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Amsterdam travel guide
Guide me through Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s iconic canals and narrow houses, paired with cobblestone alleys, colorful bicycles, and flower-filled bridges make it a perfect postcard motif. Not only Amsterdam’s supreme attractions but also its artistic character and relaxed atmosphere are reasons enough to visit the unique capital of the Netherlands.
Not yet sure where to travel after Amsterdam?
Amsterdam Top 5
Walk Amsterdam’s canals and narrow streets
Shop at Albert Cuyp Market
Visit a museum
Rent a bike and tour the outskirts
See the Tulip Fields (March-May)
Best things to do in Amsterdam
The Highlights
Wandering through picturesque Amsterdam is undoubtedly the highlight of a visit to this giant open-air museum. Here is what you can find in the different parts of the Dutch capital.
Jordaan: A maze of canals, narrow alleys, boutiques, and cafes in central Amsterdam.
Grachtengordel: Amsterdam’s canal belt and home to the city’s main canals (Prinsengracht, Herengracht, Keizersgracht) as well as waterfront eateries, iconic townhouses, and the Anne Frank House.
Museumkwartier: Home to some of Amsterdam’s most famous museums such as the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum and designer shops.
De Pijp: The hipster part of the capital with bohemian flair featuring ateliers, retro pubs, and the Albert Cuyp Market. Being the largest market in all of the Netherlands, Albert Cuyp Market has it all. From local treats to fresh produce and souvenirs, the market is always worth a visit (closed on Sundays!).
De Wallen: Amsterdam’s famous Red Light District and nowadays also home to an artsy cafe and atelier scene.
NDSM Wharf: A free ferry connects you to this trendy hangout. Find little cafes, happening restaurants, a small beach, and a giant flea market.
The parks: Vondelpark, Westerpark, and Oosterpark are great options for a break while people watching and having a picnic.
The Plantage: A beautiful part to stroll with tree-lined boulevards, canals, parks, and the Artis Royal Zoo. Here’s a lot to see and do if you are traveling with kids (eg. the Zoological Museum, a Planetarium, and an Aquarium).
Best museums to visit in Amsterdam
Museums
A stroll through Amsterdam’s canals and streets is already considered sightseeing, but it’s also well worth visiting some of the city’s attractions. Amsterdam is full of culture and history – no wonder the capital of the Netherlands has outstanding museums to offer.
Art is big in Amsterdam. Famous artists such as Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Vermeer are Dutch originals and their pieces can be found in the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, or Hermitage Museum. Fans of modern art get their money’s worth at the Moco Museum or Stedelijk Museum. Supreme photography art can be found at FOAM.
For understanding the comprehensive history of the Dutch capital, visit the Amsterdam History Museum. When talking about history, not to be missed is a visit to the world-famous Anne Frank Museum. This iconic house is filled with history – and tourists – so get your tickets far in advance! To dive deeper into Jewish history, visit the Jewish Historical Museum. To get an impression of how people have lived in Amsterdam in the past and still live nowadays, visit the Van Loon Museum, Amstelkring Museum, or the Houseboat Museum.
Top unique experiences in Amsterdam
Unique Experiences
Top 5 • Highlights • Museums • Delicacies • Travel Tips • Transportation
Amsterdam is truly one-of-a-kind and offers loads of unique things to do. If you find yourself lucky enough to visit between March and May, visit the Tulip Fields filled with thousands of tulips in every shade and color. To learn more about the Netherlands’ iconic national flower, visit the Tulip Museum. Keukenhof Gardens is the largest flower garden park and attracts especially during the tulips months many tourists. Visit Bloemenmarkt, the only floating flower market in the world.
Also famous for the Netherlands are its windmills. Fortunately, there are eight in total surrounding Amsterdam. De Gooyer, which is a small brewery, and Sloten Mill in the west of Amsterdam are great options to visit.
When it comes to unusual museums, Amsterdam ranks high. See the Erotic Museum (more fun) and the Amsterdam Sex Museum (more educational) located in the Red Light District. Learn about drugs at the Hash, Marihuana & Hemp Museum. Visit Museum Vrolik to see an extensive collection of human and animal deformities or Micropia, a zoological Museum home to all sorts of microbes and bacteria.
If you are a fan of beer, take part in the Heinecken Experience – a 2-hour tour with loads of activities, and beer sampling.
Best food to try in Amsterdam
Local Delicacies
When it comes to food, the Dutch capital has a lot to offer. Try local favorites like Poffertjes (small sweet pancakes), Stroopwafels (waffle biscuits filled with caramel), and Gouda cheese.
A unique experience is to have a proper meal at a Pannekoekenhuis, a restaurant exclusively serving sweet and salty pancakes. If you want to sample your way through Dutch treats, eat your way around Foodhallen – an indoor food hall with vendors serving a variety of national and international food.
If you fancy eating out, lunch is the best time to save some money on lunch specials. The department store HEMA offers unbeatable breakfast deals until 10 am including a sandwich and coffee. Eetcafés provide simple food for a bargain. Last but not least, a unique and fun way of getting food is by using an iconic FEBO vending machine. Do it like the locals and get Croquette, Frikandel, or fries 24/7.
Best travel tips for Amsterdam
Useful travel tips
A great way to get to know the city is by taking a Free Walking Tour, taking a boat tour, or renting a bike. There are several Free Walking tours offered around the city – make sure to tip your guide at the end.
Boat tours and canal cruises give you the chance to see the city from another perspective. If you are traveling in a group, renting a private boat can be cheaper and more fun since you can bring your drinks and food.
Renting a bike is always a good idea in the Netherlands. It’s a great way to explore a more extensive part of the city and its surroundings. To make it a day trip, cycle your bike to the free ferry across to Amsterdam Noord and follow route 9 to discover the Dutch countryside.
Another fantastic (and cheap) way to explore the different parts of Amsterdam is by ferry. There are three rides, Buikslaterweg, Uplein, and NDSM Werf to catch great views of the city shoreline or the harbor.
Street markets are essential to Amsterdam’s local life. Find fresh produce and food, flowers, art, and handmade goods. Albert Cuyp Market is well known to tourists, while Westerstraat Market is a fine local alternative. From Monday to Saturday, a visit to the giant open-air Waterloopplein flea market can pay off if you are on the hunt for secondhand clothes, accessories, bikes, gadgets, and more.
Transportation tips for Amsterdam
Transportation
A short 15 minutes train ride from the airport makes Amsterdam a fantastic stopover on every journey. Amsterdam has impressive public transportation with bicycles, metros, buses, ferries, and trains. Get a GVB transport pass if you stay longer or if you plan on using public transport a lot. Another tourist bargain can be the Amsterdam card if you are into sightseeing, but do the maths before buying. It includes free admission to more than 70 museums, a free canal cruise, and unlimited public transport.