Amsterdam was once a dominant capital of European culture and commerce, and in many ways, it still is. With its progressive outlook and open-minded spirit, this city offers experiences you won’t find anywhere else. If you’re up for adventure and ready to have some fun, Amsterdam will deliver memories that stick with you. For even more local insights, City Unscripted’s Amsterdam travel magazine has compiled secrets from residents who’ve called it home for years. Sound like your kind of place? Find the perfect home rental or home exchange in Amsterdam for your sabbatical, semester, or summer on SabbaticalHomes.com.
Move Like a Local
Cycling in Amsterdam
Bicycles are easy, affordable, and honestly the best way to get around. Many of Amsterdam’s streets are too narrow for cars, and with canals crisscrossing the city, bikes just make sense. There are dozens of rental companies and city-run options to choose from. You’ll cover more ground, get some exercise, and actually blend in with the locals.
Free Ferry to NDSM
The F4 ferry to NDSM (Nederlandsche Dok en Scheepsbouw Maatschappij, or Netherlands Dock and Shipbuilding Company) is one of Amsterdam’s best deals for exploring beyond the center. The city’s public ferries are completely free and offer great views of the harbor. The F4 ferry to NDSM takes about 14 minutes and drops you at a former shipyard turned creative district, now filled with art installations, eclectic cafés, and industrial-style hangouts. Ferries run frequently throughout the day, and tickets are readily available. It’s an easy escape with a view.
History with Heart
The Jordaan District
Now it is one of the most sought-after neighborhoods, though it wasn’t always that way. Originally built in the early 1600s to house immigrants and working-class families, it was essentially a slum with open sewers. In the 1970s, city planners wanted to tear down the old buildings and replace them with concrete housing blocks. Public outcry saved it. Today, The Jordaan District has been transformed into a haven for creatives, students, and independent shops.
Begijnhof
A medieval courtyard hidden in plain sight near Dam Square. Most visitors walk right past the unmarked entrance on Spui without realizing it’s there. Inside, you’ll find one of Amsterdam’s oldest surviving spaces: historic homes surrounding a quiet green square where Catholic women once lived in religious community. Entry is free, but keep it quiet and respectful since people still live here.
For another look at how Amsterdam’s history and creative spirit inspire visitors, read our Member Spotlight about a writing retreat set in the heart of the city.
The Art of Everyday Life
Rossebuurt (The Red Light District)
A top destination for the curious. Some of what you’ve heard is true: the streets are lined with windows, each featuring women signaling their availability. When a customer steps in, the curtains close and the show pauses. Beyond this spectacle, you’ll find specialty shops and quirky museums. Most people in the streets are visitors taking it all in and snapping photos.
Street Art Museum Amsterdam
A project by the nonprofit Glamorous Outcasts. Launched in 2010 as a response to gentrification, the Street Art Museum has since grown into a recognized outdoor gallery. Dozens of commissioned artworks and large-scale murals now cover building facades throughout Amsterdam Nieuw-West. This isn’t random graffiti; these are contemporary artists making bold statements on a massive canvas.
Savor the City
Hannekes Boom
A great spot to unwind the Dutch way. This café and bar has been around since 1662, so they clearly know what they’re doing. The best approach? Arrive by boat, since there’s a dock just for visitors. At Hannekes Boom, expect outdoor tables, live music, cold beer, good food, and a lively crowd.
Brown Cafés
Amsterdam’s version of the neighborhood pub, but with way more character. These cozy spots get their name from dark wooden interiors and walls stained by centuries of use. Order small beers (250 mL glasses) because that’s how locals do it. You’re not here to rush; you’re here to settle in. Café Chris in the Jordaan has been family-run since 1624, and In de Wildeman specializes in Dutch beers you won’t find elsewhere. Expect newspapers, board games, and regulars who’ve claimed the same seats for years.
Fresh Stroopwafels
The packaged versions in tourist shops don’t compare. Head to Albert Cuyp Market or Noordermarkt on Saturday morning and watch vendors press them fresh. The key is warmth: the syrup filling should still be melting when it hits your hands. If it’s not steaming, move on. This is the definitive Dutch street snack and the perfect fuel for a day wandering the canals.
Markets and Local Treasures
The Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes)
Nine narrow streets between the main canals make up one of Amsterdam’s most charming shopping districts. You’ll find a mix of boutiques, vintage stores, and small local designers that highlight Dutch craftsmanship. Stop for coffee between shops and look inside studios where artists and makers still work behind the storefronts. It’s the perfect area to explore slowly, with something interesting around every corner.
IJ-Hallen Flea Market
Europe’s largest flea market, open once a month and packed with over 750 stalls. Getting there is easy: just hop on a quick ferry from Amsterdam Central, or park for free and walk three minutes over a bridge. At the IJ-Hallen Flea Market, you’ll find everything from vintage clothing and jewelry to books and furniture. The catch? Nothing is new. This is strictly secondhand, with plenty of antiques mixed in.
Got More Time?
Every January, National Tulip Day brings color to Amsterdam’s Museumplein, where visitors can pick free tulips from a pop-up garden on January 17. The event marks the start of tulip season, which runs from March to May 2026. Fields across the Netherlands begin to bloom in late March and reach their brightest in mid-April. For the best views, visit Keukenhof Gardens, open all season, or catch the Dutch Flower Parade in April, one of spring’s main highlights.
These Amsterdam staples are also worth adding to your list:
- Anne Frank House (book tickets at least six weeks ahead!)
- Van Gogh Museum
- Rijksmuseum
- Canal cruise
- Vondelpark
- Dutch herring from a street cart
- Bitterballen at a local café
- Indonesian rijsttafel
- Day trip to Haarlem, Utrecht, or Zaanse Schans
Amsterdam attracts people from all walks of life who come to study, create, and be inspired by its culture. For a glimpse into that experience from a local perspective, watch our Founder on the Move: Meeting Members in Amsterdam video, where Arda shares what she loves about the city and the SabbaticalHomes community.
Planning a sabbatical, research project, writing retreat, or extended stay in Amsterdam? SabbaticalHomes offers furnished rentals and home exchanges for academics, scholars, educators, writers, artists, and more. Browse listings in Amsterdam and find your home base for your next adventure.
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