AmSterdam
Day 1
Day 2
10:00AM
Breakfast at Pancake Bakery
Pancakes are like crepes. So good! Only take reservations for 6 or more but the line moves pretty fast.
11:00AM
Anne Frank Haus
The most moving site in Amsterdam. (MUST book very early). Visit takes about 1 hour
12:30PM
Dam Square/Damrak
Walk around and visit Bulldog Cafe, Tony’s Chocolonely, Van Wooderen Stroopwafels
1:30PM
Cheese Museum
This place was so fun if you love cheese you have to go! You literally just walk in and try a million different cheeses then leave lol.
2:30PM
Red Light District
walk around, it is so trippy and weird but definitely recommend
4:00PM
Foodhallen
Go for a snack. In a random part of Amsterdam but easy to metro to and sooo many good food options.
5:30PM
Head back to hotel to relax
10:00AM
Morning Bike Tour
Lots of options here. You can just do the top sites for 2.5 hours or venture out to the country for 4 hours. E-bikes avail if you are not a great biker!
12:00PM
Locals
such a yummy brunch. Pancakes and shukshuka are amazing! They have all day brunch!
1:30PM
Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum
Amsterdam has lots of art everywhere! Both good choices to get a little culture. You can try to do both!
3:00PM
Heineken Tour
(1.5 hours) Sooo much fun even if you don't like beer. Very interactive and cool. You get free beer!
4:30PM
Fabel Friets & Het Koekemannetje
Amazing fries! Get the truffle mayo to dip! Then head next door to get amazing chocolate chip cookies!
5:30PM
Shopping on Nine Little Streets
A million cute boutique stores around there- also all the big ones like Zara etc.
6:30PM
Head to hotel to relax
7:30PM
A'dam Lookout & Over the edge swing
Go at sunset! It is so cool you literally swing over Amsterdam. Check out activity list for more info. Get tix that include drinks
Brunch & Lunch
Dinner
Food Halls
Brunch & Lunch
Albert Cuyp Market
Lots to choose from. Get the Dutch Pancakes or Cajun Chicken and of course the stroopwafels. Open till 5pm daily.
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Website
Bakers and Roasters
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Great breakfast. Eggs are so good. Go early to avoid a long wait if you can.
$ - $$
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Bakhuy’s
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Small cafe near the University of Amsterdam and CIEE. Must get their croissants and focaccia!
$ - $$
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Benji's
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Everything is amazing but we are obsessed with the french toast! Has a couple locations.
$$ - $$$
Website
Dae Bakery Cafe
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Cute spot for breakfast or lunch! Can do pastries or breakfast. We loved the avo toast with an egg on top!!
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Instagram
D&A Hummus Bistro
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Hummus is soooo good, but try some of the other Lebanese dishes too!
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Dignita
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Great for all day brunch. Has a couple locations. Definitely less touristy.
Flo’s Appetizing
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Still dreaming about this NY-style bagel. Get the “Jerry” egg sandwiches on bagels great too, but small.
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Foodhallen
Lowkey in random part of Amsterdam, but easy to metro to and sooo many good food options. Good for dinner too. Closes at 12AM Sun-Thu and 1AM Fri/Sat.
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Rainbowls
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Great spot to get delicious acai bowls. Smoothies are also really good and adorable.
Moak Pancakes
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They have pancakes and toasts. No reservations and are extremely specific with making sure all mems of party are there before seating. They don’t mess around bc there are almost always others waiting and will give the table to the next group. Delicious!!!
$$ - $$$
Menu
The Pancake Bakery
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Such good pancakes (they are like crepes). They only take reservations for groups of six or more so if you’re less than six just say your friends can’t come. Biggest omelette I’ve ever seen in my life. So good. Open till 9PM on weekends.
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Menu
Dinner
Bam Boa
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In cute area, when its warm sit outside, smaller plates. Serves lunch too.
$$ - $$$
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Boxsociaal
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Really good dinner place, but also has all day brunch. Need a reservation. try the pulled lamb flatbread!
$$ - $$$
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Fiaschetteria Pistoia
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Delicious Italian food. Has two locations in Amsterdam. Also has locations in NY!
$$ - $$$
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The Dutchess
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Fancy & expensive, good w family. Has a Michelin star and is in the W Hotel. Get a drink at the bar before dinner!
$$$
Menu
Fikissimo
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Great mediterranean that also has sushi and pasta. The focaccia and tzatziki are a must and the truffle risotto 10/10.
$$ - $$$
Menu
Fiko
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Such great Italian! "Amazing restaurant and great vibe. Food was delicious and every dish was better than the next!!! Went to a bar across the street while we waited for our table called Cafe Helmers with great drinks and a good vibe" Same owners as Fikissimo.
$$ - $$$
Menu
LuminAir
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Great option on the roof of the Hilltree Hotel. Delicious food but a little on the pricey side. Great views and great vibes.
$$$
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Lolo
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Gorgeous Italian near Central Station. Pasta and pizza so good. They make great drinks too.
$$ - $$$
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Mesiba
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New find! Amazing amazing Israeli food. A must! The bread is insane and also has amazing drinks.
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Mr Haz Taco Bar
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Yummy drinks and delish tacos. Basic menu, but really good.
Rating: 8/10
Rating: 8/10
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Secret Garden
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New find! Obsessed. Unreal! A combo of Japanese and Peruvian food. Very cool and artsy atmosphere. Gluten free friendly.
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Food Halls
Albert Cuyp Market
Definitely walk through if you have time and get stroop here. If you have extra time you should do a food tour with a guide who can show you all the best they have to offer!!
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Website
Noordermarkt
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A cool and really fun farmers market across from Winkel 43!! "I’d recommend going. There’s clothes and food and jewelry and literally everything. Open 9-4pm on Saturdays.
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Information
Cafe Winkel 43
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Most insane apple pie I’ve ever had. Get the hot wine too! Open till 1AM Sun-Thu and 3AM on weekends.
$
Menu
Fabel Friets
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Amazing fries, get them with truffle mayo and parmesan. Open till 8PM Mon-Thu and 9PM Fri-Sun.
$
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Melly’s Stroopwafels
Very well known in Amsterdam. Not to be missed. Open till 7pm daily and closed all day Tuesday.
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Polaberry
Such good chocolate and a cute place to visit. Use code gtgabroad for a 10% discount!
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Rudi’s Stroop
So so good, at the Albert Cuyp Market. Open till 5pm on Mon/Tu/Fri and 5:30PM Saturday. Closed all other days.
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Museums & Sights
Activities & Tours
Museums & Sights
Anne Frank Haus
This was so meaningful, definitely try to go. They release tickets every Tuesday at 10AM (Amsterdam time) for 6 weeks in advance.
Begijnhof
A medieval courtyard in the middle of Amsterdam.
Bloemenmarkt
Amsterdam’s famous flower market!
Cheese Museum
Okay this place was so fun if you love cheese you have to go! You literally just walk in and try a million different cheeses then leave.
Dam Square
Tony’s Chocolonely Damrak - Main Square in Amsterdam with food stalls, shopping, etc.
Keukenhof Garden - (Tulip Season)
Incredibly beautiful garden that is only open during tulip season. An absolute must!! Book a shuttle + free entry ticket. You may need to take the free ferry to get to the shuttle. Open March 21-May 12
MOCO
Cool contemporary art museum. Pretty much every student stops in for a look because it is different from a lot of other European museums. We have a video on our socials if you want to see for yourself!
Red Light District
We just walked through and it was so trippy and weird, but definitely recommend.
Rijksmuseum
Museum of the Netherlands. For people who really want to learn about the city they are touring.
Tulip Museum
Right next to the cheese museum. Costs €3 for students. Quick but fun and actually slightly interesting for anyone willing to read the info
Activities & Tours
A’Dam Lookout & Over The Edge Swing
Super cool terrace and bar on top of a building that overlooks Amsterdam. Terrifying must do, great photo op. If you wanna swing book tix in advance. Kinda pricey but cool drinks and nice fun way to relax def would recommend.
Albert Cuyp Market
Lots to choose from. Get the Dutch pancakes or cajun chicken and of course the stroopwafels. Or better yet do a food tour with an expert!
Amsterdam Music Festival
Happens every October and it is soooo worth it! Make sure to book your hotel early and buy your tickets!!
Blond Amsterdam
Cute cafe where you can paint bowls and cups kinda like color me mine.
Canal Tour
"We did an unlimited wine and cheese one and it was so fun and so pretty." Walk around De Pijp and go to the Albert Cuyp Market.
Canal & Food Tour
Combine two "must-do's" in one! Sip beer why you float down Amsterdam's famous canals while stopping off at incredible food venues for local favorites!
Dutch Village Visit
Great if you have a couple extra days to tour! Spend the day touring Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam, and Marken in the Dutch countryside!
Heineken Experience
Fun!, They give you so much beer! You need a ticket in advance but it is absolutely worth checking out.
Pub Crawl
Such a fun way to not only enjoy some of the cities most fun bars and clubs but a great way to meet people too!
Tulip Festival
Happens in April. This is a whole day event. You buy tickets that include the bus. There are lots of lines and it takes about 45 min but it is so worth it. They have food there so at least that is covered.
Vondel Park
Large park in the middle of Amsterdam. Great place to picnic.
Walk, Bike & Cruise Tour
Great for a the person who wants to get it all in over the course of one day! Also includes an authentic Dutch lunch.
Coffee Shops
Coffee Shops
Bulldog Cafe
The most iconic and well known "brand" in Amsterdam. There are lots of outposts to choose from. Touristy.
Kadinsky Coffee Shop
Has a nice vibe. There is a cafe of the same name across the street to relax and enjoy your purchase while having a drink or snack. Has more than one location.
Prix d'ami
In the city center. It's 4 stories and has a movie theater, lounge and you can get food and drinks.
Budget
Average
Splurge
Budget
Arcade Hotel
Good location. Triples approx. $140 per night pp.
Backstage Hotel
In a good location. Triples approx. $92 pp per night.
Hotel City Garden
In a good location. Gets the job done! No AC. Can get rooms that sleep up to five people. Family room approx $167 pp, per night.
Meininger Hotel
Not the best location, but well known hostel chain. Quad room approx. $75.75 per night pp.
The Winston Hostel
Good location, good rep. Doubles approx. $120 pp per night.
Stayokay Vondelpark
Great location and can get a large room. Great option! Prices vary depending on your group but a room for 12 people is around $50 per night.
Average
Moxy Amsterdam
Good, chic hotel chain with nice, clean rooms. Moxy Sleeper Room for 2 people approx $95 per person, per night.
ED Amsterdam Hotel
Great location and even has triple rooms! Triples approx $100 per night, per person.
Dream Hotel
Near Bloemenmarkt. Doubles approx. $145 pp per night.
Hotel Die Port Van Cleve
Good location. Cosy double room approx. $176.50 per night pp.
Hotel Nes
Good location. Double room approx. $162.50 per night pp. They have options for Quad rooms
Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Landmark
Good location. Double room approx. $210.50 per night pp.
Marriott Element
Location not as good as below, but better pricing. Double room approx. $148.50 per night pp.
Leonardo Hotel Amsterdam City Center
Good location. Double room approx. $138 per night pp. Make sure you are booking the correct location.
The Social Hub
Good location. Double room approx. $138 per night pp.
Splurge
Marriott
Good location in city center. Double room approx. $238.50 per night pp.
Mr. Jordaan
Cute boutique hotel. Doubles approx. $215 pp per night.
W Amsterdam
Big splurge - double room $334 per night pp.
Experience
Bars & Clubs
Experience
A’Dam Lookout & Over The Edge Swing
Super cool terrace and bar (Ma'dam Bar) on top of a building that overlooks Amsterdam. Terrifying must do, great photo op. If you wanna swing book tix in advance. Kinda pricey but cool drinks and nice fun way to relax def would recommend. The swing is pretty quick.
Bars & Clubs
Cafe Hoppe
Cute cafe for happy hour. Great spot to people watch in nice weather. They have food too.
Chicago Social Club
Buy tickets before hand, 21+ (but easy on fakes), two rooms of DJs, super fun!
Escape
Very fun but drinks are on the expensive side and it can be touristy, especially in the summer.
The Flying Dutchman
Very cool atmosphere and great drinks. Not your average bar. New find!
Hole In The Wall
It’s fun American music and good to drink there before going to the club. It is right next door to Chicago Social
The Pool Bar
Cute neighborhood bar with Dutch locals, pool tables and bar snacks. An absolute fave among abroad students.
Radion
Lots of different things going on. Industrial chic vibe
Shelter
Buy tickets before, hard techno music, they cover your phone with a sticker- no photos allowed
Amsterdam With Family!
Below please find a small selection of some of our favorite hotels, activities and restaurants that may be great to enjoy when family visits.
To get our full recommendation list and enjoy hotel amenities and personalized service, with no financial commitment, please contact our partner, Betsy Polatsch with Smart Flyer!
Virtuoso amenities often include:
*Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
*Daily Breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
*$100 USD Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay
*Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
*Complimentary Wi-Fi
Please mention GTGabroad to reap the most rewards!
To get our full recommendation list and enjoy hotel amenities and personalized service, with no financial commitment, please contact our partner, Betsy Polatsch with Smart Flyer!
Virtuoso amenities often include:
*Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
*Daily Breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
*$100 USD Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay
*Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
*Complimentary Wi-Fi
Please mention GTGabroad to reap the most rewards!
Lodging
Conservatorium Hotel
This amazing hotel with an artsy vibe is perfectly situated near iconic museums and restaurants. Even if you don't stay. here it is worth checking out!
The Dylan
Luxury five-star boutique hotel in an incredible location. Part of Leading Hotels of the World.
Pulitzer
Very well known hotel along Amsterdam's iconic canals. You cannot go wrong with this luxury hotel in an amazing location
Hotel de L’Europe
This hotel is along the banks of the river Amstel. The rooms and suites are absolutely gorgeous!
Kimpton De Witt
A modern, chic, and warm hotel with a unique decor and friendly service. The hotel's prime location near Central Station and city attractions makes it ideal for all travelers.
Activity Ideas
What Betsy Recommends!
Some fun, interactive and memorable activities that are great to do with families!
*Boat tour on the canals
*Heineken experience VIP tour
*A’Dam Lookout
*City Bike Tour
*Windmill Tour
*Tulip festival
For extensive descriptions and to book please contact Betsy at SmartFlyer.
*Boat tour on the canals
*Heineken experience VIP tour
*A’Dam Lookout
*City Bike Tour
*Windmill Tour
*Tulip festival
For extensive descriptions and to book please contact Betsy at SmartFlyer.
Dining Musts
*De Kas - Chic garden conservatory serving Mediterranean dishes made from organic ingredients grown on-site.
*Lucius - Amazing seafood restaurant in a cozy atmosphere. *Satchmo - Bistro food in a cozy and chic setting.
*Jansz - Located within the Pulitzer Hotel, sample Dutch fare at its finest.
*Mr Porter - Rooftop steakhouse restaurant with amazing views!
Contact Smart Flyer for all of GTGabroad approved dining in Amsterdam!
*Lucius - Amazing seafood restaurant in a cozy atmosphere. *Satchmo - Bistro food in a cozy and chic setting.
*Jansz - Located within the Pulitzer Hotel, sample Dutch fare at its finest.
*Mr Porter - Rooftop steakhouse restaurant with amazing views!
Contact Smart Flyer for all of GTGabroad approved dining in Amsterdam!
Good To Know
Living Set Up
Study Spots
Navigation
Faves
Shopping
Good To Know
1. Try to get housing at Social Hub City if you can!
2. The metro is very easy to navigate or a lot of people use bikes.
3. Leave a couple weekends free to explore Amsterdam.
4. Sometimes the airport gets busy so you can reserve a time slot to go through security ahead of time on the airport website
2. The metro is very easy to navigate or a lot of people use bikes.
3. Leave a couple weekends free to explore Amsterdam.
4. Sometimes the airport gets busy so you can reserve a time slot to go through security ahead of time on the airport website
Living Set Up
Groceries
Albert Heijn - make sure you have euros not all locations accept US cards. Can get all sorts of produce and dry goods for cooking.
Study Spots
Crea Cafe
This is near University of Amsterdam & CIEE and is a good study spot because they have wifi
Navigation
Faves
Coffee
YUSU - near school
Coffee Company - chain but good
Screaming Beans
Coffee Company - chain but good
Screaming Beans
Lunch
Zero Zero
Bakhuy’s - croissants and focaccia are out of this world. Right near CIEE and Univ of Amsterdam
Dignita
Yusu - so close to school
Flo’s - multiple locations, best bagels
Rainbowls - acai bowls
Bakers and Roasters
Locals
See full lunch list on Amsterdam page
Bakhuy’s - croissants and focaccia are out of this world. Right near CIEE and Univ of Amsterdam
Dignita
Yusu - so close to school
Flo’s - multiple locations, best bagels
Rainbowls - acai bowls
Bakers and Roasters
Locals
See full lunch list on Amsterdam page
Dinner
Fiachetteria- two locations, also in New York, Italian
Fiko- italian so good
Fissikmo- mediterranean, big menu
The Duchess- fancy & expensive, good w family, SO GOOD, michelin star in the W hotel
Mr. Porter- also in W hotel, steakhouse
Bam Boa- in cute area, when its warm sit outside, smaller plates
Ceppis- good vibes & Italian food
Izakaya - Asian fusion
Mesiba- legit so good one of my fav meals, Israeli/ mediterranean food
Sushi fanatics- very close to school, fresh sushi, not too expensive
See full dinner list on Amsterdam page
Fiko- italian so good
Fissikmo- mediterranean, big menu
The Duchess- fancy & expensive, good w family, SO GOOD, michelin star in the W hotel
Mr. Porter- also in W hotel, steakhouse
Bam Boa- in cute area, when its warm sit outside, smaller plates
Ceppis- good vibes & Italian food
Izakaya - Asian fusion
Mesiba- legit so good one of my fav meals, Israeli/ mediterranean food
Sushi fanatics- very close to school, fresh sushi, not too expensive
See full dinner list on Amsterdam page
Bars & Nightlife
Poolbar- must go so fun, all time fav
Flying dutchman- classy aesthetic
Cafe weber
Door 74
Louie louie
Hole in the wall- good for pregame
Chin chin club- literally unreal so fun go on Thursdays
Chicago social club
De school
Shelter
Welkweg
Skate cafe
Radion
NYX - Thursdays, gay club
See full nightlife list on Amsterdam page
Flying dutchman- classy aesthetic
Cafe weber
Door 74
Louie louie
Hole in the wall- good for pregame
Chin chin club- literally unreal so fun go on Thursdays
Chicago social club
De school
Shelter
Welkweg
Skate cafe
Radion
NYX - Thursdays, gay club
See full nightlife list on Amsterdam page
Shopping
Local Favorites
Gimme glitter
AVC
Enso
Mina
American Vintage
Penny Lane Vintage
AVC
Enso
Mina
American Vintage
Penny Lane Vintage
Workouts
Beauty Maintenance
