Our Amsterdam Travel Guide

This Amsterdam guide will show you why you should visit this magnificent city, how to get there, what to do and see, where and when to stay, plus many more top tips to make your planning easier. So, if you want to know more, please stay with us.

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The Intro to Our Amsterdam Guide

Amsterdam is known for its coffee shops, canals, houseboats, historic architecture, and Red Light District. The city was founded in 1275 by two fishermen and their dogs. After the 16th century, Amsterdam grew in importance and wealth due to the establishment of Dutch colonies worldwide by the Dutch East India Company. Today, it has become one of the most popular destinations in Europe.

Despite the reputation of the Red Light District, visitors have discovered that Amsterdam has much more to offer. The city boasts numerous art museums, beautiful parks, excellent outdoor cafes, a rich history, and a zest for life. Some even consider it the most beautiful city in the world. There’s nothing like cruising along the canals on a sunny day or relaxing in Vondelpark with a good book.

Red Light District in Amsterdam

©(sborisov/iStock

What to see and do

Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is an incredibly vibrant city with a rich history and picturesque canal network. Regardless of the weather, there are endless activities to engage in, and many of the most enjoyable experiences lie beyond the well-known tourist paths of the city center. To help you navigate the wealth of wonders, we’ve created this essential guide highlighting the best of the best.

Rijksmuseum is Amsterdam’s most lavish, grandest, and most classical museum, with a vast collection of Dutch art dating back to the Golden Age.
Canal Tour: One of Amsterdam’s must-do activities, though a cliché, is still the finest way to explore the city.
Van Gogh Museum – Dedicated to the works of Vincent van Gogh and his contemporaries, this Gerrit Rietveld-designed building houses the most extensive collection of the artist’s work worldwide.
The Nine Streets – In the heart of Jordaan’s canal belt lies a micro-neighborhood of charming, idiosyncratic streets offering an abundance of cozy cafés, independent boutiques, vintage stores, and artisanal food shops.

The I Amsterdam City Card covers many of the museums and sights included. This handy visitor pass gives you free entry to Amsterdam’s most popular attractions and free public transport for your stay. However, we suggest visiting Viator to to book or see some interesting Amsterdam tours.

Note: If you want to learn more about the TOP Amsterdam attractions, we recommend reading our related article. However, if you would like to know more about the best one-day trips from the city, we recommend reading this article about the Best Day trips from Amsterdam.

Amsterdam Light Festival:
Amsterdam Light Festival: Nov-Jan. The city transformed into a fairy tale with glowing artwork on historic bridges and waterfronts. Stunning night-time scenery elevated with installations on Canal Ring, River Amstel, and Eastern Docklands.

©ANP

Amsterdam Travel Costs

Hostel prices

Hostels in central locations cost around 18 to 30 EUR EUR per night for an eight-bed dorm. A 4-6-bed dorm costs 30-50 EUR per night. Twin rooms with en suite bathrooms cost 85-115 EUR per night. Wi-Fi is free, but self-catering facilities and breakfast are limited.

Budget hotel prices

In Amsterdam, budget two-star hotels start at 80 EUR per night (average around 125 EUR). You can also find new pod hotels with single pods for about 60 EUR. Basic amenities include free Wi-Fi, a TV, and a coffee/tea maker.

Airbnb is available in the city, but it’s now more regulated. Private rooms start at 80 EUR, while apartments cost around 175 EUR. You can find under 150 EUR per night flats if you book early.

Food

Dutch cuisine features veggies, bread, and cheese (including gouda). Meat is a staple in dinners, while lunch and breakfast are open-faced sandwiches. Mid-range restaurant meals cost 35-40 Euros. High-end dining can cost 80-100 Euros, while fast food and street food cost 3-10 Euros. Recommended restaurants include Cafe de Jaren, Pancakes, Modoers, Café Papeneiland, and Burger Bar.

Amsterdam for cheese lovers:

Undoubtedly, the Netherlands is a dominant cheese-producing nation, boasting fertile farmland perfect for dairy cows. Amsterdam, in particular, stands out as a haven for cheese enthusiasts, who can indulge in various cheese-based delicacies at any time of the day.

©De Kaaskamer

Amsterdam Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Amsterdam is a highly sought-after tourist destination in Europe. Still, it is also considered one of the most expensive cities. Prices tend to rise every year, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there are several ways to save money while visiting Amsterdam, making it possible for budget-conscious travelers to enjoy the city without overspending.

Get the I Amsterdam Pass – This pass provides free entry to major museums, attractions, and public transportation. If you plan on visiting many museums, get this card. Prices start from 65 EUR per day.
Drink in Hostels – Hostels in cities often offer the best drink deals. Even if you are not staying at a hostel, most of them have bars open to the public where you can enjoy a variety of drink specials, including 2 EUR beers. Belushi’s Bar at The Winston is also a popular spot among locals.
Get the Museumkaart (Museum Card) – The Museum Card is an excellent option for those who plan to spend an extended amount of time in the Netherlands. For only 64.90 EUR, the card gives you access to dozens of museums in Amsterdam and hundreds throughout the country for a year. You can purchase it at select museums and enjoy the convenience of visiting multiple museums without worrying about individual entrance fees.
Take a free walking tour –If you’re looking for a city overview, take one of the free walking tours offered by New Europe Tours. They deliver the most extensive tour and introduce the city well. Just remember to tip your guide!
Grab an Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket –This ticket comes with two options – a two-day ticket and a seven-day ticket, each costing between 10 and 20 EUR. With this ticket, you’ll have unlimited access to eight clubs, a welcome drink at five clubs, access to the Holland Casino, discounts on your Uber ride, and more. If you’re planning to explore the nightlife of Amsterdam, this ticket can be your money-saving companion.
Hire your boat – Instead of spending money on an expensive canal cruise, consider renting a boat. If you’re traveling with three or four people, the cost of renting a ship works out to be about 20 EUR per person. Additionally, you can bring your alcohol, food, or smoke while enjoying your ride. Boaty Rentals or Amsterdam Rent A Boat, offers excellent rental options.
Eat on the cheap – Febo, Walk to Wok, and Maoz are affordable options to grab a quick bite in Amsterdam. Additionally, many cafes in the city offer prix-fixe lunch specials for as low as 10 euros. If you plan to dine out, lunchtime in Amsterdam is the perfect opportunity.
Cook your food – Dutch cuisine is not known for its culinary excellence, and dining out in the city can be expensive. Instead, opt for grocery shopping and cooking your meals. You won’t miss out on anything and save a lot of money.
Stay with a local – “Couchsurfing is a platform that enables travelers to stay with locals for free. Not only do you get a free place to stay, but you also get to connect with a local who can share their insider tips and advice. Since many travelers use this service, it is advisable to request hosts early.”
Save money on rideshares –Uber is a cost-effective and convenient transportation option for city dwellers who want to avoid waiting for public transportation or paying exorbitant taxi fares.
Attend a free festival – People usually prefer to spend their day outdoors in the summertime, and numerous events occur. You can consult the local tourism office to get a list of free concerts, festivals, shows, and markets. Once the weather gets warmer, the social calendar fills up quickly, and most of these events are free of cost.
Bring a water bottle – The tap water in this area is safe for consumption. We recommend bringing a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce plastic usage. LifeStraw is a reliable brand that I trust, as their bottles come with built-in filters that guarantee clean and safe drinking water.

Do Not Mix Up a Coffee Shop with a Coffee House

A coffee house (koffiehuis) is a café where you can sip hot beverages and have a quick bite. These do not serve cannabis as the coffee shops in Amsterdam do. So visit a coffee house, not a coffee shop, if you want delicious pastries. One way to differentiate a coffee shop from a coffee house is to look for the green and white stickers on the storefront windows, which indicate a license to sell marijuana.

©babylontours.com

Travel to Amsterdam

If you plan to visit Amsterdam, you can quickly get there by plane, train, car, or boat. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is an award-winning airport that offers flights to 323 destinations. You can also take a high-speed train from Paris, London, Berlin, or Brussels to Amsterdam. The Port of Amsterdam is also a great option, ranking fourth in Europe. Regardless of your chosen mode of transportation, here are some helpful tips and up-to-date information to make your journey as smooth as possible.

Amsterdam can be reached by air, train, boat, or car. The main airport is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, connected to Amsterdam Central Station by a railway line. If you arrive by train, it will likely end at Amsterdam Central Station. Millions of visitors arrive by boat annually. For drivers, parking on the city’s outskirts is recommended. Parking garages and park & ride (P+R) facilities offer excellent public transport connections.

Note: For more information on how to get to or move around the city, please read our Amsterdam transportation guide. Furthermore, We recommend using Omio to find some valuable transportation deals. However, for valuable flight deals, we suggest using Skyscanner.

How to Get Around Amsterdam

Public transport

The public transport in Amsterdam is easy and convenient. GVB operates an extensive network with trains, trams, metros, buses, and ferries. GVB’s public transport network is cashless. You can check in with a ticket or debit/credit card. OVpay is a new method to check in and out using your card.

Cashless Cards

The public transport chip card (OV-Chipkaart) is rechargeable. You can purchase a non-personalized card at GVB ticket machines, GVB Tickets & Info offices, newsstands, and supermarkets. You can also buy a personalized card online. Dutch Railways (NS) provides public transport cards for other parts of public transport. The official OV-Chipkaart website has helpful information in English.

Amsterdam has a reliable and frequent tram service that covers most parts of the city, except for Amsterdam-Noord. You can use a public transport chip card (OV-Chipkaart) to check in and out or purchase tickets for 1, 24, or 48 hours at GVB Tickets & Info offices or GVB ticket machines.

Buses

The city also has an extensive bus network connecting all neighborhoods with other city areas and extending to the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area. The top bus companies include GVB, Connexxion, and EBS, with many routes to and from Amsterdam Central Station. You can use a public transport chip card (OV-Chipkaart) or purchase single-journey, 1, 24, or 48-hour tickets at GVB Tickets & Info offices or GVB ticket machines.

Metro

Amsterdam’s metro has four routes to reach Zuidoost, Amstelveen, and Amsterdam Noord quickly. You need a public transport chip card to access the metro stations. If you don’t have one, you can buy a 1-hour ticket or a rechargeable, non-personalized public transport chip card.

Ferry

Amsterdam’s ferries are free, and the most popular route is from Central Station to Buiksloterweg, which runs frequently 24/7. Other routes include NDSM Wharf and IJplein. You can find the full, interactive map of Amsterdam ferry routes on GVB’s website.

The North Sea Canal ferry services transport motorized vehicles for a small fee.

Trains

The trains offer excellent connections to/from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and other Dutch cities in Belgium, France, and Germany. Amsterdam Central Station is the main station, providing quick access to the city center. Buy tickets from yellow machines or customer service desks.

Parking

Park and Ride (P+R) is an affordable way to park and travel to the city center. Car parks near motorways on the city’s outskirts have excellent public transport connections. Parking costs €6 or €13 per 24 hours, with a maximum of up to 96 hours. Plan your trip online or via NS Reisplanner and 9292 apps for Dutch train schedules.

Riding a bike

Amsterdam is bike-friendly, with many paths to explore local attractions. Renting a bike is possible throughout the city, with rental companies near Central Station, Leidseplein, and hotels. The daily rental price is €10 for at least three hours.

Amsterdam’s parks: Explore Amsterdam’s diverse parks with our comprehensive guide to the city’s green spaces. Discover each location’s unique charm and history, and find the perfect spot to unwind and relax.

©Jan de Ridder

Transport Saving money tips

There are several ways to travel cheaply (unlimited) in Amsterdam:

I amsterdam City Card: The I amsterdam City Card includes unlimited use of Amsterdam’s public transport network for 24, 48, 72, or 96 hours. The card also gives you a discount on museums and attractions.
GVB day ticket: Multi-day tickets are available for 1 to 7 days, starting from €7.50, and are valid on all GVB trams, buses, and metro services.
Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket: The Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket provides unlimited access to all trams, buses, and metro lines operated by GVB, Connexxion, AllGo, R-net, and EBS, including night lines and NS in Amsterdam and the region for 1, 2, or 3 days. It’s affordable and convenient for travelers.

Note: We recommend using Omio to find some valuable transportation deals.

When to Go to Amsterdam

Amsterdam is busiest in July and August, with a daily summer temperature of 22°C (72°F), so expect crowds and book in advance. Mid-April to mid-May offers blooming tulip fields, but bring a rain jacket. Late spring and early fall are the best, with temperate weather and fewer crowds. The Christmas season is charming, but avoid winter.

Where to stay

Amsterdam is a top tourist destination, with over 20 million visitors annually. Visitors can choose from various accommodations, including unique boutique hotels and guesthouses. For a more modern experience, stay in De 9 Straatjes. Houseboats are also available for rent on platforms like HouseBoat Rental Amsterdam. Noord is a trendy neighborhood across the river from Amsterdam Central train station. Visit the Eye Film Museum, Nxt Museum, and Der Pekmarkt’s trendsetting stalls. De Ceuvel is a former shipyard turned creative and social hub. It features post-industrial cafes, galleries, and a floating bed and breakfast.

Note: If you want to find valuable deals, we recommend using Booking.com.

©amsterdam.net

Food and drink

If you are a fan of pancakes and want to try authentic Dutch cuisine, Amsterdam is the perfect destination. From gourmet bakeries to brunch clubs and houseboats, pancakes made with wholesome flours like wheat, spelled, and oat are served in various cities. The Pancake Bakery on Prinsengracht, which has been in business for over 50 years, is a must-visit. Additionally, you can try PANCAKES’ six citywide locations or enjoy vegan crepes with hand-picked saffron and champagne at Moak Pancakes. Other excellent options include De Hallen, a food hall in a converted tram depot in Oud-West, and The Food Department in the heart of De Wallen.

If you are a beer lover, Amsterdam’s breweries are a must-visit. While the Heineken Experience in De Pijp is a popular tourist attraction, several smaller, more sustainable brewhouse areas are worth exploring. Brouwerij ‘t IJ, with its windmill-topped building, has a lovely historic atmosphere. At the same time, the Nordic-themed Walhalla taproom and industriaA’DAM Oedipus Brewing are also great for a quick drink. Remember to pair your beer with bitterballen, a Dutch snack.

Finally, don’t miss out on a tour of Amsterdam’s cozy brown cafes, essentially tobacco-stained pubs that haven’t changed since the 16th century. These atmospheric, beaten-up pubs serve fresh beer and are a great place to experience Dutch culture. Café de Sluyswacht, Café Chris, Café De Dokter, and Café ‘t Smalle are some of the best brown cafes in the city and are perfect for a pub crawl.

Amsterdam is famous for its pancakes.

How to Stay Safe in Amsterdam and other helpful tips

Amsterdam is generally safe, but pick-pocketing is common. Be cautious in the Red Light District, and watch out for scams. Solo female travelers should take standard precautions. In case of an emergency, call 112. Make copies of important documents and consider buying travel insurance. We always go on a trip with it, as we’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Other Useful apps: Plan your trip via 9292 or use detailed interactive public transport network maps via the GVB website.
Language: The official language is Dutch, but nearly everyone speaks English as a second language.
Currency: The Euro!
Credit Cards and Banks: Almost all restaurants and hotels will accept credit/debit cards. As of 2018, you can only use a debit or credit card to purchase public transportation tickets!
Stopovers: Many travelers have stopovers in Amsterdam when connecting to other European destinations. It’s just a 15-minute train ride from the Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam’s Central Station.

The Conclusion of Our Amsterdam Travel Guide

That was all from us for now. We hope we have given you some valuable pieces of advice. However, if you’d like to learn more, please ask us in the comments below. Ultimately, you can always check out our related Amsterdam articles listed below.

Take a look at

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