Wanderlust Wonderland brings you: a travel guide for ordinary travelers, with must-sees, tips and tricks and the most delicious food, for ordinary travelers, like you and me.

Amsterdam is the capital city of my home country, The Netherlands. I never liked the city much, thinking it too crowded with tourists and cyclists. But I have come to love the quaint little houses, the cobblestone streets and the canals. Amsterdam is so much more than prostitutes and weed, though that is what a lot of tourists come here for. Which is too bad, because Amsterdam has a rich history, lots of amazing museums and yummy food. Time for an Amsterdam guide!

Must do

• Wander the streets, see the little houses and get lost. It’s the best way to explore the city. You can also rent a bike, though I wouldn’t recommend it, because the city is bustling and crowded, and as the Dutch say, an accident hides in a little corner. You could also experience the city from the water, by booking a boat tour, which is nice on a hot day, though very touristy.
• Visit a couple of the great museums that Amsterdam has to offer. The Rijksmuseum is best for historical art, Moco museum is a lot of fun if you’re into (post)modern art like Banksy. Visit the Anne Frank huis to learn a bit more about the history of the second world war.
• Spend an afternoon in the happiest place of Amsterdam: Wondr Experience
• Take a seat on Europe’s highest swing set at the Amsterdam Lookout tower.

Must eat

• If you like cats, a trip to the Kattencafé Kopjes is a must. Great cats and great food, what else do you need?
• Have some kroketten or oude kaas (old Amsterdam cheese) for lunch
• Eat a stroopwafel. You can buy big fancy ones, but you can also just visit any Hema or Albert Heijn and get a bunch of them for the same price. Or visit a stroopwafel stand on a local market and ask for crumbs. You won’t regret it.

The traveling bookworm

• If you want to learn a little bit more about the history of the country, read Diary of a young girl by Anne Frank or Max Havelaar by Multatuli.
• Read something by Annie M.G. Schmidt if you’re into children’s books