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Plan Your Amsterdam Holiday: Best of Amsterdam

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Explore Amsterdam

From its picturesque canals and bridges to its historic homes, Amsterdam could be considered straight out of a fairytale (and the brightly-coloured bicycles and tulip stands around town don’t hurt either). Must-see sights include the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the world's only floating flower market. Rent a bike and join thousands of locals peddling around. Other visitors might want to linger in the local coffee shops, which is just a normal part of the city's landscape. Check out more recs below to make the most of your trip.
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Travel Advice

How to do Amsterdam in 3 days

From canal walks and flower markets to museums of brown-café beers
Read on

8 best day trips from Amsterdam

From grand castles and picturesque windmills to charming canals (without the crowds!) and eclectic markets, the towns just beyond Amsterdam deserve a special visit. Although Amsterdam is worthy of its accolades, after exploring the Netherlands, I’ve found that I’m equally impressed by the slice of Dutch life that exists in these underrated destinations. Ready to explore? Here are my favourite detours from Amsterdam.
  • Utrecht
    In quaint Utrecht, 30 minutes south of Amsterdam, children kayak on Oudegracht canal, bikes lean on flower-covered bridges, and cafes line the waterways. The walkable city centre (a 10-minute radius) is also a foodie favourite; it’s perfect for a food crawl of treats like De Ontdekking’s Dutch baby pancakes and Kaasbar’s conveyor-belt charcuterie. Rent a bicycle for the 20-minute ride to Rhijnauwen estate’s teahouse and De Veldkeuken restaurant serving vegan dishes straight from the garden.
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  • World Heritage Kinderdijk
    3,502
    To get to Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s an hour’s train to Rotterdam, then a half-hour ferry (a pretty journey in its own right). The scene is straight out of a Dutch landscape painting—green fields, grazing sheep, and a bucolic waterway studded by 19 authentic windmills. Grab an apple turnover at the visitor centre before biking or strolling around the 18th-century windmills. Tip: Visit in the late afternoon to avoid big tour groups.
  • Rotterdam
    Rebuilt after WWII, Rotterdam draws travellers with its cutting-edge architecture (particularly Markthal’s Cube Houses) and trendy neighbourhoods. In Oude Noorden (Old North), Zwaanshals street is lined with galleries, shops, and restaurants. I swooned over Bistro LOEVetDIE’s French fare (the ratatouille is sublime) and Mecca’s Middle Eastern meals (order egg labneh or white babka). The old harbour, Delfshaven, is a mix of historic architecture and modern amusements, including 4,000-foot rooftop Dakpark and Keilecafe open-air club.
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  • Delft
    Delft is the source of my favourite souvenir: pottery. This storybook village—and Vermeer’s hometown—is known for its blue-and-white Delftware. You can buy custom pieces at Heinen Delfts Blauw, antiques at Léon-Paul, and unique crafts at Droom. To watch the artists in action, head to Blue Tulip, located across from the medieval church in the market square. For lunch, TAZZ is a convivial café that encompasses the Dutch term gezellig (cosy and friendly).
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  • Kasteel de Haar
    1,179
    At Castle De Haar, you’ll feel like you stepped back in time. This fairytale fortress, originally constructed in 1391, was rebuilt in the 16th century after a fire, and fully restored from 1892 to 1912. Today, the 200-room castle is the largest in the Netherlands, and its 135 acres of manicured grounds and romantic gardens are perfect for a picnic. Tip: It’s best to drive (30 minutes) or book a tour as public transit is time-consuming.
  • The Hague
    If you’re a history buff, like me, you’ll love The Hague. As the country’s political centre, it’s home to Noordeinde Palace—a royal residence—and Binnenhof, the 13th century castle that’s the home of parliament. Next door, the Mauritshuis museum displays works by Dutch Masters like Rembrant and Vermeer in a 17th-century mansion. (Tip: Visit late in the day; on a recent visit 30 minutes before closing, I had “Girl with a Pearl Earring” all to myself.)
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  • Haarlem
    Haarlem, just a 20 minute train ride from Amsterdam, is my go-to spot for unique shopping. Some favourites include The James for homegoods, Callysta for jewellery, Vind for vintage clothes, and 't Kaaswinkeltje for local cheese—all within a five-minute walk of the train. While you’re here, get lunch at By Lima, which specialises in healthy bowls, or, for something sweet, the decadent French toast with clotted cream at Toast.
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  • Edam
    Bus 316 takes you 30 minutes north to the lakeside “Waterlands' of tourist-favourite Volendam (think: clog shops, costume photos) or my favourite, Edam, a sleepy hamlet of tranquil canals, leafy walking paths, and a striking bell tower, just a 7-minute bus ride. Sample the town’s namesake cheese at Kaasspeciaalzaak, but save room for dinner at De Fortuna, particularly the sourdough bread board and pecan pie with crispy hops from the Hague.
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Amsterdam Travel Guide

Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Amsterdam

BrakiWorldTraveler

Before you go, obtain the "I amsterdam" card or the "Holland Pass". Both will save you money and queuing for tickets.

Cammie00

Decide on what you would like to see and do before you go and allow for some time in between sites as you will need to this for time to relax in many of the café bars.

Jan S

Rent a bike. There are many rental companies, with different color bikes, standing out between the black or grey bikes of the locals … Avoid taxis. They are expensive.

jfadds

Amsterdam is a wonderful city with helpful citizens who all seem to speak perfect English. It is small and compact — easily navigated on foot and when needed, an efficient public transportation system. Combine this with great museums, interesting neighborhoods and LOTS of places to eat and drink.

AJVaughnDOTcom

Everyone loves Amsterdam and the Netherlands. Amsterdam has something for everyone. From the most Discriminating Foodies to Low Brow Art Lovers and all the wonderful people in between.

jerryd989

Amsterdam is filled with history and great art. The architecture is pretty unique and has a very simple elegance.

What is the best way to get there?

flying

The primary international airport serving the Netherlands is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Many smaller airlines also fly to regional airports such as Rotterdam or Eindhoven, or airports near the Dutch border.

train

Amsterdam Centraal station is the city's major international railway hub, with services to destinations such as Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Russia, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

bus

Eurolines operates international coach services from Amsterdam Amstel railway station, while IDBUS, Megabus, and Flixbus operate international routes from Amsterdam Sloterdijk railway station.

Find more information on getting to Amsterdam.

Do I need a visa?

The Netherlands is part of the Schengen Area with many other European countries. This means tourists from certain countries don’t require a visa for trips less than 90 days — as long as your passport is valid for at least six months after your planned departure date.

Find more information about the Schengen Visa and what countries are exempt.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring (March to May) and Summer (June to August): The spring tulip season — when Keukenhof Gardens opens up and the city is taken over by colorful blooms for the Tulip Festival — is one of the most popular times to visit Amsterdam. Average daytime temperatures in spring reach 55 Fahrenheit (13 Celsius) and lows of 41 Fahrenheit (5 Celsius).

Summertime is also inevitably crowded, but it’s the most atmospheric time to experience Dutch culture, with dozens of festivals, urban beaches, and open-air cinemas springing up around the capital. Average daytime temperatures in summer reach highs of 70 Fahrenheit (21 Celsius) and lows of 54 Fahrenheit (12 Celsius).

Get around

bicycle

Amsterdam is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world. Bike-hire companies are located all over the city. Find more information about where to hire a bike.

train, tram and bus

Public transport operator Gemeentelijk Vervoerbedrijf (GVB) operates tram, bus and metro services starting at 6 a.m. and running until 12:30 a.m. Between 12:30 a.m. and 7 a.m., you can travel on night buses.

The I amsterdam City Card gives tourists unlimited access to public transport in the city combined with free entry to many attractions.

Find more information on schedules, fares, and routes.

taxis

Amsterdam’s taxis are easily spotted with their blue license plates and official sign on the roof. Taxis are metered and can be caught from one of many taxi stands, hailed on the street, or booked via telephone.

Find more information about fares, who to call and where to find a taxi stand.

ridesharing

Uber is available in Amsterdam on your smartphone.

On the ground

What is the timezone?

Central European Time Zone

What are the voltage/plug types?

The standard voltage in the Netherlands is 230V and the standard frequency is 50Hz. Wall outlets typically accommodate plugs with two round pins.

What is the currency?

The Euro

Are ATMs readily accessible?

Yes.

Are credit cards widely accepted?

Yes.

Is it easy to find a bank?

Yes.

How much do I tip?

Tipping isn't obligatory, but people usually round the bill up to the nearest whole Euro or leave 5-10% if they are satisfied with the service.

Are there local customs I should know?

Drinking

The federal legal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 18 years old.

Drugs

Drugs are illegal in the Netherlands, however, the Dutch Narcotics Act distinguishes between hard drugs and soft drugs. A tolerance policy is applied to soft drugs, which includes marijuana and hash. This means that selling, producing, dealing or possession is still illegal on the street, but the law will apply leniency in coffee shops for sales of cannabis under a maximum amount of five grams. To enter a coffee shop, you must be 18 years of age. Visitors should, however, keep in mind that most venues other than coffee shops do not allow soft drugs to be consumed on their premises.

Greetings

The common greeting in the Netherlands is a firm handshake or a double or triple cheek kiss.

Cycling

Do not walk in bike lanes and always look both ways before crossing a bike lane.

Personal space

Respect a Dutch person’s personal space — many value their physical and personal privacy.

Be on time

Punctuality is highly valued in Dutch culture. It is considered rude to keep people waiting.

Amsterdam travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travellers ask in the forums.

Hotel Suggestions

According to forum posts, for those looking for a central location with a reasonable budget, the Movenpick offers rooms starting at $144 per night. It is located near the central train station and includes a shuttle service and nearby tram access, although it is a 10-minute walk from the station. Another option is the Hotel Library, which is decently reviewed and offers rooms at $175 per night.

Apartment Options

For those preferring apartments, some travelers have recommended the Eric Vokel Apartments, which have received positive feedback for quality. Alternatively, the Adagio Aparthotel in Amstelveen offers a 2-bedroom apartment for under €900 for a three-night stay, which might suit travelers looking for residential-style accommodations.

Accessibility and Budget Considerations

For travelers with accessibility needs or those traveling in large groups, finding suitable accommodations can be challenging. One post mentioned difficulty in securing accommodations for a group of 10 with budget constraints around $1000 for one night, suggesting that larger groups may need to increase their budget or consider locations outside the central area.

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Car Rental Locations

According to forum posts, travelers can rent cars at various locations in Amsterdam, including Amsterdam Zuid, RAI, Overtoom, and Marnixstraat. Schiphol Airport is also a popular rental hub, offering a straightforward exit onto highways.

Vehicle Options and Advice

Some users have mentioned that most cars in the Netherlands are manual transmission, and renting an automatic may cost more. Travelers also highlighted the importance of being aware of higher gas prices, parking fees, and potential fines for traffic violations in the Netherlands.

Considerations for Rental

Travelers have called out that renting a car in Amsterdam might not be necessary or advisable if planning to stay within the city or visit nearby major cities, as public transport is efficient. However, for visiting more remote areas like the Veluwe or the Biesbosch, a car could be beneficial.

Additional Tips

For many users, picking up a rental car at Schiphol and returning it in the city or vice versa does not incur additional costs. Travelers recommend checking multiple locations for the best rates when booking, as prices can vary.

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Popular Destinations

Many travelers recommend day trips from Amsterdam to smaller towns and cities to experience a different side of the Netherlands. Destinations like Delft, Utrecht, Leiden, Haarlem, and The Hague are popular due to their proximity and unique attractions. These cities offer a mix of beautiful architecture, museums, and a more relaxed atmosphere compared to Amsterdam.

Specific Suggestions

For those looking to explore historic sites and museums, The Hague and Delft are highly suggested. Additionally, Haarlem is praised for its relaxed vibe and historic feel, making it an excellent choice for those wanting to escape the hustle of Amsterdam without straying too far. Some travelers also suggest combining a visit to Rotterdam and Delft in a single day, as Delft has a small center, making it manageable alongside the modern architecture of Rotterdam.

Alternative Tips

For a unique day trip, some forum users have mentioned the possibility of visiting smaller towns like Enkhuizen, known for its Zuiderzeemuseum, although it is noted that this particular museum has limited opening days outside the weekend. Other less common but intriguing suggestions include visiting Groningen for its vibrant city life or exploring the countryside and smaller towns like Broek in Waterland for scenic views and tranquility.

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Company Recommendations

Some travelers recommended Those Dam Boat Guys for a more tailored and adult-oriented experience, with open boats that include plastic covers for colder weather. However, they mentioned that this tour might include swearing, drinking, and smoking. Other suggestions included Lovers, which offers headphones for a single-language narrative, and Blue Boat for its good reputation.

Type of Tours

According to forum posts, there are various types of canal tours available, such as small open boat tours, dinner cruises, and regular canal cruises. Travelers have called out the small open boat tours for being more casual, often allowing grass and booze, while dinner and themed cruises like pizza, wine, and beer are available for those looking for a unique experience.

Booking and Timing

For many users, booking a canal tour is straightforward, with tickets available for purchase directly at the booth on the day of the tour. It was noted that prices across regular canal cruises are fairly similar, making them accessible without the need for advance booking. Additionally, some travelers suggest experiencing both daytime and evening cruises to fully appreciate Amsterdam's scenic canals.

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Family-Friendly Dining

According to forum posts, the rooftop of NEMO Science Museum is recommended for lunch and is child-friendly. Cafe Restaurant Amsterdam, though not a rooftop venue, is housed in a beautiful old industrial building and features a kids area and a simple Dutch menu that includes items like bread with chocolate sprinkles or peanut butter, making it suitable for families.

Unique Dining Experiences

Some travelers have mentioned unique dining spots that are also family-friendly. Pasta e Basta offers an engaging dining experience with opera-singing waitstaff, and Ctaste provides a unique sensory experience with dining in the dark, served by blind staff. The Pancake Boat and Indonesian rice table restaurants offer interactive dining that can be fun for families.

Dutch Cuisine for Families

For those interested in Dutch cuisine, forum users suggest visiting places like FEBO for a quick snack, or enjoying Dutch pancakes at establishments like Pancake Bakery and Pancakes Amsterdam. Dutch croquettes from Van Dobben and raw herring from street stalls are also highlighted as must-tries for visiting families.

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Payment Methods

Some travelers mentioned that in Amsterdam, it is possible to pay for public transportation by tapping a debit or credit card at the reader upon entering and exiting the bus. This method applies to trams and buses across the city.

Ticket Purchase Locations

According to forum posts, tickets can also be purchased at larger tram stops which have vending machines, or at news kiosks in areas like Schiphol Plaza. These machines and kiosks only accept card payments as cash is no longer accepted.

Special Passes and Combos

For specific attractions like Keukenhof, travelers have called out the convenience of buying combi tickets which include both the entrance and the bus travel. Additionally, multi-day transport passes are available and can be a cost-effective option if planning extensive travel within the city and nearby regions.

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Train Option

According to forum posts, taking a train from Schiphol to Amsterdam Central is a popular and convenient option. Trains are available directly under the airport, making it an accessible choice for travelers. The train fare is approximately €4.50 to €5 per person.

Bus and Tram Options

Some travelers mentioned using bus 397 from Schiphol to Amsterdam, which connects directly to various parts of the city, including the Museumplein area. Additionally, for navigating within the city from Amsterdam Central, trams can be used to reach specific destinations.

Contactless Payment

For many users, the convenience of tapping a contactless credit or debit card for train and bus payments was highlighted. This method allows automatic fare calculation based on the journeys' start and end points.

Additional Advice

Travelers have called out the use of Google Maps and public transportation apps like 9292.nl for planning and navigating routes, ensuring a smooth transition from Schiphol to Amsterdam Central or other city areas.

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High-End Dining Options

According to forum posts, for a special occasion, restaurants like Ciel Bleu, Spectrum, and &Moshik offer upscale dining experiences. De Belhamel is recommended for its stunning canal views, particularly if you can secure a window seat.

Unique Dining Experiences

Some travelers suggested the Moon restaurant in the ADAM Tower for its revolving view of the city, providing a dynamic dining experience. Bussia is also favored for its modern Italian cuisine and excellent service, creating a memorable atmosphere for special events.

Additional Recommendations

Travelers have called out The Duchess and Kees, drinken eten en drinken for lively yet delicious dining options. The Duchess offers a blend of elegance and good food, while Kees provides a personalized dining experience with a surprise menu tailored to dietary preferences and dislikes.

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Tripadvisor is not responsible for these answers or any opinions in them. Please read full forum posts for more details and information.