3 Best Sights in De Pijp, Amsterdam

Over 115 years old, the Albert Cuypmarkt (named for a Golden Age painter) is said to be one of the biggest street markets in Europe. There is a long waiting list for a permanent booth, which means that things can get dramatic around 9 every morning, when the lottery for that day's available temporary spaces takes place. From Monday to Saturday (the busiest day), come rain or shine, thousands of shoppers from throughout the city flock to its more than 260 stalls selling fruit and vegetables, fish, flowers, textiles, and clothing. It's a great place to get a taste of local culture as vendors bark out their bargains over the sound of street musicians. Be sure to try some Dutch snacks, like freshly made stroopwafels (thin waffle cookies with a layer of caramel sandwiched in between) or patat (french fries served with mayonnaise or satay sauce).

Founded by Gerard Heineken in 1864, the Heineken label has become one of the most famous in the world. The beer is no longer brewed here, but the former brewery has been transformed into the "Heineken Experience," an interactive visitor center that offers tours of the facilities. Everything from vast copper vats to multimedia exhibits are on view, and if you've ever wanted to know what it feels like to be brewed and bottled, the 4D virtual-reality ride "Brew Your Ride" will clue you in. At the end of the tour you get to taste the goods. (No beer is served to visitors under the age of 18.)

Buy your ticket in advance; you'll save €3, and they often sell out.

This stunning park was built by and named after noted city benefactor Samuel Sarphati (1813–66), whose statue graces the central fountain. It has undulating paths among the trees, duck ponds, and expanses of grass, and though not very large, it's the perfect place to picnic with everything you picked up at the Albert Cuypmarkt. If you have little ones, there's a wonderful sandpit/playground on the northwest side, while a nature playground was added for bigger kids in the summer of 2020 on the southeast side.