Amsterdam is the place to be nowadays. It somehow manages to show up in every must-see/visit list there is. And it should. But it’s the list of must things to do that usually feels rundown, overused, over-marketed. Yes there is Dam Square, the red light district, the coffeeshops, the museums and the parties. But as a resident of Amsterdam; I have realised that there is so much more to this city. And the best parts are yet to be discovered. Below is my list of top things to do during your weekend in Amsterdam.

Visit some of the Famous Dutch Museums

Amsterdam is also well known for its famous museums; owing to the famous Dutch artists like Rembrandt and Vincent Van Gogh whose timeless paintings are displayed in the world famous museums. It also gives the opportunity to hang out at the infamous Museumplein. During your weekend in Amsterdam, plan ahead as in the summer Museumplein hosts weekend festivals with music, food trucks and of course lots of fun!

Museums are usually crowded during the weekends. Sometimes there could be a queue of 1 – 2 hours to buy tickets at the box office. So, it’s better to buy tickets online before you go to the museum. You can buy the online skip-the-line tickets below:

1. Rijksmuseums: Buy Skip-the-line tickets
2. Van Gogh Museum: Buy Skip-the-line tickets
3. Stedelijk Museum: Buy Skip-the-line tickets
4. Anne Frank: Buy tickets
5. Heineken Museum: Buy Skip-the-line tickets

Enjoy a lazy Saturday Brunch

Amsterdam has over the last years seen a boom in rustic brunch cafes with amazing food. Most of the good places do not take reservations; why would they when people are ready to wait 40 minutes to get a seat! But most of these cafes are also worth the wait. Nothing like having a fresh fruit smoothie and an array of delicious and filling brunch delicacies to fill you up after a long wait. Below are some my favorite places to go during weekend in Amsterdam:

• Bakers and Roasters: There are a couple of these restaurants now but the most famous and my favorite is the one at De Pijp.
• Coffee and coconuts: I love the tropical set up of this brunch cafe; and they do have some serious smoothies that are a must try.
• Little Collins: This Australian brunch cafe has some of the best brunch food I have had.

Enjoy Amsterdam Canals by taking a ride through it

A ride in the canal is a must during your weekend in Amsterdam. It is the most enjoyable way to traverse this city with such rich historical background. If you are first timer; then it would be good to first go on a guided canal tour where you can hear a bit about the history of this once busy trade center. But if you are not new to Amsterdam or have friends there; then then best way to enjoy a nice day is to rent a boat; pack in some beers and snacks; and get on your own merry way! Get ready for some traffic on the canals though; many other Amsterdamers have the same idea especially when the sun is out!

If you are looking for a guided canal tour; there are quite some good canal tours around the city. They usually have the information in several languages and will be cheaper in the pocket than a more personalised guided tour.

Skip-the-line tickets to Amsterdam Canal cruise: Buy tickets

Discover Amsterdam by bike

If you can bike; this activity is a must do. There are many rental options which are cheap that you can choose from in Amsterdam. And there is no better way to experience to essence of this city than on a bike. Trust me; you want to avoid the over crowded Amsterdam trams. With the bike; you can within 30 minutes hit all the major landmarks in the city; from Damsquare to Museumplein (also a good place to just chill and do a picnic) to Anne Frank Huis. You might get honked at as everyone does at sometime or the other while biking in Amsterdam but it is all part of the experience! Just make sure you keep your bikes well secured when you go into a museum or shop as bike theft is extremely common. Below are some good bike routes to take if you are up for the adventure.

You can rent bikes for 1 or 2 days with a price starting from € 14.50.
You can book them here.

Check out our guide for your next weekend getaway to other cities.