amsterdam travel tips

20 things to know before visiting Amsterdam in 2024

Mar 16, 2024 • 7 min read

Take advantage of Amsterdam's incredible parks but be respectful to the locals © Lucy Lambriex / Getty Images

From cannabis-clouded coffee shops  to lovely parks and cycling lanes aplenty, Amsterdam is a European city with a delightful, vibrant vibe that’s entirely its own. While it certainly makes for amazing travel escapades, there are some useful things to understand about this city and the local culture. 

So, what do you need to know before visiting Amsterdam for the first time? Here are our top tips for newcomers.

1. Amsterdam is not a 24/7 city

Amsterdam establishments keep very regular hours. Opening hours in shops are generally from about 10am to 6pm, and 8pm for supermarkets. Many shops and grocers do not open on Sundays (with the exception of busy tourist areas like Nieuwendijk and Kalverstraat ). Coffeeshops tend to open in the morning and close around midnight, while bars and clubs go much later until 3 or 4am.

2. Pre-purchase tickets where possible

At museums and galleries , it’s best to plan for long queues – especially during the high season from June to August . Ticketed time slots (most can be downloaded to your phone) are available at popular sights like the Anne Frank Huis and Van Gogh Museum and should be booked at least six weeks in advance.

3. Book accommodation and restaurants in advance

Similarly, lodging should be secured at least four months before your trip, especially if you’re visiting during the summer or on the weekend. Seats at your must-visit restaurants are best squared away at least two weeks in advance.

4. Budget for a (higher) tourist tax 

In 2024, Amsterdam's tourist tax – which is added to the cost of accommodation per night – has risen from 7% to 12.5%, making it now the most expensive in Europe. The tax is charged at a percentage of your accommodation cost, and is payable on arrival. For example, a four-person room booking for three nights by Vondelpark is costing a group of friends €818.88 between them, with an additional €91.88 to be paid on arrival. Plan ahead and factor the tax into your budget, as it's easy to forget about it once you've booked transport and accommodation ahead of it. 

5. Lock your bike… twice

Cycling is one of the most popular ways to get around Amsterdam . Most rental bikes come with two locks – it’s best to use them both! Bike thieves in Amsterdam can be very capable. Use one lock for the front wheel (attached to the bike frame) and the other for the back, preferably attached to a post, bike rack or some other structure mounted to the ground.

Also, pay attention to signage regarding bike parking. Bicycle racks near tram and train stations and in certain public squares are usually best, or you may risk it being removed by the police.

6. Pack layers of clothing

Practical clothing will get you far in Amsterdam. It’s a city where people dress hip but casual (jeans and nice sneakers or boots, for example) and mix-and-match layers since the year-round weather is unpredictable. A light trench coat or windbreaker jacket is essential for all seasons besides winter, when a proper coat and warm gear are needed.

7. Buy an OV-chipkaart for travel around the city

The OV-chipkaart is highly recommended for public transport since it’s more convenient than single tickets and is easily reloadable at machines or online. It's available for purchase from ticketing machines and supermarkets. Note: you need to touch on and touch off, including when you're getting off trams. Otherwise, you'll pay a hefty fee. 

8. Carry a mix of cash and cards

In Amsterdam, there is a growing movement of cafes and restaurants going cashless – while some of the more traditional, older haunts like bruin cafés (brown cafes) may not take cards at all. It's best to carry a mix of cash and cards.

9. Be respectful on the streets

Dutch locals are tired of Amsterdam’s reputation as a destination for bachelor parties and bad behavior, therefore authorities have taken steps to curtail the effects of rowdy visitors. To avoid disapproving looks and humiliating conversations, acting sensibly on downtown streets is a must.

Smoking marijuana and drinking in public is illegal and considered poor etiquette by Amsterdam natives. Similarly, taking photos of sex workers in the Red Light District is strictly prohibited.

10. Haggling at flea markets is okay

When shopping at Amsterdam’s famous rommelmarkt (flea markets) like IJ Hallen , the first price given by the seller is usually not a firm price but a starting point. This rule applies to secondhand items not artisan-made goods. Use your judgment and always be respectful.

11. Mind the Dutch mentality

The Dutch are known for being extremely direct. If a local shares a blunt, unvarnished opinion with you, it comes from a place of honesty rather than rudeness. In Dutch culture, it’s gracious to speak your mind and keep it short – don’t be surprised to find "no" is a complete sentence!

Despite the brutally honest Dutch mentality, there are certain talking points that are considered too close to comfort and should be avoided – for example, asking very personal questions about income.

12. Do I need to tip?

Tipping is not expected in Amsterdam where hospitality workers receive a fair wage for their professions, and are not dependent on the tip jar contributions as might be the case elsewhere. Of course a tip (around 10% is normal) for excellent service is not going to be considered odd. Feel free to tip in bars, cafes, restaurants and accommodation if the service warrants it. If you take a free walking tour, presenting your guide with a decent tip at the end is normal.

13. Make friends by wearing orange

At sporting events in recent years, the Dutch are known for the oranjekoorts (orange fever) or oranjegekte (orange craze).

If you want the Dutch to know you’re cheering for them, wear the royal family’s traditional color. The more outlandish and over-the-top – we’re talking wigs, feather boas and face paint – the better.

14. Can I transport tulip bulbs home?

Tulip bulbs purchased at Amsterdam’s Bloemenmarkt can be shipped back to countries such as the United States, but an official certificate is needed for customs. Look for the sticker that says, “To the Plant Protection Service of the United States and Canada.” The additional certificate must be dated within six weeks of travel (otherwise, it’s best to have the seller ship them).

15. Can I bring cheese back home from the Netherlands?

Most varieties of Dutch cheeses will make it through customs, although typically unpasteurized and raw cheeses may not. Cheese should also be vacuum-bagged (for the sake of your fellow travelers as well as for healthy and safety). 

16. Mind the cyclists – and the cycling lanes

Cyclists in Amsterdam mean serious business. Never walk in a cycling lane, or you'll risk the wrath of an angry local on wheels. Always take a good look both ways before crossing – bicycles are silent, but an accident can be very serious for cyclists and pedestrians. 

17. Don’t rent a car – rent a bike instead

Driving in Amsterdam is notoriously difficult, especially in the city center. Narrow cobblestone alleys and canals make maneuvering tough, plus parking is scarce and pricey (and it's usually not available, even at hotels).

Helmets are not legally mandated but strongly recommended. Most bike shops rent them for as little as €2.50 a day.

18. Be careful around canals

Almost none have barriers, and yes, tourist drownings have happened.

19. Watch out for pickpockets

Amsterdam’s compact downtown (chock-full of foot traffic and often folks who are under the influence) is the perfect recipe for thieves – especially in busy squares and typical visitor areas. Stay aware, and don't keep all your documents and valuables on you. 

20. What to do if you need medical care in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has an abundance of English-speaking doctors and medical care services targeted towards travelers, such as Hoteldoc and Amsterdam Tourist Doctors . For urgent medical care, dial 112 for emergencies or +31 20 570 9500 directly for an ambulance.

This article was first published December 2021 and updated March 2024

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20 Tips for Visiting Amsterdam to know Before Your First Trip

By: Author Sophie Nadeau

Posted on Last updated: 27th February 2024

Categories Amsterdam

Last Updated on 27th February 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

As a beautiful city filled with canals and quirky architecture  (as well as more than enough adventure activities) , the capital city of the Netherlands, Amsterdam , makes for the perfect weekend getaway (or an even a longer stint). Here’s some practical advice, tricks, and tips for visiting Amsterdam.

Hopefully, they’ll be useful whether it’s your first time in the city, or whether it’s your hundredth- after all, we all need little reminders every once in a while!

After all, there are plenty of Amsterdam mistakes that you could easily make by accident if you’ve never visited the city before! For more inspiration before your trip, check out our guide on how to spend one perfect day in Amsterdam .

#1 Mind the cyclists!

#2 rent a bike, #3 keep an eye on your belongings, #4 be prepared for all weathers (rain, sun, and everything in between), #5 learn the difference between coffee shops and cafés, #6 bring your camera along, #7 just don’t photograph those working in the red light district., #8 save money by enjoying a picnic in the park, #9 plan your accommodation well in advance.

• #10 Also, try some street food

#11 Check out a museum/ gallery (or two)

#12 try some local food, #13 check out the tulips in amsterdam, #14 explore a few different neighbourhoods, #15 you purchase beer by the half print in amsterdam, #16 some of the best of the netherlands is outside of amsterdam, #17 go in search of filming locations, #18 explore amsterdam off the beaten path, #19 don’t forget to bring a universal travel adapter along, #20 buy a dutch phrasebook, #21 don’t rent a car in amsterdam, #22 amsterdam is a great city for solo travellers, #23 not everything is closed on a sunday, #24 book attractions ahead of time, #25 be inspired by a book, film, or tv show about amsterdam, #26 plan for your trip by searching social media, watch the amsterdam vlog, enjoyed reading about the best tips for visiting amsterdam and mistakes to avoid making in the dutch capital pin it now, read it again later:, amazing amsterdam travel tips.

One of the top Amsterdam things to know before visiting is that the bicycle is king! Everywhere you look, you’ll find dozens of cyclists, going all directions (and at all speeds). Before crossing the road, double or triple check as people in Amsterdam pedal through the city via bicycles at great speed.

If you’re planning to visit a lot of sites while in the city and you don’t want to cycle (or walk) the entire time, then you might consider purchasing an Amsterdam public transport ticket. 

And while we’re on the subject of cycling, one of the best tips for visiting Amsterdam I can give you, is that you embark on a cycling adventure of your own while in the city!

You can easily rent a bike at one of the many cycle hire shops dotted around the city (shop around to source the best deal). When renting a bike, you can easily go off exploring for a day or two, or simply rent the bicycle for just a few hours!

Cycle around to see the outskirts of the city, explore the parks, or even take a day trip out of Amsterdam via bike. Renting a bike will also allow you to cycle into the Dutch countryside if you so wish. If you prefer to get to know the city together with a local guide, then you might consider booking a bicycle tour like this one.

Like every other capital city in Europe (and the rest of the world) , Amsterdam has no shortage of opportunist pickpocketers who won’t hesitate to pluck that phone or wallet out of your open handbag.

Keep an eye on your stuff, use a saddlebag rather than a rucksack and make sure everything zips up properly! In other words: be sensible.

In a previous post ‘ what to pack for Amsterdam ’, I alluded to the fact that you must be prepared for all-weather when it comes to the city. In the winter, you can expect snow, while in the summer you can expect plenty of sunshine (with the occasional shower) . And in the ‘shoulder’ seasons?

Well, expect a range from the freezing cold to the sweltering heat. It’s best to pack an umbrella, and plenty of layers you can easily change up depending on the weather!

Like many European cities, Amsterdam is a place best explored on foot and so you’ll also need a sturdy pair of walking shoes. For more inspiration, be sure to check out our guide on what to do in Amsterdam when it rains.

Don’t be like me and embarrass yourself by accidentally saying the wrong one (when all you wanted to do was find a good spot for a morning cappuccino) . Learn and remember  the difference.

After all, there is just one very important difference: one is for your regular latté (cafés) and the other is where you can buy and smoke weed (and hash- the coffee shops).

Many of the canalside houses in Amsterdam date all the way back to the city’s golden age, and as such, they are old, quirky and beautiful. You can visit a number of these ancient homes in the form of house museums, dotted around the city and photographing them makes for a great souvenir. Here’s a guide to the best travel photography gear for your European adventures!

It is illegal (not to mention entirely disrespectful) to photograph those working in the Red Light District of the city. Just don’t do it.

Though I didn’t find Amsterdam nearly as expensive to visit as cities such as London or Paris, there are always ways you can save money (in order to splurge on museum visits or day trips, or nicer accommodation).

One of the ways we saved money in Amsterdam during our visit, was by enjoying picnics in the park, with ingredients purchased from local supermarkets. When it comes to green spaces in the city, one of the largest (and most impressive) parks in the city is Vondelpark.

The lush green 45-hectare area makes for a great picnic spot and a wonderful place to escape the crowds of the city centre, especially if you’re exploring the Dutch capital by bike.

It should come as no surprise to you that the limited size of Amsterdam (the city’s waterways and the sheer volume of people limit new construction in the city centre) means that space is tight. For a particularly unusual experience while in the Dutch capital, here’s my guide to the best of Amsterdam houseboats you can actually stay in!

In order to ensure the best accommodation, book well in advance. This is particularly important for those looking to visit at peak season (ie, during the Summer months and during school holidays). Check accommodation prices in Amsterdam here. 

#10 Also , try some street food

And while we’re on the subject of eating, make sure to try some of the street food available in the city (which is also a great way to save money while visiting Amsterdam).

A local speciality in Amsterdam is frites (also known as patat and they come complete with a heavenly mayonnaise sauce). Stroopwaffles are also incredibly popular (as well as the regular kind) .

There are over seventy-five official museums and galleries dotted throughout Amsterdam and its surrounds. Though, of course, new ones are popping up all the time! As a result, there’s pretty much something for everyone! If you’re looking to visit a number of cultural spaces while in the city, perhaps you might consider investing in an I Amsterdam City Card.

From the Cat Cabinet (yep, dedicated to all things feline-related) to the Our Lord in the Attic (a charming church preserved in the attic of a 17th-century townhouse in the red light district), there’s something for everyone to enjoy. If you’re looking for small museums to visit in Amsterdam , I’ve previously written a short guide!

You can’t visit Amsterdam and not sample at least a little of its world-famous cuisine and speciality foods. Dozens of iconic cheese ( Gouda , Edam and Leerdammer-to name but a few) and the everlasting brand Heineken all originate in the Netherlands.

You can even take part in the ‘Heinekenn Experience’ , learning about beer brewing and the history of the famous brand. In various cheese shops throughout the city, there’s ample opportunity to try local cheese in weird and wonderful flavours, including pesto, pepper, and even weed!

Throughout the city, you’ll find vibrant flower markets, dating back to a time when a single tulip bulb was as worth as much as a house (yes, this really happened!) Visit at least a flower market or two while you’re in the city and if you’re planning a visit during the Holland Tulip Season (late March- Early May) then there are plethora of tulip-related attractions and activities worth checking out.

For those who wish to enjoy the best of beautiful blooms make sure to take a day trip away from the city to see these lovely flowers in full bloom. Undoubtedly, the best place to see the tulips (other than the tulip fields themselves) is in the ‘Garden of Europe,’ of which you can find my full guide on how to visit Keukenhof here .

Amsterdam is divided into various districts, each with its own unique vibe- make sure to explore at least a few (either by bike or on foot). A personal favourite of mine is Jordaan- full of quiet streets and plenty of space to cycle around- particularly useful if you’re a little rusty on the bike!

As someone from the UK, who sees beer served by the pint on a regular basis, it seemed odd to me that local brews are often served by the half-pint throughout the city.

However, this makes sense as you’re able to try multiple beers without getting intoxicated, meaning that you can thoroughly enjoy your Amsterdam experience! One of my favourite pubs in Amsterdam is that of Cafe de Sluyswacht , where you can even purchase vegan bitterballen together with your beer!

If you plan your visit to the Netherlands with the sole intention of exploring Amsterdam, then this would be your first Amsterdam mistake. There are plenty of day trips to be taken from the Dutch capital and thanks to the ease of using public transport (as well as the affordable cost) , hopping from city to city couldn’t be easier.

After all, within an hour’s train ride of the city, you’ll find the architectural wonder of Rotterdam, the pretty University city of Leiden , and the Political city of The Hague. For those looking to visit the tulips, then the Keukenhof Gardens are only open for two months of the year and are best visited in April .

Many a film has been shot in Amsterdam and today, the filming locations are simply waiting to be explored. Perhaps most famous of all is the Fault in Our Stars Bench, a place so ‘insta-famous’ that it now has its own geo-locations online and the like. For more TFIOS filming locations, check out my guide!

Whether you’re a fan of little-known churches or you simply want to soak up all of the history, there’s an unusual and secret spot in Amsterdam for everyone to enjoy.

One of my favourite places in Amsterdam (that isn’t so much of a secret now as it was just a few years ago), is the Begijnhof Amsterdam , a quiet courtyard that’s home to some of the oldest residences in the city.

Otherwise, there are plenty of other stunning hofjes in Amsterdam , predominantly in the Jordaan district. And if you’re looking for an entirely different perspective on the city, perhaps you might consider taking a city canal cruise .

Lasting around 75 minutes, this meander along Amsterdam’s waterways allows for you to enjoy the city’s history via its many canals. From the historical centre to the skinny bridge, it’s an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon or morning.

Another of my favourite secret spots in Amsterdam is the Oudemanhuispoort , a book market in a hidden covered arcade. Finally, for a complete overlook at alternative Amsterdam, here’s my guide to the best-kept secrets of Amsterdam .

If you’re visiting The Netherlands from the USA, UK, Canda, and a plethora of other countries, then you should know that you’ll need to bring along a travel adapter.

The plugs in The Netherlands are C and F. If you want to save money, then purchase this all-in-one travel adapter that will allow you to use your electronics in over 150 countries!

If there’s one hobby we could all do with taking up, it’s  learning a new language ! There are plenty of resources online, as well as the opportunity to do language exchanges with native speakers via video call and telephone chats.

If you truly want to master a new language and don’t live in that language, then some of my top tips are as follows; be sure to practice every day (even if it’s just for ten minutes, you surely won’t regret it), immerse yourself in the language via TV programmes and music.

Though you’ll soon discover that the Dutch are incredibly good at English, it’s only polite to learn a few words of the local language in any country you’re visiting.

Buy this Dutch phrasebook and you’ll soon have easy access to any commonly used little phrase that you might need during your Netherlands adventure! Here are some Dutch phrases to help you on your trip:

• #1 Hallo / Hello
• #2 Bedankt / Thanks
• #3 Sorry / Sorry
• Alstublieft / Please
• #5 Eekhoorntjesbrood / Porcini mushrooms (literal translation Squirrel’s Bread)
• #6 Pardon / Pardon/ excuse me
• #7 Ijsje / Ice Cream
• #8 Ik ben vegetariër / I’m vegetarian.
• #9 Fiets / Bike

If you’re planning a trip to Amsterdam, then be sure to not rent a car (unless it’s to take day trips from the city- and even then only book the car for the day you take the day trip) .

Public transport in Amsterdam is generally safe (be mindful of pickpockets) , convenient, efficient, and very affordable. Alternatively, you can easily get around the city on two wheels, i.e. on a bicycle!

Lots of Amsterdam (and in particular the touristic parts) can easily be explored on foot, and to get to further away parts of the city you can get a bus, tram, or the underground. Renting a car will only incur costs, be expensive to park, and is generally not a good idea for getting around the city.

Amsterdam is easily one of my top picks for  solo travel in Europe , and not just because English is widely spoken, making it easy to get around. Amsterdam is also easy to visit on foot since most of the city’s main attractions are grouped close together. For more inspiration, be sure to check out our solo travel guide to Amsterdam.

Just about everything you could possibly want to see and do is open on a Sunday in Amsterdam . From museums to attractions to restaurants and cafés, there’s no shortage of open places to visit.

Just be warned that the city can get pretty busy in the afternoon (particularly the museums) and so be sure to go earlier in the day if possible.

With this being said, certain shops will be shut on Sunday and some supermarkets may be open on a reduced schedule, so be sure to get any grocery shopping out of the way on the Saturday beforehand.

Whether you want to go on a canal cruise, check out a small independent museum, or embark on a walking tour, you should note that Amsterdam is one of the most popular cities to visit in Europe and so many of the best activities sell out ahead of time. For more information, check out our suggestions on what to book in advance in Amsterdam .

Before visiting Amsterdam be inspired by the city by diving into a book about the Dutch capital.

Some of our must-read picks include Anne Frank’s Diary, The Miniaturist (a historical fiction book set in Amsterdam’s Golden Age) , and Tulip Fever (a book set in the tulip mania of Amsterdam). Alternatively, if you’re looking to learn about the history of the city, then Amsterdam: A History of the World’s Most Liberal City is a great primer.

When it comes to Amsterdam, there are many series and films set against the backdrop of the Dutch capital. Of course, everyone knows that much of The Fault in Our Stars was set in the city .

The Miniaturist (based on the novel of the same name) was set in Amsterdam, but was actually filmed in the city of Leiden . In terms of series set in Amsterdam, one of the most popular along viewers is that of Baptiste, a crime thriller.

In this day and age, one of the best ways to get inspiration before any trip is to search for social media content about the place you’re going to.

Some of the best bloggers based in Amsterdam include @polabur (her beautiful images often include photos of her dessert shop- Polaberry- products, which is based in the Jordaan district of the city), @yourlbb (offers fantastic food and travel recommendations for the city), and @amsterdamfoodie (for all the food lovers out there).

Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.

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techsoft tips

Saturday 20th of April 2019

Good information, appreciate the tip about the water bottles.

Últimas dicas

Wednesday 21st of February 2018

A beautiful place, safe, calm and conveying peace

Traveling to Amsterdam First Time (2024): 22 Tips & Tricks for Your Visit

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: December 20, 2023

Are you visiting Amsterdam for the first time and wondering what to expect? Planning a trip to Amsterdam might be overwhelming indeed and especially so if this is your first time in the city!

In this article, you can find some of our top travel tips for Amsterdam .

From when to travel, how long and where to stay, to some essential travel tips that will save you time and money – this guide will not only help you plan a trip to Amsterdam but will also help you avoid some mistakes and have a more memorable travel experience.

Take a look!

Best 4 Experiences to Book in Advance:

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

These are our top travel tips for visiting Amsterdam:

1. Avoid peak season

Amsterdam is one of the world’s most visited cities and no matter when you visit, expect it to be busy. And even now when tourism is just starting to recover after the pandemic, Amsterdam is at the top of Europe’s most visited cities.

The city can get REALLY busy and overtourism is an issue. In fact, Amsterdam has been actively working on limiting tourism and making the city more liveable for the locals again.

A few examples – the city removed the overly popular iAmsterdam sign at the Rijksmuseum, has introduced strict rules for people renting out private properties to tourists (which has led to a huge decrease in short-term rentals on Airbnb and Booking), and has forbidden public use of alcohol or tour groups stopping in the main streets of the Red Light District.

Tourists are welcome, of course, but they want to keep the city enjoyable for everyone, in all seasons.

That being said, some seasons are better than others and if you plan well, you can avoid the biggest crowds and enjoy your visit to Amsterdam so much more. It’s especially busy in the summer, but also in late spring (when everyone comes to see the Dutch tulip fields ) and in the early fall, around Christmas, etc.

So if you are just starting to plan your trip to Amsterdam, try to come in a lower season . As a minimum, avoid summer weekends and also the weekends around public holidays . You’ll enjoy Amsterdam better if you come at a quieter time!

READ ALSO: Amsterdam in June & Amsterdam in December

2. Book in advance (& save time + money)

Being such a popular destination, a visit to Amsterdam requires some advance planning and preparation .

The biggest cost of traveling to Amsterdam is usually accommodation . Hotels in Amsterdam are really expensive and it will not get better now that so many private owners took their properties away from Airbnb. So if you want to visit Amsterdam without spending a fortune, you should reserve your accommodation well in advance.

The longer upfront you book, the bigger the choice, and thus better prices. In the low season, you might find some good last-minute deals, but don’t count on it. Also, there are some things you should know before booking your accommodation in Amsterdam – see the next point (#3) for more info!

Be sure to get skip-the-line tickets for all the most popular tourist attractions in Amsterdam ! Without advance reservations, you won’t be able to visit some places at all.

If you are planning on visiting the Anne Frank House , be sure to reserve your tickets in advance ! In the lower season you may get lucky to get the tickets a week or two in advance (we recommend checking at least 2-3 weeks before). However, when visiting Amsterdam in the peak season, you should be ready to book Anne Frank House tickets as soon as they become available (generally, 6 weeks before your visit).

Pre-covid, you could also just arrive at the museum, wait in a (very long) line, and hope to get in. But at the moment, online reservations are obligatory for the Anne Frank House. These are the most sought-after tickets in Amsterdam and booking last minute is practically impossible.

TIP: There is now one guided tour that includes entry to Anne Frank House . It also takes you to the Jewish Quarter. However, this tour only runs a few times a week and has limited availability too, so booking in advance is still essential!

While not as difficult to get in as Anne Frank House, we also highly recommend booking the skip-the-line tickets for all other major attractions and museums in Amsterdam (particularly for the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum ). This will make your visit so much more enjoyable and you’ll be sure you can actually visit the places you want to visit without wasting too much time.

In fact, in the summer season, Van Gogh Museum tickets now also sell out a week or two in advance. Not even to mention being able to pick a time slot that suits you…

So this tip really applies to most of the tourist attractions in the city. If you don’t want to waste time (and want to be sure to visit), book your tickets before you go.

TIP: This – digital – Amsterdam Pass includes the 3 most popular tourist attractions in Amsterdam: Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and a canal cruise. Plus, it allows you to choose timed-entry slots for the museums in one booking.

READ ALSO: Best Museums to Visit in Amsterdam

3. Stay in the city center

Despite the high price tag of Amsterdam accommodations, we recommend staying in the city center. Especially if you are only visiting Amsterdam for a day or two and/or are planning on taking some day trips outside the city.

Staying in the heart of Amsterdam is part of the experience and being close to everything will also limit the amount of walking you have to do. We recommend staying in the area southwest of the Central Station, west of Damrak and north of Rijksmuseum . It’s a rather big area with lots of hotels and within walking distance of most places of interest.

TIP: If you are planning on doing day trips by train, it’s easier to be within short walking distance from the main railway station – it will save you so much time. Also if you book organized tours, they’ll often depart from the central station. So keep this in mind when choosing where to stay in Amsterdam.

Here are some of the best-rated and centrally-located Amsterdam hotels for all budgets:

• €€€€€+ Hotel TwentySeven – Small Luxury Hotels of the World – luxurious 5* boutique hotel.
• €€€€€ NH Collection Amsterdam Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky – the most popular and more affordable 5* hotel in the city center.
• €€€€ Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam – one of the most popular 4* hotels, also good for day trips (very close to the station).
• €€€ Eden Hotel Amsterdam – this 4* hotel is a very popular mid-budget choice.
• €€ ClinkNOORD Hostel – one of the best-rated lower-budget hotels. Somewhat further away than the others, but still close to everything.
• € The Flying Pig Downtown – one of the most popular budget hotels in the city center.

Good to know: We recommend booking your hotels in Amsterdam via Booking.com because you know exactly what you will pay. Many hotels advertise lower prices if you book directly through them, but ‘forget’ to tell you that they will add a 7% + 3 euros per night per person tourist tax to your bill when you check out (at best, they say something vague like ‘taxes and fees are excluded’). Whereas Booking.com immediately shows you the actual price that you will pay in the end including all these taxes (and clearly shows how much you pay upfront and how much at the hotel).

READ ALSO: Best areas to stay in Amsterdam for your first trip

TIP: Using the map below, you can also compare hotels and accommodations in Amsterdam’s city center .

Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals available for your stay. Check it out!

4. Foresee enough time

While you can see the best of Amsterdam in two days , we recommend that you plan a longer stay if you can. Ideally, you plan at least 2-3 days for the main sights and attractions in Amsterdam city itself, plus 2-4 days for the rest of the Netherlands.

In addition to all the most popular sights and attractions in Amsterdam itself, there are so many interesting places nearby. So don’t miss the chance to see at least some of them! You can find more info on where to go further below at #16.

Also in Amsterdam itself, it’s usually so busy everywhere that it’s easy to get overwhelmed and tired trying to see it all.

So give yourself some free time to get a bit off the beaten path, explore the beautiful canals at night, get a drink at a local café… You’ll have a much better experience and a more memorable trip!

READ ALSO: 3 Days in Amsterdam and 4 Days in Amsterdam (detailed first-timer’s itineraries)

5. Save money with city cards or passes

If you are planning to visit many attractions in and around Amsterdam, take public transport, etc. then you may want to consider getting the iAmsterdam city card .

Just as it always goes with city cards, it offers much better value if you get it for a longer duration than for a 1-day visit . But it really depends on what you are planning to see and do. If you are visiting even just a few of the most popular museums, it quickly pays off. Not even to mention all the extras that are also included – e.g. bike rental, Zaanse Schans windmills, etc.

You can find more details and get the card here . Once you have the card, you can also download their app which will make it so much easier to make the most of what it has to offer.

Alternatively, you can also just opt for the all-in public transport ticket for the duration of your stay, and get the tickets for each of the attractions you plan to visit separately.

Good to know: The main disadvantage of iAmsterdam city card is that you still have to pre-book timed entry to some of the most popular attractions yourself. Plus, this card currently doesn’t include the Van Gogh Museum.

TIP: If you are only interested in the top attractions , then a digital pass like this one is a better option. It includes a canal cruise and two most popular museums (Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum) and allows you to reserve all the time slots at the moment of booking.

6. Use public transport

Amsterdam is a rather big city. And while the city center is walkable, the distances between some of the main places of interest quickly add up. So if you want to see a lot without getting exhausted, it’s often better to take public transport for some of the bigger distances.

A lot depends on where you are staying, how much time you have in the city, and what you plan to see and do each day. But the public transport system in Amsterdam is really efficient so don’t hesitate to use it. Taxis are quite expensive and usually not as fast as a tram, a ferry, or a metro.

If you just take a tram occasionally, you can simply scan your debit card or smartphone directly on the tram (don’t forget to scan it again when you leave!). If you are planning on taking public transport more often, instead of buying tickets for each ride, it’s better to get a public transport ticket for the duration of your stay . It’s valid on all buses, trams, metros, and ferries, and makes sightseeing in Amsterdam so much simpler. In addition, you can also download the GVB App which will make navigating the city even easier.

Airport transfers: If you are arriving at Schiphol International Airport (AMS) , the best way to get to the city center is by train. It takes less than 15 minutes. You can book a train ticket here . It’s a digital ticket with a QR code so you don’t have to waste your time at the station; it’s valid for any train between the airport and the central station on the selected day.

7. Explore the canals

If there’s one thing that you absolutely have to do in Amsterdam is explore its network of canals .

The best way to see a lot in a short time is by taking a canal cruise . There are countless options for boat tours and canal cruises – from sightseeing cruises to dinner cruises and so much more. This is a great way to get to know more about Amsterdam and see the city from another angle.

In addition, you should also take some time to walk around the city center and explore the canals on foot . It’s really not walking vs. boat – you should try to do both!

TIP: Amsterdam canals are very pretty in the evening when the buildings and the bridges are nicely lit. So be sure to come back and see them in the dark! Also here – you should try to do both – explore the canals during the day as well as in the evening. It’s a very different experience and a must-do in Amsterdam!

And since the choice of canal cruises is OVERWHELMING here are some of the best options :

• City Canal Cruise . This is the most popular sightseeing cruise, but it can get very busy on the boat (so arrive early and try to get a window seat). This canal cruise starts close to the central railway station.
• Luxury Canal City Cruise . If you have ever been on an overcrowded canal cruise in Amsterdam, you’ll realize that it’s well worth paying a few euros extra for a more luxurious experience. It’s still very affordable – check it out! This cruise is also available with a cheese & wine option . You can also opt for several departure locations close to the most popular sights.
• Evening Canal Cruise . This is the most popular cruise in the dark. Or you can opt for an evening cruise with pizza or a boat trip with a 4-course dinner .

READ ALSO: Amsterdam Canal Cruise: Tips for a Better Experience

8. Don’t miss Van Gogh!

There are so many interesting museums and experiences in Amsterdam, so the choice of where to go is not always easy, especially if you only have a day or two and can’t see it all. But if you visit just one museum in Amsterdam, make it the Van Gogh Museum.

This museum houses the largest collection of Van Gogh’s works in the world. With over 200 paintings, you’ll also see works by other artists from the same period. But the main focus is, of course, on the Netherlands’ most famous painter, his life, and masterpieces.

This is the most-visited museum in the Netherlands, and well worth it. Some people spend half a day to a day here, but it’s worth it even if you only have a few hours. We recommend planning at least 2 hours here.

Good to know: Also for Van Gogh Museum, be sure to book the skip-the-line tickets online in advance ! The entrance to this museum is no longer included with the I Amsterdam City Card but is included with this popular digital pass for the main attractions.

LEARN MORE: Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam: Info & Tips

9. Look for local restaurants & brown bars

Just like any big city, Amsterdam has some wonderful local restaurants, but also some places that are more touristy, overpriced, and often also offer lower quality. Try to avoid the latter. As a general rule, restaurants with pictures on the menu are catering to tourists and don’t often offer the best quality for the price you pay.

One of the best ways to find good places to eat is to simply ask the locals for the best restaurants nearby .

Or simply check Google Maps for the restaurants in the area and see which ones have the best customer reviews. We find that this is really the best way to avoid disappointment AND find a nice place that’s close to you when you are hungry.

However, the best restaurants are usually fully booked, especially for dinner. So it pays off to do some research before you go and reserve upfront.

TIP: If you want to go to a local pub for a drink, look for the so-called brown bars ( bruine kroeg ). These are the more authentic, old, and dark neighborhood cafes that you’ll find all over the city. They may not be hip, but if you are looking for a truly local experience, this is it. Every Amsterdamer is said to have their own favorite brown café.

10. Check if they take credit cards & carry some cash

Most places in Amsterdam accept credit cards and other electronic payments nowadays. Some don’t even use cash at all.

However, there are still many places that don’t take credit cards and if they do take them, it’s only VISA or MasterCard. AMEX and Diners Club are quite useless in Europe. Often, you’ll be able to pay by a regular European debit card Maestro (or, as the Dutch say, ‘ pinnen ’), but if you are traveling from outside of Europe, this may not be an option for you.

So – to avoid unpleasant situations – be sure to check if a restaurant or a café takes credit cards before you sit down for a meal or a drink . And it never harms to carry some cash with you either.

PRO TIP: If a place doesn’t take cash or credit cards and you don’t have a European debit card (Maestro), you can usually still pay using a cashless payment system on your smartphone. So be sure that you have this option available, because sometimes, this will be the only way to pay! (And not just in the Netherlands but also in many other places in Europe).

Also, most European countries use credit cards with a pin and might not even accept card payments with a signature anymore. So it might be a good idea to get a travel credit card with a chip and a pin if you are planning on visiting Europe. Once again, only MasterCard or VISA are widely accepted.

TIP:  If you don’t have the right credit card and want to get a new one, check out this selection of  the best American credit cards for travel . I recommend choosing  a card with no foreign transaction fees  (and a pin!).

Good to know: Sometimes, you have to pay for the use of bathrooms in Amsterdam. Some places only take cards while others only take coins. So it’s always useful to have some small change in your pocket. Oh, and it goes without saying – you have to pay in Euros in the Netherlands.

11. Be smart when exchanging your money

If you need to use an ATM during your visit, opt to be charged in local currency .

Never allow the machine to convert the charge to your home currency! This is because it allows the ATM provider or bank to set the exchange rate, pushing up your fees considerably.

Keep this in mind when using credit cards to pay for goods or services. Every time you pay by card, you’ll be presented with two choices – pay in your currency or in local currency (Euro). Always – ALWAYS – choose to pay in Euro.

This is one of the most common (yet legal) scams that can cost you a lot of money. I once lost about 16% in currency exchange at an ATM in London by choosing my own currency. Lesson learned.

12. Have your ID with you at all times

It’s the law in the Netherlands (and also in Belgium , Italy , and some other EU countries) to always carry your official identification document on you . This applies to everyone from the age of 14 and older.

It can be your national ID card (for EU travelers) or your passport (for international travelers), but you should always have it on you. In principle, copies aren’t acceptable.

Now, having said this, it’s very rare for the police to control anyone’s documents. And it’s very unlikely that you’ll ever be asked to identify yourself (unless you do something really stupid, of course). But the law is the law.

13. Pack a small crossbody bag

Most museums and popular tourist attractions in Amsterdam don’t allow backpacks or big bags inside. No matter how big or small your backpack is, you will be asked to leave it in a locker. The same with bigger bags.

Luckily, indeed, pretty much all popular tourist attractions in Amsterdam now offer free lockers that you can use during your visit. And it is very handy – even if just to leave your jacket or some souvenirs that you bought.

However, you may not always be comfortable leaving your bag with documents or other important stuff in a locker. Therefore, we highly recommend packing a small crossbody bag with you.

I always use a crossbody bag when traveling in European cities and was only asked to leave it in a locker twice – once in a narrow cathedral tower in Bern, Switzerland , and once in the Jewish Museum in Amsterdam . But my crossbody bag is rather big and can fit a big DSLR camera plus a water bottle in it. If you just take a small bag for your documents, you’ll normally be able to keep it on you at all times.

14. Dress for all kinds of weather

The weather in the Netherlands is really changeable and quite difficult to predict long in advance. In general, May to September are the nicest months, but it can rain and get chilly at any time of the year . It’s also not exceptional to experience a heatwave in summer or a snowstorm in winter.

Because you really never know what you get, it’s essential to check the weather forecast a few days before your visit , so that you know more or less what to expect and what to pack. But use this just as an indication and remember that the weather can change quite quickly. Plus, it’s often really windy in Amsterdam.

No matter the season, dress according to the weather and also in layers . That way, you are always prepared and can enjoy your visit to Amsterdam no matter the weather. Remember, there’s no bad weather, only inappropriate clothing…

READ ALSO: Amsterdam at Christmas

15. Prepare to walk a lot & wear comfortable shoes

You probably already know that visiting any city usually involves a lot of walking. Amsterdam is no exception. No matter how you plan your time, you will end up walking a lot, so be sure to wear very comfortable shoes .

There are also many cobbled streets, so high heels are really out of the question for sightseeing.

The good thing is that Amsterdam is quite compact and much more walkable than most other capital cities in Europe. It’s not nearly as spread out as e.g. London , Paris , or Rome , and you can quite easily walk between all the major attractions in Amsterdam city center on foot.   

16. Don’t walk on bike lanes & don’t bike on sidewalks

Now that we established that you’ll be walking a lot, there are some things you should know about Amsterdam. The bike is the king of the city and everyone is biking in Amsterdam.

There are usually separate bike lanes and they are ONLY meant for bikes. So do not walk on bike lanes , and don’t stand on them either. If you have to cross the bike lane, do it as quickly and as carefully as you can.

While locals are quite used to tourists, it doesn’t mean that they’ll want to stop for you when you are in their way. So beware of bikes, look in all directions before crossing the bike lane, and don’t stay on it longer than absolutely necessary.

The same also counts in the other direction. If you rent a bike , be sure to ONLY drive on the bike lanes. Sidewalks are for pedestrians!

We’ve been to Amsterdam so many times and I always find the bikes and the traffic overwhelming. If you are visiting Amsterdam for the first time, it’s probably not the best idea to rent a bike in the city center (biking in the parks and the areas outside the city is a better choice).

TIP: If you want to explore Amsterdam by bike (it’s a really nice way to see the city, btw), do yourself a favor and book a guided bike tour . Local guides know exactly where to go and where you can or cannot bike, and you’ll be able to actually enjoy this experience. I can’t imagine having to stop to look for directions at every intersection if you don’t know where to go – other bikes will run over you…

We recently did this ‘Backstreets and Hidden Gems’ bike tour in Amsterdam and I can highly recommend it. It takes you to some lesser-known areas in the city that you would likely not see otherwise. Plus, biking is more relaxing once you leave the busy center.

17. Don’t come by car

While you can visit Amsterdam by car, it’s really not the best idea. The traffic is busy and you might lose a lot of time, but that’s not the only reason. You won’t really need a car in the city, and you won’t be able to do much with it either. For bigger distances in the city, simply use public transport .

Furthermore, parking is really expensive in Amsterdam. Most hotels don’t have their own parking either. And if they do, be prepared to pay around 50 EUR per day.

We once visited Amsterdam for a day driving from Belgium and parked in an underground garage in the city center. We stayed less than 10 hours and it cost us 50 EUR. And we didn’t even stay the whole day. The price was the same whether you stayed 8 or 24 hours and the prices have gone up since then as well…

So consider this and only rent the car if you absolutely need it. You won’t need it for Amsterdam and also the best day trips from Amsterdam can be done without a car. More info about the day trips – below.

TIP: If you absolutely have to come by car, do some research for cheaper parking. Some places offer good discounts if you book online in advance.

18. Explore beyond the city

Amsterdam is a beautiful city, but there is SO MUCH MORE to the Netherlands than just its capital . So don’t limit your visit to just Amsterdam and explore outside the city as well.

You can easily take a train to some of the other cities and towns. Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, Delft , Gouda, Haarlem – all these are easy day trip destinations from Amsterdam by train . Check out this regional train ticket if you are planning on traveling by train and public transport in and near the city. For places further away, you’ll need to buy separate tickets.

In addition, there is the beautiful Dutch countryside, the seaside, and lots of other options. For places closer to the city, you can rent a bike or join a fun tour with a local. And pretty much any popular destination in the Netherlands can also be visited with a tour.

You would really be missing a lot if you don’t see more of the Netherlands beyond Amsterdam!

Here are our top suggestions for places to visit near Amsterdam:

• Day tour to Volendam, Marken, Edam, and Zaanse Schans (traditional towns and windmills just near Amsterdam). Going with a tour allows you to easily see all these places in one day. We recently took this tour and I can highly recommend it if you want to see some of the nicest places near Amsterdam in half a day.

LEARN MORE: Dutch Countryside – Top Places Near Amsterdam

• Keukenhof & tulip fields (early spring only!). The easiest way to visit is by booking a transfer or a tour from Amsterdam. These days, you need to get a timed-entry ticket for Keukenhof too, so plan ahead!

LEARN MORE: Keukenhof Gardens & Lisse Tulip Fields

• Giethoorn day trip (difficult to do without a car, so go with a tour ).
• Rotterdam, Delft & The Hague . You can visit each of them separately by train, but the easiest way to see the best of all three towns in just 1 day is by booking a tour .

READ ALSO: Best Day Trips from Amsterdam

19. Know what a coffeeshop is

You may have already heard that the Netherlands is one of the most progressive countries in the world and that they allow personal consumption of cannabis. Places where you can buy cannabis are called coffeeshops ( koffieshop in Dutch) and you’ll find them all over the Netherlands.

Coffeeshops (normally one word, but in English, they also use two – coffee shop) are not to be confused with cafés where you go for a coffee!

Please note that coffeeshops are not cafes and you also cannot buy alcohol there. Coffeeshops are places where people don’t only buy cannabis, but also hang around and smoke joints with their friends. You’ll usually smell a coffeeshop long before you see it…

One of the best-known coffeeshops in Amsterdam is The Bulldog (est. 1975). It now has many different locations all over the center. But there are many, many others.

TIP: If you don’t know where to start, but want to learn more about this side of Amsterdam, check out this popular walking tour that visits some of the most popular coffeeshops in Amsterdam, but also includes local food and more.

20. Don’t do drugs

While personal consumption of cannabis is tolerated in the Netherlands, I’d stay away from any drugs, and definitely as a visitor. You just never know what exactly is or isn’t allowed and it’s easy to get into deep trouble.

For example, smoking cannabis in a big part of Amsterdam’s city center in public has been recently forbidden. This includes the entire Red Lights District, but also Nieuwmarkt, Dam Square, and Damrak.

Also, if you ‘forget’ even a tiny amount of drugs in your pocket when traveling home or when crossing borders with neighboring countries, you can get fined or even arrested.

So stay away from drugs and remember that there are so many better ways to enjoy Amsterdam and the Netherlands!

21. Be considerate and behave

Too many visitors come to Amsterdam to party without any consideration of the impact their behavior has on the city and the locals. So don’t be a touron (if you are not familiar with the term, it’s an abbreviation of tourist & moron)!

Walking through the Red Light district? Remain polite and refrain from taking pictures of other people. Celebrating a bachelor party with your friends? Just use a bathroom of a café and not a canal or a corner of a street!

The rule is quite simple, really – don’t be a touron . If you wouldn’t do it at home, don’t do it in Amsterdam either. Do I really need to say more?

22. Try local food & beers

Dutch food might not have the best reputation in Europe (indeed, we are spoiled with choices and some of the best cuisines), but I do encourage you to try some traditional food and drinks when visiting Amsterdam. After all, it is part of any travel experience!

No trip to the Netherlands would be complete without trying bitterballen , herring, or stroopwafels .

And yes, you will probably want to try Heineken beer too. If interested, you can also visit the Heineken Experience . It’s quite conveniently located close to the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum and is therefore easy to squeeze into your itinerary. A visit here is nice and is not just for beer drinkers. You can see the historic brewery and it’s really educational and entertaining.

But remember that there are many better beers in the Netherlands than Heineken. So – if you like beer – look for some lesser-known craft beers and be sure to try some abbey beers as well.

TIP: One of the best ways to get acquainted with Dutch food (and also get to know the more local side of Amsterdam) is to join a food tour with a local . We find that food tours are really great for experiencing a new destination. If you do such a tour, try to do it at the beginning of your trip – that way, you can get some tips and recommendations for the rest of your stay in Amsterdam.

So, these are some of our top tips for visiting Amsterdam. Hope you find this info and tips useful.

Have a great time in Amsterdam!

More travel inspiration for visiting Amsterdam & the Netherlands :

• BEST things to do in Amsterdam
• TOP museums in Amsterdam
• How to spend 1 day in Amsterdam
• How to spend 2 days in Amsterdam
• How to spend 3 days in Amsterdam
• How to spend 4 days in Amsterdam
• Amsterdam countryside: top places & how to visit
• Visiting Kinderdijk Windmills
• Alkmaar Cheese Market
• Best things to do in Delft
• Best tulip fields in the Netherlands
• Tips for visiting Keukenhof Gardens

Some travel inspiration for Belgium:

• What to see & do in Brussels
• Where to stay in Brussels & Most popular Brussels hotels
• What to see & do in Antwerp
• Hidden gems of Antwerp
• What to see & do in Bruges
• Belgium itinerary for 3 – 4 days
• Fun facts about Belgium

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Thursday 30th of March 2023

Hi Jurga, would you recommend staying next to the station or next to Rijksmuseum? We are staying for 2 days. Thank you

Hi Liza, both are excellent areas so it all really depends on your preference. If you are arriving by train and/or have lots of luggage or simply want to be able to walk to your hotel, then the station area is easier. If you don't mind taking public transport or a taxi to get to your hotel, then it really doesn't matter. PS Take a look at our 2-day Amsterdam itinerary for some ideas on how to plan your time.

35 Amsterdam Travel Tips for First Timers & Must Knows Before You Go

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Amsterdam is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but one thing that gets downplayed is how easy it is to mess up here.

From tourist traps and misleading advice on social media to key attractions that sell out months in advance, Amsterdam is one of those cities that you need to study up and prepare for.

Do so successfully though, and you’ll join the ranks of millions who adore this city and would move there in a heartbeat.

So, read on for a full list of Amsterdam tips and must-knows for saving money, avoiding scams and navigating the city like a pro… oh, and for skipping the city’s longest cookie line. But more on that later.

Save this List of Amsterdam Travel Tips for Later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

1. Plan around Amsterdam’s peak seasons

First: in terms of when to visit, please be mindful that Amsterdam is one of the most popular destinations in Europe, which means there will pretty much always be crowds.

In addition to the usual summer and holiday rush that most European hotspots experience, Amsterdam is also especially popular for Spring frolics in Europe around mid-April because of the Netherlands’ world famous tulips. This period also coincides with the long Easter holidays that many European countries have, which means a higher number of families and students visiting as well.

In addition to that, Amsterdam is a very popular weekend destination for those in Europe wanting a city break (and a boozy place for bachelor/bachelorette parties).

All in all, if you want to minimize the number of crowds and also minimize costs, aim for weekdays and off season if you can, like late Fall and Winter.

2. Prioritize hotels/hostels over other forms of accommodation

Once upon a time, one of the best ways to save money when you travel was staying in an Airbnb or rental apartment, rather than a hotel.

There’s a few reasons why I wouldn’t advise this in Amsterdam.

First – Airbnbs are a controversial topic in the Netherlands, especially in Amsterdam where there’s a severe housing shortage. But, besides not wanting to contribute to that issue, rental apartments also come with their own inconveniences like needing to meet with your host and coordinating check-in.

As an example of this, on my recent trip to Amsterdam. I booked a very nice looking rental off of Booking.com . While the apartment itself was nice enough on the inside, I was sent a truly wild list of restrictive rules, had to bank transfer the guy 500 euro as a deposit (!!!) and then discovered upon arrival that they were renovating the upstairs which meant ultra loud drilling at random times.

To add insult to injury, I even had to fight to get my deposit back after they just seemingly forgot to give it back. Overall, the experience left a very bad taste in my mouth. So from now on, only standard accommodation like hotels (or hostels) where there’s a reception desk!

3. Prioritize hotels in a central location, or near transit hubs

If budget allows, I would also prioritize booking accommodation in the centre of Amsterdam as much as possible. When finding the best hotels in Europe, often I’ll compromise on location if that means I get a ‘nicer’ or more budget-friendly hotel … but in Amsterdam, I would prioritize location above these two other factors.

Why? It sounds silly, but there is just something inexplicably dreamy about navigating Amsterdam on foot, and staying in the city centre means you can walk everywhere with ease, meaning less time commuting and more time wistfully prancing.

If a city centre hotel is out of your budget though, I would advise picking a nice hotel close to a Metro station or if you want to stay even farther away, near a train station. Amsterdam and the Netherlands in general are fairly small so as long as you’re close to a transport stop, you’re never too far from the sights. 

BONUS TIP: If you’re on a budget, do look into the Noord neighbourhood which is right across the main train station and takes only 5 minutes on a free ferry!

4. Look into Amsterdam’s quirky accommodation options

It’s worth noting as well that if you’re into quirky accommodation, then Amsterdam has a pretty amazing selection of weird and wonderful places to sleep.

In the past, I’ve stayed on a houseboat , in a hostel housed in a former laboratory , and even a hostel on a train (which I honestly wouldn’t recommend because there was nowhere to lock up your belongings).

Amsterdam is also home to a Botel (pretty self explanatory – it’s a hotel on a boat), as well as a shockingly luxurious hotel in a… crane.

All to say, be sure to shop around when it comes to accommodation in Amsterdam because there are so many cool options… just make sure you always read reviews before booking.

5. Plan to spend minimum 3-4 days in Amsterdam

Next, in terms of how long to stay, I think a lot of people assume that one or two days is enough since the city is small, but honestly if you want to really fall in love with Amsterdam, then please, give yourself the gift of more time!

While you could quickly jet through all the sights and stare at them from the outside in 1-2 days, more time is needed to appreciate the museums, cafe culture and explore some of the cool neighborhoods outside of the main tourist core that make the city so special.

So, if you can, make sure you spend a few extra days – you definitely won’t regret it!

6. Book some side trips from Amsterdam

The Netherlands is such a wonderfully compact country that visiting other places from Amsterdam couldn’t be easier.

In terms of day trips, Zaanse Schans is a popular place for seeing typically Dutch things like windmills and wooden clogs or in the spring theres the Keukenhof Gardens which are among the largest flower gardens in the world. You can read my full Amsterdam to Keukenhof Day Trip guide for more info.

That said within an hour, you can also reach a ton of cool cities like Haarlem, Utrecht, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Delft…. So yes, don’t miss the opportunity while you’re in Amsterdam to check some of these destinations off your list!

7. Always take the train from the airport

If you are flying into Amsterdam, do keep in mind that Schipol Airport is very well connected to the city by train and the journey time is less than 20 minutes. This is usually the fastest and also the cheapest option, so skip the taxi if you can.

BONUS TIP: If you are taking the train, do not buy physical train tickets from the yellow/blue machines at train stations. Tickets purchased from these machines incur an additional 1 euro fee. Instead, you can tap in and out with a contactless card or you can get tickets in advance online (which can be slightly cheaper if you do so well in advance).

8. Explore on foot as much as possible

Once you’re in the city centre of Amsterdam, honestly the best way to explore is on foot 

You get to see so much this way, and it’s just overall the nicest experience especially because most of the main sights are within walkable distances. So, prioritize walking over trams (and especially the underground Metro!) whenever possible.

9. Avoid renting a bike unless you’re a very skilled cyclist

A lot of travel guides will tell you that renting a bike is the best way to see Amsterdam.

I have to harshly disagree with this one… unless you’re already a very proficient cyclist. The truth is, the bike lanes in Amsterdam can get busy and you’re not familiar with the rules of the road here, you could struggle a bit.

Cyclists in Amsterdam do not mess around and don’t have much patience for tourists who are sobbing in the bike lanes and making their lives difficult. So, if you’re not flawless on a bike, save yourself the pain. 

10. Familiarize yourself with Amsterdam’s public transport options

Now, again, I would advise walking as much as possible when you’re in Amsterdam, but for longer distances you have a few options:

• Ferries: FREE! Great for getting to the neighbourhoods across the water like Noord
• Trams: A great above-ground option for longer distances
• Metro: Great for traversing long distances quickly, though it loses points due to the lack of nice views

All of these are run by an operator known as GVB. This means that day tickets and passes can be used across multiple modes of transport, so no need to stress about getting different tickets for trams vs. metro.

11. Learn how to get the best deal on public transport

To pay for single tickets, the easiest way is to just tap on and off with a contactless card and then you’re charged automatically. You can also buy physical tickets at machines within each station, but it’s not actually cheaper this way.

Nonetheless, there are quite a few ways to save money on public transport in Amsterdam. Which option is best depends, so I’ll try to summarize it as simply as I can. 

As of 2024, the cost of a one hour adult GVB ticket is €3.40. However, the cost of a day ticket is €9 , with multi day tickets being a little cheaper per day with each day you add, so this means that so long as you are taking public transport more than twice per day, a day ticket is probably going to be a better deal.

BUT if you are also taking the train from the airport, there is another ticket known as the Amsterdam Travel Ticket that includes the train to/from the airport as well as local trams and buses. This starts at 18 euro for the one day version , so might be worth it if you are planning on taking the train to/from the airport and also using public transport throughout the day.

If you are travelling beyond just Amsterdam here’s also an  Amsterdam and Region Travel Ticket that costs a bit more, but includes trains and transport in the greater Amsterdam region, and a Holland Ticket that includes transport across the entire country.

Finally, adding even more confusion is the I amsterdam Card . I’ll discuss this more later but long story short it’s a pass that includes unlimited public transport in the city as well as entry to over 70 attractions including a canal cruise, so it’s worth it if you plan to take a lot of public transport AND see a lot of attractions.

Okay, so how can you decide the best Amsterdam travel ticket for you? It’s not fun, but the best way is to just estimate how many times you plan to take public transport (and where you’re going) throughout your trip and then crunch the numbers. 

12. Use 9292 to plan your journey

Google Maps can be alright in most cases, but if you’re planning to do any journeys that take you outside of Amsterdam (especially to more obscure destinations in the Dutch countryside), a great website for finding routes is 9292 .

You just enter point A and point B, then it’ll break down your journey. The GVB do also have their own app for public transport as well.

13. Don’t stress (too much) about buying train tickets in advance

Finally, a handy thing to know is that the Dutch train system is one of the rare few that are fixed by distance, which means prices don’t fluctuate as much as in some other countries.

But (of course there’s a but!), you can save a percentage on off-peak train tickets through the NS PriceTime Deal if you book at least a day in advance. In fact, they advertise deals as much as 60% off depending on how far in advance you book, so be sure to check this out if you don’t mind planning ahead.

NOTE: There are dozens of potential discounts and tickets for Dutch train tickets, and while I’ve tried my best to summarize the most relevant deals for tourists, there are of course still many more, so if you want a full look at Dutch train discounts and offerings, check out the official NS website.

14. Look into getting the I amsterdam card or another City Pass

Alright, now let’s move onto attraction tips for Amsterdam! Attractions in Amsterdam can often be very expensive, so if you plan to visit a lot of them, it may be worth your while to get some kind of sightseeing pass or card.

Of course, just like with the public transport and train tickets, there’s several options. I’ll recap the most popular ones now.

First – as I mentioned before, the I amsterdam Card is a great sightseeing card that includes unlimited public transport as well as entry to 70+ attractions for the set number of days that you buy for.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Despite its long list of inclusions, the I amsterdam Card does NOT include every Amsterdam attraction – some notable ones not included are the Anne Frank House and as of 2022, the Van Gogh Museum as well. 

So, make sure you verify the list of what’s included before you buy one. And make sure you’re specifically looking for the ‘Free with the I amsterdam City Card’ label because their list does confusingly include places that just give you a discount or the possibility to prebook.

You can read my full I amsterdam card review for more info.

The other main contender in Amsterdam is the Go City Pass, which has two versions…

• All-Inclusive : Based on the amount of time you buy; allows you to see unlimited attractions during that set time period (like the I amsterdam card).
• Explorer: Based on the amount of attractions you buy; allows you to see the set number of attractions you bought at a cheaper bundle price within 60 days

I think the Go City Explorer would make sense if you don’t plan to see a LOT of attractions and would prefer to just save a bit of money while working through them at your own pace, whereas the Go City All Inclusive could be good if you’re planning on hopping from activity to activity. It also has a lot more experiences/tours than the I amsterdam card, if that’s what you’re after.

Finally, on the topic of longer trips, there are of course more options that cater to residents or long term travellers like the museum card for instance which is valid for the entire year and across the entire country.

15. Consider a bundle deal of attractions

Okay, I’m not done with the savings yet!

If you don’t think you’ll be doing a ton of attractions in Amsterdam, yet another way to save money is through picking and choosing bundles that allow you to save 5-10% for smaller groups of attractions. It’s common for instance to see ones that combine a canal cruise with a museum, so be sure to browse sites like  GetYourGuide  or  Tiqets , where they often have bundle deals like this.

16. Don’t force yourself to visit big attractions just because they’re famous

This will sound silly considering how much time I just spent explaining deals for Amsterdam attraction tickets, but I should stress that, at the end of the day, you should be choosing attractions based on what you are personally interested in. In other words, don’t fall into the common trap of going to a bunch of sights just because it’s included in a pass, or because everyone says it’s a must-do.

Amsterdam is one of those cities with a lot of hype around big name sights and must-sees, but ultimately there’s so much to do that you can afford to be choosy! If you’re not an art person for instance, don’t force yourself to visit all those big museums. You have my permission to just drink beer by a canal if you want to. Amsterdam has something for everyone, so be sure to tailor your itinerary to your own specific interests.

17. Prioritize uniquely Amsterdam attractions when you’re in town 

That said, if I have one suggestion for your trip, it’s that you should avoid attractions that have no real connection to the city, like Madame Tussaud’s or Ripley’s Believe it or Not.

Sure, these can be fun places to visit, but I do think you’d get more out of doing more quintessentially ‘Amsterdammy’ things like a canal cruise ( here’s a roundup of the best ) or an iconic museum. I say this assuming you have limited time or budget. If you don’t though – yeah, go for whatever experiences call to you! Just make sure you vet them with reviews in advance.

18. Don’t forget about Amsterdam’s free activities

Amsterdam definitely isn’t a cheap city, but there still are quite a few free activities to take advantage of. So, if you’re planning a budget trip, then be sure to add some of Amsterdam’s best free things to do to your itinerary!

Off the top of my head, there’s…

• The Amsterdam City Archives
• The free views form the NEMO Science Museum
• The free views from the Amsterdam Central Library
• Gassan Diamonds Factory Tour (not ultra exciting, but could be if you like diamonds)
• Plus usual freebies like parks, street art, markets

19. Always book big attractions in advance

Now, this is a VERY important Amsterdam tip to keep in mind, especially if you’re planning your trip around a major attraction.

Remember: Tickets for Amsterdam’s main sights like the Anne Frank House or Van Gogh Museum are known to sell out, so secure them in advance to avoid disappointment. For peak season, weeks even months in advance is not a bad idea.

With the Anne Frank House for instance, tickets go on sale 6 weeks prior. They were already completely sold out for April when I looked, so just know this isn’t a myth, and you should plan accordingly.

20. Venture beyond the very touristic center of Amsterdam

Now, if time allows, I would really recommend that you explore more of Amsterdam than just the Red Light District and Jordaan.

Some other nice neighbourhoods to explore include…

• De Pijp: A cute neighbourhood with lots of great food and shops, and some attractions like the Albert Cuyp Market and the Heineken Experience
• Amsterdam West: A cool neighbourhood with trendy boutiques, fun food spots, and the transformed Westergasfabriek complex (now used for cultural events)
• Noord: Across the water and accessible via free ferry – there’s a super cool street art museum there and it’s just a fun and different vibe

21. Know that the iconic iAmsterdam sign has moved

Last little Amsterdam attraction tip before we move into food: if you are looking for the iconic i Amsterdam sign in front of the Rijksmuseum, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but this sign has not been here since 2018… but you can still find it at the airport!

22. Book restaurants in advance

Now, moving onto some Amsterdam food tips, the most important one is to make sure that you are making reservations for restaurants that you have your heart set on.

This is a must for avoiding disappointment, especially on weekends. Odds are, if you want to visit a cool restaurant you saw online, other people saw that same video, photo or page, so secure your spot in advance as soon as you can. For an easy way to book tables though, you can use websites like OpenTable.

NOTE: There are so many options in Amsterdam, you definitely won’t starve if you want to be a bit more spontaneous. Just keep this tip in mind for popular spots though if you really want to visit.

23. Beware of going to popular places you saw on social media 

Amsterdam has over 1000 restaurants, but there are some that have eclipsed all their competitors in fame and popularity, just because they went viral on social media at some point.

But fair warning: as I said before, odds are if you saw a viral Tiktok about a place, thousands (even millions) of other people also saw it, which means huge line-ups. I truly believe that time is money when you travel so beware of this, and just remember, a lot of the time these places can be overhyped!

Often, viral spots focus more on aesthetics than on actual taste, so just keep that in mind, and always read reviews.

24. Look on local food blogs for recommendations to see where locals are eating

If you’re stuck on where to eat when you’re in Amsterdam, definitely be sure to find recommendations from local foodies (and not just travel bloggers or TripAdvisor). They will usually have the most up-to-date info and suggestions.

I really like using TikTok for this because food is so visual. What I’ll usually do is I’ll search up “Amsterdam food” (or something more specific) then I’ll look at the top results, which will then bring me to pages of Amsterdam foodies. I’ll then trawl through their page to find other recommendations that haven’t gone super viral.

On a similar note, I’ll often keep scrolling down to find “smaller” creators as well – often these are the ones who are actively going out to try new places without being invited/paid.

25. Learn the secret trick to skip the line at Van Stapele cookies

Now speaking of viral sensations, one place in Amsterdam that has blown up on social media is Van Stapele. They’re known for their cookies and they always have the longest line-up out the door.

… But there’s a very easy way to skip the line, which I feel like nobody ever talks about, and that’s to just pre-order your cookies on their website. Then you go, press a golden doorbell and then you get your cookies immediately without waiting. 

I legitimately felt like a celebrity skipping the line so do not forget to pre-order. It’s such a time saver.

26. Know the difference between coffee shops and cafes

Next, we should probably address the difference between coffee shops and cafes. Remember, in Amsterdam, cafes are where you go to drink coffee and JUST coffee.

In contrast, Coffee Shops sell ‘other’ things… other greener, smokier, herbier things, if you catch my drift.

So, be sure to know the difference when you’re searching up places for your morning cappuccino!

27. Don’t miss brown bars

These are basically cozy Dutch pubs, so-named for their dark and wooden interiors. These can be so nice to grab a drink in, so be sure to check one out while you’re in town. I really liked Int Aepjen.

28. Try different Dutch specialties when you’re in town!

Now in terms of Dutch food, I go over this more in my full Netherlands travel tips post, but Dutch cuisine is definitely something that divides people.

I personally really like it but many don’t.

But hey, if you’re into fried food, then one Amsterdam food experience I can recommend is visiting an automat. These are basically wall-mounted vending machines that serve hot food in little cubbies. It’s not the best food in the world but it’s a fun novelty that allows you to try some classic Dutch snacks like croquettes and bitterballen with minimal effort!

Another popular street food is herring. It’s not my thing but if you’re curious, you’ll find stalls all over the city selling them. Just beware of seagulls – they have been known (and documented) to steal herring straight from the fingers of unsuspecting tourists mid-bite.

29. Try international cuisines when in Amsterdam too

Apart from Dutch food, do remember as well that Amsterdam is a very international city so there’s plenty of great cuisines to try besides Dutch, especially Indonesian and Surinamese.

That might sound random, but let’s not forget that that the Dutch colonial empire was pretty far reaching back in the day.

A fun thing to get from Indonesian restaurants is a Rijstafel which translates literally to Rice Table but allows you to sample a lot of dishes at the same time. I really enjoyed this one from Restaurant Long Pura:

30. Don’t forget about Dutch cheese

And okay, a final food-related Amsterdam tip for you: do not forget to visit a bunch of cheese shops while you’re in town, because they tend to be pretty liberal with their samples, especially the more touristy ones like Henry WIllig.

On that note, Henry Willig cheese is good and nicely packaged, but as many locals will tell you, it’s fairly overpriced and there are definitely better value options if you go to a local market instead and just get cheese from there.

That said, go crazy with their samples though. And don’t forget to snoop around their shops as they often have little exhibits about cheese!

31. Be mindful of bike lanes 

Now moving onto helpful tips for once you arrive in Amsterdam, the most helpful one is to be on the watch out for bike lanes.

Bike lanes in Amsterdam are typically right next to the pedestrian lanes with little separation so first time visitors may find themselves walking on them pretty frequently, which locals do not appreciate.

So, remember to double check and look out for bike symbols/red asphalt paths. Pedestrians do not have right of way in this city and you may get mowed down!

32. Dress for every kind of weather

In terms of what to wear in Amsterdam, do be prepared for wind, rain and everything in between.

Dutch weather is notoriously unpredictable so even if the weather looks amazing that morning, it could very well rain later on, so be prepared for all possible elements.

33. Always bring a small day bag with you

Many of Amsterdam’s museums won’t allow you in with a big backpack, and while many have an area with lockers where you can put your bags away, I find it easier to just have a small bag at all times so that I know my stuff is always secure!

34. Bring coins for public toilets

Sadly, Dutch public toilets aren’t free, with the exception of some public urinals on the street that aren’t overly useful if you need a standard toilet. 

So, yes, be sure to bring coins. Public toilets in the train stations tend to cost 70 cents for example. While many of the machines claim to accept card, I personally keep running into issues with using mine so it was always handy to have some coins just in case.

35. Finally, be respectful! 

I know many visitors come to Amsterdam to party or enjoy certain vices, but at the end of the day, it’s still a city that’s home to hunderds of thousands of people.

So don’t forget that this is someone’s home and you should treat it with respect, meaning you shouldn’t shout at the top of your lungs while walking around, take photos in the Red Light District, walk with clueless abandon in bike lanes… all that good stuff!

I hope this list of Amsterdam Travel Tips was helpful!

I appreciate you trudging your way through this lengthy list of tips for Amsterdam. Hopefully this post answered most of your questions, but if you have any more, let me know in the comments. Safe and happy travels!

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✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

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25 Useful Amsterdam Travel Tips for First Time Visitors

Are you planning your first ever trip to Amsterdam and feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry! Here we will go through 25 useful travel tips for visiting Amsterdam.

Amsterdam is one of the most visited cities in the world (it ranks 26th). And for good reason, it’s simply beautiful with its canals and narrow old brick houses. It also has world-class museums, stunning old cathedrals, amazing nightlife, and endless day trip opportunities.

But the city can be quite overwhelming for some. That’s why I’ve created this post. You’ll be adequately prepared for an amazing trip to Amsterdam after reading this article!

1: The Bicycle is King

2: get an ov chipkaart from the airport, 3: make use of public transportation, 4: avoid visiting in august, 5: you don’t have to tip, 6: get the i amsterdam city card or the gocity card, 7: expect lackluster customer service, 8: attend a local street market, 9. lunch is… different , 10: don’t get obnoxiously drunk in the red light district, 11: don’t take photos of the girls in the red light district, 12. don’t drive unless you absolutely have to, 13: the dutch can and will be direct, 14. you don’t need to know a word of dutch, 15: prepare for rain and wind, 16. djs and festivals dominate amsterdam , 17: coffee shops do not sell coffee, 18. grocery stores do not take credit cards, 19: try some local dutch food, 20: skip the heineken experience and visit a craft brewery, 21. take a day trip, 22.  the city center can be super loud at night, 23. you don’t really have to worry about crime, 24: you will have to pay for water at restaurants, 25: tap beer comes in a half pint size.

Note: this article contains affiliate links, which means that should you purchase something or get a quote through them I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps keep the site running with up to date information. I do not represent World Nomads, Booking.com, GoCity or GetYourGuide. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy the product mentioned in this article.

I called Amsterdam home for about three years, so these Amsterdam travel tips come from the standpoint of an American expat living in the Dutch capital. They are meant to prepare a non-Dutch visitor for Amsterdam and traveling in the Netherlands. 

What this post is not is a full guide to Amsterdam. For that you can refer to my Local’s Guide to Amsterdam , which goes through this amazing city in detail. Or maybe you’re considering a life in Amsterdam? If so, check out my pros and cons of living in Amsterdam . 

Want to get outside of the city? I’ve got you covered with my Top 10 Day Trips from Amsterdam article. Or even better set out on a 7-day travel itinerary across the Netherlands for a chance to experience Dutch culture in full swing.  

Before you set out on your journey, consider purchasing travel insurance so that you’re protected for the unexpected. We use World Nomads and had a good experience the one time we unfortunately had to actually use it. World Nomads provides coverage to travelers in over 100 countries. You can search for a coverage plan using the link below.

Alright, let’s get to it now. Here are my top travel tips for Amsterdam first time visitors. 

If there’s one thing that defines modern day Netherlands more than anything else it’s quite possibly the prevalence of the bicycle as a mode of transportation . Bikes are not just common in Amsterdam, they are an absolute necessity. While most residents do not have cars, they all have bikes. In fact, many have multiple bikes (I had two myself). 

Riding a bike is the most common way to get from any point in the city to any other point in the city. Amsterdam has an extensive bike path network. The bike lanes are brick-red colored and they flank almost every road in the city. With so many trips being made by bike, the bike lanes can get very crowded, especially at morning and evening rush hour time. 

Whatever you do, do not walk in a bike lane! You will get run over and cursed out by the locals. Stay on designated sidewalks while walking and do not cross streets when there is a red do not walk signal.

You never know where a bike might be coming from and cyclists run red lights literally all the time in Amsterdam. I can’t even count the number of times I witnessed an idiotic cyclist almost get hit by a car. 

Rent a bike

You want to rent a bike now, don’t you? Well, you definitely should! What better way to blend in with the locals than riding a bike through Amsterdam. Well, other than your clearly marked rental bike that will stand out like a sore thumb. There are tons of agencies in Amsterdam that rent bikes to tourists.

Check out the Iamsterdam website for more info on bike rental companies. If you’ve purchased the I Amsterdam city card (see Tip #6) you’ll get a free bike rental included. 

As you cruise the bike paths, just be sure to pay attention to the traffic signals and don’t run red lights like the locals do. When the bike paths are busy they can be overwhelming if you’re not used to it, so just keep that in mind.

The locals also hate it when tourists stop on the bike trails to take photos. So don’t do that. I’d also recommend not renting a bike if the weather is awful. Nothing is as miserable as cycling in the rain and wind (see Tip #14)!

The best way to get around Amsterdam and the Netherlands is by public transportation. If you’re going to be in Amsterdam for more than a day and you plan on doing some day trips, then I suggest investing in an OV Chipkaart . This is the card that is used for all public transportation throughout the country. It has a tap-on-tap-off system and it’s super easy. 

When you arrive at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport you’ll find a train station within the airport. From the big kiosks you should purchase a blue OV Chipkaart. The card costs 7.50 euros (as of 2023) but you can use it indefinitely (and I’m sure you’ll want to return to Amsterdam again one day) or give it to a friend visiting Amsterdam in the future. 

If you just plan on staying in Amsterdam and not getting outside the city a GVB Day Pass , which is sold at kiosks just like the OV Chipkaart, is another option. This is a card that costs 9 euros/day but does not work on trains – i.e. only trams/buses/metro in Amsterdam only). Note that it will not cover the train to and from the airport, which you’d have to buy an individual ticket for. 

You might also spend the day doing so much walking that you never even get on public transport, which is another reason why I like the OV Chipkaart option. You can also load day passes onto your OV Chipkaart if you think you’ll be doing a ton of tram, metro, and bus riding.

So in general, I recommend putting down the 7.50 for the OV Chipkaart when you land in Amsterdam. The only exception being if you are purchasing an I Amsterdam city card (see Tip #6) and do not plan to leave the city limits, in which case the I Amsterdam city card is all you need. 

Building onto #2 above, the Netherlands has top notch public transportation. In Amsterdam there are trains, trams, buses and an underground metro system. There is literally not a single spot in the city that is not easily accessible on public transport. And by that I mean like within a 2-3 block walk. 

Of course often it might be advisable to walk a bit more to get to a train station or a subway station and avoid the bus or tram. But you get the point. The Amsterdam public transport network is wonderful. It’s also affordable.

With the OV Chipkaart discussed above you just have to tap on and tap off and you can ride with ease. All modes of public transport throughout the entire country use the OV Chipkaart, so Utrecht and Rotterdam trams/buses run in the same system. It’s brilliant. 

If you can, avoid visiting Amsterdam in the month of August. That can really be said about anywhere in Europe. Many people in Europe literally take the entire month of august off work. This makes pretty much every popular European travel destination ridiculously crowded in August, and Amsterdam is no exception. 

I hated going into the city center in August. The increase in the number of pedestrians on the sidewalks and streets was very noticeable. Even one month earlier in July is very different, so if you need to visit during school holidays opt for July.

If you’re not limited by your children’s school schedule, May and June are the best months to visit Amsterdam. However, if you want to see the famous Dutch tulip fields, you’ll have to visit in April. 

We can’t talk about Amsterdam travel tips without talking about tipping. Americans sometimes forget that tipping for everything is literally an American invention. Restaurant and service industry workers are paid fairly in the Netherlands and do not expect tips.

While in some European countries it is customary to leave maybe 10% or tip a tour guide, it’s not in the Netherlands. If you want to tip someone they’ll happily take it though.

Now, I mention this here because there are some restaurants in central Amsterdam that will print out a recipe with a line for tip – similar to a restaurant bill in the United States – if you pay with an American credit card. I’ve been to places where I’ve paid with my American credit card and had the tip line, whereas when I paid with my local Dutch card there was no tip line.

Not every restaurant in the city does this, but many do. They’re looking to get extra money from American tourists who might think they have to tip. And you know what? It works. Just know that you are not expected to tip in Amsterdam. 

If you plan on going to more than one museum, it’s worth it to purchase an I Amsterdam city card . This is basically a travel pass for the city that gets you into almost all the museums (though not Van Gogh Museum or Anne Frank House), as well as gives notable discounts on many other things like Zaanse Schans, the zoo, the Heineken Experience. It also includes a free canal cruise, a free bike rental, and unlimited access to metro, bus, and tram (not train). 

Alternatively, the GoCity Amsterdam Card includes all museums and attractions in the city in an all-inclusive pass. This option is better for those wishing to visit all the attractions and not just museums. You can save about 50% using the GoCity card in lieu of purchasing individual tickets. 

Essentially, if you’re planning on being a typical tourist it’s worth the money to buy one of these cards. The IAmsterdam car is 60 euros for 24 hours, 85 euros for 48 hours, 100 euros for 72 hours, or 115 euros for 96 hours. You can purchase the card online before your trip or pick one up at the I Amsterdam store at Amsterdam Central Station. If you purchase the IAmsterdam card and you don’t plan on making any day trip, it’s probably not worth it to get the OV Chipkaart as well. 

The GoCity Amsterdam Card is 114 euros for two days, 139 euros for three days, and 189 euros for 5 days. Check out their website for more info on just exactly what is covered.

I’ll add here that it’s important to book the popular museums and attractions in advance. This is especially important for places like the Anne Frank House, which has limited space and books out months in advance. It’s also recommended to book places like the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum in advance too. Basically, it doesn’t hurt to book in advance.

If you’re an American you might be surprised by the lackluster customer service in the Netherlands. Even if you’re from elsewhere in Europe it can still be quite a shock. You know that mantra that the customer is always right? Well that doesn’t exist here. Things are very processed in the Netherlands and if something doesn’t go right, well, tough. Deal with it. 

I’ve left restaurants before because the service was just so bad and didn’t even get an apology. If your food takes an hour longer to come out than expected you’re not gonna get a free appetizer or anything. What does this look like? Outback Steakhouse?

I once had a burger that took 45 minutes to come out and it came out raw. It was a weekday lunch and I had a meeting to get back to. I ate the fries and told them the burger was not edible and I had to get back to work. In true Dutch style they charged me for the entire meal because “you ate the fries.”

Now, don’t get me wrong here. I’m not saying you’re guaranteed to get bad service in Amsterdam. Quite the opposite. Most places have perfectly fine customer service with friendly and helpful employees. It’s just that god awful service is more common than you might be used to and you might be thrown off by their lack of remorse for their awful service. 

Street markets are scattered around Amsterdam. Most sell fresh produce, cheese, baked goods and seafood. Some also sell handmade goods and gifts like sweaters, scarfs, etc. The most famous market is the Albert Cuyptmarkt in the de Pijp neighborhood, just south of the city center. 

Dutch markets are fun to go to even if you don’t buy anything. Just walking around can be entertaining itself. But the best thing about the markets are the free samples. You can try as many bite size pieces of Dutch cheese as your heart desires. A lot of other food vendors will offer free samples too. Why even have a proper lunch? 

Lunch in the Netherlands is pretty unique. Traditionally, the Dutch don’t really eat what other cultures might consider a proper lunch. Lunch is not to be a warm meal.

Typically, lunch consists of bread and cheese or dip or simple cold sandwiches with cold cut meats. If you are traveling to Amsterdam for work and you have a lunch meeting, prepare for simple sandwiches that you probably will not find too enticing. 

Because of this, it’s common for restaurants in the Netherlands not to be open for lunch. In the touristy city center there are plenty of lunch options so it’s not like you’re going to struggle to find a place to eat.

I’d wager that most restaurants in the city center are open for lunch. But many are not, so if you have a bunch of restaurants pegged to try, just check their hours first to make sure they are open.

This goes without saying. Every night plenty of dumb tourists have a few too many drinks and make fools of themselves in the Red Light District . This manifests itself in getting arrested, falling in a canal (which happens more than you’d think), or giving all your money to a sex worker. 

While most of Amsterdam is lax on open container laws, there is a strict no alcohol on the street policy in the Red Light District. This was started in 2019 as a way to discourage obnoxious drunk behavior from tourists. Police do maintain a presence in the area and you will get into trouble if you act like a moron and break the law. 

So just do yourself a favor and stay out of the Red Light District if you’re looking to get sloshed. 

You’re not supposed to take photos of the women working in the windows in the Red Light District. While it’s not technically against the law, it is forbidden and considered extremely rude to the sex workers. If you are caught taking photos of the women don’t be surprised if they come out from behind their window to kick your butt.

You can take photos of the general area, the canals, the streets, and the sex theaters. That’s all fine, so long as it’s not focused on the windows with the women. How would you feel if someone showed up to your office and started taking photos of you working? 

Hopefully you weren’t thinking of driving a rental car around Amsterdam. If you have a car, leave it parked at your hotel and only use it to get out of town on a day trip to one of the nearby tourist attractions.

Driving in Amsterdam can be downright terrifying if you’re not used to European city driving. The city streets were not designed for cars. They are narrow, crowded, and full of numerous obstacles like trams, buses and street sweepers. On top of that, cyclists love to run red lights and unsuspecting tourists are jaywalking all the time. 

I had a car my final year in Amsterdam and avoided the city center like the plague. Driving in the city requires laser sharp focus. So don’t do it unless you really have to. 

Maybe you’ve heard this before, but the Dutch are known for being direct and getting straight to the point, regardless of how that might make you feel. They’re not trying to be rude, they just don’t like to beat around the bush. Many people misconstrue Dutch directness as them being mean, but they don’t see it that way at all. They see it as more polite than avoiding the subject or lying to someone. 

Consider this hypothetical: you ask your American friend and your Dutch friend if they like your new dress. Your American friend smiles and says you look fabulous. Your Dutch friend tells you that it’s not a pretty dress and it doesn’t fit your style. Is your Dutch friend being rude, or just being brutally honest? And does your American friend really think it’s a pretty dress!? 

Now of course not everyone is like this. But this is the stereotype and it does have a basis in reality. So don’t expect the Dutch to sugarcoat anything for you. They’ll tell it like it is. 

The rate of English fluency in the Netherlands is probably better than in the United States. And by probably I mean definitely. Just about everyone in Dutch cities speaks English and most of them are fluent. When you get out into the countryside it’s more common to find people who don’t speak English, but in Amsterdam everyone you’ll be dealing with will speak English. 

If you wander into the far eastern or western suburbs where many of the immigrant communities live, English is less common, as they learned Dutch when they immigrated instead of English. But you probably won’t be going out to those neighborhoods as a tourist.

There are also people who speak enough English but aren’t necessarily fluent. They’re often not super comfortable explaining stuff to you but can have a decent conversation. These folks likely won’t work in the service sector though, so you probably won’t run into them.  

So in general, you don’t need to know any Dutch, but it is nice to be able to say thanks: dakjewel (daank-yuh-well)

If you haven’t been to northern Europe before, the weather can be a bit of a shock. Didn’t think you’d need to pack a jacket in July, did you? Ha! Welcome to northern Europe. Amsterdam’s weather is notorious for being bipolar. You can be sitting out in the sun having a beer at lunch and be hiding in your room watching hail fall from the sky an hour later. 

Summer has the best weather overall, but even then you need to bring a sturdy rain jacket, as rain is common throughout the year. But don’t bother bringing an umbrella. The rain is usually accompanied by gusting winds that will rip your little umbrella to shreds. But I’ll lament that in summer the wind is not as bad as the rest of the year, so an umbrella can be useful. 

So take away from this that it will likely rain at some point on your stay in Amsterdam so don’t let it get you down. There are so many awesome indoor things to do in Amsterdam that you won’t be held back. 

Music in the Netherlands is sort of different. I dare you to go around Amsterdam and find a live band playing at a bar, save a few Irish pubs. You might find one or two, but you’ll see hundreds of DJs.

House music is as ingrained into Dutch society these days as cheese and bike lanes. The country is completely dominated by DJs and house music. It’s a rite of passage for a young Dutch kid to learn how to work a turntable. I’m only half kidding there. 

With DJs comes house music festivals. Summer weekends in Amsterdam all feature numerous festivals around the city. Most of these are small, with a few thousand people and maybe 10 DJs sharing the stage over the course of the day.

But there are also some major festivals in and around Amsterdam each year, like Awakenings and Amsterdam Dance Event (though ADE is more of a series of nightly festivals than a single event). If you really want to blend in with the locals there’s nothing better than attending a festival.   

Now, while the DJ is king in Amsterdam, the Dutch also love rock and metal music. Most big bands come through Amsterdam and the shows are usually sold out. I saw bands like Shinedown, Alter Bridge, Coheed and Cambria and Dream Theater in much larger venues than I saw the same bands in the US (where they are all from).

Metallica and the Backstreet Boys sold out the biggest venue in the country and Bon Jovi played the Ajax football stadium. So it’s not like the Dutch only care about house music. It sure is number one though. 

This is probably one of the first things you will learn about Amsterdam. If it says “coffee shop” outside, it sells marijuana. Weed is legal and regulated in the Netherlands. These coffee shops are all over the city. If you accidentally mistake it for a place that sells coffee you’ll realize pretty quickly once you walk inside. 

If you want coffee, you need to go to a cafe. Cafes are everywhere as well, so you won’t have a problem finding a nice cup of jo.  

Dutch grocery stores do not accept credit cards. You’ll have to have a debit card from an EU country, which uses a system known as “Maestro”, to use a card at a supermarket like Jumbo or Albert Heijn.

If you’re an American you won’t have a Maestro enabled card, so you’ll have to pay cash if you want something from the market. Sounds odd in the 2020s to need cash in a modern country like the Netherlands, but that’s the way it is. 

The same goes for other smaller stores and places like street markets. Larger stores – like H&M – will take your credit card and just about every restaurant and bar will. Even if you don’t plan on going into a supermarket, it’s wise to carry cash when you’re in Amsterdam. You’ll likely need it at some point. 

Dutch food may not be the most sought after cuisine in the world. In fact, it’s not even really a cuisine. It’s more of an eating style. But the Dutch do have some unique culinary creations that deserve your attention while in Amsterdam. Something’s to be sure to try:

• Bitterballen – friend balls of mystery meat 
• Stroopwafel – sweet caramel waffle 
• Kibbeling – lightly fried fresh fish 
• Pannekoeken – Dutch savory pancakes 
• Stamppot – a hearty mashed potatoes with vegetables

There are plenty of other thugs to try as well, so be sure to read my full guide to Dutch food and eating in the Netherlands if you’re a foodie traveler. 

The Netherlands is quickly becoming one of the best counties for craft beer in the world and Amsterdam is the hub of the Dutch craft beer scene. There are over a dozen local microbreweries in Amsterdam – not including conglomerate macrobreweries like Heineken – and most of them have brewpubs where you can taste their beers with some solid Dutch bar food. 

Be sure to read my full guide to the best breweries in Amsterdam if you’re a fan of craft beer before visiting Amsterdam. 

One of the best things about the Netherlands being so small is that most of the main sites in the country can be seen as day trips from Amsterdam. You can even do day trips to other countries like Atwerp, Belgium or Dusseldorf, Germany.

Within 90 minutes of Amsterdam you can learn about Dutch windmills at Zaandse Schans, visit the beach at Zaanvoort aan Zee, see the Dutch Parliament building in The Hague, drive a boat around Giethoorn , or explore the vast Dutch tulip fields in South Holland, among other things. 

No trip to Amsterdam is complete without at least one day trip from the city. I’ve covered the best day trips from Amsterdam in this post . If you’d prefer to have a local show you around, you can get a great deal on an organized tour with GetYourGuide . Check out some of the day trips from Amsterdam below for an idea of what you can do.

One thing to keep in mind if you want to stay in the heart of the city is that Amsterdam is a vibrant party city. The area in and around the red light district can be extremely loud till about 3 or 4 in the morning. There are tons of hotels in the city center and even the best soundproofing won’t keep out the yells of the drunk 19 year olds. If you are a light sleeper, it’s best to stay outside of the inner canal ring, where things are far quieter. 

There are tons of hotels and hostels in Amsterdam to choose from. If you’re wondering where to stay for your first time in Amsterdam, I definitely recommended between the inner and outer canal ring if you can afford it. If you need a cheaper place, really anywhere that is directly on a tram line will do. You can use the search box below to check out the Amsterdam listings on booking.com

While some American films and shows might portray Amsterdam as a hotbed of petty crime, the reality is it’s one of the safest cities in the world. You are highly unlikely to be a victim of any sort of crime as a tourist (as for locals, however, they will almost certainly be a victim of bike theft at some point; I had my bike stolen 4 times in 4 years). There are very few homicides every year for a country of over 17 million people, and things like muggings and robberies are rare. 

This is not to say that you don’t have to be careful. It’s still a big city with a slew of dubious individuals. They’re just more likely to try to sell you cocaine on the street than beat you up and steal your wallet. Just use basic common sense and you’ll be fine. 

While this is not a universal rule, most restaurants in the city center will not give you tap water with your meal. In the local neighborhoods outside of downtown getting some ice water usually isn’t a problem. But the central restaurants are trying to get extra money from tourists by selling water for the same price as beer.

And for you Americans, as is the case in all of Europe, if you want a Coca Cola or soft drink you’ll get a tiny bottle and it will cost you like 3 euros. No free refills here.

Another thing to be aware of at restaurants and bars is that if you order a draft beer it will be 250 mL (8.5 ounces). This is just the way it is all across the Netherlands. The Dutch prefer these half beers to a proper pint. Bottled beers are 330 mL (11.2) ounces so you’ll get a slightly bigger portion ordering in the bottle.

So don’t think you’re getting a great deal looking at the bierkaart (beer menu). You’re just getting less quantity. 

Amsterdam Travel Tips – FAQs

How many days do you need in amsterdam.

The ideal amount of time to spend in Amsterdam is 2-3 days. It’s possible to see the main highlights of the city in just one day, but it will be a busy day. Two days gives you more time to visit museums and historical sites at a more relaxed pace.

Should you carry your passport in Amsterdam?

It’s advised that you do not carry your passport around Amsterdam. While theft is not common, it does happen. And with the city so busy with tourists, it’s easy to misplace your bag and belongings. Technically you are required to carry identification at all times in the Netherlands, but this can be a driver’s license or any other type of ID. I’ve also literally never been asked once for ID in Amsterdam.

Is there tipping in Amsterdam?

It is not required or expected to tip in Amsterdam. Some people like to leave 5-10% if they had great service, but servers are restaurants and not expecting tips. Tips for other services like hairdressers and taxi drivers are also not expected. Some restaurants in the city center will print a receipt with a place to tip if you pay with a credit card though. Just know you don’t have to tip. 

Can you drink tap water in Amsterdam?

Yes, you can drink tap water in Amsterdam and the rest of the Netherlands. The Netherlands has a top-notch water treatment system and the water is safe and tastes like spring water.

How long does it take to get through immigration at Amsterdam airport?

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is one of the worst airports in the world for going through passport control. Amazingly enough, for such a massive airport, they only have 6 immigration windows, and most of the time they are not fully staffed. How long it will take depends on how many planes are landing at the same time. It can take anywhere from 10 minutes to 6 hours. Count on at least 30 minutes in line most of the year and an hour in the summer season.  

Amsterdam Travel Tips – Final Word

Amsterdam is an awesome city to spend a few days in. And with these Amsterdam travel tips you’ll be reading to hit the ground running once your plane lands! 

Chris Heckmann

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33 Amsterdam Travel Tips – All the Tricks You Need to Know

• Post author: Naddya
• Post category: City Travel
• Post published: September 2, 2020

Are you looking for the best tricks and hacks for navigating the quirky Dutch capital as an independent traveler?

If you love exploring multicultural cities with vibrant traditions, this article with 33 Amsterdam travel tips will help you enjoy the city on canals in the best way possible.

From the gear you should bring to the transportation you could use, and from the money-saving tips to the best neighborhoods to stay in, here is our best battle-tested advice.

Use the navigation below for easy browsing.

Ready? Let’s dive right in.

Note : This article contains affiliate links . In case you purchase something through one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost for you. Thank you for helping us keep creating the free content on this website!

Preparation – Things to Do Before You Go to Amsterdam

The first section of our travel guide is all about the things to know before traveling to Amsterdam .

• Do you need a visa to travel to Amsterdam? The Netherlands is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area . If you possess a U.S. passport with at least 6 months validity, you can explore the country for up to 90 days without a visa. Find the complete list of visa requirements on the European Union’s official website .
• Dutch is the official language of the Netherlands . However, in Amsterdam virtually everybody speaks English. Want to impress the locals or show respect to their language? We’ve prepared 5 common phrases for you:

• Bring your best rain gear. Rain features in several of our Amsterdam travel tips. But there’s a good reason for this. On average, it rains 133 days per year in Amsterdam. Don’t let a little bit of rainfall spoil your day in Amsterdam by not dressing up properly. And if you’re wondering what else to pack, grab our handy Travel Checklist and never wonder again.
• Is Amsterdam safe to visit? Often, travelers consider big cities to be more dangerous than smaller towns. And when they hear that drugs and sex are (kind of) legal in Amsterdam, the notion is that it must be dangerous. On the contrary. Except for pickpockets – the plague of every place frequented by tourists – Amsterdam is indeed one of the safest places to travel to. In fact, at Number 4, it’s the highest-ranked European city in The Economist’s Safe Cities Report for 2019. Still, two things you mustn’t do: 1) don’t photograph in the red-light districts, and 2) don’t buy and/or consume drugs in the streets of Amsterdam.
• Cyclists are everywhere in the Dutch capital. In order to comprehend this Amsterdam travel tip fully, keep in mind that there are more bicycles than there are residents of the Dutch capital. Don’t walk in the bike lanes and always look twice before crossing the street.
• Book your tickets in advance. Especially in high season, waiting to enter any of the museums and galleries in Amsterdam can eat up most of your precious travel time. Skip-the-line tickets are your best friend if you want to optimize your experience.

Weather – When Is the Best Time to Visit Amsterdam

It would be best to explore Amsterdam (or any other city) when the sun is shining but not burning.

However, approximately 30% more precipitation falls here than over “rainy” London .

Still, let’s find out when exactly it’s best to travel to Amsterdam .

• It rains often in Amsterdam. We mentioned this travel tip earlier, but we can’t stress it enough. The oceanic climate , influenced by the North Sea, is the main reason for the intense rainfall. However, with the multitudes of museums, galleries, and shops, you’ll have plenty of fun things to do even if it’s pouring outside.
• Spring is drier than the rest of the year in Amsterdam. In April, you’ll have less chance of rain than in other months. Also, on April 27 th – the King’s Day – all of Amsterdam dresses in orange, the Dutch royal color. Moreover, in April and May is the tulips’ blossoming time! The best place to see them is Keukenhof Park just 25 mi (40 km) away from the capital. You won’t want to miss these colorful explosions.

Note : Don’t buy tulip bulbs in spring. They will not grow! That’s one of the biggest tourist scams in Amsterdam. You should buy bulbs in autumn and plant them right away, but no seller will tell you that. In fact, Naddya and her friends bought tulip bulbs in May – needless to say, none of them grew.

• Summer in Amsterdam is not as scorching hot as in South European cities, like Barcelona , for example. Also, there’s a festival happening every weekend! Around 300 festivals take place in and around the Dutch capital. The majority of them happen in this season. In the summer months, you can chill out or have a picnic on one of the five city beaches or in the amazing parks in Amsterdam .  
• Autumn is the rainiest season to visit Amsterdam. Which means fewer tourists. And with the numerous museums, (coffee) shops, concerts, and galleries around town, you won’t even notice the gloomy weather. Besides, every tree in the city explodes in a magical golden crown. Plus, as we mentioned above – you can stock up on bulbs for your home garden in autumn!
• Winters in the Dutch capital are barely snowy. On average, it snows on 26 days per year. In fact, there’s a bigger chance of rain than snow in this time of the year. Let this not discourage you from traveling in this season. The Amsterdam Light Festival enchants you between December and mid-January. Ice-skate rinks invite you to try your best pirouettes. Christmas Markets seduce you with fashion, music, and scrumptious treats for the whole family. We suggest you sip at least one cup of the aromatic mulled wine. It will keep you warm, lift your holiday spirit, and boost your energy.

Money-Saving Travel Tips: How to Stretch Your Bucks in Amsterdam

The following travel tips are about how to save money in Amsterdam . Even if you’re not traveling on a tight budget, we bet you wouldn’t mind stretching your bucks.

• Don’t park your car anywhere near the city center. That’s one of the best Amsterdam travel tips to save you money. If you arrive by car, leave it somewhere outside the center. Otherwise, you might end up paying more for your parking spot than for your accommodation.
• Amsterdam is very walkable. You can trot from one end to the other in about 45 minutes. Still, if you don’t want to use your feet everywhere , public transportation is affordable. Prices start from €3.20 ($3.75) for a single, 1-hour ticket. The day passes currently cost €8.00 ($9.40).
• It’s safe to drink the tap water in Amsterdam. If you don’t want to pay every time you get thirsty, we have some good news! You can drink directly from one of the 500+ public drinking fountains or fill up your bottle from the tap. Amsterdam’s water wasn’t always safe to drink. However, since 1903, the city’s authorities have made sure every resident has access to safe, drinkable water. (Read the next section of our Amsterdam travel tips to find out what was the solution to the unsafe drinking water back in the 17 th century!) Many restaurants will also serve you tap water for free, but just as many will only sell expensive bottled water.
• Do you tip in Amsterdam? We bet you’ve asked yourself if you need to leave 5, 10, or 15% on top of the bill. In our experience, people don’t expect you to leave a tip. If you’re happy with the service, you can round up the check and pay up to 10% more. However, your waiter will not give you a dirty look if you don’t.
• Pick the best-value canal cruise for your budget. Cruising through the Amsterdam canals is the best way to explore the city. The cheapest tickets at the time of writing this travel guide cost €12.50 ($14.70). Prices vary based on several conditions:
• Starting point of the canal cruise . We’ve discovered that boats leaving the port right outside the Amsterdam Centraal Station are more expensive than the ones from other starting locations. Naddya has hopped on a boat from Herengracht and paid less than her friends for the same cruise.
• Duration of the boat tour . The tours’ duration starts from 60 minutes and can go up to half a day. Also, there are 24- and 48-hour hop-on/hop-off boats .
• The type of the vessel . A tour in a tourist boat with a glass roof naturally costs less than an adventure in a historical wooden boat. It’s up to you to decide which one you prefer.
• What’s included in the ticket . Most of the cruises only include the tour itself and a multilingual narration from the captain. Others offer all-you-can-eat buffets or romantic dinners.
• You can do a ton of free or cheap activities in Amsterdam. Strolling the streets of the historic center and iconic neighborhoods is at no charge. Parks, markets, and churches are also free to explore. Amsterdam will also seduce you with free concerts and performances. Below are several ideas for not-so-obvious free activities and discount tips.
• Schuttersgalerij Amsterdam ( Civic Guards Gallery ). The collection, managed by the Amsterdam Museum , contains portraits of wealthy citizens and contemporary stars. There’s no admission fee to see the masterpieces, some of which are the works of Rembrandt or Hals . You’ll find the gallery at Kalverstraat 92 .
• Free ferries . Departing behind Amsterdam Centraal , you’ll find free connections across the River IJ (pronounced “ eye ”). The blue-and-white boats shuttle pedestrians, cyclists, and mopeds to different locations in Amsterdam Noord . The ferries are quick, easy, and free to use.
• Heineken Experience . By buying your ticket online, you’ll get a €3.00 ($3.50) discount.
• Microbreweries . You can buy a couple of craft beers and tour a microbrewery for the price of the Heineken Experience . For example, try a glass of Flink or Zatte , included in the ticket price for touring Brouwerij ‘t IJ .
• Invest in the IAMSTERDAM city card. If you’re staying in Amsterdam for a couple of days and plan to visit several museums, the card will easily pay itself off. You’ll get free admissions to 70+ museums and attractions, free public transportation, a canal cruise, and unlimited bike rentals. Prices start from €65.00 ($76.45) for the 24-hour pass and go all the way up to €130.00 ($152.90) for the 5-day card. We know it sounds like a lot, but museum tickets and tours add up quickly, so do your math before deciding. For example, at the time of writing, the entrance to the Rijksmuseum is €19.00 ($22.35). A visit to the Van Gogh Museum costs the same. The tickets to the Anne Frank House and the Rembrandt House are €12.50 ($14.70) and €14.00 ($16.45), respectively.

Food & Drinks in Amsterdam: What You Shouldn’t Miss Tasting

Even if you’ve never tried any Dutch dishes before, we bet you’ve at least had cheese and beer produced in the Netherlands. Find out what other foodgasms await you in Amsterdam.

• If you’re looking to try traditional Dutch foods, here are the most famous ones:
• Cheese . The Netherlands is the #1 cheese-exporting nation . No wonder – they’ve been making the dairy product for over 16 centuries. Edam, Gouda, Leyden , Maasdam , and Limburger are all Dutch.
• Patat . Locals call them also Friet , Vlaamse frieten , Fritjes , and eat them with different toppings – mayo, ketchup, curry, and minced onions. They’re also thicker than the normal French fries.
• Bitterballen . The fried meat balls are the perfect beer snack, along with Patat . You’ll find them in almost every pub or café.
• Kibbeling . Eat these deep-fried, battered chunks of fish with mayo-garlic or tartar sauce. Be sure to limit your portions, so you don’t get addicted to the tasty Dutch snack.
• Frikandel . This skinless, deep-fried sausage combines chicken, pork, and beef! You have multiple options for eating it: by itself, topped with mayo, in a roll ( Broodje frikandel ), or sliced and drowned in mayo, curry, ketchup, and chopped onions.
• Harring Hollandse Nieuwe . The Dutch New Herring is probably the most famous food in the Netherlands. It consists of raw herring, gherkins, and chopped onions.
• Stroopwafel . The Stroopwafel is the most popular Dutch pastry. The layers of baked batter are glued together by a mouth-watering syrup. You can buy the waffles in every supermarket and café.
• Amsterdam’s population consists of 180 nationalities, and this shows in the food scene. If you’re not interested in tasting Dutch dishes and want to save time, have a quick bite at an Asian restaurant , a kebab house , or a sandwich deli . We also recommend Indonesian and Surinamese eateries, if you’re up to trying ethnic food. And if you want to have a long, relaxed meal with several courses and multiple foodgasms, visit one of the 12 Michelin-starred restaurants in Amsterdam.
• If you don’t want to splurge on a restaurant meal, eat at one of the markets. Here are the marketplaces Amsterdam is famous for :
• Albert Cuypmarkt . The largest outdoor market in Europe has a huge selection of street food stalls and delicacies.
• Noordermarkt . Great place for grocery shopping and trying Dutch produce.
• IJ-Hallen . The biggest flea market in Europe doesn’t only offer second-hand items. It will also seduce you with a variety of street foods. Have in mind that there’s a €5.00 ($5.90) entrance fee.
• Amsterdam has been a major beer brewing center since the 16 th century. At that time – unlike nowadays – water was unsafe to drink. Along with the world-famous Heineken , another excellent local brand you should order is Amstel . If you’d like to taste something stronger, try the Trappist La Trappe .
• Heineken , founded in Amsterdam, is among the top 3 largest beer breweries in the world. Beer aficionados visit the Heineken Brewery for a few reasons:
• To taste fresh Heineken beer straight from the tap.
• To learn about the history of one of the world’s most famous beer brands.
• To stock up on handy souvenirs (just like Svet who has several glasses from the Heineken Experience shop).
• Learn the difference between a coffee shop, a koffiehuis , and a café. Coffee shops don’t serve coffee but sell cannabis and hash . Cafés are more similar to restaurants or bistros. A koffiehuis (literally coffee house from Dutch) is where you can get your caffeine kick in the Netherlands. We know, it’s complicated. That’s probably one of the craziest facts about Amsterdam .

Traveling in Amsterdam: Types of Transportation and Getting Around the City

These Amsterdam travel tips about the different types of transportation in the Dutch capital are extremely important to follow. Why? Because the city has some unique travel modes which most of us are unfamiliar with. Let’s find out more.

• Getting from Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal takes less than 20 minutes. The direct train stops in the heart of the city. From there, you can start sightseeing right away.
• The best way to explore the city is on foot.  We always recommend this way of transportation, especially for walkable cities like Amsterdam. This means that you should wear a sturdy pair of shoes. The best travel tip we can give you here is to be extra careful when crossing the street. Always look twice and don’t stand or walk in the bike lanes (usually painted in red).
• The public transportation system is convenient and easy to navigate. It consists of trains, metro, trams, buses, and something else (read our next travel tip about that something ). You can buy your ticket in advance online, from a vending machine, or from the vehicle operator. Have in mind that you can’t pay in cash. Tickets are valid from one hour up to 7 days. If you’re staying longer in Amsterdam, consider purchasing a rechargeable chip card, the OV-Chipkaart . When using it, don’t forget to check-in/-out at the card readers when entering or leaving a vehicle.
• Use the free ferries to explore outside the city center. The blue-and-white boats shuttle pedestrians, cyclists, and mopeds to different locations in Amsterdam Noord . They depart behind Amsterdam Centraal and transport passengers across the River IJ. The ferries are quick, convenient, and free to use. Now, that’s not something you can do in a lot of places, right?
• Some of the canal cruises offer hop-on/hop-off boats. They stop at different tourist attractions, just like your usual hop-on/hop-off buses in other cities around the world.
• Another very Dutch way to explore Amsterdam is on a bicycle. Amsterdam is a city of bikes. The prices start from €3.00/1 hour ($3.50/1 hour). You can find daily rentals for as low as €10.00 ($11.75) for a normal bicycle and €17.00-€27.00 ($19.99-$31.75) for an e-bike. Be sure to obey the traffic rules and wear a helmet.

Note : As mentioned earlier, unlimited bike rentals are included with the IAMSTERDAM card for the duration of its validity.

Where to Stay in Amsterdam: Best Neighborhoods and Accommodations

No travel guide would be complete without tips on how to save on accommodation and which are the best areas to stay in Amsterdam . So, below are our recommendations.

• The night rates are quite unpredictable. Of course, accommodations are cheaper in the low season. Like in most European destinations, you can expect to find lower prices between October and March, except around the holiday season. Some travelers also claim that rooms are cheaper during the week. The latter makes sense, having in mind that Amsterdam is a nightlife mecca, especially during the weekend.
• You can stay in some pretty unique accommodations in Amsterdam. From houses built in the 1600s to houseboats, the Dutch capital offers a variety of distinctive rooms. Don’t forget that these come with certain limitations. For example, older houses have steep staircases and no elevators. And on houseboats, you’ll feel every movement of the water around you. But if that doesn’t bother you, go find your unique Amsterdam accommodation!
• Unless you’re visiting Amsterdam for the nightlife, choose an accommodation far from Dam Square and De Wallen. Instead, opt-in for some of the quieter neighborhoods:
• Westerpark. The area is close to multiple attractions and at a walking distance from the heart of the Dutch capital. It also has its own park as the name suggests.
• Jordaan. Many travelers consider this the coolest and most romantic area to stay in while in Amsterdam. It’s closest to the city center than any of the other neighborhoods we recommend. Thus, it is the easiest to explore from here. You’ll also have plenty of choice for trendy bars, charming restaurants, and quirky shops.
• Amsterdam Oud-West. The “old west” part of Amsterdam – as the name translates – is separated from the city center only by Singelgracht . Yet, you won’t get much of the parties and nightlife noise. The multicultural area promises dining at exquisite bars and restaurants.
• Amsterdam Oud-Zuid. At the edge of the “old south” part of the city, you’ll find Rijksmuseum , Heineken Experience , and Albert Cuypmarkt . From there, any other attraction is also a short walk away. Choose this area if you’re traveling on a limited budget.
• Plantage. This residential area with Jewish heritage is a great place for families to stay in Amsterdam. The Artis Royal Zoo – one of the oldest zoos in Europe – is located here. A lot of the other attractions in the area are dedicated to the Jewish people and the Holocaust.

Which One is Your Favorite Amsterdam Travel Tip?

There you have it – all Amsterdam travel tips that you need for a memorable visit.

The city of canals and bicycles is a unique place to travel to. Unusual things to do in Amsterdam and quirky surprises lurk behind every corner.

In order to best prepare yourself for your trip, make sure you use these travel tricks and hacks.

Now, share with us:

When are you going there?

If you’ve already been to Amsterdam, what impressed you the most?

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This post has 4 comments.

Thanks for sharing these tips! Amsterdam is known for its gorgeous canals. Perfect for a walk.

You’re welcome! 🙂 Absolutely agree, walking around Amsterdam’s canals is the best way to explore the Dutch capital.

Excellent tips. So excited for our first visit this April for 4 nights-this is invaluable info. Thank you so much for sharing!

Thanks, Jackie!

Amsterdam is an awesome destination, we’re sure you’ll have tons of fun 🙂

Check out the rest of our Amsterdam posts as well and let us know if we can help you with anything else.

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17 Best Things to Do in Amsterdam

By Meredith Bethune and Jennifer Ceaser

Offering everything from tranquil boat rides through tree-shaded canals to  world-class art museums  and chic boutique shopping, you’ll never be bored in this town. Once you've ticked off your biggest bucket-list items, be sure to venture outside the Canal Ring, the fan-like network of waterways that dominates the historic city center. When visiting Europe’s best-preserved 17th-century city, the real challenge is using your time wisely. Read on for our list of suggestions to get you started; these are our editor's picks for what to do in Amsterdam, and this list is full of how to make the most of each.

Read our complete Amsterdam travel guide here .

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

STRAAT Museum Arrow

Graffiti fans, rejoice: Amsterdam now has a second museum devoted to street art—and it’s a doozy. STRAAT seeks out cutting-edge and emerging talent, with more than 130 artists from 32 countries represented in its 150-plus-strong collection. Occupying a colossal warehouse in the former shipbuilding area of NDSM, STRAAT has some 86,000 square feet of exhibition space inside, while outside, its façade is plastered in murals—including a huge kaleidoscope-like portrait of a smiling Anne Frank by Brazilian street art legend Eduardo Kobra.

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The Foodhallen stands out among other food halls thanks to its top-notch offerings, serving everything from reimagined Dutch classics to Vietnamese and Mexican treats. Housed inside a former tram depot, the venue is buzzing at all hours of the day. Aggressively guard your table if you manage to get one at all. Gin & Tonic Bar makes what you’d think it would with a range of different ingredients (try the one with jenever for something a bit different). Beerbar, meanwhile, pours more than 60 different local and international beers, including two brewed specifically for Foodhallen. It’s an ideal refueling stop at any time of day, particularly in winter when you need to thaw out after a long day of sightseeing.

Ferry to Amsterdam-Noord Arrow

Amsterdam’s free ferry system is an essential part of the city’s transportation system, shuttling pedestrians, cyclists, and mopeds across the IJ River to Amsterdam-Noord every day. There are two main routes: The most popular, to Buiksloterweg, takes less than five minutes and drops you practically at the foot of the A’DAM Tower and the architecturally striking EYE Film Institute. The other, a 15-minute journey, goes to NDSM, a former industrial shipyard that’s been transformed into one of the city’s trendiest areas. Ferries run approximately every four to six minutes, leaving from behind Centraal Station; there’s a countdown clock right next to the dock that shows the next departures. It’s all fairly straightforward, and an activity not to miss.

Brouwerij ‘t IJ Arrow

Brouwerij ‘t IJ is the pub offshoot of the namesake Amsterdam brewery, so expect to find lots of Belgian-style beers. Menu standouts include full-bodied ales brewed with organic ingredients, but the occasional seasonal brews are also winners. It’s worth stopping in on a sunny day just to unwind with a good beer beside the canal.

Shannon McMahon

CNT Editors

Hannah Towey

Albert Cuyp Markt Arrow

This street market on Albert Cuypstraat, between Ferdinand Bolstraat and Van Woustraat, has been at it for over 100 years. It’s one of the largest markets in Europe with 260 stands selling fruit, vegetables, fish, flowers, clothing, and more, open Monday through Saturday. Load up on food and assorted knick-knacks, and keep an eye out for the ultimate shopping trophy: a wheel of Gouda cheese.

Rederij De Jordaan Private Boat Tour Arrow

Slick, slick, slick. As VIP canal cruises go, captain Reinhard Spronk’s historic saloon boat tours (aboard 1932 teak beauty Welmoed , or 1908’s smaller Farahilde ) are really the business. He and his partner Miloe run the show, taking private groups (reservations necessary) on bespoke tours of Amsterdam’s legendary canals. Pick-up is from your waterside hotel or Cafe Van Puffelen, by their office. This is going to be the highlight of your European tour, combining an utterly beautiful vintage boat, the most sophisticated company in town, and (for a supplement) red roses, gourmet finger food, and bottomless champagne.

Portuguese Synagogue Arrow

Just east of the city center, in the Jewish Cultural Quarter, you’ll find one of Europe’s largest and oldest active synagogues. Its magnificent interior looks much as it did in 1675, with its original towering stone columns, vaulted timber ceiling, and wooden pews surrounding a massive Torah ark made of gleaming wood. The building still has no electricity—evening services are illuminated by hundreds of candles in the large brass chandeliers. The sheer size of the synagogue and the beauty of its interior will leave you awestruck. As it is still an active house of worship, visitors are asked to behave respectfully.

Westergas Arrow

Just west of the quaint Jordaan district lies Westerpark, a lovely green space with wide lawns, idyllic ponds, and tall shady trees, crisscrossed with cycling and walking trails. But the real draw here is Westergas, a massive former gas plant that’s been turned into a lively entertainment hub. The 19th-century red-brick buildings, classified as industrial monuments, are chock-full of trendy restaurants, brewpubs, and independent cinemas. Coolest of all is Gashouder, an old gas storage tank that now hosts techno concerts for up to 3,500 people inside its vast circular interior.

Vondelpark Arrow

You’ll find Amsterdam’s version of Central Park spanning about 120 acres just outside the Canal Ring. This swath of green offers a welcome visual alternative to the monochromatic sea of brick that makes up central Amsterdam. Don't miss “The Fish” statue by Pablo Picasso, and take advantage of the numerous music, dance, and cabaret performances at the open-air theater during the summer months.

Anne Frank House Arrow

The only thing that stands out about this 17th-century canal house is the infamous line outside. Entry is by online reservation only, with timed tickets released two months ahead and a limited number on the day itself. The most poignant of the city’s museums, it’s utterly worth any crowd-related hassles for the emotional exhibits—not least the attic where the Frank family hid from the Nazis, and where young Anne penned her famous diary. It takes about an hour to complete a loop of the house. No matter how much you think you know about Anne Frank’s story, you’ll come away from the house realizing you didn't know very much at all.

Rijksmuseum Arrow

Reborn in 2013 after a decade-long, $441 million revamp, this is the biggest of Amsterdam’s “big three” museums. Yes, there are plenty of galleries of Golden Age paintings, though with 8,000 masterworks on display, this isn’t a niche affair. Model ships, rich costumes, and Asian art figure into the museum’s well-paced chronological trot from the Middle Ages to Mondrian. The museum app, with its 14 themed tours, is well worth downloading for free from the Apple Store and the Wi-Fi is good enough to make wayfinding a breeze.

Café de Sluyswacht Arrow

Everything about this old-school pub—from the adorably lopsided building, to the fab canal views, to the well-priced beers—embodies Dutch gezellig: a cozy, fun, relaxing atmosphere where people feel totally at home. Part of the charm of drinking at Café de Sluyswacht is embracing its quirks: step inside, and everything—from the stone floors to the staircase to the wood-beamed ceilings—tilts to one side, making you feel like you’ve had one too many before you’ve even had your first sip. Originally built in 1695 as a residence for the sluyswacht (the person operating the neighboring lock), this canal-side watering hole offers fantastic views of the Montelbaanstoren tower to one side and the Rembrandthuis to the other.

Oude Kerk Arrow

There’s something odd about a Gothic church that’s located in the Red Light District and surrounded by brothels, but that’s Amsterdam in a nutshell. Consecrated in 1306, Oude Kerk is the oldest surviving building in the city. The artist Rembrandt was a regular visitor; in fact, his children were christened here. And while you’ll find many typical medieval church trappings—vaulted ceilings, centuries-old paintings, ancient gravestones embedded in the floor—the building officially was designated as a museum in 2016. It hosts two site-specific exhibitions annually, featuring top international contemporary artists. All in all, this is a great place for a moment of quiet reflection if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the seediness of the Red Light District.

Van Gogh Museum Arrow

This Dutch institution welcomed more than 2.1 million visitors in 2019, making it the most visited museum in the Netherlands. The Potato Eaters , Wheatfield with Crows and, yes, the postcard-perfect Sunflowers series are all among the 200-strong painting collection. But this is more than just a rundown of van Gogh’s greatest hits. Drawings and letters dive into the artist’s depression (and that ear incident), there’s a video installation charting his rise, and works by the first generation of artists to be inspired by him are on view. Save the speed-walking for elsewhere; this is one where you'll want to linger.

The 9 Streets Arrow

The western part of the Canal Ring is a labyrinthine neighborhood, known as De Negen Straatjes (the Nine Streets), filled with independent shops. The act of shopping becomes a full-on afternoon activity as you wander the brick sidewalks searching for the perfect quirky souvenir or gift. It’s full of designer and vintage boutiques, cutting-edge galleries, quaint cafes, and delightfully cluttered antique shops.

Stubbe’s Haring Arrow

You’ll probably smell this timeworn, flag-festooned fish kiosk before you even spot the queues along the Singel canal, about 550 yards from Centraal Station. Below the quirky sign—the superscript ‘s’ of Stubbe’s is appealingly slapdash—Dutch matrons in striped aprons deliver salty, slippery herring, a rite of passage for Amsterdammers. Smoked eel, anchovies, and shrimps are all on the menu, but raw herring is what you want. If you’re not so sure about eating the fish au naturel, go for the herring roll, offsetting the salt with soft white bread, chopped onions, and sweet, crunchy pickles.

Nieuwe Diep Distillery (‘t Nieuwe Diep) Arrow

Nestled alongside a tranquil pond, this distillery and tasting room is set inside a quaint 19th-century pump house, complete with rustic wood floors and old-timey black-and-white photos on the walls. But it’s the waterfront terrace, open seasonally, that’s the real draw: Surrounded by greenery with views over the tree-encircled pond, it’s the most idyllic drinking spot in the whole of Amsterdam. The drinks are almost secondary to the scenic setting, but here you can sample 100 different jenevers (Dutch gin) and liqueurs, all made on-site in the distillery. We admit, it’s one of the more off-the-beaten-track drinking destinations, but enjoying traditional Dutch spirits in this enchanting pastoral setting makes it well worth the trip.

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30 Amsterdam Travel Tips that are Ridiculously Helpful [Tried and Tested]

by Drifter Planet | Jul 19, 2017 | Netherlands , Most Popular Blog Posts

Traveling to Amsterdam? After visiting 5 times, here are my top Amsterdam travel tips to make your trip hassle-free.

How can anyone not like Amsterdam? The city is known for its pretty canals, narrow houses, cute bridges, plenty of bicycles, flowers, and an extremely liberal culture.

As per popular culture, Amsterdam is often portrayed as the city that’s the gateway to Europe for many 20 and 30-something travelers who start their Euro trips here. That’s actually not entirely true because Amsterdam is for people of all ages.

Amsterdam’s beauty definitely WOWs me, but there’s more. There’s so much to do here that literally, every kind of traveler will find something interesting to do while traveling in Amsterdam, that makes it special.

My travel style has changed over the years and I had as much fun in Amsterdam in July 2021 as I had in July 2014 even though I am now interested in different things.

Yes, Amsterdam is absolutely gorgeous and you will not be able to stop yourself from clicking hundreds of photos while you’re here (ahem, see my Amsterdam Instagram guide ).

There are hundreds of things to do in Amsterdam, and no single travel article can list them all. Whether you’re traveling to Amsterdam alone or with your family, you will surely enjoy your time here.

I visited Amsterdam for the first time back in 2014 but one visit was not enough. I visited this glorious city just a few days back (July 2021) for the fifth time and I can’t stop thinking about it.

In fact, I’d love to visit it again in autumn and then again during the winter months. Experiencing Amsterdam’s ice skating rinks during Christmas time has been on my wishlist for years.

If you’re visiting Europe anytime soon, please do yourself a favor and include Amsterdam in your itinerary. However, keep in mind that your Amsterdam holidays can end up being super expensive if you don’t research enough.

After my multiple trips to Amsterdam, I have figured out many ways of saving money and time in this amazing city.

Based on my experience, I want to share my top travel tips for Amsterdam with you so that you can save some money while you’re there.

Whether you’re visiting Amsterdam for the first time or the tenth time, some of these tips are sure to help you while you’re there.

Planning a last-minute trip to Amsterdam? I have you covered with my tips of essential things to book in terms of tours and places to stay.

Amsterdam Tours and Activities to Prebook

• I Amsterdam City Card : If you have this then you don’t need to pay for the canal cruise, museums, and public transport.
• Amsterdam GVB Ticket for public transport : You can buy a public transport card per person per day to use for trams, metro, and buses.
• Amsterdam Canal Cruise : Get on a boat to tour the canals.
• Rijksmuseum entry : This is like the Lourve of Amsterdam, perhaps even better.
• Van Gogh Museum : A must-visit for those who love Vincent Van Gogh’s art.

Amsterdam Hotels for different budgets:

• PH Hotel Oosteinde : This hotel is comfortable and is near the skinny bridge. I love this area because there are plenty of restaurants but it isn’t as crazy loud as Dam Square. I stayed here in 2023.
• NH Hotel City Center : This is a luxurious hotel with all the amenities that one could ever need and a comfortable bed. I stayed here in 2017.
• Generator Amsterdam : A spacious hostel near Oostpark close to the canals but away from the loud Dam Square. I stayed here in 2021 and loved it.
• ClinkNoord : This hostel is in Amsterdam-Noord near the A’DAM Tower. I stayed here in 2017 and enjoyed it.

Table of Contents

1) where are the best photo spots in amsterdam.

It is 2023 and everyone likes to click memorable photos. We all have fancy phones or cameras and we all love posting photos on Instagram, right?

So where to go in Amsterdam for the best photos? I clicked the above photo in Damrak, near Amsterdam Centraal. It is perhaps the most famous photo spot in Amsterdam but there are so many others.

I will be a meanie and not tell you the other locations because I want you to read my latest post and that’s just about Amsterdam’s Instagram spots . Trust me, I found the best photo spots where one can click amazing photos without even a fancy camera because the locations are lovely.

2) Avoid Weekends, Weekdays = Cheaper Rooms

Me with my bicycle in Amsterdam Holland[/caption]

Amsterdam is one of the most visited destinations in Europe and over 7 million international travelers visit Amsterdam in a year.

Believe it or not, a dorm bed that costs EUR 70 during the week, can be as high as EUR 150 during the weekend.

If you plan well in advance and research, you can save some serious money by just making sure you visit Amsterdam on any of the weekdays. Moreover, you will save a lot of time when you don’t have to stand in long queues and can ultimately explore more.

The queues are long for attractions on the weekends. Post Covid-19, one must book a time slot for almost all the museums and attractions. And sometimes even if you do that, then there’s still a queue. Yes, the queues move fast because of advance bookings.

So, to summarize, here are the tips for saving money on your accommodation in Amsterdam :

• Find places to stay that aren’t in the city center. Avoid areas like Dam Square and De Wallen.
• Try to visit Amsterdam during the weekdays.
• Look for early bird discount deals.
• Consider hostels or private rooms in hostels.
• Park your car in Gasper Campground and sleep in a tent. It isn’t far from the center and has all the amenities including amazing toilets, showers, a mini supermarket, a restaurant, and a bar. There’s a train station that’s right outside.

Oh, and by the way, I have many itineraries for Amsterdam:

1-day itinerary for Amsterdam ,

2 perfect days in Amsterdam ,

itinerary for spending the perfect weekend in Amsterdam , and

Amsterdam 3 Days itinerary .

Some itineraries are fast and others are more relaxed. All have a mix of touristy things as well as offbeat things to do in Amsterdam.

These are my self-made itinerary and are better than any other Amsterdam itinerary on the internet – I challenge you to find a better one.

3) Typical Travel Costs in Amsterdam

Amsterdam canals, boats, and buildings – Amsterdam tips

Wondering how much is a trip to Amsterdam going to cost you? Amsterdam was always expensive but in 2023, things are a little more expensive.

The most basic dorm beds in the city are at least EUR 70 per person. Public transport for a day will set you back to around EUR 10 per person if you take a one-day GVB card . Bicycle rental is a minimum of EUR 10 per person.

If you want to do special things that Amsterdam is famous for, you’re looking at things like boat tours, museums, etc. The most basic boat tour is around 17 Euros in 2023.

The most famous museum in Amsterdam is Rijksmuseum, and the entry ticket in 2023 is EUR 22.50. 

You can considerably lower your food costs if you find a place to stay that offers a free breakfast. I also mention FoodHallen in the 9th point of this post as a tip, I found it to be a cheaper place for eating in Amsterdam.

Whoa, all that sounds so expensive!

Worry not my friend, I have you covered. If you want to save money and still do a lot of things in Amsterdam, then read the next point for my tried and tested tip.

4) I Amsterdam City Card vs the GVB Card

My I Amsterdam City card for 72 Hours

There are two kinds of cards that you can use to experience Amsterdam – the I Amsterdam City Card or the GVB Card . They fit different kinds of travelers. I will explain below:

Let’s talk about the I Amsterdam card first. Apart from your accommodation costs, where do you think you will spend most of your money while you’re in Amsterdam?

I’m sure you’re thinking of internal local transport, boat ride, museum entry, food, etc. Well, good news – you can save money on this by getting yourself an I Amsterdam city card . 

A typical boat tour is around 17 Euros in 2023, public transport is around 9 Euros per day and the Rijksmuseum entry ticket in 2023 is EUR 22.50. These are the bare minimum things you would spend on in a day, so do the math and the total is EUR 48.50. 

Guess what, the I Amsterdam card for one day is just 11 euros more than this and with that, you can enter almost every single museum, including many attractions like A’Dam lookout, Hortus Botanicus, and more!

This city card also includes freebies like one boat tour and one-day free bicycle rental.

The I Amsterdam city card is a blessing and I wish I had it back in 2014 when I first visited this city. It can be used for all of Amsterdam’s public transport PLUS it gives you free access to a lot of Amsterdam’s attractions. 

Based on your duration of stay, you can get yourself a card that is valid for 1 to 4 days. A 24-hour card is for € 60 euros and a 4-day card is for € 125 euros.

This card includes free entry to most of the top museums in Amsterdam , unlimited use of public transport (trams, buses, and metros), free canal cruise, bicycle rental, and so many free tours and discounts in many restaurants.

Get Your I Amsterdam City Card Here

An alternative to the I Amsterdam City card is the GVB card . I will explain the difference here.

The I Amsterdam City Card covers it all – transport, museums, bicycle, boat tours, attractions, and many other things. A GVB day card on the other hand is only for transport so get it only if you’re sure you don’t need to visit any attractions.

A GVB card can be for one day or a multi-day card. It ONLY covers public transport so it is cheaper. These cards can be used for the metro, trams, buses, and ferries. A single-day card costs just € 9 per person and € 4 for the child.

In my experience, you should get an I Amsterdam city card , because if you end up even renting a bike or visiting just 1-2 attractions or going on a boat tour, you will spend more money separately. At least when you have the card then you know you can do it all at your own pace. We also suggest you check out this Amsterdam itinerary for 3 days for Indians .

5) Amsterdam’s Coffeeshops are not exactly Cafes

Back when I originally wrote this post in 2017, this point was my number one Amsterdam tip.

A Coffeeshop in Amsterdam Holland

A coffee shop  in Amsterdam is not your typical café but means something else entirely. I feel it is my duty to educate you so that you don’t get a shock when you visit a coffeeshop in Amsterdam just to drink coffee.

I’m sure you know by now that Amsterdam is one of those few places on Earth where you can legally buy and consume marijuana for personal use. This happens not on the streets but in coffeeshops where you can see several kinds of weed, hash, and edibles being sold per gram or in pre-rolled joints.

If you’d like to know more, I have an entire post about the difference between Amsterdam’s cafes and coffee shops , and another one about the city’s top coffeeshops .

A pack of Reefers from one of the coffeeshops in Amsterdam

In case you’d like to experience this part of Amsterdam, and you are too scared to do this alone, then you may want to check out some tours . This way, you can relax and let someone watch over you. 🙂

Below tours are some of the top tours in Amsterdam. I keep updating this list from time to time and only mention the best available tours.

• Amsterdam Coffeeshop + Red Light District tour – 1.5 to 2.5 hours – walk around Amsterdam’s narrow streets and learn about the city’s liberal culture. See coffee shops and learn about the sex industry.

I also have more details, check below for Amsterdam tips for stoners, information about coffee shops, and safety while experimenting/buying drugs in Amsterdam.

Also, if you’re visiting Amsterdam for the first time, then don’t get stuck in one of these coffee shops for the rest of your day. 🙂 There is more to Amsterdam than weed. Also, the coffeeshops close by 1 am and some even as early as 6. Do keep this in your mind while planning a party night to experience the nightlife in Amsterdam .

6) No Photography in the Red Light District

Yes, prostitution is legal in Amsterdam and the red light district comes alive as soon as the evening sets in. De Wallen area is the Red Light District, and you should avoid it altogether if you are visiting Amsterdam with children .

If you walk around the red light district at night, you will see prostitutes through pretty much every glass window in this area.

If you’re visiting Amsterdam’s Red Light District just to look around, please don’t photograph the sex workers that you see through the windows .

Never disrespect the sex workers. Not only clicking these photographs is rude but you can get your camera snatched by the cops or pay a hefty fine.

Believe it or not, I saw many people who were trying to photograph the prostitutes and were caught by the cops. Some were also yelled at by angry sex workers!

If you’d like to explore the infamous Red Light District of Amsterdam, I have handpicked a few tours for you:

• Amsterdam Red Light District 2 hour Walking tour – tour starts at 7 pm in Dam Square
• Red Light District Tour in German – 90 minutes tour with a German-speaking guide, starts in Dam Square.
• Amsterdam Coffeeshop + Red Light District tour – 1.5 to 2.5 hours – walk around Amsterdam’s narrow streets and learn about the city’s liberal culture. See coffeeshops and learn about the sex industry.

Alternatively, you can also visit the Red Light Secrets Museum of Prostitution.

7) Should You Do a Canal Cruise (Boat Tour) in Amsterdam?

YES. Canals are an important part of Amsterdam’s landscape and it is wonderful to experience the beauty of the city from the water. There’s nothing more romantic than seeing the lovely city from a slow-moving boat.

I did a boat tour in Amsterdam during my first visit in 2014 and then one more in 2017. I hated the first one but loved the second one. A nice boat tour is one of the most romantic things in Amsterdam for couples .

If you would have asked me before 2017 about doing a boat tour in Amsterdam, I would have said no, it isn’t worth it. But my thoughts have changed since then, and I will explain why.

In 2017, I did a slow tour on a small open boat that was privately owned and the experience was spectacular. In comparison, my first canal cruise was on one of those typical semi-open boats which you see that are filled with tourists. It had a kind of recording that went on in English and Dutch about which landmark was around us.

Private boat tour in Amsterdam

The smaller boat took us to all sorts of smaller canals in not-so-touristy areas in Jordaan and we clicked amazing photos from the edge of the boat. The second canal cruise in Amsterdam was a much better experience and it changed everything for me.

Nevertheless, Amsterdam is famous for its canals, and in order to experience the city, one must try to see the city from the perspective of sitting on a boat.

It may not always be easy to find a fully open boat for a private tour unless you’re in a group of 8-10 people. In our case, it was arranged by our place of residence and it worked out perfectly.

One more thing: a fully open boat is much better in every way except when it rains. So make your decision wisely.

8) Don’t Get in the Way of Cyclists, they Rule the City

One of the first things that you will notice about Amsterdam is its bicycle-dominated roads. The city is full of them and the locals love traveling on them. After all, Amsterdam has been declared the most bicycle-friendly city in the world. As per the Amsterdam tourism board website , there are more bikes in Amsterdam than permanent residents.

Please note that the bicycle lanes in Amsterdam are usually red. They are all marked with a bicycle icon at every single entry point so that the bike lane can’t be mistaken for a walking lane.

However, much to the annoyance of the locals, many tourists don’t notice the bike lanes and walk on them. Many first-time visitors also stand in the middle of the bike lanes and click pictures.

You don’t want the cyclist to suddenly brake, just because you’re standing in the middle of the bike lane. This can cause the ones behind to crash into him or her. Please be mindful of bike lanes and stay off them to avoid getting injured.

This happens even more in Amsterdam’s touristy hub – Dam Square. On my recent visit, I was cycling in that area as I was returning back from Amsterdam-Noord, on several turns I encountered travelers with their suitcases trying to mistake the bicycle lanes for sidewalks.

9) Avoid IG Famous Restaurants. Eat at FoodHallen Instead

You know how some restaurants blow up on Instagram because their food is to pretty? Well such places get overloaded with tourists and sometimes one has to stand in a line to get in.

This is with the famous cookie shop – Van Stapele Koekmakerij and the new sandwich place Chun Cafe . The first is a legendary cookie shop that’s famous for its chocolate cookies. In my 5 trips to Amsterdam, I haven’t been able to get anything from here because it is always busy or sold out.

The next – Chun Cafe is a new sandwich shop that everyone was posting about in the 2023 summer months. The queue outside went up to the end of the bridge and we were shocked!

Honestly, if I have 3 days in Amsterdam , I’d not want to waste a few hours waiting so that I could eat something that some Instagrammers have been swooning over.

Instead, I suggest you go to Foodhallen in De Hallen for an epic food experience. You may want to write this down.

Most of the first-time visitors in Amsterdam get stuck in the center and eat at one of the overly-priced or below-average restaurants where they could be eating an amazing meal in Foodhallen.

I visited Food Hallen again in 2023 and loved it even more than the first time. Not just the food but also the cocktails were exquisite.

Foodhallen is Amsterdam’s gourmet food court where foodies will end up spending hours trying different food and beer. My personal recommendation is Dim Sum Thing and De Ballenbar . Go crazy and try out new things. That’s what this place is all about.

I also recommend Mer Du Nord for seafood lovers. I ate a soft-shelled crab bun from here which was insanely good.

My friend ordered a vegan Asian noodle bowl which she seemed to enjoy. If I go back, I’d definitely eat the crab bun at Mer Du Nord again and drink the Ginger Limoncello Spritz at the Gin and Tonic bar.

I mention this place in detail in my post about spending a weekend in Amsterdam . Keep in mind that the restaurants and bars in De Hallen close by 11 p.m. and you will see them start packing up even a few minutes before time.

10) Get Your Supplies from a Supermarket , Not a Kiosk in Amsterdam

Because they don’t realize how close the supermarkets are. 

Amsterdam’s kiosks are easily visible and they appear to be everywhere. We have them in Germany too, but we only visit them on Sunday because that’s when the supermarkets are closed in Germany.

Guess what, the supermarkets are open on Sundays in Amsterdam and the nearest supermarket may be closer than you think it is. 

Here are supermarket chains that you can find all over Amsterdam and many are open from 8 am to 10 pm.

• Dirk Supermarkt 
• Albert Heijn

The only time it makes sense to spend so much more extra for basic supplies from a kiosk is when you are the supermarket is closed — after you’re getting home from a party or a bar or something.

11) Renting a Bike? Tips for Riding a Bicycle in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world. The best way to enjoy Amsterdam’s awesomeness is by getting on a bicycle and exploring the city.

Cycle through the parks, on narrow bridges, and also get on the ferry to Amsterdam Noord and make the most of your time here. You can see all of Amsterdam’s attractions on two wheels because the city is amazingly bicycle-friendly.

But wait, how will you get a bicycle? The most obvious answer is to rent your own bike . But hey, if you’re traveling to Amsterdam on the road from Europe, you can also carry your own bicycle, as we did.

We got ours on the train from Germany! It was super convenient because we started cycling in Amsterdam (with our backpacks) as soon as we arrived in Amsterdam.

My number one tip for renting a bicycle in Amsterdam is to take notice of how the breaks work because Dutch bikes are a little different.

Here’s something that will make you laugh: there are many who think Dutch bicycles don’t have breaks. It is because when you look at them, you won’t see the usual hand breaks. In reality, they don’t have traditional hand breaks that are on handles but have pedal breaks.

In case you’re not used to pedal breaks, then ask for a bicycle with normal breaks. I have seen many tourists falling on the road while cycling because they couldn’t break in time!

Always stay on the bicycle tracks and use your hands to gesture before you turn. Be careful of the tram tracks because if your bicycle tire gets stuck in one, you will fall on your head. Always lock your bicycle with two locks because there are many thefts.

• Amsterdam 3-hour bike tour:  Bike ride through Amsterdam’s  prettiest streets and hidden gems.
• Amsterdam 2-hour bicycle tour : Cycle through Jordaan, Red light district, Rijkmuseum, etc.
• 2.5 hours Amsterdam Sightseeing Tour by Bike: Cycle through the Museum square, pass by Vondel park, Anne Frank house, Wester Church Tower, and the red light district
• Windmills, Cheese, and Clogs : 3-Hour Countryside Bike Tour to the outskirts of Amsterdam – one of the top Amsterdam tours.
• 2-hour bike tour of Amsterdam city : Cycle through the city, cross the skinny bridge and pass by most of the famous attractions. Stop for a drink at Vondel Park
• 3 Hour-guided tour of historical Amsterdam : Available in English, German and French

It is easier to cycle around Amsterdam-Noord because it isn’t as crowded as the main center. You can cycle here first if you’re not so confident and come back to the center the next day.

12) It can rain anytime in Amsterdam, so be prepared

Not just in London, but it can rain anytime in Amsterdam too. Prepare yourself mentally and physically to handle the rain.

If you want to be comfortable, don’t forget to carry your rain gear, especially shoes that can handle rain. Carry gumboots or flip flops, or any other rainproof shoes so that your socks don’t get soggy.

If you forget to carry your rain poncho, don’t worry because you will find cheap rain ponchos being sold for 1 – 5 euros in several stores.

I normally carry my own rain gear and I can recommend this super tiny yet powerful umbrella that folds to just 12 inches and is easy to carry.

So what to do in Amsterdam when it rains? Visit one of the museums. Here’s a list of some of the top museums in Amsterdam and information about entering them with I Amsterdam card.

13) Experience Amsterdam’s International Food Scene

What would a real Amsterdam tips and tricks post be without food, right?

Amsterdam’s food scene is awesome and it isn’t just limited to the local Dutch food. If you really want to eat like a local in Amsterdam, then you wouldn’t just restrict yourself to Dutch food.

You will be surprised to know that Amsterdam has a large Indonesian population . Why so? Indonesia was a colony of the Netherlands till 1949. Because of this, you can find some amazingly authentic Indonesian restaurants in Amsterdam. 

If you want to try Indonesian food in Amsterdam and aren’t sure about what to order, then get yourself a rijsttafel . A rijsttafel is a variety of small-sized dishes and you get to try a lot of things on just one plate.

Amsterdam also has a lot of Indian restaurants but you know what’s the most desi out of all? There’s a restaurant called Sarvana Bhawan in De Pijp. It is definitely authentic and you will mostly see Indians. I was there, and I’m very Indian.

One of the best things that you can order in Sarvana Bhawan  and it is a specialty there is a Dosa (it is a super crispy rice pancake kind of a thing), it comes with a variety of chutneys and one bowl of daal . Normally one Dosa is enough for a person but I had two, it was that good.

If you’d like to experience Japanese food in Amsterdam, then head to Taka Japanese Kitchen and order okonomiyaki . That’s like a Japanese pancake (yes another pancake at this point) and it is super yummy.

14) Pause in Amsterdam’s Parks & Hofje (Hidden Courtyards)

I get it, Amsterdam is a busy city and if you’re a nature lover (like me) then you need to sit on the grass and pause for a few minutes. It is like a quick detox.

Amsterdam has a lot of parks and they are beautifully maintained. The Dutch gardeners and botanists are known all over the world and you will see proof of that in the parks.

If you visit the Museums, then keep in mind that the Vondelpark is right there. I did stay next to the Oostpark and loved it there.

Oh hey, when you’re traveling to Amsterdam then there aren’t just parks, there are Hofjes too. A Hofje is a courtyard and Amsterdam has many historical ones all around the city. Most were built by the wealthy locals in the 17th century. You can read more about Amsterdam’s Hofjes here .

I did enter a few of them without realizing it during my earlier visits because I love getting lost. Some of the notable Hofjes in Amsterdam are:

• Karthuizerhof,
• Hofje van De Zeven Keurvorsten
• Zon’s Hofje 

Wherever you are in Amsterdam, if you want to visit one of the Hofjes, then just open Google Maps, type “Hofje” and find the nearest one. Not all are free but this is something you will figure out on Maps or as you cross them.

Please note, that even though most of the Hofjes are free to enter, you should definitely maintain peace and not overstay.

15) Carry a Bottle and Drink Tap Water

The Netherlands is one such country where the quality of tap water is regulated and is totally safe to drink it. It tastes good too.

Buying bottled water all the time isn’t environmentally friendly. Moreover, a water bottle can cost around 3 euros in a kiosk, and you can save some money by filling your bottle with tap water. Why waste money on bottled water AND increase your plastic waste when you can safely drink tap water?

It isn’t just about being “cheap” but about being environmentally friendly.

If you think bottled water is cleaner, let me tell you – it depends on how it is stored and transported. These bottles are made with plastic and if they’re kept in the sun by mistake for a long duration, the water is no longer safe.

16) Tipping in Amsterdam

The tipping culture in most of Europe is very different than how it is in the USA. (Or even the UK – but hey, that’s a part of Europe).

If you’re an American, then you’re probably used to tipping 10% of the bill amount. Living in Germany , I have realized that most of people just leave 1-2 euros if they have a nice meal experience. The same is the case in Amsterdam too. 

As per my conversations with the locals in Amsterdam on multiple occasions, I have realized that they’re usually not leaving a tip and if they do, it is 1-2 euros.

However, things aren’t as simple as that, because Amsterdam receives many international visitors and has many expats that live here. All these aspects have shaken up the dynamics of tipping in Amsterdam.

Many restaurant workers often receive decent tips from those who aren’t local and they can easily figure out who’s not. They sort of expect a good tip if they know you’re an American or are from the UK. Even then, anything above 10% is unusual.

Essentially tipping is still seen as a sign of gratitude and not an entitlement. So, if you’re particularly happy about your food and service, then by all means tip 10 percent over and above the bill. A tip that’s between 5 – 10% 

Btw, Here’s an amazing discussion about Amsterdam’s tipping culture that I found on Reddit.

17) Amsterdam tips for Stoners – Don’t buy drugs on the road

Okay, so you have heard Amsterdam has an open-minded drug use policy and you are visiting this city just to party. I understand, but please don’t buy drugs on the road.

Believe it or not, there are cops everywhere and you can get caught. Why buy on the road when you can legally buy and smoke weed (and hash) in coffeeshops?

In most of the coffeeshops in Amsterdam, a gram of weed or hash is sold for around 10 – 12 euros. You can also buy 4 pre-rolled splifs for around 16 euros. By the way, if you’re a first-time smoker in Amsterdam then I feel it’s my duty to warn you – go SLOW.

As of 2008, you can no longer buy magic mushrooms in Amsterdam but can buy truffles in head shops (or smart shops). Truffles are just like magic mushrooms, except they grow under the earth. The effect is the same!

If you’d like to try them then ask the headshop owners about which ones are strong and which ones aren’t. Just don’t carry them back from Amsterdam to another country because it is illegal to do so.

There is a herbal version of many things, including MDMA. Just because it is herbal, doesn’t mean it doesn’t cause any damage to your body. Please research well in advance before you decide to experiment here.

18) What are Amsterdam’s Tourist Traps?

Tourist traps – every famous city that’s a tourist hub has them, no matter how lovely the locals are. Amsterdam also has a few of them.

Amsterdam has a lot of fake museums. Some of them are just shops but they claim to be museums. To name a few, there’s the Vodka museum, cheese museum, prostitution museum, tulip museum, etc. Instead, find an actual museum like the Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum. I have a post about Amsterdam’s museums .

Believe it or not, Amsterdam has a lot of tourist trap restaurants and many are in Leidseplein and Damrak. To get a memorable meal, head to De Pijp, FoodHallen, or Noord .

Avoid “Tours and Tickets” shops – they are all over the touristy areas and are very expensive. Do your research online, book your museums and attractions tickets online, or get an I Amsterdam City card . 

In general, avoid the main squares – Dam, Rembrandtplein, and Leidsesplein (especially on the weekend). All these areas are full of overpriced shops, restaurants, and fake museums. If it is your first time, sure I understand if you want to photograph these places. I did too, but now I avoid them.

19) The Best Souvenirs are at HEMA or Waterlooplein or Hortus Botanicus

You will see a lot of souvenir shops in Dam Square, Dam, Rembrandtplein, and Leidsesplein. Souvenirs from the shops in touristy areas are full of small overpriced things. They are mostly the same and can get boring after a while.

If you have a thing for fridge magnets, then sure you will find a lot of them here, and if you’re looking for something more meaningful then I have a few options for you.

Find something in HEMA – it is actually a famous Dutch chain for everyday life products. You will find useful things here and not just decorative pieces like typical touristy souvenirs. HEMA is known for its good quality, simple timeless style, and affordability.

In HEMA you will find colorful clothes, bags, socks, and literally everything possible. You will also find food items that you can consume and gift. There are around 20 HEMA stores in Amsterdam so you will definitely find one near you wherever you go.

Apart from HEMA, you can also visit one of Amsterdam’s flea markets like the Waterlooplein Market or the 9 Straatjes (which. I mentioned in my fast-paced 2-day Amsterdam itinerary ).

The best souvenir that I bought from Amsterdam was from Hortus Botanicus (the Botanical Garden). I got a set of three big 3-D butterflies for my daughter and we hung them in her room together. They look like they are actually floating.

20) Park your Car outside Amsterdam [+ Camper van Parking Spots]

Parking in Amsterdam is expensive and can be as high as 10 euros per hour. If you’re reaching Amsterdam by driving, then you need to park your car outside to save money.

On the highway that leads to Amsterdam, watch out for “P+R” signs because this is where you need to park your car. Look for P+R Zeeburg, P+R Sloterdijk, P+R ArenA or P+R Olympish Stadion. Parking in P+R spots is usually 1 euro per day and from here you can easily take public transport to the center of the city.

If you’re arriving in Amsterdam on your camper van, then you will be happy to know that there are a bunch of places that are in Amsterdam but a bit outside the city center where you can stay.

We stayed in Gasper Camping where we parked our campervan next to a river. It is a massive camping and parking area, which is peaceful at night. Gasper Camping also has an in-house restaurant, bar, supermarket, snack vending machine, amazing toilets, and showers.  

There’s the Gaasperplas Metro station that’s right outside this campground, from where you can take Metro 53 to the main Amsterdam city center.

Apart from Gasper, there’s also Camping Zeeburg, one of the highest-rated campgrounds in Amsterdam which was full when we visited. [You can read reviews on TripAdvisor  about this place here].   

21) Don’t Get Stuck at the Centre. Also, Don’t Skip Noord

There are many places to visit in Amsterdam and the city is more than just coffee shops, the red light district, and the center. Many tourists just get stuck in the center and miss the surrounding neighborhoods.

Spend a few days in the city’s hipster neighborhood – Amsterdam-Noord and get lost in NDSM werf . Noord is across the IJ River and is very different as compared to the rest of Amsterdam in every way. I make sure I visit Noord every single time I’m in Amsterdam and drink a beer (or more) in Pllek .

Go visit the nearby Plantage, De Pijp, and Oud-West – you will be surprised to see how few tourists visit these places. You can easily reach here by hopping on trams, buses, and metros where you can use your I Amsterdam city card .

Click here for more information about Amsterdam’s neighborhoods .

For the best of everything, sleep in the east (green, affordable yet close to the center), eat in De Pijp, and party in Noord. You don’t need anything else, except a bit of Jordaan to complete your Amsterdam trip. 

22) You will probably get lost

Prepare to get lost because in the beginning, most of the canals in Amsterdam will look similar and you will think you’re walking in circles. Some streets are so narrow that it is very easy to miss a turn.

Moreover, if you rent a bike, the traffic can be confusing because there are trams, buses, cars, and pedestrians on the road.

I am not sure about you but I really enjoy getting lost in new places. However, it is not so much fun when you get lost right before you need to catch a train (or bus in my case) to get out of Amsterdam.

Download an offline version of Amsterdam’s map on Google Maps so that you can be aware of where you are.

It is funny how often I get lost when I travel solo. Even with Google Maps, I would sometimes get confused about which direction of the tram I needed to get on in order to reach my destination in Amsterdam. But hey, that’s fun.

23) Respect the locals and their city

Just because Amsterdam’s city council is open-minded and has legalized many things like marijuana consumption, prostitution, etc., it doesn’t mean that you can take advantage of this. Be a responsible traveler and don’t do more than you can handle.

Don’t get excessively high in public places and please don’t create a scene. Prostitutes are not porn stars, don’t photograph them and share their pictures on social media. Just remember to treat Amsterdam exactly how you would want the visitors to treat YOUR hometown.

24) Carry your photo ID

No, you don’t just need a photo ID if you’re visiting a coffee shop or a bar, but even the cops can stop you on the road and ask for an ID. We were told this happens specifically when people look intoxicated or have “red eyes”.

You may just be sleepy but perhaps you look stoned, it is better to keep your ID with you all the time. If you’re worried about losing your passport, then just keep your driver’s license that shows your picture.

25) Amsterdam has pickpockets, beware

Just like most touristy places, Amsterdam also has pickpockets. Moreover, some of the areas tend to get highly crowded and you may not even notice when someone picks your pockets.

Be super careful in areas like Dam Square and De Wallen.

Keep your valuables in your hotel room or hostel locker and carry only the essentials. Consider getting yourself a “pickpocket-proof” travel pouch and passport holder.

26) How to Travel from Amsterdam Airport to the City Centre

The Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam is the Netherlands ‘ top international airport. It is an extremely busy airport and many international airlines run daily flights to Amsterdam that arrive here from all over the world.

This airport also services budget carriers like Easyjet, Eurowings, Vueling, and Transavia run cheap flights to Amsterdam. Actually, this airport isn’t exactly in Amsterdam, it is in Haarlemmermeer. It is close to Haarlem .

To reach Amsterdam’s center from the Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, the most convenient way is by hopping onto a train. The journey is just 20 minutes. You will first have to get to the lower level of the airport and look for NS Dutch Railways.

There’s a train every ten minutes to the Amsterdam city center except between 1 am to 5 am. Between 1 am to 5 am, the trains run every hour. Buy a ticket at one of the yellow vending machines that say “tickets” on top. A ticket will cost you 4.50 euros. 

There is also a bus service from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to Museumplein, Rijksmuseum, and Leidseplein. It is called Amsterdam Airport Express and is surprisingly more expensive than the train. The bus costs EUR 6.50 for one way.

27) Arriving in Amsterdam by Train or by Bus

If you’re reaching Amsterdam by train, then most likely your train will arrive at Amsterdam Centraal Station , which is in the middle of everything. From here, you can literally walk to everywhere (if you don’t have a lot of luggage). 

Flixbus has the best international bus service in Europe and it arrives in Amsterdam at Sloterdijk station. From there, you can hop on a train to Amsterdam Centraal which costs just EUR 3.50. Other buses normally arrive at Duivendrecht station.

28) Where to stay in Amsterdam Close to Everything?

Many people would say Dam Square. I disagree. Yes, that’s close to everything but it is also the most crowded area in Amsterdam. If you want to stay in the historical center, see canals from your window, and be a little away from the most crowded areas but yet within walkable distance, pick Jordaan instead. 

If your Amsterdam visit is mostly about the museums, then book a place in the South and close that’s to the Vondelpark . My website also has a post about places to stay in Amsterdam’s different neighborhoods .

I have said this before and I will say it over and over again, Amsterdam is not a cheap travel destination. There aren’t any cheap hotels in Amsterdam, but if you find one then please book it before it sells out. Not just the hotels in Amsterdam, but even the hostels are super expensive.

If you want to save a little money, then why not stay in Noord ? It is Amsterdam’s hipster neighborhood with amazing artwork, crazy buildings, and a lovely vibe. Don’t worry, you can still take the free ferry from Noord to Amsterdam Centraal, which is where everything is. 

Amsterdam is one of those places where you need to book a room in advance to avoid shockingly high costs. Believe it or not, my friend once paid 20 euros for just two hours in a hostel , which is usually a nightly cost in hostels all over Europe.

If you’re looking for some great options, check out my post about suggested places to stay in Amsterdam for every budget . It also has options for renting a houseboat, tent, or caravan.

If you’re looking for a budget hotel , try Vivaldi Guesthouse near the Heineken experience. I stayed here in 2014 and I enjoyed this place. You can also try the famous Flying Pig Downtown hostel. This same chain has two more – Flying Pig Uptown  Hostel and Flying Pig Beach hostel . If you don’t have any budget restrictions, then try the luxurious  NH Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky , which is in Dam square – the center of Amsterdam.

29) Mandatory Advance Booking for Museums & Attractions Post Covid

Amsterdam has some of the world’s best museums for not just art but also for cannabis, sex, alcohol, etc.

There’s the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Ann Frank Haus, and the Hermitage – just to name a few. Most of these museums are in the Museumquarter, where the Amsterdam Tourism Board earlier had an I Amsterdam sign.

There are so many museums in this city that a first-time visitor can be lost for choice. I also have a post about some of the best museums in Amsterdam .

So are there really long queues outside the museums in Amsterdam? Well, before the corona pandemic yes.

As of June 30, 2021, most of Amsterdam’s museums and attractions are open because a majority of the locals are now vaccinated. It is now mandatory to book a time slot in Amsterdam’s museums and attractions. So even if people queue up, the queues move fast because the slots are pre-booked.

It is actually a good thing, it means if you book a slot for yourself in advance then you don’t have to wait and waste time in a long queue. Yes, there will be a queue outside popular museums in Rijksmuseum but it moves very fast since the only ones who stand there are the people who book a time slot. 

How do I know this? I was personally there in July 2021. 

If you’re visiting Amsterdam on a weekend then you should try to preplan your visits to attractions and museums as early as you can.

If you’re visiting more than one museum, then it makes sense to get the I Amsterdam City card .  A few years back tourists could also buy a card that’s just for visiting museums – Museumkaart . However, as per new rules, only Dutch residents can use it. 

30) What to wear in Amsterdam?

The unwritten dress code for Amsterdam is “smart casuals”, so don’t bring your high heels, or fancy designer stuff but keep things super casual and comfortable.

In Summer 2023, I saw most of the women wear super casual summery dresses with sneakers but nothing fancy.

As someone who has visited Amsterdam over and over in every season, know that it gets cold in summer too. So, you always need to carry a jacket with you in Amsterdam and carry it around in your day bag as you move around.

The way to move around in Amsterdam is on a bicycle or on foot, so wear your comfortable shoes. When it comes to going out in Amsterdam, a sporty look is always in.

If you like to express yourself with fashion then just remember to pick a style in which you can move freely.

Shorts and tee shirts in summer for boys with a jacket and sporty shoes work. Girls can wear a summer dress or shorts or summer pants with a tank or a tee, a casual jacket, and sneakers.

No matter which season it is, you will need a rain jacket or a poncho, so carry one in your backpack. You can also buy one from there for as low as EUR 3. I did too!

FAQs about visiting Amsterdam

Is amsterdam too touristy.

Yes and no. Amsterdam’s Dam Square and the area around the center (Amsterdam Centraal) are extremely touristy and crowded.

I’d say 90% of the travelers only stay in this part and don’t even venture out. Honestly, Amsterdam is more than just Dam Square, Red Light District, museums, and Coffeeshops.

Get out and check out some amazing places such as the Eastern side (Weesperbuurt en Plantage), Jordaan, Noord , Oud-West, etc.

Is Amsterdam Easy to Walk Around?

Yes, it is! You can easily reach from one part of Amsterdam to another by just walking. Just be careful of the cyclists because you will feel as if the city belongs to them. It kind of does.

The bicycle lanes are normally red and at first, you may end up mistaking the bike lanes for walking lanes. Check out my Amsterdam Itinerary – it has walking maps that will help you explore this city on foot and take you from one awesome spot to another.

Why is Amsterdam so Popular?

Because it is AWESOME. Haha, well it is a historical city that was once an important port and connected many parts of Europe to other parts of the world. Amsterdam’s beautiful canals have attracted travelers from all over the world for many years and it continues to do so. It also has a distinctive art scene, many famous artists were born here or lived here and it has the most famous museums in the world. Moreover, it is famous for its free-spirited culture where prostitution is legal and one can buy and smoke weed in coffeeshops .

How Safe is Amsterdam Red Light District?

Amsterdam’s Red Light district is extremely safe. Amsterdam City has a very low crime rate and is safe. Yes, there can be pickpockets, so be careful of your belongings. 

What is the Best Time to visit Amsterdam?

I’d say summer but not the month of August. Here’s why: The days are longer in summer and you will be able to experience so much more because the weather is easier to handle. The months of June, July are the best but August is the most crowded month in Amsterdam because that’s when most of the Europeans plan their annual vacations. Honestly, each season has its own advantage. If you like flowers, then the best time to visit the Netherlands is the months of April and May so that you can see the tulips. In spring you can experience Amsterdam in full bloom and colours. Autumn is when the trees around the canals start turning yellow, orange, and red, so the pictures come out really well. But autumn is also very rainy and windy. Wintertime has the Christmas lights and a lot of areas turn into ice skating rinks. You can ice skate right in front of the Rijksmuseum in winter!

What language is spoken in Amsterdam?

The local language is Dutch, but English is widely spoken too.

What do the 3 x’s mean in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam’s logo has 3 X’s and they stand for the three crosses of St. Andrew. St. Andrew was martyred on an X-shaped in the 1st century AD. He was a fisherman. Amsterdam was historically a fishing town and all the ships registered here had a flag with the city symbol of three X’s. This symbol dates back to 1505.

Would you recommend renting a car when visiting Amsterdam?

No. Even though I earn an affiliate commission when visitors book a rental car on my website, I strongly suggest you not rent a car while you’re in Amsterdam. Amsterdam’s streets are perfect for cyclists or pedestrians but not cars. You can rent a bicycle or use the city’s amazing public transportation network with your I Amsterdam City card .

I hope my Amsterdam Tips & Tricks

So, are you ready to visit Amsterdam and fall in love with it? If so, let me know how it goes, I’d love to hear abut your experience.

If you know anyone that’s heading to this beautiful city, then please share this post about Amsterdam travel tips with them. I’m sure it will help them tremendously and will save their travel costs.

Disclosure: we collaborated with the I Amsterdam (Amsterdam city tourism board) for a part of our trip in 2017 and 2021. However, all opinions expressed in this article are definitely our own.

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46 Comments

These are all great tips! I def agree to stay away from cyclists – even crossing the streets there can be terrifying haha. Same goes with getting out of the center. I loved all the cute neighborhoods to explore!

Thank you Sally. 🙂 Yes, crossing the streets in Amsterdam is surely something else. To be honest, the first time that I visited Amsterdam, I was pretty much stuck in Amsterdam’s coffeeshops and explored the surroundings just a few hours before leaving 🙂 However my second visit was different.

Amsterdam has long been on my travel wish list, and I know Andy has always wanted to go, too. It might just be time! How fabulous is that “I Amsterdam city card”? I would definitely go about getting one of those for a trip, and I so wish every city had one of those when I was traveling in Europe years ago. And I promise that if I make it there, I’ll be on the lookout for rain, cyclists and the pickpockets (seriously good tips there)!

HI Patricia, yes, Amsterdam is like no other. It’s a very cute city and has something for everyone. The city card feature is something we found in most of Europe’s major cities. We had a city card in Hamburg too. We saw the option to buy in Barcelona, Lisbon, Zagreb and Frankfurt too. 😉

Are there specific location to purchase the card?

Hi, Pls share list of best attractions for one day tour and for this City area Card is required ??

Really great tips – especially not taking photos in the red light district – I’ve seen bouncers chase a guy down the street and throw his camera into the canal before! And also a great note on watching out for cyclists – they’re everywhere! I love Amsterdam, it’s so unique 🙂

That serves him right. 🙂 The first time I visited Amsterdam, I got yelled at by a sex worker because I was trying to take a selfie on the bridge. She thought I was trying to click her (which I wasn’t). 🙂

These are really practical and sensible tips for first time visitors to Amsterdam. It always is prudent to be aware of the rules and mores of a place so that you do not end up looking like a fool or get into a worse tangle.As Amsterdam is a biking city, the tip about Cyclists is really so sensible.

Absolutely! I wish I had done my research before my first time visit to Amsterdam. I’m sure I will add to this list when I visit Amsterdam for the third time. 🙂

I loved my trip to Amsterdam last summer! Its truly a gorgeous city and you could just walk all day through the canals and eat gelato. The cafes was the one thing I was not aware of haha poor planning on my part – but now I know for when I return!!

Yup, Amsterdam is absolutely gorgeous! It is so much fun just walking around this city aimlessly and enjoying the canal views. 🙂

These are great tips! I haven’t been to Amsterdam since 2007 and have been wanting to go back so bad. I had no idea about the I love Amsterdam card, that is a really great option to have and explore the city and all the sites with. I do remember those bicycle lanes and being one of the dumb tourists who walked on it unknowingly and almost caused an accident. Ooops! This time I know better!

Hehe, Megan even I was a dumb tourist when I visited Amsterdam for the first time and I walked all over the bike lanes. Thankfully I did not get hurt. 🙂 Yes, Amsterdam city card is awesome and made everything easy for us.

Such a helpful list!

Thank you Niranjan, glad you like it. 🙂

What a great list of tips! Amsterdam is definitely on our to-visit list, so we’ve both been reading up as much as we can. Every city is so unique, so knowing some of its quirks (and rules) ahead of time can make all the difference! 🙂

Awesome! Oh yes it is so important to read a little about new destinations before going there. Not only can you save money but you can also end up avoiding trouble and making the most of your trip. 🙂 Hope you visit Amsterdam soon.

So cool that you can drink tap water in Amsterdam Sonal. Ditto for here in NYC. Tap is A-OK to enjoy. Just downed a few glasses to start the day. I am used to NOT drinking tap in developing nations. This is a treat to me. Sure I save money but also save time and energy, going back and forth to the store for bottled water or grabbing a filter.

Hey Ryan, yes in developed countries tap water is generally even safer than bottled water because bottles are made out of plastic and the water in them can get dangerous if these bottles are kept in the sun for too long. I was reading an article about how most of the bottled water is in fact tap water, haha. Glad you like my post about Amsterdam travel tips.

Hey Sonal, Again good content and almost all past post as well. Keep going 🙂

Thank you Vikash 🙂 glad you like this post. Have you been to Amsterdam? 🙂

Hey, Cool tips ever to visit Amsterdam. And thanks for these amazing photos 🙂

Hi Jennifer, thank you! Glad you like our photos. Be sure to check out our latest post about where to stay in Amsterdam for every budget. 😉 Cheers

Great post, super helpful! Saved for future reference, I really want to go Amsterdam in the near future 😛

Thanks Maria. 🙂 If you do end up going, check out our latest post about where to stay in Amsterdam for every budget too! 😉

There’s a tip for you: Amsterdam 24/7 saved our trip! An app with info and links for different emergency situations (We needed a doctor to come to our hotel…)

Hey Tom – good to know that Amsterdam 24/7 app saved your trip and sent a doctor to your hotel. Will surely add this here in this post so that other travelers can also use this app if they face an emergency in Amsterdam. 🙂

I can’t find Amsterdam 24/7 on the App Store. ?? Is it called something else?

Great blog. After reading this blog post, I am so excited to go to Amasterdam. Now, I am planning a trip to Amsterdam with my friends. One year earlier, my uncle also told me about cool and cozy atmosphere there. Thank you so much for sharing.

Many thanks for sharing. Saving is an excellent habit while travelling. I’m planning to visit Amsterdam this May and doing the research on how to make my visit the most beneficial. Your blog is of great help. I just wonder whether it’s possible to take pics of the Red Light District without the sex workers? Also, I’d add another tip to save money. Besides the Amsterdam City Card, they have Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket. It provides unlimited 7-day access to the city’s best nightclubs as well as free drinks and other staff for party animals.

I have been reading your blog about Amsterdam a little by little and am learning so much.(Hope to cover all grounds before we go)! Your tips are super useful. I’ll be travelling with family (2 small kids included) from Mumbai. Do let me know if you have any special tips for enjoying the city with young kids. Thanks for all the information you have put up here. Great work!

Don’t try and see everything at one go. Plan your itinerary because you need to choose among the larger towns and the smaller, more quaint ones. As said before, you can’t see it all in one go.

If your a student take your student Id. ( College, school ID ) with you. Because if you are a student carrying your id. Some places will give you discounts if you are able to show a valid student id.

Avoid the crowds and queues. Ask the locals people for all the times when the crowds are less and plan accordingly.

And many more travel tips to follow.

I really enjoy your tips about Amsterdam.We are going to be there this coming summe,Ican’t wait! Thank you!

Great insight into Amsterdam. I will be visiting for the first time at Christmas and New Years. I’ll let you know how things go. Thanks for all your tips!

I get that coffee shops are really pot stores so where does one get a really good coffee?

Amsterdam is one of the best travel destinations in Europe.

It’s my dream city.

Thanks for your awesome travel paragraph, photos are really amazing and mind-blowing.

Back in the data Amsterdam was my favorite city to party and relax however in the recent years the amount of tourist increased to insane levels and transformed city into one big touristic attraction.Fortunately recently I found the place that has the atmosphere of the “old” Amsterdam with its authenticity and good vibes. The amount of sightseeing there is outstanding and nightlife is amazing.If I would have to recommend one place it will be New Orleans Club, great place to have a party or organize business meeting. And pole dancing there-amazing!

Hey Bob, do you also work for the New Orleans Club?

Planning to visit Amsterdam during the museum week, would i still need the I Amsterdam card, or can just work with GVB card given that museum visits would be free.

Also, how crowded are the museums during this week?

Hi Anu, from the information I have, the entry to the museums isn’t free but discounted during the museum week. Yes, I do recommend the I Amsterdam card to make it affordable to visit multiple museums.

FYI, a 10% tip in the USA is insultingly low for most restaurants. For a restaurant tip, 20% is standard, 10% means you had a terrible experience. If you don’t tip at all, the staff will feel like you are stealing from them, and you may be confronted as to why you were so unhappy with your meal that you failed to tip the server.

10% is fine for taxis, delivery drivers or other “sitting” tipped professions.

“Standing” tipped professionals should be tipped 20% for adequate service, 15% for poor-fair service, 10% for terrible service. Standing tipped professionals include restaurant servers, bartenders, Cannabis Bud-tenders, and beauty salon professionals (barbers, stylists, manicurists, massage therapists, etc.).

Standing professions usually have to share their tips with their coworkers. This is the majority of their income, which is why tipping is higher for these professions.

If in doubt when visiting the USA, just ask your server what the custom is for tipping.

True, but this post is about Amsterdam in the Netherlands 🙂 [Not USA]

Hii , so i am from morocco and i live in china , i work here as a teacher , i feel stuck , so i decide to come as a student to Amsterdam , am a little bit worried because i heard that its so expensive there , yet im not afraid of new adventures and challenges , so i just wonder , is it possible and easy to find jobs there ？ thank you in advance …

During COVID situation, are the places accepting cash or only cards?

Great information for our upcoming trip…. thanks so much!

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Namaste, Guten Tag! I'm Sonal from India, living in Germany and exploring Europe. I've been writing about my travels since 2015. I often travel alone (and sometimes with family of 3).

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Last Updated on March 17, 2024 by Drifter Planet

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25 Essential Travel Tips for Amsterdam From An Amsterdam Resident

December 31, 2018 by Karen Turner 43 Comments

I lived in Amsterdam for over three years. These are my tried and tested tips for visiting Amsterdam based on advice for my friends and family visiting me. I’ve structured in the form of 25 tips including some Do’s/Don’ts.

Although I have plenty to write about living in Amsterdam, I’m most often asked for tips about visiting Amsterdam by friends and strangers. I hope that these tips help you plan your Amsterdam trip!

Note: These are a quick run-down of tourist tips that are helpful to keep in mind while visiting in Amsterdam. I’ve now written an ultimate guide to Amsterdam with FAQs, your perfect Amsterdam itinerary , t he best day trips from Amsterdam , including where to stay in Amsterdam , what Dutch foods to try , and the top sites to see (from one biased local). 

• 1 Do not stand or walk in the bike lane / Do walk on the sidewalk
• 2 You must carry identification on you
• 3 Wear comfortable shoes
• 4 Be aware that customer service is different in the Netherlands
• 5 For unique souvenirs, avoid the touristic areas!
• 6 Book your hotel or hostel early, especially for peak season (spring/summer)
• 7 Don’t bike on the sidewalk or do a bike tour.
• 8 Do rent a bike to see Amsterdam like a local and bike like a local.
• 9 There are plenty of tourist trap restaurants, but there are definitely great recommendations to be had!
• 10 Skip the Heineken Experience / Try craft beer
• 11 Step into a brown bar
• 12 If you are interested in trying the local liquors, be sure to try jenever
• 13 Don’t be naive when it comes to drugs and crime / Do be careful
• 14 Don’t only stay inside of the ring
• 15 Explore other areas of Amsterdam
• 16 Don’t be an a**hole
• 17 Be sure to enter a hofje (hidden courtyard)
• 18 Do know the difference between a coffeeshop and a café.
• 19 Don’t take photos in the Red Light District
• 20 If you did not get your Anne Frank Tickets in advance, you might have to wait a while
• 21 Don’t forget your allergy meds / Pet all the cats!
• 22 Don’t be afraid to visit Amsterdam alone!
• 23 The water is fine (and delicious), but not readily available
• 24 Try Indonesian and Surinamese food!
• 25 Don’t forget how dangerous the canals are
• 26 Take lots of canal photos!
• 27 Don’t forget to leave the coffeeshop / Take in culture and history at the many museums!
• 28 Don’t bother checking the weather beyond 1 hour ahead; Wear your raincoat (it will rain!)
• 29 Don’t plan on using your debit/credit card (except in touristic places), so go to an ATM
• 30 Don’t invalidate your train, bus, or tram ticket / Remember to check in and tap your card on the way out!
• 31 Don’t stay in Amsterdam the whole time / See more of the Netherlands!
• 32 Don’t be afraid to ask locals
• 33.1 Books to read before you visit Amsterdam
• 34 People who have visited Amsterdam, anything you wish anyone had told you? Fellow residents, anything I missed?

Do not stand or walk in the bike lane / Do walk on the sidewalk

​You can figure out what is the bike lane–and what is  not the bike lane by looking for a bike icon.  In many places, the bike lane has a red color–and you will see bicyclists on it.  The sidewalk is typically the bit next to it that is white.  If you’re jaywalking, it’s likely that you’ll be passing the bike lane.

To be fair, bikes are  supposed to stop when you are in a crossing bit, but it’s good to be careful.  The worst thing that you can do is to stand in the bike lane taking pictures without looking behind you and/or backing up.  Bicyclists don’t want to hit you–and it’s dangerous!

Expect to be dinged a lot by passing bikes if you enter the bike path and be sure to keep children close to you.   Bikes in other parts of the Netherlands tend to be less aggressive, however many of my friends visiting Amsterdam for the first time are often surprised by this!

You must carry identification on you

This is actually a law. If you’re non-EU, be sure to carry your passport on you as you can get fined for not carrying identification. Similarly, if you’re EU, you still need your identification. Generally, you won’t need to pull out your identification for much, however you might need to show if you intend to enter a coffeeshop (discussed below!). Most bars do not ID patrons unless they look younger than 18, which is the drinking age in the Netherlands for spirits.

Wear comfortable shoes

Amsterdam is surprisingly small, enough that you can easily walk or bike across it. I’ve created a few walking itineraries for Amsterdam that cover a lot of the historic centre , so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. You might encounter cobblestones in some places, so I don’t recommend heels unless they’re quite thick. Booties are a favorite of Dutchies as they’re comfy and fashionable!

Be aware that customer service is different in the Netherlands

This is particularly true when it comes to restaurants and cafes. Waiters at cafes often leave people alone for long periods of time without really checking on them at cheaper/mid-range cafes. (You might have a very different experience at a nicer restaurant.) It’s a common complaint of friends that they were frustrated with the customer service. Generally if you want something at a cafe, you’ll need to flag down the waiter or go up to the front (if they’re not coming). The customer is not always right here…

For unique souvenirs, avoid the touristic areas!

One of my favorite parts of Amsterdam for unique and interesting souvenirs is the 9 Straatjes . This adorable neighborhood of Amsterdam along the canals is full of cute boutique shops where you can look for unique souvenirs, including cheese, and find something different. This is not in the 9 Streets, but I always love to head to Barts for a nice hat or scarf as a souvenir from Amsterdam .

Book your hotel or hostel early, especially for peak season (spring/summer)

Peak season for the Netherlands begins in April. You can read my advice for cool events in Amsterdam in April here, however hotel rates will go up. Book your hotel as early as possible to get a good rate. If you don’t need to travel over a weekend, you’ll save a lot by enjoying mid-week rates as Saturdays are typically high. Sundays are surprisingly affordable. Even if you’re not a hotel person, expect quite a bit for hostels as they’re not particularly cheap either.

Some people choose to stay outside of Amsterdam to save up to 40% (like my dad did), however you’ll need to factor in the cost of traveling to/from Amsterdam daily per person. Haarlem is a lovely city about 20 minutes from Amsterdam.

Don’t bike on the sidewalk or do a bike tour.

Bike tours in Amsterdam really annoy the residence as many people don’t know how to ride and it’s often hard to get around a large group of 20 that isn’t paying attention.

There is a reason why there are bike lanes: to prevent people from biking on the sidewalk.  It’s very easy to hit people and if you do, you’re liable for injuries as you’re in the wrong here.  I realize that many people start biking on the sidewalk after they are intimidated by the bike lane, but just park your bike and somewhere–and walk instead.

Also, try not to gawk at the babies/kids on the bikes; that’s normal here. There’s a lot of things that are normal on bikes here, including texting, talking on the phone, and carrying large objects/people.

Do rent a bike to see Amsterdam like a local and bike like a local.

• Be on the right side of the street. [Same side as car traffic AND where you see the blue bike sign in the direction you’re going if you’re unsure!]
• Stay on the right as possible to ensure that others can pass.
• Use your hands to signal which way you’re turning before you get to the turn.
• Follow the lights.   Amsterdam has bike stop lights!
• Avoid having a friend ride on the back of your bike.  You might see a lot of Dutchies doing this, however if you’re not used to biking, it’s much harder to stop with someone on the back of your bike as they also need to brace for the stop.
• If you see an upside-down triangle, you need to yield to traffic and pedestrians.

Be careful of scooters, mini cars, and other cyclists.  Scooters are the biggest danger to you as they’ll often cut close to you–and it’s very easy to get knocked off your bike by mistake.  Stay to the right and let them pass.

If someone is walking in the bike lane, ding once at them to let them know and go around them.  You don’t need to ding more than once, unless they’re not paying attention. 😉

Use BOTH bike locks and try to secure your bike to a metal object.  The bike thieves are ruthless here.   Click for more tips for bike riding in Amsterdam.

There are plenty of tourist trap restaurants, but there are definitely great recommendations to be had!

I recommend never going out to an Argentinean restaurant in Amsterdam in Centre. They’re tourist traps and you can often eat good authentic food from other places. One of my favorite budget meals to eat out in Amsterdam is roti or bara filled with delicious fillings (such as tofu). These dishes come from Suriname, a former Dutch colony, with an interesting blend of cultures. You can read about Surinamese food here .

A lot of tourists obsess about rijsttafel, but I’m obsessed with Indonesian food, period. You’ll often pass shops called tokos , which are take-out centers for Surinamese and Indonesian food. These are great places to buy some delicious items (you usually can’t go wrong if you ask what the house specialty is!) and enjoy them along the canals of Amsterdam.

I often recommend the Foodhallen , a huge food hall in Amsterdam with a bit of Dutch food and international food. If you’re vegetarian, you can check for my comprehensive guide to vegan food in Amsterdam . Similarly, I recommend checking a local blog called Your Little Black Book , which specializes in great eateries in Amsterdam, if you’re looking for something specific. Simply, don’t only check Google Maps. A little thoughtful wandering should help you find something worth writing home about. I

Skip the Heineken Experience / Try craft beer

You can buy 8 Heinekens at a bar for the price of entry to the Heineken Experience .  You could also buy 4 craft beers AND tour a microbrewery for the same price.  I have nothing about Heineken, but I find it overpriced.

Amsterdam is full of amazing microbreweries with incredibly delicious beer and lovely old cafes dating back to the 1600s.   Try delicious beers from Oedipus, Jopen, Gebrouwen door Vrouwen, Brouwerij ‘T Ij , Butcher’s Tears, and De Prael at cafes like the Arendsnest or the breweries themselves. You can click for my guide to Dutch craft beer.

Step into a brown bar

One of the best places to experience Dutch culture is within a brown bar. These old Dutch cafes are filled with gorgeous brown wood, gorgeous lamps, and atmosphere. Some are a bit more international, but they’re a favorite of Dutchies of all ages. It’s a great place to stop off for a delicious fresh mint tea (a classic Dutch drink) or a beer. These cafes aren’t about rushing your way through, but rather enjoying. You can click for my favorite brown bars in Amsterdam!

If you are interested in trying the local liquors, be sure to try jenever

Jenever is sometimes called Genever in English. This Dutch drink is a traditional one made from juniper berries that predates gin. Unlike gin, you don’t often see it as a J&T, but rather something to sip on. There are a number of small distilleries around Amsterdam with tasting rooms. These are generally free to visit, so if you’re curious about jenever, be sure to stop at one of these jenever tasting rooms in Amsterdam !

Don’t be naive when it comes to drugs and crime / Do be careful

Know that soft drugs are tolerated, but illegal. Hard drugs are completely ILLEGAL. No matter what, do not buy from street dealers. The police in Amsterdam are generally friendly/more interested in risk minimization. You should not hesitate to call if something goes wrong. 112 is the number to save.

There have been some high profile deaths where tourists purchased drugs on the street and died/had to be hospitalized as a result of ingredients that were harmful within the drugs.  More info about doing drugs in the Netherlands if you’re into that.  Click for coffeeshops in Amsterdam with cute cats .

Amsterdam is a pretty safe city (especially compared to US/UK), however you still need to be aware of yourself. Don’t leave your stuff out unsecured, especially your bike.  Pickpocketing is an issue really only in the most crowded parts of Centre/the Red Light District. Be more concerned about scam artists–and obvious cons. It’s best to have a bag that zips.

I don’t recommend carrying valuables around that you don’t need although you will need to carry a passport as identification if you’re non-European. There are a number of storage places in and around Centraal Station, so don’t be afraid to check in your items for a small fee to avoid sightseeing with large bags/suitcases.

If you need emergency assistance, call 112, which is the emergency number for the Netherlands. Walking into the police station IS NOT a thing here for minor crimes [yes, that includes theft] and you will be told that you need to schedule an appointment or file a report online.

Don’t only stay inside of the ring

For a long time, I’ve dismissed Centre as being overly touristic, but I’ve been recently visiting it with new eyes. There’s a lot of incredible history in the centre of Amsterdam and you should give it a shot. You’ll find gorgeous hidden courtyards , historic cafes , and lots of gorgeous canals .

Explore other areas of Amsterdam

Most tourists see Prinsengracht as the invisible border of where they should stop walking.  However, there are some incredible areas with fantastic food, shopping, and things to do that you would miss if you only stay in the tourist areas.   You can click for my Secret Jordaan walking tour as well as my Secret Amsterdam guide ! 

I think that Amsterdam West is a great neighborhood to explore with some really cool attractions, including a food hall. For a local guide to some areas that tourists don’t typically explore, click here for my guide to 5 neighborhoods to explore, eat in, and stay in.

Don’t be an a**hole

Tourists have a terrible reputation among the locals as many of us have had bachelor parties waking us up early yelling on the sidewalk.  It’s hard to sleep during summer as many of us don’t have air conditioning and need to leave the windows open, so try not to yell at night.

Similarly, don’t smoke weed on a public sidewalk.  There are special cafes catered to this interest, including some with friendly cats . Generally, nobody cares much if you smoke, but it’s more about being considerate of others.

Everyone speaks English, so don’t insult the Dutch in public as everyone can understand you. (I saw this happen once on a train.) It’s polite to at least learn how to say thank you in Dutch!

Be sure to enter a hofje (hidden courtyard)

All around the city of Amsterdam, you’ll find historic hidden courtyards. There has been a legacy of wealthy Dutch aristocrafts to donate money to those in need by building housing for them. Some of these hidden courtyards are incredibly beautiful and a great respite from the crowds of Amsterdam Centre. The Begijnhof is the largest and most famous one in Amsterdam. Others are much harder to find, but I’ve already found them for you. Click for my guide to Secret Amsterdam!

Do know the difference between a coffeeshop and a café.

Coffee shop / Café = A shop that sells coffee. People don’t generally call these coffee shops, rather cafes. There are a lot of fantastic cafes in Amsterdam from new and modern to old and atmospheric.

Coffeeshop (no space!): A shop that sells marijuana.  Some of these shops are really only counters where you can purchase marijuana for consumption later.  (Some have a small room in the back for smoking purposes.)   Some coffeeshops in Amsterdam are more like cafes for marijuana consumption with no tobacco.  Don’t be that person asking for weed in a shop that sells coffee.

You are not allowed to smoke cigarettes in coffeeshops or normal cafés (unless outside).   They do weed tours of Amsterdam if you’re curious about this side of Amsterdam

Don’t take photos in the Red Light District

If you’re unsure whether you can take a photo, I recommend looking around you to first check if there’s a window near you. The women who work in the Red Light District are fairly vulnerable and they do not like to photographed.

Don’t ever take explicit photos of women in the windows while in the Red Light District . You’re not allowed to take photos in order to protect the identities of the sex workers and their security will take away/smash your camera if they see you doing so.

If you did not get your Anne Frank Tickets in advance, you might have to wait a while

Anne Frank Tickets are quite hard to get. The museum is open only part of the day (mornings) for those with tickets and only opened to the public without tickets in the afternoon. Tickets go on sale a few months ahead, so you can’t buy them far in advance. However, they go fast.

If you miss out on getting your Anne Frank tickets, I recommend going to the museum on a Saturday night as it’s open later on this evening. The line is quite a bit shorter. It’s also shorter on rainy days, so dress appropriately.

Don’t forget your allergy meds / Pet all the cats!

If you’re not a cat person, tough luck as cats are everywhere.  Most of the cats here that you will see on the streets (or in shops) belong to locals who let their cats roam during the day. Don’t worry too much if you see a roaming cat as it belongs to someone. Some are more friendly than others, so approach cats with caution.    I love cats so much that I wrote a guide to the best places with cats in Amsterdam .

Don’t be afraid to visit Amsterdam alone!

Amsterdam is a great city to try out solo travel for the first time. It’s clean, easy to walk around, and relatively safe. People speak English well and I traveled to Amsterdam solo on my first trip. I recommend taking some tours or staying at a hostel if you’ll be traveling solo as this is a great way to meet people. I have a guide tailored to solo female travelers here.

The water is fine (and delicious), but not readily available

The tap water in Amsterdam is delicious and safe to drink. If you want to carry a water bottle, it’s a great idea for staying hydrated. That said, most restaurants will not give you unlimited water, even if they give you free water. You might get a very small glass if you ask. Some do not give you water and instead give you pathetically small bottles sold for 2.5-3 euros. I find that tea has better value and you can always get water at Albert Heijn if needed.

Try Indonesian and Surinamese food!

Due to the Dutch colonial legacy, there’s a large number of Dutch people of Indonesian and Surinamese descent who are amazing cooks.

You can find Indonesian take out restaurants and “tokos,” which are take-out places where locals often pick up a quick dinner to go.    Click to read about what to order at a Surinamese restaurant.

Just be aware that most local restaurants have kitchens that are closed by 10pm and many places really don’t serve much food past 8pm without reservations.  Plan carefully, otherwise you’ll need to look elsewhere as supermarkets generally close by 9-10pm.

Snackbars in Center are basically 24/7, but if you plan well, you’ll pay about 8-9 euros for fantastic portions of food that you’ll remember long after your trip.   Click for tips for delicious and local cheap eats  in Amsterdam.

Don’t forget how dangerous the canals are

I have watched the garbage boat clean the canals and lost things due to dropping them in the canals.  If it falls in the canal, it is gone forever .

If you are drunk, please be careful and don’t pee in the canal.  For men, there are free urinals all over the city streets that you can use… I write this as people actually die this way.  (People actually swim in the canals, but it’s pretty rare to see!)  I’d definitely recommend going out on a canal cruise to enjoy the canals from a different perspective!

Take lots of canal photos!

There are so many lovely canals in Amsterdam. Whether it’s the historic canals in Centre that I love to walk down or the more modern canals on the outskirts of the city, you can’t go wrong. One of my favorite lesser known canals is Bickersgracht, which is hidden up in the Western Islands . You can click for my favorite streets in Amsterdam!

Don’t forget to leave the coffeeshop / Take in culture and history at the many museums!

I especially enjoy the Rijksmuseum for the Dutch masters. For modern art lovers, I really enjoy the Stedelijk museum. For architecture/history lovers, there’s Our Lady in the Attic, a fascinating hidden Catholic Church built within the attics of 3 different canal houses.  Many of these museums are included with the iAmsterdam card.

Of course, there’s the Anne Frank museum , but you need to purchase tickets way ahead of time, or come late in the day (around 7-8pm).   I love Vondelpark and Westerpark the most and they’re perfect for runs/picnics!   Click for information about the best museums in Amsterdam

Don’t bother checking the weather beyond 1 hour ahead; Wear your raincoat (it will rain!)

The weather in Amsterdam is so quick to change that the most popular app is a weather map. You can see when the clouds will go above you within the next hour. I typically recommend having shoes that won’t get too wet and a jacket that repel water if you’re visiting in winter or spring. I typically don’t check the forecast too much as it’s so unpredictable!

Don’t plan on using your debit/credit card (except in touristic places), so go to an ATM

If you see PIN graag (like at the popular grocery store Albert Heijn), it usually means that they may only accept cash or a Dutch debit card.   If you don’t have cash, you will need to go to an ATM, which should accept other cards.

The situation IS improving and more places are allowing credit cards (mainly Visa/Mastercard/Maestro), however many smaller shops don’t accept non-Dutch cards.

You’ll find shops in the airport, Amsterdam Centraal station, and those close to touristic places (including museums/restaurants in the Centre) will accept credit cards.  Some shops have even gone as far as “card only” to minimize the cash on hand, but always carry a little cash on you.

Look for ABN AMRO or ING cash machines. These are two of the major Dutch banks. They don’t typically charge a fee for using the ATM, so you can take out cash fairly easily if you look for one.

Don’t invalidate your train, bus, or tram ticket / Remember to check in and tap your card on the way out!

Before you board the Metro or any train, you’ll see a a little raised reader that people are tapping their cards against. If you have an IAmsterdam card or OVChipcard, tap your card against the little raised reader and you’ll see it turn green/beep.  Ask if you’re not sure.

Be sure to do the same on the way out .  For buses or trams, you’ll tap your card against the reader in the front and tap your card on the way out towards the back of the bus/tram. You’ll exit in the back.

You cannot pay for the bus in change anymore. You’ll need to buy a ticket (which comes with the iAmsterdam card) or OV chipcard at Centraal Station.  The 24/48/72 hour daypass is worth it if you’re in Amsterdam for three days without a bike.

Don’t stay in Amsterdam the whole time / See more of the Netherlands!

Amsterdam is not representative of the rest of the Netherlands. There are so many Dutch cities that have a fraction of the tourists are more beautiful, more charming, and have lots to do.  There’s even castles that are easy day trips from Amsterdam !

Do take the fantastic trains to somewhere besides the airport or Zaans Schans  [always a favorite for the windmills]. Leiden , Hoorn , Delft , and the Hague are only thirty minutes from Amsterdam by train! Shown above is Amersfoort .

Definitely lookup when there are “markts” or local markets on the day you’ll be there.  You’ll be charmed by the plazas where the locals sit outside, drink beer, and eat bitterballen, something that is harder to find in Amsterdam.  Click for the best day trips from Amsterdam.

Don’t be afraid to ask locals

Dutchies are fairly friendly, so if you aren’t sure about something, most people speak decent English and they’ll do their best to help. I find that it’s often easy to make conversation while in line and most people will do their best if they’re not in a rush! They might not know the exact place of your hotel, but it’s good to know the metro stop or neighborhood nearby.

Say Dankjewel 

Amsterdam is such a lovely city with super friendly people. You’re most likely to meet locals at smaller neighborhood cafes/eetcafes/bars/coffee shops once you leave Centre.

People are happy to give advice or help you.  For the record, almost everyone speaks English fluently, however it’s always polite to say Dankjewel [Thank you in Dutch].) You can click for useful Dutch phrases, including how to discuss food allergies.

Books to read before you visit Amsterdam

These are the books that I have found the most insightful as a tourist and as a resident that I’ve actually read.   Amsterdam’s history is absolutely fascinating and I strongly recommend reading about its rich history as it will make you appreciate this city more. Click for my favorite books about Amsterdam . ​ I have used the  Lonely Planet Guide for the Netherlands   since I arrived here and it’s full of useful advice for food/accommodations/attractions advice . Amsterdam: A History of the World’s Most Liberal City  is nonfiction about Amsterdam’s history.  

Anne Frank’s Diary  is a must read if you intend on visiting the Anne Frank House.For Fiction, I recommend The Miniaturist , a historical fiction novel takes place in the Golden Age of Amsterdam.  The Dinner  is by famous Dutch author Herman Kochs. (It is sharp, biting, typical of Dutch humor, and dark!). 

People who have visited Amsterdam, anything you wish anyone had told you? Fellow residents, anything I missed?

If you found this helpful, I have a few more posts about Amsterdam…​ Wondering what Dutch foods to try while in the Netherlands , what are the best museums in Amsterdam to visit , or what you should do before you visit Amsterdam?

If you’re interested in getting off the beaten path in Amsterdam, I have a list of 25 secret places in Amsterdam to visit ! ​​Want to read more about Amsterdam or the Netherlands?

About Karen Turner

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

Reader Interactions

July 16, 2016 at 7:01 pm

Do the scooters ride in the bike lanes too? I never heard of the abundance of cats over there! Haha, I would be sooo allergic 😀

July 16, 2016 at 7:43 pm

Great post and really useful. Amsterdam is on my list (hopefully for the near future) as well as Maastricht. I’ll definitely be paying attention to this list, particularly making sure I visit a coffee shop and not a coffeeshop when I want my morning coffee!

July 18, 2016 at 5:24 am

How exciting! The Netherlands was country number 2.5 for me-sadly i only lived there 1 summer but hugely applaud your nifty tips. Most often tourists get over excited about the ‘forbidden’ parts of Amsterdam and forget the incredible Van Gogh museum or Anne Frank’s house which is just heartbreakingly amazing. Your guide will be really useful 🙂

July 23, 2016 at 3:52 pm

Nice Danni! Yeah, I personally don’t get the attraction to the forbidden and rather avoid the touristy areas/red light district, however hope it pushes people to see more of the Netherlands. 🙂

July 22, 2016 at 1:08 pm

Wow, this is great and super informative! Everyone should read this before visiting Amsterdam! Great job! It sucks when people act like idiots when they are traveling in different cities! Thanks for spreading the word on how to be a better tourist in Amsterdam!

July 22, 2016 at 1:26 pm

We were just in the Netherlands and spent a bit of time in 3 different cities, including Amsterdam. I agree with so much of this advice. We really liked the country and plan on coming back and seeing other cities.

July 22, 2016 at 4:26 pm

Great list! I love Amsterdam – I’ve been there once in the summer and once in the winter. It’s very pretty to walk around the city in the snow, though my favorite Amsterdam activity was definitely renting a bike in the summer and biking around the city. Next time I’m in the Netherlands I definitely hope to travel around the country more! Thanks for sharing this, looking forward to reading more about your experiences 🙂

July 23, 2016 at 3:44 pm

Thanks for the tips! I would not have know most of these, especially the one about using cash! You saved me a thousand headaches here

July 26, 2016 at 12:53 pm

Oooh GREAT tips! I managed to try both Indonesian and Surinamese food when I was there so I consider that a foodie win!

July 27, 2016 at 3:25 pm

Great post! I used to live in Nijmegen and I miss Holland so much! I’ll be going back to visit Amsterdam soon. I remember being able to use my credit card because it had a chip….is this not the case anymore?

July 27, 2016 at 4:10 pm

Hi Sheets, thanks! You can increasingly use your card although Albert Heijn (besides the airport one) doesn’t accept credit cards that aren’t Maestro still. In centre, you shouldn’t have too much of a problem using a chip and pin, but for smaller shops, it’s still worth finding an ATM. Visa is the card I see accepted the most places. Thanks for reading!

July 31, 2016 at 9:25 pm

Excellent tips! I have Amsterdam on my must see list. I hear from my sister, who has already visited, that it is a beautiful city.

August 6, 2016 at 9:02 pm

Really helpful post. I’ve been to amsterdam twice and I still learned a lot from this! Great perspective from a local. Also, fantastic arrangement of your blog. Well done!

August 21, 2016 at 12:13 pm

We live in central Germany and still haven’t visited the Netherlands, but it’s on our list. These are great tips, thanks!

October 8, 2016 at 5:01 am

Great tips! My in laws lived in Lieden for nearly 4 years and it was amazing to visit.

October 8, 2016 at 6:36 pm

Hi Ash, thanks for reading! Glad you enjoyed the Netherlands!

October 25, 2016 at 7:09 am

I’ve had the privilege of being in the Netherlands several times. It’s one of my favorite countries. I like Amsterdam and your tips are spot on. We biked around Nordvijkerhout ( I apologize for spelling ) at the end of the tulip season and biked over to Nordvikenzee.. We took our family camping in the Velowe. Delightful times. I’d like to see Friesland. Do you know any places to recommend there?

October 25, 2016 at 9:42 am

I haven’t been to Friesland, but a coworker of mine who is from there and lives there gave me advice as I was considering it as a trip. Franeker is supposed to be a really lovely typically Dutch down and the Eisinga Planetarium is very unique. Definitely take the ferry across to Amesland for a car free holidays. I think this time of year you can mud walk with a guide to one of the islands, which is a very traditional Dutch thing (and good exercise). Pietersburen has one of the most well known seal sanctuaries in the Netherlands and although it’s not Friesland, it’s close and you can do the mudwalking from there (I was going to go except for the 5am departure!). You can even help release the seals back into the wild!Harlingen is a typical Dutch fishing village that is quite pretty and according to my coworker, nicer than Leeuwarden. Let me know if you have further questions and I’ll do my best to get answers. I haven’t been, but I hope this helps. ☺️

October 25, 2016 at 8:27 pm

Wow, amazing tips Bertina! Thank so much for the helpful advice about Friesland. It is always better to have a local weigh in. I’ve seen lots of photos of the Sneek watergate now that I think about it although ice skating would be a dream (hoping it gets cold enough this year!). I’ll definitely need to make a trip out there soon to properly explore it.

It’s hard for me to speak about areas that I haven’t been to yet, hence why I try to only write about places I know well 🙂

Do you have a blog? I’m happy to link to your tips with the hopes that they’ll encourage people to visit Friesland! Otherwise, I might update the post with a bit about Friesland with the hopes that more people will explore it!

October 26, 2016 at 5:11 pm

We loved Hindeloopen. Especially the skate museum. And Sneek is very beautyful too!

October 25, 2016 at 8:17 pm

I live in Friesland and my tip would be the traditional eleven cities. Famous for skatingtour, but here you will also find all the highlights: Sneek with the watergate, smallest town Sloten, Stavoren at the Ijselmeerkust, Franeker and Harlingen mentioned above. Also Gaasterland is beautifull, here you will find a wonderful combination of forest, slope (in the further flat land) and water. When you go soon, the exhibition of Alma Tadema in the Fries Museum in Leeuwarden is a good idea, but if you do not have concrete plans, you might consider visiting in 2018 Friesland, when Leeuwarden long is the European Capital of Culture year. You can discover Friesland best by boat, car or bike.

October 29, 2016 at 2:53 pm

I was wondering why there are so many Indonesian restaurants! It’s a pity I didn’t eat in any of them..well, next time 🙂

November 3, 2016 at 3:30 pm

I moved to Amsterdam 4 months ago, and I couldn’t have said it any better myself. Also, be aware that just because a car holds for you to cross the road, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the bikes will. I learned that the hard way 😛 Camilla

November 29, 2016 at 8:44 am

Great post and wonderful tips. When I was there last summer, I stayed with friends who have a farm in the village of Zunderdorp. Beautiful and pastoral and very very Dutch. It’s lovely driving or riding through some of the other Waterland villages from there, like Ramsdorp, Holysloot and Broek en Waterland. And only minutes form Amsterdam. One thing I might mention. I was able to use my US Visa card almost everywhere, including in the AH To Go in Central Station. And I encountered several places where I could ONLY pay with a card, like the Cafe de Pont in Noord, right where you step off the ferry. No cash accepted. My VISA always worked with the “Alleen pinnen” places. It was a nice surprise.

November 30, 2016 at 1:55 am

Hi Donna, Thanks so much for reading! I haven’t been up that way (although I’ve been to the very North [Den Helder]). It sounds lovely and I might need to take a bike ride up there. I always love the small villages!

That is a good note. Be advised that the AH in Centraal / Schiphol accepts most cards, but normal supermarkets (like those in the neighboorhoods) don’t. I’ve updated the post to be more specific since many people use the ones in the transit hubs, but the normal ones haven’t updated their terminals yet. (My in-laws could not get their VISA accepted at our local AH store, which was very inconvenient for them.)

It’s becoming more popular to have cash only places to make finances easier. I’m personally a fan as it’s nice to be able to check your spending electronically every month!

Thanks so much for reading/commenting!

Kind regards, Karen

January 27, 2017 at 7:38 pm

Would you recommend bus or train to get around the city?

January 27, 2017 at 8:39 pm

There is a train, but the trams and or buses are easiest to use. You can pay in cash on the trams and the five runs near many tourist attractions. You’ll need to check where your accommodations are to see what is best although there are night buses after midnight.

January 31, 2017 at 5:55 pm

I’m off to Amsterdam in a few months so this advice is invaluable! Thanks for the brewery tour tips – will definitely check some of these out!

March 15, 2017 at 8:44 pm

Great tips!!! Thank you. Looking forward to my visit end of April.

December 23, 2017 at 9:17 pm

I love these tips – especially about the cats, thanks!

February 21, 2018 at 3:45 pm

Great tips! Just got back, very helpful. My addition: it’s easy to get around the city with a combination of walking and tram. Especially easy if you have a phone with google maps. It will tell you which tram to use to get to your walking point. Very easy and gets you walking around.

I liked staying in the city near Centraal and branching out into the country using the train.

And yes, most Dutch speak English and are very helpful and nice if you are polite to them.

February 21, 2018 at 5:55 pm

Hi John, Thanks for your feedback and I’m glad to hear that you had a fantastic trip! I completely agree. Google Maps is a favorite of mine for walking around to minimize data. To get around by public transit in Amsterdam, I typically use an app called NS Reisplanner for journeys on the Dutch trains outside of Amsterdam or Citymapper, which has a great and easy-to-use interface for public transit in Amsterdam.

March 24, 2019 at 3:05 pm

Thank you for the very helpful article. We will be visiting AMS in May, prior to boarding a river cruise to Budapest. But we have three days in AMS. I have my tickets for Anne Frank, and reservation for Van Gogh I have my iAmsterdam pass with tram rides. I have my maps preloaded on my phone. I learned about the bicycles (you must want to strangle all of us!). And I will check out your other articles for good places to relax and eat. Oh . . . and a rain jacket! Haha.

June 16, 2019 at 5:46 pm

Hi! Will be in Amsterdam in July, not staying right in the centre but in a neigbourhood a little way out. Can I get a tram / bus ticket on the internet before I go? Any advice for us who are interested in the VOC and the Golden Age? Regards and thank you for a nice article!

June 17, 2019 at 3:08 pm

Hi Linda, You can get the GVB unlimited pass (I mention this in the post) in advance. You can also buy this as soon as you arrive at Schiphol or Amsterdam Centraal. I have a Secret Amsterdam post that touches on historical places somewhat relevant to the VOC in some parts, but I’d recommend definitely visiting some other cities. Hoorn is a beautiful city that was a VOC port city. Leiden also has a lovely center from this period without the tourists. (I have posts about day trips to Hoorn & Leiden if you search.)

November 7, 2019 at 3:48 pm

Thank you for this. My friend moved there and now I’m making 15 days trip to visit Amsterdam and other towns. I can’t wait. <3 Finally to meet so many friends from my guild and to meet a new country. Never been to the Netherlands.

Also, I'm bringing a cat with me, one more cat to join Amsterdam cat-legion. 😀 Cheers from Serbia!

November 7, 2019 at 3:54 pm

Živeli! It sounds like a great trip! For the smaller towns, I have another post about the best day trips from Amsterdam with links to individual city guides for most of the major cities in the Netherlands. Hope they help! (I loved traveling in Serbia and hope to return!)

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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

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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!

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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.

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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. 

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Amsterdam Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 25, 2023

Amsterdam is a city famous for its coffee shops, canals, houseboats, historic architecture, and its Red Light District. Founded in 1275 (supposedly by two fishermen and their dog), the city grew in importance and wealth as Dutch colonies were set up around the world via the Dutch East India Company. Today, it’s one of the most popular destinations in Europe .

While the Red Light District put the city on the map, travelers have since realized that there is much more to Amsterdam than meets the eye. Here you’ll find dozens of art museums, beautiful parks, wonderful outdoor cafes, lots of history, and a love of life here. This city is by far one of the most beautiful in the world. There’s nothing like cruising around the canals on a sunny day or relaxing in Vondelpark with a good book!

I briefly lived in Amsterdam years ago and I can tell you the best of Amsterdam is found outside the city center in the smaller neighborhoods with their quiet charm and canal-side cafes. Don’t hesitate to wander and get lost in this city. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by what you discover.

This Amsterdam travel guide can help you plan your trip to what remains one of my favorite cities in the world.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Amsterdam

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Amsterdam

1. Visit the Van Gogh Museum

This museum is home to hundreds of incredible Van Gogh paintings alongside an excellent biography of his life. I can spend hours just staring at the paintings as Van Gogh is one of my favorite artists. It also has paintings by other famous masters of the period like Monet, Manet, and Matisse. It’s one of the best museums in the city. Get your ticket online before you go to avoid waiting in the massive line that always forms. Admission is 20 EUR.

2. Take a canal tour

One of the best ways to see the city is from the canals. Standard canal tours usually cost around 20-25 EUR and cruise around the canals for an hour or two so you can see the sights. There are lots of specialty tours too, such as pizza cruises , wine and cheese cruises , and even booze cruises with unlimited drinks .

If you can though, I suggest you rent your own boat. Eco Boats Amsterdam has small, open-air boats that give you a more intimate experience while still being affordable when shared with friends or other travelers. Prices start at 50 EUR per hour.

3. Explore the Jordaan

This former working-class district is now a maze of trendy cafes, cool shops, and hip restaurants. It’s peaceful place to wander while avoiding the mass of tourists crowding the main streets just a few blocks away. During the summer, it’s a popular spot where locals eat. I absolutely love wandering around here, people-watching while dining, and visiting the weekend farmer’s market. While in the area, be sure to eat at Moeders (traditional Dutch food) and Winkel 43 (get the apple pie).

4. Visit Anne Frank House

This is where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II. It showcases her childhood, life in the attic, as well as other information about the Holocaust. There’s also a display of her real handwritten diary. It’s a sad and moving place. Admission is 16 EUR. Tickets are only available online and sell out quickly. Every first Tuesday of the month, all tickets for the following month become available, so be sure to snag yours as soon as possible (there’s no waiting list). The museum is usually quite crowded, so if you’d like a more in-depth experience, take this Anne Frank walking tour , which is an excellent alternative option, as you get to learn about Anne Frank’s life, the Dutch Resistance, and Jewish life during World War II from an expert local guide.

5. Hang out in Vondelpark

Vondelpark was created in 1865 and spans over 48 hectares (120 acres). Amsterdam’s largest and most popular park, it’s a great place to walk, bike, people-watch, or relax, especially after a visit to a local coffee shop. There’s a playground as well as places to play sports. Bring a book, pack some food, and lounge the day away.

Other Things to See and Do in Amsterdam

1. take a free walking tour.

One of the first things I do in a new city is take a walking tour. They’re the best way to orient yourself to the city, learn some history, and find out where the major sights are. I think free walking tours are a wonderful first activity in any city. In Amsterdam, I recommend Free Walking Tours Amsterdam and New Europe . They both run great tours that can get you started on the right foot. Just be sure to tip your guide!

2. Visit the Amsterdam Museum

This museum features a comprehensive history of Amsterdam. It’s big so you need 3–4 hours to really go through it in detail. There are a lot of relics, maps, paintings, and audio-visual displays throughout the museum that bring the city’s history to life. My favorite is the video that shows the growth and construction of the city over time. The museum is located in a former monastery that was also once an orphanage. I can’t recommend this museum enough. It’s one of the best history museums I’ve ever visited. Admission is 20 EUR.

3. See the Tulip Museum

Located in a room inside a tulip shop, this small museum does an interesting job of telling the history of tulips in Holland, including the infamous tulip craze (in the 17th century, tulips became a popular luxury item and cost a fortune…until the bubble burst and they became worthless overnight). It only takes 30–60 minutes and, best of all, it’s never crowded. Admission is just 5 EUR.

4. Tour the Jewish Historical Museum

Located near Waterlooplein and often overlooked for the Anne Frank House, the Jewish Historical Museum tells the history of the prominent and influential Jewish people in Amsterdam. It also has an excellent section on World War II, the Holocaust, and how the Dutch dealt with the guilt of mass deportations after the war. Around 80% of the Jewish population in Amsterdam was killed in the Holocaust, making this an eye-opening museum worth spending time to see. Admission is 17 EUR.

5. See photography at FOAM

This photography museum houses wonderful pictures and sees few crowds despite being in the main part of the city. I really enjoyed all the black and white photographs and the outdoor garden. They change the exhibits all the time so you never know what is going to be on display (but it’s guaranteed to be good). I visit each time I’m in the city. You can check the website to see what’s on during your visit. Admission is 12.50 EUR.

6. Squeeze into the Houseboat Museum

This decorated houseboat provides an interesting glimpse into what living on the canals is like. I walked away with one impression of life on the canals: super neat, but super cramped. With admission at 4.50 EUR, it’s the cheapest museum in town and is worth a quick visit.

7. Explore Oost

The area east of the city has an amazing park, a zoo, and lots of good eateries. Wandering around here, you’ll be hard-pressed to find more than a handful of tourists, most of whom are probably lost. It’s off-the-beaten-path and an underrated part of the city. Also, spend some time hanging out in Oosterpark. I enjoy coming here because it’s far quieter and more peaceful than Vondelpark.

8. Relax in Rembrandt Park

Not to be confused with Rembrandtplein in the city center, this park west of the city is a leisurely place to wander. The area around it is more modern than elsewhere in Amsterdam; it’s a nice contrast to the historic center. You know you are there when signs suddenly stop being printed in English and are only in Dutch!

9. Try the Heineken Experience

While I find this experience to be overpriced and commercial, it’s nevertheless an interesting stop for beer fans. Here you’ll get an overview of the company, a few samples, and some silly games to play. Note that this isn’t an actual working brewery, just a place where you can learn a lot about one of the world’s most popular beer brands. Admission is 21 EUR and the price includes two beers. You can also get a joint ticket online for both the Heineken experience and a canal cruise .

10. See the windmills

The Dutch are famous for their windmills and setting out on an adventure to visit the windmills surrounding Amsterdam is a great way to take in the city. There are eight in total – most of which are in Amsterdam West. De Gooyer is the closest to the city center and also happens to be a brewery, making it the perfect place to start (and maybe never leave). It’s just a quick 20-minute train ride from Amsterdam Centraal. Another windmill worth seeing is Sloten Mill, which is a reconstructed mill from 1847 that’s open to the public. Tours last 45 minutes and cost 7.50 EUR. You can also take guided tours to Zaanse Schans , an open-air living history museum that is often known as the windmill town, and where you not only learn about the inner-workings of the windmills but other traditional Dutch crafts, like clog- and cheese-making.

11. Stroll through the Plantage

This district in Amsterdam is comprised of tree-lined boulevards, quintessential canal scenes, several gardens and parks, and the Artis Royal Zoo. It’s a beautiful place to stroll and there’s a lot to see and do if you’re traveling with kids. Beyond the main zoo area, Artis is also host to a zoological museum, a planetarium, and an aquarium. Tickets start at 25 EUR.

12. Drink at the House of Bols

This is one of the most underrated attractions in Amsterdam. Run by the Bols distillery, this is a Dutch gin museum. The self-guided interactive tour takes about an hour and will tickle your senses. Of course, it includes a cocktail at the end as well. It’s a must for gin drinkers and cocktail snobs! Admission is 16 EUR.

13. Visit the Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is located next to the Van Gogh Museum and, after years of renovation, it’s now beautifully remodeled. The museum features an extensive Rembrandt collection, including the famous painting “The Night Watch.” Besides Rembrandt, there’s also a robust collection of other classic Dutch painters, like Frans Hals and Johannes Vermeer. Over one million works of art, craftworks, and historical objects are kept in the collection so be sure to budget a few hours. Admission is 22.50 EUR. You can book your tickets online in advance to save time and avoiding waiting in the long ticket line.

14. Wander the Museum Van Loon

The Museum Van Loon is a double-sized canal house located on the Keizersgracht canal. Built in 1672, the house was owned by the wealthy Van Loon merchant family who curated a beautiful art collection. Their home is now a museum with period furniture, art, and family portraits. There’s a beautiful garden here too. This off-beat museum is not to be missed. Admission is 12.50 EUR.

15. Shop at the Waterlooplein Flea Market

This open-air market is a giant flea market; everything can be found here. There are around 300 stalls and people sell secondhand clothes, hats, antiques, gadgets, gems, bikes, and more. You can find new items here too. If there’s something you want, it’s probably here. It’s open Monday-Saturday.

16. Take a day trip to Haarlem

Just a quick train (or long bike) ride from Amsterdam, Haarlem is a quiet Dutch town that has a picturesque central church, great outdoor market, and all the beauty of historic Amsterdam with fewer crowds (there are really fun canal cruises to be had here too that I recommend taking). The train costs between 4-8 EUR and takes about 15 minutes. It’s the perfect place to escape for an afternoon.

17. Visit Noord

Leave the city center, take the ferry across the IJ, and visit the up-and-coming area of Noord Amsterdam. In the last few years, a lot of people have moved here (it’s cheap), cool markets and restaurants have opened, and a lot of old industrial land has been reclaimed for public use. It’s the new hip place to be. If you’re into obscure cinema, be sure to visit the famous Eye, Amsterdam’s film museum. Admission is 11.50 EUR.

18. Read at the Amsterdam Library

The city’s library is a beautiful modern building built in 2007. It’s gigantic, overlooks the IJ, and has a wonderful top-floor cafe for impressive views of the city. It’s one of my favorite places to relax in the city. It’s quiet, peaceful, and there’s nothing like reading a good book with a great view!

19. Eat your way around Foodhallen

Located in Amsterdam West, this place is what the name implies — a food hall! Located in a refurbished tram depot, this indoor food hall has various vendors serving a variety of delicious food. Bring an appetite!

20. Explore the Red Light District

Unsurprisingly, Amsterdam’s Red Light District is one of the city’s main draws. Though much tamer than in previous years, the Red Light District manages to balance sex and seediness with being a major international tourist attraction. While it’s worth seeing, I’d keep your time here brief. It’s quite calm and quiet during the day, but at night the area is bursting with drunken revelers and gawking tourists that clog the sidewalks. Even if it’s not your scene, I’d still make sure to see the area with your own eyes at least once. It’s certainly unique!

21. See the Erotic Museum and the Amsterdam Sex Museum

Tucked away in an old warehouse in the Red Light District, the Erotic Museum (7 EUR) highlights eroticism in all its various forms throughout the ages. It has sculptures, paintings, drawings, photographs, and other artwork. And, of course, there is a gift shop if you want a more unique souvenir from the city. The Amsterdam Sex Museum (9 EUR) is the more serious museum and is much more informative than the Erotic Museum (but also a little less fun). It was the world’s first sex museum, having opened in 1985. It highlights the history of sexual views and norms, as well as the lives of some of the world’s most sexually famous individuals (like the Marquis de Sade).

22. Take a Food Tour

One of the highlights of any trip for me is getting to eat my way around a new city. Food is an important part of every culture, and it’s something I’m always happy to splash out on when given the chance. If you’re looking to learn more about Amsterdam’s food scene and sample some of the city’s best offerings then I suggest taking a food tour. Not only do you get to try amazing foods but you learn a ton about their history, how they’re made, and how the food culture here has evolved. Two companies worth checking out are Hungry Birds and Secret Food Tours . Tours with both companies are around 90 EUR.

23. See the Museum Amstelkring

Hidden inside a 17th-century canal house, this is one of the most interesting churches I’ve ever been to. Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder (“Our Lord in the Attic”) is a clandestine Catholic church that was secretly built during Protestant rule on the 3rd floor of a regular house (it was never really a secret, but since it was out of sight the authorities didn’t crack down on them too harshly). Built in the 1660s, the church has a beautiful drawing room and the furnishings and artifacts make this one of the best 17th-century rooms still intact. Admission is 14 EUR.

24. Learn About Drugs at the Hash, Marihuana & Hemp Museum

No trip to Amsterdam is complete without learning a little bit about drugs. This museum (which has a sister museum in Barcelona) is full of information about the historical and modern use of cannabis. It covers all the medicinal, religious, and cultural uses of the plant and focuses on how hemp can be used for all sorts of beneficial agricultural, consumer, and industrial products. It’s actually really educational! Admission is 9 EUR.

25. Do a bike tour

Bikes are to Amsterdam like wine is to Bordeaux. The locals love to bike everywhere and there are supposedly more bikes than people in the city. Bike usage has skyrocketed in the past two decades and locals collectively cycle over 2 million kilometers every day! If you want to explore the way the locals do, take a bike tour. Mike’s Bike Tours is the best company to use, whether for a tour or to rent a bike on your own. Not only do they offer city tours but they also offer bike tours of the surrounding countryside as well. Tours start at 34 EUR and last around 3 hours.

26. Browse the Stedelijk Museum

I’ll be honest: I don’t like modern art. It’s just not my cup of tea. But if you do, this is the place in the city to see it. Opened in 1874, the museum is home to over 90,000 items including works by Jackson Pollock and Andy Warhol. The exhibitions cover paintings, drawings, graphic design, sculptures, sound, and installations. To be fair, there is a ton of variety here — it’s just not my favorite style. But definitely check it out if you’re an art fan! Admission is 20 EUR.

27. Take an Alternative Art Tour

Amsterdam is home to some incredible street art. You’ll see it all over while you explore, but if you really want to appreciate it and learn about the alternative art scene in Amsterdam then take a tour. Alltournative Amsterdam runs an amazing, insightful tour where you can learn all about the alternative arts while getting to see the best murals in the city. All the people I took on the tour loved it! Tours start at 20 EUR.

28. Explore Micropia

Micropia is a “zoo” home to all sorts of microbes and bacteria. It’s super educational as you can learn about all the invisible microbes that we interact with day to day (you can also scan yourself to see what actual bacteria and microbes are on you right then and there). It’s a neat place to visit with kids. Admission is 17.50 EUR.

29. Visit Museum Vrolik

This quirky museum is home to one of the largest collections of human (and animal) deformities. The collection dates back to the 19th century and the first quarter of the 20th century and has around 150 different items, including creepy jars holding fetuses, human and animal skeletons, and even the remains of a pair of conjoined twins. It’s one of the weirdest offbeat things to do in Amsterdam . Admission is 7.50 EUR.

  For more information on other cities in The Netherlands, check out these guides:

• The Hague Travel Guide
• Rotterdam Travel Guide
• Utrecht Travel Guide

Amsterdam Travel Costs

Hostel prices – If you want a centrally-located hostel, expect to pay between 18-30 EUR per night for a bed in a dorm with eight or more beds. A 4-6-bed dorm costs upwards of 30-50 EUR per night. Prices are fairly consistent all year round.

A private twin room with an en suite bathroom starts at 85-115 EUR per night. Free Wi-Fi is standard but only a few hostels have self-catering facilities. Only a couple offer free breakfast.

Budget hotel prices – Budget two-star hotels start at 80 EUR per night (most average around 125 EUR), though there are a few new pod hotels in Amsterdam where you can get a single pod for around 60 EUR. Expect basic amenities like free Wi-Fi, a TV, and a coffee/tea maker.

Airbnb is available around the city, although it has become more tightly regulated in recent years. A private room starts at 80 EUR per night while an entire apartment averages around 175 EUR per night (though you can find plenty of apartments under 150 EUR per night if you book early).

Food – Dutch cuisine typically involves lots of vegetables, bread, and cheeses (gouda originated here). Meat, while historically not as prominent, is a staple of dinner meals. Breakfast and lunch usually involve open-faced sandwiches, often with cheeses and cold cuts. Dinners are very much a “meat and potatoes” meal, with meat stews and smoked sausage being two popular choices. For those with a sweet tooth, the stroopwafel (a waffle cookie with a syrup filling) is the go-to choice, though apple tarts/pies are also local favorites.

Cheap food (like burgers and fries) at the famous FEBO costs around 5-6 EUR, but don’t expect anything fancy (FEBO is Dutch drunk food). Other street food like pizza slices, shawarma, and falafel costs between 3-8 EUR.

There are plenty of budget-friendly fast-food restaurants in Amsterdam, ranging from McDonald’s to Maoz to Wok to Walk (which is by far the best). Combo meals (think McDonald’s) here cost around 9-10 EUR. Many cafes in the city offer prix-fixe lunch specials for between 10-15 EUR.

Mid-range restaurant meals start around 35-40 EUR for a three-course meal with a drink. Vegetarian and pasta dishes start from 12 EUR, and a beer to go with it costs about 5 EUR.

In a high-end restaurant, a five-course or seven-course menu costs around 80-100 EUR, while a glass of wine to go with it is about 6 EUR.

A cappuccino/latte is 3.50-4 EUR and a bottle of water is around 2 EUR.

For restaurants, I love Cafe de Jaren, Pancakes, Modoers, Café Papeneiland, and Burger Bar.

If you cook your meals, expect to pay 50-60 EUR per week for groceries that include pasta, vegetables, chicken, and other basic foodstuffs.

Backpacking Amsterdam Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Amsterdam, expect to spend about 60 EUR per day. This budget covers staying in a hostel dorm, taking public transit, cooking most of your meals, limiting your drinking, and doing free activities like walking tours and lounging in the parks. If you plan on drinking, add at least 5-10 EUR per day to your budget.

A mid-range budget of about 165 EUR covers staying in a budget hotel or private Airbnb, eating out at cheap local restaurants, having a few drinks, taking the occasional taxi to get around, and doing more paid activities like visiting museums or taking a food or art tour.

On a “luxury” budget of about 280 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out whenever you want, drink as much as you’d like, take more taxis, rent a bike or car for exploring outside the city, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. the sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you spend more, some days you spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Amsterdam Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Amsterdam is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe — and one of the most expensive. Every year prices go up, especially now, post-COVID. Fortunately, a visit here doesn’t have to break the bank because there are a lot of ways to save money in Amsterdam:

• Get the I Amsterdam Pass – This pass offers free entrance to most of the major museums and attractions as well as free public transportation. If you’re going to be bouncing between museums a lot, get this card. The pass starts from 65 EUR per day.
• Drink in hostels – Hostels have the best drink deals in the cities. Even if you aren’t staying at them, most have bars open to the public where you can get 2 EUR beers and other drink specials. Belushi’s Bar at The Winston is very popular among locals too.
• Get the Museumkaart (Museum Card) – Good for an entire year, this card gets you into museums in Amsterdam and beyond for only 64.90 EUR. With the Museum Card, you get access to dozens of museums in Amsterdam and hundreds throughout the Netherlands. You can buy it in select museums, and it’s a good option if you plan on spending an extended amount of time in the Netherlands.
• Take a free walking tour – If you want an overview of the city, take one of the free walking tours. The biggest one is offered by New Europe Tours and will give you a solid introduction and overview. Just be sure to tip!
• Grab an Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket – This ticket is valid for two days or seven days and costs 10-20 EUR. It gets you unlimited access to eight clubs, a welcome drink at five of the clubs, access to the Holland Casino, discounts on your Uber ride, and more. If you’re going to party in Amsterdam, this nightlife ticket definitely cuts down the cost.
• Hire your own boat – Instead of taking an expensive canal cruise, hire your own boat. If you have three or four people, it works out to be about 20 EUR a piece and you can bring alcohol, food, or smoke on it. Boaty Rentals (also known as Amsterdam Rent A Boat) has great options.
• Eat on the cheap – Febo, Walk to Wok, and Maoz are all cheap places to get food. Moreover, cafes in the city offer prix-fixe lunch specials for between 10-15 EUR. If you’re going to eat out, lunch is the best time to do it in Amsterdam!
• Cook your own food – Dutch food isn’t going to win any culinary awards and eating out in the city isn’t cheap. Head to the supermarket instead and cook your meals. You’re not missing out on anything and you’ll save a ton.
• Stay with a local – Couchsurfing is a service that lets travelers stay with locals for free. Not only do you get a free place to stay, but you also get to connect with a local who can share their insider tips and advice. Since a lot of travelers use this service, make your requests for hosts early.
• Save money on rideshares – Uber is cheaper than taxis and is the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to wait for a bus or pay for a taxi.
• Attend a free festival – During the summer, everyone stays outside all day and there are tons of events happening. Check the local tourism office for a list of free concerts, festivals, shows, and markets. Once the weather gets warm, the social calendar fills up and much of it is free!
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a big city and there are tons of hostels here. Here are my suggested budget-friendly places to stay:

• Euphemia Old City Canal Zone
• Meininger Amsterdam City West
• Hostel Van Gogh
• StayOkay Amsterdam Vondelpark
• The Flying Pig Downtown

How to Get Around Amsterdam

Public transportation – Amsterdam has an efficient system of buses, trams, and a metro that can get you anywhere in the city. Getting around the city is easy — you just need a ticket card (cash fares are not available). You can buy disposable ticket cards for single trips or reloadable cards that you can refill as needed.

Single fares start at 3.20 EUR, though day passes are a much better idea. You can get unlimited travel around the city with the GVB Transportation Multi-Day Ticket . It’s the best way to explore Amsterdam on a budget!

Tickets are available from drivers and ticket sellers, tourist offices, and kiosks. If you download the GVB app it saves you from going to a ticket machine or a counter.

You can also get unlimited access to local public transportation with the I Amsterdam City Card . I highly recommend this card if you’re going to be seeing a lot of museums.

Bicycle – Amsterdam is one of the best cycling cities in the world and bike rentals here are plentiful and affordable. You can rent bikes starting around 10-15 EUR per day.

Taxi – Don’t take taxis here. They are way too overpriced and the city is small enough to walk around. And, if you don’t feel like walking, public transportation goes everywhere. If you do need a taxi, prices start at 5.25 EUR and go up by 2.40 EUR per kilometer.

Ridesharing – Uber is available in Amsterdam but, again, public transportation goes everywhere and is cheaper.

When to Go to Amsterdam

Amsterdam is busy year-round but its peak season is July and August. The average daily summer temperature in Amsterdam is around 22°C (72°F), but it can get a lot hotter than that. This is when the city is packed so expect crowds, waits, and full hostels and hotels. If you’re visiting during this time, book your stay in advance.

If you come between mid-April and mid-May, you can see the tulip fields in bloom just beyond the city. The weather during this time is still nice, though you might get a bit of rain so bring a rain jacket.

Overall, I think late spring and early fall are the best times to visit as you beat the heat and the crowds so there’s no mad dash to book everything early. The weather is temperate so you can still walk everywhere too.

The average daily temperature in the winter is 7°C (45°F), though the Christmas season is a really lovely time to visit as the city lights up with markets and festivities. Beyond that, I wouldn’t suggest visiting in the winter.

How to Stay Safe in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is an incredibly safe place to visit. Pick-pocketing is going to be your biggest concern and it frequently happens on crowded public transit. Keep your possessions secure at all times and make sure your valuables are tucked away just to be safe. Don’t flaunt your valuables either.

As a notorious party city, it’s also easy for thieves to take advantage of drunk tourists at night. Keep your belongings close and always keep an eye on your drink. Don’t accept drinks from strangers and try not to get super drunk just to be safe.

The Red Light District has become more dangerous in recent years, with illegal drugs and violent crime on the rise. Keep an extra eye out while you are there.

There are a few common scams in Amsterdam, such as people trying to sell you public transit tickets that have already been used. Be wary of purchasing a really cheap bike from someone off the street as well as it likely means it’s stolen. You can read about other common travel scams to avoid here .

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here. However, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone at night intoxicated, etc.), especially as this is a party city. Definitely watch your drinks. There are a lot of solo female blogs out there that can provide more specific tips based on their experience.

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Amsterdam Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Amsterdam Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling the Netherlands and continue planning your trip:

The 8 Best Hotels in Amsterdam

The Best Walking Tours in Amsterdam

Where to Stay in Amsterdam: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 34 Best Things to See and Do in Amsterdam

The 9 Best Hostels in Amsterdam

My Suggested 3-5 Day Itinerary for Visiting Amsterdam

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

20 Amsterdam travel tips & hacks to bookmark today

Things to do in Amsterdam Amsterdam Travel Guide Amsterdam Travel Tips

Amsterdam features on the bucket list of travelers from across the globe. More than 18 million tourists visit the city each year, ranging from weekend tourists to tulip chasers, and those who want to experience Dutch culture. The city has fantastic infrastructure and is extremely 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 enjoy your time in the city (away from the tourist traps).

Amsterdam Essentials

Starting with the essentials, here's what you must know before getting to Amsterdam.

Language Dutch

Time zone GMT+1

Country Code +31

Socket Type C and F

Currency Euros €

Best Time To Visit Amsterdam

April to May

Spring, from April to May, is hands down the best time to visit Amsterdam. The weather is perfect and it is the Tulip season! September to November is also a great time to visit Amsterdam as the weather is idyllic, especially to explore the canals and countryside and you have fewer tourists to contend with. Summer from June to August is always a fun time in Amsterdam with music concerts and summer festivals. In winter, the city gets cold and dreary but airfares are cheap and you will have very few tourists, leaving ample time to explore the city’s museums and indoor attractions.

Amsterdam Travel Tips 101 - A First Timer's Holy Grail

Below are the tips and hacks you're here for. Read on and thank me later!

#1 Tulips Bloom only in April and May

Almost every stock photograph of Amsterdam will feature tulips or a windmill, but you must know that tulips bloom for a short period in spring from mid-March to mid-May. This is undoubtedly the peak season as people flock in from different parts of the world to witness the tulips blooming in their colourful glory, so plan your trip in advance if you're keen on viewing a tulip clad Amsterdam. The best place to view these flowers in all their glory is the Keukenhof Gardens, about 40KM away from Amsterdam. A group tour is a convenient and cheap way to get straight to the gardens and back. After a visit to the gardens, you can rent a bike and explore the nearby flower fields or take a boat ride through the canals.

Here's all you need to know before planning to trip from Amsterdam to the Keukenhof Tulips Gardens .

#2 Cruise the canals, but don’t caper along!

The canals of Amsterdam date back to the 17th century when the swampland was drained to create a new urban area inside the boundaries of the Singelgracht. The entire canal area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a picturesque urban landscape. An enjoyable way to explore is by taking a canal cruise and you can upgrade it with a meal experience. However, be careful even as you are on the boat, and keep your belongings handy it’s tough to find lost objects! Also, avoid walking along the canals at nights, especially if you're slightly tipsy!

Read more about the most popular Amsterdam Canal Cruises , their prices, tips on choosing the best and deals you can't find elsewhere.

#3 Go further from the Centrum for cheaper and authentic stays

The Centrum or the central area of Amsterdam is one of the most beautiful neighbourhoods in the city. But, it is also the most touristy and if you want to get a taste of how the locals live you need to move further away from the Ring. Some of the good areas to find a place to stay in are Noord, West (Bos en Lomer, Oud West, Westerpark, De Barrsjes), Zuid (Museum Quarter, De Pijp, Oud-Zuid, Zuidas), Oost, Zuidoost, Diemen, Amstelveen, and Bijmar.

#4 Stroll by the local market for sights and scents

For a sumptuous taste of traditional Amsterdam, the local markets of the city are like open air museums. The Singel flower market (Bloemenmarkt) is a year-round flower market that is an explosion of colors selling tulips in spring and Christmas fairs in winter. The Albert Cuypmarket is the largest outdoor market and the place to get a bite and free music. Waterlooplein , Noordermarkt flea market , and Sunday Market Westergas are some of the other markets where you can take a tour and enjoy the atmosphere. Make sure you squeeze in a visit to atleast one local market during your stay.

#5 Cycle ONLY along the bike lane in Amsterdam

Renting a cycle or participating in a cycle tour is a great way to explore the city and you must try it atleast once on your trip. In fact, it's one of the most symbolic and easiest ways to explore this canal city. Stick to the bicycle lane on the right side of the road that is marked by symbols and never drive on the footpaths or the main road. Also, do not stop in the middle of the bike lane for photographs, step aside and give way to other cyclists. Locals cycle in the city quite often, so you're likely to be holding up the office-going crowd for your selfies.

#6 Cross the ring and venture into the picturesque countryside

Amsterdam has a lot to offer but if you are there for more than 24 hours head out to the countryside where you can experience the simple rural living. Here you can view windmills, meandering canals and open fields that are characteristic of Netherlands. Choose to go on a day tour to destinations like Volendam, Edam, Zaanse Schans, Marken, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Giethoorn. Group tours from Headout are cheap, they help plan your travel, is always inclusive of coach transfers and ensure your day is packed with things to do.

Read more about planning a day trip from Amsterdam to Volendam and Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans .

#7 Keep your summer evenings free for concerts and events

Summer is the best time to be in Amsterdam for travelers who love to let their hair down and enjoy a night out. There are almost 200 events happening any given weekend. Some of the biggest summer events are Kwaku Summer Festival , Vondelpark Open Air Theatre , ARTIS Summer nights , and Pride Amsterdam . Urban beaches open up for swimming in areas like Sloterplas and Amsterdam Bos, and rooftop terraces turn into party venues.

#8 Head to a Coffee shop for an espresso and not a Coffeeshop

Little does a space make a difference in a word as much as it does with Coffeeshop and Coffee Shop! A coffee shop in Amsterdam is a regular cafe that serves beverages and snacks. A Coffeeshop is where you can purchase marijuana and related products. Be aware especially if you are traveling with kids, before entering the store. Never buy more than 5 gms at a time and ask questions if you are unsure! Only a coffeeshop is allowed to sell cannabis products, so do not buy edibles from souvenir shops as they may not be the real deal.

#9 Be prepared for emergencies and stay protected with travel insurance

Emergencies can happen anytime, from a marijuana trip gone wrong to a bicycle accident, best way is to get travel insurance so you are covered from shelling out for expensive hospital treatment. The emergency number to remember in Amsterdam is 112, to reach the police, fire and ambulance. The city has an emergency doctor service available and you can call 088 003 0600 to reach a doctor 24x7. You can call 0900 8844 for non-emergency police enquiries like reporting theft etc.

#10 Balance out your card and cash depending on your sightseeing day

Transaction costs and currency conversion charges are standard across Europe. In Amsterdam, if you are using a credit card or withdrawing cash from an ATM you will need a card with a four-digit PIN, as a five or six digit PIN will not work. Also, if you are eating street food or shopping in local markets, its best to carry small coins and notes. The best way to cover attractions expenses is by buying city passes like the I Amsterdam Card, or buying combo tickets that give you access to multiple attractions with a single purchase. Even better, buying your Amsterdam sightseeing tickets online beforehand will negate the need to carry handy cash at all times.

#11 Use Able Amsterdam for Wheelchair Friendly Attractions

Amsterdam with its canals and busy cyclists feels like an active buzzing place and while it is, it is also tuned in to those with mobility issues. Able Amsterdam has a wonderful resource of wheelchair friendly attractions and things to do including in the city. There is also a list of restaurants, cafes, gyms and public spaces, and a city map that shows the routes that are all accessible by wheelchair.

#12 Always, always carry an umbrella

Amsterdam weather is quite unpredictable and gets on an average 200 days of rain in year which means the chances of you getting caught in the rain are pretty high. Regardless of what the weather app says, keep a raincoat or umbrella handy against the elements!

#13 It never hurts to say Dank je wel

Most Dutch and locals in Amsterdam speak English well and you won’t have a problem communicating in general, unlike other European cities. But, even the locals appreciate you putting in a bit of effort with their language and it is good to learn a few phrases and words. Try this when you are in Amsterdam – Dank je wel (Thank you), Alstublieft (Please), Tot Zeins (Goodbye), Goedmorgen (Good Morning), Ja and Nee (Yes and No), Kaartje (Ticket), and Hoveel Kost Deze (How much is this?).

#14 Know the Red Light District etiquettes

Historically and even today, the Red Light District in Amsterdam runs brothels where sex workers can safely conduct their business but mass tourism has turned it into a voyeuristic tourist attraction. You should definitely visit it to experience a side of Amsterdam but don’t go with guided tours as they are banned. Don’t take photographs of the women in the windows, and certainly don’t deal with street vendors for anything. Behave like you would in any other neighborhood in the city!

#15 Go beyond the magnets and collect interesting souvenirs

Amsterdam is full of interesting things to buy as souvenirs for friends back home. You can choose from a variety of edibles like Dutch cheese, alcohol, unique Dutch licorice or candy like pepernoten, hagelslag, and muisjes. Don’t miss out on buying wooden clogs from Zaanse Schans, or blue and white pottery from Delft. Bicycle covers, cookie moulds, funky crockery and designer wear are some of the good quality items you can buy in the markets in Amsterdam.

#16 Tipping is optional so keep the calculators in

Amsterdam has a good living wage even for restaurant workers, which is why unlike 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 you 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.

#17 Amsterdam locks down early so plan for your midnight munchies

Amsterdam is known for its nightlife but its mainstream restaurants and cafes close down by 10 PM for dinner orders. Even most supermarkets close by 9 PM – 10 PM and all you have left are the snack bars in the centre of the town that open 24x7. If you are planning for a late night out, it’s best to keep snacks handy back at your accommodation unless you plan on going hungry! In summer, ensure you have reservations at top restaurants because everything is booked out.

#18 Keep your passport on you and valuables locked away

Tourists are required to keep their passports on them at all times during their stay in Amsterdam. Make sure you carry a strap on pouch that will hold all your valuables, however just stick to carrying minimum cash, one card and a form of ID. Crime rate is quite low but pickpocketing is common in tourist areas, especially Red Light District and Centraal. You can also store your luggage in storage lockers in Central Station and Schiphol Airport with prices starting from €7 for 24 hours.

#19 Design rules in Amsterdam, pick a hostel or hotel for a unique stay

Amsterdam is a hip city that thrives on good design, even hostels and budget hotels are designed aesthetically and fit right into the cool vibe of the city. These hostels & hotels are theme-oriented and are even cheaper than homestays. Some of the best hostels in Amsterdam are Ecomama, Cocomama, ClinkNoord, Hostel Van Gogh, and Lucky Lake Hostel. The most unique hotels in Amsterdam are Qbic Hotel, Hotel Not Hotel, Volkshotel, Lloyd Hotel, and Amstel Botel.

#20 Don’t be fooled into buying tulip bulbs in spring and other scams

Tulip bulbs will bloom in spring only if they are planted in autumn. You will not find healthy bulbs in any other season in Amsterdam and you are likely being cheated! Also, if you stay in USA or Canada, make sure your tulips are certified else they will be thrown out at the airport. Other scams to look out for in Amsterdam are – There are no free canal cruises, be sure you go with a well-known canal cruise tour, never buy weed from street vendors and rent bikes from proper shops and not from guys just standing outside your hotel (He might be a bike thief!)

Tips For Saving Money On Transportation In Amsterdam

• Amsterdam is considered as the bike capital of the world and you will find cycles or ‘fiets’ everywhere in the city. You can rent a cycle for about €7 for a couple of hours or €9.50 for 24 hours at most bike rentals; however it gets cheaper renting for multiple days.
• The I Amsterdam Card is perfect for sightseeing because it also includes free transport (bus, tram and metro) for the duration of the card. You can choose from five variants of the card – 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, 96 hours and 120 hours.
• If you choose to travel by public transport you will have to buy a ticket or use the transport card. Make sure you validate both; in case of the card tap it on the reader in the transport. If you fail to do so and are checked you will be fined, leading to unnecessary fines!
• The best way to reach from Schiphol Airport to Central Amsterdam is by taking the train. It costs only €5.50 for a single ticket (with €1 surcharge for disposable ticket) and takes about 15-20 minutes. You can use connecting metros to other areas or get out and take the tram to your hotel.
• The train network in Amsterdam is efficient and cheap compared to any other mode of transport. It is ideal even to get around to nearby cities and suburbs like Haarlem, Utrecht and Leiden.
• Group tours are a convenient way to go on day trips outside of Amsterdam. These group tours plan your travel and ensure your transport costs are shared, and you have a comfortable ride in an AC vehicle. Headout has several group tours to Volendam, Zaanse Schans, Giethoorn and Rotterdam.
• Hiring a car is an enjoyable way to explore most of Europe but when exploring Amsterdam give the rental car a miss and take the public transport. You will save money plus you can use bikes to navigate the narrow canal roads and take walks to fully enjoy the shifting landscape of Netherlands.

Tips For Saving Money On Eating In Amsterdam

• Street food is the savior 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 specialties. 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 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.

More Tips To Save Money In Amsterdam

• 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 travelers too. AirBnbs are the next best option to save money, especially for families traveling to Amsterdam.
• 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.
• Get a nightlife ticket - You should not miss out on the nightlife while in Amsterdam and cover charges can make quite a dent in your pocket. Avoid those charges by taking 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.
• Buy attractions tickets online in advance – Online booking for tickets works on multiple fronts. It helps you plan your trip in advance, saves time in queues and saves money by purchasing tickets with offers. Headout has several discounted tickets for Amsterdam attractions and group tours, additionally you can also avail cashback and use it for other tickets.
• Squeeze a visit to the free attractions in Amsterdam - Entry to Amsterdam’s museums is never free but there are other 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. Head to Vondelpark for open-air concerts, or take a stroll through Rijksmuseum Garden, all of these are free!

Top 10 Things To Do in Amsterdam

I'm sure you have your itinerary all sorted, but here are my top 10 favourites in Amsterdam. If any of these are missing from your itinerary, make sure you squeeze them in! There are a few recommended tours for each attraction, so if you haven't grabbed tickets as yet, now would be a great time.

1 Rijksmuseum

Located in the heart of Amsterdam’s Museum Square, the Rijksmuseum is one of the world’s largest and most famous museums, boasting a vast collection of artworks collected from all over the world. Wander through the museum’s many galleries to take a trip through European art history.

2 Amsterdam Canal Cruise

The best way to take in Amsterdam is from the water, so hop on a cruise of your choice and experience the City of Canals from the canals. From dinner cruises to sightseeing cruises and burger cruises, options are galore.

3 Red Light District

An alley of vices, clad in bright red light, raucous bars and hazy'coffeeshops' and not to forget the strip clubs,the Amsterdam Red Light district is the most happening street in town, for all the right reasons.

4 Anne Frank Walking Tour

See Amsterdam at the time of WWII through the eyes of the 15 year old Anne Frank, a walking tour that takes you from the Jewish Quarter to Anne Frank’s House, for a complete storyline of these dark days. Walk past monuments and buildings still scarred by traces of war.

5 Day Trip To Zaanse Schans, Edam and Volendam

Visit the idyllic town of Zaanse Schans, an open air museum that gives you a glimpse into the countryside living of Netherlands. From marveling at the windmills at Zaanse Schans to learning about local cheese in Edam and visiting the picturesque seaside village of Volendam; there's lots to do outside of Amsterdam.

6 Visit the Tulips at Keukenhof (Spring Only)

Windmills. Tulips, Cheese. Canals. Keukenhof has it all. Hop on a bus and visit the colourful town of Keukenhof where 7 million tulips bloom their best during the months of spring in Netherlands. Only visible for 8 weeks a year, make sure you don’t miss it.

7 Amsterdam Icebar

Feel the chill and the thrill at Amsterdam’s famed Ice Bar. Perfect for party-goers who wish to experience something out of the ordinary, the Ice Bar is one of the city’s best nightlife spots.

8 Amsterdam Dungeon

The most exciting attraction of Amsterdam, the Amsterdam Dungeon hosts comic yet chilling interactions that portray the darkest secrets of Netherlands. Take a seat, be amused, growl and cringe at bold acts that the competent actors pull off.

9 Madame Tussauds Amsterdam

Get your Instagrammable picture taken with Dua Lipa, drink a cup of coffee together with George Clooney, and lots more to do on your visit to the Madame Tussauds Amsterdam.

10 The Heineken Experience

Embark on an interactive tour through the beer giant Heineken's history in its former brewery, with a tasting room finale. ‘Open Your World’ with this Heineken Experience and learn the secrets about the world-famous Pilsner brew.

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Save €6 on your first booking with Headout when you use discount code : GOAMS

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I am traveling to Amsterdam, what are some tips on getting around the city?

The best way to get around Amsterdam is by foot or bicycle. There are a number of pathways and bike lanes throughout the city that make it easy to get around without a car. If you are taking public transportation, be sure to purchase a day pass as this will give you unlimited rides on the bus, tram, and metro.

What are some must-see sights in Amsterdam?

There are a number of must-see sights in Amsterdam, including the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum, and Dam Square. Other popular attractions include the Van Gogh Museum, the Heineken Experience, and the Red Light District.

What are some popular activities to do in Amsterdam?

Some popular activities in Amsterdam include taking a canal cruise, visiting a coffee shop, and going on a bike tour. Other popular activities include exploring the many museums, shopping at the markets, and taking a walk or bike ride through Vondelpark.

What are some tips on finding accommodation in Amsterdam?

There are a number of accommodation options in Amsterdam, including hotels, hostels, Airbnbs, and campgrounds. If you are looking for a unique experience, there are also a number of boat rentals available. Be sure to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak season.

What are some tips on eating out in Amsterdam?

There are a number of great restaurants in Amsterdam, ranging from casual cafes to fine dining. Many restaurants have outdoor seating which is perfect for people-watching. Some popular Dutch dishes include stroopwafels, poffertjes, and herring.

What are some tips on staying safe in Amsterdam?

As with any city, it is crucial to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions when traveling. Some safety tips for Amsterdam include not carrying all of your valuables with you, being aware of your surroundings at night, and not walking alone in deserted areas.

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.

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A Little Adventure… The Ultimate Travel Guide to Enjoy Amsterdam Like a Local

Last updated on January 26, 2024 by Shannon

The constant movement of moving for nearly 10 months on my round the world trip  caught up with me in Amsterdam. My time in Europe the previous weeks had been an opportunity to slow down and sink into a slower pace of travel. Instead of racing through sights as I did in Southeast Asia , I wanted to see the best things to do in Amsterdam, but I was also keen to delve deeply into one place .

Jump straight to the best things to do in Amsterdam to live like a local if you’re keen on tips versus story. :)

Table of Contents

En Route to a Housesit in Amsterdam

Staying in Amsterdam for weeks instead of days—trying out Amsterdam as a local vs a tourist—was a practical way to combat the weariness that had crept into my travel days . That’s how I found myself with many weeks to hunker down in Amsterdam and “live like a local” during a housesit, where my only job was to feed a cat and bike the streets of Amsterdam to my heart’s content.

Getting to Amsterdam was a bit of a debacle. Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic charmed me in every way . Although I had intended to stay a couple of nights, I cozied into a cute hostel and stayed for a week while I ate my face off and rafted down the Vltava River .

When it was time to leave the Czech Republic, I booked a flight—the trains prices were Europe  expensive  since we hadn’t booked ahead, the difference was a 50 euro flight versus a 135 euro train ride. My cousin and I hadn’t bought a rail pass this time, so the flight was the better deal. 

The day before our flight, I realized that I had booked the wrong day. Since it was an extra day rather than a day sooner, my cousin and I didn’t miss our flight, thankfully! After a scramble to book another night at our hostel, I knew it would be nice to settle into one place for weeks and dispense with the time-consuming travel planning aspect of a round-the-world trip … at least until it was time to move onward to the UK !

Amsterdam . What a gorgeous city and a true treat that my cousin had a friend who just-so-happened to need a house-sitter so she could visit family in the states over summer break. In exchange for feeding her two cats we had: two bikes, a gorgeous flat, two museum cards, and the opportunity to truly dive into Amsterdam and travel the city like a local.

Pick out accommodation on Booking.com.

This is the only booking platform I use because it rewards you for loyalty, and I regularly score free breakfasts and 15% off my hotel.

How to Travel Amsterdam Like a Local

The house-sitting flat served as homebase for my time living like a local in Amsterdam . After 10 months of eating at restaurants and cooking in hostel kitchens, Amsterdam’s incredible farmers’ markets were precisely the boost I needed. During the summer, fresh fruits and locally-grown veggies fill Amsterdam’s markets—and farmers’ markets run somewhere in the city nearly every day of the week!

Juicy red currants had just come into season when I arrived in late July and they graced my breakfast every single day. Other gorgeous carrots, beans, zucchini, and tomatoes made for a delicious chili one night.

And the beautiful veggies and fruits were just one reason to enjoy the farmers’ markets: it’s also the best place to find locals.

I ultimately spent much time uncovering the best things to do in Amsterdam as a traveler, and the food aspect is one of the best ways to actually see what it feels like to live in a city. Few Dutch people eat in Central Amsterdam every night of the week—instead they shop for food, cook, and enjoy the bounty of locally-grown foods.

So while I did heavily explore Central Amsterdam and the iconic sites, I also cooked my meals and ate like a local whenever possible. Then it was on to using my newfound bike, museum card, and local tips from friends to dive into the city one step at a time.

Here’s how to feel more like a local when you’re visiting Amsterdam.

Rent a bike and navigate Amsterdam like a pro.

Amsterdam has a reputation as one of Europe’s most progressive cities. And while a lot of that reputation comes from the “coffee shops” selling a range of legal consumables, there’s so much more to the city.

The biking culture is strong, in fact it’s beyond strong—with absolute support from the government Amsterdam has a phenomenal network of safe bike lanes that, in may cases, are given priority over cars.

Biking around Amsterdam isn’t just safe, it’s practically required if you want to travel the city like a local. My friend left me an old jalopy of a bike of putter on through the streets as I explored the museums, parks, and markets.

With weeks on my side, my bike and I explored all the nooks-and-crannies that I could find in the city, and I whittled down the list of things to do in Amsterdam to my core favorites—those things that you could feasibly visit with just a few days, in fact. Because although I loved deeply exploring, that’s a lot of time for most travelers and Amsterdam is often just a stop along a longer trip to Europe.

How to Rent a Bike

To properly undertake the next steps, you need to rent a bike in the city. It’s not only the preferred transport for locals, it’s faster and way more fun than either walking or public transport. There is no shortage of bike rental companies , so pick one near your accommodation.

Once you’ve rented a bike, ease yourself into learning to navigate. There are rules to the road here, and biking is pretty serious—locals whiz past at top speed and the bike lanes have their own traffic lights, too.

Don’t let this scare you away though, because the city’s streets are designed to accommodate a lot of bike traffic and bikes have the right of way. When my friend took me around the city before she left for the states, she pointed out the most commonly misunderstood bike riding rules.

How to Follow Local Biking Norms

Cars yield to bicycles but buses and trams do not yield—you better GET OUT OF THE WAY asap if you’re in the path of one barreling down on you. Just as you’d expect, the red bike lanes run alongside major roads and work just like roads—you bike on the right side of the street, riding with the flow of traffic.

Bike traffic signals rest at eye level at every intersection, and you know it’s your signal because the lights are in the shape of a bike! Call me lame, but this delights me. I quickly learned that you must only use the bike signals right next to you, not ones across the intersection (picture the screeching and squealing of car tires as I figured that one out!).

Anyhow, you will grow to love your rented bicycle and you can rest assured that locals will help give you wide berth—tourist bikes are painted bright yellow and red, and locals stay well clear of floundering newbies (I didn’t have that benefit on my crusty-rusty bike). 

Once you’re at a stop, lock your bike securely. Truly, pay attention. The couple that I house-sat for loaned me the jalopy bike because of the high rate of bike theft. Locals secure every part of their bikes and I had to use three locks on the bike every time to ensure its safety (one each for the frame, tire, and seat).

So, you’ve secured your rental bike and now everything that you could possibly want to see in Amsterdam is bike-able—from the Museum complex to the Anne Frank House to the Red Light District. By renting your bike, you’ve now parted with the only money you’ll spend on transportation until you need to leave the city.

Spend the morning lost in Amsterdam’s best museums.

There are roughly 26 museums and/or places of interest in the city (and there’s a great free-map at the tourist office/museum information desk). Another score for the house-sitting hookup was a museum card that I could use to my heart’s content.

Although I visited most museums, including the obscure ones, the two most obvious and well touristed are solid—that’s why they’re so well touristed! You have to visit the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. The Anne Frank House is also unskippable. And a heads up: the EYE Film Museum and the Theatre museum are skip-able unless you have loads of time and an incredible interest.

Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum is worth every penny of a visit and it would be a crime to scrimp and skip it. It’s a phenomenal museum, even on a repeat visit like mine. The museum is larger than it was years ago, and seems to have even more exhibits, each showcasing masterpieces from Van Gogh and his contemporaries. The works chronicle Van Gogh’s life, and other stunning artists on display include Paul Gauguin and Emile Bernard.

There’s also an interactive exhibit on one of the upper floors for those wanting to get in touch with their inner geek (read: me) and learn more about the restoration process—it details how they even know these paintings are actually authentic Van Goghs!

Rijksmuseum

I cannot leave out the Rijksmuseum , which has amazing silver-work the likes of which I have never seen, in addition to china and various objets d’art . All told, it’s a different experience than the Van Gogh Museum, where it’s all about looking at paintings. Here, there is a good deal of variety as you wander rooms and exhibits.

If you’re on the fence about visiting, just go and spend however much time you want looking at it all. Any pressure to whole spend the day there is entirely internal, because you can just wander and find pieces that strike your fancy, and then keep going.

After months on the road, I’ve learned to let go of anyone else’s expectations of how I should travel, and instead I enjoy a few hours of art and culture, then I like to head back outside and find something else to do.

I visited both of these museums twice, whenever I was nearby, and I gently strolled the corridors, stopped at pieces that caught my eye, observed, read the descriptions, soaked it in, and then went on my way. I much prefer to spend 10 minutes in front of a handful of intriguing paintings than 30 seconds at dozens in a rush to “see it all.”

Skipping some and focusing on what catches your eye will take some of the chore out of visiting museums—if Amsterdam is part of a larger European trip, start with moderation or you’ll just burn out.

Visit the markets and eat all of the things!

For foodies, there is nothing more delightful than Amsterdam’s gorgeous organic food markets. I was lucky to stay in a place with a fully stocked kitchen so I could cook a feast. But backpackers with a hostel kitchen, or hotel travelers with a mini-fridge, can also take part by buying fresh fruits or items for a picnic lunch in the park.

Amsterdam is a progressive, green city at the forefront of the movement to make cities green and increasingly live-able. And you can feel it at every level of life when you’re in the city. In addition to biking around the city instead of cars, locals have a huge selection of fabulous outdoor food markets. While I am the first to rave about the exotic treats you can find on the streets of Asia, just because the city is Western doesn’t mean you should skip the markets!

A wander through the local bustling markets is just as enlightening to the culture of the Netherlands as it is when strolling around Luang Prabang, Laos . I wandered through the stalls, took in the crisp scent of every vegetable imaginable, and marveled at the rich selection of fresh, in-season produce.

Instead of buying Washington apples shipped from the US’s Pacific Northwest, local farmers sell juicy blueberries, currants, and other seasonal delicious, delights. It’s not only an eco-friendly adventure, it was a lot of fun, too!

Currants had just come into season when I arrived in July and these juicy red berries topped my yogurt and muesli every morning—easy enough for hostels and hotel travelers, too! Fresh oranges also packed up well for my long days of biking around the city and they were the perfect anti-dote to my craving for fresh Florida oranges—not the same, but lovely  :-)

Interacting with locals, however, remains the best reasons to wander through daily and weekly markets. You can never truly know a place until you talk to the locals and embed in the daily routines.

Even on a short trip to the city, the markets are a great place for trading dialogue and a bit of shopping fun while picking the perfect apple for your afternoon snack. Nearly every person in Amsterdam speaks English and if they started speaking in Dutch, I just asked for English and they flawlessly switched languages.

Beyond seeking fruits and snacks in the markets, cooking a feast using the local ingredients is a great way to feel like an authentic part of Amsterdam, after all, the locals don’t eat out every night! My friends and I cooked a feast in Italy using fresh local pasta, fresh organic tomatoes, and top-quality olive oil—it grand fun to shop around and dodge locals picking out their weekly produce.

The same holds true for Amsterdam—pick out gorgeously fresh veggies, pop into the local bread shop for fresh bread, and cook the city’s best flavors.

And just for fun, one fun find at a huge flower market was Cannabis seed starter packs. It’s just one of those things that you’re likely only going to see while wandering the streets in Amsterdam really and it cracked me up. Talk about getting some local color!

Pick a park or day trip and enjoy a picnic lunch.

What ultimate guide to Amsterdam like a local could be complete without including one of the top ways locals relax: with a picnic in the park! The city has many green spaces, and most are tourist-free and filled with locals, kids, and pets.

Alternatively, locals are just as likely to head outside the city on a day trip to any of the  many nearby and fascinating cities/sights. Both are equally incredible, but the park is easy for those on a time crunch since you can easily combine it with a visit to the nearby museums.

To truly feel like a local in Amsterdam, you have to relax and take it slow enough to destress and truly soak in the sunshine and fresh air. In addition to legal “coffee shop” purchases, open container laws are lax here—a stark contrast to the United States—so you can enjoy a bottle of wine, cheese, and bread while relaxing.

One of my favorite days in Amsterdam when I spent an entire afternoon reading and snacking in Vondelpark.

For visitors already renting a bike to explore the city, the trip to Vondelpark is a cinch—it’s extremely close to the Rijksmuseum and the whole museum complex. There is a delightful little bread shop and grocery store on Overtoom (on the left side of the street if coming from the train station side of town). This street is just around the corner from Vondel Park and the bread shop has the freshest bread in the city according to my local friends (it was pretty tasty!).

Whenever I needed a break, I would peddle to this small market, lock the bike up tight, and go on a mini shopping indulgence. Although I could wander the shop for a very long time, I instead picked out a loaf of bread, chose a temptingly expensive chunk of exotic cheese, grabbed a bottle of wine, and headed lakeside at Vondel Park to people watch.

Best Things to Do in Amsterdam

Beyond knowing how to explore like a local and the things you can pop around to see and do, these are the most important things to do that should absolutely be on your list when planning your time in Amsterdam.

Visit the Rijksmuseum.

The Rijksmuseum is a museum located in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. It is home to a collection of art and artifacts from the Dutch Golden Age, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer. The museum is known for its collection of Dutch masterpieces and is a must-see for anyone interested in art and history.

Explore the canals.

Amsterdam is famous for its network of canals, and taking a boat tour is a great way to see the city from a different perspective. There are many boat tour companies in Amsterdam that offer a variety of tours, ranging from short sightseeing trips to longer cruises.

Visit the Anne Frank House.

The Anne Frank House is dedicated to the life of Anne Frank, a young girl who wrote a diary while hiding from the Nazis during World War II. The museum is located in the house where Anne and her family hid during the war and is a poignant reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust.

You can also take a two-hour walking tour that shares more of her history and the impact of WWII on Amsterdam.

Learn more About Van Gogh.

Even if you’re not a Van Gogh fan, or a fan of museums in general, you should spend an hour or more at the Van Gogh Museum, which is home to the largest collection of Van Gogh’s paintings and drawings in the world. The paintings will make you think, and the exhibits are well done for those interesting in learning a bit more about his life and work.

Stroll through the Jordaan neighborhood.

The Jordaan neighborhood is a charming area of Amsterdam known for its narrow streets, boutique shops, and cozy cafes. It is a great place to wander and explore, and you can find a variety of local products and souvenirs in the neighborhood’s many shops.

Also head to the Lindengrachtmarkt. Located in the Jordaan neighborhood, the Lindengrachtmarkt is a weekly market that is held on Monday mornings and is known for its variety of fresh produce and other products. It makes for a good wander!

And in general, just get lost in the city. There are a lot of formal things you can do in Amsterdam—museums, cafes, sights, but taking time to soak in the vibes and unique architecture of the city might be one of the things you most remember.

Relax in Vondelpark

Voldelpark is one of the more understated things to do in Amsterdam, but it’s actually one of my favorite. It’s nice to just relax and have a space where locals and tourists alike happily coexist.

Vondelpark is Amsterdam’s largest park and you can relax and enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of grassy areas to sit and picnic, as well as walking and cycling paths. Rent a bike at one of the many bike rental shops in Amsterdam and explore the park on two wheels—there are a variety of walking and cycling paths that are great for exploring with kids, or solo.

Also, located in the center of the park, the Vondelpark Open Air Theatre is a popular venue for concerts, films, and other events. Check the schedule to see what’s happening during your visit.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, visit the Vondelparkpaviljoen. Located on the edge of the park, the Vondelparkpaviljoen is a popular café and restaurant that is a great place to grab a bite to eat or a drink.

And of course, if you’re traveling Amsterdam with kids, check out the playground. Vondelpark’s playground is a nice spot to let the kids unwind and blow off steam if you’ve spent the day at museums or cultural spaces.

Take a brewery tour

Amsterdam does not lack for breweries and beer bars, and touring them is a great way to learn about the city’s brewing history while sampling delicious local brews. There are several brewery tours available in Amsterdam, ranging from small, local breweries to larger, more well-known breweries. Pick at least one if you have any interest in beer as it’s one of my favorite things to do in Amsterdam.

Three well-known Amsterdam breweries to consider visiting include:

• Brouwerij ‘t IJ : Located in the east of Amsterdam, Brouwerij ‘t IJ is a small brewery that is known for its flavorful and unique beers. The brewery is located in a windmill and has a popular beer garden that is a great place to relax and enjoy a drink.
• De Prael : Located in the center of Amsterdam, De Prael is a brewery and pub that is known for its wide range of beers and its lively atmosphere. The brewery often has live music and other events, and it is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
• Brouwerij de 7 Deugden : Located in the west of Amsterdam, Brouwerij de 7 Deugden is a small brewery that is known for its high-quality beers and unique flavors. The brewery has a cozy taproom that is a great place to relax and enjoy a drink.

Two lesser-known Amsterdam breweries to consider include:

• Oedipus Brewery : Located in the north of Amsterdam, Oedipus Brewery is a small, independent brewery that is known for its unique and experimental beers. The brewery has a cozy taproom that is a popular destination for craft beer lovers.
• Wilderen Brouwerij : Located in the west of Amsterdam, Wilderen Brouwerij is a small brewery that is known for its high-quality beers and unique flavors. The brewery has a cozy taproom that is a great place to relax and enjoy a drink.

Respectfully visit the Red Light District.

The Red Light District usually doesn’t need much of an introduction—its best known for its legal prostitution and sex work. While it can be a controversial destination, it’s also a unique part of Amsterdam’s history and culture. If you choose to visit the Red Light District, be respectful of the people who work there and to follow the local laws and customs.

And note that this is probably a skip for families, especially at night. It’s pretty obvious from the street what’s happening, so although it’s safe enough to walk around with kids, take a different street home if you need to pass through to get back to your accommodation.

Go shopping at the Albert Cuyp Market

The Albert Cuyp Market is Amsterdam’s largest outdoor market and is a great place to find fresh produce, local crafts, and other products. The market is held daily and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

If you’re into markets (and who isn’t!), also consider Ten Katemarkt. Located in the Oud-West neighborhood, the Ten Katemarkt is a smaller market that is held on Saturday mornings and is a great place to find fresh produce, flowers, and other products.

Cruise the canals for a unique vantage point.

You’ll be spending your days in Amsterdam criss-crossing the canals, and one of my favorite things to do is cruise the city from those very canals. These waterways are an important transportation route through the city and a canal cruise passes many of the more iconic and historic building in town.

Spend a few hours exploring the city’s intricate network of picturesque waterways, which showcase its rich history, charming architecture, and vibrant culture.

Nearly all of the cruises provide insightful commentary, often available in multiple languages, highlighting Amsterdam’s landmarks, hidden gems, and the role of the canals in the city’s development.

Book this 75-minute canal cruise for a fun thing to do that costs under $20 per person. This cheese-and-wine canal cruise is also great and only costs a few dollars more.

Visit the Moco Museum

Brush up on your modern art at the Moco Museum. This contemporary art museum is renowned for its collection of modern and contemporary artworks feature artists such as Banksy, Salvador Dalí, Roy Lichtenstein, and more.

The museum showcases a diverse range of thought-provoking and visually striking pieces, making it more fun to visit that some museums. With a focus on urban and street art, the Moco Museum offers a unique and immersive experience that reflects the dynamic and evolving nature of contemporary art.

Learn the history of milling at an iconic windmill.

There are several iconic windmills near Amsterdam, and any one of them makes a lovely day trip from the city. Depending on which one you choose, you can either visit by bike or by train.

Zaanse Schans is probably the most popular and picturesque options—it’s located just a short distance from Amsterdam. This historic village features a collection of well-preserved windmills, traditional Dutch houses, and various artisan workshops. It provides a great opportunity to learn about Dutch history, culture, and craftsmanship, and it’s nice to get fresh air outside of the city. You can see different types of windmills, such as sawmills, oil mills, and paint mills, each serving a unique purpose.

Organize a day tour to Zaanse Schans for the most streamlined trip, or you can DIY it.

Other notable windmills you could visit from Amsterdam include:

• Kinderdijk : Located a bit farther from Amsterdam, Kinderdijk is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its 19 well-preserved windmills that were historically used to drain water from the low-lying land. Book this day tour to get the most out of a trip to Kinderdijk.
• Molen de Adriaan : Situated in Haarlem, not far from Amsterdam, this windmill is located right in the heart of the city and offers guided tours, allowing you to learn about the history of milling.
• De Gooyer : This windmill is located in Amsterdam itself and is a distinctive landmark. If you’re short on time and long on things to do, this is the most convenient way to see a windmill.

Go to the Artis Royal Zoo

The Artis Royal Zoo is Amsterdam’s oldest zoo and it has a really wide variety of animals from around the world. Kids visiting Amsterdam will love that they get a trip to more than the zoo—the Artis Royal zoo includes a large aquarium, a butterfly garden, an arboretum and botanical garden, and a planetarium, too.

Unlike some zoos or aquariums, where you’re there and done in an hour, you kids could easily enjoy a few hours here.

Buy your ticket online ahead of time for a discounted rate.

Get silly at the Upside Down Museum.

Get a few great photos for social media at the Upside Down Museum. This is a fun and quick museum that offers a nice break for anyone, but particularly those with kids in tow. You can grab a ticket in advance , then immerse yourself in the 25 different experiences and optical illusions.

Take a bike tour

Exploring Amsterdam by bike is the best way to see the city and get around. It’s a very bike-friendly city and the areas tourists will explore featre an extensive network of bike lanes.

Plus, biking is a sustainable and environmentally-friendly mode of transportation and if you have older kids, it’s a fun and healthy way to get them to engage with the city. You can easily cover a lot of ground on a bike and can stop and explore areas that you might not be able to reach by foot or public transportation. Everywhere you want to go, and all the things you want to do in Amsterdam are going to be accessible by bike.

Travel Planning Tips for Amsterdam

Where to stay.

Many of apartment rentals are a bit outside the city-center. If you’re keen to be in the think of things, or if you’re in Amsterdam for a short time, use Booking.com —it’s my go-to for assessing hotels.

Getting Around

I truly recommend renting a bike to get a feel for the city. Although the public transport is great, locals use the bikes in masse and it’s just easy. You can also rent bikes with kids seats or larger attachments that can hold 2+ kids in an attached doohickey—basically there are few reasons you  shouldn’t rent a bike. But if you’re in need of other transport options, download the Uber app—it’ll get you anywhere you need to go and you’ll save a few bucks on your first ride.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is essential for any trip, and I have never traveled without it. Although biking in Amsterdam is safe, because you won’t instinctively know the biking rules of the road like a local, there are inherent risks. Take cautions and be prepared by insuring yourself. I use IMG Global when I travel Europe.

Additional Amsterdam Travel Tips

• High season in Amsterdam is busy . There is very little affordable last-minute accommodation throughout the summer, so plan your trip months out if you hope to find the best hostels, private rooms, or even rental flats.
• Activities are easier to plan at the last minute, and you can easily either explore solo or find local tour companies offering sightseeing tours not only in Amsterdam, but to surrounding areas of the Netherlands, as well.
• Don’t forget to bring a European plug adapter so you can charge your electronics, and the Rick Steves Amsterdam & Netherlands is far better than the Lonely Planet for this destination.
• Respect local customs and laws. Amsterdam is a diverse and liberal city, but it’s important to remember that it is still part of the Netherlands and has its own laws and customs. Respect local laws and traditions, and be mindful of your actions and behaviors while you’re in the city.

Essential Travel Planning Resources

❗ Yes, you need travel insurance . IMG Global is the travel insurance I’ve used for well over a decade of traveling solo, and with kids. Here’s why .

🧳 Smart packing can save your trip. Shop my favorite travel gear , including all of the packing essentials for world travel , gear to keep you safe on the road, my favorite travel books , and more.

🛏️ Find great accommodation . Booking.com is essentially the only hotel booking site that I use. It has a wide and affordable selection of traditional hotels, but also hostels and vacation rentals, too. Use these pro tips to find the best travel accommodation .

📍 Navigate more effectively. Rome2Rio is super handy to assess the full range of transport options between two cities—shows everything from flights to trains, buses, minibuses, and more. If you’re booking a rental car, I’ve always found the best deals on RentalCars.com .

✈️ Book affordable flights. Expedia is one of the first places I look for low-cost flights .

☕ Peruse all of my tips for round the world travel , or learn how to move and live abroad .

Amsterdam » Tips for visitors

Amsterdam travel tips for visitors

How to effectively use your time

To see the most and not get tired by inefficient route, use the following.

• Opion one is to join a guided tour . A knowledgeable guide will not only show you an efficient route, but also answer your questions and tell you interesting details.
• Option two is to read our prepared itinerraries . You can get inspised to take a private journey. We have pages for journeys of various lengths, various modes of transport and various styles of experience.
• Option three is to buy the hop-on hop-off bus tickets . It has its positives and negatives. But it is a popular way of sightseeing.

Discount Cards

If you are going to visit more than two or three attractions or museums, buying a city pass is recommended. Of course it will save you money. But it will also save you time and energy by making your visit easier. With such a pass you do not need other tickets to most of the popular institutions. There are other benefits too. Like the use of public transport, discounts in shops and restaurants, and the ability to skip waiting line of people who do not have their tickets yet.

Things to avoid

General knowledge of what to avoid in Amsterdam. A page about car driving, bicycle lanes, public transportation and visitor's safety. As well as smoking at public areas and other Amsterdam tips.

Things to do in Amsterdam with children

Many museums have departments aimed at children. Then there are the standard activities like park, ZOO or botanical garden visit. But also activities typical for Amsterdam like bicycle rental, boat rental or wax figurines of Madame Tussauds.

Amsterdam in winter

The peak of tourist season is July and August, when the weather is finest. However, weather is never really extreme at any time of year. And if you are a person who prefers off-season travel, you'll find the city of Amsterdam every bit as attractive during winter months. There are ice skating rinks and winter holidays.

Luggage Storage

While your belongings are safely stored, you can go and enjoy Amsterdam to the fullest. Without needing to be occupied by your things. Risks of loss, theft or damage are also present when carrying too much.

Dutch Souvenirs

What is traditionaly Dutch? Clogs, tulips and Delft pottery. These things people often buy as souvenirs or presents.

Accommodation booking scams

There have been cases of accommodation scams in Amsterdam lately. We have a dedicated page about this topic. In short, you should never give your banking information to anyone and no reputable hotel will ask for advance payment.

Amsterdam tourist information office

They have departments at the Central Station, Schiphol airport and even a souvenir shop. But they charge a fee for the accommodation reservations. You can find most information needed for your travel also on our webpages.

Post office and sending postcards

Sending a postcard or a letter home is a nice thing to do. If you are not sure how many stamps to put on, or you want to send a small parcel, the Central Post Office is your place. In addition, they offer telephone cards and money change.

Amsterdam is a safe city, and there is nothing to fear when walking in the central parts. However some residential surburbs have a bad reputation, especially at night.

Don't leave your belongings unattended. When you're in a coffeeshop , bar or restaurant . Keep your bag where you can see or feel it. Because as in every larger city - pickpockets are present.

Money and currency

In Amsterdam, as well as in all of Netherlands and many other countries of European Community, the accepted currency is Euro (EUR, €). No other currencies are commonly accepted. So you will have to change your dollars, sterling, yens, etc. to Euros. Credit cards are widely accepted too, though in some small shops or hotels, there might an extra charge (2-6%) if you pay by a credit card. And passport may be required. Always have some Euro cash for payment in small establishments. In banknotes up to 50 Euro bill.

Driving in Amsterdam

Driving in the city center is strongly discouraged due Amsterdam’s narrow, winding streets, constant construction and high parking rates. However, if you must, here are a few tips to make your visit a little less hectic.

Most of the shops with cards and souvenirs also carry the post stamps. Postal boxes are in orange colour. The post is collected every day at 6PM, except for Saturday. If you send your cards abroad, especially overseas, the quickest way is the priority mail. Cards and letters sent with a priority mail are usually delivered within couple of days. Using the priority mail, do not forget to put the blue priority mail label on your card or letter. As the mail service is largely automated, writing "Priority" or "Air Mail" will not do the trick, and your post will be delayed.

Dutch language lessons

It is absolutely possible to survive in the Netherlands without speaking any Dutch. But if you are staying there for longer and don't want to feel like a tourist all the time, you should try to learn some Dutch. Don't you feel awkward when a group of Dutch people are speaking English just because of you?

Dutch language

Dutch is the national language of Holland. However, English is spoken by everyone in Amsterdam. In addition, many Dutch people speak German and French. Dutch is the mother tongue of well over 21 million Dutch people and Flemish people (Dutch speaking nationals of Belgium).

Amsterdam boat rental

If you would like to rent a boat privately, instead of sharing the ride in a bus-like canal cruise, there is a great Amsterdam boat rental service for that. The 'Rent a boat Amsterdam' company offers many kinds of boats from small to very large and full service with it.

Amsterdam Taking Steps to Fight Overtourism: What This Means for Travelers

T he capital city of the Netherlands is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. In the post-pandemic era, more and more travelers have decided to visit Amsterdam. And it’s no wonder, as it features some unique attractions, and thanks to the national airline KLM, it has one of the largest airports on the continent. But now, despite the comfortable airport facility and flights pouring in from all over the world, local authorities want to limit the number of people who can stay the night in the city.

Amsterdam has announced new regulations regarding both hotels and the number of people who can stay at these facilities. Starting now, no new hotel will be built in the city unless it follows certain guidelines. In order for a new facility to open, an older hotel needs to close down. Also, new facilities must be deemed both modern and sustainable for the project to be approved.

These new regulations will only apply to the hotels that want to be built from now on. Hotels that are currently in development around the city and have obtained permits under the “old rules” will continue their development as usual. There is one wrinkle, though, in these new regulations that will directly impact existing hotels. The city wants to ensure that local facilities only rent out 20 million hotel nights to guests. This would represent a drop of about 665,000 hotel nights when compared to the numbers posted by Amsterdam in 2023.

With these new regulations in place, the prices for a room in Amsterdam in the following years will likely skyrocket. Prices have already been on the rise since the start of the year. The city instituted a tourist tax that people staying the night at a local hotel or even a cruise ship at the dock have to pay. That tax is currently an add-on of 12.5% to the total nightly rate charged by the hotel or cruise. This tourist tax practice is not unique to Amsterdam; however, that 12.5% rate is one of the most expensive in the world.

What’s the solution for travelers who can’t find a place to stay within the city limits? Under these new regulations, a couple of things could happen. The first thing to keep in mind is that the 20 million nightly stays will only apply to hotels. Therefore, the new regulations could be very beneficial to vacation rentals. Nightly stays at those facilities won’t be capped, at least for now.

In announcing these new rules, local authorities also mentioned that the building of new hotels outside of the city limits won’t be as strict. There was actually a word of encouragement for developers who wanted to build new facilities on the outskirts of Amsterdam. Tourists traveling to the capital of the Netherlands may want to keep these hotels on the outskirts in mind as well as these facilities may offer much better rates. Also, Amsterdam is a rather “well-connected” city; therefore, getting from the outskirts to the city center isn’t as challenging as it can be in other places.

City guide to Amsterdam for wine lovers

• wine travel

The Netherlands might not be synonymous with wine culture: both its northerly latitude and the fact that much of the country is below sea level make it a little difficult to grow vines (although the southernmost regions are increasingly home to many of the same grapes as Germany). But that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of satisfied wine lovers in Amsterdam, the country’s vibrant capital.

Amsterdam punches well above its weight in many respects. While the city’s population is still less than a million, it counts around 180 nationalities among its inhabitants and up to a whopping 20 million visitors per year. All of this means that a trip to Amsterdam doesn’t stop at a bike ride through the city’s UNESCO World Heritage canal belt or a visit to the Van Gogh Museum. Amsterdam’s cosmopolitan culture comes across in its thousands of restaurants and bars, featuring everything from Dutch pancakes to authentic Japanese ramen, and from heady bock beers to fascinating wines from all over the world. In fact, it’s perhaps the very absence of a strong domestic wine culture that has made Amsterdam’s wine bars the eclectic mix they are today. You’ll find some specialising in natural wines, others in sparkling wines and others still in lesser-known wine regions.

Like many cities in northern Europe, Amsterdam comes alive in summer – with its long, light evenings, dozens of green spaces and sprawling café terraces. But summer also brings a glut of tourists, making the city busier and more crowded than it is during the colder months. And what could be lovelier than cosying up in a softly lit wine bar in December with a rich, ripe glass of red? As the Dutch would say: gezellig.

Lutmastraat 132 Mon – Fri 16:00 – 00:00; Sat & Sun 15:00 – 00:00

Tucked away off the beaten path in the De Pijp neighbourhood, Paskamer offers around 50 wines by the glass and hundreds by the bottle. The staff are extremely knowledgeable, with many having studied at the Amsterdam Wine Academy, which is run by the same duo as Paskamer. Entrepreneurs Fransje van Santen and Wouter Aalst don’t stop at wine, though. Book a table in the evening and you’ll be treated to a range of shareable dishes, each of which can be expertly paired with the wines on offer that day. Think smoky octopus with spicy mayo served with a minerally Grauburgunder ( Pinot Gris ) from Pfalz. Or sesame and horseradish marinated salmon with an Alsace Pinot Blanc carrying just a touch of residual sweetness.

Image: Tapas served at Oocker. Credit: Vicky Hampton

Frederiksplein 29h Mon, Tue & Thu 15:00 – 23:00; Fri & Sat 15:00 – 00:00; Sun 15:00 – 22:00

At the end of fashionable Utrechtsestraat, Oocker occupies a narrow space that’s typical of Dutch architecture – transformed into not only a cosy bar but also a little sun trap of a terrace. Oocker’s list of around 350 wines is diverse, coming from all over the world and at many different price points. But the quality and thoughtfulness behind each bottle is undeniable. From a smooth Jura Crémant to a minerally Dão white blend to a buttery Argentinian Chardonnay , every recommendation is spot on. During the afternoon, Oocker offers a limited menu of upscale snacks (such as Ibérico ham croquettes or burrata bruschetta), but in the evening a more extensive menu of hot dishes is available. The bone marrow is a particular treat, especially with a full-bodied red!

Rayleigh & Ramsay

Van Woustraat 97; Van Noordtstraat 28 Mon – Thu 15.00 – 01.00; Fri & Sat 12.00 – 02.00; Sun 12.00 – 23.00

Rayleigh & Ramsay describes itself as a candy store for adults, and as soon as you walk into one of its two locations you can see why. More than 100 wines are available by the glass, half glass and tasting sample from a dozen or so wine dispensing machines. The blanket system is used to ensure the open wines are perfectly preserved, and each machine is kept at exactly the right temperature for the wines it holds. What’s more, there are information cards above each bottle, so you can go full wine nerd. It’s a fantastic way to taste wines you might otherwise never get to try – whether that’s a pricy Puligny Montrachet (a half glass will set you back just a few euros, while a full bottle would be unaffordable for many) or an experimental Canadian wine that you’ve never heard of.

Image: Rayleigh & Ramsay. Credit: Vicky Hampton

Wibautstraat 130 Wed & Thu 18:00 – 00:00; Fri 17:00 – 02:00; Sat 17:00 – 1:00; Sun 13:00 – 18:00

The trend for natural wines has hit Amsterdam hard in the last couple of years, so it’s no surprise that one of Amsterdam’s hottest new additions in 2023 was a natural wine bar. Bottleshop is east of the river, occupying a black & white-striped, ultra-modern building on the up-and-coming Wibautstraat. Even if you’re not 100% convinced by natural wines, Bottleshop’s fruity, farmyard-y French Gamay and juicy, low-extraction Cabernet Franc may well have you converted. Add some pungent, unpasteurised French cheeses, or even just a wedge of sourdough bread with creamy salted butter, and you’ve got a low-intervention match made in heaven.

Tweede van der Helststraat 3 Mon – Fri 15:00 – 00:00; Sat & Sun 14:00 – 0:00

Staying in the natural wine theme, GlouGlou was perhaps the first wine bar in Amsterdam to really embrace the trend (and before it was trendy). GlouGlou is small and homely, in keeping with its location in de Pijp neighbourhood, with dark wooden walls and a hotchpotch of tables crammed inside and out. There is a wine list, but it’s generally more exciting (and better value) to go off menu and order a few glasses of whatever surprise bottles have been opened that day. In addition to being organic, the wines are made without industrial yeast or filtration – so they skew cloudy and funky. GlouGlou also puts on an annual Beaujolais Nouveau party, which is fun if you happen to be in Amsterdam on the third Thursday in November!

Image: Bar Pif. Credit: Vicky Hampton

Tweede Tuindwarsstraat 10 Mon, Tue & Thu 17.00 – 00.00; Fri & Sat 16.00 – 01.00; Sun 16.00 – 23.00

No trip to Amsterdam would be complete without visiting the maze of narrow cobbled streets and canals that is the Jordaan. And when it’s time for a pit stop, you’ll find Bar Pif: Dutch canal house on the outside, Parisian bistro on the inside. The wine list is also made up primarily of natural wines, but many of them are a little more accessible to traditional wine lovers. If hipster rosé field blends and skin contact orange wines are not your thing, you’ll find more traditional Champagnes and Barolos, too. Meanwhile, there’s a menu of internationally inspired sharing plates to choose from: think French oeuf mayonnaise but with a mushroom XO sauce.

Camperstraat 48-50 Dinner Thu – Sun from 18:00; coffee & buns Mon – Sun 9:00 – 15:00

It’s hard to say whether 4850 is more of a restaurant, a wine bar or a coffee house. In the daytime, it does an excellent line in flat whites and pillowy cinnamon buns. But in the evening, it transforms into a casual-yet-quality eatery that’s known for its extensive wine selection as much as its Nordic-inspired menu. Owner Daniel Schein’s wine list focuses on France – in particular Burgundy, Jura, Champagne and the Loire Valley – but with around 700 bottles on offer it’s fair to say the rest of the world is also well represented. The à la carte food menu is short but well-curated, using local ingredients with a nod to Schein’s Nordic heritage.

Bubbles & Wines

Nes 37 Tue – Sat 15:00 – 0:00, Sun 15:00 – 22:00

Bubbles & Wines may be last in this list, but it’s by no means least. In fact, when it opened almost 20 years ago, it was one of the only credible wine bars in Amsterdam – arguably paving the way for all the others and single-handedly raising the profile of wines in Amsterdam. As its name suggests, Bubbles & Wines specialises in Champagne and sparkling wines, plus a wide range of Old World and New World still wines. Its location just off Dam square inevitably invites tourists, but plenty of locals are loyal to this Amsterdam wine stalwart as well. If you can’t decide what to drink, the ‘High Wines’ arrangement comes highly recommended: six or eight half glasses of wine in a range of styles, with paired bites. The Parmesan with truffle honey and Rioja rosado is inspired.

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Amsterdam bans new hotels and puts limit on overnight tourists

Amsterdam continues to crack down on overtourism by prohibiting the development of new hotels and limiting the number of travelers allowed to stay overnight in the city. 

“We want to make and keep the city livable for residents and visitors,” the Netherlands city said in an announcement last week. 

Amsterdam has had strict policies for new hotels since 2017, but the new initiative seeks to “ensure that the number of hotel stays does not increase even further,” according to the announcement.

Under the new regulation, a new hotel may only be built “under certain conditions, if a hotel closes elsewhere,” the city said. This way, the number of accomodations in the city will stay stagnant. The hotel must also “be better,” like being more sustainable. 

Traveling to Europe soon? Barcelona is another popular European city increasing its tourist tax to battle overtourism

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Twenty-six previously approved hotel projects will proceed with their construction as planned, according to the announcement. New hotels are being encouraged to be built outside the city center. 

Along with the hotel ban, the city is also limiting the number of overnight stays to 20 million for the year. 

The limit comes after residents complained of the effects of the high number of tourists. In 2023, the city experienced 20,665,000 overnight stays in hotels alone, not reflecting holiday rentals, bed and breakfasts and cruise nights. 

The regulation is the latest in a string of moves by the popular European destination to address rowdy visitors and mass tourism. This year, the city’s tourist tax increased from 7% to 12.5% – the highest in Europe. The city also banned guided tours through its famous Red Light District in 2019.

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .

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Amsterdam’s Latest Effort to Fight Excessive Tourism: No New Hotels

The city wants no more than 20 million hotel stays annually. The measure is one of multiple efforts to control the flow of visitors.

By Claire Moses

Amsterdam has been searching for any way to rein in the number of tourists that visit the city every year.

In March of last year, the city launched an ad campaign specifically targeted at British men between 18 and 35, urging them to “stay away.”

In July, the Dutch capital announced it would bar cruise ships from docking in the city center .

The city has also long tried to control the crowds in its red-light district, where rowdy groups of tourists often cause disruptions to local residents. It has added stricter rules about smoking marijuana . It has banned new tourist shops. And still, the people keep coming.

Now, the city — which is as well known for its canals and 17th century art as for its legal sex industry and easy access to marijuana — has taken one more step to further restrict the explosive growth of tourists: It is banning hotels from being built.

“Amsterdam is saying ‘no’ to new hotels,” the City Council said in a statement. “We want to make and keep the city livable for residents and visitors,” it added.

Amsterdam, which added that it was seeking to keep hotel stays by tourists to under 20 million per year, saw its highest number of visitors before the pandemic in 2019, when there were 25.2 million hotel stays, according to the city’s data.

Last year, that number was exceeded by tourists staying over in Amsterdam, not including stays in short-term rentals like Airbnbs and cruise ships. And the measure also does not take into account daily visitors who do not stay the night.

The ban on new hotels, while sending a clear message about the city’s aim to reduce the number of visitors, is also largely symbolic. The city’s policy on hotel construction was already strict, and there had been only three proposals since 2017 that met Amsterdam’s requirements, according to the city. New hotels that had been approved or were in development — 26 in total — would be allowed to proceed for now.

Under the new rules, a new hotel can only open if another one closes. It also isn’t allowed to add more rooms than were available, according to the city.

“The effect won’t be very big,” said Ko Koens, a professor of new urban tourism at Inholland University in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. He also said that in the long run, the capping of hotels could make them more expensive to stay at.

While this ban alone would not make a huge dent in the number of visitors to the city, Mr. Koens said, taken together with other initiatives it could make Amsterdam a less appealing place to visit. But, he said, “For now, visitors don’t seem to mind.”

In total, Amsterdam has nearly 42,000 hotel rooms that can accommodate more than 92,000 people, according to Statistics Netherlands, a governmental institution that compiles data about the country. (In total, the Netherlands has more than 150,000 hotel rooms.)

Amsterdam’s initiatives to rein in tourism have been largely focused on its crowded city center. But as long as Amsterdam’s airport, Schiphol, continues to be a major European hub, it won’t be easy to keep visitors away from the city.

“There are no simple solutions,” Mr. Koens said. “It’s super complex.”

Amsterdam also announced this week it would start cutting the number of river cruises allowed to dock in its waters. In 2023, that number was 2,125. In 2028, the city wants it to be halved, with no more than 1,150. The city predicts that effort could reduce the number of visitors that come into town by 271,000. This proposal, the city said, is to improve the quality of life for residents and to reduce emissions and crowds.

“The balance in the city needs to improve,” Hester van Buren, a deputy mayor who focuses on the city’s port, said in a statement.

Amsterdam isn’t the only major European destination that has been struggling to get a grip on the growing number of tourists. Venice announced it would charge day-tripping visitors 5 euros ($5.33) to enter the iconic streets of its city center on weekends and some holidays from April 25 through mid-July, its busiest season.

Amsterdam, currently in a busy touristic time because of its famous blooming tulips, has not announced a similar measure, but it is likely there will be more efforts and experiments designed to limit visitors — like the hotel ban.

“Without such a stop, Amsterdam’s center would become one big hotel,” Mr. Koens said. “You don’t want that either.”

Claire Moses is a Times reporter in London, focused on coverage of breaking and trending news. More about Claire Moses

Amsterdam blocks construction of new hotels to fight overtourism

Dutch officials are trying to limit the number of tourists flooding amsterdam.

In another attempt to crack down on overtourism, officials in Amsterdam are banning the construction of new hotels in the Dutch capital.

The policy, announced Wednesday, only permits new hotels in a one-in, one-out system, meaning a new hotel can be built only if another closes. New hotels may not exceed the bed count of the previous hotels and must be “better,” per the city’s release, with more modern and sustainable features.

“Amsterdam says ‘no’ to new hotels,” reads a translated statement from city officials. “We want to make and keep the city livable for residents and visitors.”

The effort follows initiatives in Amsterdam to limit the influx of tourists into the city, a destination known for its tolerant drug policies, sex industry and liberated party scene.

In Amsterdam, people are not prosecuted for buying up to 5 grams of cannabis, which can be purchased in coffee shops. For years, city officials have been trying to rein in hordes of “nuisance” tourists, or those who are attracted to the city by the promise of a night of debauchery.

The city council recently implemented the “ tourism in balance in Amsterdam ” policy, which set a maximum number of overnight stays and day visits in the city, capping the annual visitor count at 20 million people per year. Wednesday’s guidance re-ups that regulation; the number of hotel nights in 2023 was 20,665,000, according to the city.

“We are now taking more measures to ensure that the number of hotel stays does not increase even further,” the city’s statement read.

Last year, seeking to curb the rowdy crowds of the Red Light District and offer residents a better night’s sleep, the city cracked down on public pot smoking in the streets and limited the hours of operation for certain restaurants and sex establishments.

Amsterdam also launched a “ Stay Away ” campaign, directly targeting British men between the ages of 18 to 35. The demographic frequents the city for “stag,” or bachelor, parties, which residents say are disruptive .

Also in 2023, city officials adopted a proposal to relocate a cruise ship terminal . In addition to addressing pollution concerns, the move sought to prevent crowds of tourists from flooding the city’s center upon docking.

It’s unclear how the city plans to enforce the new hotel construction policy; according to the release, new hotels already under construction may continue. That includes 26 hotels with existing rights.

Colleen Grablick is a writer based in D.C. Follow her on X: @colleengrablick .

More travel news

How we travel now: More people are taking booze-free trips — and airlines and hotels are taking note. Some couples are ditching the traditional honeymoon for a “buddymoon” with their pals. Interested? Here are the best tools for making a group trip work.

Bad behavior: Entitled tourists are running amok, defacing the Colosseum , getting rowdy in Bali and messing with wild animals in national parks. Some destinations are fighting back with public awareness campaigns — or just by telling out-of-control visitors to stay away .

Safety concerns: A door blew off an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 jet, leaving passengers traumatized — but without serious injuries. The ordeal led to widespread flight cancellations after the jet was grounded, and some travelers have taken steps to avoid the plane in the future. The incident has also sparked a fresh discussion about whether it’s safe to fly with a baby on your lap .

eSIM Research

The Best eSIM Cards for Amsterdam Travel in 2024

Top esim providers for amsterdam, why choose an esim for amsterdam.

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Cost-effectiveness, how to activate your esim for amsterdam, step-by-step guide.

• Choose the Right Plan: Based on the discussion about various eSIM providers, select the one that suits your data needs and budget. Providers like eSIMX and Airalo offer tailored packages for travelers in Amsterdam.
• Purchase Your Plan: Once you’ve decided on a provider, purchase your eSIM plan through their website or app. Payment methods vary, but most accept major credit cards and PayPal.
• Scan the QR Code: After purchasing, you’ll receive a QR code. On your smartphone, head to Settings, find the Cellular or Mobile Data options, and select “Add Cellular Plan” or “Add Data Plan.” Scan the QR code provided by your eSIM provider.
• Install the eSIM: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. Your device might prompt you to label your new eSIM; you can name it “Amsterdam eSIM” for easy identification.
• Select Your New Plan: Once installed, go back to the Cellular or Mobile Data settings to switch your cellular data to the newly installed eSIM plan.
• Verify Connectivity: Ensure that your device indicates it’s connected to a network. It might take a few moments for the service to activate fully. Once you see the network name and signal bars, you’re connected.

Tips for a Smooth Activation Process

• Ensure Device Compatibility: Before purchasing an eSIM, confirm that your smartphone supports eSIM technology. Most recent models of iPhones, Google Pixel devices, and Samsung Galaxy phones are compatible.
• Check for Lock Status: If your device is locked to a specific carrier, it might not support an eSIM from another provider. Make sure your smartphone is unlocked.
• Connect to Wi-Fi: During the activation process, ensure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection. This is crucial as you’ll need internet access to download the eSIM profile through the QR code.
• Keep Your QR Code Accessible: Until you’ve successfully activated your eSIM and confirmed connectivity, keep the QR code handy. If you encounter issues, you might need to scan it again.
• Be Patient: In some cases, it might take up to a few hours for the network to recognize your new eSIM. If you don’t immediately see the network name or have connectivity, wait a bit and then restart your device.

Additional Tips for Using eSIM in Amsterdam

Managing data usage.

• Monitor Usage : Regularly check the data usage tracker on your device. Most smartphones offer this feature, which allows you to see which apps use the most data and adjust your usage patterns accordingly.
• Limit Background Data : Restrict background data for apps that don’t need to update in real time. Social media apps, email clients, and cloud storage services can often consume significant data in the background.
• Use Data Saver Modes : Enable the built-in data saver mode on your device. This feature helps reduce data usage by limiting the activities of apps when you’re not actively using them.

Finding Wi-Fi Hotspots

• Cafés and Restaurants : Many dining establishments in Amsterdam offer free Wi-Fi to customers. Look for Wi-Fi stickers on windows or ask staff for access details.
• Public Spaces : Libraries, museums, and even certain public squares provide free Wi-Fi access. These are excellent spots to download maps, send emails, or upload your latest travel photos.
• Transportation Hubs : Major train stations and the airport in Amsterdam have free Wi-Fi, allowing travelers to stay connected while on the move.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an esim, are esims available for travelers in amsterdam, how do esims compare to traditional sim cards in amsterdam, what are the main benefits of using an esim in amsterdam, can anyone use an esim in amsterdam, how can travelers manage their esim data usage effectively in amsterdam, where can travelers find free wi-fi in amsterdam, leave a comment cancel reply.

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