Amsterdam Adventures: Kicking Off Our European Backpacking Extravaganza

January 12, 2025

We picked Amsterdam to launch our epic European backpacking adventure for one simple reason: a sweet deal on a Delta award flight with miles. Score! Once you’re in Europe, hopping between cities is a breeze thanks to lightning-fast trains and budget airlines. Trust us—grabbing those low-cost tickets is the secret sauce to squeezing the most out of your trip. Now, let’s talk about Amsterdam. This city is a dream for history buffs (hi, that’s me!), architecture lovers, and cheese enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re admiring iconic windmills on a countryside tour or nibbling on artisan cheese made the old-fashioned way, Amsterdam’s got you covered. Prefer to stick to the city? Wander its charming streets and dive into world-class museums, canal-side cafés, and historic landmarks. Our game plan? A flexible itinerary. We’re keeping things loose to leave room for surprises, but having a rough outline means no time wasted wondering, “What’s next?” For our two days in Amsterdam, we’ve lined up some must-see spots to give you a taste of what this city has to offer. Need more ideas? Check out Tripadvisor’s Amsterdam attractions.

Exploring Amsterdam on Foot

Amsterdam is a walker’s paradise! There’s nothing like meandering through its picturesque neighborhoods at your own pace. I found an awesome app called GPSMYCITY, which offers self-guided tours. We’re starting with the Amsterdam Introduction Walking Tour, a perfect way to soak in the city’s magic. Here’s a sneak peek at the stops:

Centraal Station
Oude Kerk (Old Church)
Dam Square
Koninklijk Paleis (Royal Palace of Amsterdam)
Nieuwe Kerk (New Church)
Magna Plaza
Tulip Museum
Anne Frank House
Kalverstraat (Calf Street)
Museum Het Rembrandthuis (Rembrandt House Museum)

This tour is the ultimate sampler, featuring stunning canals, jaw-dropping architecture, and must-see museums.

Evening Excursions: The Red Light District

At night, we’re venturing into Amsterdam’s famous (and infamous) Red Light District. But here’s the thing—it’s not all about risqué shows and cannabis cafés (though those are certainly part of the vibe). The district is a fascinating mix of old-world charm and modern-day quirks. Alongside the neon lights, you’ll find gems like:

Our Lord in the Attic Museum
St. Nicolaaskerk (Basilica of Saint Nicholas)
Schreierstoren (Weeping Tower)

The energy of this area really comes alive after dark, making it the perfect spot for an evening stroll.

Day Trips and Tours

Got extra time? Venture beyond the city limits for some countryside magic. Here are a few tours that caught our eye:

No matter how you slice it, your Amsterdam Adventures will have something for everyone. Whether you’re here for the history, the nightlife, or just the cheese (because who isn’t?), this city is guaranteed to steal your heart. View our complete European backpacking trip itinerary.

Amsterdam: Tips, Tricks & Quirky Observations

Ah, Amsterdam! The city of canals, bicycles, and, well… some very unique aromas in the air. After spending a few days wandering its charming streets, here are some handy tips and fun observations to help you make the most of your visit.

Getting There & Getting Around

The train from the airport to downtown is a breeze—fast, efficient, and only about $12. If you’re staying near the city center, this is the way to go. We stayed at The Iron Horse Hotel, a budget-friendly 3-star gem that was clean, comfy, and a solid size for the price. The only catch? It was a 30-minute walk from the train station. And let me tell you, lugging suitcases that far is not the Amsterdam adventure you want. If I could do it again, I’d hop in a taxi—lesson learned!

For our entire three-day trip, we walked everywhere (except for a taxi to the train station on our last day). No trams, no buses, no bikes—just 20,000 steps a day of pure exploration! It was fantastic but, fair warning, your feet might have a thing or two to say about it later.

Beware the Bikes!

Amsterdam is a pedestrian-friendly city… kind of. But in reality, you’re sharing the roads (and sometimes sidewalks) with a never-ending swarm of bicycles. They outnumber cars, and trust me, they think they own the place. Keep your eyes peeled, or you just might find yourself in an accidental game of “avoid the speeding cyclist.”

The Coffee Shops (Not for Coffee Lovers!)

If you catch the distinct scent of something herbal while strolling through the streets, congratulations—you’re officially in Amsterdam. Cannabis is everywhere, but it’s only sold in special “coffee shops” (not to be confused with regular cafés). Look for a green sign, and you’ll know what’s up. Whether you partake or not, expect to catch a whiff as you explore the city.

The Red Light District: More Than Meets the Eye

Yes, the Red Light District is famous for its window displays (and yes, the ladies are really there), but there’s so much more to the area than just its after-dark attractions. Beautiful historic churches, charming shops, and great restaurants line these streets, and it’s located close to many must-see sights. You might even wander in accidentally—one minute you’re admiring medieval architecture, the next you realize, Oh, that’s not a mannequin in the window!

Biking Outside of Amsterdam

This country was built for two wheels! I decided to take on the Dutch countryside the best way possible: by bike. After a quick search on Viator, I found Mike’s Bike Tours Amsterdam and thought, “Why not?” So, we met up at Mike’s, conveniently located next to Amsterdam’s train station, grabbed our bikes, and kicked off our adventure in true Dutch fashion.

First, we zipped behind the train station, rolled onto a free ferry (bikes included, of course), and crossed the river to start our 23-mile journey through dreamy farmland. Picture this: dikes, windmills, charming little towns, and, yes—cows just casually watching us pedal by. Our grand finale? A visit to a cheese and wooden shoe farm because, well, when in the Netherlands, right?

Now, here’s the thing—I made the questionable decision to do this in the middle of winter. Let’s just say biking through wintry winds isn’t exactly ideal. So, my advice? Maybe aim for literally any other season. But cold toes aside, it was an absolute blast!

Quick Money-Saving Tip for Travelers

If you need Euros, do NOT exchange cash at a currency booth—they’ll charge you an arm, a leg, and probably your favorite snack. ATMs at exchange counters? Even worse! Some of them sneak in fees as high as 15% (plus a $4 transaction fee). Your best bet? Bank ATMs—they’ll give you the best exchange rate, and you’ll only pay the standard transaction fee. More money for stroopwafels and souvenirs!

Now, grab a bike, soak in the scenery, and enjoy the ride—just maybe bring a jacket if it’s winter.

Final Thoughts

Amsterdam is a city of history, charm, and unexpected surprises. From its stunning medieval architecture to its lively streets and canals, there’s something for everyone. Just remember: watch out for bikes, bring comfy shoes, and don’t mistake a coffee shop for, well… a coffee shop.

Would we visit again? Absolutely!