Amsterdam Visitor Guide

Tips and insights for your trip to Amsterdam

Welcome to Amsterdam!

Amsterdam, the vibrant capital of the Netherlands, is famous for its picturesque canals, historic architecture, world-class museums, and liberal culture. This guide provides essential information to help you make the most of your visit.

Top Attractions

Beyond the famous museums featured on our site (Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum), Amsterdam offers countless attractions:

  • Canal Ring (Grachtengordel): A UNESCO World Heritage site comprising a network of intersecting waterways, lined with beautiful 17th-century canal houses. A canal cruise is a must-do.
  • Jordaan District: Once a working-class area, now one of Amsterdam's most charming neighborhoods with narrow streets, art galleries, independent boutiques, and cozy cafés.
  • Flower Market (Bloemenmarkt): The world's only floating flower market, located on the Singel canal. A colorful spot to buy tulip bulbs (check export regulations) and souvenirs.
  • Vondelpark: Amsterdam's largest park, perfect for a stroll, picnic, bike ride, or just relaxing. It features an open-air theatre, playgrounds, and several cafés.
  • NEMO Science Museum: A striking green copper-clad building shaped like a ship's hull, offering interactive science exhibits for all ages. Great views from its rooftop terrace. nemosciencemuseum.nl
  • Amsterdam Noord: Take the free ferry behind Central Station to this trendy, up-and-coming district. Highlights include the A'DAM Lookout (panoramic views, swing), Eye Filmmuseum, and the NDSM Wharf (former shipyard with street art and creative spaces).
  • Albert Cuyp Market: The largest daytime market in Europe, located in the De Pijp neighborhood. Find everything from fresh produce and clothing to souvenirs and street food.
  • Heineken Experience: An interactive tour through the historic Heineken brewery, including beer tastings. heinekenexperience.com
  • Royal Palace Amsterdam: Located on Dam Square, one of three palaces still used by the Dutch Royal House. Open to visitors when not in use for official functions.
  • Dam Square: The historic heart of the city, home to the Royal Palace, Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), and the National Monument.

Food & Drink

Indulge in Dutch delicacies and explore Amsterdam's diverse culinary scene:

Dutch Specialties

  • Stroopwafels: Thin waffles stuck together with caramel syrup. Best enjoyed warm from a market stall.
  • Herring (Haring): Raw herring served with onions and pickles. A local delicacy, typically eaten by holding the tail and taking a bite. Available from herring carts (haringhandels).
  • Bitterballen: Deep-fried crispy meatballs, usually served with mustard. A popular bar snack.
  • Poffertjes: Mini fluffy pancakes, typically served with butter and powdered sugar.
  • Dutch Cheese: Sample famous Dutch cheeses like Gouda and Edam. Visit cheese shops like Henri Willig or the Reypenaer Cheese Tasting Room.
  • Fries (Patatje Oorlog): Thick-cut fries often served in a paper cone with various sauces. "Patatje oorlog" (war fries) comes with mayonnaise, raw onions, and satay (peanut) sauce.
  • Kibbeling: Deep-fried battered chunks of fish, usually cod, served with tartar or garlic sauce.

Recommended Eateries & Experiences

  • Foodhallen: An trendy indoor food market in a converted tram depot, offering a variety of high-quality street food stalls and bars.
  • De Kas: A unique restaurant located in a series of greenhouses dating back to 1926, serving dishes made with ingredients grown on-site.
  • Winkel 43: Famous for serving arguably the best apple pie (appeltaart) in Amsterdam, located in the Jordaan.
  • Brouwerij 't IJ: A popular local brewery located next to a windmill, offering a range of craft beers.
  • Moeders ("Mothers"): A quirky restaurant decorated with hundreds of photos of mothers, serving traditional Dutch home cooking.
  • Pancake Bakery: Offers a huge variety of sweet and savory Dutch pancakes.

Café Culture

  • Brown Cafés (Bruine Kroegen): Traditional Dutch pubs with dark wood interiors and a cozy, local atmosphere. Perfect for trying local beers (jenever, a Dutch gin, if you're adventurous).
  • Canal-side Terraces: Enjoy a drink or meal with a view at places like Café de Jaren, Café de Sluyswacht, or Hannekes Boom.
  • Coffee Shops: Note that "coffeeshop" in Amsterdam refers to establishments where cannabis is sold and consumed (for those 18+). Regular cafés serving coffee are called "koffiehuis" or simply café.

Practical Tips

Currency & Language

  • Currency: Euro (€). Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted, but it's good to have some cash for smaller purchases or markets. American Express is less common.
  • Language: Dutch is the official language, but English is fluently spoken by almost everyone, especially in tourist areas and by younger generations.

Getting Around

Amsterdam is best explored on foot, by bike, or using the efficient public transport system (trams, buses, metro). See our dedicated Transportation Guide for detailed information.

Cycling Tips:

  • Stay in designated bike lanes (usually red asphalt).
  • Signal turns with your arm.
  • Obey traffic lights (bikes often have their own).
  • Use bike lights at night (white front, red rear - it's mandatory).
  • Lock your bike securely (frame and wheel to a fixed object).
  • Be mindful of tram tracks; cross them at an angle.

Weather & What to Pack

  • Amsterdam has a maritime climate with mild summers and cool winters. Rain is possible year-round.
  • Always carry a light raincoat or umbrella.
  • Dress in layers, as weather can change quickly.
  • Comfortable walking shoes are essential.

Safety Tips

  • Amsterdam is generally safe, but be aware of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas, on public transport, and around Central Station.
  • Be cautious in the Red Light District, especially at night. It's a tourist attraction, but also a working district.
  • Do not photograph sex workers in the windows; it's disrespectful and often prohibited.
  • If you choose to visit a coffeeshop, be responsible. Cannabis is tolerated for personal use by adults (18+) in licensed coffeeshops, but not in public spaces. Never buy drugs on the street.

Discounts & Passes

  • I Amsterdam City Card: Includes free entry to many museums, free public transport (GVB), a canal cruise, and discounts. Assess if it's cost-effective for your itinerary.
  • Museumkaart (Museum Card): Primarily for Dutch residents, but can be bought by tourists. Offers free entry to over 400 museums in the Netherlands for a year. Good value if you plan many museum visits or will return to the Netherlands.
  • OV-Chipkaart or GVB day tickets: For public transport (see Transportation Guide).

Useful Information

  • Public Toilets: Not always easy to find. Use facilities in cafés (if you're a customer), department stores, or look for public urinals (for men). Some public toilets require a small fee (€0.50-€1.00).
  • Tipping: Service charge is usually included in restaurant bills. Tipping is appreciated for good service (5-10%) but not strictly obligatory. Rounding up the bill is common.
  • Best Time to Visit: April-May (tulips, pleasant weather) or September-October (fewer crowds, mild weather). Summer (June-August) is popular but crowded.

Useful Apps

  • 9292: Public transport planning for all of the Netherlands.
  • GVB: Amsterdam's public transport app (real-time info, tickets).
  • Google Maps: Reliable for walking, cycling, and public transport.
  • Buienradar or Buienalarm: Dutch weather apps for predicting rain showers (very useful!).
  • Uber / Bolt: For ride-sharing services.
  • Too Good To Go: App to buy leftover food from restaurants/bakeries at a discount, reducing food waste.