Travellers, from around the world, flock to Amsterdam seeking to be charmed by one of Europe’s premier travel destinations. Some come for its enviable line-up of museums, others for its heady party scenes. Some love to wander its old-world streets lined with narrow, gable-topped houses and others swing by to cruise through the centuries-old canals in an attempt to befriend the city. Whatever your reason for coming here, this handy guide packed with tips will ensure you make the most of your time here and get your money’s worth at this tourist-driven destination. Read on to learn more about how you can plan the ultimate Amsterdam experience!
Amsterdam essentials
Starting with the essentials, here's what you must know before getting to Amsterdam.
LanguageDutch
Time zoneGMT+1
Country Code+31
Socket Type C and F
CurrencyEuros €
Best time to visit Amsterdam
April to May
Amsterdam is in full bloom during Spring. It’s tulip season and the streets turn picturesque with assorted, colourful flowers sitting pretty every few steps. The trees, lining the canals and elsewhere, are verdant and so are the parks. The weather is perfect and it’s a joyful time in Amsterdam. The city feels similar during fall (between September and November) but is less heavy on tourists while summer turns on the heat but there are plenty of concerts and outdoor events to keep you occupied. December ushers in the winter just as the tourists depart. It is a great time to visit if you love the indoors and are on a tight budget.
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Amsterdam travel tips 101 - A first timer's holy grail
1. Book hotels and experiences in advance
Hotels and the city’s star attractions sell out in no time. Except in winters when tourists are few, Amsterdam is packed with visitors so all bookings should be made in advance. If you are hoping to grab last-minute hotel deals, these are rare and are not worth risking your holiday for.
2. Visit the museums early in the morning
For museum buffs, your first activity of each day should ideally be a museum visit if you want to beat the crowds. The Van Gogh Museum is a small space and can feel suffocating when it is full while Rijksmuseum – a vintage, stone building – is a bit too warm on the inside during summers and high tourist season. Get in as soon as the museums’ doors open so that you can admire the artworks in (relative) peace.
3. Look for red while cycling
Biking through picturesque Amsterdam is every tourist’s dream! It is an easy way to get around and enjoy the city at your own pace, especially, since the city’s public infrastructure supports biking. However, ensure you stick to the biking lanes which are easy to spot since they are painted red. For those exploring Amsterdam, on foot, steer clear of these lanes if you don’t want to be knocked down in public.
4. Pick the canals over the buses
Canals are very well-connected to all the touristy parts of the city and you can easily sign up for the hop-on and hop-off service to visit the best sights. Buses on the other hand are not allowed in central Amsterdam, where many of the attractions sit, rely on canals to make your way through the city.
5. Scout for combo deals
Since Amsterdam is tourist-driven, there are plenty of combo deals that get you into the city’s star attractions and experiences for budget-friendly prices. Look out, especially, for the canal rides that you can take after you tour the Anne Frank House or the Heineken Brewery.
Here are the best combo deals on offer in Amsterdam.
6. Taxi transfers to and from the airport are expensive
Use the train instead and you’ll get to the city centre in about 30 minutes. Buses and trams are good options too. Do note that if you have an I Amsterdam Card, the fares for the trains headed to and from the airport are not covered by the card and tickets have to be bought separately. Still, at about 5 euros for a one-way ride, it proves to be a steal. If you insist on taking a taxi, book a Bolt instead of an Uber as they are less heavy on the pocket.
7. Sign up for the Anne Frank Walking Tour before your visit to the House
Anne Frank House is one of Amsterdam’s most moving experiences – showcasing the life and times of the young, Jewish girl who remained hidden, along with her family, at the very site, during the Nazi occupation. However, for a broader, more in-depth exploration of Amsterdam’s history, its centuries-old Jewish community and the devastation the city and its Jewish inhabitants faced during World War II we recommend you pair your visit to the House with a walking tour. However, do note, that tickets for the experiences are sold separately.
Find tickets for the Anne Frank Walking Tour here.
8. Amsterdam has plenty on offer for families
Sure, Amsterdam’s buzzing party scene grabs most of the headlines but don’t let that stop you from booking a trip for you and your kiddies. Families have a blast at attractions like The Upside Down, canal cruises, A’Dam lookout, ARTIS Royal Zoo, the National Maritime Museum and more.
9. Make sure you tap off
When using Amsterdam’s super convenient public transport system (especially trams) make sure you tap off your debit, credit or travel cards while getting off. Forgetting to do so can result in extra charges (they’ll charge you for the whole route) and the unnecessary hassle of chasing after a refund. Also, the tap-on and tap-off system requires that every person has their own card, you will not be able to pay for multiple people with one card.
10. Head to a coffee shop for an espresso and not a Coffeeshop
The tiny space between the words coffee and shop or the lack thereof makes a world of difference in Amsterdam. For your regular coffee kick, we recommend the coffee shops. In Amsterdam, Coffeeshops (minus the space between the words) offer a different type of ‘high’ and are the only places authorised to sell cannabis products. Remember, smoking cannabis outside of these shops and in public places is strictly punishable by law. The city also prohibits public consumption of alcohol and any drugs.
11. Expect high tourist taxes
One of Europe’s hottest tourist destinations, Amsterdam has steeply increased its tourist tax, raising it to 12.5% of the overnight stay at your hotel. This is the highest in the continent and you’ll have to include these expenses in your budget.
12. Be prepared for the weather
Amsterdam’s weather can be unpredictable going from sunny to cloudy in minutes! Check the weather app beforehand and carry a jacket or a hoodie wherever you go. The city also gets more than 200 days of rain annually so an umbrella is a necessary accessory in this city.
13. The tulips bloom only for a short while
The Netherlands is famed for its colourful tulip gardens but these are only in bloom for a short while between mid-March and halfway through May. And while there are no tulip gardens in Amsterdam, you can take a short ride to Keukenhof Gardens, about 40 kilometres from the city, to witness the splendour of the tulips.
Here's all you need to know before planning your trip from Amsterdam to the Keukenhof Tulips Gardens.
14. Go further from the Centrum for budget-friendly and authentic stays
Amsterdam’s Centrum (the city centre) is beautiful but busy and touristy (translates to expensive). If you want to get a taste of how the locals live you need to move further away from the Ring. Our recommendations include neighbourhoods like Bos en Lomer, Oud-West, Westerpark, De Barrsjes, the Museum Quarter, De Pijp, Oud-Zuid, Zuidas, Zuidoost, Diemen, Amstelveen, and Bijmar. Map hotels in these neighbourhoods closest to the train stations so that your stay in Amsterdam is a breeze.
15. Follow the unspoken rules of the red-light district
The city might have its kinky side on full display in its red-light districts but bad behaviour is not tolerated. There are unspoken rules that are best followed if you don’t want to be stared down or given a talking down. Generally, photography in the area is discouraged and some bouncers, who guard the red-lit windows, will even casually throw your phone in the nearest canal if they catch you taking photos. Don’t sign up for any group tours since they are banned.
16. Get a taste of Indonesia in Amsterdam
Home to a large Indonesian population, thanks to the country’s former status as a Dutch colony, you will find plenty of Indonesian restaurants vying for your tastebuds’ attention during your trip to Amsterdam. Drop by for rijsttafel or rice table – a strictly Dutch invention – where a variety of small servings from the faraway nation are laid out for you to feast on. This is a wonderful way to experience this multicultural, European city. However, the much-advertised Argentinian steakhouses are not authentic and are best avoided.
17. Restaurant reservations are not necessary
Unless you are signing up for an exclusive food experience or looking to dine at an upscale restaurant, most restaurants and cafes are happy to accommodate you without a reservation. Weekends and high tourist seasons might be busier but you will most likely be given a table after a short wait time. Amsterdam’s food scene is packed with options so wander around and pick a place that catches your eye.
18. Don’t skip the gift shops
Whether you have signed up for a museum tour or an experience at a brewery, if they have a gift shop, stop by and you’ll be able to pick up offbeat souvenirs. We especially recommend the Van Gogh Museum where you can pick from a range of knick-knacks covered tastefully in Van Gogh prints and the House of Bols where you can choose from an enviable line-up of liqueurs. Shops also line up an enviable line-up of Dutch cheeses, candies and treats. Don’t miss out on buying wooden clogs from Zaanse Schans, or blue and white pottery from Delft. Bicycle covers, cookie moulds, funky crockery and designer wear are some of the good quality items you can buy in Amsterdam’s markets.
19. Check out Able Amsterdam for wheelchair-friendly things to do
Able Amsterdam is a wonderful online resource of wheelchair-friendly attractions and activities in the city. The site carries plenty of useful information on how to navigate Amsterdam’s public transport, the places where you can rent wheelchairs and other disable-friendly equipment, and also lists the public spaces, including, restaurants, cafes, and gyms that are well suited to those in wheelchair.
20. Carry a strap-on, front pouch
While crime rates in Amsterdam remain low, pickpocketing, especially at tourist-heavy sites, is not unheard of. Stay on the safe side and carry a pouch or a bag that you attach to your front so you don’t lose your valuables, especially, your passport since you are required to have it on you at all times.
21. Know the scams
Like all tourist-heavy cities across the world, Amsterdam too has its share of scamsters looking to make a quick buck off naive visitors. Popular scams include selling you tulip bulbs that are unlikely to bloom and may not even make it past customs at your country’s airport, there are no free canal rides and steer clear of hawkers trying to sell you a stash of Amsterdam’s “finest weed.” When renting bikes, approach a proper shop and do not rent from people standing around hotel corners who may be bringing you stolen bikes.
Tips for saving money on transport in Amsterdam
- Get an OV-chipkaart or the I Amsterdam Card to conveniently pay for and travel on the city’s vast public transport network. With the I Amsterdam Card, you also get free or discounted access to museums, canal rides, and more.
- Book bikes or ‘fiets’ over multiple days to get a better rental deal. Typically, bike shops charge you around €10 to hire a bike for a day, the prices go down if you prolong your hiring period.
- Train stations are also equipped with OV-fiets – bikes that can be rented using an OV-chipkaart to get to your destination from the train station. These cost €4.55 per day for the first three days after which you are charged €9.55 per day. You also have to return the bike to the station where you rented it to avoid additional charges.
- Take advantage of the free ferry rides on offer especially when exploring the artsy Noord neighbourhood and attractions like A’Dam lookout.
- When heading to a neighbouring town or city, take the trains – they are reliable, are available 24x7 and offer value for money.
- For day trips to Volendam, Zaanse Schans, Giethoorn and Rotterdam, group tours make sense as you share costs without compromising on comfort.
- Car rentals are steep in Amsterdam and are a mindless splurge. In Amsterdam, undoubtedly, the public transport system is the way to go.
Tips for saving money on food in Amsterdam
- If you are a tourist, (many, not all) restaurants usually do not offer tap water but pair your request with a drink order and they usually serve it to you. To avoid spending too much money on pricey, bottled water, carry a reusable bottle. Hotels and hostels usually have water stations and there are plenty of public water taps around Amsterdam (there is even an app that helps you find the nearest one).
- Supermarkets like Albert Heijn, Jumbo, Lidl, Spar and Vomar offer a range of snacks, groceries and bottled water at good prices. You can prepare a quick meal or enjoy a picnic in green spaces like Vondelpark – adding charm to your eating experience.
- Restaurants and eateries serving Asian food tend to be more pocket-friendly and are worth stopping by.
- Want to save on groceries? Then, apps like Too Good To Go retail surplus food products and deliver them to you.
- Fast food chains and street food stalls dish up everything from burgers to local Dutch treats at delightful prices.
- A handful of pubs and drinking establishments around the city offer happy hours and boozy specials that reduce your bar tab. Experiences like select canal cruises and brewery tours also serve drinks, adding value to your Amsterdam experience.
More tips to save money in Amsterdam
- Sign up for a free walking tour: Get to know Amsterdam through free walking tours that spotlight the city’s top attractions. Depending on your interests, you can choose between tours that focus on history, food or offbeat sites. While the tours are free, a small charge of € 2 is payable at the time of booking and attendees are expected to tip the tour guide.
- Stay at hostels: Well-designed and budget-friendly hostels are common in Amsterdam, book them well in advance to make a sizeable saving on your stay. AirBnbs are great for families.
- Check out free attractions and events: Wander around the verdant Vondelpark and the historic Dam Square without spending money. Begijnhof courtyard and the Rijksmuseum gardens too are open to all visitors. Culture vultures can check out street art at NDSM Wharf and bookworms can peruse the vast collection at the Amsterdam Public Library. The Library also hosts open-to-all concerts, exhibitions and readings from time to time. When you are in Amsterdam, do check out online guides that list free events.
- Get a nightlife ticket: Access over 30 nightclubs and events at reduced prices with the Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket. You can choose between one to seven-day passes that are a gateway into the city’s heady nightlife without worrying about taxing your wallet. The Nightlife Ticket also offers great deals on drinks and free welcome shots at select clubs while you spend the night swaying to everything from hip-hop to EDM, salsa, jazz and more.
- Book experiences online: Save on experiences by booking your tickets to Amsterdam’s many attractions online. Online portals, like Headout, offer a range of Amsterdam experiences at attractive prices.
Top 10 Things To Do in Amsterdam
I'm sure you have your itinerary all sorted, but here are my top 10 favourites in Amsterdam. If any of these are missing from your itinerary, make sure you squeeze them in! There are a few recommended tours for each attraction, so if you haven't grabbed tickets as yet, now would be a great time.
1Rijksmuseum
Located in the heart of Amsterdam’s Museum Square, the Rijksmuseum is one of the world’s largest and most famous museums, boasting a vast collection of artworks collected from all over the world. Wander through the museum’s many galleries to take a trip through European art history.
4Anne Frank Walking Tour
See Amsterdam at the time of WWII through the eyes of the 15 year old Anne Frank, a walking tour that takes you from the Jewish Quarter to Anne Frank’s House, for a complete storyline of these dark days. Walk past monuments and buildings still scarred by traces of war.
5Day Trip To Zaanse Schans, Edam and Volendam
Visit the idyllic town of Zaanse Schans, an open air museum that gives you a glimpse into the countryside living of Netherlands. From marveling at the windmills at Zaanse Schans to learning about local cheese in Edam and visiting the picturesque seaside village of Volendam; there's lots to do outside of Amsterdam.
6Visit the Tulips at Keukenhof (Spring Only)
Windmills. Tulips, Cheese. Canals. Keukenhof has it all. Hop on a bus and visit the colourful town of Keukenhof where 7 million tulips bloom their best during the months of spring in Netherlands. Only visible for 8 weeks a year, make sure you don’t miss it.
7Amsterdam Icebar
Feel the chill and the thrill at Amsterdam’s famed Ice Bar. Perfect for party-goers who wish to experience something out of the ordinary, the Ice Bar is one of the city’s best nightlife spots.
8Amsterdam Dungeon
The most exciting attraction of Amsterdam, the Amsterdam Dungeon hosts comic yet chilling interactions that portray the darkest secrets of Netherlands. Take a seat, be amused, growl and cringe at bold acts that the competent actors pull off.
9Madame Tussauds Amsterdam
Get your Instagrammable picture taken with Dua Lipa, drink a cup of coffee together with George Clooney, and lots more to do on your visit to the Madame Tussauds Amsterdam.
FAQs
Three to five days would be ideal to take in the city’s top attractions. However, a one-week stay ensures you get to know the city intimately and gives you the time to visit many of the surrounding picturesque villages like Zaanse Schans and Delft.
As tourism has boomed, the citizens of Amsterdam have grown weary of the unending crowds of tourists especially the bawdy stag party cliques and party revellers. Make sure you respect the city and its people. If you are visiting the city’s red-light district, do not take pictures and be aware that public drinking is prohibited across Amsterdam. Consuming cannabis outside licensed Coffeeshops is strictly prohibited and consumption of any drugs (apart from cannabis products at Coffeeshops) is illegal.
Yes, it is safe to consume tap water in Amsterdam. There are over 500 public water taps where you can fill your bottle when you are out and about. Restaurants and eateries in Amsterdam often charge a premium price for bottled water so it is best to carry your own bottle.
Yes, it is. The crime rate in Amsterdam is low and the city is considered safe for solo travel.
Amsterdam’s is, undoubtedly, on every serious partygoer’s bucket list. The city is studded with clubs and bars that offer revellers a heady night out on the town. You can spend your nights here swaying to the beats of music from all corners of the globe while sipping on heady cocktails and drinks.
The city has a wide variety of attractions. We highly recommend visits to the Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, and Van Gogh Museum. Other quintessential Amsterdam experiences include canal cruises, the Heineken Experience, and a walk through De Wallen – the city’s historic red-light district.
Spring (between April and May) is the best time to visit as the weather is perfect and the city looks lush and picturesque. Summer (June to August) and Fall (September to November) are also popular with tourists.
Canal cruises, walking and bike tours, shopping, and museum visits rank high on the popularity charts. Other activities include a walk through Vondelpark and exploring the city’s vibrant food and party scene.
Tourists flock to Amsterdam pretty much all year round so book your stay in advance. The city offers a range of options – from luxurious hotels to well-appointed hostels – choose one that suits your budget and also try to find accommodation that is close to a train station so that you can move around with ease. For an offbeat stay, choose a boat rental.
There is no shortage of restaurants and eateries in the city. The good news is that many of the best restaurants are concentrated around attractions like Rijksmuseum or Anne Frank House or in the trendy Jordaan neighbourhood. Wander around and find a place that catches your fancy. For a more traditional Amsterdam experience, stop by brown cafes – age-old pubs that are popular with the locals.
Amsterdam is quite safe for tourists and you shouldn’t typically face trouble. However, pickpocketing is not unheard of so keep your belongings close. The city tends to shut down after 9 pm so avoid deserted streets and beware of your surroundings.
