7 Must-See Places when Visiting Amsterdam
Being a design studio based in Amsterdam, it breaks our hearts to see tweets from fellow (foreign) designers who visit our city yet only see the city center. That’s why we’ve made a list for you guys (not just designers) of places to go besides the city center.
Most tourists
Recently, Dutch newspaper NRC published an article on the massive amounts of tourists in Amsterdam and their behavior. A crew of reporters dove into the Amsterdam tourists scene and asked a group of tourists to log their walking routes using a GPS tracker during their stay.
It turned out the lion share of the tourists walk the same route throughout the city. You might wonder why the hell a studio like Yummygum is talking about tourists and gps trackers. The reason is we believe our city, Amsterdam, is a beautiful city and it’s so much more than just the Museum Square, Damn Square and Red Light District. That’s why we present to you, our list of must-visits for designers (and non-designers of course).
1. Westerpark
The city of Amsterdam is full of public parks. Most of the parks aren’t located in the center though. We’re assuming travel guides will most likely hype Vondelpark as it’s close to the Museum Square and Leidse Square. There are however a few other parks that are less crowded and in our eyes more fun to go to than Vondelpark. For example; Westerpark, located just outside the heart of the city. If you happen to go to Westerpark in the third (or fourth) weekend of the month, you should definitely stop by the NeighbourFood Market where you’ll find the most delicious food (hasthtag #HipsterApproved).
2. EYE
The EYE Film Institute Netherlands is the rebirth of what was formerly known as Filmmuseum which used to be located in Vondelpark. The new EYE building is both impressive because of it’s location (just across Central Station) as well as from an architectural point of view. To get to the EYE building across the IJ lake, just take the 3 minute free ferry ride (take the ferry that says Buiksloterweg).
3. Albert Cuyp Street Market
Although most tourist will have read about the Albert Cuyp Street Market in a travel guide we truly believe you should visit this market and the surrounding DePijp borough. You’ll find the street market on working hours Mondays till Saturdays. While you’re there don’t forget to have breakfast/lunch/dinner at Bazar! Or, if you want a taste of Amsterdam, get a ‘stroopwafel’ (supersized caramel oreo-ish cookie) or ‘tafelzuur’ (relish) at one of the stands on the market.
4. Amsterdamse Bos
If you’re staying longer than a few days we can definitely recommend visiting Amterdamse Bos. Three times the size of the New York Central Park, Amsterdamse Bos is a nice getaway from the busy city center.
Amsterdamse Bos on Google Maps.
5. Amsterdam Library (OBA)
Just like how Amsterdam created a new home for Filmmuseum, the Public Library’s main building moved from a small and older building on one of the canals to Oosterdokseiland. As you probably have no idea where that is, it’s only a stone’s throw away (3 minutes walk) from Central Station. The architecture is stunning and if you’re in the area and you’re hungry you can grab a bite at the restaurant which is on the top floor (includes spectacular panoramic view).
6. FOAM
FOAM, Amsterdam’s photographic museum is absolutely worth a visit for anyone who is visually minded. Make sure to visit FOAM website. It’s in the city center on the Keizersgracht.
7. Westermarkt
Another market/street we love is Westermarkt. It’s close to the city center and there are a couple of design furniture shops. You definitely don’t want to miss out on the best apple pie Amsterdam has to offer at Winkel43.
Enjoy your stay!
There you have it; our must-visits while you’re in Amsterdam! You may have noticed we haven’t listed the most obvious tourist attractions here, such as all of the Red Light District or the Museums near Museum Square. That’s because that’s where all other tourists/travel guides will tell you to go anyway. We hope you’ll enjoy your stay in Amsterdam. Don’t forget to holler at us while you’re here!
Originally published at blog.yummygum.com.
