Amsterdam
Apr 2026
CanalsMuseumsCyclingTulips

Netherlands

Amsterdam

The complete 2026 travel guide

165 canals, 1,500 bridges, 881,000 bikes, and more Van Goghs + Rembrandts per square kilometre than anywhere else — the Golden Age city somehow still running on 17th-century streets.

Plan your Amsterdam tripSee the 7-day itinerary

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17 top sights7-day itineraryBudget in EUR18 questions answered
Diliff · CC BY 2.5

The short answer

Is Amsterdam worth visiting?

Yes — worth it for Canals, Museums, Cycling. Plan 3–4 days, ideally in Apr–May · Sep–Oct. 165 canals, 1,500 bridges, 881,000 bikes, and more Van Goghs + Rembrandts per square kilometre than anywhere else — the Golden Age city somehow still running on 17th-century streets.

Go if you want

  • UNESCO Canal Ring — 1613 urban planning still running, 165 canals
  • 3 of the world's top museums within a 5-minute walk of each other (Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh, Stedelijk)
  • Schengen 90-day visa-free for 60+ nationalities; ETIAS (€7) required from 2025 for US/UK/Canada/Australia/Japan
  • Most legal + liberal drug + sex work policies in Europe — visit coffeeshops + Red Light District respectfully
  • Tulip season late Mar – mid May — Keukenhof (35 km out) is the world's largest flower garden

Think twice if

  • You can only travel in Jun–Aug and hate crowds — that is peak season.
  • You are on a tight budget: mid-range runs €200/day, pricier than 17 of the other 21 cities we cover.
  • Pickpocket hotspots: trams to Dam Square, Red Light District after 22:00, Centraal Station.

Amsterdam in brief

Amsterdam is one of Europe's most walkable capitals — 900,000 people inside a UNESCO-listed Canal Ring (Grachtengordel) you can cross in 25 minutes. 165 canals + 1,500 bridges radiate out from Centraal Station in a horseshoe pattern: Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, Herengracht, Singel. First-time visitors spend 3-4 days; 5-7 days unlocks day trips to Haarlem, Zaanse Schans windmills, Keukenhof (spring only), or Utrecht.

The tourist zones are compact. Centrum + Red Light District + Dam Square sit at the center. Jordaan (west of Canal Ring) is a former working-class neighborhood turned boutique + brown-café heaven. Museum Quarter (Rijksmuseum + Van Gogh + Stedelijk clustered on Museumplein) is 15 min by tram. De Pijp (south) is the hip residential + Albert Cuyp Market quarter. Negen Straatjes (9 Streets) between Prinsengracht + Herengracht is the boutique shopping grid.

Cycling is the city's bloodstream — 881,000 bikes in a city of 900,000 people. Rental €15-20/day; be warned, Amsterdam cycling is aggressive + lane-disciplined (don't walk in bike lanes). Trams (GVB) + buses cover the rest: €3.40 per 1-hour ticket via OVpay contactless or a GVB day pass €8.50. Walking is fast. Budget reality: mid-range daily €150-220/person including a 3-star hotel + museum tickets + meals + transport. Amsterdam is among Europe's more expensive capitals.

  • Museums75+
  • Peak summer22°C
  • CurrencyEUR
  • LanguagesDutch · English (universal)
  • TimezoneEurope/Amsterdam
  • RegionNorth Holland, Netherlands

Before you go

7 things locals want you to know

The details that change a trip — read these before you book.

  1. 01

    Anne Frank House tickets release every Tuesday at 10:00 Amsterdam time — for 6 weeks later. Set an alarm. They sell out in 15-30 minutes in peak season.

  2. 02

    Amsterdam Travel Ticket (€22 1-day) includes unlimited GVB + NS train Schiphol — worth it if arriving + city transit same day.

  3. 03

    Rent a bike for at least one afternoon — it's the authentic local experience + 3x faster than walking between far neighborhoods.

  4. 04

    Walk Jordaan at 17:30 borrel (pre-dinner beer) hour — canals lit, bridges photogenic, brown cafés filling with locals + no tourist crush yet.

  5. 05

    NEMO Science Museum rooftop is FREE + has a 180° Amsterdam skyline view — go for sunset without buying the museum ticket.

  6. 06

    Haarlem (15 min NS train, €4.80) is a mini-Amsterdam with 80% fewer tourists + cheaper everything — excellent half-day escape.

  7. 07

    Markets: Noordermarkt farmers market (Sat + Mon) is locals-heavy; Albert Cuyp is more tourist; Waterlooplein has the best flea-market vintage.

When to go

When is the best time to visit Amsterdam?

April-May (tulips, mild 12-18°C) and September-October (cool 14-18°C, crisp). July-August is peak crowds + warmest (20-25°C). November-March is cold + rainy + cheap.

Your year at a glanceBright bands = best months
JFMAMJJASOND

Spring

Best
Apr – May

Tulip season, mild, King's Day Apr 27

Average low–high: 7–14°CMonthly rainfall: 45 mmCrowds: Very high (Apr 20-30 peak)

Summer

Jun – Aug

Warm (20-25°C), long days (sunset 22:00 Jun)

Average low–high: 13–22°CMonthly rainfall: 75 mmCrowds: Very high

Autumn

Best
Sep – Oct

Crisp, fewer crowds

Average low–high: 9–16°CMonthly rainfall: 80 mmCrowds: High

Winter

Nov – Mar

Cold (3-8°C), grey, occasional snow, Christmas + Light Festival

Average low–high: 1–6°CMonthly rainfall: 70 mmCrowds: Low (except Dec)

Month by month

Bar color follows the average high (cool blue → hot coral); faded bars fall outside the best months. The shaded base is the average low.

Avg highBestbest monthsPeakpeak crowdsOffoff-seasonRain (mm)

Swipe for Jul–Dec →

Warmest Jul · 22°CColdest Jan · 0°CWettest Oct · 90 mmDriest Apr · 45 mm
Month-by-month notes
  • Jan 5/0° · 70 mmOff — Coldest. Low-season hotel prices.
  • Feb 6/0° · 55 mmOff — Still cold. Amsterdam Light Festival ends mid-Jan.
  • Mar 10/3° · 65 mmOff — Tulip season starts last week.
  • Apr 13/5° · 45 mmBest — Peak tulips. King's Day Apr 27 (huge crowd spike).
  • May 17/8° · 55 mmBest — Ideal. Keukenhof closes mid-May.
  • Jun 19/11° · 70 mmPeak — Warm + long days (sunset 22:00).
  • Jul 22/13° · 80 mmPeak — Hottest + most crowded.
  • Aug 22/13° · 80 mmPeak — Peak crowds; Gay Pride early Aug.
  • Sep 19/11° · 75 mmBest — Cooling + ideal.
  • Oct 14/8° · 90 mmBest — Rain + fall colors.
  • Nov 9/4° · 85 mmOff — Cold + rain.
  • Dec 6/1° · 85 mmOff — Christmas lights + markets. Light Festival Dec-Jan.

How long

How many days do you need in Amsterdam?

3–4 days is the sweet spot. Three days covers essentials: one day Museum Quarter (Rijksmuseum + Van Gogh), one day Anne Frank + Jordaan + canals, one day for neighborhoods (De Pijp + Red Light District) or day trip. Five days adds Zaanse Schans windmills, Keukenhof (if spring), Haarlem, or a bike-exploration day.

  1. Day 1

    Arrive, Jordaan + Anne Frank + canal walk

    From the week plan

    Essential
  2. Day 2

    Museum Quarter — Rijksmuseum + Van Gogh + Stedelijk

    From the week plan

    Essential
  3. Day 3

    Canals by bike + De Pijp + Albert Cuyp Market

    From the week plan

    Essential
  4. Day 4

    Day trip — Zaanse Schans windmills + Volendam fishing village

    From the week plan

    Worth it
  5. Day 5

    Keukenhof (spring only) or Haarlem day trip

    From the week plan

    If you have time
  6. Day 6

    Red Light District by day + 9 Streets + cocktails

    From the week plan

    If you have time
  7. Day 7

    NEMO + Dutch Maritime Museum + departure

    From the week plan

    If you have time
See the full day-by-day plans

Budget

Is Amsterdam expensive?

Yes — Amsterdam is one of the pricier cities we cover. Mid-range travelers spend about €200/day per person — pricier than 17 of the other 21 cities we cover. That's roughly €600–€800 for 3–4 days, before hotel city tax. Backpackers get by on €100/day; luxury starts around €700/day.

  • Backpacker

    €100

    per person · per day

    Hostel + bakery breakfast + sandwich lunch + FEBO dinner + tram + free attractions.

    Stay
    €55
    Food
    €25
    Transport
    €10
    Activities
    €10

  • Mid-range

    Most common

    €200

    per person · per day

    3-star hotel Centrum + brown café + 1 restaurant + GVB day pass + 1-2 paid attractions.

    Stay
    €130
    Food
    €45
    Transport
    €10
    Activities
    €15

  • Luxury

    €700

    per person · per day

    Waldorf Astoria / Hotel de l'Europe + Bak tasting + canal boat + private guide.

    Stay
    €500
    Food
    €150
    Transport
    €40
    Activities
    €50

Your trip, roughly

≈ €600–€800 for 3–4 days

mid-range · per person · before flights

Backpacker total
€400for 4 days
Mid-range total
€800for 4 days
Luxury total
€2,800for 4 days
City tax 12.5% of room rate (!) added at checkout — serious line item

What things should cost7

Biggest markups first — what locals pay vs. the first price tourists get quoted.

  • Anne Frank House ticket

    3.8× markup

    Tourist price: Tour company reseller markup.

    Fair €16Tourist €60

  • Dutch coffee at brown café

    2.7× markup

    Tourist price: Dam Square tourist café.

    Fair €3Tourist €8

  • Stroopwafel warm from market

    2.7× markup

    Tourist price: Dam Square vendor.

    Fair €3Tourist €8

  • Beer at a café

    2× markup

    Tourist price: Red Light District bar.

    Fair €5Tourist €10

  • Taxi Schiphol to center

    2× markup

    Tourist price: Unofficial airport driver.

    Fair €50Tourist €100

  • Canal cruise 60 min

    1.9× markup

    Tourist price: Tourist-channel resellers.

    Fair €18Tourist €35

  • Tram 1-hour ticket

    Fair €3.40Fixed price

Book first

Book these before you fly

5 things in Amsterdam sell out or need a timed slot. Work backwards from your dates: Hotels first (3 months out). The timeline below runs from 3 months out down to before you fly: 3 sights to book, 1 season-only opening and your hotel.

  1. 3 months outStart here

  2. 3–4 weeks out

  3. Before you fly

  4. Season-only

Tripdox puts these on your itinerary with the booking window as a reminder. Plan this trip

Neighborhoods

Where to stay in Amsterdam

Canal Ring (Centrum) for a first visit — canal-facing hotels, central, photogenic. 6 areas compared below, from €110 to €220 a night. Noord (across IJ) is the best value at about €110 a night. Book hotels 3 months out for the busiest dates.

  • Canal Ring (Centrum)
    Martin Furtschegger · CC BY 3.0
    First-timer pick

    Canal Ring (Centrum)

    Canal-facing hotels + central + photogenic

    Best for: First-timers, luxury, canals

    from €220 / night

  • Jordaan
    Jvhertum · Public domain

    Jordaan

    Trendy + boutique + near Anne Frank

    Best for: Couples, quieter atmosphere

    from €180 / night

  • Museum Quarter / De Pijp
    A. Bakker · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Museum Quarter / De Pijp

    Near museums + Albert Cuyp + local

    Best for: Museum focus + foodies

    from €170 / night

  • Red Light District / Centrum
    APK · CC BY-SA 4.0

    Red Light District / Centrum

    Central + historic + nightlife

    Best for: Under-35s, budget

    from €130 / night

  • Oud-West
    Arch · Public domain

    Oud-West

    Local + Vondelpark + diverse food scene

    Best for: Repeat visitors

    from €150 / night

  • Noord (across IJ)
    User:Gouwenaar · CC BY-SA 4.0
    Best value

    Noord (across IJ)

    Hip + modern + ferry commute

    Best for: Budget + creative travelers

    from €110 / night

Booking tips
  • Book 2-3 months ahead for Apr-May (tulips + King's Day) + July-August
  • Hotels around Centraal Station are noisy + scam-adjacent; Jordaan or De Pijp is quieter
  • Airbnb heavily regulated in Amsterdam — 30-day max for non-primary residence; check HOST permit
  • City tax 12.5% of room rate (!) added at checkout — serious line item
  • King's Day Apr 27 hotels book out 6-12 months ahead at triple normal prices

Things to do

What to see in Amsterdam — and what to skip

7 must-sees, 10 more if you have time, and 7 things to skip. Start with Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Anne Frank House. Most must-sees sit within a 15-minute walk of another stop — the 3 walkable groups below pair them into half-days. First thing to skip: Jun–Aug if you dislike crowds.

Where everything is

Relative positions, not to scale. Numbered points are the must-sees.

Stedelijk MuseumMoco MuseumDam Square + Royal PalaceDe 9 Straatjes (The 9 Streets)Red Light District (De Wallen)VondelparkBloemenmarkt (Floating Flower Market)Heineken ExperienceNEMO Science MuseumCycling along the canalsRijksmuseum1Van Gogh Museum2Anne Frank House3Canal cruise4Jordaan5Albert Cuyp Market6RijksmuseumVan Gogh MuseumAnne Frank HouseCanal cruiseJordaanAlbert Cuyp Market
Must-seeWorth it if you have timeWalkable together
  1. 01Rijksmuseum · Museumstraat 1
  2. 02Van Gogh Museum · Museumplein 6
  3. 03Anne Frank House · Westermarkt 20
  4. 04Canal cruise · Centraal Station or Anne Frank House area piers
  5. 05Jordaan · West of Centre
  6. 06Albert Cuyp Market · Albert Cuypstraat, De Pijp

Also on the map: Stedelijk Museum, Moco Museum, Dam Square + Royal Palace, De 9 Straatjes (The 9 Streets), Red Light District (De Wallen), Vondelpark, Bloemenmarkt (Floating Flower Market), Heineken Experience, NEMO Science Museum, Cycling along the canals

Farther out: Keukenhof (tulip garden, 35 km out)

Do these together

Places within a 15-minute walk of each other, grouped into half-days.

Do7

The must-sees.

Rijksmuseum
Trougnouf (Benoit Brummer) · CC BY 4.0
Must see

Rijksmuseum

Netherlands' national museum (1885) — Rembrandt's Night Watch (25 sq m), Vermeer's Milkmaid + Girl Reading a Letter, Hals, Van Dyck. 80 galleries across 4 floors. Book online + timed entry.

Entry: €22.50Time needed: 3 hOpening hours: Daily 09:00 – 17:00. Summer Thu 09:00 – 20:00.Location: Museumstraat 1

Adult; under-18 free.

Best: Opening 09:00 or last slot 15:00-16:00 — midday most crowded.
Tips (3)
  • All tickets now require online timed-entry booking at rijksmuseum.nl.
  • Night Watch Gallery is often crowded around 12:00 — start or end your visit there.
  • Rijksmuseum library (top floor) is the most photographed room + empty.

Van Gogh Museum

Must see

World's largest collection of Van Gogh (200+ paintings, 500+ drawings, 750+ letters). Self-Portrait with Grey Felt Hat, Sunflowers, Almond Blossom, The Bedroom. 90-min experience.

Entry: €22Time needed: 2 hOpening hours: Mon-Thu 09:00 – 18:00; Fri 09:00 – 21:00; Sat-Sun 09:00 – 18:00.Location: Museumplein 6

Adult; under-18 free; advance online booking mandatory.

Best: Friday evening (18:00-21:00) for quieter galleries.
Tips (2)
  • Book 2-4 weeks ahead at vangoghmuseum.nl — walk-ups impossible.
  • Audio guide (+€4) worth it for context.
Anne Frank House
Massimo Catarinella · CC BY-SA 3.0
Must see

Anne Frank House

Secret Annex where Anne Frank + 7 others hid from Nazis 1942-1944 — preserved exactly as they left it. Emotional, essential, queue-free if booked. 80% of visitors consider it the defining experience of Amsterdam.

Entry: €16Time needed: 1.5 hOpening hours: Daily 09:00 – 22:00.Location: Westermarkt 20

Adult; €7 youth; €1 kids.

Best: Any time you can get a ticket — they sell out weeks ahead.
Tips (3)
  • Tickets ONLY at annefrank.org — released every Tuesday at 10:00 local for 6 weeks later. Set an alarm.
  • Small spaces + emotional content; not recommended for under-10s.
  • No photography inside; security screening takes 20 min.

Canal cruise

Must see

Hour-long boat tour of the 17th-century UNESCO Grachtengordel (Canal Ring). Multiple operators (Lovers, Blue Boat, Stromma) + smaller "open boat" tours via Those Dam Boat Guys + Flagship.

Entry: €18Time needed: 1.5 hOpening hours: Daily 10:00 – 22:00; cruises every 30 min.Location: Centraal Station or Anne Frank House area piers

Standard 60-min cruise; open-boat tours €35-45.

Best: Sunset or 20:00 for lit-up canals.
Tips (2)
  • Smaller open-boat tours (14 passengers) are infinitely better than the big covered barges — worth the price difference.
  • Amsterdam Light Festival (Nov-Jan) has themed-art canal cruises.
Jordaan
Jvhertum · Public domain
Must see

Jordaan

Former working-class neighborhood west of Canal Ring — brown cafés, antique shops, boutiques, Anne Frank House, Noordermarkt farmers market (Saturdays). The "real" Amsterdam.

Entry: FreeTime needed: 3 hOpening hours: Streets always open; shops 11:00-18:00.Location: West of Centre
Tips (2)
  • Café 't Smalle + Café Chris — atmospheric brown cafés since 1624.
  • Electric Ladyland (world's first fluorescent art museum) is weird, small, €5.
Albert Cuyp Market
Michiel1972 at Dutch Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Must see

Albert Cuyp Market

Amsterdam's biggest daily street market — 260 stalls of stroopwafels fresh, cheese, flowers, clothes, antiques, street food. De Pijp neighborhood.

Entry: FreeTime needed: 2 hOpening hours: Mon-Sat 09:00-17:00; closed Sundays.Location: Albert Cuypstraat, De Pijp
Tips (2)
  • Fresh stroopwafel stalls press them warm — watch them make.
  • Haring stall near the tulip end for raw herring with onion classic.
Keukenhof (tulip garden, 35 km out)
Urdulife · CC BY-SA 4.0
Must see

Keukenhof (tulip garden, 35 km out)

32-hectare tulip garden outside Amsterdam — only open late March to mid-May. 7 million bulbs planted fresh each year. World's largest flower garden.

Entry: €22Time needed: 4 hOpening hours: Late Mar – mid-May only; 08:00 – 19:30 daily.Location: Lisse, 40 km S of Amsterdam

Adult; combination with bus from central Amsterdam €32.

Best: Early April for peak bloom.
Tips (3)
  • Book combination ticket (Keukenhof + bus) online to avoid lines.
  • Bus 858 from Schiphol or Amsterdam RAI station — 40 min.
  • Day trip only — not accommodation.

If you have time10

Worth it once the must-sees are done. Tap a row for the detail.

  • Stedelijk Museum

    Stedelijk Museum

    World-class museums
    Entry: €22.50Time needed: 2.5 hLocation: Museumplein 10
    More

    Modern + contemporary art — Warhol, Picasso, Mondrian, Matisse, Dutch post-war design. Fraction of Van Gogh's crowds; on Museumplein.

    Opening hours: Daily 10:00 – 18:00.

    Adult; under-18 free.

  • Moco Museum

    Moco Museum

    World-class museums
    Entry: €23.50Time needed: 1.5 hLocation: Honthorststraat 20
    More

    Private museum on Museumplein — Banksy, Kaws, Warhol, Haring. Smaller + more accessible than the big 3; good for modern-art fans.

    Opening hours: Daily 09:00 – 20:00.
  • Dam Square + Royal Palace

    Dam Square + Royal Palace

    Canals + historical
    Entry: FreeTime needed: 1 hLocation: Dam Square
    More

    Amsterdam's central plaza — Royal Palace (working residence of King Willem-Alexander), National Monument (WWII memorial), Madame Tussauds, NieuweKerk church. Busy but the city's heart.

    Opening hours: Square always open; Royal Palace Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00 when available.

    Square free; Royal Palace €12.50 when open (closed during royal events).

  • De 9 Straatjes (The 9 Streets)

    De 9 Straatjes (The 9 Streets)

    Canals + historical
    Entry: FreeTime needed: 2 hLocation: Between Herengracht + Singel
    More

    9 interconnected boutique-shopping streets between Prinsengracht + Singel — cheese shops, vintage, Dutch designers, specialty cafés. Peak charming.

    Opening hours: Shops 11:00-19:00; cafes earlier.
  • Red Light District (De Wallen)

    Red Light District (De Wallen)

    Canals + historical
    Entry: FreeTime needed: 2 hLocation: De Wallen
    More

    Medieval heart of Amsterdam + oldest area — gothic Oude Kerk (1213), canals, narrow lanes, and the legal sex-work windows. Busy at night; historic + respectable by day.

    Opening hours: Always active; peak 22:00-02:00.
    • Photography of sex workers is STRICTLY prohibited + can lead to camera confiscation + fine.
    • Prostitution Information Centre (PIC) runs educational tours for €30 — understand the industry's realities.
    • The area is safe + heavily policed but pickpocketing + drink spiking happen at bars.
  • Vondelpark

    Vondelpark

    Parks + markets
    Entry: FreeTime needed: 1.5 hLocation: Museum Quarter
    More

    47-hectare Amsterdam's Central Park — joggers, cyclists, picnicking, open-air theatre summer evenings. Free.

    Opening hours: Always open.
    Best: Morning for jogging; afternoon for picnic.
  • Bloemenmarkt (Floating Flower Market)

    Bloemenmarkt (Floating Flower Market)

    Parks + markets
    Entry: FreeTime needed: 45 minLocation: Singel canal
    More

    Floating on the Singel canal since 1862 — tulip bulbs (Dutch customs-approved for US + EU), seeds, cannabis seeds, wooden shoes, cheese. Touristy but iconic.

    Opening hours: Mon-Sat 09:00-17:30; Sun 11:00-17:30.
  • Heineken Experience

    Heineken Experience

    Cultural + experiential
    Entry: €25Time needed: 1.5 hLocation: Stadhouderskade 78
    More

    Former Heineken brewery (1880-1988) turned interactive experience — brewing history, tasting, bottling simulator. 90 min. Kids welcome (non-alcoholic versions).

    Opening hours: Daily 10:30 – 20:00.

    Adult including 2 beer tastings; no alcohol under 18.

  • NEMO Science Museum

    NEMO Science Museum

    Cultural + experiential
    Entry: €21.50Time needed: 3 hLocation: Oosterdok 2
    More

    Interactive science museum in a Renzo Piano-designed copper-green building — rooftop terrace (free city views), 4 floors of hands-on science. Kid magnet.

    Opening hours: Tue-Sun 10:00 – 17:30; closed Mondays.
    • Rooftop terrace + open-air café are FREE to enter — great panoramic view without museum ticket.

  • Cycling along the canals

    Cultural + experiential
    Entry: €18Time needed: 4 hLocation: Multiple rental locations
    More

    Rent a bike (€15-20/day) and become an Amsterdammer for a day. Extensive bike lane network, flat terrain, 881,000 bikes sharing the city.

    Opening hours: Rentals 08:00-22:00.

    Daily rental; MacBike, Yellow Bike, A-Bike chains reliable.

    • Helmets not provided (not required locally); consider buying a €10 one.
    • Lock your bike TWICE (frame lock + chain) — 40,000 bikes stolen yearly.
    • Bike lanes are for cyclists only; walking in them = honked at + potentially hit.
  • World-class museums3 major museums around Museumplein + Anne Frank House + Stedelijk + Moco.
  • Canals + historicalWalk or cruise the UNESCO Canal Ring.
  • Parks + marketsVondelpark + Albert Cuyp + windmills.
  • Cultural + experientialHeineken, Micropia, NEMO + more.

Skip7

Not worth your time or money.

  • Jun–Aug if you dislike crowds

    Peak season: highest prices and longest queues

  • Paying €60 for Anne Frank House ticket

    Tour company reseller markup. Locals pay about €16.

  • Photographing Red Light District workers (camera seizure + fine)

  • Walking in red bike lanes

  • Accepting drugs or deals from strangers on the street (coffeeshop only)

  • Damrak tourist-trap restaurants

  • Bringing bikes on trams (not allowed)

Hidden gems in Amsterdam5

Off the beaten path — places most visitors never find.

  • Brouwerij 't IJ (windmill brewery)
    SJSV · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Brouwerij 't IJ (windmill brewery)

    Craft brewery in a working 1725 windmill — 10 rotating beers, outdoor garden, under tourist radar.

    How to find it: Funenkade 7; Tram 14 or 10-min bike from Centraal.
  • Begijnhof
    Massimo Catarinella · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Begijnhof

    14th-century courtyard of medieval almshouses in the city center — free, silent, one of Amsterdam's oldest surviving wooden buildings.

    How to find it: Off Spui square; enter at Spui 18.
  • Electric Ladyland
    Robin Sheat -- Eythian · CC BY-SA 4.0

    Electric Ladyland

    World's first fluorescent art museum — weird, small, brilliant, €10 with a 20-min demo.

    How to find it: 2e Leliedwarsstraat 5, Jordaan.

  • Amsterdam Noord ferry + EYE Film Museum

    Free 5-min ferry from Centraal to Amsterdam Noord — hip creative district, Eye Museum, A'DAM Lookout (swing over the void).

    How to find it: Behind Centraal, free ferry to Buiksloterweg pier.

  • Vondelpark summer openluchttheater

    Free open-air concerts + theatre + films in Vondelpark from June-August every weekend.

    How to find it: Vondelpark main lawn.

Plan your days

Amsterdam itinerary: 1, 2 and 7 days

Copy a plan or let Tripdox build one around your dates.

Build my itinerary

One day in Amsterdam

Amsterdam in one day

Museums + canals + Jordaan

8 stops08:30–21:30
  1. 08:30

    Dutch breakfast — stroopwafel + coffee at a café

  2. 09:00

    Anne Frank House (book 6 weeks ahead — tickets go on sale Tuesday 10:00 local)

  3. 11:00

    Jordaan walk + Noordermarkt if Saturday

  4. 13:00

    Lunch at Café 't Smalle (brown café canal-side)

  5. 14:30

    Tram to Museumplein — Rijksmuseum + Van Gogh

  6. 17:30

    Canal cruise — 60 min Blue Boat or open-boat tour

  7. 19:30

    Dinner in De Pijp at Albert Cuyp Market neighborhood

  8. 21:30

    Drinks at Brouwerij 't IJ windmill brewery OR Red Light District walk

Two days in Amsterdam

Day 1

Museums + center

Rijksmuseum + Van Gogh + Dam Square

6 stops09:00–20:00
  1. 09:00

    Rijksmuseum opening

  2. 12:00

    Museumplein café lunch

  3. 14:00

    Van Gogh Museum

  4. 16:30

    Canal cruise

  5. 18:30

    Dam Square + Royal Palace exterior

  6. 20:00

    Indonesian rijsttafel dinner at Blauw

Day 2

Anne Frank + Jordaan + beyond

Historic + neighborhoods

6 stops09:00–19:00
  1. 09:00

    Anne Frank House (timed entry)

  2. 11:00

    Jordaan walk + Noordermarkt if Saturday

  3. 13:00

    Lunch at FEBO or Van Stapele

  4. 14:30

    9 Streets shopping + cheese samples

  5. 16:30

    NEMO rooftop + Amsterdam Maritime Museum

  6. 19:00

    De Pijp dinner + Albert Cuyp late snacks

One week at a glance

A theme for each day — reorder it around your flights.

  1. Day 1

    Arrive, Jordaan + Anne Frank + canal walk

  2. Day 2

    Museum Quarter — Rijksmuseum + Van Gogh + Stedelijk

  3. Day 3

    Canals by bike + De Pijp + Albert Cuyp Market

  4. Day 4

    Day trip — Zaanse Schans windmills + Volendam fishing village

  5. Day 5

    Keukenhof (spring only) or Haarlem day trip

  6. Day 6

    Red Light District by day + 9 Streets + cocktails

  7. Day 7

    NEMO + Dutch Maritime Museum + departure

A perfect day

Hour-by-hour in Amsterdam

9 stops from 08:00 to 00:00. Follow it end to end, or borrow the parts you like.

Morning

  1. Dutch breakfast

    Stroopwafel + koffie verkeerd (Dutch latte) at a corner café. €6-9.

    €7

  2. Museum at opening

    Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh, or Anne Frank (with timed ticket).

Afternoon

  1. Canal-side lunch

    Brown café sandwich + bitterballen + beer €18-25. Jordaan neighborhood ideal.

    €20

  2. Walking or cycling

    9 Streets shopping, Red Light District heritage walk, or rent a bike for Vondelpark loop.

  3. Second museum + shopping

    Or Heineken Experience (90 min), or Canal Ring boat cruise.

Evening

  1. Brown café hour

    Borrel time — beer + bitterballen + jenever at Café 't Smalle or de Sluyswacht. €15-20.

    €17

  2. Dinner

    Indonesian rijsttafel (€40-60 2h), brown café mains (€20-30), or fine-dining (€90-180).

    €45
Night

  1. Canal cruise OR nightlife

    Evening canal cruise with lights; or Red Light District walk; or Leidseplein bars.

  2. Late-night FEBO

    Coin-operated automat food windows. €3 kroket + €2 frikandel. Drunk-food classic.

    €8

Estimated spend for the day€97

Based on the 5 of 9 stops that list a cost.

Food & drink

What to eat in Amsterdam

9 dishes to try and 8 places to eat in Amsterdam, from about €3 to €120 a head.

Must-try dishes9

  • Stroopwafel

    Stroopwafel

    €3

    Two thin waffle wafers with caramel syrup. Fresh warm ones from markets are transformative. €2-4.

  • Bitterballen

    Bitterballen

    €8

    Deep-fried crunchy meat ragout balls — brown café essential with beer. 6 for €7-10.

    Per plate of 6-8.

  • Haring (raw herring)

    Haring (raw herring)

    €4

    Raw pickled herring with onion + pickles — eat it whole by the tail, head tipped back. Classic Amsterdam street snack.

  • Kaas (cheese)

    Kaas (cheese)

    €15

    Gouda + Edam + Beemster + Leidse — Dutch cheese specialty shops stock hundreds of varieties. €2-30/100g.

    Per 100g premium selection.

  • Patat met mayo

    €6

    Fries with mayonnaise + satay sauce. Manneken Pis near Spui + Vleminckx Sausmeesters off Leidseplein.

  • Poffertjes

    Poffertjes

    €8

    Mini pancakes + powdered sugar + butter. Albert Cuyp Market has classic stalls.

    12 mini-pancakes.

  • Indonesian rijsttafel ("rice table")

    Indonesian rijsttafel ("rice table")

    €35

    Colonial-era multi-dish spread — 15-25 small dishes around rice. Long leisurely meal. Amsterdam has the world's best Indonesian food.

    Per person.

  • Jenever (Dutch gin)

    Jenever (Dutch gin)

    €5

    Grain-based traditional spirit, served in tulip glasses — sip, don't shoot. Old jenever distilleries still in Amsterdam.

  • Dutch beer (Heineken + craft)

    €5

    Heineken is the mega-brand; better choices: Brouwerij 't IJ (windmill brewery), Oedipus, De Prael.

    Small (25 cl) beer at a café.

Where to eat8

Our shortlist, cheap to splurge.

  1. Fabel Friet

    Dutch fries · Lauriergracht 73

    Signature: Fries with truffle mayo; voted best fries in Amsterdam.

    ~€8 pp

  2. FEBO

    Wall-vending automat · Multiple locations

    Signature: Kroket + frikandel from coin-operated windows — iconic + cheap

    ~€8 pp

  3. Van Stapele

    Chocolate cookies · Heisteeg 4

    Signature: Only cookie: dark chocolate chip with gooey white-chocolate center; 1h queue typical.

    ~€3 pp

  4. Café 't Smalle

    Brown café since 1786 · Egelantiersgracht 12

    Signature: Bitterballen + jenever by the canal

    ~€22 pp

  5. De Plantage

    Modern Dutch · Plantage Kerklaan 36

    Signature: Duck breast + seasonal Dutch veg

    ~€45 pp

  6. Blauw

    Indonesian rijsttafel · Amstelveenseweg 158

    Signature: Rijsttafel — 15 dishes around rice; book 2-3 days ahead.

    ~€48 pp

  7. De Kas

    Farm-to-table Mediterranean · Kamerlingh Onneslaan 3

    Signature: Daily fixed menu from on-site greenhouse; book weeks ahead.

    ~€65 pp

  8. RESTAURANT Bak

    New Nordic · Van Diemenstraat 408

    Signature: 1-Michelin-star tasting menu in a reformed warehouse.

    ~€120 pp
Dietary notes
Vegetarian excellent — dedicated vegan restaurants common (Vegabond, Meatless District). Indonesian restaurants traditionally have vegetarian rijsttafel options. Halal accessible; dedicated halal butcher in Oud West + West. Gluten-free mainstream at mid-range and up. Kosher: dedicated restaurants in Jewish Cultural Quarter (Hollandsche Schouwburg area).
Tipping
5-10% if service impressed (many locals don't tip). Round up to nearest euro at brown cafés. Service is technically included (horeca service charge built in). Cash tip appreciated by staff more than card — waiter often doesn't receive card tip.

Getting around

How to get around Amsterdam

Amsterdam is walkable. GVB runs trams (17 lines), metros (5 lines), buses + ferries. OV-chipkaart (€8.50 card) or OVpay (tap contactless bank card) for transit. Trams are the workhorse. Bike rental €15-20/day. Walking the Canal Ring is fast; most places ≤25 min apart.

Ways to get around5

  • Tram + metro + bus (GVB)

    €3.40

    Everything within city

    1-hour single €3.40; day pass €8.50; 2-day €13.50; 3-day €18.50.

    • Dense tram network + on time
    • Day passes easily shareable
    • OVpay contactless = no card needed
    • Tram fare separate from NS train

  • NS train (Schiphol airport)

    €5.90

    Airport transfer + regional day trips

    Schiphol to Centraal single.

    • Schiphol to Centraal in 15 min
    • 8 trains per hour
    • Separate ticket from GVB; use OVpay contactless

  • Bike rental

    €18

    Most authentic Amsterdam experience

    Daily rental; MacBike/Yellow Bike/A-Bike; +€2-5 insurance.

    • Becoming a local
    • Flat + extensive bike network
    • Aggressive cycling culture; lanes are for cyclists only

  • Canal boat rental

    €95

    Self-drive canal cruise

    Boaty electric boat 2h rental per 4 people.

    • Private canal adventure
    • No license needed for electric boats
    • Weather-dependent

  • Taxi / Uber

    €15

    Late-night or heavy luggage

    Taxi flag-fall €3.19 + €2.35/km.

    • Metered + card payment
    • Uber works normally
    • Amsterdam traffic brutal

From the airport

4 options · fastest 15 min · cheapest €5.90

  • NS train Schiphol to Centraal Station

    FastestCheapest

    8 trains per hour 06:00-00:30; covered by Amsterdam Travel Ticket.

    15 min

    €5.90

  • Airport Bus 397 Schiphol to Leidseplein

    Direct to city center; every 15 min.

    30 min

    €6.50

  • Taxi from Schiphol

    Metered; flat rate Schiphol to central ~€45-55.

    25 min

    €50

  • Uber from Schiphol

    25 min

    €45

Key distances

Realistic travel times between the places you'll actually go.

  • Schiphol (AMS)Centraal Station

    Distance: 17 kmBy car: 25 min (€50 taxi)By transit: NS train 15 min, €5.90

  • Centraal StationRijksmuseum

    Distance: 2 kmBy car: 15 minBy transit: Tram 2 + 5 15 min, €3.40 — or 20-min walk

  • AmsterdamKeukenhof (tulip garden)

    Distance: 35 kmBy car: 35 minBy transit: Bus 858 from Schiphol 35 min, €5 one-way (+ €22 Keukenhof ticket)

  • AmsterdamZaanse Schans (windmills)

    Distance: 15 kmBy car: 20 minBy transit: NS train + walk 40 min, €4 one-way

  • AmsterdamHaarlem

    Distance: 20 kmBy car: 25 minBy transit: NS train 15 min, €4.80

Practical

Know how Amsterdam works

Etiquette, money, a few words of Dutch, safety and what to pack.

Amsterdam etiquette & payments

Do

  • Dutch directness is legendary — locals will correct your mistakes, speak frankly. Not rudeness; cultural honesty.
  • Tipping 5-10% is generous; many Dutch don't tip at all (service is "built in").
  • Cash tips appreciated over card — waiter actually receives cash, card tip often doesn't reach them.
  • Biking culture: if walking, stay out of red bike lanes. Cyclists have right of way.
  • Drinks are smaller — beer "klein" is 25cl (8.5 oz), not 50cl like UK. Ask for "groot" for larger.
  • Long slow dinners — meals take 2-3 hours, reservations essential for dinner.

Avoid

  • Don't photograph Red Light District window workers — illegal + fine + camera seizure.
  • Don't call coffeeshops "coffee shops" — they sell cannabis, not coffee. "Koffie" places sell coffee.
  • Don't bring drugs back to hotel rooms — consumption within licensed coffeeshops only; some hotels ban it entirely.
  • Don't walk in bike lanes — marked red with bicycle icon.
  • Don't swim in canals — biological + industrial + sewage; tourists get sick.
Tipping
5-10% at sit-down restaurants; round up at brown cafés. Taxi: round up to nearest €1. Hotel staff: €1-2 bellhop, €1-2/day housekeeping. Many Dutch don't tip — it's not expected.
Payments
  • Visa/Mastercard widely accepted (many places card-only)
  • Apple Pay / Google Pay universal
  • Cash (EUR) increasingly rare; carry €50 for markets + small cafés
  • iDEAL (local Dutch payment) dominant for locals; foreign tourists can't use it
Connectivity
KPN, Vodafone, T-Mobile, Odido — all 5G. EU SIMs roam free; non-EU Airalo eSIM €5 for 1GB. Free WiFi at Schiphol, most cafés, libraries, public squares via AMS-WiFi.

Useful Dutch phrases for Amsterdam10

  • Hello
    Hallo / HoiHAH-lo / HOY
    "Hoi" is casual.
  • Good morning
    GoedemorgenKHOO-de-MOHR-khen
  • Thank you
    Dank je / BedanktDUNK-yeh / beh-DUNKT
    "Dank je" casual; "Dank u wel" formal.
  • Please
    AlstublieftAHL-stoo-BLEEFT
  • Yes / No
    Ja / NeeYAH / NAY
  • Sorry
    Sorry
    English works; or "pardon" (PAR-don).
  • The bill
    De rekeningde REH-keh-ning
  • Cheers!
    Proost!PROHST
  • How much?
    Hoeveel kost het?HOO-vail KOST het
  • Delicious
    Lekker!LEK-er
    All-purpose Dutch approval.

Safety in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is very safe — violent crime against tourists rare. Biggest risks: pickpocketing + bike lanes + falling in canals.
  • Pickpocket hotspots: trams to Dam Square, Red Light District after 22:00, Centraal Station. Keep valuables zipped + front-pocket.
  • NEVER walk in bike lanes — marked red with bike icon. You will get honked at + potentially hit by speed-cycling locals.
  • Canal falling: 15-20 tourists drown annually, often drunk at night. Stay back from edges when drinking.
  • Red Light District photography of sex workers is ILLEGAL + will result in camera confiscation. No exceptions.
  • Coffeeshop drugs are LEGAL ONLY inside licensed coffeeshops — consumption on streets + parks technically banned (rarely enforced but can get fine).
  • Scooter thieves grabbing phones from hands — keep phone on strap or tucked deep.
  • Schengen + ETIAS: from 2025, US/UK/Canada/Australia/Japan need €7 ETIAS pre-authorization.

What to pack for Amsterdam

Essentials

  • Waterproof jacket + packable umbrella (rain 140+ days/year)
  • Comfortable walking shoes (cobbles + 15,000+ daily steps)
  • Layers — temp swings 8°C+ daily
  • Crossbody bag with zipper
  • Sunglasses + cap for long summer days

Climate

  • Apr-Sep: layers + rain jacket
  • Nov-Mar: warm coat + scarf + gloves + waterproof shoes

Cultural

  • Smart-casual for fine dining
  • Nothing specific to Amsterdam — Dutch style is understated

Electronics

  • Type C / F plug (230V)
  • Portable charger
  • eSIM (non-EU travelers)

If something goes wrong

Emergency numbers in Amsterdam

Save these before you land. Tap a number to call from your phone.

  • All emergencies
    112

    Police · Fire · Medical

Tourist helpline
+31 20 551 2525 (City of Amsterdam Tourist Info)

Hospitals3

FAQ

Frequently asked about Amsterdam

Straight answers to the 18 questions first-time visitors ask most.

What is the best time to visit Amsterdam?

April-May (tulips + mild weather + King's Day April 27) and September-October (cool + autumn colors + fewer crowds). Peak tourism July-August is expensive + packed. Avoid Jul-Aug if you dislike crowds. Tulip season (late March-mid May) is spectacular but Keukenhof trip essential. December has Christmas markets + Amsterdam Light Festival but it's cold + dark 16:30.

How many days do I need in Amsterdam?

Three days covers essentials: one day Museum Quarter (Rijksmuseum + Van Gogh), one day Anne Frank + Jordaan + canals, one day for neighborhoods (De Pijp + Red Light District) or day trip. Five days adds Zaanse Schans windmills, Keukenhof (if spring), Haarlem, or a bike-exploration day. Seven days perfect with 1-2 day trips.

How do I get Anne Frank House tickets?

Tickets sell out weeks ahead — book at annefrank.org. New tickets release every Tuesday at 10:00 AM Amsterdam time (CET/CEST), for entry 6 weeks later. Set an alarm — tickets sell out within 15-30 min in peak season. €16 adult, €7 youth. No walk-ups.

Is Amsterdam expensive?

Yes — among Europe's more expensive capitals. Mid-range daily €150-220/person including 3-star hotel + meals + museums + transport. Budget: €100/day with hostels + FEBO + free attractions. Luxury: €500+. Hotel peak pricing July-Aug: €180-350/night. City tax 12.5% of room rate (!) adds serious cost to Amsterdam hotels.

Is Amsterdam safe for tourists?

Very safe — violent crime against tourists rare. Main risks: (1) pickpocketing in trams + Red Light District + Centraal; (2) accidental bike-lane stepping (walkers get honked + hit); (3) drunk tourists falling in canals at night; (4) drink-spiking at Red Light District bars. Red Light District is safe but gritty at night; police are visible everywhere.

Do I need a visa for Amsterdam?

Netherlands is in Schengen Area. 60+ nationalities get 90 days in 180 days visa-free. From 2025, US/UK/Canada/Australia/Japan citizens need ETIAS (€7 online, 3-year validity). Indian + Chinese + African passports require full Schengen visa (processing 15-45 days). Passport valid 3+ months after departure.

Should I rent a bike in Amsterdam?

Yes — for at least one afternoon. It's 3x faster than walking + the authentic local experience. €15-20/day from MacBike, Yellow Bike, A-Bike (chains). Always lock TWICE (frame + chain). BUT: Amsterdam cyclists are aggressive + lane-disciplined. First-time cyclists should start in Vondelpark or quiet Jordaan streets before trying main roads.

What are Amsterdam coffeeshops?

Coffeeshops sell cannabis legally to 18+ (must show passport). They're DIFFERENT from "koffie" places which sell coffee. Popular ones: Green House, Bulldog, Dampkring. Consumption permitted inside the coffeeshop or licensed smoking areas. Can't smoke on street/park (technically illegal though rarely enforced). Can't bring drugs back to hotel. Many hotels ban cannabis entirely.

How does the Red Light District work?

It's Amsterdam's oldest neighborhood — historic churches + canals + legal sex-work windows. Visit respectfully. Window workers are licensed + regulated + safe; they're not tourist attractions. Photography = illegal (camera confiscation). Respectful walking is fine day or night. PIC (Prostitution Information Centre) offers €30 educational tours — recommended for understanding the industry.

What should I eat in Amsterdam?

Stroopwafel (fresh warm from Albert Cuyp), bitterballen (pub classic), raw herring (haring, eaten by the tail), cheese (Gouda + Edam), patat met mayo, Indonesian rijsttafel (colonial-era feast), poffertjes mini-pancakes, Dutch cheese shop samples, Jenever (Dutch gin). Amsterdam has the world's best Indonesian food; book Blauw or Tempo Doeloe for authentic rijsttafel.

Is Amsterdam good for solo female travelers?

Yes — one of the world's easier destinations for solo women. Safe at night in central + tourist areas. Local women bike everywhere solo. Red Light District is safe to walk; most sex workers are women themselves. Main caveat: don't drink alone in Red Light District bars; use licensed taxis after midnight. Public transport safe + reliable.

Is tap water safe in Amsterdam?

Yes — Amsterdam tap water meets EU drinking standards. Restaurants serve free tap water ("kraanwater"). Carry reusable bottle + fill anywhere.

Should I visit Keukenhof if I'm in Amsterdam?

Only if your visit falls late March to mid May when it's open. Otherwise closed. €22 adult entry; +€10 bus from Schiphol/Amsterdam RAI. Half-day excursion. Peak bloom usually mid-April. Worth it if within open season — world's largest flower garden with 7 million tulips planted fresh yearly. Closed mid-May to late March.

Amsterdam vs Paris — which first?

Both excellent for different reasons. Amsterdam: compact, walkable, more liberal, better beer, canals, museums per capita unmatched. Paris: bigger, more classical, better pastries + haute cuisine, romance, fashion. First-time Europe: Paris. First-time Amsterdam-area: Amsterdam. Ideal: 4 days Paris + 3 days Amsterdam + 1 day travel (2h Thalys train €75-150 one-way).

What is King's Day (Koningsdag)?

King Willem-Alexander's birthday — April 27. Amsterdam becomes an outdoor orange-dressed festival with street markets, canal boats with loud music, and public drinking. Wear orange. Thousands of tourists + locals; hotel prices triple; trains run reduced service. Book months ahead if visiting April 27. Spectacular if you go with it; impossible to avoid if in town that day.

Can I bike to Amsterdam from Schiphol?

Technically yes (17 km) but not recommended — industrial roads, airport traffic, typically raining. Take the NS train (15 min, €5.90) or Amsterdam Travel Ticket.

What should I avoid in Amsterdam?

Avoid: photographing Red Light District workers (camera seizure + fine); walking in red bike lanes; accepting drugs or deals from strangers on the street (coffeeshop only); Damrak tourist-trap restaurants; bringing bikes on trams (not allowed); swimming in canals; short-term rentals without proper registration; exchange bureaus near Centraal (terrible rates — use ATMs).

Is Amsterdam kid-friendly?

Yes — NEMO Science Museum, Artis Zoo, Anne Frank House (age 10+), Vondelpark playgrounds, canal boat cruises, A'DAM Lookout swing, tulip fields in spring. Most restaurants welcome kids; high chairs + kid menus common. Avoid Red Light District with kids — it's historic during day but explicit evenings. Baby-changing facilities at major museums.

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