tourist guide to amsterdam

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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. 

9 Best Things To Do in Amsterdam

Welcome to Amsterdam! The capital city of the Netherlands, where incredibly beautiful, lopsided, gingerbread-style houses align with serene canals. In addition, the world-famous museums in Amsterdam, its history, and biking are the city’s absolute highlights! It belongs to the best city trips in Europe for many reasons – discover the best in our Amsterdam travel guide.

Things To Do in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is incredibly popular with people who spend their layover or a few days in the city. Therefore, it’s usually busy at the tourist attractions like the dancing houses of Damrak, Dam Square, and the Royal Palace. Pay a quick visit to these places and continue with the following things to do in Amsterdam.

1. Wander the 9 Straatjes

The ‘9 Straatjes’ (nine streets) is the name for nine photogenic, lively streets filled with galleries, sandwich shops, boutique clothing stores, and restaurants.

The 9 Straatjes and its beautiful architecture are a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Amsterdam Canal Belt. Cross the first bridge behind Dam Square to step into the nine streets, which are closely located to the Anne Frank House .

Here are all your hotel options in Amsterdam.

2. Amsterdam Museums

The city of Amsterdam is world-famous for its art and history museums. Just on Museumplein alone are four major museums: Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum, Van Gogh Museum, and Moco Museum. Additionally, visit the Anne Frank House or the Maritime Museum. 

Moco Museum

The Moco Museum is home to modern and contemporary art from artists like Banksy and Kaws. With their digital art exhibition, they are making art even cooler and attracting a younger audience. An audio tour is built into the Moco app, so make sure to download this. ( Book your tickets here )

Budget tip: Save money by ordering online tickets where you enter before 10 AM.

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Rijksmuseum is the most visited museum in the Netherlands . It is a treasure trove of Dutch arts and history, with Rembrandt’s ‘Night Watch’ as an absolute highlight. Please note that booking a Rijksmuseum ticket in advance is necessary. 

3. Cruise Amsterdam’s canals

Cruise the canals of Amsterdam, go under the old bridges, and pass the beautiful houses. This might be the best way to see the city! Rent a boat in Amsterdam and enjoy the freedom of being on the water with friends. We recommend having a look at electric boats as these are quieter and greener. 

Boat tour: Easily book your boat or cruise online

Alternatively, join a canal cruise on a shared cruise boat. These have guides onboard explaining about the city and its history.

4. Hortus Botanicus – Botanical Gardens

One of the world’s oldest botanical gardens is located in the center of Amsterdam! Hortus Botanicus is an escape from the city, established in the 1600s for medicinal herbs, and now features a greenhouse, butterfly house, palm house, and stunning outdoor gardens. 

The greenhouse with a metal canopy walkway is divided into three different zones with varying climatic conditions to simulate the subtropics, the desert, and the tropics. 

The palm house is a super picturesque building housing centuries-old palms. Also, visit the cafe at the entrance for a drink or snack.

5. Amsterdam’s Restaurants and Cafes you have to see!

There are numerous incredible cafes and restaurants in Amsterdam. The following are our favorites, taking into account its look, unique location, and tasty food. Note that none of these places are located in the city center, but because of that, these spots are more unique.

Bar Botanique 

Bar Botanique is, as they say, a green oasis in the heart of the colorful, lively neighborhood. It is beautifully decorated and has a fantastic menu with a few vegetarian options too. Open daily! ( Location )

Pllek (best thing to do in Amsterdam in summer)

Get your feet in the sand at the city beach of Pllek! A restaurant in Amsterdam North constructed from old shipping containers and decorated with mostly second-hand and recycled items. Their food is made from organic products, and they have vegan and vegetarian options available. The easiest way to get here is by ferry from Amsterdam Central Station. Open daily. ( Location )

Waterkant is an artsy waterside terrace just outside the city center and located nearby to the ‘nine streets’. It is great for drinks, with both out and inside seating. Open daily. ( Location )

De Ceuvel Cafe

A creative hangout at a former shipyard; De Ceuvel Cafe is the spot to enjoy green, sustainably focused, tasty food and drinks on a terrace in the sun at the waterside. It is located in Amsterdam North, and the easiest way to get there is by using the metro. Closed on Mondays. ( Location )

6. Vintage Shopping

Vintage shopping is well-represented in Amsterdam. There are countless unique and great second-hand stores all over the city. Vintage clothing is so popular because of its exclusive, good-looking pieces. Plus, it is environmentally friendly! 

Read more: The best stores in Amsterdam for vintage shopping 

7. Biking in Amsterdam

The Netherlands is a cycling country. There are over 23 million bicycles, with 17 million inhabitants! Rent a bike in Amsterdam, as it makes exploring the city so much easier and a greater adventure. The Jordaan is the prettiest neighborhood and fantastic to cycle through! 

Biking in Amsterdam does, however, come with a set of rules. For example, use the biking lanes, watch out for the tram tracks, always make room for others, and always lock your bike .

Bike Rental Shops in Amsterdam are:

• Black Bike – Offers bike models that locals would drive. Pick-up and drop-off at 13 locations.
• MacBike – cheapest option, least pretty bikes. 
• Yellow Bike – bike rental and guided tours. 

Tip: Don’t feel comfortable on a bike? Then probably don’t cycle in Amsterdam! Public transport, like the tram, will get you pretty much anywhere in the city.

8. Vondelpark Amsterdam

Escape the hectic city life, as the locals do, by visiting Vondelpark. A large public park centrally located near Rijksmuseum. It is also the largest park in Amsterdam, and visiting Vondelpark is free! Take in the local life of people cycling, running, or skating through the park.

9. Day trips from Amsterdam

Public transport in the Netherlands is well arranged. Making day trips from Amsterdam is, therefore, usually very easy and efficient. 

Read more: best day trips from Amsterdam

Windmills at Zaanse Schans

Windmills are a symbol of Dutch cultural heritage. The colorful windmills of Zaanse Schans can easily be visited on a short day trip from Amsterdam.

Read:  Windmills at Zaanse Schans, the perfect day trip from Amsterdam

Broek in Waterland, Marken & Volendam

Visit typical Dutch villages like Marken, Broek in Waterland, and Volendam, each with beautiful wooden houses, narrow alleys, and drawbridges. Additionally, rent an electric boat at Teagarden Overleek to sail along the grassland with grazing cows and through authentic villages like Broek in Waterland.

Book a guided tour to Volendam and Marken online

Important to Remember

There are so many other things to do in Amsterdam that aren’t named in this travel guide. Therefore, we want to point out a few basic rules and common misconceptions. 

• Smoking weed is legal, but only inside the coffee shops! Police will fine you for smoking weed in public.
• Do not take photos of the women in the Red Light District.
• Tulips are not located in Amsterdam. Visit tulips near Amsterdam at Lisse, Keukenhof, or the Noordoostpolder.
• Kingsday, a national holiday, is on the 27th of April (previously April 30).

Where to Stay in Amsterdam? 

Amsterdam has a large selection of accommodations throughout the entire city. The Canal Belt is the most expensive area, with a hotel at an average price of 130 EUR per night. Apartments in Amsterdam (± 80 EUR a night) have been cut down in their number but are still an okay option.

Hotels in Amsterdam 😴

Getting Around in Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s city center is relatively small; however, it’s just a bit much to explore all on foot. Hence, locals cycle through the city! But luckily, it has great connectivity with public transport throughout the entire city as well. 

By bicycle: Rent a bike in Amsterdam and get from A to B fast and easy. You can easily rent one in the city for about 10 – 15 EUR a day. Cycling is the quickest way to get around the city center.  

By foot: Most distances in this Amsterdam travel guide are walkable. But taking a bus, tram or metro will be useful at some points. When crossing the streets, watch out for cyclists, as they have priority. By public transport: The easiest way to get around is by using the bus, metro, and tram. GVB is a transport company, and they have good deals on day passes.

How to Get to Amsterdam

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is a hub connecting to other international destinations. The city of Amsterdam is a quick 15-minute train ride from the airport to Amsterdam Central Station.

Alternatively, you can also drive to Amsterdam and park on the outskirts of the city center. Depending on where you park, prices vary between 10 – 20 EUR for a day parking ticket.

We recommend to rent a car in Netherlands through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here .

Your Budget for Amsterdam

It is good to budget your trip to Amsterdam. It is slightly more expensive than other cities in the Netherlands, like Rotterdam . Plan to spend around 90 – 140 USD per day, with accommodation and restaurants as the largest expenses.

Costs of Traveling in Amsterdam

Travel on a budget in Amsterdam, from $650 − $1330 USD weekly per person, mid-range $1020 − $2320 USD, and high-end from $2210 − $3390 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

• Hotels: $60 − $300 USD Check available hotels
• Hostels: $50 − $150 USD Check available hostels
• Transport: $10 − $30 USD Book public transport
• Car Rental: $40 − $80 USD Book a rental car
• Food: $15 − $60 USD
• Activities: $15 − $35 USD See tickets & tours
• Sim: $1 − $3 USD Get an eSIM or SIM here
• Travel Insurance: $2 − $6 USD Get Travel Insurance

Best Time to Visit Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a great city to visit year-round. However, weather-wise, April to September has the most days of sunshine.

The best time to visit Amsterdam will be April and May, with rays of spring sunshine, temperatures between 10 – 20 degrees, and a city that isn’t too crowded with tourists. 

Alternatively, winter from November to March can have beautiful days, too, and even the chance of the canals being frozen. Ice skating on the canals was a yearly returning event twenty years ago, but it has unfortunately become very rare due to climate change. 

Note: During Kingsday (April 27) and Pride Parade every hotel room is booked in the city. Book far in advance.

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• 39 Best Things to Do in Amsterdam: The Ultimate Amsterdam Bucket List

We all know Amsterdam as being among Europe’s most sought-after, bustling cities that have made its way to the top of many travelers’ wish lists.

You’ve surely added the likes of the Anne Frank House and the Heineken Experience to your itinerary, but that’s really just the start of the best things to do in Amsterdam.

This is a city that has such a diverse and extensive range of things to see and do; you could spend a week here and still feel like you’ve only scratched the surface.

To ensure you get the most out of your Amsterdam trip, I have created this fool-proof guide to the Dutch capital’s incredible range of things to do. 

From indoor activities on those rainy days to foodie experiences you’ll dream about after you’ve arrived home, let’s jump into this Amsterdam bucket list.

* Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link. *

Table of Contents

Are you planning a last-minute trip to Amsterdam?

If your trip is coming up soon and you still haven’t booked anything, we have you covered! Below you can find our top picks when it comes to hotels, tours, getting around, and more.

Best Tours and Experiences in Amsterdam

• Classic Boat Cruise with Cheese & Wine Option (top-rated canal cruise)
• Life of Anne Frank and World War II Walking Tour
• Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam & Marken Bus Tour (most popular day trip)
• Van Gogh Museum Ticket (sells out really fast so make sure to grab them as soon as possible)
• Heineken Experience (must-have tour for beer lovers)

Best Places to Stay in Amsterdam

• Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht (best hotel in Amsterdam with canal views)
• W Amsterdam (amazing 5-star hotel with a stunning rooftop pool)
• De L’Europe Amsterdam (best luxury hotel in Amsterdam)
• Linden Hotel (amazing mid-range option in Jordaan)
• Singel Hotel Amsterdam (great budget pick in the city center)

Looking for the best way to get around Amsterdam? Make sure to buy a GVB Public Transport Ticket . Even if you only use public transport a few times, it’s already worth it!

Planning to visit a handful of attractions? You can save a lot of money by purchasing the I Amsterdam City Card . It includes free entry to more than 70 attractions, unlimited access to public transport, and a free canal cruise!

Top 10 Best Things to Do in Amsterdam

Looking for a quick answer to the must-visit sights in Amsterdam? Here are the top 10 best things to do in Amsterdam that you absolutely can’t miss!

• Take a canal cruise
• Visit the Rijksmuseum
• Explore Anne Frank House
• Enjoy art at the Van Gogh Museum
• Try the famous stroopwafels
• Walk through the Red Light District
• Take in the views from the A’DAM Lookout
• Taste local specialties at Foodhallen
• Visit the Heineken Experience
• Explore the Floating Flower Market

Now, if you want to know more about each activity above and discover even more amazing things to do in Amsterdam, keep reading!

Best Outdoor Things to Do in Amsterdam

1. take a canal cruise.

Kicking things off with an excursion you can’t miss, a cruise around some of Amsterdam’s 165 canals is usually everyone’s first stop when they touch down in the Dutch capital.

As gorgeous as the city looks from the canal-side walkways, there’s something magical about exploring the area from the water. Winding through the narrow canals, ducking under tiny bridges, and admiring the architecture, a cruise is a pretty unparalleled introduction to Amsterdam.

When it comes to canal cruises in Amsterdam, you’ll have a myriad of options. To save you from going through them all, here are my top picks:

Amsterdam: City Canal Cruise – Have your cameras ready as you sail past 17th-century canal houses and fleets of busy cyclists during this 75-minute tour. You’ll get an insight into Amsterdam’s eventful history through the onboard audio guide, which is available in 19 languages.

Amsterdam: Classic Boat Cruise with Cheese & Wine Option – This really is as good as it sounds! Take the basic package, and you’ll cruise by spots like the Skinny Bridge and Red Light District, or add on unlimited cheese and wine or beer to level up your journey!

Amsterdam: Evening Canal Cruise – Watch Amsterdam come to life when the sun goes down on this romantic evening hour-and-a-half boat tour, where you’ll see the likes of A’DAM Tower alight under the stars and discover hidden pockets of the city.

Read Next: 16 Best Canal Cruises in Amsterdam You Can’t Go Wrong With

2. Rent a bike and cycle around the city

When in Amsterdam, do as the locals do! Provided you’ve mentally prepared for the jam-packed streets, of course.

In a city famed for its cycling culture, it’s no surprise that many tourists want to try their hand at making their way around on two wheels, but it’s not for the faint-hearted.

Though there’s plenty of excellent cycling infrastructure, bikers in Amsterdam are known for being super-speedy and ruthless at times, so make sure you’re confident in your bike handling skills before taking to the bike lanes.

You’ll come across dozens of bike rental stores around the city, or you can join a cycling tour where you’ll be in safe hands traveling as a group.

I highly recommend this Guided Bike Tour of Central Amsterdam , where you’ll zip through the city in groups of 15 people or less over the space of three hours.

3. Stroll around Vondelpark

From an often chaotic Amsterdam experience to something much more laid-back, the lush Vondelpark will be a place to catch your breath after a few hours of cycling or wandering the lively streets. 

Vondelpark is the city’s largest urban park and is at the top of the best places to visit in Amsterdam to see another side of the capital. 

In fact, if you’re keen to rent a bike but don’t want to face the notoriously hectic bike lanes, Vondelpark is an excellent place for a leisurely cycle.

Whether you choose to cycle or walk, you’ll love getting some peace and quiet in the city’s backyard. Better yet, grab a coffee from any of the park’s cafes, bring some snacks, and have a lake-side picnic. 

If you’re like me and love all things pretty and colorful, stroll over to the northwest of the park, where you’ll see the rose garden filled with more than 70 beautiful varieties.

4. Take in the views from the A’DAM Lookout

For the finest views in all of Amsterdam, the A’DAM Lookout is the place to go. Not only can you take in unspoiled vistas of the canals, city center, and busy port, but you can do so from Europe’s highest swing.

If this has your adrenaline flowing, up the ante and experience the Amsterdam VR rollercoaster ride, where you’ll feel like you’re zooming past all the iconic sites at high speeds.

As if all of these activities weren’t enough, A’DAM Lookout transforms into a music venue with live DJ sets all evening during the summer. At the same time, you can also get a bite at their panoramic bar and restaurant if you fancy. 

Entry tickets also grant you access to their interactive exhibition and fascinating audio tour, retelling the story of Amsterdam’s past.

Entry tickets can start from as low as €14.50 when you purchase them online , or you can take your pick from their bundles featuring the swing, VR ride, and a meal.

5. Participate in a guided walking tour

Walking tours have become my go-to when I have landed in a new city for the first time, as it’s such a fantastic way to find your bearings while getting a sense of the local area.

In a city as pedestrian-friendly as Amsterdam, a walking tour allows you to explore the narrow streets and laneways you’d miss out on with buses and private transfers. 

Most tours last for around two or three hours, stopping by many of the highlights that are a must for an Amsterdam visit, including the Jewish Quarter and the Torenslius Bridge.

Another reason why I have become so fond of these tours is because of the amazing guides that run them! It’s the best opportunity to ask questions, meet fellow travelers, and dive deep into the culture.

SANDEMANs NEW Amsterdam are some of the best in the business, offering outings in English or Spanish. Each tour is free of charge, though it’s important to remember to give a tip to show some appreciation to your guide.

Read Next: 3 Days in Amsterdam: The Ultimate Amsterdam Itinerary

Best Indoor Things to Do in Amsterdam

6. visit the rijksmuseum.

This time, we’re heading indoors to Amsterdam’s most renowned cultural hub, which I’m confident you’ve heard about before – the Rijksmuseum .

Even though this museum celebrates the history of The Netherlands, many people flock here to catch a glimpse of the works of some of the nation’s most acclaimed artists, from Vincent Van Gogh to Rembrandt van Rijn.

The Rijksmuseum is the home of paintings many of you’ll recognize, with the most prized pieces including Rembrandt’s The Night Watch, Johannes Vermeer’s The Milkmaid, and Van Gogh’s self-portrait.

However, you’ll find over 6,000 artworks here, so you will definitely need at least a couple of hours to check out as much as possible.

You don’t need to be an art devotee to appreciate this spectacular museum, but if you’re somewhat of a connoisseur, you can spend hours here examining and making sense of the paintings, sculptures, and ornaments.

As visiting the Rijksmuseum is one of the most popular things to do in Amsterdam, it’s worth booking your tickets in advance to avoid the long lines.

7. Explore the Anne Frank House

The heartwrenching but compelling tale of Anne Frank is brought to life in Amsterdam’s Anne Frank House.

You can travel back through time and explore the secret annex where she wrote her iconic diary that tells the tale of how her family hid from Nazi forces for over two years during the Second World War. 

To ensure you can see the museum’s collection of original items, photos, and videos, you’ll need to secure your tickets weeks before your trip to Amsterdam, as tickets infamously sell out over a month in advance.

Every Tuesday, the tickets go on sale for the upcoming six weeks on the Anne Frank House official site , where you can get an adult ticket for €16.

8. Enjoy art at the Van Gogh Museum

If the Rijksmuseum left a lasting impression on you, the Van Gogh Museum should be next on your list. Anyone visiting on a bit of a time crunch will be glad to know that the two museums are just minutes apart. 

As well as hundreds of paintings and drawings from the Dutch artist himself, thousands of pieces from Van Gogh’s contemporaries call this extensive gallery home. This includes mesmerizing Japanese and French prints Van Gogh collected during the 19th century.

Similar to the Anne Frank House, tickets to the Van Gogh Museum are usually in high demand and sell out really far in advance. You’ll have to book your tickets at least a month prior to your visit, so make sure to keep your eye on the website once you have your travel dates.

9. Discover the Stedelijk Museum

Is contemporary art more your vibe? The Stedelijk Museum’s 90,000-piece collection of paintings, sculptures, and furniture is sure to keep you enthralled.

Only around 500 pieces are displayed at a time as the museum rotates the artworks they showcase. In just one visit, you can cast your eyes on late 19th-century paintings, Art Deco furniture, and modern drawings.

Some of the artists you can expect to feature include the likes of Piet Mondrian, Andy Warhol, and Lucio Fontana. 

Art buffs can easily explore the Stedelijk Museum on the same day as the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, as these three spots, which together make up Amsterdam’s most beloved art galleries, are all within the Museum Square.

Buy your tickets on the day or beat the lines and snap yours up for €22.50 online ahead of time.

10. Visit the Royal Palace of Amsterdam

Many visitors often don’t realize that The Netherlands is still a monarchy to this day! The Royal Palace Amsterdam is one of three palaces owned by the Dutch royals.

During your visit, you can see where King Willem-Alexander hosts state visits, prestigious dinners, and special occasions right in the heart of the city in Dam Square.

Inside, you can head to the jaw-dropping, marble-clad Citizen’s Hall, which was constructed when the palace was initially designed as Amsterdam’s town hall. Even the floors are magnificent here, showcasing some of the world’s largest maps.

Entry fees start from €12.50 for adults, though you can upgrade to a tour package from €95. This palace is open most days, but double-check for any upcoming royal events before your visit.

11. Learn at the NEMO Science Museum

When you’ve had your fill of art galleries, unleash your inner child at the NEMO Science Museum . As you amble around the Oosterdokseiland neighborhood, you won’t be able to miss the green boat-like building that plays host to this interactive, hands-on museum.

Set over five floors, this is definitely among the most fun things to do in Amsterdam if you’re looking for something entirely different from the classic tourist hotspots. It’s also the perfect place to keep the little ones amused if you’re traveling as a family.

NEMO boasts exhibitions for all things science, from how forces of nature work and the development of humankind to the explanation of natural phenomena and how massive structures are built. Both you and your kids will definitely learn a thing or two during your visit!

12. Pop into the Basilica of St. Nicholas

Another spot that’s sometimes surprisingly omitted from visitor’s itineraries is the Basilica of St. Nicholas.

As Amsterdam’s most revered Catholic church, you can expect to be blown away when you head inside. Exquisite stained glass windows, detailed murals, dimmed lighting, and high ceilings are just some of the highlights of this structure.

However, the exterior is pretty marketable, too! Designed with a range of architectural styles in mind, St. Nicholas’ Basilica blends in perfectly with the Amsterdam skyline.

Stop by between 12 and 12:30 pm or from 1 – 3 pm any day except Sunday. You’ll also enjoy free entry to the basilica too.

13. Explore Madame Tussauds

No matter how many times you visit Madame Tussauds , each trip always makes for an entertaining few hours of celebrity spotting.

Make your way to Dam Square and snap some shots of you with the often shockingly realistic wax sculptures of stars like Harry Styles, Jennifer Aniston, Beyonce, and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Something I love about the Amsterdam branch of Madame Tussauds is the variety of combination packages they have, helping you to cut the costs of some of the city’s attractions.

Both the THIS IS HOLLAND 5D flying experience, and the eerie Amsterdam Dungeon can be combined with your Madam Tussauds ticket, saving you up to almost €30.

14. Wander through the Amsterdam Dungeon

Speaking of the Amsterdam Dungeon , this is possibly the best thing to do in Amsterdam if you’re a horror movie fanatic or love a thrill.

Bring your friends along and see who can hold their nerve for the longest as your spooky guide takes you through over 500 years of Amsterdam’s most chilling past events. 

You’ll encounter plenty of unsettling characters along the way as you watch a host of talented actors take you through terrifying mazes, acquaint you with tortured ghosts, and bring the legend of the Flying Dutchman to life.

If you’re jumpy and scared easily, this might not be the activity for you! The same goes for younger guests under the age of 10.

15. Visit the Eye Filmmuseum

Whether you’re a movie guru or just enjoy visiting somewhere a little different, the Eye Filmmuseum is the center of Amsterdam’s film scene.

There really is so much to see and do here, from the museum detailing the movie-making process and production to the various cinema rooms displaying Dutch and international films. 

Different filmmakers, movie styles, and aspects of cinemas are the subject of many of the rotating exhibitions and programs, though they also have some permanent fixtures.

An absolute must during your visit is to create your own flipbook, which is so much fun to do with your loved ones and costs less than €7 to buy. Select the exhibition you want to see and reserve your spot online.

16. Check out the Moco Museum

I don’t claim to be an art expert, but I have found the Moco Museum to be absolutely brilliant, and it definitely needs to have a space in your Amsterdam to-do list.

Exhibiting modern art from a mix of established artists and up-and-coming talent, the Moco Museum is filled with weird and wonderful masterpieces that are both aesthetically pleasing and thought-provoking.

Everything from dizzying optical illusions to contemporary photography features in this small but eye-catching museum, where the works of artists like Banksy sit alongside pieces by undiscovered creators.

Each entry pass includes an informative audio guide to give you some background and food for thought about each exhibition.

17. Shop at Magna Plaza

You’d easily be fooled into thinking this sublime neo-Gothic structure was an old-world five-star hotel or government building rather than a shopping center.

Magna Plaza has got to be one of the prettiest malls in the world, with some incredible Romanesque arches and a glass dome roof making the inside as impressive as the exterior.

Originally constructed as a post office, Magna Plaza is now home to an eclectic mix of stores, ranging from international brands like Mango to Dutch chains like Sissy Boy and quirky cheesemongers and candle shops.

Even if you don’t feel like you’re in need of some retail therapy (or simply have no room left in your suitcase!), a stop at Magna Plaza is totally worth it to admire the beauty of this historic building.

Best Foodie Things to Do in Amsterdam

18. try the famous stroopwafels.

What better way to soak up the culture in a new country than to tuck into some native dishes, or desserts in this case.

A sweet and chewy stroopwafel should be a first on your foodie Amsterdam bucket list! The name itself translates to syrup waffle, which sums up these treats pretty well.

Made from two thin layers of sweet dough with a caramel filling cementing them together, stroopwafels are available in shops, cafes, and restaurants all over Amsterdam.

However, there are two spots that I have a particular soft spot for.

Van Wonderen Stroopwafels – Anyone who has seen stroopwafels on Instagram was probably looking at Van Wonderen’s offerings! As the busiest spot in town, you’ll likely have to queue to get your hands on their marshmallow-topped stroopwafels.

Melly’s StroopWafels – The place to go for reasonably priced stroopwafels, this cozy store serves up freshly baked goods with your choice of toppings, including Smarties, Oreo, Lotus, and nuts, to name a few.

19. Taste local specialties at Foodhallen

Amsterdam’s famous Foodhallen would give any food court a run for its money. First-time visitors should head straight to De Ballenbar, an ever-busy stand where a Michelin-star chef and his team prepare their own take on bitterballs, a type of Dutch meatball.

These breaded meatballs are traditionally filled with beef, but De Ballenbar offers patrons unique, drool-worthy fillings like shrimp and truffle. 

After you’ve stocked up on bitter balls, you’ll have your pick for 19 other stands if you’re still feeling peckish. Choosing where to eat is always an arduous task here, as you’ll be torn between healthy Mexican eats, Asian street food, and fresh sushi.

20. Attend a food tour 

For a more in-depth introduction to Dutch cuisine, a food tour will give you plenty of opportunities to taste some of the finest dishes The Netherlands has to offer.

Here are a couple of tried and tested culinary adventures!

Jordaan District Local Food Walking Tour – Jordaan has made a name for itself as a foodie haven for many years now, and this tour takes you to six eateries in the neighborhood over three hours. Your guide will be a fountain of knowledge about traditional eats and the local history.

Private Food Tour with a Local – Go restaurant hopping with your expert local guide in the lively Pijp district, where you and your travel buddies can munch on a mixture of ten different local food and drink offerings on your own private excursion.

Food Lovers Walking Tour with Tastings – Sightseeing has never tasted so good! Learn about the Royal Palace and Flower Market as you feast on eight Dutch specialties, with the likes of crispy Dutch fries and apple tarts on the menu.

21. Cheese And Wine Tasting

Is there ever a bad time for wine and cheese? As the birthplace of Gouda and Edam varieties, the Dutch certainly know what they’re talking about when it comes to cheese.

They also know a thing or two about wine, as you’ll quickly learn throughout this tasting experience . 

Over the course of an hour, you’ll become well-versed in the best cheese and wine pairings. Each tasting provides guests with five types of cheese, accompanied by three glasses of wine.

When you’ve had your fair share of both, you’ll receive a 10% discount for in-store purchases, where you can search for the ultimate souvenir.

22. Indulge in a delicious brunch

You don’t have to visit on a Sunday to experience a tasty Amsterdam-style brunch!

Brunch has become an increasingly popular concept in the city over the last few years, with new spots regularly popping up while many long-standing haunts have also added the mid-morning meal to their menus. 

There are so many trendy spots scattered around Amsterdam, but you’ll find some of my go-to’s below.

Bakers & Roasters – With two locations in the city, you’re never too far from Bakers & Roasters’ brunch, served every day of the week. The team here is all about ethically sourced ingredients, which go into their breakfast burritos, eggs benedict, and pancake stacks. 

Coffee & Coconuts – The rustic wooden furniture and red brick walls have made this place one of the coolest brunch spots in town. Avocado toast and coconut pancakes are served alongside their specialty coffee.

Omelegg – After trying their delectable brunch dishes, you’ll understand why Omelegg’s two branches are always packed! As the name suggests, this spot is all about omelets, serving varieties like chicken and pesto, halloumi, and chorizo. 

Read Next: 14 Best Breakfast Places in Amsterdam You Have to Try

23. Have dinner on a cruise

Make your dinner plans a bit more special with an evening meal onboard a canal cruise.

Seeing the center of Amsterdam light up after dark from your boat is just magical! Couple it with a hearty meal, and you’ve got yourself a night to remember. 

Take a look through the dinner cruises below to start planning your night on the canal.

Dinner Cruise with 4-Course Menu – For something upmarket, I think this tour will fit the bill. As you begin your meal, which is available with meat, fish, or vegetarian dishes, your guide will talk you through the landmarks you pass along the way. Beer, wine, and soft drinks are also included.

Evening Canal Cruise with Pizza and Drinks – A much more casual affair, this cruise offers guests their choice of one of five pizzas and two beers, wines, or soft drinks. On a sunny summer evening, there’s no better place to be in Amsterdam!

Private BBQ Cruise with Personal Chef & Drinks – Are you heading to Amsterdam with your pals? You’re going to love this! For two hours, you can rent out a private boat with unlimited drinks, where you’ll have your pick of BBQ classics like steaks, burgers, and skewers, each of which has a veggie alternative. 

24. Visit the Heineken Experience

It wouldn’t be a list of the best things to do in Amsterdam without mentioning the Heineken Experience .

Avid Heineken drinkers will no doubt have plans to visit this iconic former brewery. Even if beer isn’t your thing, don’t let this stop you from joining in on one of these interactive tours, which are a lot of fun.

The tours take place in Heineken’s former brewery, where the world-famous beer was produced up until the late 1980s. 

For 90 minutes, you’ll explore the site where the lager was first created, get an insight into the brewing process, and taste two glasses of the most exceptional Heineken you’ll ever try.

Prices for this outing start from €23, but you can add access to a rooftop bar or canal cruise for an extra fee. 

25. Head out on a guided beer or prosecco bike tour

It’s safe to say that the title of this tour speaks for itself. When you’re considering what to do in Amsterdam, it’s unlikely that a boozy bike trip will initially spring to mind! However, these fun-filled tours are guaranteed to keep you and your gang entertained.

For around an hour and a half, your group will peddle their way through the streets of Amsterdam while working through 20 liters of beer or a bottle of Prosecco each. 

Better yet, you can have a mix of both during the beers and bubbles experience if you’re having trouble deciding.

Each tour usually can cater for up to six passengers, excluding your guide, who can take over the peddling when you’ve had one too many Proseccos.

26. Board the Pancake Boat Cruise

For something more low-key, the Pancake Boat Cruise is an excellent family-friendly activity that combines sightseeing and delicious grub.

This boat trip will take you along Amsterdam’s River IJ, which is one of the few cruises that doesn’t run along the canals. From here, you’ll be able to spot sites like the A’DAM Lookout and the Eye Filmmuseum.

Now, onto the main event, the Dutch pancakes! Did I mention that these are all-you-can-eat pancakes? You heard that right! You’ll spend your cruise snacking on these divine traditional desserts, which you can pair with your choice of fruits, jams, cheese, and ham.

Kids can spend time in the onboard playground area when they’re not stocking up on pancakes. 

Best Free Things to Do in Amsterdam

27. stroll around the canals.

Some of the best things to do in Amsterdam are completely free of charge.

Wandering around the seemingly endless canals is what the city’s all about, and you could easily spend an afternoon here watching cruises sail by, admiring the historic houses, and chilling out with coffee along the banks.

With so many canals running through Amsterdam, you’ll want to prioritize which ones you want to visit, as stopping by them all would be a challenging feat.

You can’t miss Prisengracht, Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Kloveniersburgwal, but you should also consider adding Groenburgwal, Brouwersgracht, and Singel to your itinerary.

28. Visit Albert Cuyp Market

Europe’s largest day market lies right in the heart of Amsterdam. Situated in the de Pijp neighborhood, the Albert Cuyp Market plays host to over 260 stalls and has become as popular with tourists as it is with locals. 

You’ll likely hear people saying that anything you could ever need can be found at the Albert Cuyp Market, and they’re not lying! Clothes, jewelry, fresh vegetables, cheese, flowers, handbags, and reading glasses are just a fraction of the goods you can pick up here.

Of course, it’s not a free activity if you decide to purchase something, but many visitors come here just to see the market in action and take in the sights and smells of this bustling part of town.

29. People-watch at Dam Square

As well as being home to the Royal Palace and Madame Tussauds, Dam Square is also a marvelous place to do some people-watching.

Perch yourself on a bench or join the groups of other people who have gathered on the steps and simply watch the world go by! Whether you’re looking to save some cash or just want to rest your feet after a day of explorations, Dam Square is your best bet for an easygoing afternoon.

The National Monument is also found in Dam Square and is free to visit. This towering white stone structure was built in the 1950s to commemorate those who lost their lives fighting for The Netherlands in wars and conflicts.

30. Explore the Floating Flower Market

As the world’s only floating flower market, this unique bazaar is a must-do if you’re strolling along the Singel Canal.

Once you step inside the houseboats comprising this quirky marketplace, you’ll be treated to an impossibly beautiful and ultra-colorful array of flowers and other plants.

The main attraction is undoubtedly the storefronts covered with gorgeous tulips in every color, which are even more majestic if you visit in spring when they’ll be in full bloom.

Daffodils, roses, orchids, and numerous other flowers are also on display here, and the vibrant color scheme extends to the souvenirs. Magnets, clogs, and trinkets are on sale in every color under the sun.

31. Walk through the Red Light District 

Amsterdam has become well-known for quite a number of things, one of them being the infamous Red Light District.

You wouldn’t be alone in assuming that an area famed for its sex trade is a seedy and dangerous neighborhood that’s best to avoid, but the Red Light District is a lot safer and friendlier than you’d imagine.

During the daytime, the area doesn’t look too dissimilar from any other narrow street in the city, but at night, you’ll notice tons of packed bars, busy streets, and neon red lights everywhere you look.

Once you abide by the rules and refrain from taking pictures of sex workers, you can stroll through the area hassle-free. 

A couple of interesting Red Light District tours are on offer to get a better understanding of the district, though this would mean you’re no longer visiting for free.

32. Snap a picture at the Damrak Canal Houses

You might find your camera roll overflowing after your trip to Amsterdam, as the city really is as picture-perfect as you’d imagine. One spot that you’ll have to capture the perfect shot of is the view of the Damrak Canal Houses.

These famously lopsided houses have become some of the most photographed canal houses in the city, and finding them is also super straightforward.

As you leave the Central Train Station, make a slight left and head down Damrak Street for just over 400 meters (0.25 miles), and you’ll soon be greeted by these quirky houses on your left. You’ll arrive at a great vantage point for your Instagram-worthy photos from here!

Best Day Trips from Amsterdam 

33. keukenhof.

Would you believe me if I told you that Keukenhof, aptly nicknamed the Garden of Europe, was only a 30-minute drive from the center of Amsterdam?

Those old-school windmills, endless fields, and immaculate gardens filled with tulips that Holland is renowned for are much easier to reach from the capital than you’d expect. 

As these gardens are only open for around eight weeks of the year, you’ll need to plan your visit between March and May.

You have a couple of options to get here. The quickest way to reach Keukenhof is by car, but taxis can be costly, so it may work out cheaper to get a rental car and make your own way there. 

Lots of tour companies run shuttle buses from Central Station, which is a more budget-friendly alternative. 

For a fuss-free experience, the Keukenhof & Windmill Village Guided Tour will take care of your transport, entry ticket, and guided tour. This particular day trip also allows you to see traditional clogs being crafted and even includes a cheese tasting.

34. Zaanse Schans

Another picturesque area that seems like a world away from Amsterdam is Zaanse Schans, a stunning neighborhood in the town of Zaandam.

You’ll be transported back to the 19th century as you wander past colorful wooden houses and windmills, many of which were actually relocated here from other towns nearby towns.

Zaanse Schans is reachable by car in less than 20 minutes, or you can hop on one of the buses from Central Station, which takes around 40 minutes. 

I recommend catching the short train to Zaandijk – Zaanse Schans and walking to the neighborhood from here. Alternatively, if you’re up for an active day, you can rent a bike and visit Zaanse Schans on two wheels!

If you are after a hassle-free experience, check out this Guided Zaanse Schans & Cheese Tasting Tour , where you’ll see the best of the area with your knowledgeable guide.

Another great option is this Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam & Marken Bus Tour . It’s a full-day tour that combines Zaanse Schans with trips to the adorable Volendam fishing village and the town of Edam. No prizes for guessing why Edam is so well-known!

35. Giethoorn

Giethoorn might just be the cutest village you’ll ever lay your eyes on! Narrow waterways, old-fashioned thatched-roof homes, and wooden bridges make up this car-free pocket of The Netherlands. 

Unless you’re renting a car, the best way to get to Giethoorn is by taking the train from Central Station to Zwolle train station and changing to the 70 bus from here until you reach the village center.

If you’d rather let someone else do the planning, the Giethoorn & Enclosing Dike Day Trip will tick all of your boxes, taking you past the Enclosing Dike, a dam-come-motorway on your journey to Giethoorn.

While here, you’ll go on a tranquil cruise along the water and go for a wander during your free time.

36. Volendam

The Netherlands is blessed with some of Europe’s loveliest towns and villages, and Volendam is among the best of them.

With direct links to the center of Amsterdam, you can reach Volendam in less than 25 minutes on bus 316 and enjoy the town’s delightful seafood alongside the fishing boats and multi-colored homes.

For a deep dive into Dutch culture, I think you’ll find this Marken, Volendam, and Edam Full-Day Tour to your liking. On this excursion, you’ll stop by the teeny village of Marken and get a masterclass in cheese-making in the town of Edam.

This tour also offers some add-ons for an extra special day out, such as a boat trip, windmill entry, and a clog-making demonstration.

37. Rotterdam

The Netherlands’s second most-populated city, Rotterdam, is Amsterdam’s modern and eclectic little sister, where you’ll be in awe of the bold architecture, high-rise buildings, and big-city vibe.

Exploring Rotterdam from Amsterdam is so convenient, as both the high-speed and regular trains will land you here in under an hour. 

Anyone short on time can spend an afternoon checking the cube houses, the Market Hall, and the massive harbor off their lists before returning to Amsterdam in no time.

I suggest looking into this Guided Trip to Rotterdam, Delft & The Hague for a well-rounded and fascinating day trip. After you’ve seen Rotterdam’s highlights, you’ll head to the charming city of Delft and The Hague, which the Dutch royal family and government call home.

For a European adventure, take advantage of Amsterdam’s close proximity to Belgium and spend a day in the enchanting city of Bruges.

Though Bruges is much smaller than Amsterdam, it’s a city that’s also famed for its canals and storied past. 

Amsterdam is extremely well-connected, making it possible to arrive in Bruges within three hours by train. There are also a few companies that operate buses between the two cities, and this is often a cheaper option.

If you’d rather join a guided tour, this Day Trip to Bruges from Amsterdam tour has you covered. You’ll spend some of your day visiting spots like the Grote Markt and the Belfry with your guide, as well as getting some free time.

39. Brussels 

From one captivating Belgian city to another, you won’t regret spending some of your vacation in lively Brussels.

Unless you’re joining a guided tour, I recommend taking a high-speed train from Amsterdam, which will bring you to the Belgian capital in under two hours. Catch an early departure to ensure you have ample time to visit the Grand Place, Royal Galleries, and some chocolate shops.

Brussels has so much to see and do, and this day trip will take you to all the must-see spots while also taking care of your transport. When you’ve had your fill of sightseeing, you’ll have some extra time to munch on Belgian fries and waffles or sample one of their legendary beers.

Where to stay in Amsterdam

If you’re a first-time visitor, then you’ll want to stay close to the city center, and there are plenty of options.

De Pijp is the city’s bohemian quarter and home to some of the best bars and streetside cafes. If you’re looking for something a little more upmarket, then Jordaan is an excellent option with its gorgeous 17th-century townhouses and top-class restaurants. Oud West is another charming area with leafy parks and plenty to do.

If you want to read more about the best areas to stay in the city, make sure to check out our in-depth post about  where to stay in Amsterdam . For an unforgettable stay, browse through the list of the  best Amsterdam hotels with canal views or the best luxury hotels in Amsterdam .

In case you’re in a rush, here are my top hotel recommendations for different budgets.

• Ultimate Luxury  |  Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam
• Best Views  |  Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht
• Rooftop Pool  |  W Amsterdam
• Mid-range  |  Hotel Mercier
• Budget  |  Conscious Hotel Westerpark

Planning a trip to Amsterdam?

Then you might want to take a look at all our other travel guides about Amsterdam. I promise, they are just as awesome as this article was!

Amsterdam hotel guides:

• Where to Stay in Amsterdam: 10 Best Areas & Hotels
• 24 Best Amsterdam Hotels with Canal Views
• 13 Best Luxury Hotels in Amsterdam for an Unforgettable City Break

Amsterdam travel guides:

• 16 Best Canal Cruises in Amsterdam You Can’t Go Wrong With
• One Day in Amsterdam: How to See the Best of Amsterdam in a Day
• The Perfect 2 Days in Amsterdam Itinerary for First Timers
• 3 Days in Amsterdam: The Perfect Amsterdam Itinerary
• How to Spend 4 Days in Amsterdam: Ultimate Itinerary for First Timers
• 14 Best Breakfast Places in Amsterdam You Have to Try

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Amsterdam Travel Guide

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With every justification, Amsterdam is one of Europe’s top short-break destinations. It’s a compact, instantly likeable city, that’s appealing to look at and pleasant to walk around. An intriguing mix of the parochial and the international, it has a welcoming attitude towards visitors and a uniquely youthful orientation, shaped by the liberal counter-culture that took hold in the 1960s. Also engaging are the buzz of its open-air summer events and the intimacy of its clubs and bars, not to mention the Dutch facility with languages: just about everyone you meet in Amsterdam will be able to speak near-perfect English, on top of their own native Dutch and often French and German too. If you are looking for a place to stay in Amsterdam you may find our expert’s guide to the best area’s to stay in Amsterdam helpful on deciding where to visit next.

City canal tours

Royal revelry.

Amsterdam has three world-famous sights, the Anne Frank Huis , the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum , with its wonderful collection of Rembrandt paintings. In addition, there is a slew of lesser known places to visit, from the Resistance Museum through to the Royal Palace on the Dam, though for many tourists the city’s canals are its main draw – take a cruise or a stroll around the Grachtengordel and you’ll see why. Beyond the sights, Amsterdam also boasts an unparalleled selection of drinking places, be it a traditional, bare-floored brown café or one of the city’s many designer bars and grand cafés. The city’s nightlife and cultural events have a similarly innovative edge, with offerings that are at the forefront of contemporary European film, dance, drama and music. In addition, Amsterdam boasts one of the world’s leading classical orchestras, a platoon of great clubs, and one of Europe’s liveliest and largest gay scenes.

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Netherlands, created by local experts

8 days  / from 2808 USD

The best of the Netherlands and Belgium

This trip will bring you the best of two countries: the Netherlands and Belgium. From the quaint streets, canals and windmills of Holland to beer and Belgium chocolate tasting in three beautiful Belgium cities. This trip has it all.

9 days  / from 3024 USD

Experience the Liberation Route in BeNeLux

Explore the path of the World War II Liberation Route through Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Visit important landmarks and museums on the way with this self drive itinerary, with enough time to explore cities such as Brussels and Rotterdam on the way.

Tailor-made trips for   Netherlands

No one could say the Amsterdam tourist industry doesn’t make the most of its canals, with a veritable armada of glass-topped cruise boats shuttling along the city’s waterways, offering everything from quick hour-long excursions to fully-fledged dinner cruises. There are several major operators and they occupy the prime pitches, either the jetties near Centraal Station on Stationsplein or beside the first part of the Damrak. Despite the competition, prices are fairly uniform with a one-hour tour costing around €14 per adult, €7 per child (4–12 years old). The big companies, for example Lovers ( t 020 530 5412, w lovers.nl ), also run a lot of different themed cruises – candlelight cruises, cocktail cruises, etc – with tickets costing in the region of €32–35, though dinner cruises will rush you about €75. All the basic cruises are extremely popular and long queues are common throughout the summer. One way of avoiding much of the crush is to walk down the Damrak from Centraal Station to the jetty at the near end of the Rokin, where Reederij P. Kooij ( t 020 623 3810, w rederijkooij.nl ), which also has a jetty beside Centraal Station, offers all the basic cruises at cheaper prices. For other types of canal transport.

After the abdication of Queen Beatrix in favour of her son, Amsterdam saw its last Queen’s Day on 30 April, 2013. Traditionally the city’s biggest party with up to half a million people packing the streets and canals, it remains to be seen whether King’s Day (27 April) will rival it. Knowing the Dutch, the orange wigs will be dusted off, the sound systems cranked up and the city will become one big waterside disco again in April 2014 (just book ahead if you want to be there).

Discover more places in Netherlands

• The Grachtengordel
• The Jordaan
• The Museum Quarter and the Vondelpark
• The Old Centre
• The Old Jewish Quarter and the Eastern Docklands

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written by Keith Drew

updated 26.04.2021

A former Rough Guides Managing Editor, Keith Drew has written or updated over a dozen Rough Guides, including Costa Rica, Japan and Morocco. As well as writing for The Telegraph, The Guardian and BRITAIN Magazine, among others, he also runs family-travel website Lijoma.com. Follow him @keithdrewtravel on Twitter and @BigTrips4LittleTravellers on Instagram.

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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.

Foodhallen Arrow

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.

CNT Editors

Blane Bachelor

Kyler Alvord

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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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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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

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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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Tourist Guide to Amsterdam: What you need to know before your first trip to Amsterdam by a local

March 14, 2018 by Karen Turner 36 Comments

Amsterdam is a city to RELAX in.  I’m not talking about the abundant coffeeshops, but about the gezellig (cozy) atmosphere that you’ll find in this city.

Take your time to sit back to enjoy the passing bikes, unique architecture, and beautiful canals  among the many things to do and delicious things to eat. I’m a proud Amsterdam resident and this is an ultimate guide to Amsterdam with all the questions that I feel like I’ve been asked most often.

Find out how many days to spend in Amsterdam, get advice on what are the “must-sees”, where to stay in Amsterdam, what to eat in Amsterdam, which museums to visit in Amsterdam (and skip!), what to do before you arrive in Amsterdam, how to get from the airport to the city…and more! 

This Amsterdam local guide covers the FAQS for Amsterdam:

• How many days to spend in Amsterdam?
• Must-Sees in Amsterdam
• Which Museums to Visit in Amsterdam?
• Should I get the iAmsterdam card?
• Which neighborhoods to visit in Amsterdam?
• What to eat in Amsterdam / Dutch foods to eat in Amsterdam
• What to drink in Amsterdam

How to get to Amsterdam from Schiphol Airport

• Where to stay in Amsterdam / Best areas to stay in
• How to get around Amsterdam / Should you rent a bike in Amsterdam?
• Things to do before you get to Amsterdam
• Is English spoken in Amsterdam?

Note: This post uses affiliate links. Please read my  disclosure  for more information.

• 1 How many days to spend in Amsterdam? ​
• 2.0.0.1 What to look for in an Amsterdam canal cruise?
• 3 Amsterdam Top Things to Do: Which Museums to Visit in Amsterdam?
• 4 Should you get the iAmsterdam card? ​
• 5 What neighborhoods to visit in Amsterdam?​
• 6 What to eat in Amsterdam / What foods to try in Amsterdam
• 7 What to drink in Amsterdam / What beer to try in Amsterdam!
• 8 How to get to Amsterdam from Schiphol Airport
• 9 Best neighborhoods to stay in Amsterdam / Where to Stay in Amsterdam
• 10 How to Get Around Amsterdam and whether you should rent a bike in Amsterdam…
• 11 Things to do before you visit Amsterdam
• 12 Do people speak English in Amsterdam?
• 13 Looking for more advice? I got lots more to say about Amsterdam!
• 14 Have you been to Amsterdam? Anything else you need to know before your trip that I didn’t cover?

How many days to spend in Amsterdam? ​

Must-sees / top things to do in amsterdam.

Dam Square.   Overrated, but only takes about 5 minutes to see.  There’s usually NOT tulips there, just tourists.

Begijnhof . A hidden courtyard in the middle of Centre. This beautiful courtyard dates back to the 14th century and used to belong to the Catholic church. It was the home for women who lived like nuns, but could leave to marry.  ( Click to read more about secret Amsterdam .)

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Bloemenmarkt:  Admire/buy tulip bulbs. (Tip: Not all can be brought home without a permit, so ask!)

Walk the canals. Herengracht is considered one of the most beautiful canals with some of the most opulent houses.

Museum van Loon .  An Amsterdam canal house that has secret courtyard that is the stuff of dreams (with a fluffy cat that roams the grounds!)

Red Light District .  A fascinating place for many tourists to see what happens when a country legalizes prostitution.  Don’t take photos of the beautiful ladies and be careful as scammers prowl this area.

Anne Frank House. Whether or not you know Anne’s story, there is something very powerful about being in the same space that her family lived in. Make reservations ahead or wait in line for hours.

Brouwerij ‘T IJ.  This local brewery is the real deal and it’s next a windmill. It’s only 4 euros for a tour with a drink.   If you’re into beer and considering the Heineken Experience, come here instead.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Karen ✈️ (@wanderlustingk) on Sep 26, 2016 at 11:50pm PDT

Street markets.   My favorites are: Noordermarkt (Saturdays; food/books); Albert Cuypmarkt  (Monday to Friday; ethnic food). IJHALLEN ( Saturday/Sunday  [once monthly]; used clothes)

Canal Tour. These canal tours are an affordable way to experience the city although they often include a pre-recorded tour.

For a more unique experience, you can rent your OWN canal boat and don’t crash.  (BYOB your own drinks/food to picnic on the boat).  It’s way more epic than a canal cruise and worth it if you have a few friends to split it with (100 euros per hour.)

During the Amsterdam Lights Festival (month of December) where light sculptures are installed around Amsterdam, it’s worth doing a night cruise to enjoy the lit-up sculptures!

What to look for in an Amsterdam canal cruise?

Vondelpark.  Picnic here in summer (with a beer) with the rest of Amsterdam.

Rent a Bike.  If you’re not a city biker, biking in Amsterdam is similar to driving elsewhere. The rate of bike accidents for tourists is quite  high  due to inexperienced bikers getting into issues as the bike lanes here are highly regulated (with stop lights) and the scooters don’t always follow the rules.  Click for more info about biking in Amsterdam

iAmsterdam sign . A classic photo. You can find a few iAmsterdam signs around the city although the most famous is in Museumplein by the Rijksmuseum.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Karen ✈️ (@wanderlustingk) on Apr 21, 2016 at 12:27am PDT

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Karen ✈️ (@wanderlustingk) on Aug 6, 2016 at 9:16am PDT

Coffeeshop.  Not for everyone, but this is why a lot of people come to Amsterdam. I don’t smoke anything myself, but it’s  INCONSIDERATE  to smoke marijuana in public. Look for a place where coffeeshop is spelled with no space…

I have ONCE seen someone try to order marijuana at a cafe (a normal cafe that only serves coffee) and everyone watching laughed so hard. You can only do so where it’s allowed, so you can have it in a coffeeshop, but please don’t smoke up on the street or in a park since some people have asthma.   Click for the best coffeeshops with cats.

If you’re here to party,  click over to Lost with Purpose for some partying advice. 

When to visit Amsterdam? Come for   King’s Day  [April 27/wear orange] OR the  Pride Parade  (on the canals) [Late July/wear whatever you want] to celebrate with the ENTIRE city!  April and early May are the best times to visit Amsterdam, especially if you want to see the tulips.

Amsterdam Top Things to Do: Which Museums to Visit in Amsterdam?

There are many museums to visit in Amsterdam, so it can be very hard to decide which museums are the best ones for your visit. I’ve included a few of the most popular museums and some of my local favorites!

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Rijksmuseum is the classic and my favorite. It’s HUGE and you could spend hours admiring the Dutch Masters. Admission can be reserved ahead of time by buying a ticket in advance .

Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder.  This is my favorite museum in Amsterdam. They’ve restored three canal houses to their Golden Age furnishings and you can view one of the few remaining secret churches in Amsterdam.

Secret churches  used to much more common in Amsterdam as public worship of Catholics and Jews were prohibited during the Protestant Reformation.

Our Lady in the Attic is beautifully preserved as many are not open to the public or have been converted back to normal rooms. (Go to Brouwerij de Prael  for a drink after!)

Rembrandt House. If you’re curious to see where Rembrandt worked, you can visit his studio. However, you’re just as well off visiting the Rijksmuseum if you want to see his art! Van Gogh . If you love Van Gogh, you can see his paintings at other museums, but this museum is beautifully designed! The line can be quiet long, so consider buying tickets in advance . 

The Jewish Historical Museum (Joods Historisch Museum) is incredibly interesting and well-designed. The Portuguese Synagogue is worth visiting for it alone as it is a beautiful structure that remains entirely intact that is lit by candlelight.  As many Dutch Jews died in the Holocaust, this museum is a moving testament to the role of Jews in Dutch history and learning about Judaism.

To see the  Girl with the Pearl Earring , you will need to take the train to the Hague to go to the Mauritshuis . ​​ Not in Amsterdam.

Should you get the iAmsterdam card? ​

Yes, if you’re planning on visiting certain expensive museums (at least 2 of them) and taking a canal cruise.  If you’re mostly walking around without paying for attractions, it’s not worth it.   ( Click for a free walking tour of Amsterdam .)  Train fare to/from the airport are not covered, but that’s only five euros!  Check prices for an iAmsterdam card!

What neighborhoods to visit in Amsterdam? ​

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Karen ✈️ (@wanderlustingk) on Sep 1, 2016 at 10:59am PDT

For history, beautiful architecture and cozy cafes, don’t miss de Jordaan .

For beautiful architecture, few people, and picturesque bridges, head up to Papeneiland, Bickerseiland & Realeneiland .

For graffiti, unique cafes, hipster vibes and Amsterdam’s best flea market, head to NDSM by taking the ferry across from Centraal.

What to eat in Amsterdam / What foods to try in Amsterdam

There’s so many delicious foods to eat in Amsterdam although there’s some Dutch specialty foods that you should try in Amsterdam….

Oliebollen (December only).  These tasty fried dough balls are only offered around New Years. They’re delicious when warm and you’ll find booths all around the city!

Indonesian food. You can try Rijsttafel , which is a tradition stemming from the Dutch colonization of Indonesia, where you try 40+ dishes from all around Indonesia in one meal. It is not cheap, but a nice introduction to Indonesian food.

Surinamese Roti. This dish is found all across Amsterdam. Super filling, unique, and inexpensive. De Pijp is the best area to find restaurants serving this dish (Albert Cuypstraat).

Stroopwafels . These classic Dutch desserts are so tasty.  You can pick them up at Albert Heijn for under 2 euros.

Bitterballen . These fried balls filled with beef are a Dutch bar classic served with mustard.

Frites . Fries. Served with mayonnaise.

Croquettes . At FEBO (Put in a coin and get a snack!) .  These fried Dutch snacks are filled with meat and …flavors. They’re Dutch comfort food.  Sate filled croquettes (vegetarian) are popular. A nice snack on your way home from a night out…

Tony’s Chocolonely. This addictive/delicious chocolate is the FIRST in the world to be made not using slave labor.  The caramel sea salt bar (Karamel zeezalt) is the orange one found at Albert Heijn.

Poffertjes .Little Dutch pancakes. So good. Look for touristic bakeries and get extra powered sugar!

Kasteeltjes . These little cakes that are filed with marzipan are one of my weaknesses. They’re not easy to find (although sold at some branches of Albert Heijn), but they’re so good if you can find them.

Haring . Haring is a type of fish that many people eat raw or on a sandwich. It’s very mild, so even fish-haters (like myself), find it tasty. You can find at fish stores (vishandel) and haring stands.

Dutch Pancakes .  They’re flatter than American pancakes, but delicious. Easy to find.

Van Stapele cookies . These chocolate delicious cookies are made fresh to order at their namesake shop.

What to drink in Amsterdam / What beer to try in Amsterdam!

Verse Munt Thee (Fresh Mint Tea).  Unlike most mint teas, the Dutch put the entire plant in–and leave in. Refreshing and can be found at most cafes. Be careful of the hot glass!

Dutch beer. Even if you’re not a beer drinker, Dutch beer is often in the Belgian style, which means that it’s more mild and less intense than beers elsewhere. Look for white [witte] beers and beers NOT from Heineken. I cannot even list ALL the local breweries that I love, but look for  Oedipus ,  Brouwerij ‘T IJ , Brouwerij de Prael , Gebrouwen door Vrouwen .

For more breweries, click for  information about craft beer in Amsterdam .    ​ (Note: I have absolutely nothing against Heineken, but seriously, there’s SO much good beer to try that you cannot find elsewhere!)

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Take the train from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Centraal. You can buy a one way ticket for about 5 euros to board a direct train to the city! Look for yellow machines labeled with NS.  Tap the button for the British flag & a one-way ticket.  Tap Amsterdam Centraal before paying with a card (with a chip).  Otherwise, visit the booth to pay for your ticket.

If the train is not running due to construction (an issue late at night), find the bus towards  Leidseplein . You can pay in cash on the bus and once you get off at Leidseplein, you’ll be in the city center.

Important: Do not go with anyone who approaches you in Schiphol Airport about a taxi. There is a scam in Amsterdam where people functionally extort tourists looking for taxis.  Many get fake vests that say “Official Amsterdam Taxi.”

There is an official taxi line outside.  Taxis from Schiphol to Amsterdam city centre should cost 45-55 euros with an optimum route.  If it’s above 70 euros, ask your hotel or hostel for assistance. I’ve been ripped off myself… I only use Taxicentrale now.

Save this number in your phone if you take taxis: Taxicentrale Amsterdam: +31 020 777 77 77.  It is the biggest cab company in Amsterdam.  They accept credit cards, function 24 hours a day, will pick up people all around Amsterdam/Schiphol, and their cabs are honest.  (Police/Emergencies: 112 )

Best neighborhoods to stay in Amsterdam / Where to Stay in Amsterdam

How to get around amsterdam and whether you should rent a bike in amsterdam….

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Karen ✈️ (@wanderlustingk) on Sep 22, 2016 at 1:49pm PDT

Amsterdam is way smaller than people realize. You can easily walk around the city center although the public transit is great.

DO NOT WALK IN THE BIKE LANE OR RISK GETTING HIT BY BIKES.  Similarly, don’t jaywalk since many people get hit by bikes this way OR hesitate when crossing as bikes will almost hit you if you stop in the middle of the street.

The trams are the easiest way to get around Amsterdam as many go from Centraal Station and past many of the tourist attractions. For now, you can buy your tickets on tram, but an unlimited ticket is best. As of April, you cannot pay on the bus in cash and you need to buy tickets, either single ride or an unlimited ticket (24-48-72 hours), at a machine.

Biking is very Dutch, but if you walk even a small amount in Amsterdam, you’ll have feelings about the bikes. I regularly bike around Amsterdam and you need to master city biking if you choose to bike here.  You’ll need to bike IN the bike lane (not on the sidewalk), allow others to pass on the left, stay aware of other bikers/pedestrians/scooters, and use your arms to signal.  It’s intense, but the fastest way to get around.

You’re probably safer not biking here.  If you get in a bike accident, exchange information with the person you hit/hit you and their insurance/rental agency will get in touch. 

If you rent a bike, lock it up properly.   Use the wheel lock and be sure to lock the frame to solid object. The bike thieves are ruthless, but usually avoid tourist bikes.

I personally find biking in Centre stressful due to the many tourists who walk in the bike lane. If you want to do it, head out of Amsterdam on one of the bike paths towards Zaanse Schans.  

Just stay in the bike lane and follow the signs. It cannot be easier and less stressful once you leave Amsterdam. You don’t need a bike tour to visit Zaanse Schans and it’s very easy to follow the signs to Zaandam (and onwards to Zaanse Schans). 

Things to do before you visit Amsterdam

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Karen ✈️ (@wanderlustingk) on Jul 16, 2016 at 8:45am PDT

• Book your hostel/hotel at least a month in advance. Prices increase on weekends and many hotels/hostels fill up in high season! High season is March-July.  If you do not book ahead, you’ll end up quite far away from the city center or paying very high prices.
• Get a good raincoat if you don’t have one. Wondering what else to pack? Check this packing list for Amsterdam !
• Book your Anne Frank tickets ahead. Per a new policy implemented in 2016, the Anne Frank museum is only open to visitors who reserve ahead 9am to 3:30pm then open after for walk-ins… You can book tickets starting two months in advance and be warned that it sells out typically 2-4 weeks before. Otherwise, you’ll have to wait in line, which usually trails around the block. If you can’t get tickets, it’s best around dinner time.
• Notify your bank that you need to use the ATM. Things are improving in the tourist centre, but many shops still don’t take foreign credit cards.  For ATMs, look out these major Dutch banks for ATMs: ABN AMRO & Rabobank. You’ll get a better rate than at a money exchanger. (FYI the currency is Euro. My in-laws witnessed someone trying to pay with dollars at the Anne Frank House…)

Do people speak English in Amsterdam?

Yes. Almost everyone speaks fluent English. Only when you leave Amsterdam and go to the countryside, you’ll encounter some older people who may not be as comfortable in English, but most understand it enough.

Looking for more advice? I got lots more to say about Amsterdam!

15 Dos & Don’ts from a Resident . 4 Awesome Dutch Castles (2 are close to Amsterdam!) Guide to seeing the Tulips for free ! ​Best Food in Amsterdam . Local Neighborhood Guide to Amsterdam . Best Photo Spots in Amsterdam .

Have you been to Amsterdam? Anything else you need to know before your trip that I didn’t cover?

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

March 18, 2017 at 11:25 pm

Great guide! I have a friend from Amsterdam, she´s gonna visit me in November and we talked about that next year I am going to visit her – so the guide is a great help and inspiration 🙂 Thanks for sharing.

March 18, 2017 at 11:33 pm

What a great guide. Makes me want to experience all these beautiful things myself since there is so much to see and do. Thanks for sharing and I love the info about the tulips. I would love to visitand ridea biketo seethe tulips. Sounds lovely. Thanks for a great post!!!

March 18, 2017 at 11:52 pm

Couldn’t have asked for a better guide to Amsterdam thanks! Love that you included the things that are a bit overrated to save us time to rather spend on the better things to see.

March 18, 2017 at 11:53 pm

This is such a comprehensive guide, Karen! I’ve met many Dutch people through my travels and they always talk about biking everywhere so I’m glad you mentioned not walking in the bike lane. That’s something I would do for sure!!! Great tips at the end too – I wouldn’t think to book in advance otherwise.

March 19, 2017 at 12:01 am

This is a fantastic guide! Thanks for all of the details. I got to spend a 17-hour layover there a couple years ago, and I’ve been wanting to go back ever since to enjoy the city.

March 19, 2017 at 12:49 am

There is an amazing guide. Really thorough. I bookmarked it for later when I get to go visit there myself! 🙂

March 19, 2017 at 12:52 am

First of all, I really like how you laid out the questions at the beginning your post answers. It’s a fresh approach and super easy to navigate 🙂 This post couldn’t have come at a better time because I think I am laying over in Amsterdam this spring! I especially love the recommendations for coffee shops, canals and museums! I missed most of these during my last trip there which makes me sad. Next time I suppose. P.s. your pictures are fabulous btw!

March 19, 2017 at 12:53 am

I would LOVE to visit Amsterdam just for the canals and the museums alone, but the tulip trip is an added bonus. The other highlight for me would be the neighborhoods and flea markets. Thanks for all the info!

March 19, 2017 at 1:36 am

Wow, thank you so much for writing this! This was incredibly helpful and informative. I have only been to Amsterdam on a 8 hour layover several years ago so I definitely would love to go back! I would definitely love to go and see all of the tulips!!

March 19, 2017 at 3:00 am

I have been wanting to visit Amsterdam for so long. I love the brewery/beer tips. I like Heineken, but it’s like you mentioned, why not try other beers that you can’t find everywhere else. Also, thank you for the high season/low season tip. That is something I always consider before traveling. Amazing job!

March 19, 2017 at 4:03 am

Whoooaaa this is SO COMPREHENSIVE! It’s great! So I guess I was lucky bc I just straight up walked to Anne frank house and got in. Also thanks for making me feel better about skipping the Rembrandt museum. I didn’t know it was considered inconsiderate to smoke in public. When I was there, the coffee shop owner encouraged me to walk out with my spliff but I was too scared to haha so I guess good choice on my part. I’m soooo going to that secret churches museum the next time I’m in town and also thanks for the tulips tip!! So great!

March 19, 2017 at 4:10 am

Wow! this is such a great guide, My favorite thing I have done in Amsterdam is the Anne Frank house, it is just so moving. You gave me so many ideas of things to see on my next trip. I would love to do a day trip to the tulips or some castles. Pinned for future reference.

March 19, 2017 at 5:20 am

I thought it was just Colorado that was big on weed! Shows howmuch I need to learn. I know very little about Amsterdam. Thanks for sharing such an elaborate blog post! I love how you linked your IG pictures to the blog post! Gorgeous!!

March 19, 2017 at 7:17 am

Fantastic guide, there is so much more I need to do! I though can vouch 100% for Kings Day being an amazing time to visit! I visited for the last Queens day (unexpectedly, it was announced after my tickets were purchased) and had the unforeseen privilege of spending the day on our friend’s brother’s boat. Hands down the most amazingly unique experience ever, thanks for reminding me about that fun trip!!

March 19, 2017 at 7:31 am

Love your tips! Especially the markets and food tips! I can’t wait to go on a weekend trip to Amsterdam now ☺

March 19, 2017 at 7:46 am

Wow this is such a helpful & detailed post! I guess you covered pretty much everything 😉 It´s been 7 years since I´ve been to Amsterdam so I guess it´s really time to revisit 😉 We´re planning to do a mini Netherlands road trip next year in April! Do you maybe know if it´s possible to sleep on a boat in Amsterdam? Like a little boat hotel? x

March 19, 2017 at 11:31 pm

Hi kat! Glad to hear that! Yes, it is very easy to find a houseboat to sleep in! There’s even something called the botel…which is a hotel on a boat. 🙂

March 19, 2017 at 8:30 am

I only been to Amsterdam once and didn’t get to see the city in detail, will use your guide when I revisit again and hopefully soon!

March 19, 2017 at 9:02 am

My step-daughter is visiting Amsterdam soon so I’ve sent her this guide as it’s so comprehensive! Thank you, it’s a great read

March 19, 2017 at 9:34 am

I haven’t been to Amsterdam yet but I’m planning on going there soon!! So this is such a useful post 🙂 Thank you for sharing, going to pin it immediately! 🙂

March 19, 2017 at 10:40 am

What do you mean by asking for assistance if price is above 70 euros? When at the hotel and driver asks this or when you ask the price at the airport and he says 70? I once had the experience in Dubai when taxi wouldn’t accept credit card (although it’s mandatory to do so in Dubai, and especially for airport taxis) I asked the hotel for assistance, but the guy at the door was also a fellow Indian worker, same as the driver, and they just talked a bit in hindi and both of them said “pay up in cash” 🙁

March 19, 2017 at 2:28 pm

Yes, go into your hostel or hotel and tell them what they’re trying to charge you. Most will intervene. The price is not usually set and depends on the fare although some don’t put on the meter /have rigged metres… A lot of taxis here don’t accept credit cards, which why I included the number for the one that does. I’ll update about this. That really sucks about Dubai, but yeah hopefully that wouldn’t happen here. Most clerks would be outraged for you too!

March 19, 2017 at 4:32 pm

This is an amazing and comprehensive guide! Really wished I had this when I visited Amsterdam couple of years back… Really good note about walking in the bike lane – I was a little oblivious when I visited and all the cyclists were so mad at me (I eventually realised what I was doing wrong).

Hopefully I’ll visit again soon so I can check out all your local recommendations (especially the food – you’ve got me salivating)!

March 19, 2017 at 7:27 pm

Goodness! Karen, you completely slayed this guide! So many great tips, practical suggestions, and must-dos! I wish we’d had this a few summers ago when we visited. It would helped to enrichen our experience. We’ve both been multiple times, but never seem to make the most out of our time there. This guide is fantastic!

March 19, 2017 at 9:09 pm

This is such an awesome, comprehensive guide!! We visited Amsterdam for 3 days in the summer of 2014, and it is still one of my favorite cities ever! I think I enjoyed just walking the city and taking in all the beauty!

March 19, 2017 at 9:55 pm

I haven’t been to Amsterdam for years (about 15 years to be exact!) and I’m sure the NDSM Werf was nothing more than an abandoned docklands area, but it sounds like a really cool place to explore now! I’d also like to find that adorable fluffy cat in the grounds of the Museum van Loon 🙂

March 19, 2017 at 11:20 pm

Really great post! I love Amsterdam and have been twice – once in the summer and once in the winter. It’s super charming in the winter with all of the snow, but I preferred summer. Better to rent bikes like you recommended and pedal around the city. I would love to go back to Holland at some point to see the tulips! Beautiful photos and great guide – thanks for sharing!! 🙂

March 20, 2017 at 2:25 am

This is such a detailed guide to Amsterdam! I went to Amsterdam once for a couple days. But as it was my first international trip, it was all kinda a daze. I would love to go back to discover more of what Amsterdam has to offer. I will definitely be using your guide as a resource when I do!

March 20, 2017 at 8:04 pm

Thanks for putting together such great information! I love when I come across blog posts that I know I will save and use when I visit the city they cover. I’ve always wanted to see the tulips too – there’s a tulip festival right near where I live in Skagit Valley, Washington – when I visit I always feel like I’m in Europe!

March 20, 2017 at 9:08 pm

This is definitely a must-read for anyone heading to Amsterdam. Seriously though… I found your Best Food and Local Neighborhood guides SUPER helpful when I was there in November – and this is totally next-level helpful! 😀

March 20, 2017 at 11:07 pm

how cool! I will remember to ask you for some details when we start planing it 😉 x

January 30, 2018 at 12:44 am

Such a great guide, thank you! I’m currently planning a trip for me and my 5 month baby, and this helped a ton. Thanks!

April 8, 2019 at 5:17 pm

Thank you so much! A friend and I will be visiting their summer, I wasn’t sure what to wear/pack or if we’d stick out as sore thumbs haha. We’d rather stick to the scenic, cozier side of things where we can hit up local bars and the $1 oyster bars . It’ll be quite the trip I’m sure! Thanks again, great post.

April 28, 2021 at 12:31 pm

Amsterdam offers something for everyone. The city is a paradise for cycling enthusiasts, as there are more bicycles there than there are people. Amsterdam is utterly dazzling with its picturesque canals and cobbled streets that you can explore for hours on end. And to conclude your trip, you should also stop by one of the charming cafes where even the famous Dutch painters went to enjoy their coffee. I have been to Netherlands twice but could not tour the city. This time I am only travelling for tourism purpose and will try to explore as much as I can. I am just waiting for my Netherlands visa appointment, as right now due to the busy schedule there are no appointments available with the embassy.

December 16, 2021 at 9:04 am

Being Dutch I like your blog. BUt I have to correct you on 1 thing. Stroopwafels are not a dessert. They are cookies. They are big, so you can put them on your coffee cup or tea cup to warm. Turn to avoid them getting soggy.

March 17, 2022 at 10:16 pm

In English, cookies fall under dessert. Yes, they are lovely warm with tea.

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AMSTERDAM , EUROPE , NETHERLANDS · August 17, 2020 Last Updated on March 10, 2024

THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE TO AMSTERDAM

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Amsterdam is the most populated and capital city of the Netherlands. The city is well-known for its beautiful canals, its canal houses, tulips, museums, nightlife, and rich history.

Furthermore, Amsterdam is also the capital of bikes! Everywhere you look, you will see bikes. Moreover, in the 17th century, the city grew and flourished, and the majority of the city and its famous architecture were built during this time.

Millions of people go to Amsterdam every year and it’s definitely an amazing city to visit. I live in Amsterdam, so I can tell you everything you need to know about this wonderful city.

In this travel guide, you will find all information that you’ll need for a trip to Amsterdam, including the best things to do, the best restaurants, the best way to get around in the city, and more!

Best Things To Do In Amsterdam

There are many amazing things to do in Amsterdam, so if you’re in the city, you definitely won’t get bored. Here, you will find the best things to do in Amsterdam that you really shouldn’t miss out on when you’re in the city!

A Cruise Through The Canals

One of the most fun things to do in Amsterdam is to enjoy a cruise through the beautiful canals. Since Amsterdam is famous for its canals, it’s a great experience to actually sail through them and see Amsterdam from the canals.

Furthermore, when you’re having a canal cruise you will learn some interesting information about the city while sailing by the most important sights. Therefore, this isn’t only a very fun experience, but it’s also very educational!

There are several canal cruise operators in Amsterdam. For example, one of the canal cruise operators is Lovers . Their boats are very comfortable and there’s an audio guide in several languages, which is very convenient. Another canal cruise operator is Stromma , their canal cruises are really fun as well!

Visit Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is one of the best museums in the Netherlands and also one of the best museums in the world. It is located in Museum Square where several other museums are located.

The collection in the museum consists of about one million objects of which about 8,000 are always on display. Furthermore, part of the collection comprises of masterpieces by Johannes Vermeer, Rembrandt, and many other famous Dutch artists. Also, there is a beautiful art history library inside the same building where many old books are located.

Van Gogh Museum

Another great activity to do in Amsterdam is to visit the Van Gogh Museum . At this museum, you will find many works by Vincent van Gogh, as the whole museum is dedicated to him.

There are more than 600 drawings and paintings made by Van Gogh here, including the famous sunflowers and the potato eaters.

Since the Van Gogh Museum is also located at Museum Square, it’s a great idea to visit both Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum in one day!

Visit Vondelpark

The largest park in Amsterdam is called Vondelpark . This park is located in the center of Amsterdam and it has around 10 million visitors per year.

Furthermore, there’s a theatre and there are several restaurants in Vondelpark. In 1876, the park opened with the name ‘’the new park’’. However, there was a statue of Joost van den Vondel placed, after which people called the park Vondel’s park. Nowadays, the official name is Vondelpark.

There are many cycling paths around the park and there are also many grass fields, this park is a great place to relax.

Since the park is located in the center of Amsterdam, it’s always easy to combine going to the park with other parts of the city. For example, from here it is only a 2-minute walk to Leidseplein where you’ll find many clubs and bars.

Stroll Along The Canals Of Amsterdam

The canals are so typical for Amsterdam and therefore it’s great to see them in real life. You can stroll along the canals which is a very fun thing to do.

There are more than 100 kilometers of canals in the city, and when it’s dark outside, the canals look very romantic. The canals were dug during the 17th century and form a half-circle around the city center. There are three main canals: the Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht.

Also, the canals are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Due to the canals, Amsterdam is sometimes called the Venice of the North!

Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House is another well-known sight in Amsterdam.

It is the house where Anne Frank lived during the second world war. She became well known because of her diary that she wrote while hiding from the Nazis together with her family in hidden rooms in the back of the building.

She didn’t survive the war, but her diary was later published.

Nowadays you can walk inside the house and see exactly where the family hid while learning about Anne Frank, the family of Anne Frank and her diary. After the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, this is the most visited museum in the Netherlands with more than a million visitors per year.

Rent A Bike

Once you arrive in Amsterdam, you will immediately notice that there are many bikes. In fact, there are almost a million bikes in Amsterdam!

People that live in Amsterdam use their bike for everything. If you want to experience the city like a local, it might be a great idea to rent a bike yourself.

Besides being a very fun activity, it’s also a convenient way to travel through the city. There are many companies where you can rent a bike from or you can book a biking tour around the city .

You can also rent a tandem, a tandem is a bike for two people. However, be careful, because if you’re not used to a bike, a tandem might be hard to use.

Rent A Boat

Another thing that you should do when you’re in Amsterdam is to rent a boat. There are many types of boats you can rent, including motorboats or pedal boats .

This is really one of the most fun activities to do in Amsterdam in my opinion. Especially during the summer when the sun is shining, because Amsterdam looks even more beautiful from the canals.

Since there are so many canals going everywhere, renting a boat is also a great way to explore the city.

For more fun things to do, be sure to read our top 12 budget activities in Amsterdam guide !

How To Get Around The City

Since the center of Amsterdam isn’t very large, it’s really doable to walk through the center without using another type of transportation. However, there are many other possibilities for transportation in Amsterdam to get everywhere even faster.

Public Transportation

Amsterdam has an extensive network of public transportation including buses, metros, trams, trains, and ferries. Depending on where you are in the city, one of them is more convenient to use than the other one.

If you want to know what’s the fastest route, you can visit 9292 . On the website, you can use your own location as a departure place and you can easily choose where you want to go. Since everything is so close to each other, most of the time you won’t have to transfer.

Tickets can be bought at all metro stations, train stations, on some trams, and bus stops. However, it might be a good idea to buy your own public transport card, the Amsterdam Travel Ticket  or a GVB Multi-day ticket .

Most people have a public transport card (OV-Chipkaart) which is rechargeable and valid for all public transport options. Depending on how much you want to use public transport in Amsterdam you can choose the most affordable option for you.

Bike Rentals

You can also rent a bike to move around the city. At most train stations you can rent a public transport bike, but you can also rent bikes at many bike-rental companies in the city.

This is probably the fastest way to travel through Amsterdam.

Where To Stay In Amsterdam

There are many amazing hotels in Amsterdam where you can stay. If you are looking for the best neighborhoods to stay in Amsterdam, I recommend the city center and De Pijp.

City Center

The city center is the place where you will probably spend most of your time during your trip to Amsterdam because it’s the place where most famous sights are located. Therefore, it is very convenient to also stay here. It is a very busy area, making it really fun.

Also, it’s amazing to walk out of your hotel and immediately be surrounded by the historical houses of Amsterdam. Furthermore, there are many hotels located in the city center , so there are enough places to choose from. The city center is also very close to Amsterdam Central Station.

AirBnB is also a great option for places to stay in the city center , and you get the benefit of having your own kitchen to save money on meals!

If you want to stay in a quieter place and you don’t want to be bothered by noise during the night, it might be better to stay in another area. The city center is also the most expensive place to stay.

De Pijp is one of the hippest neighborhoods in Amsterdam. Here you will find many trendy places where you can eat and drink.

It is located just south of the city center and it’s easily accessible from the city center by tram or metro. However, since Amsterdam is rather small, you can also walk to the city center from here.

In this area, you will also find the Albert Cuypmarket , which is a market stretching along the street. It is the largest outdoor market in the Netherlands and it is there for six days a week. At this market, you can also taste many Dutch treats, such as stroopwafels and poffertjes.

There are lots of lovely hotels and AirBnBs located in De Pijp and most of the time it’s quieter there than in the city center.

The Best Restaurants In Amsterdam

If you’re going to Amsterdam, I’m sure you will enjoy the amazing restaurants there. Since there are many restaurants in the city, there will always be something for your liking.

Here some of the best restaurants in Amsterdam:

Pancakes Amsterdam

Want to experience the taste of traditional Dutch pancakes? Then you should really go to Pancakes Amsterdam !

Here you can choose from many toppings or you can just eat them plain. There is so much to choose from, both savory and sweet – you can have a pancake with only sugar, or you can have one with pesto sauce.

Furthermore, Pancakes Amsterdam has many restaurants spread over the city, making it very easy to go here after you explored the city.

Not interested in the traditional Dutch pancakes? Pancakes Amsterdam also serves American Pancakes as well as traditional Dutch poffertjes, the latter one you should also try. They also serve vegan Dutch pancakes.

The Vegan Junk Food Bar

The Vegan Junk Food Bar has a truly unique concept. When they created the restaurant they wanted to make a place where both vegans and non-vegan people would enjoy the food together.

They also wanted to create plant-based junk food of great quality, texture, and taste. Also, the experience you have in the restaurant matters a lot to them.

The food tastes amazing and the whole atmosphere of the restaurant is great as well. The Vegan Junk Food Bar has several locations in the Netherlands, and they are now expanding internationally as well.

If you want to experience something new and tasty, then I would really recommend going here!

SUMO is a sushi and grill restaurant with many locations throughout Amsterdam and the Netherlands. The restaurant adapts the concept “All you can eat”, where you pay a fixed price (for the food, not for drinks) and you can eat as many as you like.

This is really a great concept, and the food is very good as well.

Pizzabakkers

At  De Pizzabakkers (literally The Pizza Bakers) you can find the best pizza in Amsterdam.

When the founders created the restaurant they were looking for good pizza in Amsterdam, but couldn’t find one that satisfied their wants, so they created their own restaurant together with their best friends. A year later they opened their second restaurant, and nowadays they have 9 restaurants in Amsterdam and many others in other cities in the Netherlands.

If you are looking for good Italian Pizza made in a wood-fired oven with fresh ingredients, then you should definitely head to De Pizzabakkers.

The Avocado Show

If you like Avocado, then the Avocado Show is the restaurant for you. There are so many tasty and unique dishes with avocados here, it is almost too difficult to decide which one you want to eat.

Also, besides the great taste, their dishes look beautiful, and are really made for Instagram! If you really like the dishes, and you want to take the food with you, you can also buy their cookbook in which you can find all their recipes.

They have many locations in Amsterdam, so an Avocado Show is always near you.

Maoz is the place to go to if you want to have a quick meal that is really tasty and not that expensive. You can have a falafel sandwich here that you can fill as much as you like with vegetables, salads, and sauces.

In addition to a sandwich you can have fries, eggplant, and hummus as well. There are also other options to choose from, depending on the location that you visit.

There are several locations in the City Center of Amsterdam, which is really convenient.

Ellis Gourmet Burger

At Ellis Gourmet Burger you can have one of the best burgers in Amsterdam. They use ingredients of the highest quality and they continuously improve their recipes to further improve their burgers every day.

The mission of the restaurant is to reintroduce the quality-burger from the United States in Europe and the burgers are really delicious! With 3 locations in Amsterdam, it is very easy to have an amazing burger wherever you like.

Also, if you are vegan or vegetarian, then you have several options to choose from here as well.

The Best Place To Hangout In The Evening With The Best Bars

The best place to go to in Amsterdam for nightlife is definitely Leidseplein. Here you can find many clubs, bars, restaurants, and other venues.

Every club or bar is unique, so you have a lot to choose from! Also, there are many public transportation options to get to and from Leidseplein (including night buses), which is really convenient.

Another great place to go for nightlife is Rembrandtplein . Here, you can also find many great bars and clubs.

Since these two places are very close to each other, you can easily visit both Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein in one night.

General Tips And Advice

If you are going to Amsterdam I’m sure you will have an amazing time, since it is a great city. Even though the official language of the Netherlands is Dutch, almost everyone speaks English as well, so that’s very convenient.

If you have enough time, don’t forget to visit other cities in the Netherlands too! You can go to Haarlem, Delft, or Zaanse Schans.

Also, if you ever need groceries, there is always an Albert Heijn Supermarket, which is the largest supermarket chain in the Netherlands, near you.

We hope that this article has helped inspire you to visit Amsterdam. If you have any questions about the destination or have your own travel tips to share please leave these in the comments below.

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Read More About Amsterdam

• 12 Things To Do In Amsterdam On A Budget
• How To Spend One Day In Amsterdam

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Stella Wilson says

August 18, 2020 at 9:05 pm

Wonderful blog. Amazing Travel Destinations in Amsterdam. I am planning to visit Amsterdam, Let’s see when the plans materialize. Thanks for sharing this informative blog.

Dymphe says

August 19, 2020 at 8:09 am

Have fun in Amsterdam, I’m sure you will love it!

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Welcome to Amsterdam

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

Why this Travel guide?

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

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

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

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

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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 Tourist Guide

A handy Amsterdam guide for city information and activities.

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Featured tours, rijksmuseum, canal "booze" cruise, amsterdam light festival.

We take you on an unforgettable expedition through the illuminated canals. The open-air exhibition “10 Years Light Festival” is the tenth edition of the Amsterdam Light Festival. From 2th of December, 2021 to  23th of Januari, 2022, Amsterdam will once again be the stage for international light art. Learn all about the artworks from the trained skipper and hostess. Make sure to book in advance to secure your spot!

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Heineken experience, madame tussauds, amsterdam dungeon, casa rosso erotic theatre, body worlds, enjoy amsterdam.

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Are you planning a trip to Amsterdam? If you are, you must be asking yourself a lot of questions about your future destination. Discover what to do , where the best places to eat are, where to stay , and a lot of other useful advice written by travelers just like you. Enjoy your holiday to the fullest with our travel guide!

Amsterdam Travel Guide

• General Information
• Top attractions
• Getting to Amsterdam
• How to Save
• Where to Stay
• Where to eat
• Amsterdam in 2 Days

Why should you visit Amsterdam?

Although Amsterdam doesn't have prominent landmarks and few iconic images come to mind when you picture it,  its unique atmosphere while wandering along the  canals surrounded by bicycles makes it one of the most popular destinations in Europe.

Amsterdam is one of the liveliest European cities with a vibrant nightlife. After sunset, all the bars are open and brimming with life.

Amsterdam is also a cultural haven and is at the forefront of Europe in terms of art, museums,  and shows . Some of the most-visited museums include Rijksmuseum , the  Anne Frank Museum , and the  Van Gogh Museum.

Where to begin?

If this is your first visit to Amsterdam and you haven’t read much about the capital, we recommend you start reading about its history and travel tips . Then, check out these articles to learn about the best neighborhoods  and  museums , and find out some of the city's  strikingly unique characteristics .

If you haven’t booked your flights and hotel yet , book them as soon as possible , since the prices go up quickly.

Have you booked your accommodation?

If you haven’t booked your accommodation yet, we suggest visiting our search engine , where you’ll find all types of hotels, hostels, and apartments with the best rates guaranteed . You can get up to a 75% discount and pay once you get to your destination.

• Accommodation in Amsterdam - find the best deals

top activities

Windmills Tour: Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam & Marken S tep back in time as you head to the serene Dutch countryside for a taste of its windmills, dams, and medieval towns. A must if you're in Amsterdam!

Canal Cruise Amsterdam Your visit to Amsterdam wouldn't be complete without doing a scenic canal cruise . Explore the city's iconic landmarks from an open-top boat tour on the canal!

Amsterdam - Bruges Excursion On this trip, we make our way to Belgium to discover Bruges, the Venice of the North and  one of the world's most impressive and best-conserved medieval cities .

Day Trip to the Keukenhof Gardens Amazing colours, beautiful aromas and more than thousand tulips, daffodils and hyacinths have made the Keukenhof gardens some of the most famous in the world.

Anne Frank Jewish Quarter Tour Discover Amsterdam through the story of Anne Frank , passing though the Jewish Quarter while exploring the relationship between this city and the Nazi Regime.

Giethoorn Day Trip Allow yourself to be seduced by "The Dutch Venice" with an excursion to the pastoral Giethoorn, passing through its famous canals on a delightful cruise.

Amsterdam Bike Tour Exploring Amsterdam on a bike is an unmissable experience. Visit the city like a local accompanied by an English-speaking guide and discover its top sights!

Heineken Experience and Canal Boat Trip Enjoy this double excursion, which includes tickets to the old Heineken Experience brewery and a boat trip along the Amsterdam canals .

Amsterdam Red Light District Tour Join us on a guided tour of Amsterdam's legendary Red Light District . We'll delve deep into this neighborhood's liberal atmosphere, where almost anything goes.

Canal Night Cruise On this cruise, you'll drift along the canals of Amsterdam, observing the city as it lights up at night while enjoying a selection of fine wines and cheeses !

Tour of Rotterdam, Delft, The Hague and Madurodam This tour leaves Amsterdam behind to discover the landscapes and most important cities in Holland: visiting Rotterdam, Delft and The Hague .

Amsterdam Hop On Hop Off Bus The Amsterdam Hop-On Hop-Off bus is the perfect choice if you want to discover the main attractions of Amsterdam in a comfortable and convenient way!

Xtracold Icebar Ticket Have a drink at -10º C in Amsterdam's famous Xtracold Icebar . As the name suggests, this amazing drinking den in the Dutch capital is built entirely of ice!

Keukenhof Ticket with Transport If you're in Amsterdam in spring, don't miss out on a visit to Keukenhof! A bus will take you to one of the most beautiful flower gardens in the world!

Food Tour of Amsterdam Prepare your taste buds for a delightful adventure on this food tour of Amsterdam . Savor a wide range of local delicacies as you tour this fascinating city!

Rijksmuseum Guided Tour The National Museum of Amsterdam awaits you. Enjoy the Rijksmuseum Guided Tour and discover the masterpieces of famous painters including Rembrandt and Vermeer.

Van Gogh Museum & Canal Cruise If you're in Amsterdam, these are two unmissable experiences: the Van Gogh Museum and a cruise along the canals in the Venice of the North!

Discover the inside of the human body in great detail with your ticket to Body Worlds . You'll see over 200 real anatomical models in this unusual exhibition.

Moco Museum Amsterdam Ticket See works by Banksy , Jeff Koons , Andy Warhol , Damien Hirst , Lichtenstein , and  Picasso at the Moco Museum in Amsterdam for an immersive art experience!

Amsterdam Jewish Quarter Museums & Synagogue Ticket With this Amsterdam Jewish Quarter Museums and Synagogue Ticket, you'll visit the Historical Jewish Museum, the Children's Museum and the Portuguese Synagogue.

Madame Tussauds Amsterdam Ticket Don't miss the Madame Tussauds Museum in Amsterdam and enjoy posing with your favourite celebrities. Adele, Rafael Nadal and Kate Moss are waiting to meet you!

Amsterdam History Tour Discover all the treasures of the city's historic centre with this fascinating Amsterdam History Tour. Its mysteries and history will be revealed to you! 

Amsterdam Pancake Cruise If there's one thing better than taking a relaxing river cruise in Amsterdam , it's doing so while enjoying some delicious traditional pancakes !

Rijksmuseum Ticket + Canal Cruise Discover the masterpieces of Rembrandt & Vermeer with priority access to Holland's most important museum, then enjoy a cruise along the canals of Amsterdam.

Wadden Sea Cruise and Seal Safari Enjoy a day at sea spotting seals, porpoises and other animals in their natural environment in the Wadden Sea, as well as visiting the town of Medemblik.

Herzogenbusch Concentration Camp Tour Discover a World War II memorial site and traces of the Holocaust at the Herzogenbusch Concentration Camp on this trip from Amsterdam.

Amsterdam Diamond Museum Ticket Be dazzled by diamonds with our  Amsterdam Diamond Museum Ticket . You'll learn all about the history of these precious and highly-prized gems in the Netherlands!

Amsterdam Canal Trip and Gourmet Dinner Enjoy a different kind of night in Amsterdam on this city canal cruise. A four course meal is included, as is a free bar with wine, beer and soft drinks.

Hard Rock Amsterdam Enjoy delicious American food to the tunes of the best international rock at the  Hard Rock Cafe in Amsterdam ! You can choose between either lunch or dinner.

Dutch Cheese Tasting If there's anything the Dutch are passionate about, it's cheese! Make the most of your time in Amsterdam tasting mouth-watering Gouda and Edam.

Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket Experience Amsterdam's incredible nightlife with the Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket ; a 1, 2 or 7-day pass to the city's best nightclubs and trendy bars.

I amsterdam City Card The I amsterdam Card is the best way to save time and money in the city of canals. Includes free entry to museums, unlimited public transport and discounts.

Private Amsterdam Tour Discover the secrets of Amsterdam's historic centre with an exclusive English-speaking guide just for you and your partner, family or friends.

Day Trip to Haar Castle Would you like to visit the Netherlands' largest and most luxurious fortress ? Join us on this tour to Haar Castle from Amsterdam to explore this historic place.

Ripley's Believe it or Not! Ticket the world's tallest man, optical illusions, tiny cars ... With this ticket to Ripley's Believe It or Not! museum , you'll discover unique exhibitions and items.

Hoge Veluwe National Park Tour The De Hoge Veluwe National Park is one of the Netherlands ' greatest natural treasures. Discover its incredible plants and wildlife on this trip from Amsterdam .

Amsterdam: The Old Sailor's Secrets Puzzle Hunt On this puzzle hunt in Amsterdam , you'll follow a trail lost in time and solve the old sailor's secrets by using clues in an app!

The Amsterdam Dungeon Ticket Enter... if you dare! The Amsterdam Dungeon Ticke t will grant you access to a thrilling journey through Amsterdam's dark history...

SIM Card with Data and Calls With this SIM card that has data and calls, you can roam the city using the internet and maps all day long, making your trip easy and hassle-free!

Bike Tour around the Dutch Countryside + Canal Boat Trip No visit to Amsterdam is complete without a bike ride. You can join us on this bike tour around the Dutch countryside  which also includes a  canal cruise .

Private Photograph Session in Amsterdam On this  private photograph session in Amsterdam , you'll make lifelong memories. A professional will capture your best poses  in iconic locations across the city !

Texel Island Day Trip Are you a love of nature? Be enchanted by Northern Holland  on this  Texel Island day trip , the largest  in the Frisian archipelago .

Rembrandts Amsterdam Experience Ticket Take an extraordinary immersive journey featuring captivating projections, music, and special effects  with your ticket to Rembrandts Amsterdam Experience .

Amsterdam Layover Tour Make the most of your layover at Amsterdam airport with this tour . If your layover is over 8 hours then you can even visit traditional Dutch villages.

Private Day Trips from Amsterdam The Keukenhof Tulip gardens, the Kinderdijk windmills, or the beautiful city of Bruges . Enjoy a variety of interesting places from Amsterdam.

Royal Experience Amsterdam Tour Visit the oldest diamond polishing factory in the world with this guided tour of Royal Experience in Amsterdam. Become an expert in Dutch jewlery history!

Amsterdam Bike Tour + Boat Trip Join us for a bike tour of Amsterdam with a boat trip on the canals - the perfect combo to discover the capital of The Netherlands!

Zaanse Schans Windmill Village Boat Tour Discover the emblematic Dutch windmill village of Zaanse Schans on this boat tour from Amsterdam . You'll be enchanted by its traditional charm!

Visit the Netherlands like never before with a ticket to This is Holland. You'll take a journey through the country in a fully immersive experience !

Rembrandt House Museum Ticket With this ticket to the Rembrandt House Museum you'll discover what life was like for the famous Dutch painter, who lived in here between 1639 and 1658.

Amsterdam National Maritime Museum Ticket With your entrance ticket to the National Maritime Museum you'll have the opportunity to explore more than 500 years of Dutch maritime history .

Tour of the Van Gogh Museum Explore the captivating world of Vincent van Gogh and delve into the mesmerizing artistry that shaped history on this guided tour of the Van Gogh Museum .

Amsterdam Museum Ticket Visit the Amsterdam Museum and travel through the city's history. Immerse yourself in the capital of the Netherlands' extraordinary legacy!

Stedelijk Museum Ticket Get lost in Amsterdam's Stedelijk Museum. With this ticket, you'll discover one of the best contemporary art collections in the world, including an audio guide.

Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise Artists from around the world have created light sculptures, projections and artwork for the Amsterdam Festival of Lights. Discover their secrets on this cruise

Port of Amsterdam Boat Ride On this boat trip through the Port of Amsterdam , you'll discover the history of one of the most important trading points in Europe - and the world!

Brussels Day Trip Get ready for an action-packed day as we explore the highlights of Brussels on this tour from Amsterdam . We'll discover all the city's iconic landmarks !

Why is our Amsterdam travel guide useful?

Our travel guide is written by adventurers like yourself with straightforward language . It includes useful articles on how to save money and how to obtain the best discounts . It includes all the top landmarks to visit and we regularly update all the information .

The information provided in this guide was updated in  December 2022 . If you find a mistake or would like to make a suggestion, please don't hesitate to  contact us .

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The 10 Best Hotels In Amsterdam

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W ith its scenic canals, plentiful windmills and numerous world-famous museums and attractions, Amsterdam is the cultural capital of the Netherlands and a beloved vacation destination for millions of travelers. Whether you plan to visit during its treasured tulip season or to spend time exploring the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, the city has no shortage of things to see. The best hotels in Amsterdam are also ripe for discovery—from canal-front grand dames to hip and modern boutiques, many are housed in restored buildings that contain deep wells of fascinating Dutch history.

Our top recommendation, Pulitzer Amsterdam , is a stylish escape set inside 17th- and 18th-century houses overlooking the Prinsengracht canal, while the unique Conservatorium Hotel offers a luxurious stay in a restored former music conservatory. Those searching for a boutique-style hotel not too far from the main attractions will love The Dylan , a reimagined former theatre where Rembrandt once worked, while young creatives will want to head to Volkshotel in Amsterdam East, which once served as the headquarters of a Dutch daily newspaper. Below, our selections for the best hotels in Amsterdam in 2024.

Best Hotel In Amsterdam Overall: Pulitzer Amsterdam

Best high-end hotel in amsterdam: conservatorium hotel, best boutique hotel in amsterdam: the dylan, best value hotel in amsterdam: volkshotel, best historic hotel in amsterdam: waldorf astoria amsterdam, best hotel for romance in amsterdam: de l’europe, best hotel for families in amsterdam: hotel estheréa, best hotel for design lovers in amsterdam: hotel twentyseven, hotel with the best rooftop in amsterdam: pillows maurits at the park, best spa and wellness hotel in amsterdam: hotel okura amsterdam.

Antique Collector's Suite at Pulitzer Amsterdam.

Pulitzer Amsterdam

Who Will Love It : Travelers looking for prime views and a prime location

All-Star Amenities : Le Labo toiletries; antique rotary telephones; some rooms with canal views; bike repair kits in every room (this is Amsterdam, after all)

What Not To Miss : A jenever cocktail at the Art Deco Pulitzer’s Bar; an afternoon canal cruise on the hotel’s private boat, The Tourist

Location : Negen Straatjes (Nine Streets)

Overlooking the Prinsengracht canal in Amsterdam’s central Negen Straatjes (Nine Streets) shopping district, Pulitzer Amsterdam has a unique set-up: its rooms are spread across 25 historic canal houses from the 17th and 18th century. Despite the historic exterior, this property offers a completely modern feel—think muted colors accented by jewel tones and quirky touches like an archway built of books and a wall lined with brass trumpets. Canal view rooms offer direct views of Amsterdam’s most famous attraction, while Collector’s Suites each have their own private entrances. Luxe Le Labo toiletries and clever bike repair kits can be found in every room. Enjoy a tipple at the on-site Art Deco-style Putlizer’s Bar, followed by dinner at Jansz, named after 17th-century Dutch craftsman Volkert Jansz, who once called the space his home. The hotel owns its own private boat, The Tourist, which offers guests cruises on the canal every afternoon. A private cruise complete with a floating picnic can also be arranged.

Guest room at Conservatorium Amsterdam.

Conservatorium Hotel

Who Will Love It : Luxury loving travelers who like their hotels with a bit of musical history; culture lovers who want to stay walking distance from prime attractions

All-Star Amenities : Floris toiletries; on-site Akasha Wellbeing Center

What Not To Miss : The chandelier made of violins

Location : Museum Square

This chic stay just steps from the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum has a storied history: it was built as a bank in the 19th century before it evolved into a music school, the Sweelinck Conservatorium. The property was later reimagined by Italian architect Piero Lissoni, transforming it into one of Amsterdam’s most stylish hotels—but it hasn’t forgotten its history. Guests will find many winks to the building’s past here, such as a chandelier made of violins and stone pigs carved into the staircases to symbolize piggy banks. Rooms are sophisticated, with dark hardwood floors, travertine stone bathrooms and rainfall showers; downstairs, guests can mingle in an impressive atrium lounge. On-site dining includes a brasserie with Dutch-inspired plates and the Asian-inspired Taiko, while the superb Akasha spa is among the best in the city.

Guest room at The Dylan.

Who Will Love It : Those who want a true canal-front experience in the middle of it all, but without the party crowds

All-Star Amenities : Aesop toiletries; Illy espresso makers; Frette bathrobes; bicycles for rent

What Not To Miss : Dinner at the Michelin-starred Vinkeles

Like other hotels on this list, The Dylan lived many lives—as a theatre that employed the famed Dutch painter Rembrandt as a production assistant, then as a children’s orphanage—before it became the elegant and intimate boutique hotel it is today. Although just a few blocks away from the city’s major museums and attractions, the guest experience is here is understated, elegant and sophisticated. That same aesthetic is reflected in each room’s design, with three different themes—copper and bronze Loxura, brown and grey Serendipity and brass and marble Amber—as well as more traditional Loft suites with exposed beams. The on-site Michelin-starred restaurant, Vinkeles, is helmed by chef Dennis Kuipers, and brasserie-style bites at OCCO can be enjoyed with views of the hotel’s charming courtyard.

Miva room at Volkshotel.

Who Will Love It : Those who want a value-driven stay in one of the city’s hippest hubs

All-Star Amenities : A Finnish sauna; three rooftop hot tubs; a lobby co-working space that makes it easy to meet locals; sweeping views of the city from top floors

What Not To Miss : A cocktail at on-site Doka, open Thursdays through Sundays

Location : Amsterdam East

Amsterdam’s creative hub can be found in Amsterdam Oost—or East—and the stylish, social-forward Volkshotel is right at the center of it all. Once the headquarters of De Volkskrant, a Dutch daily newspaper, the building now houses Werkplaats, a creative co-working space, as well as a 172-key hotel that bills itself as “a place for everyone.” Those seeking an affordable stay can find rooms here beginning at less than $200 a night, with sizes varying from sleeping pods to the cozy “Miss Petite” and the family-sized “Mrs. Massive.” Despite having fewer bells and whistles (rooms don’t come with a minibar, coffee or tea makers or telephones), the stay here is still modern and sleek, with color palettes of red, black and grey and thoughtful touches, like illustrated toiletry bottles designed by artists in residence. Canvas, the hotel’s fun bar-restaurant hybrid, serves lunch, dinner and cocktails; early nighters might want to avoid booking in on the weekends, when it transforms into a dance club.

Guest room at the Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam.

Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam

Who Will Love It : Travelers looking for a spacious stay in a quiet, central location with high-end amenities and top-notch service

All-Star Amenities : Aesop toiletries; Guerlain spa with pool, sauna and steam room; a scent menu for each guest room; all-day coffee and tea service; babysitting services

What Not To Miss : A tasting of some of the world’s rarest Scotch whiskeys at The Vault Bar, the on-site speakeasy

Location : Canal Ring

Located on a quiet street overlooking the UNESCO-designated Herengracht canal, Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam was once the 17th-century home of one of Amsterdam’s most influential mayors, Hendrik Hooft, during the Dutch Golden Age of art, commerce and trade. Noble families and royalty were frequent guests, making this hotel a true slice of Dutch history. Many of the building’s historic characteristics have been preserved—think marble fireplaces, exposed beam and high ceilings—and the 93 rooms are among the city’s most spacious. Spectrum, the two Michelin-starred restaurant from chef Sidney Schutte, is on-site, as well as The Vault Bar, a basement speakeasy that was once a former bank vault and is now home to some of the world’s hardest to find Scotch whiskeys.

Suite at De L'Europe.

De L’Europe

Who Will Love It : Couples; culture lovers

All-Star Amenities : Diptyque toiletries; Le Spa by Skins Institute; gym; pool; waterfront terrace; 24-hour concierge; on-site floral studio; two Michelin-starred Restaurant Flore

What Not To Miss : A drink at Freddy’s Bar, named after Freddy Heineken of the beer dynasty

Location : Amstel River

Although the city’s canals have earned it the nickname “Venice of the North,” Amsterdam can often go overlooked when it comes to romantic European destinations. Those skeptics haven’t stayed at De L’Europe, a true grande dame offering an intimate, picturesque stay perched upon the banks of the Amstel River, walking distance from many of the city’s main attractions. Guest rooms are decked out with luscious silks and velvets, beds are dressed with satin sheets and bathrooms feature marble finishings, heated floors and Diptyque toiletries. The property’s newly renovated ’t Huys wing offers an on-site floral studio where guests can purchase fresh bouquets for their sweethearts as well as book appointments for two at the spa, highlighting products from Skins Institute. In the evening, a fine dining experience is in order at Restaurant Flore, a recipient of two Michelin stars, followed by a nightcap at Freddy’s Bar, considered one of the best bars in the city.

De Herenkamer at Hotel Estheréa.

Hotel Estheréa

Who Will Love It : Families with children; design lovers

All-Star Amenities : Library; lounge; gym; L’Occitane toiletries; bikes and scooters available for rent; breakfast is free for children under 12

What Not To Miss : The free coffee, tea, hot chocolate and snacks available all day in the lobby

Location : Old Center

It only makes sense that one of Amsterdam’s most family-friendly hotels has family history of its own, and Hotel Estheréa delivers in spades. This design-forward boutique just a short walk from Dam Square was purchased by World War II widow Maria Flieger-Gruyters in 1942 and transformed into a guesthouse named after her daughters Esther, Elly and Ria. After several expansions, the hotel still remains under the same family ownership, with Flieger-Gruyters’ eccentric and poppy style reflected by the bold patterns and bright colors that fill each room. While Hotel Estheréa would also be an excellent option for couples or fans of interior design, children will have a particularly fun time here. The service is exceptionally child-friendly, with young ones often receiving small gifts at check-in, and perks like all-day hot chocolate and sweet treats available in the lobby that are sure to please. Family-friendly room configurations are readily available for large families—including eight interconnecting rooms—and daily breakfast is free for children under 12.

Grand Dam Square Suite at Hotel TwentySeven

Hotel TwentySeven

Who Will Love It : Travelers looking for a spacious stay in a suites-only boutique; those looking to stay near Dam Square; fans of interior design

All-Star Amenities : Personal butler service; Lanvin and Lalique toiletries; each suite features a steam room, whirlpool bath and fitness equipment

What Not To Miss : The opulent décor found in each suite; dinner at Michelin-starred Bougainville

The brainchild of hotelier Eric Toren and Dutch design stars Wim van de Oudeweetering and Cris van Amsterdam, Hotel TwentySeven is a suites-only boutique hotel that fully understands and embraces the term “more is more.” Every inch of the property is draped and adorned with high-end furnishings, decorative tiling, hand-blown chandeliers, bold patterns and sumptuous fabrics. Suites feature plush velvet sofas and crystal bedside lamps alongside marble bathrooms stocked with luxe Lanvin and Lalique toiletries. The property is set on the upper floors of a landmark building across from busy Dam Square, but all suites are fully soundproof, so foot traffic will go unnoticed. While the hotel does not have a gym, spa or pool, its other on-site perks more than make up for it: third-floor restaurant Bougainville is a hot ticket and a recipient of a Michelin star, while Bar TwentySeven’s creative cocktail list has made it a favorite amongst the city’s movers and shakers.

Exterior of Pillows Maurits At The Park.

Pillows Maurits At The Park

Who Will Love It : Travelers seeking an urban oasis in the city; those looking for a great spot for drinks with a view

All-Star Amenities : Gym; sauna; guests-only lounge serving snacks and hot beverages; on-site gardens; free bike rentals; an expansive art collection with pieces by Klimt and Picasso

What Not To Miss : The views of Oosterpark at Fitz’s Bar on the hotel’s rooftop

Set on the edge of one of the city’s favorite green spaces, Amsterdam East’s leafy Oosterpark, Pillows Maurits at the Park feels like an intimate escape from the hustle and bustle while in reality being just steps away from lively shops, cafés, restaurants and bars. Occupying what was once a medical university, the hotel’s building has been completely reimagined, with guest rooms that feel airy and tranquil and a new wing built to connect the spaciousness of the property with the verdancy of the outdoors. The many on-site nesting boxes lend to frequent birdsong, and guests can choose from rooms with a bucolic view of the park or a more classic view of the famed canals. For spring and summer days that call for kicking back with a cocktail, the rooftop at on-site Fitz’s Bar—which combines park views with elegant plant-forward design—is one of the best places in the city to enjoy sunny weather with friends.

Nagomi Gym & Wellness at Hotel Okura Amsterdam.

Hotel Okura Amsterdam

Who Will Love It : Spa lovers; mothers and daughters; fans of Japanese hospitality and design

All-Star Amenities : Fragonard toiletries; rainfall shower heads; on-site Nagomi Spa & Health featuring saunas, a Turkish steam room, a sun bed, a pool and a Jacuzzi; four restaurants, three of which are Michelin-starred

What Not To Miss : A treatment at Nagomi Spa & Health; panoramic views at Twenty Third Bar

Location : De Pijp

Located on the outskirts of the trendy De Pijp neighborhood, lined with cafés, bookstores and wine bars, the serene Hotel Okura occupies a 23-story building overlooking it all. This Japanese-owned property dishes out exceptional Asian hospitality with warm, attentive service and zen-like calm; its location in one of the city’s only high-rise buildings also lends itself to ravishing panoramic views. Travelers seeking a winning combination of a great neighborhood, superb on-site dining options (three of the four on-site restaurants at Hotel Okura—Ciel Blue, Yamazato and Sazanka—are Michelin-starred) and a sublime spa experience will be more than delighted by the many offerings found here. Nagomi Spa & Health offers a long menu of both Western and Eastern treatments using products from French skincare brand Sothys; afterwards, guests can indulge in the spa’s many amenities, ranging from a tea lounge and Japanese stone garden to a Turkish steam room and a gym equipped with on-call personal trainers.

About Astrid Taran, Your Amsterdam Guide

I have covered travel for almost a full decade as both a writer and editor. Along with extensively writing about hotels and airlines, I have also written multiple destination guides as well as long-form features on luxury travel, adventure travel, wellness travel and more. As a lifelong New Yorker, I always feel happiest in an urban setting, and my favorite thing to do while traveling is to take in the art, culture and culinary gems of a new city. Amsterdam was the first European city I ever visited, and I have returned dozens of times to visit friends, take in the city’s excellent museums and indulge in fresh stroopwafel. Currently, I am the senior travel editor at Forbes Vetted, where I oversee all things hotels, cruises and travel accessories. You can read more of my Forbes Vetted stories here .

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7 Reasons You Should Visit This Beautiful Dutch City Instead Of Amsterdam

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You can say a lot of things about Amsterdam, but today Amsterdam is saying a lot about you.

And by “you”, we simply mean tourists in general.

Everyone would like to think there were a lot of valuable lessons learned during the pandemic.

Amsterdam may have made it through, but it seems memory loss may be a side effect.

Surely, we all feel grateful those dark days are behind us, but is Amsterdam forgetting how travel came to a screeching halt with so many economies across the world severely affected overnight?

The Netherlands' most popular city has long been attracting free spirits with fewer rules and more play, but those days may be over as the city is basically hanging up a ‘Do Not Disturb' sign.

Fortunately, Amsterdam has a doppelgänger less than an hour away . The beautiful city of Utrecht is well worth the trip.

Here are 7 reasons why you should visit this beautiful Dutch city instead of Amsterdam:

Another Campaign To Deter Tourists

Man, oh man, here we go again…

Amsterdam has launched yet another campaign to keep tourists at bay. This time, it's in the form of a questionnaire to get tourists to think twice about their reason for visiting.

With very specific questions, including references to drugs, this new tool is designed to push tourists to visit for the right reasons (in their eyes) and inform them of certain illegal activity despite the city's notoriously lax culture.

While over-tourism is a very real concern, here is the kicker – Amsterdam built their own city, culture, and attractions, so how is this newfound Karen-esque perspective the fault of tourists when they're just seeking a fun time in what is supposed to be a really cool city?

The answer may be a hard lesson for Amsterdam if tourism numbers drop, and this is exactly why nearby Utrecht should be on travelers' radar.

A Spitting Image Of Amsterdam Without The Hassle

Split between a canal (the Oudegracht), just like Amsterdam, is another city that can easily take on the moniker of ‘next best thing'.

Of course, every city is unique in its own way, even if they're essentially neighbors, but that's not to say Utrecht won't have you ‘ooh-ing' and ‘ahh-ing' just like you would in the more popular Dutch city.

Many streets will have you asking, “wait, am I in Amsterdam?”. It wouldn't quite feel this way without a bicycle-friendly lifestyle and a plethora of cafes. To that, Utrecht says, “check” and “check”.

Easy To Reach

In under an hour, travelers can drive, Uber, bus, or take a cheap train to Utrecht from Amsterdam, which is the easiest gateway into this lesser-known gem.

The only other notable city outside the Netherlands to use as a gateway would be Dusseldorf or Brussels, where a train takes approximately 2 hours.

Given that Utrecht is essentially a smack dab in the country, these are the best options.

One Of The Oldest Cities In The Netherlands

Utrecht's history runs deep and was hugely significant before Amsterdam became what it has grown into today: a thriving cultural hub and top tourist destination.

But tourists can still see stunning sites of this ancient city's historic past with the unmissable Dom Tower, an array of incredible castles, and overall medieval atmosphere.

It goes without saying, one of the best ways to learn about history is by visiting local museums, which Utrecht has many, as well as walking tours through lovely historic neighborhoods.

More Laid Back

Travelers can visit Utrecht for a more casual time along a scenic canal as if Amsterdam didn't have the wild scenes they're known for.

Amsterdam is fully aware of its self-induced party image, but Utrecht is on the other side of the spectrum.

Its beauty strongly resembles that of the more popular Dutch city.

People tend to be more keen on welcoming outsiders as it's not a hugely popular tourist hub where over-tourism or partygoers are major concerns.

More Affordable

Amsterdam is a lot of things, but it's not exactly known for its affordability. Utrecht, on the other hand, is much more budget-friendly.

While it's certainly not the cheapest in Europe, if you're seeking Amsterdam vibes without breaking the bank, Utrecht is the place.

Sip coffee canal-side, rent a bike, or pay a cheap entry fee to climb the 14th-century Dom Tower as the cost of living and attractions are more affordable than in Amsterdam.

One Of The Happiest Cities In The World

Utrecht may be in caught in Amsterdam's shadow, but that doesn't mean it has to be gloomy. In fact, Utrecht is the fastest growing and happiest city in the country, according to the United Nations.

As Amsterdam sounds like a place to skip for now, Utrecht is slowly but surely making a name for themselves.

So, when choosing between Amsterdam or Utrecht, would you rather be told “don't do this”, “don't do that” and get pressed with, “what are your intentions?” like a Dad on Prom Night, or would you rather visit somewhere new and exciting filled with people truly happy to have you?

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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The post 7 Reasons You Should Visit This Beautiful Dutch City Instead Of Amsterdam appeared first on Travel Off Path .