So, you're planning a trip to Amsterdam? Our Amsterdam Travel Blog will help you figure out how to plan a trip to Amsterdam step by step. Dive into our comprehensive Amsterdam Travel Blog, where we cover everything you need to know about the Dutch capital and the must-do experiences awaiting you.
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Amsterdam is a city where history, art, and innovation intertwine along its picturesque canals. Originally a small fishing village in the 13th century, Amsterdam grew into one of Europe's largest trading hubs during the Dutch Golden Age of the 17th century. Its merchants, through the Dutch East India Company, shaped global commerce, while its artists, from Rembrandt to Vermeer, transformed European art.
Today as the capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is both historic and forward-looking. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its iconic canals, yet it is also home to cutting-edge design, thriving tech companies, and a vibrant multicultural population. The city has inspired generations of thinkers, writers, and artists from Rembrandt, whose works epitomize the Dutch Golden Age, to Vincent van Gogh, whose paintings are celebrated in one of the city's most visited museums.
What makes Amsterdam unique among European capitals is its scale and accessibility. Compact and easy to navigate, the city invites travelers to explore by foot, bike, or boat. In just a few days, you can take in masterpieces at the Rijksmuseum, step inside of history at the Anne Frank House, and admire the canals and narrow townhouses that define the city's charm.
Of course, no Amsterdam travel blog would be complete without mentioning the seasons. Each time of year brings a different personality to the city, but no season is more spectacular in Amsterdam than spring. From mid-March through mid-May, tulips blanket Amsterdam (and the greater Holland region) in beautiful color. Tulip season draws more than a million visitors to the city to see the Netherlands’ most famous flower in bloom. The highlight is Keukenhof Gardens, an hour outside of Amsterdam, where more than seven million bulbs are planted annually, creating dazzling displays of tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils.
Whether you are enjoying a canal cruise through the city, cycling across its picturesque bridges, or exploring one of the incredible museums in the city, Amsterdam invites travelers to slow down and embrace a city that is as much about atmosphere as it is about landmarks. Here are some additional facts about Amsterdam:
This section showcases the top things to do in Amsterdam for every type of traveler. Afterall, no Amsterdam travel blog would be complete without a curated selection of the city's top things to do! Amsterdam is a vibrant and historic capital city filled with rich culture, historic landmarks, and incredible museums. Whether you are here for a quick city break or planning a longer stay, these are the can’t-miss attractions and top things to do in Amsterdam.
We've highlighted all the attractions we visited and adored with the universal symbol of love, ♡.
Make the most of your time in Amsterdam with the flexible and convenient Amsterdam City Pass from MegaPass. This all-in-one sightseeing pass includes admission to must-see attractions like the Rijksmuseum, a one-hour canal cruise, internet data via eSIM, and a full-day bike rental which is the perfect way to explore the city at your own pace. You can also customize your pass by adding extra days to your pass to suit your interests and itinerary. It is one of the best ways to save time and money while discovering the best things to do in Amsterdam!
As you plan your trip to Amsterdam, here is a curated listing of some of the most popular Amsterdam landmarks and attractions, not already mentioned in the Top Things to Do in Amsterdam.
No Amsterdam travel blog would feel complete without at least mentioning the Red Light District (De Wallen). As Amsterdam's medieval city center, this neighborhood has long been associated with legalized sex work and remains a popular, though often misunderstood, tourist attraction. If you do decided to visit, remember to show respect to the workers in the windows and to never take photos or videos.
While we do not consider the Red Light District to be an essential stop on your trip here (there is more than enough to see and do in Amsterdam without venturing into this neighborhood), many travelers are curious about the area. Should you visit, be mindful of your surroundings and your belongings. Since the neighborhood is often frequented by rowdy, drunken tourists, it is a hotspot for pickpockets and petty theft. While the Red Light District is generally safe, always stay alert and keep an eye on your belongings.
As you plan your visit, here are more of the best museums in Amsterdam, not already mentioned in the Top Things to Do in Amsterdam (like the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, & Anne Frank House). Most museums in Amsterdam are closed on the following public holidays: January 1, King's Day (April 27), and December 25, annually. The main exception is the Rijksmuseum which is open daily, including on public holidays. As always, we recommend double-checking the opening hours for any museum(s) that you wish to explore during your time in Amsterdam before your visit.
We believe that one of the best ways to experience a new city is through its food. While Amsterdam may not get the same reputation as say, Paris, for its cuisine, but great food can be found throughout the city.
No trip to Amsterdam would be complete without tasting at least one of the city's specialities, including:
Dining in Amsterdam is as diverse as the city itself, with everything from traditional Dutch specialties to modern fine dining and international cuisines. One thing to keep in mind: advance reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends or if you are traveling with a group, as many of the city’s best spots book up quickly. The restaurants below are places we have personally eaten at and can confidently recommend.
If you are looking for even more restaurant recommendations in Amsterdam, be sure to check out the links below.
Amsterdam’s nightlife is centered around areas like Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein, where bars and clubs stay busy late into the night. The legal drinking age in the Netherlands is 18, and whether you are after an innovative cocktail, a craft beer, or a vibrant late-night scene, the city has something for everyone. Below are a few of the bars that we love in Amsterdam. Here are our top picks for bars in Amsterdam that are perfect for enjoying a drink:
Looking for even more bars in Amsterdam? Check out Time Out's list of 14 Best Bars in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam offers a mix of traditional souvenir shops and high-end department stores, making it a great city for shopping. Whether you are hunting for unique souvenirs or simply window shopping, you will find plenty of places to indulge in a little retail therapy.
Amsterdam has no shortage of quirky and classic souvenirs to buy, many tied to Dutch culture and traditions. Some of the most popular souvenirs to buy in Amsterdam include:
If you are a non-EU resident, you may be eligible for a VAT refund on certain purchases made in the Netherlands. Many retailers participate in tax-free shopping schemes, just look for signs or ask at checkout. To qualify in the Netherlands, you will need to spend at least €50.00 in a single transaction and you must take your purchases home, unused. You are required to keep your receipts and complete the required paperwork, which you then need to present at the airport (or seaport) before your departure from the European Union. For additional information regarding the VAT refund process in the Netherlands, please visit the Customs Administration of the Netherlands website.
Getting around Amsterdam is easy, thanks to the city’s compact layout and a variety of easy-to-use public transportation options.
Amsterdam's main airport is Schiphol Airport (AMS), located approximately 5.5 miles (9 kilometers) southwest of the city center. Schiphol Airport is the Netherlands' largest airport.
Most of the top things to do in Amsterdam are within walking distance from one another. However, Amsterdam also boasts an efficient public transportation network that includes city buses, trams, Metro, and suburban trains. Buses and trams cover most of the city and suburbs, while the Metro has five lines that connect popular neighborhoods, shopping areas, and transport hubs.
Amsterdam’s Metro has five lines that connect the city center with neighborhoods like Zuid, Bijlmer, and Amstelveen, making it especially useful if you are staying outside of the Canal Belt. Stations are modern and easy to navigate, and trains run frequently throughout the day. One of the best features is the city’s tap-to-pay system. Instead of buying a physical ticket, you can simply tap in and out at the gates with a contactless debit/credit card, smartphone, or smartwatch. This makes using the metro (as well as trams and buses) easy for visitors.
For most visitors, buses and especially trams are the easiest way to get around Amsterdam. Trams crisscross the city center and connect major neighborhoods like Jordaan, De Pijp, and Museumplein, while buses reach areas less covered by the tram or metro network. Both accept the same tap-to-pay system, so you can simply use a contactless card, phone, or smartwatch instead of buying paper tickets. Routes are straightforward once you get the hang of them, but we recommend using a navigation aid like Google Maps to quickly find the best tram or bus for your destination.
Amsterdam’s ferries are a free and scenic way to cross the IJ River, connecting the city center with Amsterdam Noord. The most popular route runs from behind Centraal Station to Buiksloterweg, where you will find attractions like A’DAM Lookout and the EYE Filmmuseum. Ferries run frequently (often every few minutes) and accept bikes, making them one of the most convenient ways to explore the Noord area of Amsterdam.
Taxis
While taxis are readily available, they are one of the most expensive and least efficient ways to get around Amsterdam. Many streets in Amsterdam’s historic center are closed to car traffic or restricted to bikes and pedestrians only, which is part of what makes the city so walkable and bike-friendly. This layout preserves the charm of the Canal Belt but it also means that cars and taxis are often slower and less convenient than public transportation, biking, or walking. With the city’s compact size, excellent tram and Metro system, and bike-friendly streets, taxis are rarely necessary unless you are traveling late at night or with heavy luggage.
Rideshare apps exist in Amsterdam, including Uber and Bolt. However, like taxis, rideshares are not always the most efficient way to navigate Amsterdam. If you plan to use a rideshare service to or from Schiphol Airport, you will need to meet your driver in a designated pickup and drop-off area separate from taxis.
Amsterdam has quite a few train stations, however, only two are typically used by tourists visiting the city.
Amsterdam is well connected by train, making it easy to explore the Netherlands and abroad. From Amsterdam Centraal Station, frequent domestic trains link you to cities like The Hague (54 minutes), Utrecht (27 minutes), Haarlem (17 minutes), and Rotterdam (66 minutes), making day trips easy.
High-speed international train services also depart from Amsterdam Centraal Station and Amsterdam Zuid. The Eurostar connects Amsterdam to Brussels (2 hours), Paris (3.25 hours), and London (4.2 hours). OBB Nightjet offers daily services from Amsterdam Centraal to Vienna (14 hours), Innsbruck (14 hours), and Zurich (11.5 hours). Direct trains also run to Germany, including Cologne (2.3 hours) and Berlin (5.5 hours).
Train tickets should be purchased in-advance of your travel. We recommend booking your train tickets directly through Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS). If you are traveling from Amsterdam internationally via train, you will want to book your tickets directly through the NS International website. Both websites have apps for both iPhone and Android that make it easy to download your train tickets right to your phone.
This would not be an Amsterdam travel blog without mentioning the most popular form of transportation in Amsterdam: bicycles. Amsterdam is famously one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world, and cycling is often the easiest way to get around. Bike rentals are available across the city, and designated bike lanes make it easy to navigate the city like a local.
That said, the sheer number of cyclists in Amsterdam can be overwhelming for first-time visitors, so ride cautiously, follow the rules, and avoid busy rush hours if you are not confident. For more tips on using bikes in Amsterdam, check out this article from the I amsterdam website.
Joining a guided bike tour is a great way to experience Amsterdam on two wheels without worrying about navigation. Local guides lead you safely through the city’s bike lanes and canalside streets while sharing history, stories, and hidden gems along the way. A few highly rated bike tours available through our affiliate partner, GetYourGuide, are listed below.
Amsterdam is a city that we have been fortunate enough to visit twice now in the last three years and each time it has left us more impressed. For all of its popularity, Amsterdam really is unique. The city is wonderfully walkable, and when you need to venture further, it is seamlessly connected by trains that make day trips to places like The Hague simple and international connections to Brussels or even Paris incredibly convenient.
One of the things we love most about Amsterdam is its art. The Dutch masters revolutionized painting in the 17th century with their realism and there is no better place to see their masterpieces than at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. Between the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and countless other museums and galleries scattered throughout the city, the art scene in Amsterdam is easily on the same level as other European cities like Paris, Madrid, and Florence.
Then, of course, there are the canals. While we love walking through Amsterdam's picturesque neighborhoods, there is truly no better way to experience the city than from the water. Like a gondola ride in Venice, a canal cruise in Amsterdam offers a perspective that you simply cannot get from the street. Plus, with a good tour guide, you might even learn some new fun facts about the city as you float past its most iconic landmarks! We love seeing Amsterdam from the water so much that we believe it should be at the very top of every Amsterdam itinerary - no matter how many times you visit this incredible city.
On our most recent trip to Amsterdam in May, we made it out to Keukenhof Gardens to see the tulips in bloom and it exceeded every expectation. The sheer scale and color of the displays were unforgettable, even towards the end of the season when the flower displays were no longer at their peak! If you have the opportunity to visit Amsterdam during tulip season (from mid-March through mid-May), we highly recommend that you do!
What we have come to love most about Amsterdam is how it balances the iconic with the unexpected. You can spend a morning at one of the world’s greatest art museums and an afternoon at a brewery by a windmill, and both experiences feel equally authentic. Plus, the friendly people, incredible food scene, and the city’s rich culture make every visit even more memorable.
It is true that Amsterdam struggles with overtourism, especially on weekends and during the summer months, but planning your trip during the week or off-season (like the winter months) can make a world of difference. We have also found that three to four days in Amsterdam is the right amount of time, enough to see the main sights, fit in a canal cruise, and still take a day trip to places like The Hague or Keukenhof Gardens. While you could easily spend longer, we think this is really the minimum to appreciate what makes the city so special.
Amsterdam’s art scene and beautiful canals will continue to bring us back again and again. If you are planning your own trip, start with our favorite things to do in Amsterdam, restaurant recommendations, and day trip guides (coming soon) to help you make the most of your visit.
Wondering where to stay in Amsterdam for first timers? We have you covered! Amsterdam is a compact and walkable city, shaped by its iconic canal belt - a network of concentric waterways built during the 17th century that form the historic center of the city. Many of the city's most popular sites, including the Anne Frank House, Dam Square, the Royal Palace, and the museums of Museumplein, are clustered within or just outside of these canals, making it easy to explore the city on foot, by bike, or even boat. To help you plan your stay, we have outlined some of the most popular neighborhoods in Amsterdam, as well as recommended hotels, below.
The Old Centre is Amsterdam's historic and tourist center, anchored by Dam Square and Amsterdam Centraal Station. Here you will find major landmarks like the Royal Palace, Nieuwe Kerk, Oude Kerk, the busy shopping streets of Kalverstraat and Nieuwendijk, and the Red Light District.
What makes the Old Centre such a practical place to stay in Amsterdam is its location. Many of the top attractions in Amsterdam are within walking distance, and when you do need to venture further, trams, buses, and ferries all converge here. Amsterdam Centraal Station also offers direct trains to Schiphol Airport in 15 minutes, making arrivals and departures easy. While hotels in this area tend to be more expensive, it is well worth paying for the convenience, especially in a city where taxis can be prohibitively expensive.
The Old Centre can be noisy and crowded, especially at night and on weekends, but it is easily one of the best places to stay in Amsterdam due to its location. We have stayed in the Old Centre twice now. On our last trip to Amsterdam in May 2025, we stayed at the art'otel Amsterdam, which is a short walk from Amsterdam Centraal Station and we loved both the hotel and its convenient location. The rooms were large, comfortable, and we would definitely stay here again! Back in September 2022, we also stayed in the Old Centre, but this time at Hotel Estheréa, which we enjoyed and recommend. While Hotel Estheréa is a further walk to Amsterdam Centraal Station, it is located on a quiet and scenic canal. More other highly-rated hotels in the Old Centre are listed below.
The Jordaan is one of Amsterdam's most photogenic neighborhoods, known for its narrow streets and tree-lined canals. Landmarks here include the Anne Frank House and Westerkerk, but the real charm is found in simply wandering through its picturesque streets.
Though the neighborhood does not have any direct transit links, the Jordaan's location on the edge of the Canal Belt means you can easily walk to most attractions and landmarks in Amsterdam within 10-15 minutes. Amsterdam Centraal is not too far either, located about a 20-minute walk away. It is a quieter, more local neighborhood alternative to the busy Old Centre. While we have not stayed in the Jordaan ourselves, in researching this Amsterdam Travel Blog we found a couple of highly rated hotels, listed below.
Encircling the Old Centre, the 17th-century Canal Belt is the classic image of Amsterdam. The neighborhood is characterized by its elegant gabled houses, arched bridges, and tree-shaded canals. It is one of the most scenic parts of the city and a great place to base yourself if you want the quintessential Amsterdam canal experience. Key sights in this neighborhood include the Museum of the Canals and the floating Bloemenmarkt flower market.
Getting around the Canal Belt is easy, with trams running throughout the neighborhood and many of Amsterdam’s top museums and attractions just a short walk away. Plus, the Amsterdam Metro has a few stops in the area.
This neighborhood is one of the most romantic and atmospheric places to stay in Amsterdam. It really is the perfect combination of classic scenery, while still being centrally located. We have not personally stayed in the Canal Belt, or Grachtengordel, as it is known in Dutch. However, we have researched several highly rated hotels that are listed below.
Just southeast of the Old Centre, the Jewish Quarter is home to landmarks like the Portuguese Synagogue, the Jewish Museum, the National Holocaust Museum, the Rembrandt House Museum, and the National Opera & Ballet. The neighborhood has excellent tram and Metro connections, making it easy to reach both the Old Centre and Museumplein in a few stops. The area is walkable, too, with leafy canals and a quieter atmosphere compared to the tourist-heavy neighborhoods nearby.
We have not stayed in the Jewish Quarter, known as Jodenbuurt in Dutch, ourselves, a few highly rated hotels in the neighborhood are listed below.
Across the IJ River from Amsterdam Centraal Station, Noord was once an industrial neighborhood that has recently undergone a modern makeover. Landmarks in Noord include the A'DAM Tower with its sky-high swing and rooftop bar, the STRAAT Museum, and the Eye Filmmuseum which is a striking, futuristic building on the waterfront. The trendy cafés, repurposed warehouses, and growing arts scene give the neighborhood a completely different vibe than the historic center.
Noord is easily accessed via the free ferries that run regularly from behind Amsterdam Centraal Station, connecting you to the neighborhood in just a few minutes. This is a great base for travelers who want a more contemporary vibe, better value for money, and do not mind relying on the ferry system to reach the Old Centre. Below are some of the top-rated hotels in Noord.
Oost is one of Amsterdam's most diverse neighborhoods. Popular attractions in Oost include the NEMO Science Museum and the Artis Zoo, one of Europe’s oldest zoos. Oosterpark offers some nice green space, while the Dappermarkt is a lively street market where you can find everything from Dutch staples to international street food. Plus, Oost is where you will find the De Gooyer Windmill and Brouwerij 't IJ!
Getting around Amsterdam from Oost is easy thanks to multiple tram, bus, and train connections. Amsterdam Muiderpoort and Amsterdam Science Park are two train stations located in East Amsterdam that easily connect to Amsterdam Centraal.
While we have not stayed in Oost, a few highly rated hotels are listed below.
Oud-Zuid is one of Amsterdam's most elegant neighborhoods. The neighborhood's centerpiece is Museumplein, home to the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk Museum. Upscale shopping can be found along P.C. Hooftstraat, while Vondelpark borders the area.
Transport links are excellent from Oud-Zuid, with trams running directly to the Old Centre and a handful of Metro stations nearby. The neighborhood itself is calm and refined, with plenty of cafés and restaurants. A few highly-rated hotels in Oud-Zuid are listed below.
De Pijp is anchored by the Heineken Brewery, where the popular Heineken Experience walks visitors through the brand's history and brewing process. Just a few blocks away, the Albert Cuyp Market brings the neighborhood to life with stalls selling everything from Dutch stroopwafels to Middle Eastern street food. You will also find Sarphatipark, a nice park in the middle of the neighborhood, as well as plenty of cafés, bars, and restaurants.
Transportation from De Pijp is great, with the North-South Metro line connecting De Pijp to Amsterdam Centraal Station in under 10 minutes and trams running frequently throughout the area. Plus, you are just a short walk from Museumplein. While we have not stayed in De Pijp ourselves, a couple highly rated hotels are listed below.
Zuidas is Amsterdam's modern business district which offers a stark contrast from the historic part of the city. Dominated by glass skyscrapers, the area has also become a hub for upscale hotels, fine dining, and contemporary architecture. While it does not have the cultural landmarks of the Old Centre or Oud-Zuid, it is easily connected to the rest of the city via Amsterdam Zuid Station. Amsterdam Zuid Station is one of the city's key transport hubs, with direct trains to Schipol Airport in just 10 minutes and plenty of Metro links to the Canal Belt and Old Centre.
Zuidas is great for travelers who prioritize modern comforts, business travelers, or anyone seeking quick airport access without being too far from the main attractions. A few popular hotels in Zuidas are listed below.
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Curious about the resources that shaped our trip to Amsterdam? Dive into the links below for additional insights and valuable information we used to plan our own trip.
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