Amsterdam Vacation Rentals

Amsterdam Travel Guide

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

Things to Do in Amsterdam

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

Best Places to Stay in Amsterdam

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.

Best Time to Visit Amsterdam

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.

A Local's Guide to Amsterdam

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 oon 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.

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.

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.

Lodging outside the downtown area gives visitors a quieter atmosphere while still providing ready access via public transit to locations across the city. Anyone also looking for more inexpensive options should check out accommodations in the West, South, and East of the city. There are a variety of hostels, hotels, Airbnbs, and other vacation rentals available. Short-term apartment rental in Amsterdam is also popular, especially for those who like their own kitchen and living room. Though further from the city center, these options offer unique sites and experiences. Must-sees like the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum are conveniently located in South Amsterdam while cultural landmarks like the Anne Frank House and the Tuinpark Nut and Genoegen Community Garden are only a short trip for those staying in the West of the city.

Finding an appropriate place to stay is essential for any visit to Amsterdam. No matter your budget, style or comfort preferences, there are options available. The lively energy of the city center will draw you in and is great for short term getaways. More private accommodations beyond downtown will give you a better sense of the contemporary Dutch lifestyle and are excellent for extended vacations. Wherever you book, you are sure to enjoy Amsterdam.