French food, everything we ordered was exceptional. With a bottle of wine to share and a full tapas selection, expect to spend around $100 per person. The menu is small, so be sure to check it in advance.
Into the Activities…
3-Hour Countryside Bike Tour:
This was both my mom’s and my favorite part of the trip. We booked through Flagship Bike Tours, which offers both traditional bikes and e-bikes, with groups of around 15 people or fewer. I added a basket attachment for easy access to my camera, and the route included plenty of well-planned stops, making it very manageable for anyone who is decently active. There were even a few people in our group aged 60+ who kept up easily on the e-bikes. I would note that the brief city sections can feel a bit intense due to traffic, but once you’re out in the countryside, it’s incredibly enjoyable.
Canal Boat Ride:
This was the perfect way to relax with a glass of wine after a long day. It’s a great option if you want to get out and explore without expending much energy. We learned a bit about Amsterdam’s history, but it was more of a peaceful cruise than a formal tour. My favorite part was seeing the wide-open canal that apparently freezes over in winter and becomes a skating spot for locals. I don’t think the tour company matters much, but Flagship also offers canal tours in addition to their bike tours.
The Heineken Museum:
This is a fun and interactive museum if you’re in the mood for a drink or two. The experience is mostly self-paced after you enter the first exhibit, so you can linger or move along as you like. It was fascinating to see how beer is made and to walk through the old brewing rooms, and the tour includes about two beers. We also upgraded to the rooftop experience, which I highly recommend. It includes additional drinks and outdoor seating, and I tried an Aperol spritz–style beer that was surprisingly good. Overall, a great place to walk around, drink, and enjoy the atmosphere.
The Anne Frank House:
If I had to recommend just one museum in Amsterdam, it would be the Anne Frank House. The experience is an audio-guided walking tour that takes you through the actual house while telling the story of Anne Frank and her family. It’s deeply moving and incredibly impactful, and well worth prioritizing during your visit.
The Van Gogh Museum:
If you love art history, this is a must-visit. While I wasn’t completely blown away by the collection—some of Van Gogh’s most famous works aren’t on display—the building itself is beautiful and very thoughtfully designed. My mom and I did the audio-guided tour and learned a great deal about Van Gogh’s life, the influence of his brother, and how his brother’s wife played a major role in ensuring his work became widely recognized.
