Amsterdam is one of those cities that feels like a living postcard – every corner you turn has something beautiful waiting to be discovered. From leisurely bike rides along the canals to getting lost in the maze of charming streets, this place draws you in with its laid-back vibes and rich history. It’s the kind of city where you can spend an entire afternoon watching people-watching at a café or hop between art galleries and quirky shops, always finding something new that catches your eye. Let me share some of my favourite spots and tips to make the most of your trip to this magical city!
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Planning Your Journey
Best time to visit Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a fantastic destination no matter the season. In the summer, the city comes alive with long, sunlit evenings, perfect for lounging at one of the many canal-side cafes and soaking in that quintessential European vibe. Spring brings the city’s famous tulips and cherry blossoms into full bloom, painting every park and garden in vibrant colours. In autumn, the streets are lined with golden leaves, making it the ideal time for a cosy stroll through the city’s quieter corners. Even winter, though chilly, has its own magic – think charming Christmas markets, festive lights, and warm cafés to escape the cold.
Travel insurance
Before exploring Amsterdam, make sure to have travel insurance sorted. With so much to see and do—whether you’re cycling through the city or cruising along the canals—it’s best to be prepared. I recommend looking into Visitors Coverage for comprehensive plans that cover everything from trip delays and cancellations to medical emergencies and lost luggage. It’s a simple way to protect yourself against any unexpected hiccups, so you can relax and enjoy your trip without worry!
How to Get to Amsterdam / Booking Your Flight
Amsterdam is incredibly accessible, with its international Schiphol Airport offering direct flights from all over Europe and major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Dubai. If you’re travelling from within the Netherlands, high-speed trains connect Amsterdam to cities like Rotterdam and Utrecht. For those coming from nearby European destinations, buses are a budget-friendly option, with routes from Brussels, Paris, and Berlin.
If you’re travelling from the UK, you can even hop on the Eurostar from London, which will bring you straight into the heart of Amsterdam’s city centre in around four hours.
For the best deals, book your flights or train tickets in advance using sites like Kiwi.com and for bus routes, check out Omio or Busbud. Getting to Amsterdam has never been easier!
Where to Stay in Amsterdam / Booking Your Hotel
Amsterdam has a range of neighbourhoods, each with its own unique charm. The city centre (Centrum) is where you’ll find popular spots like Dam Square and the Red Light District, while areas like Jordaan and De Pijp offer a more local and laid-back vibe. When planning your stay, choose accommodations near Amsterdam’s central station for easy access to day trips and top attractions.
For booking, I usually stick to reliable sites like Booking.com and Expedia, which make it easy to compare prices and amenities. Here are some of my personal favourites:
Budget:
MEININGER Hotel Amsterdam Amstel, Flying Pig Uptown, Budget Hotel Tourist Inn, St Christopher’s at the Winston, ClinkNOORD
Luxury:
Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Maurits At The Park, Pulitzer Amsterdam, Anantara Grand Hotel, Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht, Sofitel Legend The Grand
Mid range:
Monet Garden Hotel Amsterdam, Jan Luyken Amsterdam, Met Hotel, Eden Hotel Amsterdam, Hotel Jakarta Amsterdam
Family Friendly:
Hotel Jakarta Amsterdam, Banks Mansion, Element Amsterdam, Hotel Estherea, XO Hotels Park West
Upon Arrival
Getting a SIM Card
Once you land in Amsterdam, staying connected is a breeze with an e-SIM from Airalo. Skip the hassle of finding a physical SIM card at the airport or dealing with expensive roaming fees from your home provider. With Airalo, you can purchase an e-SIM before your trip and have it activated as soon as you arrive, making it ready to use instantly. They offer various data plans to match your needs and budget, making it a convenient and affordable way to stay connected during your visit to the Netherlands.
Getting to Your Hotel from Amsterdam Airport
Getting from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to the city centre is quick and easy, with several convenient options to choose from.
- Train: The fastest way to reach the city centre is by train. It takes about 15-20 minutes, costs around €5.60, and departs frequently from platforms located directly underneath the airport. You can buy tickets at the yellow machines or via the NS app.
- Bus: The Amsterdam Airport Express (Bus 397) is another great option, taking about 30 minutes to reach the city centre. It costs around €6.50, and tickets can be purchased on board or online.
- Taxi or Ride share: Taxis and ride sharing services like Uber are available just outside the arrivals area. The ride takes around 20-30 minutes, costing approximately €40-€60, depending on traffic and your destination. You can pre book your transfer here
Navigating the City
Getting Around Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a compact city that’s easy to explore on foot or by bike, but its excellent public transport system also makes getting around a breeze. Trams, buses, and the metro are all great options if you want to save time or cover longer distances.
Using the iAmsterdam Card
If you planning to see multiple attractions I highly recommend the iAmsterdam Card It offers unlimited access to public transport, including trams, buses, and metros, as well as free entry to many of Amsterdam’s top museums and attractions, such as the Rijksmuseum and the A’DAM Lookout. The card also includes a free canal cruise, providing a unique perspective of the city from its iconic waterways.
Where to Get Tickets
Public transport tickets can be purchased at GVB ticket machines at major stations, on the GVB app, or directly on the tram with a contactless payment method. A single journey costs around €3.20, but if you’re using public transport frequently, consider a day or multi-day pass for better value.
Handy Apps
For real-time updates and route planning, download the GVB Travel App or 9292.nl. These apps provide up-to-date schedules, suggest the best routes, and help you navigate Amsterdam’s extensive public transport network with ease.
What to do in Amsterdam and What to see in Amsterdam
Exploring Amsterdam is such a fun mix of well-known sights and hidden gems. Of course, you’ve got to see the classics like the Anne Frank House and the beautiful Rijksmuseum, but I love stumbling upon the quieter spots too, like the Begijnhof courtyard or getting lost in the vintage shops around the Jordaan district. And if you’re feeling adventurous, hop on a free ferry to NDSM Wharf—it’s this artsy, industrial area with cool street art and quirky cafes.
For a deeper dive, I’d totally recommend booking a few tours. Viator and GetYourGuide has awesome bike and food tours, and Tiqets.com makes grabbing tickets to the big museums super easy. Or if you want to explore at your own pace (which I prefer), WeGoTrip has some really handy audio tours you can download and use as you wander around. Definitely makes exploring feel way more relaxed!
If you’re planning to do a lot of sightseeing in Amsterdam, get the Go City Amsterdam Pass. It gives you access to over 45 attractions like the Rijksmuseum, Heineken Experience, and canal cruises, all for one set price. You can choose the All-Inclusive Pass if you want to hit as many spots as possible, or go for the Explorer Pass if you prefer a more relaxed pace and have more days to explore.
- Canal district– A quarter of Amsterdam is made up of its iconic canals and ports, with over 160 canals weaving through the city for a total of 100 km. Taking a boat ride through them is a must—it’s honestly one of the best ways to experience Amsterdam! Whether you go for a guided cruise or rent your own little boat, gliding through the canals gives you a totally different vibe of the city’s charm. Book a tour here
- The Anne Frank House – For many of us, The Diary of Anne Frank was a memorable part of our high school reading list. Her words captured the tension and fear of living in that cramped annex for two long years, but visiting the actual place brings it to life in a way that’s hard to describe. The house is now a museum, and the reconstructed bookcase still leads up to the hidden annex where Anne penned her diary. It’s one of the top things to see in Amsterdam, so be prepared for long lines! Book a walking tour here
- Van Gogh Museum – Vincent Van Gogh is one of the most influential Dutch artists. The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam holds the world’s largest collection of his work, featuring over 200 paintings and 500 drawings. It takes around 3 hours to see everything, but you might want to linger longer – his art is truly amazing. Book museum ticket here
- The Rijksmuseum museum – a must-see in Amsterdam and the country’s most important museum, drawing millions of visitors each year. Its iconic building houses around 8,000 pieces in 80 rooms, showcasing centuries of Dutch art and history. The highlight? Rembrandt’s masterpiece, The Night Watch. Book entry ticket here
- Vondelpark – Spanning 120 acres, Vondelpark is a vibrant spot for locals and tourists alike. It’s perfect for picnics, people-watching, and enjoying a leisurely afternoon. Biking is the main way to get around—rent a bike nearby and explore the park like a local. In summer, the park buzzes with outdoor concerts, festivals, and events, making it a lively place to soak up Amsterdam’s atmosphere. Don’t forget to grab some fries from a snack bar and relax on the grass! Book a bike tour here
- Dam Square – Dam Square is Amsterdam’s lively heart, filled with shops, street performers, and iconic spots like Madame Tussauds. For shopping, check out De Bijenkorf department store for unique finds. When you’re ready for a break, grab a coffee, and soak in the city’s vibrant energy.
- Heineken Experience – If you’re a fan of Heineken, the Heineken Experience is a must. Tour the historic brewery, learn about the brand’s origins, and see vintage bottles and memorabilia. The best part? The tour wraps up with a tasting session, where you get to enjoy three fresh beers! Cheers! Book experience ticket here
- Jordaan is a must-visit neighbourhood with its charming canals, cosy cafés, and artistic vibe. Once a working-class area, it’s now a hotspot for art galleries, trendy boutiques, and hidden courtyard cafés. It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, good music, and discovering the local creative scene.
- Red Light District – De Wallen, Amsterdam’s Red Light District, is the city’s oldest and most unique neighbourhood. It’s known for its vibrant nightlife, neon-lit windows, and lively atmosphere. While some areas might be overwhelming, it’s a place that surprises and fascinates with its blend of history, culture, and unconventional attractions. For the curious and open-minded, it’s an experience you won’t forget! Book tour here
Day trips from Amsterdam:
- Zaanse Schans – A charming village just 40 minutes from Amsterdam by bus or train, known for its iconic Dutch windmills, historic wooden houses, and traditional crafts like making cheese. Book a tour here
- Keukenhof Gardens – Just 40 minutes from Amsterdam, Keukenhof is the world’s largest flower garden, renowned for its breathtaking tulip fields and vibrant floral displays. It’s a photographer’s paradise, but keep in mind it’s only open from mid-March to mid-May. Book Keukenhof Entry and Roundtrip Shuttle Transfer
- Volendam and Marken – These colourful fishing villages are famous for their vibrant wooden houses and charming harbours filled with traditional fishing boats. The waterfront is lined with seafood vendors, making it the perfect spot to enjoy fresh local catches and soak up the authentic Dutch maritime atmosphere.
What and Where to eat in Amsterdam
Amsterdam has a diverse and delicious food scene with a mix of traditional Dutch flavours and international influences. Here are some must-eats:
- Stroopwafels: Two thin waffles filled with gooey caramel syrup
- Bitterballen: Crispy, deep-fried meatballs filled with a rich, creamy beef ragout.
- Haring: Raw herring served with onions and pickles.
- Poffertjes: Mini fluffy pancakes dusted with powdered sugar and a knob of butter.
- Kibbeling: Fried chunks of battered white fish, usually served with a tangy garlic sauce.
- Patatje Oorlog: Dutch fries topped with a mix of mayonnaise, peanut satay sauce, and onions
- Oliebollen: Deep-fried dough balls (similar to doughnuts) are usually enjoyed around New Year’s but can be found at food stalls throughout the colder months.
The best restaurants in Amsterdam ( based on my opinion )
Breakfast: Bagels & Beans, Moods Coffee & Brunch, Box Sociaal Jordaan, Coffee & Coconuts
Lunch: Sandwichshop Amsterdam, The Pantry, Café restaurant van Kerkwijk, De Deli – Plantagebuurt
Dinner: The Lobby Nesplein, The Seafood Bar, Moeders, Restaurant ‘t Zwaantje
Dessert: Cheesy Cakes, Massimo Gelato, Madame Croissant