One of the most popular cities in the Netherlands, Amsterdam offers a cornucopia of attractions designed to keep both locals and tourists busy for days. The incredible man-made canals, spectacular bridges, and quaint houses only tease your senses from the outside. Inside the city you’ll find dozens of secrets just waiting to be uncovered.

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When to Visit Amsterdam

Amsterdam is traditionally pretty busy during the summer months. The weather is seasonably warm but there are plenty of places to rest, sunbathe, or cool of with a refreshing beverage. The winter months tend to be less expensive and less crowded but the weather is cold, rainy, and windy as well.

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Don’t get us wrong. There’s plenty of rain during the summer months as well. The city sits a mere 7 feet above sea level, so the chances for precipitation are pretty high. Your best bet is to wear layers so that you’ll always be warm and to carry a strong umbrella at all times.

Dining Out in Amsterdam

If you remember nothing else – remember this. Amsterdam is a casual town and the locals tend to dine earlier rather than later. This means that leaving the house at 9pm for a dinner reservation is out of the question, especially since most kitchens are closed for the night by 10pm.

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Caf? Luxembourg is a favorite amongst visitors looking for a simple brunch or lunch menu. Popular dishes include goat cheese salads and krokets filled with meat, shrimp, and potatoes. There are plenty of local newspapers available for visitors to read while in the establishment as well.

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For an upscale dining experience you should head towards Vermeer. The elegant fireplaces, chandeliers and artworks adorning the walls scream elegance and luxury and the dishes only add to the atmosphere. Have you ever had poached skate? Prepare to be surprised! The food and top-rate service here are second to none.

Exploring Amsterdam’s Almshouses

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Deep in the city you’ll find a series of houses in the Jordaan neighborhood. These little houses were once the almshouses established by merchants in order to house the needy in a hospice-style setting. They believed that the work they did to help the old and poor would earn them a place in heaven. Please look at the outside, but don’t touch. People actually live in these houses today and don’t necessarily appreciate uninvited guests.

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Of notable presence is Begijnhof Here, a beautiful courtyard that once housed the Catholic sisterhood known as the Begijntes. The house ran similarly to a convent and women who were either unmarried or widowed were allowed to live there as long as they didn’t own dogs and hens or entertain men. They earned their keep by taking care of the sick and educating those less fortunate than they.

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No. 34 is worth seeking out as well. This house is the oldest in the entire city and is one of only two remaining built completely from wood. Wooden buildings were banned after a series of fires during the 15^th century. Other notable houses include Engelse Kerk, Mirakel, Sint Andrieshofje, and Claes Claeszhofje.

About Smoking Weed in Amsterdam

While not something we usually have to address, the rumors concerning smoking marijuana in Amsterdam deserve a bit of attention as well. Many visitors become excited when they realized that possessing and smoking marijuana is legal in Amsterdam. While we won’t make a judgment regarding your social behaviors, we will offer some words of warning to the wise.

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First, just because it’s legal doesn’t mean it’s a prevalent social activity. As a matter of fact, Dutch citizens actually smoke less than anywhere else in Europe.

Just because you smoke at home (which is probably illegal) doesn’t mean you’re prepared to handle smoking in a foreign country.

Statistics show that marijuana sold in Amsterdam and other Dutch countries is incredibly potent and that even self-proclaimed potheads have difficult dealing with its effects. If you should happen to have a bad reaction, do your best to remain calm while relaxing in a quiet place where you can let the effects wear off.

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The average person does not smoke marijuana in public, nor should you. Despite it being legal to possess and smoke, it is still illegal to sell marijuana (figure that out). Most government officials overlook this rule as they consider it to be a soft drug. In short, we highly recommend you avoid smoking marijuana while visiting Amsterdam. Just because it’s legal there doesn’t mean the effects won’t follow you back home – where a random drug test or accident could potentially ruin your life and career.

Amsterdam is a mysterious city full of waterways, merchants, museums and restaurants that might take days to explore. Map out your favorite choices and hit the streets. Just make sure you stay safe and legal in the process!