Getting to Amsterdam
Amsterdam is home to one of the largest airports in the world (Schiphol Airport). The flag carrier and largest airline is KLM and you can find flights here.
High-speed trains also run to Amsterdam Centraal Station from all over Europe. You can buy tickets to Amsterdam from Paris, Brussels, London, Berlin and Rome plus many more.
Get all the information you need for your trip to Amsterdam by checking out our Planning a Trip to Amsterdam guide.
Top Attractions in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is steaming in history, art lovers must visit the Rijksmuseum where a collection containing more than 2,000 paintings from the Dutch Golden Age is on show. These include works by Rembrandt (The Night Watch, 1642), Jacob van Ruisdael (Landscape with Waterfall, 1600s), Johannes Vermeer (The Milkmaid, 1658) and Frans Hals (Portrait of a young couple, 1622) plus many more.
The Van Gogh Museum is not only one of the most popular museums in Amsterdam but is also one of the most famous throughout the world. It houses the largest collection of works by Vincent Van Gogh including more than 200 paintings including the series “Sunflowers (1888), 500 drawings, and 700 of his personal letters.
One of the most popular attractions in Amsterdam is the Anne Frank House located on Prinsengracht. It is a biographical museum dedicated to the wartime diarist Anne Frank who hid from Nazi persecution for 2 years before her capture with her family in hidden rooms. You will be able to follow in her footsteps, see her bedroom, and the annex which was concealed by a moveable bookcase. The family was betrayed and on the 4th August 1944, they were captured and were deported to various concentration camps throughout Europe. Only her father Otto Frank survived. If you are planning a trip to Amsterdam and have never read her diary The Diary of a Young Girl then we recommend it before your visit.
Amsterdam is also home to an estimated 250 coffee shops and attracts visitors from all over the world. Dutch laws classified cannabis as a soft drug and so relaxed laws mean that you can enjoy a smoke or cake in a laid back culture. You can find more information regarding what to expect, advice, tips, and a list of trustworthy coffee shops to visit in our guide The TotalGuide to Coffee Shops in Amsterdam.
For a complete list of things to do in Amsterdam and how to book tickets and tours, check out our TotalGuide to Things to do in Amsterdam guide
Places to Stay in Amsterdam
There are over 500 hotels in Amsterdam so finding somewhere to rest your weary legs after a day exploring this majestic city won’t be hard. Whether you’re wanting a cheap room in a hostel or bathe in a roof top bath in the essence of luxury, then we have you covered. We’ve already compiled a list of trustworthy and reputable hotel rooms to suit every budget, so you can rest assured that not only are you getting value for money, but you’ll be in a clean, centrally located hotel with amenities to suit your budget.
For a list of our hand picked hotels in Amsterdam to suit every budget then head over to A TotalGuide to Hotels in Amsterdam
Getting Around Amsterdam
What is the best way to get around Amsterdam? That’s easy, bike! With over 800,000 bikes in the city, see Amsterdam like the locals do and get on 2 wheels. Cyclists have the right of way in most parts of this city and getting on two wheels will not only keep you fit but allow you to see more in less time.
But if cycling isn’t your thing, then don’t worry. Amsterdam also has a very reliable tram network and is relatively small, so walking is also an option.
For more information about all the ways to get around Amsterdam then head over to our Getting Around Amsterdam section.
Best Time to Visit Amsterdam
The best time to visit Amsterdam is around early April until end of June and then early September until early October. By doing so you will avoid the large crowds than descend on Amsterdam during the summer months of July & August whilst still being able to enjoy good weather. Although the Netherlands does not offer up the warmest of climates, Amsterdam can see highs of 22°C (71.6°F) in August. It is worth noting that January is the coldest month where temperatures can fall to as low as 0.8°C (33.4°F)
For more information on yearly weather charts and daily weather updates in Amsterdam, click here.
What’s on in Amsterdam
There are many cool yearly events in Amsterdam that attract visitors from all over the world. The most popular is Amsterdam Gay Pride which happens from late July until early August. Kings Day is also hugely popular and you can expect to see a sea of Orange from Amsterdammers on April 27th where they celebarte the Kings birthday. Expect to find live music, street vendors, outdoor bars and a party atmosphere.
Christmas markets are also a huge hit to tourists, you can expect to see them from around late November until early January.
From concerts to gigs and flower shows to one off exhibitions, our What’s On Amsterdam section is updated daily to keep you in the loop
Nightlife in Amsterdam
If you’re looking to get the party started after dark then Amsterdam has its fair share of cool bars and clubs to get the party going. Visitors will feel the areas around Leidseplein and Rembrandt Square most lively and accommodating to tourists. The Jordaan area is a trendy neighbourhood with a cool underground vibe amongst the locals.
Popular places to party in Amsterdam are Radion, Shelter, De School & Air
For a comprehensive list of Amsterdam’s best night spots and to get the lowdown on prices, times and dress code, head over to our Amsterdam Nightlife Guide 2021
Food in Amsterdam
After a day’s exploring, you’ll need to refuel but don’t worry, we have you covered. Amsterdam is home to over 1,000 restaurants serving up cuisine from all over the world. There are 16 Michelin starred restaurants within the city too for those with a superior palette.
If you’d like to sample local produce and eat like the Dutch do then here’s some food you should try including Bitterballen, Raw herring, Kibbeling, Croquettes and Oliebollen. Cheese lovers will also find something in this city too including Dutch favourites Leerdammer, Edam, Kanterkaas and Maasdam.
Quick food, good food or food with a view? Check out Amsterdam’s best eateries and book ahead in our Amsterdam Restaurant Guide 2021
Amsterdam Travel Information
Sometimes we often overlook really important information when booking a trip but don’t worry we have compiled an Amsterdam Travel Information Guide to help you tick off the boring but vitally important information needed to get to and navigate around Amsterdam safely.
