Amsterdam Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Amsterdam

Amsterdam Travel Guide Video

Wander around a fairy-tale lattice of canals and captivating neighborhoods, where old-world charm is fused with modern luxury and world-famous nightlife.

Amsterdam is the Netherlands’ capital city and an important European hub with a rich and multicultural character. Explore the historic harborside and admire the distinctive 19th-century architecture of the tall, narrow buildings that huddle over meandering canals. Forming a U-shape around the historic port, the city’s medieval center features charming façades that front boutique stores, art galleries, coffee shops and atmospheric bars.

The city’s best-known area is its Old Center, which is crisscrossed with arched stone bridges and cobblestone streets. Explore Dam Square and its historic landmarks, including the neoclassical Royal Palace, the Gothic Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) and the National Monument that honors victims of World War II. The square is adjacent to the city’s notorious Red Light District. The neighboring districts of Plantage and the Canal Ring feature beautifully preserved buildings from the 17th and 19th centuries, as well as leafy parks and tree-lined canals. Check out the Jewish Heritage Museum and the Amsterdam Botanic Gardens nearby Waterlooplein. A short walk will bring you to the Artis Zoo and a selection of fascinating museums. Popular museums are Stedelijk, the Van Gogh Museum and Hermitage Amsterdam.

Discover the renewed district of Jordaan, where a former working-class neighborhood transformed into a chic area for galleries, cafés and shops. Further south from here is Amsterdam’s Museum Quarter. Stretch out on the grassy lawns of Vondelpark with a cold beer or peruse the stalls at Albert Cuyp Market. Grab a table in the hip De Pijp district to experience fantastic multicultural cuisine.

Explore the city on a scenic canal boat tour or rent a bicycle to experience the streets the true Dutch way. Don’t miss trying local sweets, such as stroopwafels and licorices. Amsterdam has a fast and reliable public transit network that is comprised of buses, trams and trains. Reach the picturesque harbor city by plane to Schiphol Airport, on a cruise ship or via intercity train from several major hubs in Europe. Visit in summer to experience the city’s lively peak period or in winter to enjoy the romance of the snow-dusted Old Center.

Where to stay in Amsterdam

Flower Market showing markets, a city and a river or creek

Amsterdam City Centre

4.5/5(187 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums, charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Amsterdam City Centre. Top attractions like Anne Frank House and Dam Square are major draws. Catch the metro at Nieuwmarkt Station or Waterlooplein Station to see more of the city.

Amsterdam City Centre
Dam Square showing a city, heritage architecture and street scenes

Old Town Amsterdam

Known for its fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Old Town Amsterdam. Top attractions like Anne Frank House and Dam Square are major draws. Catch the metro at Dam Stop or Nieuwezijds Kolk Stop to see more of the city.

Old Town Amsterdam
Amsterdam

Jordaan

Get to know Jordaan and its many features like its breweries and churches. You might want to explore sights like Amsterdam Tulip Museum and Houseboat Museum, and you can jump on the metro at Bloemgracht Stop or Rozengracht Stop to get around the city.

Jordaan
World Trade Center showing city views and a city

Amsterdam South

4.5/5(14 area reviews)

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Amsterdam South. Spend some time visiting top spots like Van Gogh Museum, and catch the metro at Boelelaan - Vrije Universiteit Stop or Parnassusweg Stop to see more of the area.

Amsterdam South
Amsterdam showing a city, a river or creek and boating

Canal Ring

4.5/5(82 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Canal Ring. Check out top attractions like Anne Frank House and Reguliersdwarsstraat, and jump on the metro at Muntplein Tram Stop or Rembrandtplein Stop to see more of the city.

Canal Ring
Rijksmuseum featuring views, a pond and a city

Museum Quarter

4.5/5(87 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Museum Quarter. Check out top attractions like Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum, and jump on the metro at Van Baerlestraat Stop or Concertgebouw Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Museum Quarter
citizenM Schiphol Airport
citizenM Schiphol Airport
4 out of 5
Jan Plezierweg 2, Schiphol
The price is AU$206 per night from 24 Mar to 25 Mar
AU$206
per night
24 Mar - 25 Mar
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Schiphol. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,983 reviews)
"The rooms are certainly unique, but bed is comfortable, the common areas are great, and the food is excellent."

Reviewed on 16 Mar. 2024

citizenM Schiphol Airport
Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam
Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam
4 out of 5
Damrak 1-5, Amsterdam
The price is AU$380 per night from 24 Mar to 25 Mar
AU$380
per night
24 Mar - 25 Mar
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,009 reviews)
"Loved the place would highly recommend 👌"

Reviewed on 17 Mar. 2024

Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam
ibis Amsterdam Centre
ibis Amsterdam Centre
3 out of 5
Stationsplein 49, Amsterdam
The price is AU$236 per night from 24 Mar to 25 Mar
AU$236
per night
24 Mar - 25 Mar
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,078 reviews)
"Good location from the station and easy to get around the city. I felt the breakfast was expensive for what you get."

Reviewed on 14 Mar. 2024

ibis Amsterdam Centre
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Cityden Zuidas
Cityden Zuidas
4 out of 5
Professor J.H. Bavincklaan 3, Amstelveen
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Amstelveen. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (837 reviews)
"Overall our stay was excellent. We enjoyed having a bar/restaurant right in the building. The room was clean and very spacious despite being a studio. The welcome package of dish tabs and other goodies was a nice touch. Staff was friendly and helpful. The beds were very comfortable . The only negative ..."

Reviewed on 15 Mar. 2024

Cityden Zuidas
The July - Boat & Co
The July - Boat & Co
4 out of 5
500 Revaleiland, Amsterdam, NH
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (126 reviews)
Best welcome ever.
"The best welcome ever, the receptionist a blond lady were super helpful, 10/10 in knowledge, I had to book for the sauna and gym and the girls were super helpful at that time. I enjoy greatfully of every premise that the hotel provides. Sauna and spa 10/10 gym and clases 10/10. Small details in the ..."

Reviewed on 28 Jan. 2024

The July - Boat & Co
PREMIER SUITES PLUS Amsterdam
PREMIER SUITES PLUS Amsterdam
3.5 out of 5
Parnassusweg 376, Amsterdam
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified aparthotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Anne Frank House ...
9/10 Wonderful! (62 reviews)
"Our family of four stayed in a spacious two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment for 3 nights. Check-in was fast and straightforward; local government tax was levied upon checkout. Great views of the business district from the apartment. Metro, tram and train just a couple of minutes’ walk from apartment ..."

Reviewed on 18 Feb. 2024

PREMIER SUITES PLUS Amsterdam
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Amsterdam

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
222
" "5 - Excellent 59.2%
4 - Good
123
" "4 - Good 32.8%
3 - Okay
22
" "3 - Okay 5.866666666666666%
2 - Disappointing
8
" "2 - Disappointing 2.1333333333333333%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
16 Jan 2020

A vibrant city with something for everyone. Although a large group of people, we did not feel unsafe at any time.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
3 Jan 2020

Loved Amsterdam! It’s got a great vibe. Loads of things to do and see. Easy to walk and explore. Felt very safe at all hours.

4/5 - Good

Kath
2 Jan 2020

Recommend doing a canal cruise - a great way to see the city.

4/5 - Good

MR
30 Nov 2019

only stay in Amsterdam for one day, will come again if there is chance in the future.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
28 Nov 2019

Beautiful city. Would love to move here.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
26 Nov 2019

I live Amsterdam as it’s so very entertaining

Cities near Amsterdam