Amsterdam is famously known for its canal system and their rich culture apart from being Netherland’s capital city. This city offers more than just colorful European buildings along the streets but also numerous choices of attractions suitable for all age. Riding a boat is one of the most interesting activity that surely cannot be missed along the Canal Ring. Afterwards, spend some time doing museum hopping to Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk, and Rijksmuseum. Enjoy the quality time with your loved ones around De Pijk (The Pipe), a district where tourists can find numerous of unique restaurants, cafes, or the breezy park in city central. Then, call it a day with some shopping experience around De Negen Straatjes or The Nine Streets.
The metro is the fastest mode of transportation in Amsterdam. It is interconnected to the national and international train systems at Amsterdam Centraal. Some metro stations provide access to trams and buses. There are four well-known metro stations: Amsterdam Centraal, Zuid, Amstel, and Nieuwmarkt. The metro runs daily from morning until midnight. The metro arrives every 6 to 10 minutes during the week, but less frequently on weekends. The fares for one single trip are around EUR 3.3 for adults and EUR 1.65 for children aged 4–11.
While in Amsterdam, one activity that should not be missed is cycling. Nicknamed the cycling capital of the world, Amsterdam provides a highly comfortable environment for cyclists. In addition, you can explore the famous Amsterdam canals and admire their iconic boats. There are 165 canals that were built 400 years ago and are still well maintained. You can also immerse yourself in local experiences such as going for a picnic in Vondelpark, shopping in Albert Cuyp, sunbathing on the beaches, and enjoying the arts in Hembrugterrein.
If you have a sweet tooth, do not miss out on poffertjes, stroopwafels, and tompouce (a pastry similar to a sandwich with cream and icing on top). For savory options, there are dishes such as stamppot (mashed potatoes with vegetables served in a bowl) and hachee (meat marinated with beer, garlic, and gingerbread). Another must-try typical dish is Dutch herring, often served with chopped onions or other toppings.
The capital city of the Netherlands offers plenty of interesting tourist attractions, such as the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank’s House, and the Royal Palace of Amsterdam. Additionally, you can explore Dam Square and the renowned Red Light District. Please note that the Red Light District is a center for prostitution, so it is advised not to bring children under 18 when visiting this area. You can also learn about Dutch traditional handicrafts such as Dutch wooden clogs and cheeses by visiting Zaanse Schans in northern Amsterdam. In this place, you can also see a row of iconic windmills, a classic symbol of the Netherlands.
If you want to explore Amsterdam without worrying about the weather, you can plan your trip between May and August when the weather is pleasant. If you are interested in seeing tulips in Amsterdam, the best time to visit is from late March to mid-May when the famous Keukenhof Gardens are open. This period also allows you to engage in various outdoor activities.
To enjoy the city and explore its highlights, spending two to four days in Amsterdam is recommended. Make sure you have planned an itinerary before visiting this city.
Get to Know Amsterdam
Travel Tips for Amsterdam
Explore Amsterdam