Amsterdam, or the Venice of the North, is one of the most visited cities and one of my favorite cities in Europe. I didn’t expect to like it as much as I did, but it was impossible not to fall in love with the gorgeous Amsterdam canals, pretty canal houses, delicious food, and friendly locals. In this blog post I’ll share what are the best souvenirs from Amsterdam to bring home and share with family and friends. This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Find out more here.
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Wooden clogs
The wooden shoes are some of the most iconic Dutch souvenirs. You can find them at any souvenir shop and they are such a nice gift. Dutch people have been wearing these wooden clogs for centuries. They are waterproof, so it’s a great shoe for the Netherlands since it rains a lot.
Thus, a pair of Dutch clogs, or a key ring with wooden clogs if you don’t have enough space in your luggage, is a great souvenir.
Gouda cheese
Gouda cheese is made in the Netherlands and is the most famous and, in my opinion, one of the most delicious Dutch cheeses. It’s also one of the most popular Dutch snacks. Dutch people love their cheese and I can’t blame them. I love cheese too!
You can buy Gouda from either a local cheese shop or any supermarket in Amsterdam. It doesn’t matter where you get it from because it will be delicious anyway.
Tony’s Chocolonely
Tony’s Chocolonely is a Dutch chocolate company that makes high-quality chocolate bars in some creative flavors such as milk pecan caramel crunch.
You can buy a bar (or more) at a Tony’s shop in Amsterdam or from a supermarket. I love sweet souvenirs and I’m a big fan of this brand of chocolate.
Blue delft ceramic items
Delft is a smaller city in the Netherlands and they make the iconic hand-painted blue-and-white pottery here. Dutch people are very proud of this craft, so some beautiful Delft blue items are some of the most unique souvenirs you can buy in the Netherlands.
You can get Delft blue mugs, blue wall plates, fridge magnets, or ceramic facade houses painted in white and blue. They are all so beautiful!
Fun fact: if you fly KLM business class you will get a small Delft house as a gift. The house has alcohol inside, but most people keep it as a souvenir and don’t open it. Some people are avid collectors of these KLM Delft houses.
Key rings or fridge magnets
A key ring or a fridge magnet with Dutch tulips, some famous paintings from Vincent van Gogh, Delft blue items, or wooden clogs are some of the best Amsterdam souvenirs you can buy. All gift shops in the city offer some great options. They are all so cute!
Plus, using a key ring you bought in the Netherlands or seeing a magnet on your fridge will remind you of your trip and put a smile on your face every day.
FAQs about Amsterdam
Where should I stay in Amsterdam?
Mid-budget hotels
I stayed at Kimpton de Witt in the city center. It’s about a 5-minute walk to Amsterdam Centraal. The hotel room was clean and spacious, and service was 100/10. They even gave me a mini bottle of champagne and chocolates to welcome me to Amsterdam. So sweet!
Other mid-budget options are Ambassade Hotel, Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam, Hotel NH Collection Amsterdam Barbizon Palace, INK Hotel Amsterdam – MGallery, and Monet Garden Hotel Amsterdam.
Luxury hotels
If you have a higher budget and are seeking a more luxurious option in the city center, then Hotel TwentySeven, Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam, Pulitzer Amsterdam, Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht, Conservatorium Hotel, and Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam are all great options.
Hostels
Unfortunately, I am not the right person to recommend you any hostels. I am in my 30s and I value comfort, so I will always choose to stay at a hotel vs a hostel. I can see how a hostel is a great option for younger people, but I’m at a different stage in life, so I prefer hotels.
Airbnb
I also tend to pick hotels over Airbnbs because I feel like it’s less of a risk and it’s a more reliable option. One time when I visited Miami with my friends we booked an Airbnb that looked great in pictures but looked really bad in reality. We ended up going to a hotel instead. After that experience I tend to avoid Airbnbs altogether.
What should I eat in Amsterdam?
Fries
Fries are a staple of Dutch cuisine. There are so many fry shops in Amsterdam. They are hand cut and made fresh daily. You can actually see the potatoes next to the friers, none of that frozen fries business.
They are fried to perfection, so they are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They then add the perfect amount of salt to them. Then they serve it to you in to-go cones and they add 1-2 sauces on top of the fries. They have a huge variety of sauces to choose from. I went with the cheese sauce, but everything on that menu sounded good.
Stroopwafel
Stroopwafels are thin, round waffle cookies with a caramel syrup filling. They are a classic Dutch dessert and you can find a lot of stroopwafel shops in Amsterdam.
You can opt for the classic stroopwafel or you can go with a gourmet option with toppings such as Smarties, Biscoff cookies, chocolate & raspberries, marshmallows, or hazelnut.
I went with the chocolate and Biscoff cookies option (I love everything Biscoff!) and it was amazing. I got it at Melly’s Stroopwafels near the Dam. It was warm, fresh, crispy. A delight!
You can also go to van Wonderen Stroopwafels (this is the shop that’s famous on Tik Tok) or FA Stroop Stroopwafels if you want to see them make the stroopwafel in front of you. You will pay a premium for this as the cost of a waffle is close to 10 euros, compared to Melly’s which is half price.
Poffertjes
Poffertjes are mini pancakes that are light and airy. The traditional poffertjes are served with powdered sugar and butter. This is what I opted for on my trip and they were simple and delicious. Most restaurants also offer poffertjes with a variety of topings such as Nutella & banana, or blueberry jam.
People told me that the best poffertjes in Amsterdam are at the Albert Cuyp Market. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a chance to go, but it’s on my list for next time I’m in town. I guess it’s just an excuse to go back to Amsterdam.
Dutch pancakes
Dutch pancakes are a hybrid between a crepe and an American pancake. They are made out of whole grain flour, which I love. I am that weirdo who loves everything whole grain and multigrain over white flour products.
There are both sweet and savory options for Dutch pancakes. I tried a cheese, spinach, and egg one at Pancakes Amsterdam near Centraal Station, and a fruit and pastry cream one at the Dutch Pancake Masters. Both were fantastic. I don’t think you can go wrong with anything on the menus.
Bitterballen
Bitterballen are the Dutch version of croquettes. They are round and look like little balls, hence the name “ballen”. It’s a deep-fried snack food typically eaten at bars next to a pint of Heineken.
There are a few different varieties you can try such as: beef, cheese, fish, veal, truffle. I recommend you get a tasting flight so you can try them all.
Indonesian food
In case you didn’t know, Indonesia (or the Dutch East Indies as it was called back in the day) used to be a Dutch colony until 1945. The Dutch relationship with what is now Indonesia began during the spice trade at the beginning of the 1600’s when the Dutch founded the Dutch East Indies Company (VOC).
Indonesians make up about 10% of the Netherlands’ population nowadays and you can find many Indonesian restaurant in Amsterdam. I went to MAX and the food was delicious. You should order the rice table so you can try multiple small dishes that will be served along with white rice.
Anything at Foodhallen
Foodhallen is a hip food court in West Amsterdam. They have 19 food stalls. You can find anything here: bitterballen, crepes, Mexican food, Mediterranean food, French pastries, noodles, and so much more.
They have a lot of communal tables throughout the food court where you can enjoy your food. I went there at noon, right after they opened, and by the time I left around 1pm it was already pretty packed. It’s a popular spot.
Dinner at Van Kerkwijk
Van Kerkwijk is a cafe-restaurant that was recommended to me on social media by a local. It’s a tiny, family-owned, cozy place in the Nes neighborhood. They do not have a written menu and the waiter will recite you their offerings for that day. So unique!
Everything I tried was phenomenal. For appetizers I recommend the fish mousse and the pate; for the main course I recommend the beef with goat cheese and strawberry sauce (it might sound weird, but trust me on this one!), and for dessert I recommend their homemade pear cake.
What day trips can I take from Amsterdam?
Rotterdam
I took a day trip to Rotterdam. It’s a modern city since it was bombed during World War II and they had to remake it. It has a very different vibe compared to Amsterdam and it is smaller, so it’s the perfect destination for a day trip.
The Hague
The Hague is the third largest city in the Netherlands after Amsterdam and Rotterdam. You can find the Dutch Parliament here. It is also a very important city in Europe as it is home to the U.N.’s International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court.
Haarlem
Haarlem is a city right outside Amsterdam. It’s famous for growing tulip bulbs and its gorgeous tulip fields. That’s why it is nicknamed Bloemenstad (flower city). You can take the train from Amsterdam and you’ll be here in about 15 minutes. If you’re visiting around April, when tulips are in bloom, this is a must do.
Delft
Delft is a smaller city in the Netherlands that is also built around canals, similar to Amsterdam. It’s where the iconic hand-painted blue-and-white pottery is made.
You can also combine Delft with Rotterdam and the Hague and do a day trip to all three of them.
Zaanse Schans
Zaanse Schans is a unique neighborhood in Zaandam, near Amsterdam. It has historic windmills, green wooden houses, multiple museums, and interactive exhibits. You can also attend artisan workshops here to learn about wooden clog carving and chocolate making.
During the summer there is a direct bus from Amsterdam to take you here in about 20 minutes. During the off-peak months you can take the train from Amsterdam Central Station and you’ll be there in about 40 minutes.
Brussels
The beauty of Europe is that you can be in a different country in a few hours. If you want to also visit Belgium during your trip to Amsterdam, you can take a day trip to Brussels.
Is Amsterdam safe for solo female travellers?
Yes, I always felt safe in Amsterdam. Of course, as always when you travel solo, do your research ahead of your visit and be on high alert, especially if you visit during peak season. But based on my experience, Amsterdam is one of the safest cities I’ve ever been to in Europe.
How to get cell phone data when visiting from abroad?
The cheapest and most convenient way to get data while visiting from abroad is to buy an eSIM. An eSIM is a digital SIM that lets you activate a data plan from a provider without having to use a physical SIM card. They are super easy to use.
I use Nomad eSIM (use code IOAN43TM for 25% off your first purchase). You can go to their website, select the country you’re traveling to, select how many GB of data you want, and how many days you want the eSIM to be active for. After you pay you will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to activate the eSIM.
You can activate it on your phone and the process takes under 1 minute. Once the eSIM is activated you don’t have to do anything else. When you’re at your destination you will automatically get data.
What is the best time for a solo Amsterdam trip?
I visited in February and it was perfect. The weather was pretty warm, around 10 degrees Celsius. I got a mix of sunny days and rainy days, which is normal for Amsterdam. There were fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months, so I enjoyed my experience a lot more.
I tend to avoid Europe summer travel because it gets so hot and there are so many tourists everywhere that it takes away from the experience for me. I’d rather wait a few months and go in the fall so I can properly enjoy the destinations I’m visiting.
Do I need to book tickets for attractions in advance?
I highly recommend you book all the tickets online in advance of your trip. There are some tickets, like the ones for Anne Frank House, that sell out even during shoulder season. If you visit during the peak summer months it’s a must to book in advance.
Do people speak English in Amsterdam?
Yes, they speak English everywhere in Amsterdam. It’s basically their second language. They don’t expect you to speak any Dutch and they are very friendly towards tourists.
Do I need cash?
I didn’t use cash at all when I visited, I paid for everything with a credit card. But it’s always recommended to carry some cash with you so you can tip tour guides or buy souvenirs or something else from small mom-and-pop shops who don’t accept credit cards.
Pro tip: always get cash from an ATM in the airport instead of going to an exchange place. Your bank will always have better exchange rates when taking out cash in a foreign currency from an ATM.
What is the difference between cafes and coffee shops in Amsterdam?
A cafe is where you can get coffee in Amsterdam. A coffee shop is a place where you can get pot. So if you just want a coffee, you have to go to a cafe, not a coffee shop.
How many days do I need in Amsterdam?
I spent 4 days in Amsterdam and I was able to see most main attractions. If you want to explore some hidden gems as well, I recommend you stay for at least a week.
How can I get to the city center from the airport?
You can take the NS train from Schiphol Airport and you’ll be at Centraal Station in about 15 minutes. The NS train station is located directly below the terminal building.
You can get an Amsterdam Travel Ticket that offers unlimited public transportation, including to and from the airport. A 3-day ticket costs 30 euros. If you don’t want an unlimited travel ticket, you can just tap you credit or debit card when you check in and out of public transportation and they will charge you for the length of your trip. No need to buy any tickets or sign up in advance. How cool is that? The Netherlands lives in the future!
If you take public transportation in Amsterdam don’t forget to check in and check out every time. Otherwise you risk getting fined.
If you have a lot of luggage and don’t want to deal with public transportation you can take an Uber. This is the option I opted for, and it cost me around 35 euros. Alternatively you can also schedule a private transfer.
How can I get around Amsterdam?
Like most European cities, the Dutch capital is a very walkable city. They also have great public transportation, so you can take the tram, the subway or the bus to get to all major attractions. All public transportation is free if you get the iAmsterdam city card.
If you don’t like to take public transportation you can always take an uber.
Do I have to tip in Amsterdam?
Tipping is not mandatory, but it is highly encouraged. I usually leave 1-2 euros as tip when I eat out. They highly appreciate it when you do this.
Do you recommend Amsterdam as a solo destination?
Yes, I 100% recommend Amsterdam as a destination for solo female travelers. Amsterdam is a great place for solo travellers and it has become one of my favorite European destinations.
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