Often called the Venice of the North, Amsterdam which is centered around an intricate network of canals and bridges lined with narrow townhouses and houseboats, is picturesque. With its blend of medieval and contemporary architecture, rich art collections, kid-friendly museums and activities, green parks and tulip gardens, and vibrant nightlife, Amsterdam appeals to visitors of all types. The city is most beautiful in spring, while summer offers the best weather, and winter sees the best rates and fewest tourists.
The Amsterdam Travel Guide
- Refer to our Amsterdam frequently asked questions section.
Amsterdam Basics
Amsterdam Hotels
- Top Hotels in Amsterdam
- Best Accommodations in Amsterdam for Families
- Most Budget-Friendly Accommodations in Amsterdam
- Best Boutique Accommodations in Amsterdam
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- Map of hotels within Amsterdam
Amsterdam Activities
- This page features recommendations for the best tours and things to do in Amsterdam.
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- Esteemed Eateries in Amsterdam
- Top Amsterdam Pubs, Breweries, & Tasting Rooms
- Prime Stores and Markets in Amsterdam
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Frequently Asked Questions about Amsterdam
Where is Amsterdam?
Located in the western Netherlands, Amsterdam is found in the province of North Holland near the North Sea. While the majority of important government structures can be seen in The Hague (roughly 60 km southwest of Amsterdam in South Holland province), Amsterdam serves as the Netherlands` capital city. Amsterdam connects conveniently by train to locations like London (with ferry), Paris, Frankfurt, Berlin, Brussels, Bruges, and Munich. Amsterdam takes up 219 square kilometers of land and is home to a metro-area population of 1,149,000 people.
When is the best time to visit Amsterdam?
The optimal times of the year to travel to Amsterdam are during the shoulder seasons: April, May, early June, mid to late-September, and early October. Though the weather is best for Amsterdam in the high summer months (with more sunny skies and high temps hovering around 20°C), this duration sees dense crowds of travelers, long waiting lines at museums and attractions, and elevated airline and hotel pricing.
The most beautiful time period to visit Amsterdam is during the spring season, when entire fields are covered with colorful blooms of tulips. Though the timing of the tulip phase depends on weather conditions, it generally spans between late March and mid May. The middle of April typically brings the most abundant flowers, creating it an perfect time to visit Amsterdam to see the tulip fields at their most showy and colorful state.
Travelers seeking price reductions in Amsterdam would be wise to schedule visits in January or July. Comparable to other main European metropolitan areas, retailers in Amsterdam limit their discount sales to twice annually, when stores provide dramatic markdowns as they purge surplus stock. While July sales involve more crowds and competition due to occurring amid high season, both January and July periods see a wider selection of goods early on but steeper discounts later in the timeframe.
November through February make up Amsterdam`s low travel season, aside from Christmas. The weather may take on a dreary gray tone and cool down, but this period can still make a excellent time to visit. Hotel and airfare costs will be at their lowest amounts, and museums plus indoor attractions will have much smaller crowds – like Amsterdam`s top tourist destination, the Anne Frank House. Visitors may get lucky enough to see the magical view of the city covered with fresh snow or ice skaters on the frozen canals.
What is Amsterdam known for?
Amsterdam is renowned for its picturesque system of interconnecting canals and bridges in the central area, and the bikes and barges locals use to travel. The city houses numerous world-class art museums featuring works by Dutch Masters (Rembrandt, Vermeer, Hieronymus Bosch) and others – an entire museum dedicated to the Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh. While the region draws millions yearly in spring to see cheerful tulip fields in full bloom, Amsterdam also has a hedonistic side, with abundant breweries, cannabis and psychedelics sold in coffee and smart shops, and the provocative Red Light District featuring regular sex shows. The legacy of WWII looms large in the city, which was occupied by Nazi Germany from 1940-1945.
Some of the most noteworthy things to do in Amsterdam involve taking a watercraft or bicycle tour, appreciating great works of artistic talent (if you only visit one gallery, make it the Rijksmuseum), day trips to see the Kuekenhof tulip gardens and the Zaanse Schans windmills, and beer tasting and guided tours at the Heineken Experience. Amsterdam’s most renowned attraction is the Anne Frank House, the home and hiding-place of the young diarist, now adjoined to a major museum dedicated to Amsterdam’s WWII German Occupation (definitely book tickets in advance).
What are the best areas to stay in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam is divided into five main regions: Centrum (in and around the City Center), Amsterdam-Noord (North Amsterdam), Amsterdam-Oost (East Amsterdam), Oud-Zuid (Old South), and Amsterdam-West. Each of these regions is further subdivided into neighborhoods, each with their own distinct atmosphere).
The top Amsterdam neighborhoods for beginning visitors to the city are the City Center,Western or Southern Canal Belt, or Oud-Zuid. All of these core neighborhoods are easily walkable to major attractions; City Center is where the activity (and the anything-goes Red Light District) is, while the Canal Belts are a bit quieter and just as scenic. Oud-Zuid is a great location for those most interested in Amsterdam’s art museums.
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The most local atmosphere amsterdam neighborhood is De Pijp, located south of the Southern Canal Belt. Highly walkable and home to many unique shops and Amsterdam’s largest street market, De Pijp has a culturally diverse population, an independent spirit, and a bohemian vibe with an artistic focus.
How long should I plan to spend in Amsterdam?
While most key sights in Amsterdam (such as the Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, Dutch Resistance Museum, canal tours, or bike rides) can be experienced over 3 full days, allocating 5 days allows for more exploration of the city`s varied neighborhoods and sights in the surrounding area. Some of the top day trips from Amsterdam embrace the Keukenhof Gardens,Zaanse Schans windmills (both half day tours), the charming canal town of Giethoorn, and Bruges in Brussels (full day). No matter how extended your stay, taking a guided tour helps maximize knowledge of the city`s history and culture.
How do I get around in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam is a compact urban area spanning just 24 km at its widest section from northwest to southeast, though the bulk of the city’s beloved landmarks, museums, and attractions lie within 4 km from the City Center. With everything so close together, most people get around on foot or by cycling. Bicycling is the most authentic mode of transportation in Amsterdam, which boasts over 500 km of dedicated bike paths and ranks as the second most bicycle-friendly city globally, just after Copenhagen. Additionally, the city offers a robust public transportation system operating 24 hours a day with trams, trains, ferries, and buses seamlessly connecting each neighborhood. Single-use tickets are acceptable for one hour, and passes allowing unlimited rides can be purchased for 1 to 7 days. Ferries linking Amsterdam-Noord to the City Center are free for passengers on foot or bicycle. Taxis are easiest to find at designated taxi stands or by calling ahead; all taxis are metered. Uber also operates here. Renting a car is unnecessary and inconvenient for trips around town; even for more distant towns, taking the train is recommended.
What is the Red Light District?
Amsterdam actually has some small red-light districts, areas where the famously liberal city designates space for prostitution, sex shows, marijuana sales and use, and other hedonistic activities. The largest and best-known is De Wallen, situated in the attractive, cobblestone streets of the medieval City Center. Traditional Dutch window prostitution is the most common form of sex work here; around 300 windows with attached single rooms are rented out by scantily clad women advertising their services. Brothels, strip clubs, sex shows, peep shows, and sex shops line the canalside streets, interspersed with Amsterdam’s famous coffee shops where purchasing and smoking marijuana (though not strictly legal) is tolerated, smart shops offering psychedelic mushrooms (also not 100% legal but still tolerated), museums devoted to the history of sex and prostitution, rowdy tourist bars, and brown cafés (classic Dutch pubs).
In addition to attractions centered around personal identity, the Red Light District is home to Amsterdam`s oldest building, the Oude Kerk (Old Church) dating back to 1213, and the city’s narrowest street, Trompettersteeg, only 100 cm wide. Though activities may seem unrestricted in the Red Light District, keep in mind that drinking is only permitted inside bars and on their outdoor spaces. Marijuana is tolerated in amounts under 5 grams, any more or hard drugs at all could result in penalties. Likewise, taking photos or videos of sex workers in their windows is prohibited. Stay calm, relaxed, respectful – and everyone will enjoy themselves. Despite appearances, the Red Light District is generally viewed as a safe area in Amsterdam due to regular police patrols; pickpocketing is a common crime here.
Is Amsterdam safe?
Year after year, the city of Amsterdam maintains a respected position as one of the 10 safest urban areas in the world according to evaluations by The Economist. Beyond occasional theft from distracted people in busy locations like the Red Light District or train stations, criminal activity primarily revolves around stolen bicycles, illegal street drugs, and inebriated visitors. Experiences of serious violence are nearly unheard of anywhere in the city. Most roads are well illuminated at night; bars, clubs, and cafes remain open until 3:00am or later, sustaining activity on the streets.
What currency is used in Amsterdam?
As the Netherlands are part of the European Union, the euro (€) is used as currency in Amsterdam. Most stores and eating establishments in Amsterdam accept credit cards, but it’s always wise to have some cash on hand for small purchases and tram fare. ATMs are effortlessly found all over Amsterdam, but note that these are usually standalone machines owned by financial institutions but disconnected from an actual bank building (there are few banking establishments in Central Amsterdam). Among the most common and trusted Dutch banks with ATMs in Amsterdam are ABN, ING, and Rabobank.
A small tip or rounding up a bill is commonly seen as a sign of gratitude for good service in Amsterdam restaurants and bars, though it is by no means obligatory. For exemplary attention from wait staff, showing appreciation with around 5-10% of the total spent directly to them is appropriate. At bars, concluding the evening`s tab by rounding up or leaving loose change is welcomed. Amsterdam taxi drivers will be thankful for fare amounts rounded up to the next highest euro as a token of thanks for safe transportation. While quality service at hotels is expected without further compensation, going above and beyond might merit a one or two euro bonus..
