Amsterdam As A Local
Tim Weiss
Consultant, Foodie and Explorer
Greenwoods
Start your day out right at Greenwood's. Here you can get an inventive breakfast made with local organic ingredients and served canal side on the spectacular Keizersgracht. If you've enjoyed a bit too much Amsterdam vice the previous night, wake up with a Bloody Mary bar to set you back on proper footing to see the city.
Rijksmuseum
To round out the morning, make a stop at the newly reopened Rijksmuseum. Following a 10 year and $500 million renovation, this spectacular museum reopened fully to the public in April of 2013. Spend time enjoying artifacts from the Dutch Golden Age, spectacular pieces from every important Dutch master painter, or just admire the fantastically restored galleries designed by famed Dutch architect Pierre Cuypers. When visiting Amsterdam, the Rijksmuseum is 'the' attraction to see.
Het Molenpad
After the museum, make your way back to the canal rings for lunch in a typical Dutch 'brown cafe.' If you're there on a nice day, try to snag one of the tables on the canal, and leisurely enjoy the views while you sip a Belgian beer and tuck into a traditional Dutch uitsmijter (toasted bread with a fried egg, cheese and ham).
Mike's Bike Tours Amsterdam
Avoid the crowds of tourists on the canal boats, and see the city as a local - by bike!! Even if you may be a bit rusty and Amsterdam bike traffic can be intimidating, your local tour guides will share with you some great local insights and you will get the best canal views possible.
Wynand Fockink
After your biking adventure stroll along the canals and enjoy the unique and sometimes bizarre Amsterdam boutiques on the 9 Streets. Make your way slowly to the Dam, where you'll find Wynand Fockink, Amsterdam's oldest distillery quietly located off of a side alleyway. W&F offers traditional Dutch libations and wonderfully spiced liquors. Make sure to drink like a local by taking your first sip with an audible slurp as your glass is still resting on the bar.
I would stay at: The Dylan Amsterdam
This beautiful 5-star hotel has a beautiful Michelin 1-star restaurant and a trendy bar where you can enjoy a tea by the fire or 'high wine' in the weekends. The restored canal houses that make up this hotel will give you the distinct feeling of staying in Old Amsterdam, and is wonderfully located next to unique shops and on the highbrow Keizersgracht.