amsterdam tourism brochures

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Travel Destinations A-Z

How to Plan a Perfect Trip to Amsterdam

Discover the best hotels, restaurants, and things to do with this highly curated Amsterdam travel guide.

Lindsay Cohn is a writer, editor, and avid traveler who has visited 45 countries across six continents — and counting. She contributes to Travel + Leisure, Hotels Above Par, InsideHook, Well+Good, The Zoe Report, and more.

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

Best Hotels and Resorts

Best time to visit, best things to do, best shopping, best restaurants, how to get there, neighborhoods to visit, how to get around.

Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure

Iconic canals, centuries-old townhomes, cobblestone lanes, and flower-adorned bridges. Amsterdam is as pretty as a postcard with charm in spades. It’s also one of the rare places that attracts history buffs, luxury-minded travelers, couples seeking romance, and backpackers alike. 

Besides cultural attractions like the Anne Frank House and Rijksmuseum, the Dutch capital has leafy parks, hip shops, and an enduring sense of the past that thankfully never fades. With world-class museums, bicycle tours, and a thriving arts scene, it's really just a matter of culling it down to a select few activities. Since wandering around the city’s quaint streets and sitting outside at a sidewalk cafe is so appealing, you won’t want to cram too much into your daytime itinerary. 

In fact, Tesa Totengco, a member of Travel + Leisure’ s A-List Travel Advisor Board and the founder and CEO of Travels with Tesa , told T+L that what makes Amsterdam stand out from other European cities is “Their iconic canal network and how walkable the city is if you’re not biking.”

On the F&B front, this burgeoning culinary mecca boasts world-class restaurants that make every meal a gourmet adventure. When the sun goes down, there’s no shortage of things to do either (think: cozy speakeasies, bustling bars, and plenty of nightclubs). Lastly, you can’t talk about Amsterdam without mentioning “coffee shops” — and not the kind that strictly brews espresso. 

Totengco says these “coffee shops and the city’s long-established attitudes towards tolerance and diversity,” make the city truly special. She notes that “Amsterdam is also one of the earliest places to adopt progressive policies regarding marijuana, sex work, and same-sex marriage.”

Simply put: whatever your idealized version of a European getaway entails, Amsterdam won’t disappoint. 

Pulitzer Amsterdam

Perched on the Prinsengracht canal, the Pulitzer Amsterdam proffers a picture-perfect location. The storybook charm continues inside. Guests are greeted by an eye-catching display of fresh-cut blooms in the entryway. Heritage-rich touches adorn the lobby, rooms, and suites. There’s also a delicious restaurant called Jansz and a lovely garden for enjoying tea or a glass of wine. The Pulitzer is so spectacular that it was voted one of the best resorts in Amsterdam by T+L readers.

Conservatorium Hotel

This high-end option housed a former music conservatory that’s right by the Van Gogh Museum, Conservatorium Hotel comes up big in both the location and aesthetics department. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more impressive architectural feat than the property’s jaw-dropping glass atrium. For a bit of R&R, book a treatment at Akasha Holistic Wellbeing. The Conservatorium Hotel was also voted one of the best resorts in Amsterdam by T+L readers.

Ambassade Hotel

A traveler favorite, the Ambassador Hotel wins rave reviews for its central location and prize-winning views. A mix of contemporary and traditional design, rooms feature modern artwork, antique furnishings, and striking chandeliers. Past guests also tout the friendly staff and reasonable rates. 

The Hoxton, Amsterdam

More than just a respite to rest your weary head, The Hoxton, Amsterdam is a place to see and be seen. A lobby bar that encourages mingling, quirky rooms, and interesting pop-ups gives it a vibe that’s simultaneously uber-hip and approachable. The welcoming atmosphere makes travelers from all walks of life feel like they’re part of the “in crowd.” 

For travelers who prefer a boutique stay with a sophisticated, modern ambiance and ample plush perks, The Dylan most certainly delivers. Rooms beckon well-heeled wanders with a variety of room sizes and layouts and a palette of muted hues and Aesop toiletries. The tranquil courtyard is an ideal spot to unwind after a day of sightseeing. 

Late spring is arguably the best season to visit Amsterdam. The forecast of mild temperatures couldn’t be more perfect for biking around the city and exploring the surrounding countryside. Starting in early April, the legendary tulips begin to bloom, which lures travelers from around the world. The famous King's Day carnival, held on April 27, is another major draw. 

Totengco agrees that spring is the best time to visit Amsterdam. She recommends booking a trip “between April and May when the tulips are in full bloom and one can visit the Keukenhof gardens .”

Because the aptly nicknamed “Venice of the North” enjoys an oceanic climate, it never gets super hot. While the rest of Europe flocks to the beaches of Santorini and Saint-Tropez, we love the idea of a summer city break in Amsterdam. You might have to contend with a few more fellow travelers, but it’s certainly not going to be an impediment to a fantastic trip. 

Early fall is marked by pleasant temperatures and plenty of opportunities to spend time outdoors. Don’t write off wintertime. Sure, the days are short and there’s a frosty chill in the air, however, the sparkling frozen canals, holiday spirit, and lack of crowds make it a really special time. 

Van Gogh Museum

The Netherlands has birthed many famous artists, with Vincent Van Gogh chief among them. Works by the tortured artist are on display at his namesake museum . If you hope to see “Sunflowers” on your trip to Amsterdam, be sure to buy tickets ahead of time. 

Anne Frank House

Widely regarded as Amsterdam’s most significant attraction, the Anne Frank House invites visitors to learn about the life of the Jewish diarist who hid from the Nazis during WWII through a collection of her writing, photos, videos, and personal items. Keep in mind that tickets sell out months in advance. 

Located in Amsterdam-Zuid, Vondelpark is a sprawling 47-hectare urban green space featuring an open-air theatre, playground, shaded areas, ponds, and cycling paths. When the sun comes out, it instantly becomes a hotspot for afternoon picnics and sunbathing. 

Rijksmuseum

Michela Sieman/Travel + Leisure

By now you’ve likely gathered that Amsterdam abounds with incredible museums . But art and history enthusiasts should make a beeline to the Rijksmuseum , which chronicles 800 years of heritage through the works of masters like Rembrandt and period artifacts. In fact, Totengco said it is the “preeminent museum on Dutch art and the masters Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh.” Noting that “If you only had time for one museum, this should be it.” 

Canal Cruise

No trip to Amsterdam would be complete without a canal cruise. It’s truly the best way to see “Venice of the North.” You can purchase a ticket with Flagship Amsterdam, operator of the highly regarded Amsterdam Open Boat Canal Cruise , or opt for something a bit more intimate and romantic like a private vessel operated by the Pulitzer Amsterdam . 

The Otherist

A quirky shop that advertises its wares as “modern curiosities and vintage finds,” The Otherist has built a business on oddities. Peruse the shelves of framed butterflies, one-of-a-kind jewelry, and porcelain skulls. You’re bound to stumble upon something totally unique. 

Vanilia is the place to pick up Dutch-designed, sustainable basics — sweaters, denim, skirts, and wrap dresses — that are destined to become wardrobe staples. Bonus: every time someone at home doles out a compliment, you can reply, “Oh, I bought this in Amsterdam.”

Antiekcentrum Amsterdam

Collectors of bygone-era treasures (and just generally anyone with interest in the past) should check out Antiekcentrum Amsterdam , the largest antique market in the Netherlands. A huge range of jewelry, art, ceramics, and homewares are up for grabs.  

De Kaaskamer

Fans of aged Appenzeller, raw milk gouda, and chèvre rejoice! Whether you’re in the mood for Dutch or imported cheese, De Kaaskamer is sure to satisfy your cravings. This storied retailer also sells a selection of tasty meats, salads, tapenades, wine, and beer.

Housed in a bright and airy glass-domed space, De Kas wows with multi-course tasting menus. In fact, it was the top restaurant recommended by Totengco who called it a “chic greenhouse conservancy serving garden-to-table Mediterranean fare.” Much of the produce comes from the on-site greenhouse — which patrons can tour before or after eating. Pro tip: It’s easier to snag a reservation for lunch. Plus, the midday light is sublime for snapping food photos. 

Restaurant Floreyn

Dutch cuisine flies under the radar. Restaurant Floreyn gives travelers a taste of local flavors. We dare anyone not to fall in love with the rotating menu of seasonal house specialties. Oh, and in case you were still on the fence, the wine pairing is totally worth it. 

De Laatste Kruimel

Bakeries are a dime a dozen in Amsterdam. But De Laatste Kruimel is something truly special. This neighborhood gem delights visitors and locals with its French toast and bread pudding. Don’t sleep on the more savory offerings like quiche either. 

Vleminckx de Sausmeester

A delicious tradition dating back decades, Vleminckx de Sausmeester has perfected the art of fried potatoes. It’s worth waiting in line for the chance to dig into perfectly crispy spuds. Don’t forget the homemade sauces. Curry ketchup, anyone? 

Upstairs Pannenkoekenhuis

Dutch pancakes are a full-blown phenomenon. Upstairs Pannenkoekenhuis serves sweet and savory varieties of this beloved dish in a quirky second-door space that’s brimming with charm. Can’t decide what to order? You can't go wrong with the best-selling brie and honey pannenkoek.

Most visitors arrive in Amsterdam via plane. The Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), also known as Schiphol Airport, is the Netherlands’ main international airport. The airport is extremely close to the center of the city, with airport shuttles running between the airport and the city center every 15 minutes (bus 397). Once you’re in the city center (or Centrum) you can walk or bike almost everywhere.

Grachtengordel (Canal Belt)

Postcards of Amsterdam typically showcase Grachtengordel. Encircled by the city’s main canals — Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht — this winsome zone is known for its colorful townhomes, waterfront eateries, upmarket hotels, and attractions like the Anne Frank House. 

Arguably the most in-demand neighborhood in Centrum — or, more accurately, all of Amsterdam — Jordaan is an irresistibly beautiful maze of narrow lanes, canals, high-end boutiques, and cozy cafes.  

Museumkwartier

Museumkwartier has a wide range of museums (the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk Museum, to name a few), as well as the Concertg e bouw . It’s also home to many fine jewelry stores and designer outposts. 

Just south of Amsterdam's city center lies De Pijp. This former working-class neighborhood turned hipster haven has an urban industrial edge and bohemian flair. Go savor the flavors of Albert Cuyp Markt and stay for the cool brunch spots, retro pubs, and contemporary ateliers. 

If walls, err cobblestones, could talk, De Wallen would have tales to tell. Amsterdam’s infamous Red Light District entices travelers with the promise of peep shows, sex shops, cannabis cafes, and nightclubs. 

Forget about renting a car, Totengco says, “Walking is honestly the best way to get around the city.” If you prefer to do as the locals do, download ‎the Donkey Republic app to rent a bike or pop into a local rental shop. 

If you have mobility challenges or visited Amsterdam during a bout of poor weather, she said, “the tram system is also efficient and easy to navigate.” If you’re planning to take public transportation and want to see all the major sites (including a canal cruise), Totengco recommends buying the I Amsterdam City Card which includes unlimited use of the city’s public transport (GVB), bike rental, a canal cruise, and over 70 museums, including the Rijksmuseum.

Trams: Amsterdam’s iconic blue-and-white trams remain a reliable and economical way to get around the city center ( 3.40 Euros an hour or 9 Euros a day). Most lines convene at Amsterdam Central Station, the city’s main transportation hub. 

Buses: The bus system is quite extensive and efficient with over 40 lines. Catching a flight? Hop aboard the airport shuttle , which runs between Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and the city center every 15 minutes. Planning an evening out on the town? Whereas the trams and metros operate between 6 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. , night buses come in clutch for after-dark transport needs. 

Metros: The metro system comprises five routes and serves 39 stations, making it best for accessing the outlying suburbs. 

Ferries: Like trams, buses, and metros, Amsterdam’s ferries are also operated by GVB. Connections across the Noordzeekanaal (North Sea Canal) are under 2 Euros, while boats crossing the IJ River are free of charge for pedestrians, cyclists, and moped riders. 

Rideshare: If you’re sticking to Amsterdam’s Centrum, driving isn’t really necessary. However, it’s easy to hail an Uber to take you to some of the outer boroughs.

Trains: The Netherlands has an impressive national railway network. For day trips to the countryside and neighboring cities, trains from Amsterdam Central Station are a convenient and easy-to-navigate option. 

Welcome to Amsterdam

Amsterdam has fascinated us since our first visit many years ago. The history, the canals and the connection with the element water make this city unique.

Why this Travel guide?

This guide is our way of sharing our knowledge and enthusiasm for Amsterdam. It should help you to experience and discover the city.

Due to the fact that accommodation is not cheap, most Amsterdam tourists stay in the city for only a few days. Time is short. It is therefore a good idea to do your research beforehand to avoid wasting time and money on the spot. It is a shame to waste time in this fascinating city.

We will show you how to experience Amsterdam in a short time. That’s why you’ll find lots of information & insider tips on how to avoid queues at ticket counters or how to buy public transport tickets online before your trip.

We hope you enjoy reading this guide and have a great trip to Amsterdam.

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

We may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.

Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.

These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.

Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refusing them will have impact how our site functions. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site.

We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain.

We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. You can check these in your browser security settings.

These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience.

If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here:

We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.

Google Webfont Settings:

Google Map Settings:

Google reCaptcha Settings:

Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:

The following cookies are also needed - You can choose if you want to allow them:

You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page.

Local time Amsterdam

Introducing Amsterdam

About amsterdam.

• Weather / Best time to visit
• Images of Amsterdam

While you’re there

• Getting around
• Attractions, tours and tickets
• Things to see
• Things to do
• Restaurants

Plan your trip

• Travel to Amsterdam

Netherlands Information

• About Netherlands
• Passport & visa
• Public Holidays
• Money & duty free
• Food & drink

Book your flights

• Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

Amsterdam Travel Guide

Far more than the illicit playground it's often made out to be, Amsterdam has an atmosphere all of its own, through an amalgam of canals, vintage bicycles, idyllic parks and scintillating galleries.

As much a legacy of the city's illustrious past as the canals is Amsterdam’s legendary cosmopolitanism. With a population comprised of 175 nationalities, the city remains a global crossroads and an ever-vibrant centre of art, music and culture.

Aside from such monoliths of art as the Rijks and Van Gogh museums, there are myriad less-visited spaces on quirkier themes such as the Tulip Museum, the Player Piano Museum and the recently opened Museum Of Handbags and Purses.

The festival line-up is equally varied; devoted to everything from fringe theatre to minimal music to tattoos. Revelry peaks on King’s Day (formerly Queen’s Day), a birthday party for King Willem Alexander, when the capital is clad in patriotic orange and the canals brim with party boats.

But the city’s true charms are decidedly lower-key. Stop into a 'brown café' on a chilly evening and experience that unique blend of conviviality and cosiness the Dutch call gezelligheid .

When the sun finally emerges, Amsterdammers spill out onto café terraces or set up barbecues in the city’s numerous parks. While cars customarily blight the cityscapes of other capitals, a constant flow of bicycles only enhances Amsterdam’s beauty.

Much of the city’s appeal resides in its compactness; some see Amsterdam as a big village. Most visitors limit their explorations to the historic core and adjacent museum district, but it’s easy to go farther afield.

Just east of Central Station, the old Eastern Docklands zone stands as a stunning example of innovative architectural reuse. Further east is the green district of De Plantage with its botanical gardens and stately boulevards.

Yes, the illicit thrills are there too for those who want them, but Amsterdammers themselves take it all in their stride.

Related Articles

City Highlight: Amsterdam

Whatever your pre-imagined image of Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands will exceed your expectations

28 reasons to visit Amsterdam

World Travel Guide shares 28 reasons to visit Amsterdam and partake in its endless experiences fit for first-timers and old hands

10 of the best coffeeshops in Amsterdam

From kooky and psychedelic to laid-back and intimate, World Travel Guide rounds up ten of the best places in Amsterdam to smoke a legal joint

Book Accommodation

Featured hotels.

The Hoxton flung its decorative doors open in 2015, shaking up the city’s mid-range hotel scene in the process. Occupying a former mayoral residence on Herengracht, the hip and handsome Hoxton is an establishment of effortless cool. Rooms retain a 17th century charm (embroidered rugs, paneled walls, wooden floors, etc.), but with mod cons (digital radios, power showers and the like). There’s a fine bar and restaurant downstairs and checkout is a hangover-friendly 1200.

Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam

As a former shipping house, this five-star hotel still showcases its maritime heritage with its nautical themed stained-glass windows, original ship lanterns, and statues depicting Poseidon and Fortuna overlooking the hotel entrance. With 165 plush rooms, a wellness centre boasting two saunas, a steam room, heated swimming pool and fitness room, plus a stunningly decorated bar overlooking the charming Amsterdam canals, the Amrâth offers its guests a luxurious stay in historical surroundings.

When Amsterdam’s shipbuilding industry went to the wall, the Noord district became a ghost of past glories. Happily, the area is in the process of regeneration, which ClinkNOORD is helping pioneer. The hostel opened to much fanfare in 2015, taking over a former Royal Dutch Shell testing lab. Rooms are a bit bland, but the hostel is good value, affable and only a short (and free) ferry ride from Central Station.

Hotel Prinsenhof

About the finest budget option available, the Prinsenhof is a homey establishment in an 18th-century canal house. Overlooking a picture-postcard section of the Prinsengracht, it stands in the pleasant southern canal belt, a quick bike ride from the nightlife centre of Rembrandtplein. Simply furnished with painted ceiling beams, the 11 guest rooms are quite cosy, though only nine are equipped with bathrooms. At these prices, they're booked far in advance.

Located in the western canal belt this small boutique hotel is the epitome of style and sophistication. It's housed in a former 17th-century theatre which in its heyday staged concerts conducted by Antonio Vivaldi. Today the minimalist east-meets-west designer décor of the 40 individually designed guest rooms combined with an intimate courtyard garden spectacular canal views efficient staff and an excellent restaurant ensures a luxurious stay.

Hotel de l'Europe

Standing majestically on the banks of the River Amstel, this grand old dame is still the address in town for lavish Old World luxury. From the 19th-century paintings adorning the public areas to the plush appointed guest rooms, this modern hotel maintains an old-fashioned charm. Hotel de l'Europe features the restaurant Bord'Eau which was awarded two Michelin stars, two bars, a brasserie, a café, meeting rooms and a spa.

© Columbus Travel Media Ltd. All rights reserved 2024

• Meet the Team
• Work With Us
• Itineraries
• Italy Travel Guide
• Hawaii Travel Guide
• Travel Tips

Shortcut Guides

Essential travel guide to amsterdam [updated for 2024].

Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands – a huge city with more than one million inhabitants, filled with incredible architecture, museums, food, and culture. It is often referred to as the Venice of the North, because of the many canals that crisscross the city and the 1,281 bridges that can be found along those canals.

If you’re thinking about a trip to Amsterdam , check out our essential travel guide to Amsterdam for the best hotels, neighborhoods, things to do, and places to eat and drink in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Whether you prefer culture and history, poking around in museums, doing some serious partying, or just enjoying the relaxing charm of an old European city, there are many distinct neighborhoods (or districts) to explore within Amsterdam.

Of European cities, Amsterdam is most likely to surprise, excite, and intrigue its visitors in a most unexpected fashion. Travel to Amsterdam to enjoy the perfect balance of open spaces, a lively urban pulse and a gracefully multi-ethnic ambiance.

Before you plan your trip, we suggest reading up on the  best time to go to Amsterdam . You can choose your best time based on the activities you most want to enjoy while you’re there, but really there isn’t just one best time to go.

Table of Contents

When to Go to Amsterdam

Any time of the year is good to travel to Amsterdam, although it is advisable to bring rain gear because it can rain at any time. July to August is considered the peak season for travel. So you can find the best rates for hotels and flights outside of those times.

To avoid crazy crowds while still enjoying good weather, we recommend visiting Amsterdam in April, May, September, or even as late in the year as early October.

As far as weather, it never really gets too hot or too cold in Amsterdam. Clouds and some rain are really the extent of the weather patterns.

What to Do in Amsterdam

The Rijksmuseum houses the world’s largest collection of the work of Vincent van Gogh. From his early work, the museum contains 700 artistic works and 850 letters.

Who hasn’t read the intense diary of Anne Frank ? Hiding from the Nazis, she and her family lived in an annexed section of an apartment in Amsterdam for two years. In 1957, the house was donated to the Anne Frank Foundation and turned into a museum.

For a break from the more serious exhibits, it can be fun to taste and try the food and drinks of Amsterdam. There are a lot of craft breweries and pubs around the city for beer sampling. We also indulged in a cheese and wine tasting that was super fun.

One of my favorite things to do in the city is a canal cruise. The long boats chug through the canals day and night, offering a drinks cruise or even an evening pizza cruise.

Want to build an itinerary with the activities listed in our shortcut guide (below)? Here are a few links to our favorite tours and activities in Amsterdam so you can purchase your tickets in advance. 

• Amsterdam Evening Canal Cruise with 4-Course Dinner and Drinks
• Skip the Line: Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam Private Guided Tour

⇒ Eat like a local in Amsterdam with Eating Europe Food Tours – there are 5 tours available:

• Jordaan Food Tour
• Jordaan Food & Canals Tour
• Amsterdam at Twilight Food Tour
• Food Tour in Haarlem
• A Taste of Life in Haarlem

» Here are 20 more fun things to do in Amsterdam to fill your itinerary.

Tours to Book:

Where and what to eat in amsterdam.

On to the most important topic… what to eat! First we need to know what foods we absolutely must try in Amsterdam. Here is an infographic of  10 Dutch foods you must try in Amsterdam . The list is long, so check out TimeOut’s list of the  best restaurants in Amsterdam , where you can find the aforementioned foods.

Amsterdam is well known for its fries (frites) served in a paper cup with curry ketchup and mayo slathered on top. The one pictured below is from a popular place called  Vleminckx , but here are  six more places  to find the best frites in Amsterdam.

I like to visit at least one Michelin-starred restaurant in every city we go to (if possible) just to see how the high-end food scene matches up to others around the world.

In Amsterdam, some choices are the one-star La Rive in the Intercontinental Hotel and Restaurant Vermeer, or the two-star Ciel Bleu on the 23rd floor of the Hotel Okura. Check out this list of the  8 Best Restaurants  in Amsterdam for more luxury dining choices.

Where to Drink in Amsterdam

First thing, we need to know how to say “Cheers!”. When raising a glass in Amsterdam, “the cheers for a toast is ‘ Proost ‘. Most of the time this is accompanied by eye contact and the clinking of glasses, usually only with beer and soft drinks.

When drinking wine, the Dutch tend to say ‘ Santé ‘.” Now we’re prepared to find the best drinks in Amsterdam.

If you’re well-traveled you probably already know that Heineken is found on tap in almost every bar in the world. It’s brewed nearby and you can join the  Heineken Experience  tour and tasting at the old brewery to learn more about this Dutch beer. There are many other great  beer bars and breweries  to visit.

At House of Bols, you can learn to  make your own cocktail  using their liquors, or just tour the facility and allow their bartenders to mix you up something good.

How to Get to Amsterdam

The fastest way to get to the city center from the airport is by taking a taxi. It costs around 39€ and takes 15-20 minutes.

You can book a private transfer with Welcome Pickups for the same price as getting a taxi from the line. The price above for a taxi is the same as for Welcome Pickups, but the driver will meet you at arrivals and help with luggage . The drivers are skilled, English-speaking and will monitor your flight for delays. It’s the clear winner. Book your transfer in advance here .

You can also catch the train to the city center. Train tickets cost 5.40€ and it takes around 20 minutes to reach the center.

Where to Stay in Amsterdam

Heading to Amsterdam soon? We like staying near Dam Square in central Amsterdam. It’s fun and lively, close to or within easy walking distance of many of the top attractions, and easily accessible by public transportation. Below are the hotels we recommend. You can read reviews or book directly through the links below (they are affiliate links from which we receive a small commission).

Banks Mansion

4-star hotel near the Flower Market, with free wifi, breakfast and coffee/tea.

Read Reviews | Book a Stay

Radisson Blu

Nicely-decorated 4-star hotel located directly on a canal near Rembrandt Square.

Glitzy 4-star hotel with a bar/lounge and free wifi, near Anne Frank House.

Essential Travel Guide to Amsterdam

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any day trips from amsterdam worth taking.

Yes, popular day trips from Amsterdam include visiting the historic windmills of Zaanse Schans, exploring the picturesque town of Haarlem, or taking a trip to the charming village of Giethoorn.

What are the shopping options in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam offers a wide range of shopping experiences, from luxury boutiques along P.C. Hooftstraat to unique vintage finds in the Nine Streets district. Don’t forget to visit Albert Cuyp Market for local food and souvenirs.

What is the best time of year to visit Amsterdam?

The best time to visit Amsterdam is typically during the spring (April and May) and early autumn (September to mid-October) when the weather is mild, and the city is less crowded compared to the peak summer months.

You may also like these articles about Amsterdam:

• 29 Fun Things to do in Amsteredam (by Hostel Geeks)
• 8 Amazing Day Trips from Amsterdam (by Zest in a Tote)
• Amsterdam Travel Tips – 15 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting
• 5-day Amsterdam itinerary for first timers

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

Where to Find the Best Beer in Amsterdam

How to Plan a Trip to Europe (2-Week Europe Itinerary)

Like this post? Why not save it to Pinterest? FOLLOW US  on  Pinterest ,  Instagram ,  Facebook  for more great travel inspiration and tips.

Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.

32 thoughts on “ Essential Travel Guide to Amsterdam [Updated for 2024] ”

I see bitterballen on the list, so this post is approved 😉 Fun infographic, thanks for sharing 🙂

Thanks! I love bitterballen. Glad you approve!

I currently live in Utrecht in the Netherlands and love your infographic. I highly recommend a canal cruise too! I’ve taken two different types when friends and family have visited, and since you can take one from various places including right outside the train station, and also just north of museumplein, they are very flexible in terms of fitting into your day!

Michele, you’re very right about the canal tours. They’re running all the time, so you can definitely find one to fit your schedule. We went on a candlelight cruise in the evening and really loved it.

The food in Amsterdam blew me away. I didn’t know anything about Dutch food prior to visiting Amsterdam but was so pleasantly surprised. I loved the whole city – the parks, the canals, the bikes, the tulips. I could seriously see myself living there on a little house boat. 🙂

Hi Bethaney, I totally agree with you about the food. I didn’t know what to expect either, but we found some really great food. We loved the little house boats too. I could definitely live there.

I love Amsterdam. Last time I was in the Netherlands, I only got to spend a few hours there. It was such a tease! I really need to go back.

We were there for two days this time and really wanted to stay longer. There’s something really alluring about that city!

Thank you for sharing this. I’m planning to take a longer trip to Amsterdam, but I could use your information even if it’s for one day only. You can always spend more time in each of these places.

What a brilliant idea to have all this information in such an easy to use and handy format. I’m saving this for when I go to Amsterdam and also sending it to a friend who’s headed there in a few weeks.

Great Guide!! Wish I had read it before, last month I visited Amsterdam with friends and we had a blast, but we had a hard time to find “the place” for meat and BBQ. Now I have a good and tasty reason to go back 😉 Thanks for the info, Nat

what a neat idea! I haven’t been to Amsterdam for few years now but I guess it’s time to come back! I saved your guide just in case 🙂

Thanks for this! Such a fab guide! Totally agree that taking a bike or canal tour is not to be missed – we loved both while we were in Amsterdam last year. Seems like everyone in the city rides their bikes! And OMG the fries! So glad there was info on this in the guide – you really can’t go past Danish fries!

They double fry the fries there, which is why they’re so addictively good. I’m also a sucker for dipping sauce.

mmmm fried Gravy Balls! will have to try those! this is such a great roundup! i will be checking out your other Shortcut guides for other cities as well!

This is awesome!! You had me hooked at “fried gravy balls.” I’d love to visit Amsterdam someday, and this little guide will come in quite handy!

This is perfect! I am heading to Amsterdam tomorrow and found this just in time!! 🙂 Thanks!

Awesome. Have a great time there. It’s so much fun!

The cheeses are Dutch, not Danish.

Like N says, it’s Dutch, not Danish 🙂 Danish is from Denmark, only 655 kilometers (to the border) from Amsterdam 🙂

When you are in Amsterdam, don’t forget to stop at one of the many FEBO. There you can “eat from the wall”. There are all kinds of snacks which you can pull out of little boxes in the wall, like a huuuuge vending machine. You can choose from burgers, kroketten (fried gravy saucages) and frikadellen (sort of hotdog-saucages).

Thanks for the tip, Desiree! I’d have a hard time passing up the opportunity to eat from the wall!

Hi Nick and Laura,

I’m Esther and live in the Netherlands – (Zwolle). Thanks for following me on Pinterest. Nice to see that you went to the Amsterdam.

Great website you have! Most of the time I read that visitors who come to the Netherlands are going to Amsterdam, which I totally understand. When you are going to the Netherlands and do have some spare time left, wanting some typically Dutch, visit for example the places: Hattem, Zwolle, Kampen, Giethoorn, Deventer. All these placese are in the same area and have a lovely a Charles Dickens/ Harry Potter atmosphere. One of the famous Dutch Painters ” Anton Pieck” has lived in Hattem. There is a Anton Pieck Museum. If you see his work, you think it is like a Fairytale – Christmas Carol Art.

Laura, my husband and I arrive this Sunday from Boston. I did r know you had to purchase Anne Frank Museum tickets 2 months ahead. Can we just go there Monday morning at 8 am to buy tickets or do we have to buy them that morning on the internet?

Hi Ann. You do have to purchase tickets online in advance. They release 20% of tickets on the day of at 9am online. If you don’t get one you won’t be able to just show up and get in. Good luck!

Pingback: How to Plan a Trip to Europe (2-Week Europe Itinerary) | Savored Journeys

Pingback: 21 of the Best Cities to Visit in Europe | Savored Journeys

Pingback: 21 of the Best Cities to Visit in Europe – fiverr demo 7

Pingback: 21 of the Best Cities to Visit in Europe – My Blog

Pingback: 21 of the Best Cities to Visit in Europe – Fiverr Demo3

Pingback: 21 of the Best Cities to Visit in Europe – AutoTravelAffiliate

This is such an informative article. These tips would surely gonna help me on my upcoming trip to amsterdam.

That Stunning Guy

Thank you for this! I’m making my first trip to Amsterdam next month. This is such great info to have.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Travel Resources

24 TOP Amsterdam Sights & Tourist Attractions (+Map & Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: March 22, 2024

Looking for the best things to do in Amsterdam in the Netherlands and feeling overwhelmed? Deciding which of the most popular Amsterdam attractions to see is indeed not easy, especially if you are visiting for the first time and your time in the city is limited…

So to help you figure out where to go and what to see in Amsterdam, in this guide we share the  VERY BEST sights and TOP tourist attractions in Amsterdam that are worth your time the most . In addition, we also include a few fun Amsterdam experiences for those looking for that something extra beyond the ‘musts’.

We also created a map of all the top places that should help you plan your Amsterdam sightseeing itinerary. Take a look!

Top 4 Activities in Amsterdam:

• Van Gogh Museum .
• Rijksmuseum .
• Canal Boat Cruise .
• Heineken Experience (18+).

Famous for its canals, distinctive architecture, and liberal culture, the city of Amsterdam is full of interesting things to see and experience. The network of canals and narrow streets make it a wonderful place to walk or tour by boat. The city also has the highest density of museums in the world, with more than 60 to explore. And there is a natural beauty as well, with the city’s Vondelpark covered in colorful blooms in the spring.

But with so many Amsterdam attractions to choose from, it can be difficult to know which of them to visit during your visit. So in this guide, we list some of our favorite places to see and things to do in Amsterdam – all the musts, and also a few extras, fun things to do in Amsterdam, that will make your visit a bit more special.

Whether you are visiting the city for the first time and want to be sure you don’t miss any of the must-sees in Amsterdam, or are planning a repeat visit and looking to visit some sights and tourist attractions in Amsterdam that you might have missed before, this guide should give you plenty of inspiration for things to do in the capital of the Netherlands.

TIP:  If you are planning on doing lots of sightseeing in Amsterdam, you should know that the distances between some of the best attractions are rather big. To save time and money (and give your legs some rest), consider getting an all-in public transport ticket . You can buy it for any duration from 1 to 7 days and it includes all trams, buses, metros, and even ferries in the city . If you just use a tram once or twice, you can also simply pay by debit (not credit) card on the tram itself.

Good to know:  We list the must-see places and experiences in Amsterdam first, followed by some fun things to do in Amsterdam further down the list. So if you are visiting the city for the first time, concentrate on the top 10-17 sights first. But if you are looking for more hands-on experiences and fun attractions beyond the most popular sights and must-see museums, then read further down as well.

In order to help you plan your visit, we also created a  map of all the top sights and attractions in Amsterdam . You can find it at the bottom of this article. On our blog, you can also find sample itineraries for 1 day , 2 days , 3 days , and 4 days in Amsterdam for first-time visitors.

Without further ado, these are the main landmarks, best sights, and top tourist attractions in Amsterdam:

1. Boat tour on the canals

Exploring the beautiful canals by boat is one of the absolute musts in Amsterdam that should be on top of any Amsterdam bucket list!

Mainly built at the end of the 16th – beginning of the 17th century, the city’s waterways are lined with some of its most impressive buildings. Taking a boat tour on the canals also gives you a glimpse into the ‘real’ Amsterdam. What’s more, viewing the city from the water gives you a whole new perspective and allows you to see a lot in a short amount of time.

It’s a great first introduction to the city, so I recommend taking a canal trip at the beginning of your trip.

There are lots of different canal cruises to choose from , lasting from around 1 to 1.5 hours. It’s a good idea to do your research ahead of time to find the one that’s best for you, and not just hop on the first boat you come across and get disappointed that it’s not what you expected it to be.

I also recommend booking in advance if you are visiting in the high season. This is a popular activity and the best boat tours sell out. Another bonus is that an advanced reservation allows you to go straight to the front of the line, ahead of those who haven’t reserved their spot.

The choice of canal cruises in Amsterdam can be overwhelming.  Here are some of the best options :

• City Canal Cruise (starts close to the Central Station). This is one of the most popular canal cruises, but it can get very busy. If you take a boat like this, try to get on the boat as one of the first people so that you can secure a window seat. We did it a few times and it can be a very good experience, but try to get a window seat!
• Open-Boat Canal City Cruise (several possible departure locations – Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, or Central Station). This is the cruise we recommend if you don’t mind paying a bit more. It’s well worth a small price difference for a more luxurious experience.

TIP:  Amsterdam canals are also very pretty in the evening when everything is nicely lit. So be sure to come back and see them in the dark, or do an evening canals tour as well! This evening canal cruise  is the most popular option.

LEARN MORE: Amsterdam Canal Cruise: Tips for a Better Experience

2. Grachtengordel – explore canals on foot

Amsterdam has many canals and whilst it’s fun to explore them by boat, walking beside them is a totally different experience that you shouldn’t miss either. So – in addition to taking a boat tour – be sure to explore the canals on foot as well .

Obviously, there are more canals to see in Amsterdam than you can ever manage on a single visit. So be sure to stroll along some of the best bits! These include the Grachtengordel (The Canals Belt) neighborhood – at least a few sections of the Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht , plus the Brouwersgracht and the Singel , which served as the city’s moat until 1585.

The Herengracht Canal is absolutely worth a visit too. But you are likely to see it as part of a boat tour as well. That’s also the reason why we recommend doing the boat tour first – you can then decide if you want to revisit some places on foot as well, or just focus on the areas you didn’t see from the boat yet.

3. Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is the most visited museum in the Netherlands and one of Amsterdam’s most popular attractions. If you visit just one of the best museums in Amsterdam , make it this one.

With around 8,000 historic exhibits and works of art, the Imperial Museum features world-famous pieces such as The Milkmaid and The Night Watch. You’ll also find works by Vermeer and Rembrandt, along with important pieces by Vincent Van Gogh. There is an ever-changing rotation of temporary exhibits plus a variety of workshops, so it’s always worth a visit, even if you have been before.

The museum is very large and it is easy to spend several hours here. If you decide to visit, try coming here early in the morning before the main crowds arrive. Head straight for the Gallery of Honour , which houses some of the most important pieces. The hall is a work of art in itself and this part of the museum is the most popular, so it’s nice to see it before it gets too crowded.

Be sure to also check out the Cuypers Library , the Research Library of the Museum. It’s one of the main art libraries in the world and a very impressive place to see.

TIP: We also strongly recommend booking timed-entry tickets for the museum online in advance. It will save you from having to join the lengthy queues and will allow you to see more of the city during the time that you have.

4. Van Gogh Museum

Located close to Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum is another must on the list of Amsterdam tourist attractions. One that will appeal to visitors of all ages too. So if you are looking for things to do in Amsterdam with kids, this is a great place to be too.

Along with the chance to explore the extensive collection of Van Gogh’s masterpieces, drawings, and personal letters, you get to learn more about his life and the things that inspired him.

The museum can get very busy during the high season. But it is so spacious that you don’t feel overwhelmed by the crowds. You can rent an audio tour on arrival and the exhibits are very well laid out. You’ll need at least 1.5 to 2 hours to see the main collection.

TIP: Tickets are only available online and the numbers are limited, so it is important to book them in advance . Guided tours are also available, but quite a lot more expensive than a regular ticket. Still, it might be worth it if you want to be sure not to miss anything and learn more about Van Gogh and his masterpieces. This is one of the few guided tours of the museum that runs daily.

Good to know: Avoid bringing any very large bags with you as they are not permitted in the museum. Backpacks and umbrellas must be left in the lockers and there is a free coat check on entry. Jackets and small purses may be worn.

LEARN MORE: Info & Tips for Visiting Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam

5. Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House is next on the list of the most popular places to visit in Amsterdam. Once the building in which a Jewish girl Anne Frank and her family concealed themselves from the Nazis during World War ll, this is now a museum honoring her memory.

Anne and her family were discovered in 1944 and deported to Hitler’s concentration camps, where all except her father died. It was he who later published her diary, which is well known across the world. Their house is very popular with visitors to the city, keen to see the place which she described in such detail in her diary.

At the Anne Frank House, it is possible to visit the exact location where they hid. Through videos, quotes, photos, and original items, you can learn more about the traumatic ordeal they endured there.

Good to know: Like many canalside houses in Amsterdam, the Anne Frank House has very steep stairs which might be challenging if you have mobility issues. There is no wheelchair access to either the Secret Annex or the old part of the museum.

TIP: Anne Frank House is very small so the number of visitors is extremely limited. It’s essential to book your tickets online in advance, and you really need to reserve them as soon as they are released (usually 6 weeks in advance). In the winter, you may be able to get tickets a week upfront, but in the high season, they sell out several weeks upfront.

Check the official website for more info and – if you absolutely want to visit – try to reserve your tickets as soon as they are released (usually about 6 weeks before the date). Please note that the museum itself is the only official supplier selling these tickets so you can’t get them anywhere else. And they always sell out!

TIP: There is now a wonderful guided tour of Jewish sights in Amsterdam that – among other highlights – includes a visit to Anne Frank House. This is the only tour that can actually take you inside this museum. It’s only available on certain days, however, so try to book asap too! You can find more details and check the availability here .

6. Royal Palace & Dam Square

As the city’s main square, Dam Square is lively and a fun place to visit. It’s a popular meeting place for locals, so it gives you a better feel for real Amsterdam. And there are lots of different events held here, from the National Tulip Day festivities to celebrations for the Chinese New Year!

In the past, funfairs were held on Dam Square as well, but the city council has decided that it’s already busy enough in the city center and decided not to allow them at this location anymore.

On one side of the square, you can see the Royal Palace Amsterdam . This is the official reception palace of the Orange-Nassau Royal Family and is often open to visitors. The King and his family live in The Hague, and not in Amsterdam.

From the outside, it may look a little grim and unappealing, especially on dull days. But it’s definitely worth a look inside if you have the time. It’s quite beautiful, with marble floors, stunning chandeliers, intricate sculptures, and impressive paintings.

TIP: If you want to visit the Royal Palace, be sure to get your tickets in advance. That way, you can immediately see if it’s open on the dates when you’re in Amsterdam (it’s normally open daily unless there are some official events in which case it can be closed for several weeks in a row).

Damrak is one of the main avenues in the city center of Amsterdam, running from the Central Station to the above-mentioned Dam Square.

It’s filled with souvenir shops, chain stores, and cheap restaurants, and can feel a bit like a tourist trap. But if you look deeper, you’ll find some stunning architecture. Indeed, more than 20 buildings on Damrak are designated as Royal Monuments, most dating from the late 18th – early 20th centuries.

The main place not to miss here for tourists is the Damrak Waterfront , part of the historic harbor in Amsterdam’s city center. This is one of the most photographed places in Amsterdam that you’ll see on many postcards and travel brochures.

And if you want to do some shopping in Amsterdam, be sure to check out Bijenkorf Amsterdam, one of the most popular department stores in the Netherlands.

8. Floating Flower Market

One of the unique Amsterdam attractions is the Floating flower market ( Bloemenmarkt ). Located on the Singel Canal and established in 1862, this is the only market of its kind in the world. As the barges are fixed, once inside, it actually feels pretty much like any other flower market.

But that’s not the only reason to visit the floating Flower Market, of course, and – since it doesn’t require much time and doesn’t cost anything – we recommend checking it out. Colorful, fun, and fragrant, it is one of the most lively spots in the city and a great place to get some truly memorable photos. It may not be an ‘authentic’ place in Amsterdam anymore, but it really is a must-see attraction nonetheless!

You can buy all sorts of things here, from flowers and flower bulbs to Dutch souvenirs like clogs and wooden tulips. If you visit Amsterdam during the peak tulip season in spring, the market will be much more impressive too. Do be aware though that the market is very much aimed at tourists and the prices reflect that.

Good to know: The flower bulbs you buy here are ready for export, so you are allowed to take them home to most destinations. Make sure that they are firm, free from mold, and with no signs of damage. It can be a nice Dutch souvenir to bring memories of your visit to Amsterdam, long after you have returned from your trip.

9. Rembrandt House Museum

Recently reopened after a significant renovation, the Rembrandt House Museum is now one of the best museums in the city!

Rembrandt van Rijn (17th century) is one of the most famous painters The Netherlands ever had. Rembrandt Museum is located on Jodenbreestraat, in the same house where he lived and worked during the peak of his career between 1639 and 1658.

The house has been restored as true to the original as possible including all the rooms where the family lived, plus artist studios, etc. It’s a great place to see what life was like in Amsterdam during the Dutch Golden Age. Of course, you can also admire many paintings by Rembrandt. But what makes a visit here really special is that you also get to know the man behind his art.

This is now one of my personal favorite museums in Amsterdam. The cozy, homey setting takes you really close to Rembrandt. Their audiovisual guide (included with your ticket) is great too, giving you a deeper understanding of the artist and his life. And because you only need 1 hour for a visit here, it’s really simple to plan a visit here, no matter how much time you have in the city. Highly recommended!

TIP: Set inside a 17-th century house, the museum is rather small, so be sure to reserve timed-entry tickets in advance!

10. Leidseplein

If you’re looking for some fun atmosphere or good nightlife in Amsterdam, head to the lively Leidseplein town square, a short walk from the Rijksmuseum, at the southern end of Leidsestraat.

By day and night, you can see street entertainers performing anything from jazz on the double bass to hip-hop dancing. The square is lined by cafes and bar terraces, which are very busy in the warmer months. In winter, the terraced area is replaced with an outdoor ice rink and there are hot food stalls dotted everywhere.

Within easy walking distance is everything you could want for a good night out, including cinemas, theatres, discos, and a casino. There are plenty of good restaurants serving international dishes, along with Holland’s best-known cocktail bar, The Bulldog Palace (not to be confused with Bulldog Coffeeshop in the Red Light District).

Be sure to check out the impressive buildings of the “Internationaal Theater Amsterdam” or the Hard Rock Hotel known as ‘Hotel Americain’. Btw, this is a really nice hotel to stay in for those who enjoy the nightlife or like being close to all the museums and the park. The location is very central indeed.

TIP: If you plan to spend the evening at the bars here, arrive early to get a table. An hour before sunset is a perfect time, as it gives you a chance to sit back and watch the square come to life!

11. Vondelpark

Just a short walk from Amsterdam’s most popular museums and Leidseplein is the beautiful Vondelpark .

The most famous park in the Netherlands, Vondelpark welcomes 10 million visitors every year. Yet it remains an oasis of calm in this vibrant city, covering 120 acres and never feeling crowded.

Here you can see lots of different plants, a scenic lake, and maybe even catch a free performance at the open-air theatre or bandstand. There is also a children’s playground at the Groot Melkhuis, a statue of the poet Vondel, and a restaurant in the historical Pavilion.

There are bikes available to rent in the park (or you can book a guided bicycle tour of the city that also visits the park). This will allow you to learn more about the park’s history and see every hidden corner.

Good to know: Springtime is the very best time to visit Vondelpark when it is covered in colorful tulips.

TIP: Because Vondelpark is so close to some of the best museums and main attractions of Amsterdam (Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Heineken Brewery, etc.), this is a nice spot to stop for lunch and take a peaceful break from the crowds at the most popular sights.

12. The Nine Streets

The Nine Streets ( De Negen Straatjes ) is the collective name of 9 old cobbled streets connecting the main canals between Leidsegracht and Raadhuisstraat, a few blocks south of the Anne Frank House. The names of the streets are: Reestraat, Berenstraat, Runstraat, Hartenstraat, Wolvenstraat, Huidenstraat, Gasthuismolensteeg, Oudespiegelstraat, and Wijde Heisteeg.

Don’t worry about remembering the names – we indicated it in our map further below. And if you wonder what they mean, some of the streets are actually named after animals – Wolf Street, Bear Street, or Deer Street. Some other names are quite special as well, such as Old Mirror Street, or Heart Street.

Despite being surrounded by some of the most popular places in Amsterdam, and located between the most famous Amsterdam canals (Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, and Herengracht), the 9 Streets have a very different atmosphere than the busy areas around Damrak.

They are quite charming, lined with specialty stores, unique shops, and independent boutiques. This area is a nice change from the chain stores of the main shopping street, offering vintage goods and authentic items instead.

If you’re a music fan and into vinyl, be sure to check out Waxwell Records. They have a record player where you can try out their offerings and frequent sales that allow you to pick up a bargain!

TIP: For some of the best sweets and pastries you will experience in Amsterdam, visit the Chocolaterie Pompadour on Huidenstraat. It has a wonderful tearoom with marble-topped tables, and Insta-worthy arrangements of its creations in its window displays. Alternatively, drop by Het Koekemannetje bakery on Runstraat for some of the best cookies ever.

13. Jordaan Neighborhood

A network of narrow streets leading to flower-lined canals, the idyllic neighborhood of Jordaan is both peaceful and characteristically Dutch. There are lots of lovely little shops and boutiques to explore, plus artists’ studios and a nice selection of cafes and restaurants.

Located to the west of Amsterdam’s main ring of canals, it is just a short walk from the Anne Frank House or the 9 Streets.

Built early in the 17th century, it originally housed refugees and workers, attracted by its low rents. Over time it became quite run down and was scheduled for demolition after World War II. But some of its citizens begged for a reprieve, and from the 1970s onwards the neighborhood was completely regenerated. So much, in fact, that it is now one of Amsterdam’s most desirable districts to live in.

Good to know: Saturday is market day, and the perfect time to visit. The Lindengracht Market is where the local residents buy their fresh produce. Or head to the Noordermarkt on Noordermarkt Square to buy organic food and shop for bargains at the flea market.

TIP: The Jordaan neighborhood is famous for good food ! Taking a food tour is one of the best ways to explore this area and get to know the more local side of Amsterdam. Or call in for lunch at one of the local-favorite cafes. Check out Cafe de Tuin, Café Sonneveld, or ‘t Smalle (and there are many, many more).

14. West Church & Tower

Located on Prinsengracht and just next to the Anne Frank House, the West Church ( Westerkerk ) is Amsterdam’s largest church and the most important Protestant church in the city. Many of Amsterdam’s citizens consider its bell tower – the Westertoren – to be the city’s symbol.

The church was built from 1619 – 1631 and the tower was added in 1638. Rembrandt van Rijn is buried here along with other famous Dutch artists and the chimes of the clock tower were heard by Anne Frank, who mentioned them several times in her diary.

It is well worth a quick visit here if you have some time to spare in Amsterdam. The church has an austere charm and there are regular, free organ recitals to enjoy. We especially recommend visiting the tower, as the view of Amsterdam from the top is incredible.

Good to know: The climb to the top of the tower is very steep and at times little more than a ladder. It can be quite unnerving for some and definitely requires flat shoes. Free to enter, the church is open to visitors all year round, except on Sundays. The tower is normally open from April to October and requires a ticket. However, it’s now closed for renovation that’s expected to take a few years.

While the Westertoren remains closed, you could head to Zuiderkerk Tower instead. Or – for different views with less effort – visit the A’DAM Lookout (see below).

15. Central Station

Located in the heart of the city, Amsterdam Centraal train station is a bustling place with visitors and locals alike. Several of the city’s buses and trams terminate here, along with the waterfront stations of the ferry lines that take passengers to Amsterdam North. You can also find the main Amsterdam Tourist Office here.

And while it might look strange to have a railway station mentioned among some of the landmarks of Amsterdam, it’s well worth a quick peak even if you are not taking a train.

The style of the building itself is authentically Dutch and well worth a quick look while you are in Amsterdam. It originally opened in 1889 as the Netherlands’ main railway transit center. Take a walk through its 19th-century entrance hall and you’ll discover a modern shopping mall packed with trendy eateries.

Outside, you’ll find the Central Railway Station Square, with towers on either side – one a weather vane and the other a clock tower.

TIP: For a truly unique experience, check out Grand Café Restaurant 1e Klas . This restaurant is located inside the beautifully restored 19th-century elegant 1st Class waiting rooms of the station, and feels like taking a trip back in time. You can book a 3-course lunch or dinner experience here , or just go for a quick drink and the atmosphere. Hidden in plain sight, this is one of the lesser-known gems of Amsterdam.

Good to know: If you are planning on taking any day trips from Amsterdam , most tours will start in this area. This is also where you can take a train to all the bigger towns in the Netherlands, and also direct trains to Antwerp or Brussels in Belgium, or to Paris in France.

16. Red Light District & Coffeeshops

Amsterdam has a uniquely laid-back approach to drugs and prostitution which is what makes this area so fascinating to many international visitors. Its Red Light District is named after the line of windows and doors surrounded by red lights.

Here you can learn more about the city’s coffeeshop culture (not to be confused with regular coffee shops or cafes) and the use of soft drugs. You can also see women dressed in very little, waiting behind the windows for customers. Just please don’t stare at them or take pictures – that is forbidden.

This area isn’t for everyone, of course. But if you want a more authentic experience and are not easily shocked, then you may prefer to visit at night.

Amsterdam’s Red Light District has been a hot topic for years, with the city council trying to limit its appeal as a popular Amsterdam tourist attraction. Certain tours have been forbidden, and there have been talks of moving the district a bit further away from the city center…

Either way, it remains an interesting place to see in Amsterdam. But if you want to learn more about it without wondering where exactly to go or what the most interesting spots are, etc., we recommend going with one of the organized walking tours of the area .

We recently took this highly-rated tour and I can only recommend it. Despite having been to the area so many times before, we learned a lot. It gives you a much more complete picture of this unique area.

17. Heineken Experience

The award-winning Dutch Heineken beer is famous all over the world. So visiting its oldest brewery is something that’s well worth doing during your visit to Amsterdam.

The tour is very enjoyable, informative, and ideal for couples or groups of friends looking for something fun to do in Amsterdam beyond the main sights and museums.

After an introduction from the staff, you can look around the brewery by yourself. It’s interesting to learn about the process that goes into making the beer, right from reaping the hops to tasting the end result. And there are several fun, interactive elements, including the ‘Brew U’ game where you become a bottle of beer, to bottling your own personalized Heineken.

TIP: Just like all the other top sights in Amsterdam, Heineken Experience is another very popular attraction and the queues in the high season can get long. So if you absolutely want to do it, book your timed-entry tickets online in advance .

Now that we covered some of the most popular places to see and tourist attractions in Amsterdam, here are a couple more ideas of interesting places to visit and things to do in Amsterdam.

If you have more than 1-2 days in the city – or if you have seen all the ‘musts’ and are looking for more fun experiences in Amsterdam, check out the following attractions as well:

18. Albert Cuyp Street Market

Located in the lively De Pijp neighborhood, Albert Cuyp Street Market is the largest and most popular outdoor market in the Netherlands. It is also the best market to visit in Amsterdam, incomparable to the most popular Floating Flower Market.

It’s a bustling and vibrant place that offers a truly immersive local shopping experience. You will find a big variety of market stalls, offering all kinds of household goods and clothing, but also souvenirs, fruit, vegetables, Dutch cheeses, and all kinds of delicacies.

This is a great place to try some typical Dutch food, like herring sandwiches, mini-pancakes ( poffertjes ), or syrup waffles ( stroopwafels ).

A visit to this market provides a unique opportunity to soak up the vibrant atmosphere, interact with friendly locals, and discover a diverse array of traditional foods and products.

Albert Cuyp Market is a fun place to visit in Amsterdam, for both locals and tourists alike. It’s a fun experience and gives you a memorable taste of Amsterdam’s dynamic and multicultural spirit.

Good to know: The market is open daily except Sundays from 9.30 AM to 5 PM.

TIP: If you would like to taste all kinds of Dutch specialties at the market, but are not sure where to start, consider this highly-rated street food tour with a local guide.

19. ARTIS Royal Zoo

ARTIS is the oldest zoo in the Netherlands and one of the oldest zoos of mainland Europe. It was founded in 1838 and is home to 200 varieties of trees and around 700 species of animals. It also has three listed buildings on its grounds – the Large Museum (1855), the Library building (1867), and the Aquarium (1882).

There are so many interesting parts to this zoo, making it a great place for the whole family. So it will come as no surprise that ARTIS is one of the most popular family-friendly attractions in Amsterdam.

Visit the aquarium zone to see what lives in the city’s canals. See exotic plant species in the greenhouses of the Botanical Gardens and learn about another world in the zoo micropia, which is dedicated to microorganisms. There is a planetarium where you can enjoy a virtual tour of the solar system. And there is also a zoological museum with some of the 19th century’s most interesting scientific collections.

It’s a great place to spend a few hours away from the hustle and bustle of the main tourist sights. In addition to the big park, the zoo has various indoor areas as well, so it’s also a good place to visit in Amsterdam even if it rains.

Good to know: If you don’t want to buy tickets to the zoo, visit the Artisplein which is free to enter. It’s a lovely spot to sit and rest, with a water table fountain, stunning trees, and views of the Dutch polder aviary and flamingo pond.

You can bring your own food, or have lunch at one of the restaurants inside, but it tends to be very busy, with high prices too. There are lots of benches and picnic areas you can use when the weather is fine.

TIP: Buy your tickets online in advance as the zoo can get very busy, especially during weekends or school holidays. The entrance to the zoo is also included with the I Amsterdam City Card .

20. A’DAM Lookout

Located on top of the A’DAM Tower, the A’DAM Lookout used to be the headquarters for Shell. Nowadays, it’s a popular tourist attraction and one of the best spots for an amazing high-angle view of Amsterdam.

Getting up there is half the fun – you’ll travel in a glass-ceilinged elevator that takes just 22 seconds to reach the 20th floor!

The view isn’t the only reason to come here, though. A’DAM Lookout also has an interactive exhibition , with a free audio tour of the city’s history and culture. And if that rapid ascent in the elevator didn’t get your heart racing, perhaps the ‘Over The Edge’ swing will! Dangling 100 meters above the ground, it takes you to and from over the edge of the tower.

Alternatively, you can enjoy some slightly less terrifying fun in the Amsterdam VR ride , a virtual reality rollercoaster through the city.

Good to know: The Lookout also has a nice rooftop bar, and a nice restaurant for a special dinner. The restaurant – called Moon – revolves on one rotation of its axis in an hour, and all tables are next to the window. A ticket here is also included with the I Amsterdam City Card .

21. NEMO Science Museum

The largest science museum in the Netherlands, NEMO is something nice to do in Amsterdam for the whole family. While it’s fun for adults too, NEMO is an absolute must if you are visiting Amsterdam with kids and are looking for something a bit more entertaining and hands-on than the ‘regular’ museums.

Through displays, workshops, videos, and interactive exhibits you can discover more about the things you see and experience every day.

From human anatomy and behavior to discovering how mathematics influences the world around you, there really is something here to interest everyone. And who can resist the chance of trying a hands-on experiment?

Good to know: The exhibits are in Dutch and in English. The first two floors are directed mainly towards children, whilst the upper two are more suitable for adults. If time is short you may prefer to spend the majority of it on the floors that will interest you most. Be sure to visit the rooftop, too – it gives you great views of the city!

TIP: Bring some change with you. There are free lockers, but you need to pay a small returnable deposit. Also, you can visit the rooftop restaurant without having to buy a museum ticket. And talking about tickets, also here, it’s best to get a ticket in advance . Or you can use the I Amsterdam Card here too.

22. Johan Cruijff ArenA Stadium Tour

Football fans will not want to miss a chance to visit the stadium of Amsterdam’s top-tier club, AJAX . However, keep in mind that it’s located a bit outside of the city center, so count some extra time to get there and back.

The Johan Cruijff ArenA Stadium tour gives you access to the players’ areas of Amsterdam’s top-tier club. Conducted in either Dutch or English, it takes 75 minutes and includes the dugout, pitch, and official Ajax dressing room.

You can opt for the ‘ standard ‘ or ‘ VIP ‘ tour. The latter gives you access to some exclusive areas, a drink, and some other extras that die-hard fans will find more than worth it.

23. Madame Tussauds

Madame Tussauds is another popular place to visit in Amsterdam that keeps on reinventing itself and is well worth a visit.

Here, you can come face-to-face with everyone from Anne Frank to Van Gogh, and the exhibits are presented in a fun and interactive way. It’s not just about taking pictures with some wax figures anymore, but a really fun experience for all ages.

This world-famous wax museum is located in the heart of the city, on Dam Square, and you only need about 1-1.5 hours here. So it’s quite easy to add a short visit here to any Amsterdam itinerary.

Good to know: The museum is open daily, and it also stays open quite late in the evening when many other places close already. It’s also something good to do in Amsterdam when it rains. Booking your ticket for this museum online in advance not only saves you time but is also cheaper than same-day tickets.

24. Moco Museum

Moco Museum is a small independent museum of modern, contemporary, and street art.

Located on the Museumplein just in between the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, it’s often overlooked by international tourists rushing from one top landmark to another. However, it’s well worth a quick visit, especially if you like contemporary art.

The museum might be quite compact, but the artwork here is truly unique. You can see some works by the world-famous street artist Banksy, and many other modern artists from all over the world. It also includes an immersive 3D gallery on the lower floor. It’s also a nice place to get some fun and unique pictures in Amsterdam (and Instagrammers’ favorite).

Good to know: The museum is open daily, from 8 AM to 5 PM, but – unless you come very early in the morning – be prepared for it to be busy. Because it occupies a small area, this museum can get quite busy in the high season. You can find more info and get your tickets here .

Map of Amsterdam Attractions

To help you get a better idea of where all the main Amsterdam attractions are located, we created a  map  indicating all the points of interest and sights mentioned in this article.

This should help you plan your time a bit better. Just please keep in mind that you’ll need several hours for the main museums. So – if you decide to visit a few of those – plan the rest of your time around it.

Here you can find some sample itineraries to help you plan your trip:

• 1 Day in Amsterdam
• 2 Days in Amsterdam
• 3 Days in Amsterdam
• 4 Days in Amsterdam

TIP:  For more information and useful tips for your visit, please also see our guide with top travel tips for Amsterdam via the link below. It’s an essential read when planning your trip!

LEARN MORE: Top Tips for Visiting Amsterdam

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

In addition to the main sights in Amsterdam city itself, don’t forget that there’s so much more to the Netherlands than just its famous capital ! So try to plan some time to visit at least a few other places as well.

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Holland (very easy to visit from Amsterdam) is Zaanse Schans , where you can see some traditional Dutch windmills.

In the spring (March – April), the Lisse tulip fields and Keukenhof Gardens are a must too!

In the summer, check out the picturesque village of Giethoorn which has canals instead of streets… And if you want to visit a smaller town, check out Delft – it’s absolutely charming!

For more information on these and other places to visit near Amsterdam, take a look at our detailed guides via the link below.

LEARN MORE: Best Day Trips from Amsterdam & Dutch Countryside (Top Places Near Amsterdam)

Where to Stay for Sightseeing in Amsterdam

In order to make the most of your visit to Amsterdam, we recommend staying in the heart of the city. Our favorite area to stay for sightseeing in Amsterdam is in the wide surroundings around Dam Square, southwest of the station and north of Rijksmuseum.

There are some fabulous hotels in Amsterdam, but the prices are usually quite impressive too. It’s often really not easy to find a nice place to stay in the city center on a lower budget, but the longer in advance you book, the more (affordable) options you’ll have. So book your accommodation as soon as you know your travel dates !

Here are some of the best-rated hotels in central Amsterdam for different budgets:

• €€€€€  NH Collection Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky – the most popular 5* hotel in the heart of the city.
• €€€€ Hotel Estheréa – for those looking for something a bit more unique. Very central location.
• €€€+  Park Plaza Victoria – just next to the station, perfect for sightseeing.
• €€ ClinkNOORD Hostel  – one of the most popular lower-budget hotels.
• € The Flying Pig Downtown – a popular hostel with (mostly) shared facilities.

LEARN MORE: Where to Stay in Amsterdam (Best Areas & Tips)

So, these are our recommendations for some of the best places to see and things to do in Amsterdam.

I hope that this list of Amsterdam’s very best attractions and experiences will help you plan the perfect itinerary for your visit. Enjoy your stay in this tolerant, diverse, and exciting city!

More travel inspiration for your trip to the Netherlands & Belgium:

• One Day in Amsterdam
• Two Days in Amsterdam
• Three Days in Amsterdam
• Four Days in Amsterdam
• Amsterdam Travel Tips
• Best Amsterdam Museums
• Best Day Trips from Amsterdam
• Amsterdam in June: Weather & Seasonal Tips
• Amsterdam in December
• Amsterdam at Christmas
• Kinderdijk Windmills
• Alkmaar Cheese Market
• Best Tulip Fields in the Netherlands & Tips for Visiting Keukenhof Gardens
• Best Things to Do in Delft
• Best Things to Do in Brussels
• Best Things to Do in Antwerp
• Best Things to Do in Bruges
• Ypres and WWI Battlefields
• Planning a bigger trip? Be sure to read our guide with tips for traveling to Europe !

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

Photos: personal collection, Depositphotos.com, Unsplash.com. Additional image credits: Maarten_Zeehandelaar/ Depositphotos.com; littleny/ Depositphotos.com; niglaynike / Depositphotos.com; starush / Depositphotos.com; carmenmsaa / Depositphotos.com; MaykovNikita / Depositphotos.com; AGVDepositPhotos / Depositphotos.com; [email protected] /Depositphotos.com; bloodua / Depositphotos.com;

More travel inspiration for European cities:

If you are visiting other European cities and are looking for in-depth information for your trip, take a look at some of our city guides:

• Barcelona, Spain
• Bern, Switzerland
• Bologna, Italy
• Bucharest, Romania
• Colmar, France
• Edinburgh, UK
• Florence, Italy
• Geneva, Switzerland
• Krakow, Poland
• Lisbon, Portugal
• Liverpool, UK
• Lucerne, Switzerland
• Madrid, Spain
• Manchester, UK
• Milan, Italy
• Naples, Italy
• Paris, France
• Reykjavik, Iceland
• Rome, Italy
• Salzburg, Austria
• Siena, Italy
• Sintra, Portugal
• Seville, Spain
• Venice, Italy
• Verona, Italy
• For more… check our  destinations page.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Tuesday 7th of November 2023

amazing places

Netherlands Tourism

50 best things to do in amsterdam.

During a 50-year project in the 17th century Amsterdam grew to four times its previous size, becoming the 3rd largest city in the world after London and Paris. Amsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands but the Dutch parliament is seated in The Hague .

Central to that plan was the Canal Belt, a network of concentric canals that is now UNESCO listed.

Built on reclaimed land, Amsterdam is a feat of ingenuity, and still crackles with the ambition, cultural tolerance and enterprise that drove the 17th-century Golden Age when the Netherlands led the world in trade, maritime power, culture and economic might.

This is the city of Rembrandt, Anne Frank, the Red Light District, Johan Cruyff, and the Dutch East and West India Companies; there’s a world of fascinating stories, spellbinding art and architecture that has stood the test of time.

TIP : Get the I Amsterdam City Card for free attractions, discounts and free public transport. And consider this top rated Volendam, Marken & Windmill tour

1. Museumplein

There’s more culture on this one square in the Museumkwartier than you’ll find in most other whole cities.

The Museumplein is in Amsterdam’s well-heeled Oud-Zuid district, noted for its plush properties, upmarket boutiques (Hoofstraat and Van Baerlestraat) and the city’s favourite park at Vondelpark.

So needless to say, we’ll keep coming back to this part of the capital on this list.

But your main goal has to be the grassy square and its cluster of world-beating museums.

The big ones all follow below, counting the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum and the Stedelijk Museum, as well as the Concertgebouw, one of the world’s best places to watch a classical concert.

The area took shape in the 1880s after the construction of the Rijksmuseum, and the square was re-landscaped in 1999. There are outdoor events and celebrations on the square all year, including a skating rink from November to February.

2. Van Gogh Museum

Opened in 1973, the Van Gogh Museum has the largest collection of works by Vincent Van Gogh in the world.

This includes 200 paintings, 500+ drawings and 750 letters, as well as pieces by contemporaries and influences like Rodin, Monet, Signac, Toulouse-Lautrec, Manet and Gauguin.

Van Gogh’s work is hung chronologically, presenting five different periods: Nuenen/Antwerp (1880-86), Paris (1886-88), Arles (1888-1889), Saint-Rémy (1889-90) and Auvers-sur-Oise (1890). There’s much to savour, but Sunflowers, Almond Blossoms, Bedroom in Arles and Wheatfield with Crows are indispensible.

With more than 2.1 million visitors a year, the Van Gogh Museum is the most popular museum in the Netherlands.

The advantage of booking a ticket with GetYourGuide.com is that you can skip the queue, heading straight for the blue lane at your allotted time, and spending a few hours under the spell of one of the great painters.

3. Rijksmuseum

An extraordinary showcase for Dutch art, applied art and historical artefacts, the Rijksmuseum beckons you through 800 years of Dutch history at a purpose-built neo-Gothic palace.

Some 8,000 pieces are on show at any one time, and for many people the museum’s pinnacle is the collection of Dutch Golden Age paintings.

There are masterpieces like The Milkmaid by Johannes Vermeer, The Night Watch by Rembrandt and Portrait of a Young Couple by Frans Hals.

You can embark on adventure through Dutch culture and design, via Delftware, textiles, glass, armour, costume, sculpture and stunning 17th-century dollhouses.

Two exhibits that give a sense of the Dutch Golden Age are the Hartog Plate, the oldest known artefact of European exploration in Australia, and the stern of the HMS Royal Charles, captured in the Raid on the Medway in 1667. Like the Van Gogh Museum the Rijksmuseum is almost always busy, so pre-booking with GetYourGuide.com will let you skip the line.

4. Anne Frank House

On the Prinsengracht, the Anne Frank House preserves the secret annexe where the young diarist Anne Frank hid from Nazi persecution from 1942 until she was captured along with her family and four other inhabitants in 1944. The rooms are on an enclosed courtyard behind a 17th-century canal house that served as the Dutch HQs of the spice and gelling companies Frank’s father Otto worked for.

Otto was the Frank family’s sole survivor after the Holocaust, and published his daughter’s diary in 1947. You’ll see the original copy of this defining work, as well as photographs and items belonging to the Frank family and the four other inhabitants of the annexe.

The secret rooms give a visceral sense of what it was like to live in hiding, while temporary exhibitions on persecution and fascism will inspire renewed vigilance.

Related tour :  Amsterdam Walking Tour: The Fascinating Story of Anne Frank

5. Stedelijk Museum

Open since 1895, the third of that trio of cultural giants on the Museumplein is the Stedelijk Museum, dedicated to modern and contemporary art, from Vincent van Gogh onwards.

All of the big art movements involving the Netherlands are represented, like Neo-Impressionism, De Stijl, Bauhaus, CoBrA and Pop art.

There’s painting, sculpture, installation art, video art prints, posters, graphic design and artists books.

You can feast your eyes on works by Piet Mondrian, Karel Appel, Willem de Kooning, Kandinsky, Cézanne, Chagall, Matisse, Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock and Gilbert & George, to name a small few.

The late-19th-century main building was given a modern extension in 2012, nicknamed “the bathtub”, serving as the main entrance and making a big statement on the Museumplein.

Book online :  Amsterdam Stedelijk Museum Skip-the-Line Ticket

6. Hire a Bike

At 800,000 there are as many bikes as people in the centre of Amsterdam, probably the most cycle-friendly city in the world for its easy terrain and well-planned infrastructure.

Most streets have separate bike lanes, so you can get to wherever you want to go safely and quickly, and will feel like an Amsterdammer when you do it.

All ferries over the IJ allow you to take your bike on board for free.

You will not have to look hard for a rental centre, and MacBike, whose fleet is easily spotted by its red paint and logos, is the most widespread.

If you don’t want to look like a tourist there are plenty of companies with bikes purposely designed to help you blend in.

One rule to keep in mind is to cross tram tracks at an angle, because it’s easy to get caught in those grooves.

Guided tour :  3-Hour Guided Bike Tour of Historical Amsterdam

7. Vondelpark

Amsterdam’s park of choice is a tranquil strip of ponds, undulating lawns and mature trees pushing west from the Museumplein.

A fun piece of trivia about the park, landscaped in 1865, is that it is constantly sinking, and needs to be renovated every generation to avoid it being completely inundated with water.

The Openluchttheater puts on a vibrant schedule of free live music, musical theatre and cabaret from June to August.

Although the performances cost nothing to watch, it may be worth booking online to reserve a place.

The rose garden in the centre of the Vondelpark was planted in 1936 and grows more than 70 types of rose, while the park has a sculpture, The Fish (1965) by Pablo Picasso.

A very respectable way to spend an hour or so is at the neo-Renaissance Vondelparkpaviljoen, built in 1874. There’s a cafe, Vertigo, in the basement, with seating on the terrace outside.

8. Herengracht

Patrician’s Canal in English, the Herengracht is the first of the four main canals in the city centre’s Canal Belt.

This waterway was completed along with its neighbours in the 17th century as part of an expansion project that is now UNESCO listed.

As the name may tell you, the Herengracht was where Amsterdam’s social elite built their grand gabled houses, and that sense of prestige has continued into the 21st century.

Take your time as there’s much to see, and almost every building is a work of art.

You’ll pass the former office of the Dutch West India Company at Herenmarkt and one of Amsterdam’s oldest residences (built in 1590) at 81. The magnificent Bartolotti house (1617) at 172, considered the finest of all of Amsterdam’s Golden Age merchant’s houses, while the Classical terrace of the Cromhouthuizen merits a photo at 364-70. The most desirable location for a self-respecting regent or mayor was the Gouden Bocht (Golden Bend) after Leidsegracht, developed after 1663 and now home to banks and insurance companies.

Related tour :  City Canal Cruise

9. Museum Het Rembrandthuis

Amazingly, the house at Jodenbreestraat 4 where Rembrandt lived and worked from 1639 to 1658 has been kept as a museum to one of the masters of the Dutch Golden Age.

The house first went up in 1606 and was rebuilt around 1627. Come the early 20th century the building was in bad condition, but was restored by the eminent architect Karel de Bazel and opened as a museum in 1911. A new extension was built next door in the 90s, and this houses a huge collection of Rembrandt’s drawings and etchings, while the actual Rembrandt house reconstructs the artist’s living space and workshop.

There’s even an exhibition of broken pots found during an archaeological dig and dated to Rembrandt’s stay.

In 2010 the museum received its first painting by Rembrandt with the Tronie of an Old Man with Turban (1627-1628), followed by four panels from the series The Five Senses n 2017.

Ticket :  Rembrandt House Museum Entrance Ticket

10. Jordaan District

Whether it’s your first or tenth time in Amsterdam, you have to drop by this grid of little streets and filled-in canals bordered by the Singel.

Created during that great expansion in the 17th century, the Jordaan was first inhabited by Amsterdam’s working class and an international array of migrants, like Huguenots from France and Puritans from England, seeking the city’s famous religious tolerance.

Up to the 20th century the Jordaan was firmly a neighbourhood for the salt of the earth, as well as the radical left, and was gentrified in the second half of the 20th century to become a treasured shopping and nightlife district.

Explore the tight streets and sequestered courtyards, kick back at a snug little cafe, potter around the many specialty shops and galleries and visit the Noordermarkt for its organic farmers’ market on Saturdays.

De Negen Straatjes (nine little streets) are your first stop for boutiques, design shops and stylish bars.

Related tour:  4-Hour Food Tasting Tour of Jordaan

11. Canal Cruise

A canal cruise in Amsterdam is practically a cliché, but water is such an intrinsic part of the city that you have to get on board.

You’ll be granted the best views of those 17th-century merchant and patrician houses, the innumerable bridges, historic churches and cute houseboats.

Day or night, it’s an opportunity not to pass up; the only tricky part is working out which is the best cruise for you. GetYourGuide.com has an enormous choice, catering to all tastes.

Say you prefer more of a personal trip, there’s an hour-long guided cruise on a small vessel, or you can see sights like the Skinny Bridge and Golden Bend in lights on a 90-minute evening trip.

There are semi-open boat trips, in-depth cruises for people who want to see every inch of the canals, dinner cruises, unlimited drinks cruises, cocktail cruises and no end of combined experiences.

Tip : List of available Amsterdam Canal Cruises

12. Begijnhof

Founded sometime around the early 14th century, the Begijnhof is an enclosed courtyard established as a Beguinage, a community for lay religious women (beguines). Entered down a stairway from Spuiplein, it’s an oasis of peace, with a green wooded square surrounded by fine gabled houses.

As wooden buildings were outlawed in 1521, the Begijnhof was reconstructed in brick in the 17th and 18th century.

With one exception, Het Houten Huis (1420) standing on the southwestern frontage and officially the oldest house in Amsterdam.

Another of Amsterdam’s oldest monuments, the English Reformed Church, is also on Begijnhof, with roots as a 14th-century Catholic chapel.

You can also visit a hidden church, built behind the facades of a row of houses after public Catholicism was banned in the 16th century.

The last beguine passed away as recently as 1971.

13. Keizersgracht

The widest of the three main canals on the Canal Belt, Keizersgracht is between Herengracht and Prinsengracht and named for Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor (1459-1519). If the canal freezes in winter, no boats are allowed to pass through, in order to help keep the ice intact for skaters.

As with Keizersgracht’s neighbours, it pays to be methodical as you make your way, so you don’t miss anything.

At No. 44 are the Greenland Warehouses (1620), easily identified by their three crow-stepped gables.

As many as 50,000 litres of whale blubber could be stored in the basements of these buildings, a far cry from their current role as luxury apartments! The distinguished House with the Heads (1622) at No. 123 is adorned with the heads of six Roman gods and goddesses, while Felix Meritis (1788) at No. 324 was built by the Enlightenment society of the same name and hosted performances by the likes of Mozart and Brahms.

14. Dam Square

A square for the whole nation, Dam Square is traced by the Royal Palace, the National Monument (a remembrance obelisk from 1956) and the 15th-century Nieuwe Kerk.

Dam Square is at the point where the Amstel River was dammed in the 13th century, and was the scene of Amsterdam’s central market in Medieval times.

This space has a storied history, and not all of it is savoury.

Whenever there has been civil unrest, whether it was Anabaptists in the 16th century or students protesting the Vietnam War in the 1960s and 70s, Dam Square is the place where things have boiled over.

The last outbreak of violence was at the Coronation of Queen Beatrix in 1980, while there was a massacre on the square at the end of the Second World War.

On the lighter side, there’s a funfair on Dam Square for national occasions like Kings Day (27 April) and in the build-up to Christmas.

15. Prinsengracht

The third and outermost of Amsterdam’s three main canals is also the longest, and named for William, Prince of Orange, famed for his revolt against the Spanish.

Unlike the other waterways curling around the old centre, the Prinsengracht has traditionally been quite poor, in keeping with its location beside the Jordaan.

But there’s no lack of stunning Golden Age canal houses, joined by small workshops and dwellings, as well as rows of sweet houseboats on the water.

We’ve already mentioned the Anne Frank Museum, but there are also splendid 17th-century churches like the Noorderkerk and the soaring Westerkerk.

At No. 7 stands another of Amsterdam’s 14 hidden Catholic churches.

Also keep a lookout for the exceptionally narrow house at No. 245, just 1.4 metres wide (17th-century property tax was paid according to the width of a building). Every August the classical Prinsengrachtconcert is performed from a pontoon on the canal in front of the Hotel Pulitzer.

Unlike its neighbours the Herengracht and Keizersgracht, the innermost Singel is a canal that opens onto the IJ in the north.

In Medieval times this was Amsterdam’s outer moat, and was only used for shipping goods.

But in the 16th and 17th centuries the canal was widened and developed, and there are plenty of holdovers from the Golden Age on its refined banks.

It’s hardly surprising that Singel is one of the poshest parts of the city, with continuous rows of gabled canal houses.

Look for De Dolphijn at 140-142, built in 1600 and once home to Frans Banninck Cocq, the central figure in Rembrandt’s masterpiece, The Night Watch.

The Munttoren on the Muntplein, looming over the Bloemenmarkt, once belonged to one of the main gates in Amsterdam’s city wall.

17. Red Light District

At Oudezijds Achterburgwal, amid a historic cityscape boasting the Gothic Oude Kerk and the chaotic Nieuwmarkt square, is the world’s most famous Red Light District.

A product of the Dutch tradition of tolerance, the Red Light District is a difficult place to describe.

Because on the one hand brothels, peep shows, sex shops and theatres cater for most urges, but on the other, everything is strictly regulated, video surveillance pervades the area, there’s a rigid code (no photos whatsoever) and sex workers even have their own union.

In all senses, it’s a remarkable place, and there’s an information centre to help you make sense of it.

The wider De Wallen area has much more to recommend it, like eccentric shops, galleries, international restaurants, rickety gabled houses and the oldest canals in the city.

Red Light Secrets is a museum where the area’s prostitutes tell their own funny, moving and human stories.

Recommended tour :  Red Light District 2-Hour Walking Tour

18. Heineken Experience

After Heineken moved home to a modern facility on Amsterdam’s fringes in 1988 the monolithic 19th-century brewery building in the De Pijp district reopened as a museum to one of the world’s favourite pilsners.

Over four floors, this has evolved into the Heineken Experience, which will tell you all about the brand’s origins, when a student of Louis Pasteur worked with Gerard Adriaan Heineken in 1873 to develop a special yeast.

There are brewing artefacts like vast copper vessels still in situ, as well as multimedia exhibits, a bizarre 4D ride when you’ll find out what it’s like to be brewed and bottled, and, naturally, a tasting bar.

Book online :  Heineken Experience Ticket

19. NDSM Wharf

For an antidote to the tourist trail, this former industrial shipyard the size of ten football pitches on the north bank of the IJ has emerged as a whole cultural neighbourhood.

You can get there on the 906 ferry from the Centraal station, and one reason to make the trip is for the monthly flea market in the gargantuan IJ-hallen, thought to be one of the largest in Europe.

Everywhere at the NDSM Wharf, industrial remnants have been re-evaluated.

Take the waterside Pllek, where there’s a cafe in former shipping containers by an artificial beach.

For a night you won’t soon forget you can book a room at the Faralda Crane Hotel, literally a crane, but with three scenic luxury suites inside its column.

Be sure to keep one eye on the calendar for outdoor film screenings and annual events like the DGTL underground electronic festival in March.

20. Bike Tour

For the ultimate introduction to Amsterdam you can hop on a bike and take an all-encompassing three-hour tour of the city.

With GetYourGuide.com you can book this trip past the world-renowned canals and via all the sights that you can’t leave out of a first-time trip to Amsterdam.

So the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House and Jewish Museum are on the itinerary, but because you’ll be in the company of a knowledgeable Amsterdammer you’ll also see things and hear stories that you might otherwise have missed.

Tours are given in English, French or German.

21. Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder

We’ve mentioned how, post-Reformation, Catholicism became a more secretive practise in Amsterdam, and at this 17th-century canal house you can visit a real Schuilkerk, or clandestine church.

In English, the name is “Our Lord in the Attic”, which as you can tell makes up the top three floors of this magnificent residence.

By the 19th century it had ceased to be used as a place of worship and was preserved as a museum in 1888. So while you can peruse a refined bourgeois house, decorated with period furniture, table clocks and Delft tiles, there are also religious treasures like paintings, marble altar columns, wooden liturgical fittings and silverware on show in the church upstairs.

As a whole Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder testifies to the religious tolerance of the time, because churches like this were open secrets intentionally ignored by the authorities.

22. Leidseplein

If you’re going out in Amsterdam, you’ll surely find yourself on Leidseplein at some point.

Directly on this central square are discos, cinemas, theatres, restaurants and a casino.

The most famous of Amsterdam’s coffee shops, the Bulldog, is on Leidseplein, while De Melkweg is a concert venue of real pedigree, hosting the Beastie Boys, U2, and Prince to name a few.

In summer Leidseplein is dominated by restaurant and cafe terraces, and crowds roll up to watch a colourful cast of jugglers, living statues, break-dancers and buskers do their thing.

As sights go, the neo-Renaissance Stadsschouwburg (1894) is an attention-grabber and is the former home of the National Ballet and Opera.

If AFC Ajax win something big, there’s usually a big celebration from the steps of this monument.

There’s an unforgettable image of Johan Cruyff holding the Cup Winners’ Cup aloft over the square in 1987.

23. Tropenmuseum

A nuanced and thoughtfully presented ethnographic museum, the Tropenmuseum is tour through the various cultures of the world.

The museum started life as a platform for the Netherlands’ colonial territories, but after Indonesia gained independence the scope switched to developing regions in general.

These include Latin America, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, South Asia, West Asia and North Africa, all with an emphasis on tolerance and care for the environment.

There’s a mine of intriguing objects, photographs, sketches and footage helping to find global common ground in aspects of life like celebration, conflict, mourning and prayer.

The building is a treasure too, dating to 1926 and featuring the Lichthal (Light Hall), a massive central space with a grand stairway, all overlooked by galleries.

Book online :  Tropenmuseum Entrance Ticket

24. Westerkerk

Amsterdam’s principal protestant church dates from the 1620s and was built in the most western part of the Canal Belt, beside the Jordaan.

At that time, not long after the Reformation, it was one of the city’s first purpose-built Protestant places of worship.

Walking around Amsterdam’s old centre, the church’s 85-metre tower, the highest in the city, will occasionally hove into view.

Anne Frank could see it from her secret annexe and mentioned the tower and its carillon several times in her diary.

Looking up from street level, the 51-bell carillon is just above the clock-faces, and the 14 largest bells in the set were cast by the greatest founder of the day, François Hemony in 1658. Rembrandt is buried at the Westerkerk, although the exact location of his tomb is unknown as he was destitute when he passed.

There’s a 20th-century memorial for him on the north wall, and every 15 July he is remembered with a lunchtime concert.

25. Portuguese Synagogue

If one monument could sum up just what a melting pot Amsterdam was in the 17th century it’s this Sephardic Jewish synagogue.

After being expelled from Spain and Portugal, a Sephardic Jewish community flourished in the safety of Amsterdam’s tolerant environment from the 16th century onwards.

Initially worship was confined to relative secrecy, but as the 17th century wore on, synagogues were permitted in prominent places.

Completed in 1675 the Portuguese Synagogue was the largest in the world at the time, and one of the largest monuments in the city.

Even now, you’ll be bowled over by the dimensions of this Classical building (mimicking the demure Baroque style of the Protestant churches at the time) and can visit Sunday to Friday all year round.

Note the wooden ark and tebah, and the 12 columns holding up the women’s gallery, one for each of Israel’s twelve tribes.

26. Magere Brug

This imposing bascule bridge over the Amstel, known in English as the “Skinny Bridge”, may not look so slim today.

Because the name is a holdover from a 17th-century structure that was so narrow that two pedestrians would struggle to pass each other on the crossing.

Tradition has an alternative explanation, suggesting that the name comes from the Mager sisters, who lived on opposite sides of the Amstel and used their wealth to build the bridge so they could visit each other.

The original skinny bridge was demolished in the 19th century, and its successor from 1871 was replaced by the current Magere Brug in 1934. It’s a handsome landmark, especially at night when lit up by thousands of bulbs, and Bond fans may know it from Diamonds Are Forever (1971).

27. Hermitage Amsterdam

The largest satellite attraction for Saint Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum can be found at the riverside Amstelhof.

This fine building with an elongated Classical facade was built in 1682 as a charitable retirement home for women.

The last inhabitants departed for new accommodation in 2007, and over the next couple of years the Amstelhof became a mini-Hermitage.

There’s a long connection between Amsterdam and Saint Petersburg, as Peter the Great founded the city in 1703 after visiting Amsterdam and relied on Dutch knowhow to turn swampy ground into something habitable.

There are two permanent exhibitions here; one going into the history of the Amstelhof, and the other charting Netherlands-Russia relations.

The temporary exhibitions are vital.

In the second half of 2018 there was a show for 18th-century European Neoclassicism, and a set of 30 portraits from the Dutch Golden Age.

28. Amsterdam North Ferry

Amsterdam is a city with endless inspiration for free activities, and something that always catches newcomers by surprise is the free ferry 24-hour service over the IJ from the Centraal Station terminal.

Amsterdam-Noord is green and peaceful, for a respite from the tourism honeypots on the opposite shore.

The EYE and A’Dam Toren will literally be your first ports of call as you step off the ferry.

But you may want to bring a bike and see Amsterdam’s residential side in an area described as a “village within a city”. If you’re really committed you could cycle all the way to Durgendam, a quaint old village on the water.

A little closer, Noorderpark has an award-winning swimming complex and two community centres at repurposed gas stations.

29. EYE Film Institute Netherlands

Impossible to miss on the other side of the IJ from the Centraal station, the EYE Film Institute Netherlands is in a bold white building designed by Delugan Meissl and unveiled in 2012. The institute came about after four film institutions, including the Dutch Film Museum, were rolled into one in 2009. You can get there via the free ferry across the IJ, a journey worth making, whether you want to check out the permanent and temporary exhibitions or catch some independent cinema (four screens), archive documentaries or classics from Tarkovsky to Rademakers.

The basement has a clever exhibition on the history of cinema, with interactive quizzes to keep kids on board, while there are thought-provoking multimedia art installations throughout.

The EYE’s restaurant is special, with views through floor-to-ceiling windows to the Centraal station.

30. A’Dam Lookout

Reopened and launched as the A’DAM Toren after a two-year renovation, this landmark tower was built on the north shore of the IJ for Royal Dutch Shell in 1966. With 22 floors the tower is 100 metres high and commands a supreme view of the IJ, Amsterdam’s historic centre, it’s many canals and out across North Holland’s reclaimed polder landscape.

At the top there’s a smart interactive exhibition about Amsterdam’s culture and past, while in the revolving capsule on the 19th floor is Moon, a contemporary restaurant using local, seasonal ingredients.

On the floor above, at the observation deck, Madam, is a modern French and Mediterranean eatery.

Something to try before you eat anything is, “Over the Edge”, Europe’s highest swing, off the edge of the building and 100 metres over the ground.

Book online :  A’DAM Lookout Premium Ticket Including 2 Drinks

31. Westergasfabriek

A set of late-19th-century industrial buildings on the edge of Westerpark was reworked into a cultural, shopping and dining venue in 2003. This was once Amsterdam’s gasworks, and the dignified old brick buildings are now hip restaurants, an arthouse cinema, microbrewery, design shops, fair trade food stores, a wine bar and exhibition spaces.

Even the gas holder has been repurposed, and with a capacity of 3,500 is now a spectacular space for club nights.

Any time of year there will be something going on at Westergasfabriek, whether it’s a film festival, exhibition or specialised food market.

32. Nederlands Scheepvaartmuseum

Set on some 18,000 wooden piles on an artificial island in Amsterdam’s Harbour, the National Maritime Museum is in the Dutch admiralty’s former main warehouse, constructed in 1646. Even now it’s a staggering technical feat, with an inner courtyard that has been covered with an immense glass canopy.

Since the Netherlands’ hegemony in the 17th century relied on maritime prowess, the museum inside is essential if you want to understand the dynamics of the Golden Age.

The museum shows how the sea has shaped Dutch culture over 500 years, with displays of maps by the eminent 17th-century cartographers Willem Blaeu and son, navigational instruments, maritime paintings, models of ships, weapons and lots more.

Moored beside the museum is a faithful replica of the Amsterdam, an 18th-century Dutch East India Company cargo ship wrecked in the channel in 1749 but rediscovered in 1969.

33. Royal Palace

This expansive building on Dam Square wasn’t always a palace, as it was built as Amsterdam’s city hall in the middle of the 17th century.

Composed of yellowy sandstone shipped from Bentheim in Germany, the monument captures a city full of confidence and was believed to be the largest secular building in Europe at the time.

It was Louis Napoleon who turned the building into a palace in 1806, and there are ample reminders from the city hall days.

The sculpture of Atlas crowning the pediment symbolises Amsterdam’s central role in global affairs in the Golden Age.

The Burgerzaal, for Amsterdam’s all-powerful burgomasters, is a sublime marble hall, laid with maps by the Blaeus and has figurative sculptures of the four elements on its arches.

The Empire Style sculpture, furniture, chandeliers and bronze pendulum clocks of Louis Napoleon’s court are still in place and suffused with mythological symbolism.

Book online :  Skip the Line Ticket & Audio Guide: Amsterdam Royal Palace

34. Moco Museum

The well-connected art lovers Lionel and Kim Logchies founded this boutique contemporary art museum in 2016. Two decades worth of contacts have granted the couple access to some major pieces previously hidden away from the public, so you’re sure to see something new.

In 2018 there was an exhibition of works by Banksy, the first formal collection of his art in the world.

This included icons like the Flower Thrower and Girl with Balloon, all complementing the Banksy police van, owned by the museum and on show in the garden.

At the same time there was an interactive room with the work of pop artist Roy Lichtenstein rendered in 3D, and a show for the feted Iranian street artists Icy and Sot.

A word for the venue, which is a Jugendstil townhouse on Museumplein, designed in 1904 by Eduard Cuypers.

Book online:  Moco Museum: Skip-the-Line Tickets with Banksy and More

35. Foodhallen

A former tram depot in the ultra-trendy Oud-West neighbourhood is the fitting location for an indoor food market (part of the larger De Hallen complex) with a diversity of little pop-up restaurants.

There are more than 20 in all, and the big choice means that even the pickiest eaters will find something to their taste.

People with a globetrotting palate will have to choose between Greek meze, temaki rolls, oysters shucked on the spot, American barbecue, Vietnamese summer rolls, falafel, dim sum, tapas, gourmet hot dogs, wood-fired pizzas… the list goes on.

Much of Foodhallen’s charm comes from its fun, convivial atmosphere, and things can get pretty lively here on a Friday or Saturday night.

Head up to the gallery for a great view of the hall.

Tip : List of Amsterdam Food Tours

36. Concertgebouw

On its 125th anniversary the stately Concertgebouw concert hall on the Museumplein was bestowed the Koninklijk (Royal) prefix by Queen Beatrix.

And with good reason, because the Concertgebouw is one of the world’s great concert halls with a Main Hall fabled for its finery and acoustics perfectly suited to late-Romantic classical music.

So for a bit of Mahler and Strauss, check out the programme.

But you can also attend a free lunchtime concert in the Recital Hall on Wednesdays (July and August excepted). There are guided tours of the Concertgebouw on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, taking you to parts of the building you wouldn’t otherwise see, and passing on interesting stories from this monument’s 130-year past.

37. Albert Cuyp Markt

In Oud-Zuid’s De Pijp there’s a street-length outdoor market on Albert Cuypstraat, from Ferdinand Bolstraat to Van Woustraat.

The Albert Cuyp Market came together at the turn of the 20th century to bring some order to the hordes of traders and hawkers who would set up shop here.

Originally just a Saturday night affair, the market trades Monday to Saturday during daytime hours, with 300 stalls on both sides of the street completely shutting down traffic.

You can find it all here; fresh produce, cheese, herring, spices, fabrics, cosmetics, fashion accessories, but also Surinamese, Moroccan and Antillean specialities.

The high competition keeps prices low and there may not be a better place to see real Amsterdammers going about their day.

38. Fashion for Good

Right on Rokin in the centre of Amsterdam is the world’s first museum devoted to sustainable fashion innovation.

At Fashion for Good, which only opened in October 2018, you’ll be confronted by the absurd wastefulness of the fashion industry in the 21st century.

For instance, almost 60% of all clothing ends up in landfill or being burnt within one year of production.

Using installations made with found or cradle-to-cradle materials, Fashion for Good shows off the work of some 50 innovators who aim to right some of the industry’s wrongs.

Take Mycotex, which produces fabrics using myco-proteins, or Colorfix, creating dyes from engineered microorganisms.

You’ll find out about biodegradable glitter and polyester, lifelike leather made from apples and see how blockchain technology is changing production.

Everything in the museum’s shop is sustainable, and the Design Studio lets you create your own sustainable t-shirt, printed on site.

39. Hortus Botanicus

The Plantage neighbourhood was planned as an eastern extension of the Canal Belt, but lack of demand for housing in the 17th century allowed this corner of the city to stay leafy and spacious.

There’s a surplus of visitor attractions in this corner of Amsterdam.

One of the most vital is Hortus Botanicus, founded in 1638 and among the oldest botanical gardens in the world.

In those early years the garden grew medicinal herbs for doctors and pharmacists at a time when plague outbreaks were still common.

Hortus Botanicus moved to its current location in 1682 and was soon planted with species gathered from all ends of the earth by the Dutch East India Company.

More than 6,000 plant species grow at Hortus Botanicus today, and remarkably, a single coffee plant in this collection lead to widespread plantations around the world.

Don’t miss the 17th-century hexagonal pavilion, or the cycads in the Palm House (1915), built in the style of the Amsterdam School.

40. Amsterdam Museum

You couldn’t be blamed for wanting to know more about a city built on stilts and renowned for free thought, tolerance, Johan Cruyff, the Dutch East India Company, architectural innovation, a famous Red Light District and much more.

You can pull on all of these threads and many more at the Amsterdam Museum.

The setting is a former convent that became an orphanage during the Reformation.

For a whirlwind tour through Amsterdam’s past, Amsterdam DNA is an hour-long experience using interactive stations, specially selected artefacts and ambient effects.

World – City is a new permanent exhibition exploring Amsterdam’s relationship with the rest of the world down the centuries.

One exceptional piece is the Medieval aerial map from the Middle Ages, and the painting The Dam by the leading Amsterdam Impressionist George Hendrik Breitner.

Book online :  Amsterdam Museum Entrance Ticket

41. Joods Historisch Museum

The only museum dedicated to Jewish history in the Netherlands is in a complex of four synagogues dating back to 1671, opposite the Portuguese Synagogue.

Joint tickets are sold for these attractions, and the Joods Historisch Museum gives an enthralling account of 400+ years of Judaism in Amsterdam.

These buildings had been unused by the Jewish community from the Holocaust up to the museum’s establishment in 1987. The collection of ceremonial objects, art and archaeological finds is enormous, and only a small fraction can be shown at one time, along with important exhibitions, often delving into the community’s persecution in the Second World War.

There’s also a media library, with books, music, magazines, film, brochures and photography, open to the public since 1987. A wonderful touch is the Children’s Museum, where kids can go inside a Jewish household, baking challah in the kitchen, learning to write their names in Hebrew and playing traditional musical instruments.

Included in :  Jewish Cultural Quarter Full-Day Tickets

42. ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo

Founded in 1838, this venerable institution in the Plantage neighbourhood is the oldest zoo in Amsterdam and also the oldest in the Netherlands.

So some of the charm of Artis comes from its historic buildings, like the library (1867) and aquarium (1882). Children of course will be thrilled with the animal collection, which runs to as many as 900 species.

Just to skim over a few, there are Asian elephants, chimpanzees, giraffes, caiman, a large assortment of turtles, tortoises, snakes and lizards, as well as predators like jaguars, lynxes, Alaskan wolves and lions.

Artis has a botanical appeal too, with more than 200 tree species, and an oak in the chimpanzee enclosure thought to be at least 250 years old.

Check the website for the planetarium schedule and for a timetable of keeper talks for griffon vultures, butterflies, African penguins, gorillas, red ruffed lemurs, sea lions and more.

Book online :  ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo: Skip-the-Line Admission

43. Verzetsmuseum

Facing the zoo is a museum about the Dutch Resistance in a grand building raised for the Jewish Singing Society in 1876. Neatly designed, and using lots of multimedia, exhibitions at the Verzetsmuseum recount the efforts made to disrupt German occupation.

At Risk of Explosion! you can find out about an audacious attack on the Municipal Register in 1943. A group of artists and students gained access by dressing up as police, leaving behind a bomb which partially destroyed the records of the 70,000 Jews living in Amsterdam.

There’s also a more general chronology of the Second World War in the Netherlands, and the many different ways that ordinary Dutch citizens resisted, from strikes, to espionage, helping people hide and forging documents.

44. Johan Cruyff Arena Tour

In 2018 the Amsterdam ArenA, home of AFC Ajax was renamed in honour of fabled former player and manager Johan Cruyff, who passed away in 2016. For students of the beautiful game, Ajax will always be fascinating, as the club that gave the world Total Football in the 1970s and continues to produce some the world’s most exciting young talent.

This 55,000-seater stadium was completed in 1996 and included a few innovations like a fully retractable roof.

Head here for a 75-minute all-access tour (the Ajax dressing room is off-bounds on match-days), taking you to the tunnel, dugout, the Ajax Gallery of Fame, the press conference room, the stadium’s control room and up to the highest seat.

Book online :  Johan Cruijff ArenA Stadium 75-Minute Tour

45. TonTon Club West

The Zuiverlingshal (Refinery) at Westergasfabriek houses one of three branches of a grown-up arcade concept that has taken Amsterdam by storm.

Along with old-school coin-op arcade games there’s air-hockey, pinball and token-redemption machines.

It’s like stepping into a grown-up version of an arcade from an 80s teen movie, with Japanese flourishes, ramen burgers, Dance Dance Revolution, rhythm games like Taiko no Tatsujin and no shortage of frantic button mashers.

You can order a boozy milkshake, nurse a Japanese whisky, and when the weather’s good you can hang out on the terrace.

46. Museum Het Schip

The outstanding example of the Amsterdam School of Expressionist Architecture lies just across the tracks from the Westerpark.

Designed by Michel de Klerk, Het Schip (1919) is still a thrill to behold a century later for its unconventional form.

It still fulfils its intended purpose, as social housing, but also contains a meeting hall, while its former post office became a museum to the Amsterdam School in 2001. This recalls the history of the movement, from 1910 to 1930 and explains the design and construction of the Het Schip (The Ship in English), a real architectural wonder.

After seeing the museum you’ll spot the Amsterdam School’s curving lines all over the city.

Also be sure to take a walk around the neighbourhood, for more architecture of this style and to see a side to the city not usually on tourists’ radars.

47. Give Herring a Try

As Dutch as it gets, soused herring now has a European TSG designation (Traditional Specialities Guaranteed). The flavour of young herring ripened in a brine solution may not appeal to people who haven’t grown up with it, but you won’t know if you like it until you try it.

The best herring is Hollandse Nieuwe, which is caught between mid-May and late-June at a time when the young herring is neither too thin or fat.

The Amsterdam way to enjoy this street food is in slices on a bed of diced raw onion and with pickles on the side, either on a paper plate or in a bread roll.

One of the most prominent spots is Stubbe’s Haring, on the bridge across the Singel, a moment from Amsterdam Centraal station.

48. Bloemenmarkt

On the Singel canal between Koningsplein and the Muntplein is the world’s only floating flower market.

Since 1862 traders have been selling cut flowers and bulbs here from houseboats.

In days gone by the flowers would make their way here from the countryside by boat on the Amstel River, which explains this waterborne setting.

These barges are now fixed, and have glass canopies to keep things humid.

These mirror the greenhouses right across Holland, producing daffodils, orchids, carnations, violets, geraniums, snowdrops and of course tulips, even out of season.

The Bloemenmarkt sells bulbs all year, so you can grow your own, while tulip season tends to fall between the middle of April and start of May.

This is a fine time to hop on a train to see the spectacular spring displays at the Keukenhof garden in Lisse.

49. Head for the Beach

The dense Dutch railway network means that North Sea coast resorts like Zandvoort and Scheveningen are genuine day-trip options from Amsterdam in summer.

But curiously, you can also hit the beach without leaving the city, at a host of man-made urban beaches attached to bars and restaurants.

Strand Zuid at Europaplein has more than 2,000 square metres of soft sand, where you can sip a cocktail on a hammock or sun lounger.

You can also cross the IJ once more to Pllek at NDSM in Amsterdam-Noord, which has a heart-rending view of the city and a sustainable outlook to go with it.

Three quarters of Pllek’s menu is vegetarian, and along with live music there are yoga classes, mini festivals, workshops and art exhibitions on the beach.

50. Brouwerij ‘t IJ

Founded in 1985, Brouwerij ‘t IJ came with a wave of local breweries catering to people who were dissatisfied with beer produced by the Netherlands’ corporate breweries.

It was set up on Funenkade, in the shadow of De Gooyer, the tallest windmill in the Netherlands.

The brewery makes eight highly-rated standard beers, including a pilsner, IPA, white beer and dark beer.

You may be surprised by the low price, and the portions are small enough that you might be able to try most of the range if you go slowly.

Classic Dutch pub snacks like Ossenworst (raw beef sausage) and boiled eggs make for satisfying accompaniments.

If you’re interested in how water, hops, malt and yeast combine to make this nectar, there are 20-minute brewery tours from 15:30 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Related Posts

Things to do in the Netherlands – The ultimate Top 50!

The Best Places to Visit in the Netherlands

AmsterdamTourist.info

SEARCH HOTELS

Online tickets, discount cards.

Get inspired and fall in love with the beautiful city called Amsterdam! Visit the world famous Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh museum. Shop till you drop in fashionable clothing shops, wander all day at vibrant flea markets, colorful flower markets and explore the treasury of historic Amsterdam from the water.

Enjoy the exciting nightlife, go clubbing, experience great concerts and events! Discover the very best of Amsterdam while we give you the complete overview of all possible discounts offered.

Book your accommodation, hotel or hostel online, best price guaranteed!

I am looking for...

HOTELS HOSTELS MUSEUMS ATTRACTIONS TICKETS NIGHTLIFE GENERAL INFO AREA GUIDE FOR KIDS SAVE ON SIGHTSEEING DUTCH FOOD BARS & CAFÉS EVENTS

The Ultimate Amsterdam Travel Guide  Made By Locals .. .

With amsterdam tourist .info you are more than ready for amsterdam.

Email Address:

First Name:

• Website Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy

Quick Links

• Hotels in Amsterdam
• Hostels in Amsterdam
• Amsterdam Discount Cards & City Passes
• Things to do in Amsterdam
• Things to do in Amsterdam with Kids
• Amsterdam Museums
• Amsterdam Attractions
• Restaurants in Amsterdam
• Events in Amsterdam
• Climate in Amsterdam
• Amsterdam Area Guide

Latest Posts

  Favorite a Listing? Please Register or Login in "My Dashboard"

  Business Owner? Add your business:  More information

  Add an Event? Add an event for free!  Please first register or Login in "My Dashboard"

Login or Register

Related Guides:

• North Holland
• Netherlands

Amsterdam Tourist Information and Tourism

(amsterdam, north holland, netherlands), more amsterdam information / fast facts and orientation.

• Country: Netherlands
• Status: capital city
• Population: 735,000
• Time zone: GMT / UTC +1
• Country dialling code: +00 31
• Telephone area code: 020
• Language: Dutch
• Currency: Euro

© Copyright TravelSmart Ltd

I'm looking for:

Hotel Search

• Travel Guide
• Information and Tourism
• Maps and Orientation
• Weather and Climate
• Transport and Car Rental
• AMS Airport Information
• History Facts
• Life and Travel Tips
• Business Tips
• Accommodation
• Hotels and Accommodation
• Property and Real Estate
• Popular Attractions
• Tourist Attractions
• Heineken Brewery
• Landmarks and Monuments
• Art Galleries
• Attractions Nearby
• Parks and Gardens
• Things to Do
• Sports and Outdoor Activities
• Events and Festivals
• Restaurants and Dining
• Your Reviews of Amsterdam
• Netherlands World Guide
• Guide Disclaimer
• Privacy Policy / Disclaimer

Visiting Amsterdam? Explore with this comprehensive travel guide

Things to do in Amsterdam Amsterdam Travel Guide

Why visit Amsterdam?

The cultural capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is situated in the province of North-Holland. This tourist hotspot attracts 4 million tourists every year who come to explore the old city’s architecture and take a boat ride through the famous canals, visit museums and experience the liberal & international culture.

Stunning Architecture The city of Amsterdam is best known for its majestic canal layout and charming Dutch gabled facades, but the city has remarkable architecture that completely mesmerizes you. The streets have untouched patterning which dates back to the 19th century. Amsterdam’s got the picturesque windmills, amazing bridges and some of the most beautiful houses with cutting-edge modern design. Dutch cuisine The Dutch cuisine is shaped by its location in the fertile soil of the North Sea river delta of the European Plain, giving rise to fishing, farming and trading over the sea, its former colonial empire and the spice trade. It has a long and interesting history and includes everything from family meals to delicious desserts! Cleanest Air Amsterdam is one of the top five cities in Europe with the cleanest air. Two of the striking features of this city are the well organised public mode of transport and the easy accessibility of electric cars. Amsterdam acquired its upscale ranking by the European Environmental Bureau along with such other metropolises as Berlin, Copenhagen and Stockholm. Vibrant Citylife Amsterdam has got one of the best nightclubs and is brimming with Irish bars ranging from classic cafés to Belgian beer clubs. Adult entertainment also adds some spice to Amsterdam’s nightlife.

Top 10 Things To Do in Amsterdam

Amsterdam Essentials

Language Dutch & English

Time zone GMT +1 hour

Country Code +31

Socket Plug Type F

Currency Euro (€)

Amsterdam Trip Planner

Here's all you need to know before you book your tickets to Amsterdam and pack your bag!

When to visit

Travel tips, weather in amsterdam.

Fondly known as the city of canals, Amsterdam is the prettiest city in Europe with an unparalleled artistic heritage. A favourite amongst most travellers, Amsterdam makes for a great destination year round. If you're planning a trip to Amsterdam, here's all you should know about the seasons and what to expect before you book your flight!

You can check the weather here .

Amsterdam in Spring

Spring brings out the best in Amsterdam and its countryside. The tulip season starts from mid March to early May, drawing in thousands from around the world to see the famous Dutch buds. If you're planning your visit around this time, make sure you visit the Keukenhof Gardens to witness the best bloom of tulips.

Amsterdam in Summer

Summer is the time people look forward to catching some warmth, and pleasant weather. But summers are also marked by occasional heavy rainfall. Lounge on the beach or a terrace, enjoy a boat cruise along the canals, and celebrate the festivals organised during summers in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam in Autumn

With shorter days, a nip in the air, red and orange leafed trees covering up the roads, Amsterdam airs a magical charm during autumn. There is a calm cosiness in the streets, parks and canals after the bustling summers. With a plethora of cultural events planned for fall, Amsterdam is a treat during the autumn months.

Amsterdam in Winter

If you love winters there's no better place than Amsterdam to experience the cold. This fairytale-like city twinkling of soft snow looks straight out of a postcard. Festive fairs, snow activities and gourmet food galore add to the city's charm. Evenings are all the more dazzling with the Amsterdam light festival adorning the canals with magical fairy lights and cosy cafes humming with live music.

Best Time for Sightseeing : Months of April and May and September to November, the time just before and after summer is great for sightseeing with fewer tourists around. Best Time for Backpackers : Cold winter months of December and January with few tourists and fabulous deals are good for backpackers on a shoestring budget. Best Time for Honeymooners : November to April is great for honeymooners though the weather is cold as the city is blanketed in romance with the added advantage of shoulder season. Best Time For Experiencing The Local Festivals in Amsterdam : Amsterdam has an active social calendar through the year, but April is the most sought after month with the tulip festival, film festival and many others.

Read our detailed blog on the best time to visit Amsterdam .

Amsterdam in January

Amsterdam in February

Amsterdam in March

Amsterdam in April

Amsterdam in May

Amsterdam in June

Amsterdam in July

Amsterdam in August

Amsterdam in September

Amsterdam in October

Amsterdam in November

Amsterdam in December

Daily Budget Singapore

• Budget Traveler: 57 USD (48 €)
• Mid-Range Traveler: 74 USD (63 €)
• Luxury Traveler: 314 USD (265 €)

Budget Your Trip here .

Amsterdam has made it to the bucket list of travelers from across the globe. More than 18 million tourists visit the city each year, spanning from weekend tourists to tulip chasers, and those who want a taste of the Dutch culture. The city has remarkable infrastructure and is super tourist-friendly but it is also grappling with an explosion of tourism. We have listed our top travel tips that have been vetted by the locals to help you navigate the city for the first time. Read these Amsterdam travel tips to travel cheaper, explore better, and make the most of your time in the city (away from the tourist traps).

• Clothing essentials: Always carry an umbrella and a light sweater or jacket in hand since evenings in Amsterdam are prone to rainfall and cool breeze. Also remember to wear comfortable walking shoes.
• Always carry cash in hand, particularly when in street markets. ATMs are available in most street corners and accept all major credit and debit cards.
• Remember to carry an umbrella at all times. Amsterdam weather is often unpredictable and you don't want to be stuck in the rain,
• To discourage the use of plastic, most stores charge for a carry bag. You can always carry a foldable cloth bag on your way out.
• Given how bike-friendly Amsterdam is, there's a dedicated lane for bikes in the city. Make sure you stick to this lane while riding. Also, don't stop in the middle of the lane to click photographs since you'll be obstructing the way for other riders.
• Book tickets in advance for main attractions to avoid waiting in lines or missing out on fun. You can also opt for skip-the-line tickets and guided tours for a more seamless travel experience.
• Fridge magnets and keychains aren't the souvenirs you would want to take home from Amsterdam. Instead, you can choose from unique Dutch licorice, candy, cheese or alcohol. You'll also find wooden clogs at Zaanse Schans, funky crockery, cookie moulds and more items specific to Amsterdam.
• The Amsterdam public transport system is almost entirely cashless. You will not be able to pay for a bus, metro or tram ticket by cash. Make sure to top up your transport pass before traveling at any nearby convenience store.

Detailed Amsterdam Itineraries

We've done all the hard work for you and lined up the best things at the best times! All you have to do is pick the number of days you'd like to visit Amsterdam to find a readymade itinerary tailored to suit all your needs!

How to Save Money in Amsterdam

1. choose hostels.

Amsterdam is known for its unique and designer hostels. While they are cheaper than most star hotels, they do not have a grungy backpacker vibe and are suitable for couples and groups of travellers, too. AirBnbs are the next best option to save money, especially if you're travelling with your family.

2. Grab a city pass

The I Amsterdam Card , Holland Pass and This is Holland Access Ticket are the passes you should consider while sightseeing in the city. With canal cruises, free public transport and free access to museums like Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Rembrandt, save money while exploring Amsterdam with these passes.

3. Get a nightlife ticket

Cover charges can make quite a dent in your pocket in Amsterdam. To avoid those charges buy the Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket which costs €10 (2 days access) and €20 (7 days access) for 20 popular nightclubs including Club Escape, Air Amsterdam, Club Panama, Blue Ivy nightclub and Supperclub.

4. Buy attractions tickets online in advance

Online booking for tickets works on multiple fronts. It helps you plan your trip in advance, saves time and money. Headout has several discounted tickets for Amsterdam attractions and group tours. Additionally you can also avail cashback and save it for other tickets.

5. Squeeze a visit to the free attractions

Entry to Amsterdam’s museums is never free but there are some iconic attractions in Amsterdam that are absolutely free. Take a free ride on the GVB Amsterdam Ferry, visit the Civic Guard’s Gallery in the Amsterdam Museum, and walk into the courtyard of Begijnhof by paying nothing at all. Head to Vondelpark for open-air concerts, or take a stroll through Rijksmuseum Garden, all for free!

Museums in Amsterdam

Amsterdam was established in the early 14th century. It has seen the Spanish, the French, and the English inquisition arrive and withdraw. All of this has left Amsterdam with plenty of history that demands to be explored. And, the Dutch have packed all of it in more than 75 museums across the city. From the canal-side Photography Museum, FOAM, to the lavish Rijksmuseum, the city has it all. Here's our pick of the 11 Best Museums in Amsterdam.

Here is your guide to the best Museums in Amsterdam .

Amsterdam Cruises

Best of amsterdam canal cruise.

Nicknamed the Venice of the North, the unparalleled beauty of this ancient canal city originates from the rich cultural and artistic history. This sight can be caught along its intricate network of canals. No trip to the Dutch capital is complete without experiencing an Amsterdam Canal Cruise . Here are the two divisions of canal cruises you should know about to pick the right tickets that suit your likes.

Amsterdam Canal Cruises

These are the most popular and economical options, the no frills canal cruises that simply sifts through the canal, showcasing the best of Amsterdam. All you have to do is figure out the time of the day you'd like for the cruise and grab your Amsterdam Canal Cruise tickets . They're quick and easy, and worth every penny!

Read more about the best Amsterdam Canal Cruises .

Amsterdam Culinary Cruises

Read more about Amsterdam Culinary Cruises .

I Amsterdam City Card vs Holland Pass

Grab a pass to explore Amsterdam without burning a hole in your pocket. Here are the two best city passes in Amsterdam and what they include.

I Amsterdam City Card

Worried about maximizing every cent in the Euro on your next trip to Amsterdam? Take a leaf out of the backpacker’s secret book and save money on exploring the attractions and museums in Amsterdam - use the I Amsterdam City Card! Like in every major tourist city in the world, Amsterdam has a tourist pass called the I Amsterdam Card that offers visitors the option of visiting over 70 attractions at almost 50% savings, in different time variants. The card covers all the important attractions in Amsterdam City and its neighboring region, and includes exciting tours and discounts on shopping, restaurants and activities.

Read more about I Amsterdam City Card | The Good, Bad & Everything In Between.

Amsterdam Holland Pass

Amsterdam has a never ending selection of things to do and see, no matter what time of the year you’re visiting. While most of the rewarding experiences are found when you step out of the well-trodden tourist paths of the city centre, there are many unmissable experiences within the city limits as well. The Amsterdam Holland Pass or simply the Holland Pass, is a boon of a pass that gifts you free admission and discounts for over 100 museum and tourist attractions in Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, Leiden and Utrecht. Those looking to discover the best of Netherlander culture, cuisine and history; look no further than the all-in-one Holland Pass.

Read more about, how to make the most of your Amsterdam Holland Pass .

Day Trips From Amsterdam

Once you've had your fill of Amsterdam's serene canals, picturesque windmills and cutting-edge museums, set out to explore the rest of the Netherlands located just a day trip from Amsterdam. What this unpacks are jaw-dropping views of the countryside of Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and more hidden spots.

Here are our top picks for the best day trips from Amsterdam .

Getting Around in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the largest city in the Netherlands and also a very well connected city. You can travel from about anywhere and reach your destination via public transport. Amsterdam has an efficient and reliable public transport system . You can use your I Amsterdam Card to save on transport costs. Here’s an overview of the different ways to get around the city with public transport:Here are a few things to keep in mind to traverse without worry and some tips on choosing the right transport.

Travel Green

Bike taxis are your way to go green and are available all over the city. In fact, they are the city’s favourite mode of transport. The next best option is to hire a rickshaw and can accommodate upto two people. Amsterdam Fietstaxi charges reasonable prices for electric rickshaw taxis that can be booked in advance.

To use the tram lines, you need a public transport card -- OV-Chipkaart -- or other validated travel cards. Tram services are available from 6:00 AM to 12:30 AM. You can also purchase a one hour, 24-hour or 48-hour ticket for the tram, bus and metro services. Visit GVB Tickets & Info offices for more information about tickets.

The metro system covers four routes, starting from Amsterdam Central Station, spreading across various outlying districts like Biljmer, Amstelveen, Diemen and Amsterdam Noord. The metro operates between 6:00 AM to midnight. You need a public transport card (OV-Chipkaart) or other validated travel card to use the metro lines.

Amsterdam’s bus network is extensively-spread throughout the city. The day buses run between 6:00 Am to 12:30 AM, while the special Nightbuses run between 12:30 AM to 7:00 AM.You can use your public transport pass to use the bus services in the city.

Ferries depart from Amsterdam Central Station and convenient to reach attractions in Amsterdam North. Ferry services in the city are free and run through the night.

Biking is a great way to see the city and explore different neighborhoods at your own pace. Amsterdam is equipped with up to 400 km of biking paths in and around the city. There are plenty of bike rental shops dispersed throughout the city like Mac Bike , Rent a Bike and Black Bikes . Make sure to stay on the designated bicycle paths and not steer onto roads and sidewalks.

Tip : Download the 9292 app for up-to-date public transportation travel advice. The app provides travel suggestions for all off the Netherlands, is free to download, and is available in Dutch and English.

Free GVB ferries

The GVB ferries provide free connections across the River IJ in the northern part of the city. This makes a great chance of catching wonderful sights of the canals as well as functional and free of cost transportation.

Transport Pass

The blue-and-gray trams roll through all the major streets and the city also boasts an extensive bus network. Amsterdam also has 5 metro lines that connect the city centre with the suburbs. To top all of these, there are passes such as the I Amsterdam card available that offer visitors with unlimited access to the city's public transport, entry to 60+ attractions, 1-hour canal cruise and a complimentary city map.

Renting a car

If you intend to venture out of the city, you should definitely look into renting cars. But if you choose to rent a car to travel inside the city, be prepared for a nightmare since the city is not exactly four-wheeler friendly, and deliberately so that more people opt-in for public transport and pollute less.

Hotels in Amsterdam

The cost of living in a hotel in Amsterdam is quite high compared to other cities with an average of $474 per night. The next best option is to Airbnb or stay in cosy hostels. However, if you are in for spending a luxurious night, the hotels are absolutely worth it!

Explore hotels in Amsterdam.

€ 100 - € 150 per night

• The Highlander
• Hotel Amsterdam De Roode Leeuw
• Hotel Die Port van Cleve
• Radisson Blu Hotel, Amsterdam City Center
• The Delphi - Amsterdam Townhouse

5 star hotels

• De L’Europe Amsterdam – The Leading Hotels of the World
• Conservatorium Hotel
• W Amsterdam
• Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam
• Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam

€ 150 - € 200 per night

• Swissôtel Amsterdam
• Park Inn by Radisson Amsterdam City West
• Hotel Mercier
• Leonardo Royal Hotel Amsterdam
• art'otel Amsterdam

Boutique Hotels

• Mr. Jordaan
• Hotel Dwars
• Hotel V Nesplein
• Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht - a concept by Hyatt
• Hotel Casa Amsterdam

Dining in Amsterdam

A gastronomic adventure is a must while in Amsterdam and the city offers everything from Croquettes from a vending machine to Mint Tea. Be sure to add these must-have dishes to your Amsterdam bucket list.

Herring is perhaps the most famous and traditional Dutch street food. This raw, salted fish snack is available across fish stalls in the city. You can have it plain or with a bun, go the local way: grab a whole herring by the tail, tip your head back and eat it one go.

Stroopwafel

The stroopwafel , a favorite amongst locals and tourists alike, consists of two thin cookie layers held together by a soft, caramel-like filling. The perfect treat with a cup of tea, you will often see locals balancing a stroopwafel on their cups to soften the caramel filling with the steam from their tea. You can find a stroopwafel stand at any outdoor market in the city.

Bitterballen

When in Amsterdam, try a bitterballen : small, round, fried snacks that have a hot, meaty ragout filling and are served with mustard. They are often paired with kopstoot -- a beer that consists of a genever-filled shot glass -- and shared between groups of friends and colleagues.

A kroket is essentially a larger, cylindrical bitterbal, which is served on a bun or plain with mustard. To try krokets , head to FEBO, a Dutch fast-food chain that sells warm snacks in a vending machine. Along with a kroket , you can also pick up hamburgers and other fried snacks from these machines.

Pannenkoeken

The Dutch love their pancakes, or pannenkoeken . Dutch pancakes, however, are much larger and thinner than others. Toppings such as bacon, cheese, apples or raisins are common, but whether you go for salty, sweet or plain, you will always find Dutch stroop (syrup) on the table. Locals usually eat their pancakes for lunch or dinner, rather than for breakfast. If you are in the mood for a snack, opt for poffertjes: small, fluffy pancakes served with butter and powdered sugar.

This traditional dish, made from a combination of mashed potatoes and other vegetables like sauerkraut, kale, carrot and/or onion, is a classic in the Netherlands during winter. This hearty meal is typically served with gravy and a rookworst (smoked sausage) and is perfect after a long day sightseeing.

How to save money while dining out in Amsterdam?

• Street food is the saviour of backpackers across the world and it’s no different in Amsterdam. You will find street vendors and food trucks with Dutch favourites like Stroop waffles, Herring, Frites, Bitterballen, Leidse Kaas and Poffjertes.
• ‘Dagschotel’ is what the dish of the day is featured as on most menus in Amsterdam’s restaurants. It is the cheapest dish on the menu served for lunch and will help you save a few euros.
• ‘Eat where the locals do’ is one of the most common travel tips you will hear anywhere in the world. The Dutch in Amsterdam spend their time in what they call ‘Bruin cafes’ or Brown cafes, which are warm and comfortable cafes that serve authentic and affordable food. De Wetering, In ‘t Aepjen, Papeneiland and Het Molenpad are some of the best brown cafes in Amsterdam.
• All you can eat buffets are excellent places to fill up on a wholesome meal for less than €20. Of course, these buffet restaurants do not offer Dutch cuisine and mostly offer Chinese or Asian specialities. Some of the good restaurants are Restaurant Vandaag, Shabu Shabu, Genki Garden and La Cubanita.
• Water is not cheap in Amsterdam and can run up to €2.50 at kiosks in tourist locations. You will rarely also get water freely in restaurants, which is why it’s a good idea to buy water bottles at grocery stores or bring a bottle from home and fill them up in public water outlets.
• You will notice a lot of Argentinian steakhouses in Amsterdam, especially in the tourist centre. Just remember, they are all tourist traps and they have nothing to do with the culture of the city. Instead, opt for ‘Tokos’ or restaurants that serve Surinamese and Indonesian food, cultures that came along to the city after the Indonesian revolution.
• If you are looking forward to a round of drinks before dinner, try going to a hostel. Most of the hostels serve alcohol at cheap rates and have a fun atmosphere to boot! Have a drink there and then head out to the nightclubs for a cheap night out.
• The best way to save money on food in Amsterdam continues to be by buying your own groceries! Even if you don’t have the time or space to cook big meals, you can buy basic stuff to make sandwiches to save on at least a meal every day.

Top Recommended Restaurants 2021

• Sotto Pizza
• Cannibale Royale

Best of Dutch Cuisine

• Restaurant De Kas
• Wilde Zwijnen
• Restaurant Moeders

Useful Dutch Phrases to Get You By

• Hallo ("hahlow") : Hello
• Doei ("dooey") : Goodbye
• Alstublieft ("ahl-shtu-bleeft") : Please (formal)
• Alsjeblieft ("Ahl-shyuh-bleeft") : Please (informal)
• Dank u wel ("dahnk-vel") : Thank you (formal)
• Bedankt ("be-dahnkt") : Thank you (less formal but commonly used)
• Pardon ("pahr-dohn") : Pardon/Excuse me
• Proost (“prow-sht”) : Cheers!

Festivals in Amsterdam

This dynamic city is also famous for its music, art and dance festivals. While planning your trip, make sure to look up festivals taking place at the same time. During spring and summer, outdoor music festivals take place almost weekly throughout the city, while during fall and winter, festivals move indoors but continue to attract big names. Check out this page for more information on festivals in Amsterdam. Here are the top recurring festivals that you should know of:

• Light Festival – Amsterdam City Center: December - January
• Christmas Markets – Throughout Amsterdam: Late November until early January
• Tulip Day – Picking Garden on Dam Square: January 21st
• Chinese New Year – Zeedijk: February 1st
• Amsterdam Gay Pride – Throughout Amsterdam: Late July until early August
• King’s Day – Throughout Amsterdam: April 27th
• Vondelpark Open-Air Theater: Early May until late September
• The Open Garden Days – Throughout Amsterdam: Third weekend of June
• Sail Amsterdam: Sail Amsterdam (it takes place every five years)
• Heritage Day (Open Monumentendag): The second weekend of September

Nightlife in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is known for its fantastic nightlife. Bars and cafés in the city center generally stay open until 01:00 AM on weekdays and 03:00 AM on weekends, while clubs usually stay open till 04:00 AM on weekends. The dress code for most bars and clubs is casual. Make sure to carry your ID card; you must be 18 or older to enter most clubs. At select locations, the minimum age to enter a club is 21.

If you are planning to party in Amsterdam, consider purchasing an Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket . With this pass, you can gain entry into 12 nightclubs in the city, enjoy free welcome shots and get great deals on drinks and Uber rides.

Whether you’re looking to dance the night away, listen to some live music or hop from one brown bar to the next, here are are few options to spend a night out in the city:

Leidseplein

Leidseplein is the most popular nightlife hub in the city. On both weekdays and weekends, crowds of young people flock to bars, restaurants and clubs in and around this famous square. The following spots near Leidseplein guarantee a memorable night out:

• Bars: Dan Murphy’s Irish Pub , De Zotte , Café de Waard
• Clubs: Paradiso , Melkweg , Club Up
• Live Music: The Waterhole Live Music Bar , Bourbon Street Blues Club
• Theatres: Stadsschouwburg (International Theater Amsterdam)

Rembrandtplein

Like Leidseplein, Rembrandtplein is another fun part of the city to enjoy a drink. It is conveniently located right in the city center. If you visit Amsterdam during winter (between November and February), you can also visit the magical Christmas market.

• Bars: Cafe Bolle Jan , Café Schiller
• Clubs: Studio 80 , Club Smokey

Amsterdam Culture Tips

Amsterdam is an international city that celebrates the diversity of its inhabitants. It is home to 180 different nationalities and 45% of the population comprises ethinc minorities, making it one of the most diverse cities in Europe. The different cultural, socio-economic and religious diaspora in Amsterdam makes this city a vibrant and tourist-friendly destination.

To get a taste of what makes this city unique, balance out visits between classic historic locations like Museumplein and Dam Square, while exploring different neighborhoods around the city center or visiting contemporary exhibitions and shows in the city.

As a population, remember that the Dutch are extremely straightforward. While ordering food/drinks, asking for directions or striking up a conversation with a local, don’t expect any embellished responses -- the Dutch will cut right to the chase. Additionally, they are known for their punctuality; being on time for your tour or dinner reservation will win brownie points with the locals.

Should you choose to visit the Red Light District, please remember not to photograph the sex workers, avoid shouting and littering.

Tipping is optional so keep the calculators in. Amsterdam has a good living wage even for restaurant workers, which is why unlike the USA tipping is not mandatory. If you are eating out in a fancy restaurant you can tip up to 10% if you are exceptionally happy with the service. But do remember that customer service here does not mean waiting on your hand and foot, it is more relaxed and organized to assist you rather than pamper you. You don’t need to tip in bars or cafes; at the most you can round it off to the nearest zero.

More culture per capita

The tiny city is packed with its long enduring history and proudly show-off what they’ve gained from it. This means, there is always more to explore in the city. From the historical Anne Frank’s hiding to the innumerable museums, there are plenty of things to see and do.

Talking about museums

Say anything and an Amsterdammer will respond with, “There’s a museum for that”. You can find small museums just about anywhere in the city from drugs to funerals. Make sure you walk into museums about all the things you are passionate about to see what hidden facts you never knew.

A city of cyclists

63% of Amsterdammers cycle every day and the total length of bike paths in the city is about 500 km. This makes the city one of the most holistic in the world and is a great way of travelling close distances. Tourists can also take a “backie”. This is a new initiative by the locals of the city to lend a lift for tourists as a pillion rider. All you have to do is shout “backie” when you spot a cyclist with a yellow luggage rack.

A boathouse for cats

If you are a cat person, you have come to the right place. Amsterdam has built a boathouse for the abandoned moggies of the city. It is a floating feline sanctuary moored on the Singel canal. It’s called De Poezenboot and you can make a reservation here to see the quirky attraction.

The notorious RLD

No visit to Amsterdam is complete without a peek into the Red Light District. If you are someone who wishes to uncover the mysteries of the Museum of Prostitution and crack the clichés, definitely should pay a visit. Don't let Instagram know that you have been here by taking pictures since the women behind the windows do not like to be photographed.

What are the best things to see and do in Amsterdam?

There is so much to see and do in Amsterdam that it can be hard to know where to start. To narrow it down, some of the must-see sights in Amsterdam include the Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Dam Square, Red Light District, and Vondelpark. As for activities, there are plenty of walking and biking tours, canal cruises, and beer tastings to keep you busy.

What are the best places to stay in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. For those on a tight budget, hostels and camping are good options. For those looking for something a little more comfortable, there are plenty of hotels, apartments, and Airbnbs available. For those wanting to splurge, there are also a number of luxury hotels in Amsterdam.

What are the best bars and clubs in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is known for its lively nightlife and there are plenty of bars and clubs to keep you entertained. Some of the most popular places to drink in Amsterdam include Leidseplein, Rembrandtplein, and Dam Square. There are also a number of breweries and beer halls worth checking out.

What are the best shopping areas in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is a great place to shop for both souvenirs and everyday items. Some of the best places to go shopping in Amsterdam include the Nine Streets, Kalverstraat, and Haarlemmerdijk. There are also a number of markets worth checking out, such as the Albert Cuyp Market and Waterlooplein Market.

What is the nightlife like in Amsterdam?

The nightlife in Amsterdam is incredibly diverse and there is something to suit everyone’s taste. From lively clubs and bars to more relaxed pubs and cafes, you’ll be spoilt for choice. There are also a number of live music venues and comedy clubs worth checking out.

What are the best parks and nature areas in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is home to a number of beautiful parks and nature areas. Some of the most popular spots include Vondelpark, Sarphatipark, and Westerpark. There are also a number of canals and waterways that offer lovely views of the city.

How do I get around Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is a relatively small city and it is easy to get around on foot or by bike. There is also an excellent public transport system consisting of buses, trams, and trains. If you’re feeling lazy, there are also a number of boat and canal cruise companies that offer tours of the city.

What are the best things to pack for a trip to Amsterdam?

Some essential items to pack for a trip to Amsterdam include comfortable walking shoes, a raincoat, and a bike lock. If you’re planning on doing any sightseeing, it is also worth bringing along a camera and map. And of course, don’t forget to pack your sense of adventure!

All Amsterdam Guides

TOURS & SIGHTSEEING

The Heineken Experience

The Anne Frank Walking Tour

Tulip Gardens in Amsterdam

Van Gogh Museum

The Rembrandt House Museum

Rijksmuseum

Amsterdam Itineraries

1-Day in Amsterdam Itinerary

7-Day Amsterdam Itinerary

Amsterdam Through The Year

Best Amsterdam Day Tours

Zaanse Schans

Windmills & Beyond At Zaanse Schans

Keukenhof Tulip Gardens

Amsterdam Toolkit

Best Time to Visit

Amsterdam Travel Tips

Discover Amsterdam

Holland Pass

Lakshmi Menon

Born to parents bit by the wander bug, Lakshmi calls her love for travel "hereditary and habitual". Perpetually ensconced with a book in her hand and a mug of coffee in the other, she has been to over 15 countries in her 23 years of existence and is currently saving miles and money for her solo trip to Iceland. Always hustling towards the least trodden path, she has encountered some wonderful people during her escapades and if you ever meet her, she won't stop gushing about them.

Be a smart traveler

The first to know about trending destinations, travel deals, tips and all things travel.

Amsterdam » Tips for visitors » Amsterdam tourist office

Amsterdam visitor center - tourist office

Amsterdam has two official visitor centers: one in the Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Terminal and one in front of the Central Station. These offices not only inform you about the city in a professional way but can also give you free small maps and folders with information about the city.

Online sources of informaton about Amsterdam

Before going to the tourist center, our pages might answer your questions about Amsterdams:

• Discount city passes
• Touristic attractions
• Accommodation
• Guided Tours

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport

I amsterdam visitor center Arrivals Hall 2. open daily from 7:00 to 22:00

Central Station

Located in a small wooden house outside of central station building on the station square. Between the central station main entrance and city center.

I amsterdam visitor center Stationplein 1 open daily from 9:00 to 18:00

Amsterdam Store

It is a place where you can buy local products and souvenirs. Like books, clothing, flowers, small gifts, but also food and drink that are local delicacies. They also sell entrance tickets to local events.

The I amsterdam store is located inside the central station building. It is not outside like the visitor center.

They are open from 10:00 to 19:00 on weekdays. And 9:00 to 18:00 on weekends.

Visiting the Netherlands

Apart from the Amsterdam office, there is also the National Board of Holland Tourism, which may be useful if you plan to visit any of the many tourist attractions out of Amsterdam, other old cities, museums in Haarlem, The Hague and Rotterdam, Dutch castles or the tulip gardens.

Tourist Information Offices

Plan your visit.

Tourist Information Offices (VVV-kantoren in Dutch) provide visitors with information on attractions and events in the city or region and assist in the reservation of overnight stays and the booking of activities.

Information point

In Amsterdam, only one information point is left. It is located in the I amsterdam Store    at the very back of Amsterdam Centraal Station.

They sell souvenirs, maps, books and tickets for museums and events.

At the I amsterdam Store is also an information point where you can come to find out what’s happening in Amsterdam, through personal advice or at the reading table that has iPads with Internet access.

Visiting address and contact

Amsterdam Tourist Information De Ruijterkade 28b-d, Amsterdam Centraal

Phone: +31 20 7026000 Email: [email protected] Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10:00-19:00 CET; Sat-Sun 9:00-18:00 CET

This information point is managed by Amsterdam's city marketing organisation amsterdam&partners.

Where to stay

Attractive hotels , bed & breakfast , houseboats , hostels , apartments.

Things to do

Siteseeing tours by boat , bike or bus , and daytrips.

What to see

Squares , historic buildings , museums and activities for kids.

Festivals , events , exhibitions , and free activities in Amsterdam