Amsterdam Airport Schiphol serves as a major international travel hub, providing entry not just to the Netherlands but much of Europe. Every day, it hosts an average of 960 flights from various carriers.

When it comes to transatlantic travel, the cost of flying from JFK to Amsterdam, a journey of around seven hours, is among the most reasonable. These factors make Amsterdam an ideal destination for East Coast residents looking for a long weekend getaway.

However, it’s not just logistics that make Amsterdam an attractive location. As someone who has visited the city four times, most recently in late November/early December with my spouse, toddler, and close friends, I can attest that the city’s cultural and culinary scenes are continually improving.

Amsterdam continues to evolve in exciting ways, which is surprising given its rich heritage. The ease of getting around the city is another advantage. Everyone rides a bike, even young children, and the city is quite walkable.

If the notion of a quick trip across the Atlantic to Amsterdam piques your interest, you’ll be glad to know that the city has plenty of fantastic locations for eating, drinking, shopping, and sightseeing. I guarantee that it’s worth enduring 72 hours of jet lag.

Plus, if you get tired, there are numerous coffee shops available (just to clarify, I’m referring to the ones that serve lattes).

Where To Stay

I have had the pleasure of staying at The Hoxton, Amsterdam on two occasions and plan to return in the future. Its location along the Herengracht canal is unbeatable, and it exudes a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere.

During the day, guests can often be seen working on their laptops while enjoying flat whites in the lobby lounge. In the evenings, the scene shifts to cozy fireside cocktails and conversations with friends.

The generously sized rooms, particularly for city-center accommodations, are incredibly spacious. If you’re too exhausted after a busy day of sightseeing, you can take solace in knowing that Lotti’s restaurant serves exceptional food.

A few streets away, Pulitzer Amsterdam is another gem located on a canal. It exudes a more refined and sophisticated ambiance, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a five-star hotel experience.

This boutique property comprises 25 Golden Age houses dating back to the 17th century, resulting in a rich character and charm.

The uniquely designed rooms and suites are like jewel boxes, featuring luxurious touches such as velvet sofas and marble bathrooms.

Cultural

To begin your sightseeing adventure in Amsterdam, the historical center of Dam Square is an excellent starting point as it is home to many significant tourist attractions. These include the neoclassical Royal Palace, the National Monument, and the 15th-century Nieuwe Kerk (New Church).

With so many museums to choose from, it may be challenging to fit them all into a short trip, but it’s worth trying to see a few. The must-see circuit for first-timers includes the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, and Rijksmuseum.

Be sure to purchase tickets in advance to save time. For art enthusiasts seeking something different, the Moco Museum, STRAAT Museum, and Nxt Museum are also worth considering.

A great way to explore Amsterdam is to take a cruise along its picturesque canals. Booking the classic salon boat “Tourist” offers a unique opportunity to travel in style on a private vessel that once hosted Winston Churchill, and you can customize the route based on your interests.

On a recent trip, our captain, who was a lifelong Amsterdam resident and history major at university, recommended a visit to the Museum Van Loon, where I was able to admire the period furnishings and portraits in the grand old canalside house.

Amsterdam is also an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. When the weather permits, taking a stroll through Vondelpark is an enjoyable activity.

While cycling tours of the countryside are beautiful, it may be better to hold off on them until you have seen more of the city’s sights. However, the decision is ultimately yours.

Shopping

Amsterdam is a shopping paradise with a lot of designer stores to browse, such as Bottega Veneta, Prada, Chanel, Gucci, and Hermés, that can be found along Hoodtstraat, a high-end street close to Museumplein and Vondelpark.

De 9 Straatjes is a trendy neighborhood that is home to chic boutiques selling both local and international brands.

If you’re short on time, stop by Velour Amsterdam and Unrecorded. Cheese lovers will love De Kaaskamer, which draws cheese enthusiasts from all over the world.

360volt is a workshop, gallery, and store rolled into one that carries a vast selection of lights, ranging from restored old-school floodlight film spotlights to refurbished 1920s dentist floor lamps.

The vintage scene is also quite strong, with Carla Palermo, Rumors Vintage & Design, and We Are Vintage being the go-to spots for retro threads.

Additionally, Amsterdam has some exceptional and quirky stores that are deserving of a shoutout, such as the Otherist, which offers a variety of curiosities like specimen cubes with globe thistles inside, brass snail-shaped paperweights, and porcelain bird skulls that make fantastic souvenirs and gifts.

Food & Sips

Amsterdam is a city with a diverse range of food and drink options. Pancakes are a must-try dish when visiting Amsterdam, and Pancakehouse Upstairs is a well-known establishment that offers both sweet and savory options.

The Happy Pig Pancake Shop is a great place to try a unique twist on traditional pancakes, and Fabel Friet offers delicious Dutch potato fries with homemade curry ketchup or truffle mayo.

Café Papeneiland and Winkel 43 are known to serve the best Dutch apple pie in the city, and Winkel 43 is also highly recommended for its bitterballen, a fried Dutch snack similar to croquettes. Herring is a local delicacy that can be enjoyed at Amsterdamsche Vischhandel, and many locals swear by its taste.

For coffee lovers, there are many cozy cafes to choose from in Amsterdam, including Black Gold, Scandinavian Embassy, and Hummingbird. Bak is known for its modern Dutch cuisine and multi-course tasting menus.

De Kas is another popular restaurant that serves seasonal small plates with an extensive selection of wine. Gertrude Rest. & Bar offers cozy vintage charm and tasty dishes, while Bambino is a great place for natural wine and vegetarian options. For a nightcap, Pulitzer’s Bar, Rosalia’s Menagerie, and Door 74 are highly recommended.

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