Amsterdam, the Dutch capital, is famous for its vibrant nightlife and unique canal system. It's one of the few European cities where history meets modernity. The city is renowned for its rich culture and artistic heritage. Whether you're drawn to culture and art, fascinated by architecture, or looking to experience Europe's party scene, Amsterdam has something for everyone.
From charming streets and 17th-century architecture to world-class art museums and picturesque canals, it has it all.
How to reach Amsterdam:
Flight:
The Amsterdam Airport Schiphol offers both domestic and international flights to and from Amsterdam. You can check your flights on Skyscanner.com.
Train:
Amsterdam is well connected with a Train. From Germany, you can take Deutsche Bahn to Amsterdam. From Belgium and France, you can take SNCP to Amsterdam.
We would suggest checking the tickets on Omio.com (provide the comparison between different modes of transportation and Train services).
Bus:
All the well-reputed Bus companies offer their services to Amsterdam. We would suggest Flixbus as their services are more reliable and it’s also cheap but not so punctual.
By Own Car:
We had always been driving to Amsterdam from Germany as it's a highly convenient and enjoyable experience to drive the car in an unlimited speed zone on the German Autobahn and be mesmerized by the beautiful scenic beauty of Dutch lush green fields and windmills.
Where to Stay in Amsterdam:
We have stayed in different localities in Amsterdam. Here you can find the best areas to stay in Amsterdam.
a. Jordaan:
It's a quiet charming street with canals and cafes and boutiques.
b. De Pijp:
It's a vibrant and multicultural neighborhood with great food and markets. It's perfect for young travelers and foodies.
c. City Center (Centrum):
If you want to stay near the main attractions of the city like Dam Square. You should stay in the city center of Amsterdam.
d. Museum Quarter:
You can also stay near the top museums in Oud-Zuid and Vondelpark.
e. Outskirts of Amsterdam:
For the 2nd time, we stayed on the outskirts of the city to avoid the hustle of traffic and parking issues. Amsterdam is a safe city and well connected with local transport so you can find many different options according to your price range.
f. Boat Hotel:
Amsterdam also has a Unique concept of b&b (Boat & Breakfast) where you get the chance to stay in the boat which also has all the necessities like a comfortable bed, Toilet and Terrace to enjoy the beautiful view of the canal. You can also book a Botels which is the fixed hotel in Cruise Ship.
Finding cheap parking in Amsterdam is quite tricky and challenging especially in the city center (it’s really expensive).
Tip: Before booking the hotel or Air B&B check with them if they are offering parking facilities.
Best time to visit Amsterdam:
We have experienced almost all the weather and flavors of this vibrant city of Europe. Amsterdam is the type of city that we want to visit again and again without getting bored.
I have been to Amsterdam twice (in June 2016 and to celebrate my birthday in Oct 2018) and Aoon has been there three times ( in Mar 2016, during his 32-day Euro tour in 2017 & Oct 2018).
How to commute within Amsterdam:
a. Public Transport:
The City offers a very efficient public transportation system and all the areas are highly accessible by Public Tram or buses. To avoid the traffic and parking issues in the city we had parked our car in the hotel and commuting within the city with Trams.
b. By Walk:
The City center of Amsterdam needs to be explored by foot. There’s a surprise in every street of the city and walking by the Charming canals of Amsterdam is an experience.
c. By Bike:
Amsterdam is a highly friendly Bike city and exploring Amsterdam by bike is the way of Locals. Everybody has a Bike in the City and they are using their bikes for commuting.
There are uncountable bike rental service providers but nowadays their business has got affected due to E-Bike which allows you to unlock the bike with the Mobile App and ride it how much you want. It's more expensive than the bikes offered on rent by different providers but that’s how you can avoid the bike scams and hustle of returning bikes to the renter company.
Tip: Don’t walk on the Cycle Pedestrian, the local Cyclist gets very aggressive and angry. Sometimes, they pass by using harsh words or pushing you if you are on their track.
d. Scooter:
During our trip, we rented a Scooter for a day for € 30 but it may vary. That’s also a pretty nice way to explore the city center, the neighborhood, and other surrounding villages like Zaandam and Zaanse Schans.
Be Aware of the company from where you are renting a scooter and also investigate the condition of the Scooter being rented as we had a pretty bad experience which ruined our trip back to Amsterdam from Zaanse Schans.
e. Ferry:
Amsterdam has a local ferry service which is the way of communication from the City center to Amsterdam North. You can take the Ferry from the back of Amsterdam Central station. As we went to Zaanse Schans with the Scooter, we took the Ferry to go to the other side. The Ferry is free of cost and used by locals every day for commuting.
10 Things to Do in Amsterdam:
The best way to start exploring the city is from Amsterdam Central Station. It’s located in the Center of the city. Let's find out things to do in Amsterdam.
1. Dam Square:
The Dam Square is the most crowded Town Square in Amsterdam and is located near the Amstel River. The Square is linked with the main streets of Amsterdam and is always packed with people whether it’s day or night.
Mostly, street performers perform, gathering huge crowds, and receiving appreciation from tourists. The famous Royal Palace of Amsterdam is also located in the Dam Square.
2. Explore Amsterdam Canal:
The Amsterdam Canal has a golden history of 400 years and used to be known as Grachtengordel. The Canals are flowing parallel and in some areas the Canals are intersecting waterways. The surroundings of the Canals have beautiful and colorful flowers which enhances the beauty of the Canals.
The historical Old Town of Amsterdam is located around the Canals with typical Dutch-style houses and all the famous landmarks are also situated near the Bank of these Canal Rings. The Amsterdam Canal Ring is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
a. Cruising in Amsterdam Canals:
To Experience the Canal Cruising is a must activity to do in Amsterdam. There are uncountable Cruise operators with their booths on the Bank of Canals. The Cruise Costs between € 15 to €20 and the tickets are mostly available on the spot.
The Cruise takes a tour of all the connecting Canals with a guided tour explaining the historical importance of the Amsterdam landmarks on the bank of these Canals.
b. Renting a boat:
If you like to explore the canal in your own way, you can also rent a private boat and navigate the canals at your own pace.
3. Museums in Amsterdam:
a. Van Gough Museum:
One of the most Significant Artists of Western Art is Van Gough. He was a Dutch and spent his life in different parts of the Netherlands, Belgium, and Paris.
He created 2100 creative pieces composed of different Landscapes, Still life, Portraits, and Self-Portraits. The Museum has exhibited the Master Art pieces including his own Self Portrait.
The Museum has a long waiting Queue for the tickets. The best would be buying the Ticket Online and saving your time. The Ticket cost € 19 when we visited in 2018 and if you like to know more about the MasterPiece of the collection of Van Gough you can also opt for a guided tour which provides rental devices for € 5.
b. Rijksmuseum:
The top Museum to visit in Amsterdam is Rijksmuseum located at Museum Square in Amsterdam. The Museum is the National Museum of Arts and History in Amsterdam.
The Ticket costs € 19 when we visited in 2018 and if you want to have a Multimedia tour with a Rental device, it costs € 5 extra.
The Famous Landmark of IAMSTERDAM is Behind the Museum near the pond.
c. Anne Frank house:
The Anne Frank House is one of the must places to visit in Amsterdam. It’s a 17th-century house located near the bank of the Canal. The house was a reminder of the Nazi persecution of a Jewish family during WW II. Anne Frank along with her family hid in the House during Wartime. Unfortunately, she didn’t survive. She documented her experience in her Wartime Diary which was published in 1947.
The Anne Frank House has been open to the Public since 1960 and exhibits the life story of Anne Frank and what she had been through during Wartime. The Ticket costs €12.50 when we visited and it’s highly suggested to buy Ticket Online.
d. . NEMO Science Museum:
NEMO is a science museum depicting interactive exhibits on technology, engineering, and the natural world. You can also enjoy the beautiful view of the city from the rooftop terrace.
4. Stroll Through Neighborhoods:
There are different neighborhoods you should definitely explore in Amsterdam and experience the unique atmosphere, history, and Dutch culture.
a. Jordaan:
The Neighbourhood of Jordan is known for its narrow streets, houses, and canal. Back in time, it used to be a working-class district and now, it has changed into the trendiest area of Amsterdam with boutique shops, cozy cafes, art galleries, and small courtyards.
b. De Pijp:
The De Pijp is known as the Latin Quarter of Amsterdam with energetic vibes and multicultural environment. The streets have international eateries, cafes, and plenty of charming corners.
c. The Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes):
Amsterdam is famous for its narrow Nine streets which intersect the Canals between Leidsestraat and Jordaan district. The Nine Streets also known as Grachtengordeland - it's a perfect area for shopping with iconic canal views.
These streets have vintage stores, designer boutiques, uncounted Cafes, Restaurants, Art Galleries, and shopping outlets brands like Chanel, and Louis Vuitton, etc in P.C. Hoofstraat. The Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat are the two streets with more affordable Local brands like Zara, H&M, Esprit, etc.
5. A’dam lookout:
In order to get the 360 degree View of Amsterdam, the A’dam lookout is the best place. It’s an observatory deck from where you can see the Landmarks of Amsterdam and the surrounding places.
For Adventure lovers, you can also experience Europe's Highest Swing from the Edge of the deck to the swinging over the Amstel River. The Deck also has a Lavish Cafe to enjoy your lunch and favorite Cocktails.
6. Vondel Park:
What do locals do in Amsterdam during Summer? To get relief from Daily hectic life, the locals gather in Vondelpark with their Family and friends and enjoy their evenings. Vondelpark is the largest city park, which is perfect for a picnic, and bike ride. The Park also hosts a lot of Parties and festivals throughout the Year.
7. Cafes in Amsterdam:
As soft drugs are allowed in the Netherlands, the City is famous for its Cafes which sell weed and the most famous Space Muffins. The Cafes are located in the narrow streets near the canals and in the famous De Negev Straatjes of Amsterdam.
8. Amsterdam Red Light District (De Wallen):
The general perception about the Red Light District is that it’s not safe at all but Amsterdam Red Light District has a very friendly environment. Amsterdam is considered one of the most tolerant cities when it comes to prostitution and Soft drugs.
It is well-known for its nightlife and window displays. It's worth walking through for a unique cultural experience, but remember to respect the local customs (e.g., no photos of the workers).
The Red Light district has more than 300 windows in which Women are standing and displaying themselves under Red Neon lights. There are three Red Light Districts and the most famous is located inside the city center.
9. Rembrandtplein:
The Rembrandtplein is one of the main squares located just a few miles away from the Amstel River, the Square has a very lively nightlife with lots of Bars and Clubs. There are also live performances by the street artist in the square.
This is the liveliest area for nightlife, packed with bars, nightclubs, and live music venues. One of our favorite Clubs to enjoy the nightlife of Amsterdam is Escape Club located near the square. There are different stages and best for EDM lovers.
10. Experience Local Markets:
a. Albert Cuyp Market:
You can also visit the largest daily markets in Europe, offering food, clothes, and local delicacies.
b. Bloemenmarkt (Flower Market):
You can also visit the floating flower market and it's the perfect place to admire and buy tulips and bulbs.
Festivity in Amsterdam Canal Ring:
a. King’s Day:
Every year at the end of April, the locals and tourists celebrate King’s Day in which the City turns into Orange and people float in the Canals.
b. Light festival:
The Light Festival is also held every year in Amsterdam in which all the Canals have decorated and lit up with beautiful Lights.
Best Restaurant in Amsterdam:
a. Brasserie Keyzer:
The restaurant is located in a great location in the heart of the city Center at Museum Square. You can try some excellent Dutch Food in the Restaurant with great Ambience and service.
b. Kohinoor:
The best restaurant in Amsterdam to find Authentic Indian taste is Kohinoor, The restaurant has an excellent location with a good ambiance, and it’s quite near to Anne Frank House. The quality and serving of food is just impressive.
Other Recommendations to do in Amsterdam:
Tulip Festival:
Every year, in the month of April the whole country of Netherlands welcomes the Spring season and hosts the Tulip Festival all over. The Tulip fields near Amsterdam also turn into Tulip heaven and the most Tulip fields are Kuekenhof.
Day trips from Amsterdam:
a. Zaanse Schans:
It’s a real Dutch village located around 20 km away from Amsterdam. You can either Cycle or rent a scooter from Amsterdam and spend a few hours over there. There’s also a frequent connection of the train from Amsterdam Central Station to Zaanse Schans.
b. Volendam and Marken:
You can also go for a day trip to Volendam and Marken which are the charming fishing villages known for their traditional Dutch houses and it offers a glimpse of Dutch culture outside the city.
Tips:
Things Not to Do in Amsterdam:
1. Be careful It’s highly prohibited to take photographs or film the women standing in the windows in the Red light district. The women often get very aggressive if they find you taking their pictures.
2. Be aware of the Pickpockets in Amsterdam's red light district.
3. Don’t buy drugs or anything even a Bicycle from the Dealer else you might find yourself in trouble.
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