West Travel Guide

Discover the best attractions, activities, accommodations, and insider tips for exploring the dynamic, vibrant neighborhood of West in Amsterdam.


Introduction to West

West is a neighborhood situated in the Amstelland region of North Holland, Western Netherlands. It is known for its cultural diversity, vibrant nightlife, and culinary scene. West is a must-visit destination for travelers who want to experience the authentic Dutch lifestyle.

In this comprehensive travel guide, you will find detailed information about the top attractions, activities, accommodations, food and drink scene, local culture and customs, safety and health, transportation options, and nearby destinations. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or friends, West has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in West

West is teeming with cultural and natural attractions, making it a top destination for travelers. Here is a list of the top places to visit in West:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Anne Frank House
  • Van Gogh Museum
  • Rijksmuseum
  • Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam
  • The Royal Palace Amsterdam
  • Westerkerk

Natural Attractions of West: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Vondelpark
  • Amsterdamse Bos
  • Sloterpark
  • Westerpark
  • Rembrandt Park
  • Ecological Zone

Hiking/Biking Routes of West

West is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some of the best hiking/biking routes of West:

  • Amsterdamse Bos: A man-made forest with multiple trails for hiking and biking.
  • Sloterplas Lake: A beautiful lake with a loop trail around it.
  • Westerpark: A park with various trails close to the city center.
  • Rembrandt Park: A park with plenty of greenery and a few hills that are great for cycling.
  • Spaarnwoude Recreation Area: A vast area with several biking trails and outdoor activities.

Best Things to Do in West: Activities and Tours

Whether you’re traveling with family or friends, there are plenty of fun activities and tours to take part in. Here are some of the top things to do in West:

  • Canal Cruise: Take a leisurely tour through the canals to discover the rich history of Amsterdam.
  • Food Tour: Amsterdam has a wide range of cuisine, and a food tour is a great way to discover the city’s culinary scene.
  • Beer Tour: Amsterdam is famous for its breweries, and a beer tour is an excellent way to learn about the brewing process and sample the different types of local beers.
  • Coffee Shop Hop: Amsterdam is known for its coffee shops, and a coffee shop tour is a great way to discover the city’s coffee culture.
  • Bike Tour: explore the city on the most preferred mode of transportation in the city, biking.

Week-Long Itinerary for West

Here’s a week-long itinerary that will help you explore the best of West:

Day Activities
1 Visit the Anne Frank House, shop and dine at the Jordaan district
2 Explore the Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum, wander around Vondelpark
3 Take a bike ride through the Amsterdamse Bos , visit Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam
4 Discover the Royal Palace, explore the halls of the Westerkerk
5 Take a canal cruise and indulge in Amsterdam’s nightlife
6 Rent a boat tour in the Amsterdam harbour, try the city’s famous Heineken beer.
7 Take a day trip to nearby destinations such as Zaanse Schans or Keukenhof gardens

Food and Drink Scene of West

Amsterdam has an excellent culinary scene, with plenty of options to suit every taste. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages in West:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Stroopwafels: A classic Dutch treat consisting of two thin waffles with a caramel-like syrup filling in between.
  • Bitterballen: Deep-fried balls of meat ragout served as snacks with fried coat.
  • Stamppot: A Dutch dish made from mashed potatoes combined with vegetables such as kale, sauerkraut, or carrots served with a sausage and gravy.
  • Haring: A Dutch style of eating raw herring with pickles and onions.
  • Poffertjes: A pancake-like dessert made from a buckwheat batter and served with butter and powdered sugar.

Local Beverages

  • Heineken beer: An adventurous brand of beer brewed in Amsterdam that is world-renowned.
  • Jenever: Also called Dutch gin, it is a national liquor of the Netherlands.
  • Geuze, Kriek, and Framboise: delicious fruit beers which are famous to the city.
  • Hot chocolate: Warm up with this drinks made by muddling shavings of solid chocolate.

Where to Stay in West: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

West has a wide range of accommodations to fit every budget. Whether you’re looking for luxury hotels, cozy guesthouses, or affordable hostels, West has got you covered.

Luxury Hotels

  • WestCord Fashion Hotel Amsterdam
  • Ramada Apollo Amsterdam Centre
  • Grand Hotel Downtown Amsterdam

Mid-range Hotels

  • Leonardo Hotel Amsterdam Rembrandtpark
  • Hotel De Hallen
  • Wilhelmina Hotel Amsterdam

Budget-Friendly Hostels

  • The Flying Pig Uptown Hostel
  • Stayokay Amsterdam Vondelpark
  • Cocomama

What to Buy in West: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

West, Amsterdam is known for its vibrant culture and lifestyle. Here are some popular souvenirs and local products to bring home:

  • Stroopwafels: Pack boxes of Amsterdam’s famous snack to share with your loved ones.
  • Edam and Gouda cheese: both are famous Dutch cheeses which made the city known worldwide.
  • Hand-painted Dutch clogs: a unique and iconic souvenir.
  • Dutch gin (Jenever): bottle up and bring the strong Dutch gin home with you.
  • Delftware: Blue and white pottery items which are popular gift items.

Local Culture and Customs of West

Netherlands is famous for its rich culture and diversity, which West embraces in its true sense. Here are some cultural norms to respect while traveling to West:

  • Bicycling is a big deal in Amsterdam, and it’s customary to cycle in bike lanes and not on the pavement or tram tracks.
  • The Dutch are well-mannered and respectful, so it’s best to be courteous while greeting locals and tourist around you.
  • Unlike other cultures, in West the young children never call their elders by their first name, they use “Meneer” or “Mevrouw” which means sir or madam.
  • Late afternoons and evenings are for Happy Hours and event celebrations. If there’s an open-air festival, expect it to last well into the night.
  • Tipping is optional with excellent service appreciated with a 10% tab, but not mandatory.

Best Time to Visit West

The best time to visit West is during Amsterdam’s shoulder seasons, which fall between March to May and September to November. The weather is mild, and there are fewer tourists, making it an ideal time to explore the city. Visiting West in the offseason allows you the chance to appreciate the cultural and natural attractions without battling hordes of tourists.

Do’s and Don’ts of West

Do:

  • Rent a bike to explore the city.
  • Try local food and beers and indulge in Amsterdam’s culinary scene.
  • Respect the Dutch culture and be polite to locals.
  • Bribe yourself by taking a coffee shop hop tour.
  • Walk the streets to get delightful art and graffiti sightings.

Don’t:

  • Smoke where signs say no smoking.
  • Walk or drive on the paved bike lanes.
  • Take photos of locals without their permission.
  • Purchase drugs or use drugs in the city.

Safety and Health

Safety in West

Amsterdam is generally a safe city, but it’s important to be vigilant and take precautions, especially in tourist hotspots and at night. Here are some tips to stay safe in West:

  • Be aware of pickpockets, especially in crowded places.
  • Take care of your belongings, and avoid leaving them unattended.
  • Stick to well-lit and public areas at night.
  • Bike can be risky along the main roads.
  • Watch out when crossing streets, look both ways.

Health in West

The Netherlands is known for its outstanding healthcare system, but it’s essential to have adequate travel insurance in case of medical emergencies. The City has an array of public hospitals, pharmacies and private hospitals with excellent healthcare services.

Getting to West: Transportation Options and Logistics

West is easily accessible by various modes of transportation, making it a convenient destination for travelers. Here are some transportation options to consider when traveling to West:

Airports Near West

  • Schiphol Airport: The primary airport in Amsterdam, which is 20 mins from West.
  • Rotterdam The Hague Airport: The second busiest airport is an 84km drive from Amsterdam.

Bus Stations Near West

  • Amsterdam Sloterdijk: A major bus station that provides several bus connections to various parts of the city.
  • Station Lelylaan: A large train station with bus connections to West.

Other Options

  • Metro: It’s convenient and efficient with connection via trams.
  • Bike: one of the best option to get around the city either by renting or joining one of the bike tours.

How to Get Around in West

Getting around in West is easy due to several transportation options like trams, buses, taxis, and bikes. Here are some options to consider:

  • Trams: a regular feature of Amsterdam’s transportation network, trams are the most comfortable and practical way to move around the city.
  • Buses: a bit slower and less preferred, but still an option to consider.
  • Taxis: are expensive and mostly meant for convenient sharing (for groups) or less luggage.
  • Boat tour: Opt for private boat tours or events, which ferry tourists and locals around West, and Amsterdam city center during sunrise and sunset.

Where to Go Next from West: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

West has many nearby destinations and excursions that you could explore during a day trip. Here are some recommended places to visit:

  • Zaanse Schans: A Dutch village with working windmills, wooden houses, and farms.
  • Keukenhof Gardens: Famous for its scenic tulip gardens and flowering crops.
  • Haarlem: A beautiful historic city with a rich and vibrant culture.

Conclusion

West, Amsterdam, is a vibrant and exciting destination for travelers worldwide. From its rich cultural heritage and outdoor attractions to its culinary and nightlife scene, West has something for everyone. This comprehensive travel guide provides you with all the information you need to plan an unforgettable trip to West. With this guide in your hand, make the most of your vacation and create a memory that lasts a lifetime.

'Het Schip' in Amsterdam School style 'Het Schip' in Amsterdam School style Amsterdam tram & metro system Amsterdam tram & metro system Dog statue in Rembrandpark Dog statue in Rembrandpark Westergasfabriek, the cultural events venue in Westerpark Westergasfabriek, the cultural events venue in Westerpark De 1200 Roe De 1200 Roe De Bloem seen from Westermarktkanal De Bloem seen from Westermarktkanal