In excess of 18 Million people visit Amsterdam each year and the little streets in the height of summer are swarming with people, locals and tourists alike, moving around on all modes of transport. After a couple of visits I still get caught out by scooters on cycle paths. Diving into the nuances of Amsterdam, the sex trade, the Cannabis tourists, and shear volumes of visitors per day, led to us to think, what is “authentic” Amsterdam?

Renting a local’s home is the closest you can get to “authentic” accommodation but sleeping in someone else’s bed isn’t for everyone. Picking a home rental is also considerably cheaper than a hotel (more so if you are a group). Our research led us to the edge of the popular “Jordaan district” and at one end of the lively street, “Haarlemmerstraat”. This spot is 15 minute’s walk to the central train station and close to airport routes (20 minute journey to Schiphol Airport). Our host gave up their home for 2 nights on AirBnB and we’d certainly go back. Here is a link to the rental - www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/23710199

Lunch on the go

Butchers are typically found in residential areas and serve up local sandwiches at very reasonable prices. Our sandwich in the Park (“Westerpark”) watching the herons on the bank was a welcomed break away from buzzing centre.  We went to this butcher on the way to the Park and would certainly recommend it – “Esther van Poorten“.

Eating Dutch balls

Local Dutch bars are plentiful and these are the best places to enjoy a cold beer and some “Bitterballen”. These savoury Dutch bar snacks (“balls”) are unique to the country and while some may say they are simply a croquet, we urge you to decide for yourself. Here is our favorited spot, located a 10 minute walk from our accommodation - “Cafe ‘t Gasthuys”.

Sugar rush

The best places are always sought out by locals and tourists alike. A central spot on the buzzing “Haarlemmerstraat” offers a sugar lover’s dream and sanctuary away from the busy streets. If you are anywhere central this is a must visit for hot drink and cake – “Zoet & Hartig Haarlemmerdijk”.

Locals bars, local prices

In most cases the bars in the centre of town are more touristy. By the end of our visit we really felt we had the best of both worlds. We had the lively nightlight a short and quiet walk away, plus a number of local bars on our doorstep. Our favorite being “Check Point Charlie”.

Planning “authentic” will enrich your cultural experience of Amsterdam. And has the upside of freeing up budget to do the “nice to do’s”!