Amsterdam Isn't Just a Basic Bucket List City 🧡

Amsterdam is one of those cities everyone talks about. It shows up on every bucket list. As someone who actually lived there, that was one of the things I disliked at first. It felt like my home was just a tourist hub. But over time, it forced me to learn how to uncover the hidden spots most people never find, and the comfort I found in those spots outweighed everything and gave this city a special place in my heart. 

So take it from me: if you don't know how to bike and don't want to piss off the Dutch, don't rent a bike.

I am not the type to wake up at 6am on vacation. I get the hype, I really do, I understand why people swear by it, but that could never be me (I need my beauty sleep, no exceptions). My approach to exploring a new city is simple: walk around, have some sort of plan, but leave room to just wander. Don't get stuck on one street or fixated on doing one specific thing, because that cuts you off from so much more.

As a traveler, I find peace and fun in the quieter things. Think cool coffee shops (not Amsterdam's version), bookstores, and wandering down random paths just to see where they go. This guide takes that same approach. I'm taking you to the bookstore where I met someone reading the same series as me (fantasy readers, where are you!!!), the coffee shops I fell in love with as a college student, and the little spots that made everything more fun when I was cycling through freezing rain, half regretting every life choice that led me there.

This isn't the "hit every landmark in 48 hours" guide. It's a calmer, slower approach, one that gives you an actual glimpse into what it feels like to live here, not just visit.

This one has to be first because it's the place I found myself in week after week. If you're struggling to find it, just follow the smell. This bakery has some of the best croissants I've had, and it was a staple for me, I'd get bread every week. I'd skip the coffee, not because it's bad, just because it's eh, and the next spot on this list has way better drink options anyway. I'd recommend going around 8-9am or at lunch, since they own a sister sandwich shop right next door, which makes it the perfect lunch spot too.

Definitely get the croissants, they are a MUST. The original is incredible, and since I love almond croissants, the almond one is an 11/10 for me.

As promised, once you've gotten your goodies, head down the street to T's Teabar. I know the area well since I went to college just up the road, but this spot was one I discovered far too late, and I regret not going in a lot earlier. Don't make my same mistake!

As someone who grew up in China and spent a lot of my life in Asia, good tea, matcha especially, can be kind of hard to come by. This place changed that. All tea is their art, and it shows through every single cup, frankly. I absolutely love their matcha, and I am very picky!

It's also just a great spot to hang out in. The baristas are so incredibly nice and fun to talk to, and it's the kind of place where you can get some work done (or do some studying for finals, in my case) or meet up with old friends. I remember a group of my friends and I went over once, and one of them got this super cool drip tea tasting thing. It was honestly great and hilarious since she had no idea what to do with it!

If you need a snack, I'd also recommend their toastie, a Dutch specialty and really not something you can go wrong with here. Warm bread, melted cheese, what else could you ask for? Fun fact, while we're on the topic: in the Netherlands, fries are commonly had with mayo, not ketchup (don't knock it until you try it), but toasties are where ketchup makes its comeback, and it really does work. I find myself reaching for mayo at times and almost laugh. I guess habits die hard.

The caption above says it all, this place really is one of my favorites. I remember visiting for the first time during my first week in the city, and all I wanted to do was come back. Multiple floors of books, pretty much anything you're looking for, you'll find it there.

But it's the people that really make it special. I met a girl there who was reading the same series as me, and it's a small moment that makes a big city feel a lot smaller, which is exactly what you need when you're somewhere new.

My go-to move: pick something up, then take it to a park or a cafe and actually read it. Or just wander the floors for a while, because honestly, it's worth exploring just for the vibe alone.

I first discovered this place through a work dinner and wine tasting, but I couldn't remember the name for the longest time and knew I had to track it down because I absolutely loved it. Domenica is an ingredient-first Italian restaurant with an open kitchen and some incredible food.

I'd highly recommend their 5-course set menu, priced at 69 euros, though there's also a 3-course option at 49 euros if you want something lighter. The best part of my experience was sharing appetizers with everyone at my table and sampling as much as we could. Overall, great food and great wine for a very affordable price, especially at this level and especially in Amsterdam.

As a speakeasy lover, Zum Barbarossa is one I'd plan an entire trip back to Amsterdam for. The inside is so cool, and the menu is super unique with flavor combos that'll actually make you think.

Drinks are on the pricier side, but they're worth every euro. It's the kind of place that can be super romantic for a date or a great time with a group of friends; somehow, it works for both. When I went, I tried a couple of their mocktails and was pleasantly surprised. I love it when a place can make a drink without alcohol that doesn't just taste like flavored soda or juice; these actually had depth. They're incredible at their craft, and later at night, you'll even find DJs, which brings everything up a notch.

If you're only going to hit one spot on this list, make it this one, because you'll definitely have a fun time.

These are just a few of my favorite spots in this cool city. I tried to give you ones you probably would've never heard of, but I still recommend hitting the touristy spots too, I mean, you're a tourist, embrace it!

Quick note before you go: you'll probably notice I kept mentioning the tram throughout this guide instead of biking between spots, and that's on purpose. It's easy, it gets you basically everywhere, and it takes the stress out of navigating traffic you're not used to yet. Save the biking for once you've got your bearings, or just skip it altogether and let the tram do the work.

Because biking here is a different beast. It's more serious than driving in Amsterdam, there are rules, and people actually need to get places, that's where you'll run into trouble if you can't follow them. And being a good biker isn't enough. It's like driving in NYC: you might be a great driver, but it's a completely different playground.

Explore these spots and let me know what you think, or if you've collected your own favorites over the years, send them my way! I'm definitely due for a trip back, so I'm curious what else should be on my radar.

Till next time :)