Travel Guide Amsterdam – Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. The city is well known for its past, the extensive canal system and the iconic architecture, the narrow houses. Amsterdam offers more than just cheap thrills! You can wander the sidewalks (on foot, or more popularly, by bike) and explore the Old Center, Red Light, Damplein, Grachtengordel and the Museum District. Use my travel tips in this ultimate Amsterdam travel guide to plan your trip to the Netherlands!
Amsterdam has a fascinating history and is part of the reason why this city is on many travelers’ bucket lists. It is truly one of a kind and offers many different types of experiences. Here are some things you should know before traveling to Amsterdam:
Travel Guide Amsterdam
Credit and debit cards: After all, restaurants and hotels will accept credit/debit cards. From 2018 you can only use a debit or credit card to buy public transport tickets!
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Climate: You can visit Amsterdam all year round and have a great experience, but the winter months (November to March) can be too cold to walk or cycle around the city. You will find that the hottest months in Amsterdam are June to September, but they are also the best months for tourism!
Stopovers: Many travelers have layovers and layovers in Amsterdam when connecting to other European destinations. It is only 15 minutes by train from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Central Station.
From November 2023, US travelers aged 18-70 will need to complete an ETIAS pre-trip visa waiver form and pay an entry fee of €7 ($7.25) to travel to European countries in the Schengen area. . It’s a quick form, and you’ll most likely receive immediate approval—but it’s important to plan ahead and submit. Your ETIAS travel authorization is valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Amsterdam has impressive public transport, offering bike commuters, subways, buses, ferries and trains to help you get around the city and beyond. Getting around Amsterdam is also very cheap, just a Euro or two per trip, so you have a lot of options!
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Bicycles: Most locals use bicycles to get around. There are a LOT of bikes, so be prepared for a lot of bike traffic, but you can easily rent one (for about $10-12 Euros) for your time there.
Walking: Most of the places you’ll want to visit in Amsterdam are relatively close to each other. Obviously, a bus or subway will get you there much faster.
Public Transportation: You’ll find that the fastest commute can take a combination of buses, subways, and trams. Fortunately, GVB offers daily transport pass, available for 1 to 7 days, with prices from €7.50 Euros, and is valid for use on all three types of transport. This is definitely your best option if you are in the city for a few days.
Depending on the type of trip, I would recommend getting an iAmsterdam card. The card includes free entry to the most famous museums, free public transport (unlimited use of the GVB public transport system for 24, 48 or 72 hours) and a free canal cruise. See if the iAmsterdam card can save you money on your trip by using their online savings card before you buy. Check out Amsterdam Travel Tips on a Budget before you start planning!
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Amsterdam has a handful of great neighborhoods to stay in while visiting—and it has plenty of hotel options for all budgets! If this is your first time visiting, the city center, or Center, is a great place to stay. The Jordaan is the wealthiest neighborhood in the city, and is home to some world-class hotels and restaurants—it’s also where you can find the Anne Frank Museum. The neighborhood De Pijp welcomes a local crowd, younger and “hipster” with its cafes, bars and shops. And Leidseplein is a great neighborhood if you want to experience the Amsterdam nightlife.
To help you out, I’ve listed some of my favorite hotels in Amsterdam as well as popular places to stay below!
Banks Mansion is an all-inclusive boutique hotel that offers a great location (on a canal), 24-hour complimentary breakfast, drinks and snacks, and beautiful, old-world charm and design.
There are some VRBO gems for rent in Amsterdam – for as little as $50 a night! Check out our selection of holiday accommodation here.
Amsterdam Travel Guide
This modern boutique hotel offers excellent service and facilities. It’s right next to the Amsterdam Centraal station and all the main attractions you’ll want to explore are within walking distance!
The Dylan is a charming and luxurious boutique hotel in Amsterdam. Located just west of the city centre, it is in a great location and offers fantastic staff, beautiful rooms and delicious food.
The BackStage Hotel is a music-themed budget hotel in the city center. They have a full bar, free Wi-Fi, and a funky, modern design! You will find sharing and private options here.
PH93 Amsterdam Central is a modern B&B centrally located! It’s a short distance from St. Nicholas Basilica and Dam Square (very walkable!) – and it offers an on-site bar, free Wi-Fi and clean, comfortable rooms.
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The Hermitage Hotel offers 22 modern rooms with either a beautiful garden or a canal! The building was originally an 18th century canal house, so it feels like a true Amsterdam experience. They also offer a daily continental breakfast, and if you’re traveling with friends, they offer rooms with multiple beds.
Amsterdam is full of great restaurants. It really is a food lover’s paradise! You’ll also find a large selection of vegetarian and vegan restaurants with menu offerings, so there’s something for everyone. Here are my favorite restaurants to eat at while in Amsterdam.
Not sure what to order? Don’t miss 10 local foods to try in the Netherlands during your trip!
De Kas is one of my favorite, and most unique, restaurants in Amsterdam. The restaurant is located in a series of greenhouses that date back to the 1920s and used to be part of the Amsterdam Municipal Nursery.
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Their food is prepared with the freshest, organic and local ingredients – most of which are grown in their own garden of herbs and vegetables. You’ll want to book early for a dinner reservation!
Bam Boa is a new restaurant located on the Amstel River. It has a bohemian and seaside feel and serves delicious dishes with a luxurious feel. It’s the perfect place for brunch, lunch, brunch, dinner, cocktails and sangria!
At PIQNIQ you will find a variety of small dishes, tasty bites, and the charm of old Amsterdam. This place is ideal for hanging out and people watching! It is only open for breakfast and lunch.
This gem is a small place with only a few tables, and only a 5 minute walk from Damplein. It’s old school offering traditional Dutch fish sandwiches – perfect for a quick bite or easy lunch! Plus, a meal will only set you back around €3.
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This place is world class and offers impeccable service, food, wine, atmosphere. One of the highest and most luxurious places in Amsterdam, you can wine and dine (with eight courses) all night long.
If you have a plant-based appetite, try this eatery while you’re in Amsterdam! They put a fast food spin on vegan food, and it will satisfy all your cravings.
The nicest bar you can find in Amsterdam! It has an old-fashioned feel, with a bit of quirkiness, and offers good music and soft drinks for cheap.
Despite its shady reputation, Amsterdam is a historic city full of culture that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime—it’s full of surprises around every corner. And there is no better sight than watching boats floating in the fields and canals of the city. I’ve listed some of the best things to do in Amsterdam below, but you can find more things to do in Amsterdam in my guide to 10 things to do in Amsterdam.
Netherlands Travel Guide
And don’t miss the Local Guide to Amsterdam and tips for traveling Amsterdam on a budget before you go!
Get a feel for the history and layout of the Amsterdam canals by boat. Take a tour of the canals, and travel through the canals of the city.
Amsterdam is an art city. Many famous artists came from Amsterdam, including Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gough. You can see the pieces in some of the museums, such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gough Museum or the Hermitage Museum. If you’re more of a modern art lover, check out the Moco Museum.
Rent a bike and take the free ferry to Amsterdam North to spend the day cycling. Follow Route 9 along the marked paths and explore the dyke villages, grassland landscapes and the island of Marken. (47 km/4-5 hours)
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This is where Anne Frank hid during World War II, and is one of the most iconic places to visit in Amsterdam. Taking this journey is a very deep and moving experience. You should buy tickets well in advance as tours fill up very quickly.
Don’t miss this market! It is the largest in the Netherlands and has been around since 1905. Come hungry and try some local cheese and Dutch Stroopwafels. You can also make some good memories here.