One of Europe’s most popular—and easy-to-visit—cities, world-class Amsterdam has Golden Age canals, striking 17th-century architecture, culture-filled museums, and beautiful parks, all crisscrossed by cycle-friendly streets and tulip-laden bridges. While many of the Dutch capital’s sights are easily accessed on foot, a canal boat cruise is also one of the best things to do in Amsterdam. Though places like the Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank House are also must-sees, the entire city feels like an open-air museum. Be sure to leave lots of time for exploring the winding lanes and chocolate-box architecture.
This is a city that’s guided by the seasons. Spring and summer bring tulips and sunshine to the canal-lined streets. And fall and winter welcome Dutch-mulled wine (bisschopswijn), colorful trees dotted with holiday lights, and even occasional snow. Although the Dutch canal city has something to offer in all four seasons, most travelers prefer to avoid the summer rush. Instead, they visit in spring and early fall when conditions are just right for canal cruising, pavement pounding, and museum-hopping.
The easiest way to get around the city centre is on foot, with the added bonus being that you get to take in all the sights. If walking isn’t really your style, the city also has an excellent public transport system. The Central Station (Centraal Station) is a major transit hub, and there are free ferries over the IJ River to Amsterdam-Noord. However, in a city famous for its bicycles, it would almost be unsporting not to give cycling a go. That said, you may have to brave some two-wheeled traffic and bicycle traffic lights.
There are so many things to do in Amsterdam, from Anne Frank’s House to bicycles, clogs, and Dam Square. But the tulips are especially legendary. Since the 17th century, the Netherlands have been synonymous with tulips. Thousands of people flock to Amsterdam each year to catch the colorful flowers in bloom. If you can’t make National Tulip Day or the month-long Tulip Festival in April, worry not. You can also visit the Tulip Museum or see the city’s floral legacy all year round at the floating flower markets on Singel Canal.
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Christian was born in the Netherlands and lived there for over 25 years before moving to the United States. Every time he visits, he makes time to eat a “Bitterbal” and sit by one of his favorite canals on the “Herengracht.”
rent a bike. When the weather allows for it, most places in Amsterdam can be reached quickly on two wheels.
starts with brunch at Bakers & Roasters. After that, head to VondelPark, rent a boat and have a picnic on the Amsterdam canals. For dinner, order “bitter garnituur” (fried appetizers) at one of Amsterdam’s famous brown cafés.
the Anne Frank House, situated in the heart of Amsterdam. Walking through the historic house while hearing and reading about the history will give you a new perspective on WWII.
walk through the non-touristy areas. You’ll be surprised by the small boutiques, restaurants, and bars. And try to make small talk with locals—they love to speak English.
go on the canals. The houses look even more majestic from the water and, if you rent a boat, definitely dock at Hanneke’s Boom, a bar and restaurant where you can grab a drink.
thinking Amsterdam is just a party city when you can admire art at the Van Gogh museum or explore the “negen straatjes,” a neighborhood with boutique stores and cafés along the best canals of Amsterdam.
One of Europe’s most-visited cities, Amsterdam encompasses attractions both high-brow and risqué. Travelers are drawn here for the city’s rich history and culture as much as its infamous coffee shops and the Red Light District. It’s also the city of canals, which gives it the nickname of the “Venice of the North.”
...MoreAmsterdam is home to some of the most-treasured artworks in Europe, many of them in the Rijksmuseum alone. Don’t miss Rembrandt’s The Night Watch at the Rijksmuseum; Van Gogh’s Sunflowers at the Van Gogh Museum, and Vermeer’s Girl With a Pearl Earring in the Mauritshuis Museum. And one of the best cultural things to do in Amsterdam is spending a night at the Concertgebouw concert hall.
...MoreIn two days, you can see many of the top things to do in Amsterdam. Take a boat tour through the canals and explore the UNESCO-listed Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes). You can also visit the Anne Frank House, wander the bohemian De Pijp neighborhood, and go to the Heineken Experience. In the evening you can take a peek at the Red Light District (De Wallen) on a guided tour.
...MoreWith three days to spare, you can thoroughly explore the canals in the heart of the city. Admire some of the world’s great masterpieces in the Rijksmuseum (or get modern at the Stedelijk Museum). Visit World War II attractions such as the Anne Frank House. And head to the northern part of the city to visit IJ-Hallen: the largest flea market in Europe.
...MoreYes, like most major western European cities, Amsterdam can be an expensive destination. Hotels are expensive and admission fees for museums and other attractions are typically on the higher side. However you can easily save money by walking or taking public transport rather than using taxis. It’s aaso worth dining away from the touristy areas.
...MoreNo. Amsterdam is no more dangerous than other major European cities. Pickpocketing is the most common crime against tourists, so it pays to keep your wits about you. As for its notorious side, don’t smoke outside of coffeeshops and book a guided tour if you want to explore the Red Light District after dark.
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