First Time in Amsterdam: The Local's Complete Guide
Amsterdam insider guide: neighborhoods, where to eat, things to do, where to sleep, atractions, tours, deals, tips. Written by someone who lives here.
Okay, so you're coming to Amsterdam for the first time. Let me save you from every tourist trap in the city and actually show you what makes this place special.
Getting Around (Don't Bike Immediately)
Real talk: the Amsterdam bike situation is beautiful but chaotic. My friend Tom got here last month and tried to rent a bike on day one. He went straight into a canal. Don't be Tom. Spend 2-3 days walking and taking trams first. Get your bearings. THEN bike.
The tram system is actually incredible. Buy a multi-day card (OV-chipkaart), stick it on the reader, and you're good. The 2, 5, and 12 tram lines basically go everywhere you'll want to be.
First Week Itinerary
Day 1: Jordaan + Canal Walk Skip the Red Light District on day one. Instead, get to Jordaan on the 13 tram. Walk Westerstraat, stop for coffee at Café de Jaren (arrive by 10 AM).
Day 2: Museums Van Gogh Museum is touristy but worth it. Book ahead. Tuesday morning is less packed. Anne Frank House: BOOK WEEKS AHEAD.
Day 3: The Actual Amsterdam Take a small group canal tour at sunset, then dinner in De Pijp. Walk home along the canals. This is Amsterdam.
Neighborhoods Worth Your Time
Jordaan — Where creative people live. Indie boutiques, tiny restaurants, real vibe.
De Pijp — Albert Cuyp Market and excellent restaurants.
Noord — Across the river. Industrial-chic, artists, nightlife. Take the free ferry.
Oud-West — My personal favorite. Quieter than Jordaan, better food scene.
Food Strategy (No Tourist Menus)
Rule 1: If you see laminated menus on the street, you're in the wrong place.
Rule 2: Albert Cuyp Market for street food.
Rule 3: Dinner reservations matter. Book 2+ weeks ahead for good places.
Rule 4: Brunch on weekends IS a thing here. Arrive by 10 AM.
The Real Amsterdam Move
Rent a bike (after day 3), find a café in Vondelpark, order a coffee and a pastry, sit for 2 hours, watch people, bike home. That's Amsterdam.
If you are still figuring out where to stay, this is where I tell my friends to book. Cancel for free if your plans change.
Friends of mine usually book through here — you can cancel if plans change.
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Places mentioned in this guide
Every spot here is personally vetted — no sponsored placements.
The Hoxton Amsterdam
Local FavoriteIf you want a hotel that feels like a stylish apartment with a great lobby bar, The Hoxton is it. Book early—especially in summer.
Padel Amsterdam
Local FavoritePadel Amsterdam is a fun, weather-proof indoor court in Oud-West. Go Wednesday with a group — it’s where my coworker Lisa hooked us all.
Private Boat on the Canals
Local FavoriteForget the tourist boats. My roommate rents a little electric boat, loads it with cheese and wine, and cruises the canals herself. No license needed. Best afternoon in Amsterdam.
More from a local
Amsterdam on a Budget — How to Not Go Broke
How to do Amsterdam without going broke: free things worth doing, cheap eats, budget stays, and where tourists waste money. From a local.
Amsterdam Transport Guide — How to Get Around Without Looking Lost
How to get around Amsterdam: Schiphol train, trams, bikes, free ferries, and why you don't need a car. Practical tips from a local.
King's Day Amsterdam — The Insider Survival Guide
King's Day survival guide from a local: where to go, what to wear, what to skip, and the practical stuff nobody mentions. April 27.