Home
Where to study
Netherlands
Amsterdam
An Insider's Guide on What to Do When Studying in Amsterdam
Thanks for visiting TopUniversities.com today! So that we can show you the most relevant information, please select the option that most closely relates to you.
Your input will help us improve your experience.You can close this popup to continue using the website or choose an option below to register in or login.
Already have an account? Sign in
Save
An Insider's Guide on What to Do When Studying in Amsterdam
By Guest Writer
Updated November 2, 2017 Updated November 2, 2017Amsterdam: the city made popular for its liberal drug regulations, cheese, bikes and plethora of sightseeing spots. Whether you’re here for one day, week or year, Amsterdam seems to have a way of getting under people’s skin. With its crooked brick buildings along the canals, great parties, open-minded people and amazing parks, this city has a lot to offer for every taste.
Sights you need to see in Amsterdam
Other exceptions to the tourist rule are Anne Frank’s house, the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum. Whether you are a self-proclaimed history enthusiast, have read the book, or have no knowledge on the topic at all, the Anne Frank house is a must-see for all. Situated in the center of Amsterdam, the transformed museum is understandably fully booked months in advance. So, to avoid the queues, it’s recommended to plan your trip wisely and with plenty of time to spare. For most museums you can book your tickets online which will save you a lot of energy.
Authentic places for foodies
You should look out for Surinamese restaurants or bistros, such as Kam Yin – an Asian fusion restaurant – or taste the popular Surinamese sandwiches. Also, you should try some Dutch snacks, for example bitterballen (crunchy meatballs) or kibbeling (battered codfish), which you can purchase at every corner. Café Reuring is highly recommendable as it has really good reviews and a weekly change of menu. Perhaps you feel like startling your taste buds with the surprise menu? You won’t be disappointed here, promise. And if you’re having a hard time making up your mind on what to eat, check out Foodhallen, where you can choose from any kind of cuisine and hang out in an empty swimming pool with a cocktail.
Next thing to mention is The Avocado Show. Avocados, belonging to the trending group of super foods, are literally celebrated here: Whether it be a burger that comes with “buns” made with avocados, or a massive meal of nachos with guacamole, the meals in this restaurant are a work of art. The only downside is that, especially at the weekends, you can expect to wait quite some time to get a table as they don’t take reservations. Maybe try to plan that meal during the week instead or practice your patience.
Now, if you wish to enjoy a few Heineken or Amstel beers with your friends, Hanneke’s Boom near central station is the place to be. If you’re blessed with some sunshine - even better. It’s located next to a canal and they have a big area outside with a view of the NEMO science museum. Another option that is not too far away is Café Hill Street Blues, which you’ll find near the red-light district. The décor is really cool, as the walls are covered with graffiti and stickers, giving it a unique look and vibe. Another really trendy place in Amsterdam North is Pllek, a beach bar with live music and a view of Amsterdam’s skyline. You can get here with a ferry from Central station and the ride is free of charge.
Fun activities to do in Amsterdam
Although it isn’t allowed to spray on most of the historic buildings in Amsterdam, there are still some areas with interesting street art, for example Spuistraat and in Jordaan. You can see these on one of the city’s free walking tours, which are tip-based and very interesting. Simply walking around with your eyes wide open can be very exciting in this creatively blooming city.
Especially in summer, there are numerous free events in parks, such as the Vondelpark. Whether it be workshops, cabarets or music events - you don’t just go to a park for a picnic and drinks in Amsterdam. And, if you are willing to pay a little more, there are plenty of festivals for any type of music, for example Mysteryland or Appelsap Festival.
Although Amsterdam is a very touristic city and you might get run over by a biker one day, there are loads of things to do in a relaxed environment and you will soon feel like a local. The center is not very big, so you will quickly know your way around. Once you’re settled, you can begin to explore the rest of the Netherlands too. It’s easy to access the rest of the country by train and discover another part of this beautiful country.
Laura Kabelka works in Communication and Marketing at StudentJob AT.
Image credits: Lead image (Jorge Royan; Wikimedia Commons), Canals (Peter K Burian; Wikimedia Commons), Picnic benches (Jvhertum; Wikimedia Commons), Graffiti (Dominique Darcy; Flickr)
This article was originally published in November 2017 .
Want more content like this Register for free site membership to get regular updates and your own personal content feed.
+ 20 others
saved this article
+ 21 others saved this article
Share via
Share this Page
Our expert teams can help start your academic journey by guiding you through the application process.
Related Articles Last year
The world's top 100 universities
Why You Should Consider Studying a Dual Degree
Top universities in France
Where can you study abroad for free?
10 surprising facts about Asia
7 ways to quickly improve your English language skills
Most Shared Last year
The world's top 100 universities
7 ways to quickly improve your English language skills
Where can you study abroad for free?
10 surprising facts about Asia
10 of the most affordable places to study abroad
25 reasons to study abroad
Most Read Last year
The world's top 100 universities
7 ways to quickly improve your English language skills
10 of the most affordable places to study abroad
Where can you study abroad for free?
Top universities in France
Scholarships to study abroad