Amsterdam is the capital and the largest city in the Netherlands. It's a city filled with history, art, music and food. It's also very visitor-friendly. Not only are the residents very welcoming to visitors, but Amsterdam is laid out so that many attractions are within an easy walk of one another. Amsterdam is best known for its picturesque canals, its charming canal-side townhouses, its exciting art museums and its diverse food scene.
Amsterdam is somewhat unique in that it has more than 60 miles of canals within the city, hence the nickname City of Canals. There are 90 islands in Amsterdam, linked by more than 1,200 bridges.
This travel guide to Amsterdam will tell you what you need to know to get the most out of your visit to Amsterdam. Whether you're looking for a quiet visit or non-stop action, Amsterdam has plenty to offer.
How to Get Around Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a very easy city to get around. There are plenty of public transportation options and attractions are generally grouped together. Below is what you need to know to get around Amsterdam easily.
Public transportation
Amsterdam has public buses, trams and metro trains, most of which are operated by Gemeentelijk Vervoerbedrijf (GVB). The system is easy, once you get the hang of it. A single ticket allows you to board any of the modes of transportation within a one-hour, 24-hour, 48-hour, 3-day or one-week period. Tickets may be purchased at any of the metro stations and at most major bus stops. Drivers also sell tickets, but they don't take cash, so you'll need to have a debit or credit card that works in the Netherlands.
Rental bikes
If you want to travel around Amsterdam like a local, rent a bike. This is the most commonly-used mode of transportation among the people who live in the city. You'll see armies of bicycles cruising the city streets. Larger roads have separate bike lanes. As with other major cities in Europe, there are bike rental kiosks throughout the city center, where you can pay and unlock a bike. However, keep in mind that bike rental in Amsterdam is somewhat pricey, around $15 per day. The daily public transportation is less, at around $9, and, arguably safer.
Walkability
Amsterdam is an extremely walkable city. It's not only compact, but its design of concentric circles makes it easy to navigate. Amsterdam is so pedestrian-friendly that the International Mobility Institute named it the most walkable city in the world! They cited the many pedestrian-only streets in Amsterdam, as well as the city's "dedication to prioritizing pedestrians and cyclists".
Free Shuttle Ferries
GVB operates a regular schedule of free ferries for pedestrians and bicycles 24 hours a day between the center of Amsterdam and Amsterdam-Noord. The ferries depart every 3 to 30 minutes, depending on the route and the time of day.
Uber and Bolt
Rideshare services, including Uber and Bolt are popular in Amsterdam and make a good, affordable alternative to expensive taxis, especially to and from Amsterdam Schipol Airport.
Best Time to Visit Amsterdam
There really isn't a bad time to visit Amsterdam. The weather is the best during the summer, from June through August, but that's also the time the city has the most tourists. If you want to see tulips, like the massive flower fields at the Keukenhoff Gardens just outside of town, then it's best to visit between March and May. For the best, off-season prices, October through February are the best months to visit.
Amsterdam also hosts a variety of annual special events. Among these are the Kaboom Animation Festival (the last week of March), the Tulip Festival (the entire month of April), Amsterdam Art Week (the end of May), Holland Festival (events throughout the Netherlands the entire month of June), the Amsterdam Dance Festival (October) and the Amsterdam Light Festival (November - January). Amsterdam also hosts a number of festive Christmas markets during the month of December.
Top Things to Do in Amsterdam
Picking just five things to highlight among the myriad of Amsterdam attractions is next to impossible. However, if you just have time to see a few attractions in the Dutch capital, these are the ones we would suggest. Don't leave the city without taking in one of the world-famous art museums and enjoying a canal cruise.
Rijksmuseum
If you only have time to see one attraction on your trip to Amsterdam, make it the Rijksmuseum, the national museum of the Netherlands. This collection includes paintings by old Dutch masters, such as Rembrandt and Vermeer, all displayed on white walls for a striking effect. The museum also has a decorative arts exhibit that includes many examples of traditional Dutch cabinetry and ceramic ware.
Van Gogh Museum
Located around the corner from the RIjksmusem, the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam contains the largest collection of Van Gogh paintings and drawings in the world. The core of the museum's collection consists of works by Van Gogh that were unsold in his lifetime and passed to his brother, Theo, an art dealer, and his heirs, eventually being donated to the Dutch government. In addition to more than 200 Van Gogh paintings, the museum features works by Van Gogh's contemporaries, including Monet, Rodin, Gaugin and Toulouse-Lautrec
A Canal Cruise
One of the favorite things to do in Amsterdam is to take a leisurely cruise along one of the many canals that traverse Amsterdam. Seeing the historic city from the water gives you a perspective you just don't get driving around or even walking the city. Cruises range from 60 minutes to three hours and some include a meal and/or drinks. If you plan on taking a cruise and visiting a major museum on the same day, you can save a few euros by purchasing a combination ticket that includes both fares.
The Anne Frank House
The most visited attraction in Amsterdam, the Anne Frank House is where 14-year-old Anne and her family and friends hid from the Nazis during World War II. Anne did not survive the war, but her vivid account of those days was published as "The Diary of Anne Frank" in 1947 and is a candid portrayal of those harrowing times.
The Heineken Experience
Heineken is the largest brewery in Amsterdam. Built in 1864, it was used to brew the eponymous beer until 1988, when the company moved its operations to larger quarters. Today, visitors can tour the historic building, learn about the brewing process and sample Heineken products during the 90-minute tour.
Where to Stay in Amsterdam
Amsterdam offers a wide range of comfortable accommodations, both classic and modern. Below are some of our favorite places to stay when traveling to Amsterdam.
Pulitzer Amsterdam
- Address: Prinsengracht 323, 1016 GZ Amsterdam
- Best for: those wanting to be in the middle of the city, near restaurants, shopping and sightseeing.
The canal-front Pulitzer Amsterdam, located in the heart of central Amsterdam, offers a variety of unique-shaped rooms, some of which have canal views. The hotel spans 25 classic Dutch rowhouses, so no two rooms are alike, but that's part of the charm. Amenities include three on-site restaurants and a collection of quiet, pocket gardens between the buildings. The hotel even has its own canal launch that you can book for a romantic canal cruise.
Hotel de l'Europe
- Address: Nieuwe Doelenstraat 2 - 14, 1012 CP Amsterdam
- Best for: Great for those wanting a convenient, luxury hotel
Arguably, the best hotel in Amsterdam, the Hotel de L'Europe is located on a bend on one of Amsterdam's main canals, about a quarter-mile from Dam Square. The hotel is elegant with its own Michelin-star restaurant and full European-style spa. Some of the guest accommodations have balconies overlooking the canal and/or the Amstel River.
The Dylan
- Address: Keizersgracht 384, 1016 GB Amsterdam
- Best for: Great for couples and those wanting to be near shopping, attractions, restaurants and the train station.
The Dylan, a boutique hotel, is part of the Leading Hotels of the World collection. It is located just one-third of a mile from the city center. Housed in a canal-front, 19th-century classic Dutch building, each room is unique, yet comfortable. Amenities include two restaurants (one a Michelin-starred eatery) and a small pocket garden.
Soho House
- Address: Spuistraat 210, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland 1012 VT ·
- Best for: Great for those who want a pool without sacrificing location.
If you're looking for a hotel that combines a great location and historic charm with modern amenities, then Soho House is a great choice. This is one of the few hotels in the city with a pool, this one located on the rooftop. Located in the Bungehuis building in the center of the city, this hotel is right on a canal within walking distance of major attractions. Amenities include a full spa and even a bicycle repair shop.
Intercontinental Amstel Hotel
- Address: Professor Tulpplein 1, 1018 GX Amsterdam
- Best for: Great for art lovers and those who want to stay in a quieter neighborhood within striking distance of the city center.
Located directly on the Amstel River, near the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, the Intercontinental Amstel Hotel offers gracious accommodations in its 19th-century, modernized building. Amenities include a restaurant and lounge that overlook the river and a health club/spa.
Where to Eat in Amsterdam
Amsterdam has a vibrant food scene, offering everything from traditional Dutch fare to exotic Indonesian cuisine. Below are just a few of our favorite eateries in Amsterdam.
Ambassade
Located in the Amsterdam-Noord neighborhood, Ambassade offers modern French cuisine in a classic Dutch canal house with a sparkling, modern interior. The adjacent Library Bar is a great place to wait for your table and sip a classic cocktail amidst the 5,000-book collection.
Van Speyk
Another elegant restaurant, Van Speyk serves traditional Dutch fare with a slightly modern touch. Located in the city center, in a restored 17th-century warehouse, Van Speyk has a romantic decor, with high ceilings, polished hand-hewn woodwork and crystal chandeliers.
Mama Maken Indonesian Kitchen
The Dutch enthusiasm for Indonesian cuisine dates back to when Indonesia was a Dutch colony. Mama Maken Indonesian Kitchen offers a full menu of Indonesian favorites in this casual eatery. The menu includes traditional Rjjsttafel as well as à la carte entrées.
Breman Brasserie
Breman Brasserie is an informal restaurant near the waterfront that serves a variety of European and South American favorites for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
Prins and Aap
Located on the outer canal ring of central Amsterdam, this bistro is an informal place to have a good meal. The sleek dining room is open for brunch, lunch and dinner daily.
Amsterdam Photo Spots
No trip to Amsterdam would be complete without a few photos to post on Instagram or keep as souvenirs of your travels. Below are just a few of the many prime photo spots in the city.
1. Outside of Amsterdam's central train station. This ornate, 17th-century building was designed by the same architect who designed the Rijksmuseum. The station has beautiful ironwork, a massive clock and mullioned windows that make a striking backdrop.
2. A'DAM Lookout Tower. If you want a sweeping view of the city in your photo, this is the place to go. The 22-story tower is accessible via a free ferry from the city center. Admission to the tower is around $15.
3. Damrak. For images with traditional Dutch rowhouses and a canal in the background, head to Damrak Avenue. This street, which is a partially-filled canal runs from the city's central train station to Dam Square. Arrive early for better lighting and less traffic.
4. Zevenlandenhuizen. This word, which means "houses of the seven countries", describes a block of 18th-century houses with ornate stonework. Each house is designed to represent the architecture of a specific country--England, Germany, Russia, France, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands.
5. The Rijksmuseum. One of the most striking buildings in Amsterdam is perfect as a backdrop for your photos. You might also explore the museum's garden and the massive stacks of tomes in the museum library. Unlike many museums, you are permitted to take pictures inside the building.
Day Trips from Amsterdam
There is so much to see within a short drive (or train ride) of Amsterdam, it would be a shame not to explore the other regions of the Netherlands. Below are our picks for the top day trips from the Dutch capital.
Keukenhof
- Lisse is about 20 miles away from Amsterdam, about 30 minutes by train or 45 by car.
- Admission to the Keukenhof Gardens is approximately $20 per person. The train from Amsterdam is approximately $12 per person.
If you happen to be visiting Amsterdam during the tulip season (mid-March to mid-May), then a trip to the Keukenhof Gardens is a must. Located in Lisse, a short train ride from Amsterdam, the Keukenhof is a showplace of tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and other flowering bulbs. Each fall, an army of gardeners plants more than seven million tulip bulbs for the spring show. The flower beds are staggered, so that there is always a full bed in bloom during the eight-week visitors season. It is one of the world's largest flower gardens.
Delft
- Delft is about 45 minutes by bus or car from Amsterdam.
- Admission to the Royal Deflt factory tour is approximately $16.50. Admission to the Prinsenhof Museum is around $15.00 and admission to the Botanical Gardens is approximately $8.00
Home of the blue and white china that bears the city's name, Delft offers much more than dish shopping and a factory tour, although the Royal Delft factory tour is fascinating. The city, located southwest of Amsterdam, was also the home of the artist, Vermeer and is believed to be the birthplace of microbiology. Visitors can tour the Prinsenhof Museum and its extensive collection of Delft china and paintings by Dutch masters like Vermeer. You can also walk around historic Markt Square in the center of town, explore the 17th century restored windmill and stroll through the lovely and peaceful botanical gardens.
The Holland Windmills at Kinderdijk
- Kinderdijk is about an hour's drive from Amsterdam.
- Admission to the Kinderdijk site is approximately $20 per person and includes all activities offered there.
Located outside of Rotterdam, about an hour's drive from Amsterdam, the Windmills at Kinderdijk are the image most people think of when they think of Dutch windmills. This collection of windmills still operate much as they have for more than 700 years and work to keep the seawater out of the reclaimed land surrounding Rotterdam. Visitors can explore the two museum mills, take a boat tour around the site and view the multimedia presentation at the mill pumping station.
Marken and Volendam
- Marken is about 15 miles away from Amsterdam.
- Strolling around these two villages is free; the express boat is approximately $25 per person.
These two fishing villages in northern Holland offer a glimpse into traditional Dutch culture. In Marken, you can stroll along clobblestone streets lined with colorful, wooden rowhouses and visit a clogmaker for a handmade pair of these traditional wooden shoes. After that, take an express boat to the quaint town of Volendam and enjoy the sparkling view of IJsselmeer Lake.
Gouda
- Gouda is about 35 miles south of Amsterdam. It takes around 45 minutes by car or bus. You can also take a direct train from Amsterdam to Gouda. The travel time is about an hour and it costs around $12.00 per person.
- Admission to tour the Church of St. John is around $10. (You can attend services there for free.) Admission to the Gouda Cheese Museum is around $8.00. There is no charge for visiting Kaasboerderij Jongehoeve.
All cheese lovers know the name Gouda and, yes, this is the town where the delicious red wax-encased cheese originated. Every Thursday, the town hosts a cheese market in Markt Square that features a variety of gouda as well as other Dutch cheeses. The Church of St. John is also worth visiting. Be sure to check out the magnificent stained-glass windows. Just outside town is Kaasboerderij Jongehoeve, a working cheese farm that welcomes visitors. Back in town, you can explore the Gouda Cheese Museum that explains the history of cheesemaking in the town.
Visiting Amsterdam on a Budget
Visiting Amsterdam can be pricey if you're not careful. Below are a few suggestions on how to stay within your budget while traveling to Amsterdam.
1. Check out the offers. Coupon sites are very popular in the Netherlands. Groupon, which has a US counterpart, is the most popular of these, but locals also swear by Social Deal. Offers include discounts on restaurants, spa treatments, attractions, and a host of other things.
2. Visit the (Virtual) Last Minute Ticket Shop. As the name implies, this is a place to get discounted, same-day tickets to all sorts of events, including theater productions, concerts, art exhibitions, just to name a few.
3. Take advantage of AAA member discounts. Being a member of AAA comes with a myriad of perks. Among these are car rental discounts, discounts on admission tickets and hotel discounts. Make sure to ask your travel consultant about these membership perks.
4. Purchase a museum or discount pass. The Amsterdam Go City Pass offers unlimited admission to 35 attractions for a single fare within a 24-hour period. These include the Rijksmuseum, the Keukenhof Gardens and the Heineken Experience. It also includes a bicycle rental and a canal cruise. The I Amsterdam card is a similar discount card. This one offers different time periods, between one day and one week. The I Amsterdam card also includes unlimited use of the city's GVB public transportation system.
5. Enjoy the many free attractions in Amsterdam. It's not just museums that offer free admission in Amsterdam. You can stroll through one of the city's 40+ parks; wonder through the Shipyard Studios and watch artists create; and browse Amsterdam's colorful flower market...all without spending a dime.
Plan Your Amsterdam Vacation with AAA
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