We’re going to Amsterdam for Webmaster Access, but before we go I want to give you something.

I spoke with my coworker Alexei a.k.a. Alex Foort (Senior Affiliate Manager) who lives in Amsterdam and he gave me a list of recommendations for things to do while in the Netherlands. He told me where to eat, drink, site see, and party. But don’t worry, I’ll clue you in on what he said.

Food’s to try:

“Amsterdam is the city with the most mixed nationalities in the entire world. This is why we have a food experience that is unique to any other place in the world,” said Alex.

Herring(Haring):

Although herring (Dutch pickled fish) looks raw, it’s actually been frozen and laid in salt for a couple of days to ripen the fish.

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*People from the Netherlands have been eating herring for more than 600 years, so don’t be alarmed when you see this snack on the street corners. *

Poffertjes:

They are basically pancakes covered in butter and powdered sugar. Can you say YUM?

Pancakes, Crepes, Pannekoeken…

Regardless of what you call them, the important thing is to eat them.

Stroopwafels:

The warm, sweet syrupy, waffle-like wafers are nothing but delicious. What once began as a poor man’s cookie made from crumbs has now become a popular treat within Dutch culture.

Restaurants:

“Amsterdam food is based on Indonesian and Suriname cuisine. You should try Saoto soup, Bami moksi meti or roti,” suggests Alex.

Le Garage:

Transformed from a 1950’s – era garage, La Garage features plush red velour seating, mirrored walls, and small lamps giving it a glitzy showbiz look. The menu focuses its talent on French cuisines, but if that doesn’t tickle your fancy, then there are Asian, Dutch, and Italian options.

MR PORTER:

If the restaurant website description doesn’t sell you, then I don’t know what will.

“A companion by day, a hunter by night. A gentleman, a merciless lover. A jetsetter and a local. It is this duality, this constant battle of extremes that is MR PORTER. Cosmopolitan yet familiar. Extravagant yet modest. MR PORTER fearlessly explores the borders between dinner and sinner. “

This upscale steakhouse is found on the top floor of the W hotel and offers a supreme array of entrees. Make sure to visit the chic lounge for drinks while you wait for your table.

Warung Mini:

A Surinamese / Indian cuisine is located at the end of Albert Cuyp Market. The little restaurant has been around for more than 30 years and is known for its Saoto soup, roti, telo, satay, and bakabanas.

The restaurant is run by two sisters and their brother- “Together we work every day to improve the “Mini” and to expand the range,” said Team Warung Mini.

Ron Gastrobar Oriental:

Ron Gastrobar Oriental is a vibrant gastropub featuring a delicious Asian cuisine.

“From the most delicious Peking duck in all of Amsterdam to dim sum that you’ll be dreaming of for ages: Ron Gastrobar Oriental brings the taste of Asia to Amsterdam.”

But if you’re just looking for a nice place to grab a drink then check out the trendy cocktail bar inside.

Febo “Dutch Fast Food”:

Foreign people find this bizarre, but it’s a regular thing for the locals. Febo is a “fast food” wall featuring hot food placed behind windows. The idea is to grab your food and go.

Monuments:

Homomonument:

Homomonument is a gay tribute that commemorates all the gays and lesbians who were persecuted for their homosexuality. It was first conceptualized in the 1970s but wasn’t finished until 1987. The design features a triangle made of pink granite that extends out of a bend in the quay wall of the canal. The larger triangle is then divided into three smaller pink triangles. What many people do not know is the pink triangle emblem was first used by the Nazis in World War II to mark homosexuals. It is a beautiful display for the LGBTQIA community.

National Monument op de Dam:

Amsterdam’s National Monument was built in 1956 to honor the World War II casualties. Each year in May, the Remembrance of the Dead ceremony is held to remember all of those who were lost in the war. Wreaths are placed on the monument by the Dutch monarch followed by two minutes of silence to honor all those fallen during World War II.

Nightlife:

Paradiso:

Paradiso opened its doors in 1968 and within 50 years has grown into a popular night club and culture palace. The palace isn’t your average club for it also offers a place to host special projects. They’ve hosted concerts, fashion shows, classical orchestras, and science discussion boards.

Bitterzoet:

A two-story nightclub with a grand bar, stage, and dance floor is home to the subculture and underground bands.

“The starting point of Bitterzoet is to offer a place where DJs, bands and musicians with different backgrounds and innovative concepts are given the opportunity to experiment or get the chance to play in front of a larger audience.”

Well, there you have it folks. I hope Alex’s suggestions help you while in Amsterdam. Feel free to email me where you went while visiting and what you thought of the everything.

By: Lauren Van Sloten