Things to Do in Amsterdam

My favorite restaurant in Amsterdam is the Hard Rock Cafe. Really, you say? An American chain restaurant is your favorite travel destination. We go every time we hit Amsterdam, at least once. They have a lovely terrace on the water that faces the sun where you can sip cocktails, eat delicious fattening food and just relax. After a day of museum-visiting and people watching it is the ultimate chill out spot. The service is fun and friendly and the vibe is welcoming. I wouldn't go every day, but it is truly a nice place to go with good food and service. We like to watch the boats go by and try to convince them to take us onboard!

I found this one by chance- a small international improv group playing every Friday night at the Crea Theater in the center of Amsterdam. They do 2 shows every Friday night, at 8:30pm and 10:30pm. The night I went they were so funny I was still laughing the next day. The theater is small and intimate and the players include the audience in a fun and welcoming atmosphere- they even serve little snacks for free! Definitely worth a go. The cafe is student run so the beers are cheap too!

This little boat club is truly the best way to see Amsterdam on the water. Started almost 10 years ago, they are a non-for-profit organization. Their 2 boats are small and hold a maximum of 10 people. The captains are friendly and talk to you directly, unlike the taped big boat versions. They recommend you bring food and drink (and smoke, wink wink) to enjoy the ride. The rides are about an hour and a half and they ask a donation at the end of the ride. There is no set schedule and in this day and age, no phone or website. To take a ride, go to the Boom Bar on Leidseplein, take a look at the schedule and you sign up yourself for a ride. Really cool!