Amsterdam – the beautiful city of canals and one of the most unique capitals in the world.
Delegates from all over the world will be arriving in the Netherlands for ESHRE’s Annual Meeting and we at MIM Fertility wish to do something special for our community. We’ve prepared a city guide for you with our friends from the Amsterdam Convention Bureau.
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Are you eager to get exciting tips and the best recommendations on what to discover around Amsterdam?
Well, who better to ask than the Dutch people themselves!
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1. Discover Amsterdam’s Hidden Treasures on Two Wheels
With over 800,000 bicycles, Amsterdam has more bikes than people! Cycling is integral to life here thanks to an extensive network of cycle paths and a flat terrain. Regularly ranked among the world’s most bike-friendly cities, Amsterdam offers an unmatched way to explore its attractions by bicycle. Many of Amsterdam’s hidden gems are best discovered on two wheels. Here are some top cycling routes to check out!
2. Dive into Culture at Westergas
Located in Westerpark, this expansive complex of former industrial buildings once served as the city’s municipal gasworks. Now transformed into a vibrant cultural hub, Westergas boasts an array of restaurants, coffee roasters, an art-house cinema, and numerous creative businesses.
3. Savor the Catch: Herring Delight from a Herring Cart
Raw herring might seem intimidating at first, but it’s a must-try for every visitor to Amsterdam. You’ll find haringhandels (herring carts) throughout the city, offering this Dutch specialty. Order a broodje haring to enjoy the fish in a small sandwich with pickles and onions. The best time to try raw herring is between May and July when it’s at its sweetest. If you’re still hungry, challenge yourself to sample all these traditional Dutch snacks during your visit.
4. Glide by Canal Houses and Charming Bridges
Crafted in the 17th century to keep the sea at bay, Amsterdam’s UNESCO-protected canal belt is the quintessential postcard-perfect image of the city. Every night, it transforms into a fairytale scene with bridges aglow with fairy lights, creating a magical atmosphere. Exploring these canals by guided boat tour unveils the city’s essence, including fascinating tidbits like why the tilting homes are nicknamed “dancing houses”. There are numerous canal cruises to choose from, ranging from hop-on-hop-off sightseeing tours to romantic nighttime cruises complete with a candlelit dinner.
Tip: Get a free canal cruise with the I amsterdam City Card, or book a canal cruise online with the Canal Cruise Ticket.
5. Hunt for Treasures at Europe’s Largest Flea Market
For fans of bargain-hunting, unique finds, and vast industrial settings, IJ-Hallen is a must-visit market in Europe. Take the ferry from behind Central Station to the NDSM yard, and from there, it’s a quick five-minute walk to the market. Inside and along the wharf, you’ll discover a wide array of records, vintage clothing, home furnishings, and antiques. If you don’t find something special here, you might not be looking hard enough. For more thrifting inspiration, explore our guide to the best vintage shops.
6. Catch the Free Ferry to Amsterdam Noord’s Renovated Shipyard
A common oversight is not venturing north of Amsterdam Central Station, where a vibrant food, drink, and cultural scene awaits. A short, free ferry trip takes you to several destinations, including the cultural hub NDSM, known for its trendy waterside spots, frequent festivals, and events. Alternatively, head directly to Noord, one of the city’s most fashionable neighborhoods, offering top-tier restaurants, lively nightlife, and captivating new art spaces.
Image : Pauline Kwasniak
7. Get Lost in the Artistic Jordaan
Often regarded as Amsterdam’s most charming neighborhood, the Jordaan feels like a step back in time. Once a working-class area, its narrow streets and lovely buildings are now among the city’s most desirable, with independent art galleries, antique shops, courtyard gardens, and cozy restaurants. Forget the map and explore the maze of lanes extending east from Prinsengracht, known as the 9 Streets, offering one of Amsterdam’s best shopping experiences.
8. Wake up and Smell the Tulips
Though they may seem as clichéd as clogs, tulips are a quintessential symbol of Dutch culture, and no visit to the Netherlands is complete without witnessing these stunning flowers. If you’re in Amsterdam during the spring, take a brief 20-minute trip to the renowned tulip fields (Bollenstreek), which stretch in vibrant stripes across the lowland fields between Haarlem and Leiden. You can also enjoy tulips in the heart of the city: marvel at the vibrant bouquets at the Bloemenmarkt, explore the exhibits at the Tulip Museum, and see the colorful displays from every planter during the Tulip Festival throughout April.
9. Dive into Culture, Film, and Architecture Across the IJ
Overlooking the southern banks of the IJ behind Central Station, the striking white EYE building has swiftly become one of Amsterdam’s iconic landmarks since its opening in Spring 2012. A must-visit for film buffs, the EYE Filmmuseum houses a permanent exhibition space featuring retrospectives and contemporary exhibits, an extensive film library, a cinema, and a superb restaurant bar with a terrace that offers views of the water. You can reach it by taking the free ‘Buiksloterweg’ ferry from behind Central Station, a quick three-minute trip.
10. Discover Windmills, Explore Countryside, and Relax on Beaches
If you have a few extra days in Amsterdam, plan a day trip to explore the surrounding area’s diverse attractions. Just a short distance from the city, you’ll find beautiful countryside, beaches, windmills, and historic forts, all easily accessible from the city center. Only 20 minutes by train from Amsterdam Central, the picturesque city of Haarlem is rich in history and culture and offers a great selection of shops, cafes, and restaurants. If you prefer the beach, Amsterdam Beach boasts golden sands, dunes, and plenty of water sports. For stunning views of windmills, rolling grasslands, and winding canals, visit Old Holland, a pastoral paradise that’s perfect for capturing Instagram-worthy photos.
11. Step into History: Anne Frank’s House
Immerse yourself in the wartime history of the Jewish people at the Anne Frank House on Prinsengracht. This was where Anne Frank and her family hid for two years after fleeing Germany. The front of the house now serves as a thought-provoking museum, while the preserved back annex provides insight into their life in hiding. To avoid long wait times, it’s best to visit early in the morning or book tickets online in advance.
12. Visit Museums and Architectural Wonders at Museumplein
Museumplein is the cultural heart of Amsterdam, as it is home to the Rijksmuseum, Moco Museum, Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum, and The Royal Concertgebouw. Freshly renovated to world-class standards, the lush and architecturally stunning 19th-century district of Oud-Zuid is an art lover’s dream. The vibrant square buzzes with life all day, showcasing open-air exhibitions, bustling markets, and a large paddling pool perfect for warmer days. With the I amsterdam City Card, you can unlock free entry to over 70 museums, making your cultural exploration limitless.
13. Enjoy a Concert or Show at a World-Famous Venue
Whether you prefer live music in a grand concert hall or a cozy dive bar, Amsterdam offers a variety of top-notch venues. Paradiso, located in a converted church, has hosted legendary acts like The Rolling Stones and Prince and continues to feature outstanding international talent. The Concertgebouw, renowned for its excellent acoustics, presents world-class orchestras and renowned musicians. Boom Chicago, one of the premier stages for comedy, improv, and spoken word, has been entertaining audiences in English for over 25 years.
14. Experience Dutch Royalty Life
Discover the regal history of the Amsterdam Area through its castles, palaces and fortresses. The Royal Palace Amsterdam, official reception palace of King Willem-Alexander, hosts world leaders and is open to visitors most of the year. Just 15 kilometers southeast of the city, you can explore Muiderslot, a 13th-century castle with five towers, a moat, and a drawbridge, reminiscent of a Disney fairytale.
15. Feast on Pancakes and Feed Goats in Amsterdam’s Central Park
Amsterdamse Bos, located on the southern edge of the city, is nearly three times larger than New York’s Central Park. This verdant urban sanctuary offers numerous activities such as biking, picnicking, swimming, hiking through hills and flower-filled valleys, or enjoying barbecues with friends. Within the forest, you can visit Goat Farm Ridammerhoeve, where you can interact with goats, lambs, chickens, pigs, cows, and horses, and then enjoy a meal at its quaint restaurant that serves tasty goat cheese. For those seeking to connect with nature, the city also features numerous urban farms and sustainable initiatives.
16. Explore Amsterdam’s Unique and Independent Shopping Streets
Instead of rushing to the crowded chain stores on Kalverstraat, those in the know seek out the city’s unique local shopping paradise. The most famous of these is De Negen Straatjes, or ‘The Nine Streets,’ a charming maze of cobbled lanes linking the main canals between Leidsegracht and Raadhuisstraat. Here, you’ll discover over 200 retailers, including a delightful mix of independent boutiques, vintage shops, and specialty stores offering everything from designer dresses to handmade cosmetics. Looking for souvenirs, avoid the tourist traps. Instead, explore the Makers Market in De Hallen or the I amsterdam Store at Central Station for genuine Dutch design and quality Amsterdam brands.
17. Indulge in Tasty Treats from Food Stalls at a Historic Tram Depot
Situated in the trendy Oud-West neighborhood, De Hallen is a bustling center for arts, crafts, fashion, and food within a beautifully refurbished industrial building from 1902. The venue features a cinema, independent boutiques, and a boutique hotel, along with the notable Food Hallen, where guests can savor gourmet street food from various vendors surrounding a central bar. Additionally, every other weekend, a bi-weekly local goods market is set up in the building’s main corridor.
Thank you so much to the Amsterdam Convention Bureau for all their help and kindly allowing us to repost their guide with our notes, for all of you to enjoy. Visit their website for more.
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