Jesse's Tips · Experience & Discover
Museums, markets, water — what Amsterdam really has to offer, beyond the postcards.
One of Jesse's favorite activities — pure relaxation on the water. Choose a small, open boat from an independent operator instead of the big glass-roofed tourist boats: more personal, closer to the water, more memorable.
The Dutch national museum — Rembrandt, Vermeer, 800 years of history. Pierre Cuypers' building is an experience just from the outside. Buy tickets well in advance.
The largest Van Gogh collection in the world — over 200 paintings and 500 drawings. The museum tells not just the paintings, but the man behind them. Book tickets online, it's very popular.
One of the most moving experiences in Amsterdam. Tickets must be bought six weeks in advance, on Tuesdays at 10am — last-minute chances are slim. The official site occasionally has leftover tickets.
The largest street market in the Netherlands — Dutch specialties like herring and stroopwafels, produce, household goods, and street food from around the world. Daily 9am–5pm (except Sundays), easy to combine with De Pijp or Museumplein.
Founded in 1638, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world. Tropical greenhouses with over 6,000 plant species — a lovely retreat on rainy days, with a small café.
102,000 names on bricks in Hebrew script — one of Amsterdam's most moving memorials (2021). Next door, the 17th-century Portuguese Synagogue, still lit by candlelight today.
The former shipyard is now one of the city's most creative spots — street art, studios, flea market, rotating festivals. Reachable by free ferry in 15 minutes, with the best skyline view.
There's hardly a better way to understand Amsterdam than from the water. Electric boats are allowed without a license. Jesse recommends smaller rental spots away from the center — cheaper and less crowded. Bring some food along.