The Complete Amsterdam Travel Guide

The capital city of the Netherlands is one of my favourite city breaks ever. It’s full of beautiful architecture, fun museums and delicious street food. After two trips to the city, I’ve put together the Complete Amsterdam Travel Guide to take you through absolutely everything you need to know about a trip here. You’ll find practical information about visiting, as well as a comprehensive list of things to see and do, where to eat and drink and where to stay. I’ve covered all aspects to make your trip as easy as possible, all you need to do is get out there and start exploring!

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Amsterdam Travel Guide Quick Info

Country: The Netherlands

Time Zone: CET (Central European Time)

Languages Spoken: Official language is Dutch; English is widely spoken

Currency: Euro €

Emergency Number: 112

How to Get to Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a very well connected city. There are fast train links to the neighbouring countries of Belgium, France, Germany and the U.K, and its airport is one of the busiest in Europe.

By Train

The easiest way to search for trains to Amsterdam is using Omio. The different train lines are run by different companies, so Omio compiles them all together to find the best deals. Travelling from capital-capital can be expensive, so it’s worth checking and booking in advance to take advantage of any reduced tickets or offers.

Amsterdam Centraal Station is right in the heart of the city so if you arrive by train you can jump straight into the city experience.

By Plane

Flying into Amsterdam is probably the easiest option, as they have links across Europe and the world. Check out Skyscanner for flight options from any destination.

Amsterdam Schipol Airport is around 20 minutes from the centre of Amsterdam. The Thalys train from Paris to Amsterdam stops at the airport, and it’s just a few euros to get to Amsterdam Centraal. You could also take the Airport Express bus, that again is just a few euros and has a lot more stops, so it might be more convenient for getting to your accommodation.

How Many Days Do You Need to Spend in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is the perfect city trip destination. There is so much to do that if you wanted to spend longer in Amsterdam you definitely wouldn’t get bored, but I recommend spending 2-4 days in the city. It gives you enough time to properly explore, and see a few of your favourite museums.

What is the Best Month to Go to Amsterdam?

I personally think that Amsterdam is a great destination all year round. Amsterdam is beautiful in the winter months, with frozen canals, Christmas markets and an awesome lights festival. On the other hand, in the summer you can really make the most of Amsterdam’s laid back vibes, relaxing in the parks or with a drink at a bar terrace.

If you want to avoid crowds, head to Amsterdam in the shoulder seasons of spring or autumn. During March-April and September-October, Amsterdam is usually a bit quieter.

Is it Safe to Visit Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has a bit of a reputation, but it’s actually very safe. I’ve travelled solo and with a partner, and I’ve never had any problems. Of course, you need to take certain precautions that you’d take in any busy city, like always being aware of your surroundings and belongings.

If you’re travelling solo, try not to stay out too late at night, and always know the route back to your accommodation. It’s always worth letting someone know your itinerary as well.

Amsterdam Travel Guide: The Best Things to See and Do

Visit a Museum

Amsterdam is chock full of museums, and to me, it’s the main attraction of the city. There is everything from traditional art museums to quirky small museums that celebrate Dutch culture.

Some of my favourite museums are the MOCO museum, the Cheese Museum the Tulip Museum. I’ve written a whole guide to the best museums in Amsterdam if you want to discover more museums to add to your Amsterdam itinerary.

Visit the Anne Frank House

The story of Anne Frank is so iconic and harrowing. In Amsterdam, you can visit the house where she hid with her family, and learn about the stories of the Holocaust. If you have the time, read, or re-read, The Diary of Anne Frank before you visit, so you can truly appreciate the history and the emotion of this story. Although this experience can be quite humbling and emotional, you absolutely cannot visit Amsterdam without going here.

Address: Westermarkt 20, 1016 GV Amsterdam

Opening Hours: Daily 9 am-7 pm (Opens midday on weekdays from Oct-Dec)

Ticket Price: €12,50 (€6,50 for youths)

Book your tickets to the Anne Frank House

If you want to find out more about Anne Frank’s story, why not book a walking tour to learn about her life in Amsterdam whilst exploring important Jewish monuments in the city.

Relax at Vondelpark

Amsterdam definitely isn’t short of green space, and Vondelpark is a great example of that. With 47 hectares to explore, you can spend a morning or an afternoon relaxing in nature. The park boasts playgrounds, sculptures, and even an open-air theatre where there are often concerts in the summer. Make sure you also visit the rose garden, where you can find over 70 different species of roses!

Address: Vondelpark, Amsterdam

Opening Hours: Open 24 Hours

Explore the Canals on Foot (or Bike)

Amsterdam is built on a network of canals, and it makes for beautiful spots all over the city. This is one of my top recommendations for any city, but you should definitely take some time to wander around the city’s streets.

Some of my favourite spots around Amsterdam are Armbrug and Staalmeestersbrug. The Nine Streets ( De 9 Straatjes) is also adorable.

Another way to live the true Amsterdam experience is to rent a bike and cycle around the city. The Dutch take their cycling seriously and the streets are always packed with keen cyclists zooming around, so this isn’t for the faint hearted. I’ve never done it because I’m too scared that I’ll hit someone else! If you’re keen to get on a bike but are a bit hesitant like me, you might want to try a cycling tour around the city.

Take a Canal Cruise

After you’ve explored the canals on foot, it’s time to see it from a different perspective – from the water. Fun Fact: Amsterdam’s canal ring was granted UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2010.

There are countless canal tours on offer in Amsterdam, as it’s one of the most popular things to do. They vary from simple highlights cruises to fancier affairs, with dinner and drinks on offer.

I enjoyed the Stromma 100 Highlights tour, which you can book online here. It costs just £16 for over an hour cruising the canals and comes with an audio guide to explain everything you see. I took my canal cruise during sunset, which means I had the chance to see the canal bridges at night. Seeing them all lit up was a great experience, and if you are going during the winter months (when it gets dark early enough) I recommend an evening cruise.

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Discover Amsterdam canal tours and more top activities!

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Embrace the Crowds at Dam Square and Damrak

Damrak is the main street in Amsterdam that runs from Centraal Station to the historic Dam Square. It’s also home to a canal hub where many canal cruises depart from. At the Damrak canal, you’ll find the dancing houses, which are one of the best photo spots in Amsterdam.

As you head down the street you’ll find Dam Square. It’s surrounded by the National Monument, the Royal Palace, and Madame Tussauds. This square is iconic in Amsterdam’s history, as it’s the original location of the River Amstel Dam, which gave the city of Amsterdam its name.

These two spots are almost always busy, but definitely worth visiting.

Pick up a Souvenir at Bloemenmarkt

I couldn’t have an Amsterdam Travel Guide and not mention flowers! Tulips are an integral part of the culture of the Netherlands. Tourists and locals alike flock to the tulip fields every year when they’re in season.

The best spot in Amsterdam to embrace all things floral is the Floating Flower Market, or Bloemenmarkt. The market runs along a street with barges that sit docked on the water’s edge. You’ll find flowers, bulbs, and other souvenirs and trinkets to remember your trip by.

Bonus Things to Do in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is so packed full of things to do that it’s almost impossible to do everything! I’ve been twice and I’m still making my way through all the attractions. For this Amsterdam travel guide, I thought I’d include some things that are still on my bucket list, and that I’ve heard really positive things about.

Albert Cuyp Market

This huge market claims to be the biggest in Europe with over 250 market stalls. You can find everything from flowers to clothing, with all things street food in between. The Albert Cuyp Market is open Mon-Sat from 9 am- 5 pm, and you’ll find it on Albert Cuypstraat.

The Heineken Experience

If you’re into beer, you’ll definitely want to visit the Heineken Experience Museum and learn about this famous Dutch drink. You’ll discover all about the history and the brewing process, and of course, you can try some Heineken Beer. The Heineken Experience is open daily from 10:30 am- 7:15 pm.

Book your Heineken Experience tickets.

A’DAM Lookout

I think the A’DAM Lookout is top of my bucket list for Amsterdam. This deck gives amazing views over the city. You can grab a drink at the panoramic bar, or jump on Europe’s highest swing and swing over the city. How cool is that! You’ll find the A’DAM Lookout in the north of the city, and you can book tickets on their website.

Hortus Botanicus

If you’re looking for something exotic in Amsterdam, Hortus Botanicus seems like the place to go. These botanical gardens look absolutely gorgeous and are filled with plants. Tickets cost just under €10 for adults and you can book them online, as well as finding all the other info you need, here.

Amsterdam Travel Guide: Where to Eat in Amsterdam

Pluk Amsterdam

One of Amsterdam’s cutest brunch and lunch spots, Pluk is the go-to place for delicious food and Instagram worthy decor. They offer a great menu, with everything from smoothie bowls to sandwiches, and loads of homemade cakes. I had the most beautiful sandwich, which I don’t think is on the menu anymore, but I would vouch that all the food is delicious.

Pluk tends to be quite busy as the seating area is small. As far as I’m aware they don’t take reservations, so you’ll want to get here early to avoid queueing. Top Tip: Service is at the counter.

Address: Reestraat 19, 1016 DM Amsterdam

Opening Hours: Daily 9 am-5 pm

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Price: €€

Ree7

The Nine Streets seems to be the place to go for cute cafés in Amsterdam, because this next place is just a few stores down the road! Ree7 is the sister café of Pluk, and it’s just as good.

I’d recommend grabbing one of their outdoor tables so you can watch the world go by as you eat. Service was fantastic here and we thoroughly enjoyed our food. Pictured is the Carpaccio sandwich, Eggs Norwegian, and the Pink Iced Tea.

Address: Reestraat 7, 1016 DM Amsterdam

Opening Hours: Daily 9 am-5:30 pm

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Price: €€

Vlaamse Frites Snackland

Amsterdam is full of snack food options, and fries are some of the best. On the main street, you’ll find Vlaamse Frites, my favourite place to get fries in Amsterdam. They have over 20 sauces, and I recommend the cheese one. Service is quick and the fries are cheap and delicious, what more could you ask for?!

Address: Damrak 58, 1012 LL Amsterdam

Opening Hours: Daily 10 am-3 am

Price: €

Manneken Pis

Just down the road from Vlaamse Frites is their main competitor, Manneken Pis. Although you’ll have to travel to Brussels to see the real Manneken Pis, they still make pretty good fries. I personally prefer the fries from Vlaamse Frites (and it’s usually less busy), but if you’re in Amsterdam for a few days, why not try both?

Again it’s just a few euros for a cornet of fries, and they have various sauce options and some other snack foods on the menu.

Address: Damrak 41, 1012 LK Amsterdam

Opening Hours: Daily 10 am-12 am

Website

Price: €

Van Wonderen Stroopwafels

If you’re looking for Stroopwafels that taste as good as they look, Van Wonderen Stroopwafels is the place to go. They’re a little pricey at €4 for the small stroopwafel (you can find stroopwafel for around €1,50), but they’re still worth it, as they have amazing toppings, like marshmallows or fudge pieces. The decor in the shop is also gorgeous, filled with hot air balloons and other decorations.

Address: Kalverstraat 190, 1012 XH Amsterdam

Opening Hours: Daily 9 am-10 pm

Website

Price: €€

Amsterdam Travel Guide: How to Get Around in Amsterdam

Amsterdam has a great public transport system, with trams, buses, and a few subway routes. It’s easy to navigate the city centre by foot, but the tram system was brilliant for getting into the centre itself, especially if you are staying somewhere cheaper in the outskirts.

A single ticket (valid for one hour across the three transport systems) costs around €3.20, so it is probably more economical to purchase a day ticket (€8) or a 48-hour ticket (€13,50). You can purchase unlimited tickets for up to seven days, depending on the length of your stay.

Top Tips:

• The on-board system is now cashless so make sure you have means to pay by debit or cash card. To pay by cash you would have to find a GVB Services and Tickets counter.
• You have to scan your ticket when you get on AND when you get off the tram or subway. It’s important that you remember as it can invalidate your card for a period of time.

You can check out this interactive map from the GVB network with downloadable pdfs of each transport system. It will show you all the routes and live departure times.

Amsterdam Travel Guide: Where to Stay in Amsterdam

As Amsterdam has such a big tourism industry, there are places to stay all over the city, for a variety of budgets. There are some Airbnb options, but the city is cracking down on these as a result of over-tourism, so it’s best to pick a hotel or hostel.

I have two recommendations from my two trips to Amsterdam, and I’ve had great experiences at both. They are both fairly low-priced hotels, but still great comfortable accommodation. You can check the Booking.com website to find accommodation that fits your needs if my recommendations aren’t quite right for you.

Corendon City Hotel

The Corendon City Hotel is a little out of the centre, but easily accessible by public transport. The rooms are modern and spacious, and there are amazing spa facilities to take advantage of.

This hotel is perfect for a slightly longer stay in Amsterdam (3+ days) when you’re not too rushed to do everything, and can make use of public transport systems.

Hotel de Gerstekorrel

Quite the opposite to the Corendon, Hotel de Gerstekorrel is just about as central as you can get in Amsterdam. It’s a stone’s throw from Dam Square, and the perfect accommodation if you’re on a quick city break and want to be right in the middle of the action.

The economy room was small, but fine for two people, especially if you’re busy during the days and just back to chill out and sleep. They have slightly more expensive rooms if you’d like some more room.

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Congrats! You’ve made it to the end of this Complete Amsterdam Travel Guide. You’re now ready for the most amazing trip to Amsterdam, and I do hope all these tips and recommendations are useful for you.

Now that you’ve finished this guide, why not check out some of my other Netherlands content. There are loads more Amsterdam guides, as well as What to Do in One Day in Rotterdam, which is the perfect day trip from Amsterdam if you have more time in the country.

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This post was first published in August 2019 and updated in August 2020.