Your next adventure: Amsterdam, Netherlands

To understand Amsterdam, you have to explore the things that make the city one of Europe’s most enchanting: Its canals, its bicycles―and its stunning views. National Geographic photographer Jonathan Irish recently visited Amsterdam to do exactly that, and, in turn, found inspiration in this capital city and cultural hub. “It has more bridges than Paris, more canals than Venice, and more bicycles than anywhere, really,” says Irish. “It’s amazing, and it all makes for really interesting photography.”

Discover Amsterdam, Netherlands, through Jonathan’s lens, and see why this city should be your next adventure.

Explore the canals

The 165 canals and more than 1,200 bridges that crisscross the capital are behind its nickname, “Venice of the North.” But the city’s real name is also directly tied to them. Amsterdam, founded in the mid-13^th century, refers to the damming of the Amstel River. Its waterways made it a major port city in the Netherlands, and its canals have been drawing attention ever since.

Among the must-sees is historic Damrak. Once one of Amsterdam’s busiest shipping ports, in the mid-19th century the canal was partially filled, creating an avenue that runs from Central Station to Dam Square. Though you’ll find plenty of 19th-century landmarks alongside restaurants and shops on this popular thoroughfare, it’s the 17th-century jewel-toned, canal-front houses harkening back to the city’s Golden Age that have proved popular with amateur and professional photographers alike. As for when to see it, Irish recommends early mornings and evenings for the best shots. “I find cities are really magical at 4:30 or 5 in the morning, when the light is just popping, and not a lot of people are out,” Irish says. “And then again after everyone’s gone to bed.”

Pro tip: At dusk, head to the corner of Keizersgracht and Leidsegracht streets where the canals meet to capture the homes and the bridges as they light up for the evening. Or venture down to Reguliersgracht street, where you can spot seven of the bridges in a row. Another popular vantage point takes in the Zuiderkerk church (the country’s first Protestant church) at the end of the Groenburgwal Canal.

Another canal must-see: Bloemenmarkt, a unique floating flower market—and likely the only one of its kind in the world. Founded in 1862 and set in a series of barges lining the Singel Canal, florals and Dutch souvenirs of all kinds fill the space with color and fragrance. Order your favorite tulip bulbs online, and they’ll be shipped to your home at exactly the right time to plant them.

Eat the essentials

At Hans Egstorf, the oldest active bakery in Amsterdam, freshly baked sourdoughs and croissants have drawn people in since 1898. But it’s the made-from-scratch stroopwafels―the traditional flat cookies that are filled with caramel―that are the showstoppers. “It’s incredible. They make it right there in the window, and the smell is just wafting out the door,” recalls Irish. “You walk by and you’re like, ‘Oh my gosh, I have to stop!’ And that’s their whole plan!”

Even those with the willpower to resist the baked goods will appreciate the building’s architecture and facade. Renowned architect Gerrit van Arkel put a Dutch Art Nouveau (Nieuwe Kunst) spin on the building, which is evident in an eclectic style that includes an original tiled tableau, towering turrets, and asymmetrical balconies. 

The food at New Dutch in the charming neighborhood of Jordaan is tasty, but Irish also likes to refer to it as a “visual indulgence.” The owners have created a unique space where the menu items are showstoppers. To get a flavor of Amsterdam, don’t miss out on the New Dutch Experience platter, which offers a delightful array of bite-sized Dutch delicacies, such as ossenworst, green bean mash, and herring. And for diners who enjoy a show, the Rose Berry Bavarois—a mousse-like dessert served with liquid nitrogen—creates a fun, cloud-like finale to your meal.

Stopping for a paper cone of perfectly portable Belgian fries at Vlaams Friteshuis Vleminckx is another must while in town. Pair the piping hot frites from the hole-in-the-wall location with an assortment of sauces ranging from satay sauce to curry ketchup.

See the city from all angles

Getting on a bike in Amsterdam is like riding the subway in New York.

It can feel intimidating on your own, though, given there are more bikes in the entire Netherlands than residents. Instead, join Mike’s Bike Tours―a local guide with a passion for the city will show you the sites, and keep you safe. Save time to visit the NEMO Science Museum rooftop. The spot is the highest city square in the Netherlands, and boasts an open-air exhibition, large terrace, and some of the best views of the city.

Walking the city is worthwhile, too. Head to The 9 Straatjes for a shopping fix. The historic buildings now offer trendy shops and cafes, and vintage lovers will enjoy the thrifting options and one-of-a kind finds waiting in quirky shops. From here it’s about a five-minute walk to the Houseboat Museum, where you can see firsthand what it’s like to live in one of the approximately 2,500 floating homes that pepper the Amsterdam canals. 

And no visit to the city is complete without viewing it from the water. Irish’s cruise with Captain Dave was memorable for the information offered, the unique boat (which sometimes secretly carried Netherlands royalty), and the lively host, Captain Dave himself. “He was a character. He’d been in Amsterdam all his life. He showed us where his houses were, where he grew up―we even saw his nephew along the way,” laughs Irish. “It’s fun to see the city from water level rather than street level. You get a different viewpoint, different photography, different light that comes through.”

Discover history all around

One of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, Hortus Botanicus was created as a medicinal herb garden in 1638. The plants are still here, but now the stunning Butterfly Greenhouse and the Palm Greenhouse―where you can get a tree-line view from an elevated walkway inside―are among its many draws. “Botanical gardens are always fun to explore,” says Irish of the three-acre city oasis. “I probably could have stayed there another hour taking photos.”

And, of course, you haven’t visited Amsterdam if you can’t say you stopped in Museumplein (Museum Square). There, you can peek at masterpieces at the Rijksmuseum and Moco Museum. Or head a few miles north to the STRAAT Museum, where street art is celebrated.

Whether you yearn to cruise the canals, hope to capture the perfect sunset skyscape, or just want to perfect your cycling skills with pit stops for windmills and even Belgian desserts, Amsterdam awaits. Irish suggests you do as he did: Make the most of this captivating city.