Things To Do
in Amsterdam
Amsterdam, United States (commonly referring to Amsterdam, New York) is a small city on the Mohawk River with a compact historic downtown and industrial heritage visible in brick mills and canal infrastructure. It blends working-class roots with pockets of restored architecture, community parks, and riverfront green space. The city serves as a practical base for exploring the Mohawk Valley and nearby Adirondack foothills while offering local museums, festivals, and a diverse food scene.
Visitors will find a low-key, approachable place with easy ties to Albany and other Upstate New York destinations.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Amsterdam Historical Museum, where you can dive into the rich history of this vibrant city. Enjoy a light breakfast at a nearby café, sampling local pastries like stroopwafels. Don't forget to take a leisurely stroll through the nearby Begijnhof, a peaceful courtyard dating back to the Middle Ages.
After lunch, head over to the Anne Frank House for a poignant experience that offers insight into the life during World War II. Following the visit, wander through the charming Jordaan neighborhood, known for its narrow streets, unique shops, and picturesque canals. Stop for a coffee at one of the many cozy bistros, soaking in the local ambiance.
As the sun sets, take a scenic canal cruise to see the city illuminated at night, providing a different perspective of Amsterdam's iconic architecture. Afterward, enjoy dinner at a traditional Dutch restaurant, sampling dishes like herring and poffertjes. End your night with a stroll along the vibrant Leidseplein, filled with live music and entertainment.
Begin your day by visiting the Rijksmuseum, where you can admire masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer. Arrive early to avoid the crowds, allowing you to appreciate the art at your own pace. Afterward, take a break in the museum's lovely garden for a coffee and pastry.
In the afternoon, head to the nearby Van Gogh Museum to explore the inspiring works of Vincent van Gogh and his contemporaries. Enjoy a light lunch at the museum café, then continue your cultural adventure by visiting the Stedelijk Museum for modern and contemporary art. Allow some time to shop for unique art prints in the museum shop before you leave.
As night falls, savor dinner at one of Amsterdam's gourmet restaurants that offers a modern twist on Dutch cuisine. Explore the lively ambiance of the Museumplein, where street performers often entertain the crowds. Conclude your evening with a visit to a local bar or a cozy pub, experiencing the nightlife of Amsterdam.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $2.50-4.00 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (pub) | $4-6 |
| 🚕Short taxi/ride-share | $8-20 |
| 🚌Local bus fare | $1.50-2.50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact, walkable downtown with historic architecture and river views.
- Affordable local dining and easy access to outdoor recreation in the Mohawk Valley.
- Close to Albany and other Upstate attractions for easy day trips.
- Strong sense of community and seasonal festivals/events.
- Limited late-night entertainment and fewer boutique shopping options compared with larger cities.
- Public transit options are modest; a car makes getting to regional sites easier.
- Some neighborhoods may feel run-down; services and amenities can be sparser than in nearby urban centers.
- Winter weather can be harsh and limit some outdoor activities.
Places to Visit in Amsterdam
Visit one of these nice places.
River views, boats, and bridges at golden hour — good for landscape and urban-river photos.
Rows of 19th-century brick facades, decorative cornices and storefronts that capture the city’s industrial past.
Historic estate and riverside setting offering architectural shots and seasonal gardens.
Canal-era structures, locks and towpaths provide rustic industrial textures and reflections in the water.
Colorful murals and sculptures around town add vibrant, human-interest details to your photo collection.
Food in Amsterdam
Amsterdam Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Hearty combinations of roasted meats, mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables and gravy — widely available at diners and family restaurants.
Must-Try!
Classic New York–style or local thin-crust pizzas from neighborhood pizzerias — a reliable, inexpensive option for many meals.
Seasonal pies, crisps and maple-flavored treats in fall and winter — found at bakeries, farmers’ markets, and roadside stands.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market (seasonal) offering produce, baked goods, maple products, and prepared foods — great for sampling local flavors and meeting vendors.
Occasional food trucks and pop-up stands at events and parks offering comfort foods, tacos, and BBQ — check social media or community calendars for schedules.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Locals are generally friendly but value straightforwardness; polite small talk at shops and diners is common and appreciated.
Observe posted signs in parks and historic sites, keep noise reasonable in residential neighborhoods, and follow event codes of conduct.
Form orderly lines in stores and at service counters; being patient and respectful goes a long way in small communities.
Safety
Tipping in Amsterdam
Ensure a smooth experience
Typical tipping is 15–20% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, and round up for taxis or rideshares. Leave a small tip for delivery and service workers when appropriate.
Most businesses accept cards (Visa, Mastercard) and contactless payments; smaller cafés, markets and roadside vendors may prefer cash — carry some bills for convenience.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Late thaw, budding trees and blooming bulbs. Trails can be muddy; bring waterproof footwear. Farmers’ markets start to reopen and towns host spring festivals.
Warm and humid with long daylight hours — ideal for river activities, late-night patios and outdoor events. Expect more visitors on weekends.
Cooler temperatures and classic New York foliage color — peak leaf-peeping typically in October. Great time for scenic drives and harvest festivals.
Cold with snow and ice possible; dress in layers and prepare for shorter days. Some outdoor attractions are limited, but winter sports and cozy indoor dining are possible.
Amsterdam at Night
Hiking in Amsterdam
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short, accessible trails along the Mohawk River and canal towpaths suitable for walking, running and biking.
Nearby preserve with creek-side trails, wetlands and historic sites — good for easy hikes and birdwatching.
A bit further afield near Albany, offering more challenging trails, scenic overlooks and varied terrain for a day trip.
Short drives bring you to foothill trails on the western edge of the Adirondacks for moderate hikes and seasonal vistas.
Airports
How to reach Amsterdam by plane.
Primary regional airport serving the Capital Region — about 25–35 minutes by car depending on traffic; offers domestic flights and connections.
Secondary airport near Newburgh with some domestic and seasonal flights; roughly 1–1.5 hours away by car.
Larger airport serving Central New York with more flight options — approximately 1.5–2 hours drive.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Generations of families with roots in manufacturing and mill industries — they contribute to the city’s cultural continuity and community institutions.
Historically diverse immigrant populations (including Dutch, Irish, Italian and later arrivals) shape local traditions, food and festivals.
People who work in nearby cities or colleges but live locally for affordability and community; contribute to modest demographic turnover.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local high school sports are community focal points in fall and spring, with spirited attendance at games.
Hockey is popular in winter at local rinks and youth leagues.
Regional winter sports including snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular when conditions permit.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Amsterdam.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available at many cafés and diners (salads, grilled vegetables, pastas). For more dedicated vegetarian or vegan choices, plan to visit nearby larger towns or call ahead to restaurants.
Some bakeries and restaurants offer gluten-free options, but selections can be limited; ask staff about cross-contamination and menu modifications.
Dedicated Halal or Kosher establishments are limited; larger nearby cities (Albany) have more options. Supermarkets may carry specialty products.