Lifestyle in Amsterdam

Amsterdam offers a wonderfully diverse selection of leisure and lifestyle activities. With its iconic canals, world-class restaurants, shopping, renowned entertainment options, and annual events, you will have no problem settling into your new life.

Numerous nationalities make up the city’s cosmopolitan atmosphere, but most people speak English, making communication much easier. Amsterdam offers plenty of entertainment whether you're single or have a family.

If you’re an active person or a sports fan, you won’t have trouble finding the right gym or perfect area for jogging, and cycling is an iconic part of Amsterdam’s fitness culture.

Shopping in Amsterdam

Amsterdam offers a dynamic shopping experience, blending historic charm with modern trends. Stroll along boutique-lined avenues in the canal district or explore bustling streets filled with international brands.

Kalverstraat and Nieuwendijk are among Amsterdam’s most popular shopping streets, hosting a variety of international retail chains. These lively pedestrian zones offer a mix of well-known high-street brands and bustling atmospheres, perfect for a day out.

If you prefer a more unique and relaxed shopping experience, De Negen Straatjes (The Nine Streets) is a must-visit. Located in the heart of the canal district, these picturesque streets are filled with vintage shops, independent boutiques, and cosy cafés.

For luxury shopping, head to PC Hooftstraat near Museumplein. This street is home to high-end international fashion brands and designer boutiques, catering to those looking for premium products.

Utrechtsestraat offers a mix of trendy concept stores, fashion boutiques, speciality shops, and record shops. Haarlemmerstraat and Haarlemmerdijk, near the Jordaan district, provide an eclectic mix of independent and speciality shops, making them favourites among locals.

Eating out in Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s culinary scene reflects its rich multicultural character, offering an array of dining experiences across the city. From Indonesian rijsttafel to Surinamese roti, you’ll find dishes that showcase the city’s diversity.

De Pijp is a lively neighbourhood celebrated for its diverse range of eateries, including Dutch and global cuisines. Its iconic Albert Cuyp Market adds to the lively atmosphere, offering local delicacies and street food. The Jordaan, known for its picturesque canals and cobbled streets, is another must-visit area. You’ll find an eclectic mix of cosy cafés and contemporary restaurants, ideal for a relaxed dining experience. For something trendy, head to Oud-West, where De Hallen – a converted tram depot – hosts a bustling food hall.

There’s a growing trend towards sustainable dining, with many restaurants focusing on locally sourced ingredients and plant-based menus. Innovative fusion cuisines and immersive dining experiences, such as omakase-style menus, are also gaining popularity.

While Amsterdam’s dining experience is generally top-notch, service can sometimes feel brisk compared to other countries. Nonetheless, competition among restaurants has led to a noticeable improvement in hospitality, creating a more customer-friendly environment.

Nightlife in Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s nightlife is buzzing and diverse, offering something for every taste. The nightlife in Amsterdam ranges from relaxed evenings in traditional ‘brown cafés’ to high-energy nights in modern clubs.

Leidseplein remains a central hub for nightlife, brimming with bars, clubs, and theatres. It’s perfect for an energetic night out or catching live performances.

Rembrandtplein offers a similarly lively atmosphere, attracting both locals and tourists with its mix of entertainment options. It’s a great spot to enjoy cocktails and dance the night away.

For a more contemporary vibe, explore Amsterdam-Noord. This emerging hotspot features innovative venues like the A'DAM Tower, which combines stunning views with eclectic entertainment.

Sports and fitness in Amsterdam

Amsterdam embraces a healthy lifestyle, seamlessly integrating fitness into everyday living. Sports and fitness in Amsterdam are as much a part of the city's identity as its iconic canals and bicycles.

Parks such as Vondelpark and Westerpark are ideal for jogging, yoga, or group workouts. Westerpark even boasts an outdoor exercise park equipped for bodyweight training.

Cycling is a way of life in Amsterdam, with dedicated bike lanes and innovative facilities like underwater parking garages enhancing convenience and safety. Since the 1990s, the city has seen a 40 percent increase in local cycling trips, cementing its reputation as a cycling haven.

See and do in Amsterdam

With so much to see and do in Amsterdam, you will have a great time exploring its historic architecture, lively culture, and iconic canal-lined streets.

Amsterdam coffee shops

An iconic part of the city. A trip to one of Amsterdam’s coffee shops, where marijuana-based products are available, is a unique cultural experience, even if you don’t partake in any of the activities. While the number of coffee shops has decreased dramatically in recent years, they remain a unique part of Amsterdam’s culture. Regulations and ongoing discussions about access for tourists continue to shape their role in the city.

Amsterdam Museum

Learn about the city’s past as this museum covers Amsterdam’s development from a small medieval settlement on the river to the modern, thriving metropolis it is today.

Anne Frank House

The older kids will enjoy stepping inside the home of Anne Frank and viewing the original diary she wrote over two years. They can learn more about the horrors of World War II in Amsterdam when anti-Semitism and Nazi persecution were part of daily life.

ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo

You and your family can have a fun day out at the ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo, with educational tours of the aquarium, planetarium, and arboretum.

Red-Light District (De Wallen)

Most residents have visited the Red-Light District at least once, even if just to say they’ve seen it. It offers more than just bright lights, performers in the windows, throngs of tourists, and canals. You can also visit the area’s breweries and museums.

Van Gogh Museum

This museum houses several hundred paintings and drawings by Van Gogh. You should definitely take the chance to see the iconic artist’s work in person.

Meeting people and making friends in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a sociable city with plenty of opportunities to meet new people. Whether through shared hobbies, expat clubs, or local events, connecting with others is straightforward and rewarding. Sports and hobby groups are a great way to bond with like-minded individuals. Join a running crew, a cycling club, or even a cooking class to integrate into Amsterdam’s active lifestyle.

Platforms like Meetup host numerous events, ranging from tech meetups to language exchanges, offering excellent opportunities to connect with fellow internationals. From business networking to cultural events, you’re bound to find something that matches your interests.

Volunteering is another fulfilling way to connect while giving back to the local community. Organisations like Serve the City Amsterdam offer initiatives that let you contribute to meaningful causes while meeting people with similar values. Whether you’re helping out at cultural festivals or supporting environmental projects, volunteering opens doors to new friendships and experiences in Amsterdam.

Useful links

• Meetup Amsterdam
• Serve the City Amsterdam