Getting to Amsterdam

Air

Amsterdam’s major airport is Schiphol Airport (AMS) with national flag carrier KLM Airlines using it as their major hub. The airport is located around 21km from Amsterdam city centre and will take around 20 minutes by train or car and around 35 minutes by the airport bus shuttle.

As one of the best connected airports in the world, cheap flights to Amsterdam are available from most major cities in the world.

The cheapest and quickest option is to take the train which will conveniently bring you straight to Amsterdam Centraal in the city centre. Trains run to Amsterdam up to 10 times per hour and tickets cost €10.80 one way.

One of the most convenient ways to get to to the city centre is via taxi. As one of the busiest airports in the world ques for taxis in the terminal can be long so it is recommended you book your taxi ahead of your trip, not only saving you time but also money. Pre-booked taxis will cost around €40 whereas hailing a cab either from the city centre or airport will cost around €50.

The cheapest alternative is to take the Connexxion’s 397 Amsterdam Airport Express which depart every 15 minutes from outside the terminal and will get you into Amsterdam in around 35 minutes. Tickets cost €10.

Train

Visitors arriving via train will arrive at Amsterdam Centraal Station. Everyday over 250,000 people go through this station making it one of the busiest in Europe. You can connect to Amsterdam’s tram network from here as well as hire a bike or taxi.

Many large European cities including London, Paris & Brussels all have direct trains to Amsterdam Centraal as well as most domestic cities within the Netherlands.

If you are travelling throughout Europe by train, it may be cheaper to purchase an Interrail pass.

Sea

You can arrive in Amsterdam via Ijmuiden from Newcastle via the DFDS ferry.

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. 

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 a bath overlooking the Herengracht skyline, 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 celebrate 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.

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.