Amsterdam: Do we love the Canals or Patios More?

Why Choose? You can explore the fine art of doing absolutely nothing beside a canal.

Amsterdam has world-famous museums, historic landmarks, beautiful architecture and fascinating history. However, we may have found the secret to really loving Amsterdam: Stop sightseeing occasionally. and just sit beside a canal. Order a drink on a patio. Then, wander down a street because it looks pretty or go into a shop you didn't know existed. And definitely eat something you can't pronounce.

Amsterdam is one of those rare cities where doing absolutely nothing for an hour can end up being one of your favourite parts of the trip.

First of All… Look at This Place

There's really no other city quite like Amsterdam. Narrow canal houses lean slightly toward the water and bikes fly past in every direction. Bridges connect tiny streets. Boats drift by while people sit outside cafés seemingly unconcerned with whatever the rest of the world is rushing around doing. It's ridiculously photogenic, my storage is now running full.

However, the beauty of Amsterdam is that it also feels like a real, lived-in city rather than somewhere that exists solely for tourists which is a huge part of the charm.

Amsterdam Was Made for Wandering

One of the best things to do in Amsterdam is to just simply walk. The city's neighbourhoods each have their own personality. There's the historic centre and de Wallen, where you'll find some of Amsterdam's oldest streets, canals and buildings. Then there's de Pijp — younger, lively and packed with restaurants, cafés and the Albert Cuyp Market. And then there's Jordaan.

If Amsterdam hasn't won you over yet, Jordaan probably will.

It features narrow streets, independent boutiques, galleries, cafés, gorgeous canal views. You name it! However, what we found is that sometimes the patios make it extremely difficult to continue sightseeing.

Our advice? "Stop fighting it and sit down! One thing you'll get to know about Jenn and Tracy is that we will never miss an opportunity to just sit down, enjoy the people watching and see what happens.

You Can't Talk About Amsterdam Without Talking About the Museums

For a relatively compact city, Amsterdam has an extraordinary collection of museums. You'll find the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, Moco. And, of course, the Anne Frank House — a completely different and deeply moving experience.

The temptation on an Amsterdam long weekend is to cram several museums into a single day. But don't. You won't give it the attention it needs. We suggest you choose the ones that matter most to you and give yourself time to actually experience them. Then come back for another trip.

Advice: You Need to See Amsterdam From the Water

Walking beside Amsterdam's canals is beautiful but travelling through them is even better. A canal cruise completely changes your perspective of the city. Suddenly you're looking up at those tall canal houses, slipping underneath little bridges and seeing Amsterdam from the waterways that helped shape it.

Whether you take a guided canal cruise or rent a small boat, you just need to make sure you get on the water.

Stroopwafels Count as Cultural Research

We're sticking with this. The Albert Cuyp Market is one of those places where you arrive thinking you'll spend 30 minutes and suddenly realize two hours have passed. You can take in the food, flowers, cheese, clothing and all that local vendors have to offer.

And then there are Dutch frites, preferably eaten from a cone while walking beside a canal or the fresh stroopwafels. Obviously you'll need to try those too...for research.

Amsterdam Is Surprisingly Good at Patios

When the weather is good the terraces fill up across the city. And when it doesn't? Heaters and blankets appear!

Problem solved.There's something wonderfully Amsterdam about sitting outside with a drink while bicycles pass, boats glide through the canal and the city carries on around you. This isn't wasted vacation time. This is the vacation.

The Perfect Amsterdam Trip Leaves Room for Amsterdam

There's a lot to see here, but trying to see all of it is probably the fastest way to miss what makes Amsterdam so special. So be wise and choose a few things you absolutely don't want to miss. Make sure you book the important ones in advance. Try to leave some empty space.

If you want some help balancing the museums and must-sees with markets, neighbourhoods, canal wandering, great food and those all-important spontaneous patio stops, check out our Amsterdam itinerary and start planning your long weekend:
https://planyourvacay.com/amsterdam