Amsterdam Travel Guide

Getting There

Fly

Schiphol is Amsterdam’s international airport. It receives flights from all over the world and is one of Europe’s top hubs of transport.

Train

There’s an excellent train system running through Europe and the Netherlands. Amsterdam is well connected with other European capital cities, for example, you can take the Eurostar from London to Amsterdam in around six hours.

Weather & Climate

The best time to visit is from May to August for the summer. The skies are blue, and the canals reflect the beautifully colorful sunsets. From October to April, be sure to take an umbrella and a coat for the rainy weather typical for the season.

Things to Do & Attractions

Amsterdam is one of Europe's top mini-break destinations and it's easy to see why. It's filled with beautiful, winding canals and wooden houses. Lose yourself strolling, biking or cruising through the city. You'll be enchanted by the relaxed pace of the city

Museums

The city has a great collection of museums. Must-visits are the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gough museum and the Rembrandt museum. To understand the difficult history of Amsterdam, make sure you visit the Anne Frank Museum where you will live the experience of her time in hiding during the Holocaust.

Tulips

Amsterdam is famous for its tulips and in the central flower market you can find hundreds of tulips and create your own bouquet.

Canals

One of the best things to do in Amsterdam is to explore the city’s winding canals. Do as the locals do, and explore the canals by bicycle.

Where to Stay

Amsterdam is known for its vibrant culture, energetic atmosphere, and stunning architecture. Visitors will appreciate the proximity of its hotels, hostels, and other accommodations to must-see attractions, famous locales, and trendy tourist spots.

Central Amsterdam offers the bustling action and fast paced environment typical of most major cities. Dozens of upscale boutiques, hip restaurants, and premier museums and galleries are all within walking distance for those staying in Centrum, Jordaan, Plantage or the Canal Ring. Outside the downtown area, travel is simple and convenient with a quick ride on public transit taking you anywhere you want to go.

Exploring the extended neighborhood districts of the city can provide different kinds of experiences for those willing to journey off the beaten path. Any area of the city is sure to make for a great stay and cater to your criteria.

Hostels

One of Europe's most popular destinations for backpackers and globe-hopping travelers, Amsterdam is known for its one-of-a-kind hostel culture. There are dozens of hostels located within the city center alone, each with its own unique style. Some feature original themes, including several great locations specifically designed with digital nomads in mind and even two boat-hostels located near NEMO Science Museum. Higher end hostels can be found in the charming Canal Ring, one of the city’s wealthiest districts. This area is home to some of the premier nightlife spots in the city with dozens of exciting bars, clubs, and music venues to choose from. Jordaan is another area for boutique accommodations near hip tourist destinations and is closer to mid-range prices. More inexpensive options with a central location can be found in Amsterdam’s risque red light district, placing them right in the middle of the action.

Hotels

If you prefer private accommodations for your stay in Amsterdam, the city has over 400 registered hotels for a range of budgets. For those that can afford them, the historical and luxury hotels in the center of Amsterdam are highly recommended. As some of the most expensive hotels in Europe, these gorgeous architectural structures are cultural sites in themselves, and are around the corner from famous attractions like Dam Square, making them ideally located. Most of these accommodations are within walking distance of the city's Central Station, making arrival by train simple. Advance booking is recommended, especially for weekends and holidays.

Location

The top places to stay are Leidseplein, Centrum and Museum districts. Here you'll find tons of mid-range hostels which leave you just a stone's throw away from most of the tourist sites, bars and restaurants. Make sure to get a week-long travel ticket for the trams to make the most for your money.

Events

Some of the best events are the Amsterdam Lights Fesitval, which takes place in the lead up to Christmas in December; Tulip Picking at Dam Square, which takes place in January; and Gay Pride, which takes over the city in the summer months.

Nightlife

In the evening, if you're curious you can check out the red-light district which is the tourist hotspot of Amsterdam and visit the famous coffee shops. For a more authentic nightlife experience, be sure to grab a drink in the traditional 'Brown Bars‚' which are wooden pubs which can be found along the canals of Leidseplein.

Food & Drink

The city is filled with cute cafes, Dutch pancake houses and cool, pop-up food markets such as the Foodhallen, where you will be spoiled with choices. Amsterdam is also home to international restaurants, where you can find everything from authentic Japanese cuisine, through to Spanish tapas.

Art & Culture

Amsterdam is bursting with art and culture. If you want to admire work from the Golden Age head to either Rijksmuseum or the Rembrandt House Museum. The Van Gogh Museum is home to a stunning collection of works by Van Gogh, who is by far the most famous Dutch painter.

Other top spots to visit include the Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography; the KochxBos Gallery Amsterdam; or the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam.

Family Activities

Take the kids on a boat ride of Amsterdam’s canals, have a picnic on the grass at Vondelpark, or go tandem biking.