Amsterdam
Amsterdam Travel Guide
Amsterdam is one of the greatest small cities in the world
. FromAmsterdam
canals to world-famous Amsterdam museums and
historical Amsterdam sights, it is
one of the most romantic and beautiful cities in Europe. Canal cruises are a popular way to see the city from the perspective
of its canals.
Amsterdam is also a city of tolerance and diversity. It has
all the advantages of a big city: rich culture, lively Amsterdam nightlife,
international restaurants, good transport - but is quiet, and largely thanks to its
extensive canals, has a little road traffic. In this city your destination is
never far away, but get a bike for an authentic local experience. And if you
are staying for longer, consider a daytrip from Amsterdam to see
also the surrounding towns and villages. They are full of attractions
Best
Time To Visit
July and August are popular—and busy. If
you want to see the tulips, come mid-April to early May. You’ll find better
deals and quieter crowds October to March, with the exception of New Year’s
Eve. This is a unique and riotous celebration in Amsterdam, and well worth
experiencing.
Amsterdam
Weather
August is the hottest month, with an
average high of 63°F (17°C), and the coldest is January, with an average high
of 37°F (17°C).
Amsterdam Airport to the City
Centre
A
direct railway line connects
Schiphol International Airport with Amsterdam Central Station, and is the fastest and most
convenient form of transport to the city centre. Trains run every 10 minutes
from Platforms 1 and 2 in the main arrival plaza (see the airport train schedule). Fine of €35 will be added to
the fare if you are caught without a valid ticket.
Public
transportation in Amsterdam is complicated. You need to buy a card with a chip
in it and scan the card at the beginning of the platform. We recommend to buy
an online train ticket so you can print the ticket and you can get on the train
immediately. Check our online train ticket and avoid complicated processes at
the Airport.
Amsterdam Airport Shuttles run by Connexxion depart every 10 minutes, with services to
more than 100 hotels throughout the city. Tickets cost €17 for one-way or €27
for a return, and can be purchased inside the main arrival plaza. The tickets
can be purchased at the Connexxion Shuttle Desk in Arrivals 4 or the Holland
Tourist Information desk at Arrivals 2. Guests of major hotels should first
check the shuttle area to see if their hotel provides a complementary service.
If you want to transfer from Amsterdam airport to the city center,
you can book a ride with the personalized Amsterdam Taxi service.
Taxi
and business limousines in
Amsterdam start at €45 and can be reserved through our partners at Dutch Business Limousine.
Amsterdam public transportation
Amsterdam
is a wonderfully walkable city, with most major sites in or near the city
centre. For attractions that are further away, public transport is excellent
and driving is strongly discouraged within the canal ring.
For public
transport in Amsterdam, GVB is the main public transportation company. It provides
integrated metro, tram and bus services throughout Amsterdam and its
surrounding areas.
It is recommended that short-term visitors to Amsterdam purchase
one of the many paper tickets available. There are24-,
48-, 72-, 96-, 120-, 144- and 168- hour tickets, and
they provide an economical way for visitors to explore the city.
The 24-hour OV card is €7.50 for all people over 12 and €2.50 for
children aged 4-11. A one-hour OV card can be purchased on-board from GVB
drivers and conductors, but this is not recommended due the premium charged for
this ticket. It costs €2.90 and is only valid for one hour from the check-in
time of your first journey. This card is not valid on another day or for longer
than one hour, even if your actual journey has been very short.
Paper
tickets are valid for unlimited travel on any GVB bus, tram, metro and night
bus for the duration of the card. Please note that they are not valid on the
regional buses run by Connexxion and EBS. Those who wish to travel by train
will have to buy a separate ticket.
Please
remember to always check in when boarding and check out when departing each
bus, tram and metro, otherwise your card may not work the next time you check
in.
If
Amsterdam Trams provide the best way to get around Amsterdam and run
regularly until 12:15am.
Amsterdam Buses are primarily used to reach outlying suburbs during the day. Night busesare available after the trams have stopped running
and are available from 12:30am until 7am, with routes connecting to Central
Station, Rembrandtplein and Leidseplein. Those without a specific GVB day or
multi-day ticket will have to purchase a separate ticket for €4.50. You may use
this ticket to transfer to other GVB night buses.
The Amsterdam Metro system currently has four lines in service that can
quickly take you to the distant suburban areas of the city (see the metro map). Three of the Amsterdam metro lines begin their journeys from Central Station. Some of the metro
stations (e.g. Amstel Station and Sloterdijk) share their platforms with regular
trains, which make them convenient points for travelling out of Amsterdam.
Cycling in
Amsterdam
Bicycling in Amsterdam is a way of life for most Dutch people
and is the best choice of Amsterdam transport. Some would say that the only way
to truly experience Amsterdam is by bike. There are dedicated bicycle paths
throughout the city and very few hills to conquer. A number of companies offerAmsterdam bicycle rentals for around €8 per day, with discounts
for longer rentals.
Amsterdam Taxi
Taxi
stands are available at most tourist hubs including Leidseplein, Dam Square and Central Station. Although more expensive, it serves as
convenient Amsterdam transport. Hailing a taxi can be difficult, especially on
weekends, but cab service is generally prompt if you call ahead. You can reach
the city cab line on 0900 677 7777. Rides cost €1.80 per kilometre regardless
of the time of day, with an optional 5% - 10% tip.
For an
alternative Dutch taxi, catch one of the many bicycle taxis around
the city. The pedal-powered taxis can carry up to two people and are more
environmentally friendly and cheaper than conventional taxis.
Amsterdam
tourist attractions and sights
There
is a broad spectrum of attractions for recreational and cultural sightseeing in
Amsterdam. They range from fascinating old buildings, like the Oude Kerk, to oddities such as the Hash & Marihuana
Museum.
The main
Amsterdam tourism attractions are museums. Everyone knows the Rijksmuseum, Van
Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum, but there is much, much more. The city has
over fifty museums which attract many millions of visitors every year. Read
more about the museums
in Amsterdam. The following sites and monuments should also be of
sihtseeing interest and are an essential part of the Amsterdam attractions
experience.
Top Ten
Amsterdam Attractions
Amsterdam
has a lot of cultural highlights like the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum,
Heineken Experience, Canal Cruise and many more! To avoid waiting lines we
advice to buy your Amsterdam tickets in advance
Amsterdam
attractions and tourist exhibits
Millions
of people visit each year (ca 11,3 million) and according to the research, 85%
of them visit museums. Several Dutch commercial brands like beer producers
Heineken, liquor makers Bols, producers of traditional Dutch cheese Reypenaer
and famous football club AFC Ajax have opened a special exhibit on their Arena
stadium, combined with attractions in Amsterdam. The idea is to promote their
brands by educating visitors about the company tradition, at the same time to
bring fun, and a bit of humor to your visit.
Oude Kerk
This old
church with little houses clinging to its sides, remains a calm heaven at the
heart of the freneric Red Light District. Its buildings, especially the
Gothic-renaissance style octagonal bell tower, was used by sailors to get their
bearings.
Dam square
The Dam
is the very centre and heart of the city, and is the center of Amsterdam
attractions. Although there are arguably prettier sights in Amsterdam. As an
historical site however, it is fascinating and worth taking the time to
appreciate. The Dam has seen many historical dramas unfold over the years, and
was for example, the reception area for Napoleon and his troops during the 1808
take-over of the city. The impressive history of the square is well documented
in the Historical Museum.
The Royal Palace (Koninklijk
Paleis) which dominates the square, was originally used as the town hall and
its classical facade and fine sculptures were intended to glorify the city and
its government. In contrast to its turbulent history, the square is now a
peaceful place and is home to hundreds of pigeons and tourists resting their
tired feet from sightseeing among nearby Amsterdam attractions.
Begijnhof
A narrow,
vaulted passageway leads to this charming garden surrounded by old houses.
Begijnhof belongs to the more poetic Amsterdam attractions. The houses in the
courtyard were once occupied by devout celibate Béguine nuns and are still home
to single women today. In the centre of the lawns is a medieval church and at
No.34 stands the oldest house in Amsterdam. The entrance is on the Spui and is
indicated by a carved sign. Entry is free, but you must be quiet!
Amsterdam's canals
The
number of canals have led this city to become known as “The Venice of the
North”. And thus, Amsterdam tourism trip is not complete without a boat cruise
on these well known attractions in Amsterdam. A canal tour can
be both fascinating and relaxing by day and enchanting and romantic at night
when many of the houses and bridges are illuminated. The four main city center
canals are Prinsengracht, Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Singel. There are also
numerous smaller canals in the neighbourhood of Jordaan, of which the
Brouwersgracht, the Bloemgracht and the Leliegracht are especially pleasant. If
you like boats there is also a large upcoming event about historical sail ships
called Amsterdam SAIL.
Amsterdam windmills
A trip to
Holland just wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a windmill. Believe it or
not, there are 8 stunning windmills in at the heart of the city just waiting to
admired. Don’t forget to take a camera for your sightseeng.
Jordaan
Once a
working class area, Jordaan has become greatly sought after. As a place to live
as well as one of tourist Amsterdam attractions. The converted warehouses are
especially popular, and the Jordaan is now inhabited by a colorful mixture of
students, well-to-do businessmen and creative professionals. The Jordaan oozes
atmosphere with its narrow streets, picturesque canals, brown cafes, art galleries and unique shops. You can easily lose yourself in a pleasant
stroll in through the enchanting streets that connect the 3 main canals.
Rembrandtplein
Rembrandtplein
is lined with pubs, restaurants, cafes and hotels and is thus a tourist magnet
of attractions in Amsterdam. A popular centre for nightlife, it also includes
traditional Dutch pubs which play real Dutch music. In summer, the terraces are
packed with people enjoying a drink and watching the world go by. In the centre
of the square is a small but pleasant park where you can relax or pay homage at
the statue of Rembrandt. Around the area you’ll also find quality night clubs,
gay venues, respectable diamond dealers and the inevitable tacky souvenir
shops.
Leidseplein
The
Leidseplein or Leidse-square is one of the most popular centres for nightlife
attractions in Amsterdam. With many restaurants, clubs, coffeeshops, cinemas
and theatres in
the area, the Leidseplein is vibrant and colourful. On warm summer evenings,
tourists and locals alike take advantage of the pubs’ outdoor seating for a
long, lazy drinks with friends. Street musicians, jugglers, fire-eaters and
other performers liven up the square, often till the early hours.
Red Light District
Beer and
party atmosphere, sex for sale, and limitless people-watching. The stores are
full of hardcore videos, magazines and sex toys. The Red Light District is
somewhat of a sexual amusement park and often not taken too seriously by the
hordes of tourist who frequent it as other Amsterdam attractions. The famous
red window lights are striking against the quaint, old canal houses and even
the fairy lights that line the bridges at night are coloured red. Although it
is generally considered to be a very safe area, care should still be taken when
walking through the quieter streets of the area. There is a strict “no
photography” policy.
Albert Cuyp market
The
Albert Cuypmarkt is arguably the best-known and busiest outdoor market in
Europe. It attracts thousands of visitors every day, and is especially popular
on Saturdays as Amsterdam attractions. There are over 300 stalls and goods
range from fresh produce, to clothes, to odds and ends, with prices among the
cheapes. The market is lheld in the
Pijp district,
surrounded by many pleasant cafes and small shops. There is another number of
regular street
markets
Vondelpark
The
Vondelpark is situated in the south, just five minutes walk from the
Leidseplein and in walking distance from the Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum and
Van Gogh Museum. With 10 million visitors a year, the Vondelpark is the most
famous park in the Netherlands and belongs to known Amsterdam attractions for
sightseeing.
Amsterdam parks
There are
a number of beautiful, quiet parks where you can relax during the busy day.
These well maintained parks provide some nature to both locals and Amsterdam
tourism. The largest of them - Vondelpark is
in the very centre of the city. Other parks as Beatrixpark, Frankendael,
Sarphatipark, Amstelpark, Westerpark are quiet, well-maintained community
parks. An artificial forest just South of the city – Amsterdamse Bos is
today a big nature reserve, with many Amsterdam attractions.
Squares in Amsterdam
The city
squares symbolize the whole areas of the city with their activity and the
character. Big and open Dam square with the Palace of the King and the best
department store has a central role in town and belongs to Amsterdam
attractions. Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein are entertainment and tourism
centers while the Museumplein name speaks for itself. Nieuwmarkt, Westermarkt
and Noordermarkt are old markets, which found today a new function, each of
them different. Even a small square called het Spui has its own special
character, making it a real fun to visit.
Artis ZOO
Right in
the center of the city, you can also find the oldest Zoo of Holland. It
consists of four main areas: Zoo, Planetarium, Botanical Gardens and Geological
and Zoological museum. In the zoo itself you will find animals from all over
the world. In addition, a unique canal aquarium shows you which animals roam
the canals. The planetarium offers children a trip trough the universe. In the
peaceful gardens, you can find many old trees and statues of contemporary
artists and aswell as an impressive, tropical rainforest greenhouse. There are
more Amsterdam attractions here. Like the Geological museum shows you how the
planet has evolved over the past 4 billion years.
Hortus
Botanicus
Big and attractive
botanical garden called Hortus Botanicus is one of the oldest in the world
(est. 1632). It has more than 6000 plants and some of the plants are really
unique as 2000 years old agave cactus. In the recently renovated Orangery of
Hortus Botanicus, a beautiful café with a large outside terrace open to the
garden welcomes the visitors. A short walking distance from the Rembrandts
House, very close to Artis ZOO, the Jewish Historical Museum and the Resistance
Museum, Hortus Botanicus remains a pleasurable oasis of peace and pleasurable
Amsterdam attractions in the busy and crowded centre.
Magere Brug
Of 1280
or so bridges in town, the Magere Brug, or “ Skinny Bridge” is the most famous
of these Amsterdam attractions. It is a traditional double-leaf, Dutch
draw-bridge connecting the banks of the river Amstel. Approximately every
twenty minutes, the bridge opens to let boats through. The original bridge was
built in 1670, but as the traffic on Amstel increased, a wider bridge was built
to replace the narrow one.
Landmark
hotels of Amsterdam
The city
has a number of the landmarks hotels, which stand out above the hundreds of
buildings in the town. Not only for their function but also as sightseeing
Amsterdam attractions. Among them there are the old and dignified historic
hotels as Hotel Krasnapolsky and Amstel Hotel, and the modern, international
hotels such as Hilton and Okura, along with several other excellent, five-star
hotels.
Where to stay in Amsterdam
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