Are you wondering what to expect if this is your first time visiting Amsterdam? It can be very overwhelming to plan a trip to Amsterdam, especially if it's your first time visiting the city!
The city can get extremely crowded, and excessive tourism is a problem. Actually, Amsterdam has been making concerted efforts to reduce tourism and restore locals' quality of life in the city.
For instance, the city banned the use of alcohol in public places and stopped tour groups from stopping on the main streets of the Red Light District. It also removed the excessively popular "I Amsterdam" sign from the Rijksmuseum and tightened regulations for those who rent out private homes to visitors, which has resulted in a sharp decline in short-term rentals on Airbnb and Booking.
Naturally, visitors are welcome, but they also want to maintain the city's appeal for all visitors throughout the year.
Nevertheless, certain seasons are better than others, and with careful planning, you can avoid the busiest times of year and have a much more enjoyable trip to Amsterdam. Not only is it crowded in the summer, but also in the early fall, around Christmas, and in late spring, when everyone visits to see the Dutch tulip fields.
Thus, if you are just beginning to arrange your trip to Amsterdam, consider visiting during a less busy season. Avoid weekends during the summer and the weekends surrounding public holidays, at the very least. If you visit Amsterdam during a slower period, you'll enjoy it more!
The largest expense when visiting Amsterdam is typically lodging. Amsterdam hotels are very pricey, and things won't get any cheaper now that so many private owners have removed their properties from Airbnb. So, you should book your lodging well in advance if you want to visit Amsterdam without breaking the bank.
There is a greater selection and consequently better prices when you book in advance. You may find some excellent last-minute deals during the off-peak months, but don't count on it. In addition, there are a few things you should know before making your hotel reservation in Amsterdam; for more details, see the following point (#3)!
Make sure to purchase skip-the-line tickets for all of Amsterdam's most well-liked tourist attractions! Certain locations are completely closed to visitors without prior reservations.
Make sure to get your tickets in advance if you intend to visit the Anne Frank House! You might be lucky enough to obtain tickets for the lower season a week or two in advance (we advise checking at least 2-3 weeks before). But if you plan to visit Amsterdam during the busiest time of year, you should be prepared to purchase your tickets for the Anne Frank House as soon as they go on sale, which is usually six weeks in advance of your trip.
Before COVID, another option was to just show up at the museum, join a (very long) line, and cross your fingers for entry. However, at the Anne Frank House, reservations made online are required at this time. It is nearly impossible to book these tickets at the last minute because they are the most sought-after tickets in Amsterdam.
We also strongly advise purchasing skip-the-line tickets for all other major Amsterdam attractions and museums, especially the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, even though they are not as difficult to enter as the Anne Frank House. By doing this, you'll ensure that you can see the places you want to see without wasting too much time, and your visit will be much more enjoyable.
Indeed, tickets for the Van Gogh Museum now sell out up to two weeks in advance during the summer. Not to mention that you can select a time slot that works for you.
Therefore, the majority of the city's tourist attractions truly benefit from this advice. Get your tickets in advance if you want to avoid wasting time and are certain that you will visit.
Being in the center of Amsterdam is part of the experience, and it will cut down on the amount of walking you have to do because of its convenient location. We advise lodging in the vicinity of the Rijksmuseum, west of Damrak, and southwest of Central Station. The majority of the interesting locations are accessible by foot from this sizable area that is home to numerous hotels.
Apart from Amsterdam's well-known landmarks and attractions, there are a plethora of fascinating locations in the vicinity. Thus, don't pass up the opportunity to see a few of them! Further information about where to go can be found at #16 below.
Additionally, Amsterdam is typically so busy that attempting to see everything can quickly lead to exhaustion and overwhelm.
Give yourself some spare time to explore the stunning canals at night, venture a little off the beaten path, and grab a drink at a neighborhood café. You'll travel with greater memories and a far better experience!
As is usually the case with city cards, purchasing it for a longer time than a single visit yields significantly better value. However, a lot relies on your intended itinerary of sights and activities. It soon becomes worthwhile, even if you are only seeing a handful of the most well-known museums. Not to mention all the extras that come with it, like the windmills in Zaanse Schans, bike rentals, etc.
Here you can obtain the card and find out more information. Upon obtaining the card, you can also download their app, which will greatly simplify utilizing all of its features.
Alternatively, you can simply choose to purchase an all-inclusive public transportation ticket for the duration of your visit and obtain individual tickets for each attraction you intend to see.
Noteworthy: The primary drawback of the Amsterdam city card is that you still need to reserve timed entry in advance for some of the busiest attractions. Also, the Van Gogh Museum is not currently included on this card.
Many factors include where you are staying, how long you have to spend in the city, and your daily itinerary. However, Amsterdam's public transportation system is incredibly effective, so make use of it whenever possible. In general, taxis are more costly and take longer than metro, ferry, or tram rides.
If you only occasionally ride the tram, you can simply scan your smartphone, debit card, or credit card on the tram itself (just remember to scan it once more when you get off!). Purchasing a ticket for the entire duration of your stay is preferable if you intend to use public transportation frequently rather than buying one for each ride. It makes touring Amsterdam much easier and is valid on all buses, trams, metros, and ferries. You can also download the GVB App, which will further simplify city navigation.
A canal cruise is the ideal way to see a lot of ground in a short amount of time. Numerous choices are available for canal and boat tours, ranging from dinner cruises to sightseeing cruises and much more. This is a fantastic way to learn more about Amsterdam and experience the city from a different perspective.
You should also spend some time exploring the canals on foot as you stroll through the city center. Really, you should try to do both walking and boating!
The world's largest collection of Van Gogh paintings is kept in this museum. You'll also see pieces by other artists from the same era among the more than 200 paintings. Naturally, the life and works of the most well-known painter in the Netherlands are the primary subjects of attention.
The Netherlands' most popular museum is well worth the visit. Even if you only have a few hours, it's still worthwhile. Some people spend half a day or a day here. We advise allotting at least two hours for this.
Asking locals about the best restaurants in the area is one of the best ways to find good places to eat.
Alternatively, look up local eateries on Google Maps and select the ones with the highest ratings from patrons. This really is the best way, in our opinion, to both find a nice place nearby when you're hungry and avoid disappointment.
But the best restaurants are almost always booked up, particularly at night. Thus, it makes sense to plan ahead and make reservations after doing some research.
TIP: Look for the "brown bars" (bruine kroeg) if you'd like to grab a drink at a local pub. These are the more traditional, historic, and gloomy neighborhood cafes that can be found throughout the city. They might not be trendy, but this is the real deal if you want to feel like you're in the area. It's said that each and every Amsterdamer has a preferred brown café.
Still, a lot of establishments only accept VISA or MasterCard credit cards, and many refuse credit cards altogether. In Europe, Diners Club and AMEX are pretty much useless. Frequently, you can pay with a standard Maestro debit card (or, as the Dutch call it, "pinnen"). However, if you are traveling from outside of Europe, this might not be an option for you.
Therefore, before you sit down for a meal or a drink, make sure to find out if a restaurant or café accepts credit cards to avoid awkward situations. Additionally, it never hurts to have some cash on hand.
PRO TIP: You can typically use a cashless payment system on your smartphone to make payments if a location doesn't accept cash or credit cards and you don't have a European debit card (Maestro). Make sure you have this option available, as it may be your only means of payment at times! (And in many other locations throughout Europe, not only in the Netherlands).
Furthermore, credit cards in the majority of European nations now require pins, and some may even stop accepting card payments made with a signature. Therefore, if you intend to travel to Europe, it might be a good idea to get a travel credit card with a chip and pin. Once more, the only widely accepted cards are MasterCard and VISA.
TIP: Take a look at this list of the top US credit cards for travel if you don't currently have the ideal credit card and want to get one. I advise getting a card with a PIN and no foreign transaction fees.
Be aware that there are occasions when using the restroom in Amsterdam requires payment. Certain locations only accept cards, while others only accept coins. Thus, it's helpful to always carry a small amount of change in your pocket. Oh, and it goes without saying that in the Netherlands, payments are made in euros.
Here are a few of our best travel recommendations for Amsterdam.
This guide will not only help you plan a trip to Amsterdam, but it will also help you avoid some mistakes and have a more memorable travel experience. It will cover everything from when to travel, how long to stay, and where to stay, to some essential travel tips that will save you time and money.
1. Steer clear of peak season
One of the most popular tourist destinations in the world is Amsterdam, so whenever you go, be prepared for crowds. And Amsterdam continues to be the most visited city in Europe, even as travel is only now beginning to pick up steam following the pandemic.The city can get extremely crowded, and excessive tourism is a problem. Actually, Amsterdam has been making concerted efforts to reduce tourism and restore locals' quality of life in the city.
For instance, the city banned the use of alcohol in public places and stopped tour groups from stopping on the main streets of the Red Light District. It also removed the excessively popular "I Amsterdam" sign from the Rijksmuseum and tightened regulations for those who rent out private homes to visitors, which has resulted in a sharp decline in short-term rentals on Airbnb and Booking.
Naturally, visitors are welcome, but they also want to maintain the city's appeal for all visitors throughout the year.
Nevertheless, certain seasons are better than others, and with careful planning, you can avoid the busiest times of year and have a much more enjoyable trip to Amsterdam. Not only is it crowded in the summer, but also in the early fall, around Christmas, and in late spring, when everyone visits to see the Dutch tulip fields.
Thus, if you are just beginning to arrange your trip to Amsterdam, consider visiting during a less busy season. Avoid weekends during the summer and the weekends surrounding public holidays, at the very least. If you visit Amsterdam during a slower period, you'll enjoy it more!
2. Reserve in advance to save money and time.
Amsterdam is a very popular destination, so planning and preparation in advance are essential.The largest expense when visiting Amsterdam is typically lodging. Amsterdam hotels are very pricey, and things won't get any cheaper now that so many private owners have removed their properties from Airbnb. So, you should book your lodging well in advance if you want to visit Amsterdam without breaking the bank.
There is a greater selection and consequently better prices when you book in advance. You may find some excellent last-minute deals during the off-peak months, but don't count on it. In addition, there are a few things you should know before making your hotel reservation in Amsterdam; for more details, see the following point (#3)!
Make sure to purchase skip-the-line tickets for all of Amsterdam's most well-liked tourist attractions! Certain locations are completely closed to visitors without prior reservations.
Make sure to get your tickets in advance if you intend to visit the Anne Frank House! You might be lucky enough to obtain tickets for the lower season a week or two in advance (we advise checking at least 2-3 weeks before). But if you plan to visit Amsterdam during the busiest time of year, you should be prepared to purchase your tickets for the Anne Frank House as soon as they go on sale, which is usually six weeks in advance of your trip.
Before COVID, another option was to just show up at the museum, join a (very long) line, and cross your fingers for entry. However, at the Anne Frank House, reservations made online are required at this time. It is nearly impossible to book these tickets at the last minute because they are the most sought-after tickets in Amsterdam.
We also strongly advise purchasing skip-the-line tickets for all other major Amsterdam attractions and museums, especially the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, even though they are not as difficult to enter as the Anne Frank House. By doing this, you'll ensure that you can see the places you want to see without wasting too much time, and your visit will be much more enjoyable.
Indeed, tickets for the Van Gogh Museum now sell out up to two weeks in advance during the summer. Not to mention that you can select a time slot that works for you.
Therefore, the majority of the city's tourist attractions truly benefit from this advice. Get your tickets in advance if you want to avoid wasting time and are certain that you will visit.
3. Remain in the downtown area
We advise staying in the city center of Amsterdam even though lodging there is quite expensive. particularly if you intend to take some day trips outside of Amsterdam and/or are only in town for a day or two.Being in the center of Amsterdam is part of the experience, and it will cut down on the amount of walking you have to do because of its convenient location. We advise lodging in the vicinity of the Rijksmuseum, west of Damrak, and southwest of Central Station. The majority of the interesting locations are accessible by foot from this sizable area that is home to numerous hotels.
4. Assume sufficient time
Even though you can see most of Amsterdam in two days, we still advise you to try to extend your stay. You should allow at least two to three days to see the major sights and attractions in Amsterdam and two to four days to see the rest of the Netherlands.Apart from Amsterdam's well-known landmarks and attractions, there are a plethora of fascinating locations in the vicinity. Thus, don't pass up the opportunity to see a few of them! Further information about where to go can be found at #16 below.
Additionally, Amsterdam is typically so busy that attempting to see everything can quickly lead to exhaustion and overwhelm.
Give yourself some spare time to explore the stunning canals at night, venture a little off the beaten path, and grab a drink at a neighborhood café. You'll travel with greater memories and a far better experience!
5. Use city cards or passes to save money.
You might want to think about purchasing the Amsterdam city card if you intend to take public transportation, visit a lot of the city's attractions, etc.As is usually the case with city cards, purchasing it for a longer time than a single visit yields significantly better value. However, a lot relies on your intended itinerary of sights and activities. It soon becomes worthwhile, even if you are only seeing a handful of the most well-known museums. Not to mention all the extras that come with it, like the windmills in Zaanse Schans, bike rentals, etc.
Here you can obtain the card and find out more information. Upon obtaining the card, you can also download their app, which will greatly simplify utilizing all of its features.
Alternatively, you can simply choose to purchase an all-inclusive public transportation ticket for the duration of your visit and obtain individual tickets for each attraction you intend to see.
Noteworthy: The primary drawback of the Amsterdam city card is that you still need to reserve timed entry in advance for some of the busiest attractions. Also, the Van Gogh Museum is not currently included on this card.
6. Take public transportation
Amsterdam is not a small city. Although it's possible to walk through the city center, some of the primary points of interest are quite far apart. So, it's usually preferable to use public transportation for some of the longer trips if you want to see a lot without becoming tired.Many factors include where you are staying, how long you have to spend in the city, and your daily itinerary. However, Amsterdam's public transportation system is incredibly effective, so make use of it whenever possible. In general, taxis are more costly and take longer than metro, ferry, or tram rides.
If you only occasionally ride the tram, you can simply scan your smartphone, debit card, or credit card on the tram itself (just remember to scan it once more when you get off!). Purchasing a ticket for the entire duration of your stay is preferable if you intend to use public transportation frequently rather than buying one for each ride. It makes touring Amsterdam much easier and is valid on all buses, trams, metros, and ferries. You can also download the GVB App, which will further simplify city navigation.
7. Take a look around the canals
When visiting Amsterdam, one must make sure to explore the city canal system.A canal cruise is the ideal way to see a lot of ground in a short amount of time. Numerous choices are available for canal and boat tours, ranging from dinner cruises to sightseeing cruises and much more. This is a fantastic way to learn more about Amsterdam and experience the city from a different perspective.
You should also spend some time exploring the canals on foot as you stroll through the city center. Really, you should try to do both walking and boating!
8. Do not overlook Van Gogh!
Making travel plans in Amsterdam can be challenging because there are so many fascinating museums and activities to choose from, particularly if you are short on time and unable to see everything. In Amsterdam, however, if you only visit one museum, make it the Van Gogh Museum.The world's largest collection of Van Gogh paintings is kept in this museum. You'll also see pieces by other artists from the same era among the more than 200 paintings. Naturally, the life and works of the most well-known painter in the Netherlands are the primary subjects of attention.
The Netherlands' most popular museum is well worth the visit. Even if you only have a few hours, it's still worthwhile. Some people spend half a day or a day here. We advise allotting at least two hours for this.
9. Seek out neighborhood eateries and brown bars.
Like any large city, Amsterdam has its share of fantastic local eateries in addition to some more touristy, expensive, and frequently lower-quality options. Steer clear of the latter. Generally speaking, tourist-oriented restaurants with pictures on the menu don't usually provide the best quality for the money.Asking locals about the best restaurants in the area is one of the best ways to find good places to eat.
Alternatively, look up local eateries on Google Maps and select the ones with the highest ratings from patrons. This really is the best way, in our opinion, to both find a nice place nearby when you're hungry and avoid disappointment.
But the best restaurants are almost always booked up, particularly at night. Thus, it makes sense to plan ahead and make reservations after doing some research.
TIP: Look for the "brown bars" (bruine kroeg) if you'd like to grab a drink at a local pub. These are the more traditional, historic, and gloomy neighborhood cafes that can be found throughout the city. They might not be trendy, but this is the real deal if you want to feel like you're in the area. It's said that each and every Amsterdamer has a preferred brown café.
10. Verify whether they accept credit cards and have cash on hand.
These days, credit cards and other electronic payments are accepted almost everywhere in Amsterdam. Some people hardly ever use cash.Still, a lot of establishments only accept VISA or MasterCard credit cards, and many refuse credit cards altogether. In Europe, Diners Club and AMEX are pretty much useless. Frequently, you can pay with a standard Maestro debit card (or, as the Dutch call it, "pinnen"). However, if you are traveling from outside of Europe, this might not be an option for you.
Therefore, before you sit down for a meal or a drink, make sure to find out if a restaurant or café accepts credit cards to avoid awkward situations. Additionally, it never hurts to have some cash on hand.
PRO TIP: You can typically use a cashless payment system on your smartphone to make payments if a location doesn't accept cash or credit cards and you don't have a European debit card (Maestro). Make sure you have this option available, as it may be your only means of payment at times! (And in many other locations throughout Europe, not only in the Netherlands).
Furthermore, credit cards in the majority of European nations now require pins, and some may even stop accepting card payments made with a signature. Therefore, if you intend to travel to Europe, it might be a good idea to get a travel credit card with a chip and pin. Once more, the only widely accepted cards are MasterCard and VISA.
TIP: Take a look at this list of the top US credit cards for travel if you don't currently have the ideal credit card and want to get one. I advise getting a card with a PIN and no foreign transaction fees.
Be aware that there are occasions when using the restroom in Amsterdam requires payment. Certain locations only accept cards, while others only accept coins. Thus, it's helpful to always carry a small amount of change in your pocket. Oh, and it goes without saying that in the Netherlands, payments are made in euros.