Experience the best of Amsterdam with Withlocals

Eat a homemade meal with a local

There’s no better way to meet local people and get to know the Dutch culture than by enjoying a meal together with some locals. You get to taste the local cuisine or something more exotic and chat for a few hours with friendly people willing to give you a glimpse on their life.

Pick a nice Dutch family dinner, try out some polenta with rabbit stew, or Dutch boerenkoolstamppot and have a lovely time with the children. If you want a more international atmosphere, choose a dinner party with Amsterdam locals that have different cultural backgrounds and like sharing their love for food and great conversations. Another option would be an organic vegan dinner with some delicious dishes made out of a variety of vegetables, tempeh and wheat meat.

Don’t be hesitant in sharing your own unique stories and ask as many questions about the local culture and lifestyle as you wish!

Lose yourself in the Jordaan neighborhood

The Jordaan neighborhood is probably the most famous and charming area you could visit. Being on of the top things do in Amsterdam makes it a bit crowded though, keep that in mind! It was created as an expansion for the city in the early 17 century and was known as the working-class bastion. Most of the immigrants and refugees settled there when they arrived in Amsterdam, so the neighborhood was always full of people.

Now, the area is popular for its restaurants, specialty shops, cafes, art galleries, antiques shops, lovely gardens and bars. You should definitely have a local guide with you on the way, so he or she can show you all the hidden courtyards, highlights & other things to do! Your host will also explain to you the story of the all black painted houses and many other cool historical facts regarding political refugees.

Explore the museums

Art is something that isn't missing at all in the city, so you might as well enjoy it as much as you can. There are tons of art related things to do in Amsterdam, but let's have a look at the best ones out there. Go to the Museumplein where you can find all the big museums and the famous I Amsterdam letters.

Start at the Rijksmuseum, the biggest one, known for its hits, like Rembrandt's and Vermeer's paintings. Other museums worth seeing there are the Stedelijk Museum and the Van Gogh Museum. Another fun one is the EYE film museum where you can enjoy 100 movie clips and see the futuristic film cabins on display. If you're into history, also take a look at the Resistance Museum (Verzetsmuseum), full of stories from the Nazi occupation and how that period looked like.

Local tipDiscover a local gem: Museum Van Loon in Amsterdam. Immerse in canal house living and captivating art all under one roof!

See the red light district differently

The Red Light District is one of the most popular Amsterdam highlights and very well known on the international stage. You might have heard good or bad things about it until now, but don’t be fooled by what you hear, you must visit it yourself to actually get the right idea about the place and its rumors. It’s situated by the Central Station and is also the oldest part of the city. You will find cheesy sex shops with outrageous toys, but also gorgeous buildings and lots of antique places.

We recommend a lovely night time tour in the neighborhood, where you can see the historical buildings and bridges, and believe it or not have a romantic and magical sight. The area gets a bad reputation, but with the right guide you can see the district in a totally unexpected way and enjoy many unique things to do there.

Local tipAvoid taking photos of the workers in the windows, as it's a privacy thing. Explore with respect, remember it's a neighborhood.

Get on your bike

There’s no place better to travel by bike than The Netherlands, especially Amsterdam! Bicycles have been the most used way of transportation in this city for a very long time, there are actually 800 thousands bikes, which is more than the amount of citizens here! Cycling here is a safe and super refreshing thing to do in Amsterdam! Just keep in mind the general rules: don’t cycle right next to each other, use the night lights and always lock your bike up.

A more unique type of bike tour is a urban farming one, where you can also visit various hotspots of Amsterdam urban farming featuring local and sustainably-produced goods. You could also enjoy some authentic snacks at the end of your amazing trip.

Have a Picnic in the Vondelpark

Amsterdam has over 30 parks, so you won’t have any problem in finding the right spot for a picnic. The weather is quite unpredictable, so do take a umbrella with you! As for the perfect place, we’ll go with VondelPark which is the largest green space. People gather there for drinks, food or just to enjoy a sunny day. In the summer, there are also many live concerts held in the park, so depending on your time of visit, you could be entertained by a great band as well.

The most cozy things you could do there is have a very nice picnic with your friends or some locals with whom you want to share a nice chat. Buy a few snacks and some Cava (Spanish champagne, we know it’s not local, but Dutch people love it) and have a blast.

Local tipThe parks in Amsterdam are also a perfect escape from the busy city for families with kids

Visit “The Movies” theatre

Are you big movie fan? Then a visit to the movie theater called “The Movies” will be worth it! Started in 1912, this is the oldest cinema in Amsterdam. Its interior is awesomely designed with an art-deco touch that brings you back to older times. You’re not going to find the latest commercial movies there, like block busters from Hollywood, but you’ll surely get a look at alternative films that are less known by the big public and much more profound and artistic.

The theatre also has a restaurant and a bar, so you can grab something to eat while you enjoy the cool atmosphere. The coolest thing about is that you can hire a four screen room for a private movie party!

Go to the Nine Little Streets (De Negen Straatjes)

As the name suggests, the Nine Little Streets, forms an area with small charming streets, with some canal bridges views and many small boutiques, cafes and restaurants. You’ll notice that it’s one of the most lively neighborhoods in the city and it looks absolutely exquisite. In this area you can find over 200 shops with vintage clothes, design shops, handmade cosmetics, unique jewelry and many things to do.

In your shopping journey, start by making a list of things you would like to buy, so you won’t get lost in the many wonders you’ll see at each of the small enchanting shops. If you are on a budget, try some of the vintage boutiques or tell your local guide to show you some of the most affordable shops around. If you don’t plan to buy anything, just enjoy the view of all the beautiful designs and delightful eating spots.

Visit De Pijp

One of the more authentic things to do in Amsterdam is to visit some of its neighborhoods. South of the city center, you will find De Pijp. It’s one of the traditional Amsterdam neighbourhoods with characteristic architectures. There’s plenty of history your guide can tell you about. For example, this area used to be a polder but the ground was raised everywhere, except for the Sarphati park in the middle.

You can still see the old ground level of the area and when it rains, you’ll see why the ground was raised everywhere else; the park will be flooded. There are also plenty of restaurants, so ask your guide to bring you to his or her favourite spot.

Take a look at the unique Amsterdam West

The last thing on your list of things to do in Amsterdam should be to visit Amsterdam West. This is a completely different part of town. Until a few years ago, it wasn’t a safe place to be. However, lately it’s been becoming hip and happening. Nowhere in town will you find the influences of other cultures as much as you will here. It’s the place to find tropical fruits and exotic dishes.

While wondering around, your guide can tell you about other (former) parts of The Netherlands. Did you know they have very exotic, sunny islands in the Caribbean? And that they have tight links to Surinam? Amsterdam West is where you will find all these influences.

Savor Amsterdam's diversity with a local food tour

To truly grasp Amsterdam's vibrant essence, there's no better route than through its diverse cuisine. Brace yourself for a tantalizing adventure – a local-led food tour that unveils the city's soul through its flavors.

Picture this: guided by a passionate local, you'll roam charming streets and markets, indulging in dishes that mirror Amsterdam's cultural mosaic. From Indonesian rijsttafel to beloved Dutch stroopwafels, each bite tells a story of immigration, traditions, and the undeniable link between people and their food. But it's not just about eating; it's about immersing yourself in the heart of the city, connecting with locals, and creating memories that transcend the plate. So, for an authentic Amsterdam experience that tingles your taste buds and touches your soul, let a local food tour be your compass through this culinary tapestry.

NDSM: Amsterdam's hippest hideout

If you're on the hunt for a truly local experience in Amsterdam, look no further than the NDSM area. This former shipyard turned creative haven is where the city's heart beats to a unique rhythm, making it an absolute must-visit for tourists seeking authenticity and adventure.

NDSM isn't just a place – it's a vibrant community pulsating with art, culture, and an undeniable sense of cool. The sprawling industrial backdrop has been transformed into a playground for artists, designers, musicians, and foodies. You'll find stunning street art adorning old warehouses, captivating galleries showcasing contemporary works, and live music events that'll have you dancing till dawn.

But it's not just about the artsy vibe – NDSM is a treasure trove of eclectic cafes, food trucks, and quirky boutiques. Whether you're savoring artisanal coffee, devouring street food, or exploring vintage shops, you'll find yourself seamlessly blending in with the locals. So, if you're eager to step off the beaten path and soak up the real Amsterdam, NDSM is your go-to. Get ready to embrace a place where creativity knows no bounds, and the local spirit thrives – it's a slice of Amsterdam you won't want to miss!

Local tipTake the free ferry from Centraal Station to NDSM, it goes every 15 minutes during the day