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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. 

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

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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.

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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.

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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Best hotels in Amsterdam

Find the best places to stay in Amsterdam from the list below, which has been curated based on location, style, rooms, facilities and dining options. Browse hotels in Amsterdam and book.

All hotels have been independently reviewed by our expert writers, who are usually hosted on a complimentary basis. We will earn a commission if you book via the links below, but this never affects our rating.

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20 Best Restaurants in Amsterdam

By Meredith Bethune

While traditional Dutch food might have a stodgy reputation, the chefs dominating Amsterdam's food scene today are showing off the more sophisticated side of the country's cuisine. They have a new reverence for local ingredients like Gouda cheese, farm fresh vegetables, and the omnipresent herring, and are incorporating them into intricately composed dishes with international influences. This world-class city has long been receptive to global cuisines, so it's no surprise that Amsterdam offers everything from Michelin-starred kaiseki from Japan, to rijstaffel from Indonesia. Here are our picks for best restaurants in Amsterdam.

Click the link to read our complete Amsterdam guide .

Ron Gastrobar Arrow

In 2013, Amsterdam star chef Ron Blaauw closed his two-Michelin-starred restaurant and reopened this more easygoing spot in its stead. Since then, the Gastrobar has been setting the tone for Amsterdam's unpretentious, next-gen dining scene. There's a mix of expertly executed small plates, like dim sum-style shrimp dumplings in shiitake and chorizo broth. But the restaurant is really known for its dry-aged steaks and gin and tonics.

The White Room Arrow

The White Room is considered the oldest operating restaurant in Amsterdam, having opened in 1885 inside the Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky on Dam Square. Today, renowned chef Jacob Jan Boerma makes surprising use of fruit flavors and aromatic spices in the beautifully-presented dishes that comprise the five-, seven-, and nine-course menus. Think North Sea Crab with beetroot, watermelon, and buttermilk or venison with pumpkin, Delcorf apple, and chicory.

Pannenkoekenhuis Upstairs Arrow

Everything about this tiny, four-table café is quintessential Amsterdam: It's set in a 16th-century house on the edge of the Red Light District , you can only access the dining room via a narrow staircase, there are quirky teapots hanging from the ceiling, and the menu consists of pancakes, only pancakes. That is, the Dutch variety served with savory, and sometimes sweet, toppings. For a traditional order, try the sweet-and-savory combination of bacon, cheese, and apple. Dessert might be the Indonesian-influenced "Bali" pancake topped with bananas, coconut, cream, and Pisang Ambon Dutch liqueur.

Yamazato Arrow

You came to Amsterdam, not Tokyo , so you probably didn't plan on eating Japanese food, but you might want to rethink that. Yamazato, which excels in kaiseki cuisine, was the first traditional Japanese restaurant in Europe to be awarded a Michelin star in 2002. The decor is decidedly Japanese and the dining room even overlooks a garden. Kaiseki menus are the main event. Expect a flurry of delicate creations, like shrimp sushi wrapped in bamboo leaf, or sashimi of tuna, yellowtail, seared seabream, squid, and sea urchin.

CNT Editors

Steph Koyfman

Shannon McMahon

Spectrum Arrow

Spectrum is like a posh cocoon—gray walls, plush chairs, white table clothes—hidden away inside the Waldorf Astoria and overlooking a garden. Executive chef Sidney Schutte, a De Librije alum, holds his own, mixing Dutch ingredients with global influences to create innovative dishes like local lobster flavored with lemon geranium and lychee. Spectrum is the kind of place where you, without question, splurge on the tasting menu.

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.

Waterkant Arrow

It's easy to miss this spot, wedged between a monstrous concrete parking garage and the Singel canal, unless you notice the strings of colorful outdoor lights hanging on the patio. A young crowd refuels here before going out, especially in the summertime, when everyone's hanging out at picnic tables and taking in the waterfront setting. Waterkant bills itself as a Surinamese restaurant. Indeed, dishes from the former Dutch colony in South America are on the menu, like Surinamese buns filled with salted codfish, snake beans, pickles, and sambal. But you can also expect global favorites, like Chicken Tikka.

Vermeer Arrow

Vermeer is located in the NH Collection Amsterdam Barbizon Palace Hotel , one of the first buildings you'll see as you exit Centraal Station. A recent renovation (and modernization) of the dining room swapped out chandeliers for hanging bulb light fixtures and plush bucket chairs instead of high-backed seats. Choose from four-, five-, and six-course menus of inventive dishes that change daily. Ingredients are highly seasonal—British-born chef Christopher Naylor sources many of them from the rooftop vegetable garden.

Balthazar's Keuken Arrow

While open kitchens are commonplace these days, this one has very little separation from the dining room. It truly feels as if you're dining in someone's home, which is the goal of chefs Karin Gaasterland and Alain Parry. The three-course menus tend towards the rustic and seasonal, with dishes like Red mullet with saffron and candied lemon risotto and guinea fowl with roasted potato, onion, and Brussels sprouts.

Daalder Arrow

The Asian influences evident in chef Dennis Huwaë's tasting menus are a bit startling given the European café vibe of the restaurant (take note of the affordable selection of continental wines). But we can get down with contemporary flavor mash-ups like codfish with carrot, curry, and rose or langoustine with broccoli and green nori. Go with your significant other for a weeknight indulgence, or on the weekend with a group of friends and catch up in a convivial atmosphere.

Rijsel Arrow

The clean and bright dining room at Rijsel (the Dutch name for the Flemish city Lille, which is also a perfect day trip from Paris ) masterfully mixes traditionalism with today's industrial-inspired design trends. It's remained perennially packed with locals since opening in 2012 (book in advance). Opt for a three-course meal to taste as many of the constantly changing Modern Flemish dishes as possible. Expect expertly-prepared classics like Russian salad, fish soup, juicy roast chicken, or côte de boeuf. Rijsel is casual enough for a weekday meal but also special enough to warrant the trip outside of the Canal Ring.

Bardak Arrow

The food of a Tel Aviv street café is transported to the Netherlands at this perpetually packed spot. Find all the required hummus variations with beef, chickpeas, and mushrooms. Also, find different shwarmas (including vegetarian and vegan iterations), fried cauliflower, and crispy potatoes served with a zhoug mayonnaise. Here, you will feel as comfortable grabbing a drink and snack at the bar as sitting down to a full dinner with old pals.

Rijks Arrow

No first-time visitor should come to Amsterdam without visiting the Rijksmuseum , home to several masterpieces by the Dutch Masters. Now, thanks to Michelin-starred Rijks, the food at the museum is as good as the art. The dishes by chef Joris Bijdendijk are playful yet precise and usually include a few international ingredients (think fermented celeriac embellished with coconut and sambal). The wine list features bottles from around the world but also includes a few surprising choices from the Netherlands. In keeping with the Dutch theme, they also offer several Dutch beers, as well as jenever.

Le Restaurant Arrow

This De Pijp restaurant by chef and restaurateur Jan de Wit somehow manages to feel fancy yet cozy at the same time. Diners can watch as the energetic staff prepares the multi-course, French-inspired menus (with a few global influences) from within the open kitchen. Prepare to be wowed by dishes like mackerel with dashi, asparagus, and scallops St. Jacques or spring vegetable bisque with mussels.

De Kas Arrow

This vegetable-forward menu here matches the setting inside a pair of greenhouses that date back to 1926. Plant-based ingredients for the five and six-course dinner menus depend on recent harvests from the nursery, while fish and organic meat are sourced from local suppliers. Look for thick white asparagus topped with hollandaise, thinly sliced vegetables and edible flowers in spring; delicately prepared and composed salads and other vegetables year-round; and architecturally stacked roasted whole fish when it's fresh. The wine list offers 40 sustainable options, almost all of which are affordably priced.

Café Schiller Arrow

Café Schiller has been anchoring Rembrandtplein for over a hundred years. The dimly-lit interior shows off original period pieces, including Art Deco lighting, wallpaper, and furniture. You'll find French wines by the glass and a nice selection of Belgian beers: Stop in for a drink and some snacks to take refuge from the tourist crowds just beyond the door. The menu is full of French classics , like fish soup and steak tartare.

Located on the 19th floor of the A'DAM Tower , right across the water from Centraal Station, this sleek rotating restaurant offers one of the most spectacular panoramic views of the city. Expect the unexpected when you order Chef Hans Geertsema's two-course lunch menu or three-course dinner menu. They could include langoustine with wasabi, ginger, and papaya, or sweetbreads and artichoke with orange and clove. Whatever is on the menu, this is a restaurant you can rely on.

Bar Alt Arrow

Restaurateur Adriaan Verkerk, chef Thomas Kooijman, and local brewery Two Chefs Brewing all work together to pair beer with four-, six-, and seven-course menus. The decor is sparse and leans industrial (black granite bar, subway tiles, Edison bulbs), but the seating is plush. Courses might include fettuccine with black truffle & Comté aged for 48 months or North Sea crab with grapefruit. The menu leans French, with Mediterranean influences in the summer and Dutch and Nordic touches during the winter.

Yerba Arrow

 Chef Walter Marskamp's plant-forward menu offers something for both vegans and omnivores alike. The a la carte or five-course tasting menu is focused on produce. Find seasonal items such as spiced zucchini beignets with zhoug and dill yogurt or winter mushroom pie with beluga lentils. There's a wine list with a large selection of natural wines. It's perfect for a quiet night out to catch up with a friend, especially if one is vegan or vegetarian.

Mediamatic ETEN Arrow

Adapting to the pandemic, this vegan restaurant serves multi-course meals to diners enclosed in individual greenhouses with waterfront views. Dishes could include mushroom soup or pumpkin risotto. This is an ideal place for a date night with your partner or an outing with your family, or a quarantine pod. The greenhouses seat four but are most comfortable with  two.

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Amsterdam’s Latest Effort to Fight Excessive Tourism: No New Hotels

The city wants no more than 20 million hotel stays annually. The measure is one of multiple efforts to control the flow of visitors.

By Claire Moses

Amsterdam has been searching for any way to rein in the number of tourists that visit the city every year.

In March of last year, the city launched an ad campaign specifically targeted at British men between 18 and 35, urging them to “stay away.”

In July, the Dutch capital announced it would bar cruise ships from docking in the city center .

The city has also long tried to control the crowds in its red-light district, where rowdy groups of tourists often cause disruptions to local residents. It has added stricter rules about smoking marijuana . It has banned new tourist shops. And still, the people keep coming.

Now, the city — which is as well known for its canals and 17th century art as for its legal sex industry and easy access to marijuana — has taken one more step to further restrict the explosive growth of tourists: It is banning hotels from being built.

“Amsterdam is saying ‘no’ to new hotels,” the City Council said in a statement. “We want to make and keep the city livable for residents and visitors,” it added.

Amsterdam, which added that it was seeking to keep hotel stays by tourists to under 20 million per year, saw its highest number of visitors before the pandemic in 2019, when there were 25.2 million hotel stays, according to the city’s data.

Last year, that number was exceeded by tourists staying over in Amsterdam, not including stays in short-term rentals like Airbnbs and cruise ships. And the measure also does not take into account daily visitors who do not stay the night.

The ban on new hotels, while sending a clear message about the city’s aim to reduce the number of visitors, is also largely symbolic. The city’s policy on hotel construction was already strict, and there had been only three proposals since 2017 that met Amsterdam’s requirements, according to the city. New hotels that had been approved or were in development — 26 in total — would be allowed to proceed for now.

Under the new rules, a new hotel can only open if another one closes. It also isn’t allowed to add more rooms than were available, according to the city.

“The effect won’t be very big,” said Ko Koens, a professor of new urban tourism at Inholland University in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. He also said that in the long run, the capping of hotels could make them more expensive to stay at.

While this ban alone would not make a huge dent in the number of visitors to the city, Mr. Koens said, taken together with other initiatives it could make Amsterdam a less appealing place to visit. But, he said, “For now, visitors don’t seem to mind.”

In total, Amsterdam has nearly 42,000 hotel rooms that can accommodate more than 92,000 people, according to Statistics Netherlands, a governmental institution that compiles data about the country. (In total, the Netherlands has more than 150,000 hotel rooms.)

Amsterdam’s initiatives to rein in tourism have been largely focused on its crowded city center. But as long as Amsterdam’s airport, Schiphol, continues to be a major European hub, it won’t be easy to keep visitors away from the city.

“There are no simple solutions,” Mr. Koens said. “It’s super complex.”

Amsterdam also announced this week it would start cutting the number of river cruises allowed to dock in its waters. In 2023, that number was 2,125. In 2028, the city wants it to be halved, with no more than 1,150. The city predicts that effort could reduce the number of visitors that come into town by 271,000. This proposal, the city said, is to improve the quality of life for residents and to reduce emissions and crowds.

“The balance in the city needs to improve,” Hester van Buren, a deputy mayor who focuses on the city’s port, said in a statement.

Amsterdam isn’t the only major European destination that has been struggling to get a grip on the growing number of tourists. Venice announced it would charge day-tripping visitors 5 euros ($5.33) to enter the iconic streets of its city center on weekends and some holidays from April 25 through mid-July, its busiest season.

Amsterdam, currently in a busy touristic time because of its famous blooming tulips, has not announced a similar measure, but it is likely there will be more efforts and experiments designed to limit visitors — like the hotel ban.

“Without such a stop, Amsterdam’s center would become one big hotel,” Mr. Koens said. “You don’t want that either.”

Claire Moses is a Times reporter in London, focused on coverage of breaking and trending news. More about Claire Moses

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Sinking city: Overtourism and how it affects Amsterdam

Cheaper air fares, more money and endless social medias posts and adverts mean more travellers than ever are jet setting to cities that are struggling to cope with their own popularity. Overtourism is becoming an increasing problem, but what is it? How is it affecting Amsterdam? Are we all culprits? How can we counteract overtourism?

Wandering along the streets of Amsterdam, we snigger at groups of travellers debating the protocol for going to a coffeeshop and curse when tourists clog the cycle paths. We separate ourselves from the “basic tourists” by pretending we have more authentic experiences. We drink Amstel instead of Heineken and hang in De Pijp instead of Dam Square.

But we condemn and criticise others without reflecting on ourselves and acknowledging that perhaps we too, are part of the problem. Even if we do branch out from the touristy activities, our presence alone can be a problem for the city.

Why do so many tourists come Amsterdam?

Last year, 19 million tourists descended on Amsterdam. People flock to the capital city because for its stunning architecture, rich culture and history and the nightlife. Schiphol airport and frequent train connections make it easily accessible.

Like other capitals such as Prague and Barcelona, the government cleverly markets the Netherlands in effort to recruit tourists. Intense marketing campaigns, such as the latest rebranding scheme and launch of the new logo , secures its place on the international map.

Why is overtourism a problem?

Tourism provides jobs, increases city development and boosts a country’s economy. In moderation, tourism enhances quality of life for the permanent residents. But overtourism damages the environment, puts pressures on the natural resources of the city and has a detrimental impact on resident’s lives. In the worst cases, overtourism completely exhausts the cities natural appeal.

But tourism is not a problem everywhere and in fact, some cities are struggling without it. Take Gorlitz, a city in Germany that has begun a “try before you buy” initiative where people can live for free in the Eastern German city before decided whether to move there or not. Or think of the Italian towns that are paying people thousands of Euros to move and open up business in the underpopulated villages.

Other cities, such as Amsterdam, are struggling with too much tourism. The World Tourism and Travel Council revealed that in 2018, 1.4 billion international tourist trips were made and more than 36% of these involved a visit to one of the world’s 300 most popular cities, CNN reports.

The destruction that tourism can cause

The Netherlands, home to 17 million people, hosts 19 million travellers a year (including day-trippers and Dutch locals).

But many of these tourists cause bedlam and havoc in the country. They trample on Tulip fields and urinate on peoples’ houseboats. Picturesque villages, such as Zaanse Schans , are becoming inundated and biodiversity in De Biesbosch is being wrecked. People act boorish and entitled in the Red Light District .

The Dutch Government has already taken measures to try and quell tourism in Amsterdam. Stricter Air BnB rules have been imposed, Schiphol airport’s capacity is being capped and IAmsterdam was removed from outside the Rijksmuseum. The number of beer bicycles permitted in the city has been reduced and actions are being taken to protect the sex workers in the Red Light District  from gawping tourists.

But the tourism expenditure report from the last year shows tourists are spending more than ever in the Netherlands . In 2018, there were 19 million tourists and NBTC Holland Marketing anticipate this will increase by at least expects a 50% by 2030, reaching at least 29 million tourists.

“Instead of destination promotion it’s time for destination management”

A tourist board policy document states “We say that ‘more’ is not always better, certainly not everywhere. To be able to control visitor flows, we must take action now. Instead of destination promotion it’s time for destination management”, the Guardian reports.

Majority in the Lower House demand action from government

SP Member of Parliament Frank Futselaar, tells NOS  “You see that there are a lot of tourists in a number of places in the Netherlands. In addition, there are other regions that would like a lot more tourists. But there is no central policy.”

Most of the tourism efforts are put into places like Amsterdam, Zaanse Schans, Giethoorn and Keukenhof. But many places in the Netherlands are equally as nice and promoting those lesser known areas will help spread tourism across the whole country.

The NBTC is funded by both private companies and through government subsidies. This means it is important to consider whether there are any conflicts of interest with a new policy about distributing tourism efforts.

To be fair and just, the NBTC will need to loosen ties with government parties.

How to counteract overtourism?

Spread tourists out.

Jeroen Klijs, Breda University of Applied Sciences tourism researcher and professor, offers a solution to the overcrowding in cities like Amsterdam, RTL news reports. 

“you have to move the Germans and Belgians who are coming for the third time and also the Dutch themselves to go to more unknown locations. That can be done with marketing, but also by making attractions more attractive and improve accessibility”

If you look at the statistics for what nationalities come for say, Easter weekend in the Netherlands, it reveals 65% of the tourists come from Germany and 25% from Belgium. Spreading frequent visitors out would help prevent the hotspots from getting bombarded.

Try and recruit “good” travellers

Many people come to the Netherlands for stag dos or a party weekend. Amsterdam has invested lots of time in trying to shake its sex, drugs and rock and roll reputation but in the words of Mark Twain:

“Give a man a reputation as an early riser and he can sleep ’til noon.”

There is still a lot of progress to be done but it is important to keep emphasising that “cities are not the playgrounds of tourists; we only want them because they make the city more liveable for residents”, Xavier Font, a professor of sustainability marketing at the University of Surrey, tells the Guardian .

With campaigns such as the Enjoy and Respect campaign, launched last year, the Dutch tourism board have also started making a stand against offensive behaviour in Amsterdam.

Market smarter, not more

Many tourism boards measure their success by numbers but perhaps it is time to change the tactic. Instead of recruiting as many tourists as possible, they should try and extend the length tourists visit for.

Initiatives such as Marry an Amsterdammer is part of a wider movement to get people to see a more authentic side to the Dutch capital, instead of using the city as a party escape.

Connecting with a local will encourage people to be more respectful and dispel the notion that we are not accountable for our actions when we are abroad just because “we’re on holiday”.

If you are going to travel, consider less known destinations and discover hidden gems. Support local businesses and distribute your spendings. Remind yourself you are a visitor and make sure to respect the locals. 

Feature image:vvaniasantoss/Pixabay 

It’s difficult to control tourism but it’s easy to control rowdy tourists. What might help is an organization of volunteers, supported by the city and police, who wear an identifiable jacket, hat or insignia to monitor unruly tourists and report to police any incidences of public rudeness.

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Amsterdam blocks construction of new hotels to fight overtourism

Dutch officials are trying to limit the number of tourists flooding amsterdam.

In another attempt to crack down on overtourism, officials in Amsterdam are banning the construction of new hotels in the Dutch capital.

The policy, announced Wednesday, only permits new hotels in a one-in, one-out system, meaning a new hotel can be built only if another closes. New hotels may not exceed the bed count of the previous hotels and must be “better,” per the city’s release, with more modern and sustainable features.

“Amsterdam says ‘no’ to new hotels,” reads a translated statement from city officials. “We want to make and keep the city livable for residents and visitors.”

The effort follows initiatives in Amsterdam to limit the influx of tourists into the city, a destination known for its tolerant drug policies, sex industry and liberated party scene.

In Amsterdam, people are not prosecuted for buying up to 5 grams of cannabis, which can be purchased in coffee shops. For years, city officials have been trying to rein in hordes of “nuisance” tourists, or those who are attracted to the city by the promise of a night of debauchery.

The city council recently implemented the “ tourism in balance in Amsterdam ” policy, which set a maximum number of overnight stays and day visits in the city, capping the annual visitor count at 20 million people per year. Wednesday’s guidance re-ups that regulation; the number of hotel nights in 2023 was 20,665,000, according to the city.

“We are now taking more measures to ensure that the number of hotel stays does not increase even further,” the city’s statement read.

Last year, seeking to curb the rowdy crowds of the Red Light District and offer residents a better night’s sleep, the city cracked down on public pot smoking in the streets and limited the hours of operation for certain restaurants and sex establishments.

Amsterdam also launched a “ Stay Away ” campaign, directly targeting British men between the ages of 18 to 35. The demographic frequents the city for “stag,” or bachelor, parties, which residents say are disruptive .

Also in 2023, city officials adopted a proposal to relocate a cruise ship terminal . In addition to addressing pollution concerns, the move sought to prevent crowds of tourists from flooding the city’s center upon docking.

It’s unclear how the city plans to enforce the new hotel construction policy; according to the release, new hotels already under construction may continue. That includes 26 hotels with existing rights.

Colleen Grablick is a writer based in D.C. Follow her on X: @colleengrablick .

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Bad behavior: Entitled tourists are running amok, defacing the Colosseum , getting rowdy in Bali and messing with wild animals in national parks. Some destinations are fighting back with public awareness campaigns — or just by telling out-of-control visitors to stay away .

Safety concerns: A door blew off an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 jet, leaving passengers traumatized — but without serious injuries. The ordeal led to widespread flight cancellations after the jet was grounded, and some travelers have taken steps to avoid the plane in the future. The incident has also sparked a fresh discussion about whether it’s safe to fly with a baby on your lap .

Amsterdam bans new hotels and puts limit on overnight tourists

Amsterdam continues to crack down on overtourism by prohibiting the development of new hotels and limiting the number of travelers allowed to stay overnight in the city. 

“We want to make and keep the city livable for residents and visitors,” the Netherlands city said in an announcement last week. 

Amsterdam has had strict policies for new hotels since 2017, but the new initiative seeks to “ensure that the number of hotel stays does not increase even further,” according to the announcement.

Under the new regulation, a new hotel may only be built “under certain conditions, if a hotel closes elsewhere,” the city said. This way, the number of accomodations in the city will stay stagnant. The hotel must also “be better,” like being more sustainable. 

Traveling to Europe soon? Barcelona is another popular European city increasing its tourist tax to battle overtourism

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Twenty-six previously approved hotel projects will proceed with their construction as planned, according to the announcement. New hotels are being encouraged to be built outside the city center. 

Along with the hotel ban, the city is also limiting the number of overnight stays to 20 million for the year. 

The limit comes after residents complained of the effects of the high number of tourists. In 2023, the city experienced 20,665,000 overnight stays in hotels alone, not reflecting holiday rentals, bed and breakfasts and cruise nights. 

The regulation is the latest in a string of moves by the popular European destination to address rowdy visitors and mass tourism. This year, the city’s tourist tax increased from 7% to 12.5% – the highest in Europe. The city also banned guided tours through its famous Red Light District in 2019.

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .

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Restorative in every way: a rewilding retreat in Somerset

A Wild Weekend on the 42 Acres estate near Frome offers fresh air, cosy rooms, sumptuous food and a chance to get hands dirty with some land regeneration work

T he honk of the geese as they take off from the lake is comically loud, reeds quiver and the reflection of the clouds on the water is momentarily fractured. A butterfly flits by, landing on my boot. We’re on a guided walk at 42 Acres, a regenerative farm, nature reserve and retreat centre near Frome in Somerset – and the whole place feels vibrantly alive.

Our guide Tasha Stevens-Vallecillo, a font of knowledge on plants and wild food and one of the visionaries shaping the retreat, stops to point out yarrow, ribwort plantain and a giant white reishi mushroom as we walk. “There’s medicine everywhere on the land. You just need to know where to look,” she says.

The farm’s name is, in fact, a misnomer. What started 10 years ago with the original 42 acres and farmhouse (where private retreats are still held), now stretches to 173 acres (70 hectares) with new accommodation options. Run on 100% renewable energy by sibling owners and keen environmentalists Lara and Seth Tabatznik, it’s an inspiring place to wander. There are ancient woodlands, an outdoor sauna and the seven-acre lake for wild swimming or taking out a rowing boat (the best way to see resident beavers at dawn or dusk). Fresh produce comes from the no-dig garden, “edi-mental” walled garden (where everything is both ornamental and edible) and full-to-bursting polytunnels. There’s a micro-mushroom farm, a bee garden with wild and locally raised bees, and thousands of nut and medicinal trees (from super-power sea buckthorn to rosehip).

We’re staying in the newly restored 13th-century hermitage. A former monks’ retreat, it’s sumptuous yet simple, full of natural light and open fires. My room is calming, with muted colours, a huge bed, sheepskin rugs and stained-glass bathroom windows. Cottages, barn conversions and a houseboat offer alternative accommodation. Everything is conducive to relaxing.

“The aim is to provide a refuge for people to slow down, reconnect to nature and learn about how we can live in harmony with the land,” says Tasha.

I’m here for a Rewild retreat, one of three new themed Wild Weekends. While all three offer the chance to disconnect from technology and spend time on the land, Rewild focuses on nature restoration. The Renourish retreat concentrates on the soil-to-gut food philosophy, foraging and cooking; Restore offers more pampering, including yoga and massage. There are also self-guided retreats, where guests book a room and dip in to activities, from gardening to meditation, as they choose.

Experts in different fields join the retreats too. On our stay, maverick rewilder Derek Gow, author of Bringing Back the Beaver , shows us where beavers, reintroduced here in 2016, are changing the landscape, helping increase wetlands and biodiversity. That evening, he joins us by the fire to share tales from his new book about the wolf . (For those up for an impromptu visit, there is still availability on this weekend’s retreat, 26-28 April, hosted by Lulu Urquhart, winner of the RHS Chelsea best in show in 2022 for her garden A Rewilding Britain Landscape .)

Food and feasting are very much central to any stay. Everything is organic, nutrient-rich and mostly from the land (or within 42 miles), with wild and foraged foods included in all meals. (The onsite Tiny Wild kitchen creates delights such as tomato and rosehip ketchup, and sells products to take away too.) Every morsel, from the wild garlic and cheddar muffins to the medicinal mushroom broth is delicious. Wild Weekends also feature a Food, Fire and Forest experience, with food cooked over an open fire and shared in a clearing under the fairylight-festooned forest canopy. Sadly heavy rain puts paid to that idea on our visit.

It doesn’t stop us getting hands dirty and seeing land regeneration in action, however. After breakfast on our second morning we pull on wellies and head out with Martin White, who looks after the land. We’re helping create hedgerow and plant nearly 300 trees, a native mix of hawthorn, field maple, dogwood and hazel. Martin says: “We’re letting the land lead, but managing it in a way that supports people and biodiversity. We’ve seen an increase in wildlife, from bats to woodpeckers and bees, and we grow and gather a huge amount of food.” After the success of Knepp in West Sussex, there’s a plan to reintroduce storks here too, and to bring in wild cats, which will be housed in giant pens as a step towards eventual reintroduction.

Beside weekend retreats, 42 Acres holds dozens of day events year-round, including workshops on wild medicine and “energy exchanges”, where visitors can learn about permaculture and help out on the farm.

For somewhere that has so much going on, it’s amazing how peaceful and slow-paced everything feels – 42 Acres is really all about living the good life, and deeply nourishing on every level. The visit was provided by 42 Acres, whose Wild Weekends cost from £350pp (two sharing), including all meals and experiences

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