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 tourist attractions

Amsterdam is one of Europe's top destinations Travelling to Amsterdam is usually quite 
easy, as it can be reached by air, land and even sea, cheap flights from within europe and direct flights from outside Europe are readily available


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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