Amsterdam: A Gentle Walk Through Canals, Squares, Museums, and Delicious Places
I lived in Amsterdam for about a year and a half, starting at the end of 2019. I saw it normally busy and crowded only for the first few months — before the pandemic completely changed its rhythm. Then the city fell quiet. I would even say empty. For a long time, it felt a little sad to see all the terraces on the squares and canals deserted, everything closed, the energy gone. But at least I could walk. And that’s what kept me sane. Every single day, often for a few hours, I walked through the entire city. I learned every road — touristy and residential, central and almost rural. I visited all the parks, cycled to the forest, and watched the cherry blossoms bloom when nothing else was happening.
When the pandemic finally ended (or when we all simply forgot about the virus), I could finally meet my friends and family members here — they came to visit me and I was happy to guide them through the Amsterdam I had come to know intimately. Let me guide you through this city the same way I guided the people I love. No complicated itineraries, no rush — just a gentle walk through the places where Amsterdam slowly reveals itself. I hope you’ll see the best of it.
A Tiny Bit of History, Just Enough to Feel the City
Amsterdam began as a small fishing village along the Amstel River, protected by a wooden dam. What started as a practical solution for daily survival became the name of the city itself — Amstel + dam.
By the 17th century, Amsterdam transformed into one of Europe’s most powerful trading hubs. Merchants from all over the world lived along the semicircular canals, each trying to build a house slightly more impressive than the neighbor’s — which is why today, the buildings seem to lean, tilt, curve, and dance in a way only Amsterdam houses can. This is the Amsterdam I love, imperfectly cute.
Beginning: Amsterdam Central Station
I always start here. The moment you step out of Amsterdam Central Station and look back, you’re greeted by a building that feels almost like a fairytale version of a train station — Gothic turrets, red brick, golden details. Designed by Pierre Cuypers, the same architect behind the Rijksmuseum, serves as Amsterdam’s grand architectural welcome. Pause for a moment. Watch the bicycles flowing past, the trams gliding by, the quiet choreography of travellers arriving from everywhere. And then… turn toward the city.
To Dam Square
From the station toward Dam Square, the first thing you notice is that the houses are not in one straight line. They stand at angles, some leaning forward, some falling to the side.
Dam Square has been the center of the city since the 13th century. Today, it’s a mix of everything: the Royal Palace, the National Monument, street musicians, pigeons, tourists, and Amsterdammers crossing it on the way to work. I like Dam Square because it reminds me that cities live and breathe, constantly changing, never the same. And from here, our gentle walk continues.
Through the Canals — To Leidseplein
Leave Dam Square behind, and follow the canals. Walk through the narrow streets, over small bridges, watching how reflections in the water change with every few meters. The closer you get to Leidseplein, the livelier it becomes. Cafés, small theatres, music, energy overall — a perfect contrast to the calm canals.
Museumplein — The Cultural Heart
From Leidseplein, walk toward Museumplein — it’s very close, about a 10-minute walk. A wide green field opens up before you, surrounded by some of the most important museums in the world. Here, you can choose your mood.
Rijksmuseum — Dutch masters, including Rembrandt and Vermeer. There is also an incredibly beautiful historic library that feels like something out of a film.
Van Gogh Museum — perhaps the most visited museum in the country. If you’d like to visit, book your tickets online in advance; they often sell out days ahead. The museum is modern and very well organised. And if you appreciate Van Gogh, you already know how precious the works displayed here are.
MOCO Museum — Banksy and other contemporary artists. Bold.
Stedelijk Museum — a must for modern and contemporary art lovers.
FOAM — the photography museum you might be thinking of.
Amsterdam Museum — a place that helps you understand the city’s history and its soul.
Eye Film Museum — a striking modern building located across the IJ waterfront. Dedicated to cinema and visual culture, it’s worth visiting not only for its exhibitions but also for its architecture and panoramic views back toward Central Station.
Amsterdam Tulip Museum — if you love tulips as much as I do, it’s absolutely worth a visit.
It was here that I learned the first tulip bulbs — which once cost as much as a house along the main canals — were brought to the Netherlands from the mountains of Central Asia. That discovery made me feel unexpectedly connected to them. The tulips had made a long journey before becoming a Dutch symbol. If you’d like to learn more about my native Uzbekistan, you can find my guide here.
A Different View: Amsterdam by Boat
One experience I always recommend is renting a small boat and drifting through Amsterdam’s canals. It’s surprisingly easy — boats can be booked online and picked up right along the waterways. Seeing the city from the water changes everything: the tilted houses, the bridges, the quiet rhythm of life unfolding at canal level. It’s not just sightseeing, it’s more a feeling or a reminder of how Amsterdam was once lived and moved through. Graceful, I would say.
Into Vondelpark, the Largest Park of the City
Cross Museumplein and step into Vondelpark. It’s always one of my favorite moments — as if the noise of the city suddenly softens. Here you see joggers, couples, families, dogs, bikes, people reading on the grass. Sometimes I get a drink or a coffee and sit by the water, watching life unfold in slow motion... And here I wrote my very first book, over the coffee, sitting under these old trees. And this is usually where my friends fall in love with Amsterdam.
What and Where to Eat in Amsterdam
This city often gets criticized for its food and service. But during my time living there, I built my own list of favorite places, the ones I marked with little hearts on Google Maps and keep returning to whenever I’m back, or happily recommend to friends.
Before we begin, one essential tip. Amsterdam is a relatively small city for the number of visitors it attracts. Restaurants fill up quickly, especially on weekends. If you don’t want to be turned away or forced to settle for something mediocre, book your table in advance.
Must-Try Dutch Classics
No visit to Amsterdam feels complete without tasting local staples. I mentioned them in my Ultimate Guide to The Hague, but here’s a full list for you:
Herring (haring) — tender, silky, and far more delicate than most people expect. Simply because it’s super-fresh here.
Kibbeling — golden deep-fried cod, usually served with fries and sauce.
Stroopwafel — thin waffles filled with caramel syrup.
And maybe… Amsterdam’s legendary fries (patat). You’ll see long queues for them across the city. I’ll confess: I skipped this experience. I never quite understood standing in line that long for fried potatoes, no matter how famous the sauces are. But if this is your joy, you might like it.
Restaurants I Personally Recommend
The Seafood Bar. My most reliable address for fish and seafood. Here I’ve happily ordered kibbeling, herring, pasta vongole, mussels, and oysters. Friends loved the King Crab and the Seafood Grill. There’re several locations across Amsterdam. I’m especially fond of the one near Vondelpark, it was close to where I lived. There is now also a branch near Central Station.
Café-Restaurant Van Kerkwijk
One of Amsterdam’s cosiest dining experiences. There is no fixed menu, you simply ask the waiter what’s being served that day. The atmosphere is intimate, the space tiny, and the food genuinely excellent. And the desserts… Irresistible. Homemade cakes and pastries that look and taste like they came straight from grandmother’s kitchen.
De Blauwe Hollander
A lovely choice for classic Dutch cuisine. Authentic place with traditional comfort food in a menu.
Cannibale Royale
It is a chain, I visited the Handboogstraat location, and I had to say it’s about bold flavors and hearty dishes.
Restaurant Castel
A wonderfully cosy spot. I love their couches and small tables surround the fire, that creates a feeling of shared warmth — even if you’re dining alone or just with one friend. The grilled meat is excellent, especially inviting on cold Dutch evenings.
Restaurant Classico
My favorite Italian restaurant in Amsterdam Oud-Zuid. Small, lively, slightly chaotic in the most Italian way possible. Service may be slow, something might be forgotten — but the food is so good you forgive everything.
Rakang
Authentic place in Jordaan district with deeply flavorful Thai dishes. A beautiful change of pace when you crave spice and warmth.
Zushi
Plates of sushi glide past you on a moving belt. You pick what you like, and the bill is calculated by plates color. Fresh, simple, and fun.
The Burger Room
A great spot for burgers and cocktails near Museumplein. After a long day at the museums, sometimes only a proper burger feels right.
Sea Salt & Chocolate
Located in the neighbourhood of De Pijp. You may smell this place before you see it. Their cheesecakes are dangerously good — light, creamy, and just unforgettable. Even someone who doesn’t usually love cheesecake (me) cannot resist.
LuminAir
A stylish rooftop bar for drinks with beautiful panoramic views over Amsterdam. Perfect for sunset.
Eye Film Museum Café
If you visit the Eye Film Museum, don’t skip the café with a stunning view. Surprisingly calm despite the hum of conversations, very spacious, and one of the most underrated spots in the city for coffee or drinks.
Café George and Café Georgette
Café George is a lovely choice for lunch or dinner. Café Georgette is a charming spot on Amsterdam’s most elegant shopping street, Pieter Cornelisz Hooftstraat, which makes it perfect for a stylish pause between boutiques. I also like their breakfasts.
Zuidermarkt
If you’re in Amsterdam on Saturdays, near Vondelpark there’s an organic local market with rotating food stalls. One week incredible Thai food, another — some of the best burgers I’ve ever tasted.
Final Thought
Amsterdam may not always reveal its culinary treasures easily. But once you find your places — the ones that feel warm, delicious, welcoming — the city becomes infinitely more charming. I hope your experience will be as tasty and joyful as mine.
Published: February, 2026.
Please note that places can change or even close temporarily — which is always a bit heartbreaking, especially when they were as wonderful as I remember and recommend.