Food and culture in Amsterdam
Food and culture: From wanders in Amsterdam’s many parks, bicycle rides along the canals, choosing flowers at the flower market or checking out Amsterdam’s many museums, one trip to Amsterdam simply won’t be enough.
Fantastically located in northern Europe, with easy access by plane, train and road, it’s often just a one or two hour journey to get here. Once you’re here, we recommend that you opt for an environmentally friendly way to explore the city by renting a bike, taking a canal trip or simply walking. Amsterdam is flat and easy to get around, and that way you’ll see more of the sights, sounds and smells.
Aromas of Amsterdam
First things first, your stomach. A trip to Amsterdam is not complete without trying our beer, our cheese, and of course, our waffles. Check out stroopwafels, a delicious blend of thin waffle and caramel or head to one of the many places selling sugar waffles and top your calorie intake for the day up with chocolate, Nutella, icecream or whipped cream on top. Cheese is also a must-eat so take your pick from the many cheesemongers or Kaashuis that you’ll see around town. They are shrines to cheese and many offer cheese and wine pairings so you know exactly which cheese pairs best with your favourite tipple. When it comes to beer, we’ll let you choose where to savour a cold one. On a sunny day, it’s the ideal refreshment as you watch the canal boats sail.
Sights to see
Food and culture: As we’ve said, Amsterdam is the perfect place to explore by bike or on foot. Dam Square is the perfect starting point for fantastic photo opportunities but then head along the canals and take in the sights of merchants’ buildings which were built from 1580 to the 17th century. Built on the money that the merchants earnt selling exotic spices from the far East. Even now, some of Amsterdam’s richest families live there, but many are museums which you can also visit.
For art lovers there are two three museums which everyone loves.There’s Rembrandt’s house which has excellent exhibitions with his possessions, etchings, seashells and sketches on display. The Rijksmuseum is perfect on a sunny or rainy day with a lovely park outside it if you want to simply relax in the sun. the most famous work of art there is Rembrandt’s The Night Watch but you’ll also be blown away by the beautiful Delftware and intricate dollshouses.
A trip to Amsterdam is not complete without a visit to Anne Frank’s house. A sobering experience, you’ll learn about conditions for Jewish people in Amsterdam during the Second World War. The Frank’s Secret Annex gives an insight into the hiding places many lived in during that period. Pre-book in advance for both the Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank’s house to avoid the queues.
The Hostel Orfeo is located right in the centre of Amsterdam making it a fantastic place to stay so you can enjoy Amsterdam from the moment you arrive.
