Amsterdam travel guide

Amsterdam is known for its canals, world-class museums, and how easy it is to get around by bike or on foot even in just a few days.

Best time to visit

April-May, when the surrounding tulip fields are in bloom, or June-September for longer days and more stable weather: winters are cold, damp and short on daylight.

What to see and do

Canal boat tour — the easiest way to get your bearings, and one of the cheaper ways to start your visit.
Anne Frank House — book online well in advance, slots often sell out weeks ahead.
Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum — two of Europe's most visited museums, both in the museum quarter.
Jordaan neighbourhood — lanes, smaller canals and independent shops, less touristy than the centre.
Bike rental — the most authentic way to get around, the way locals do.

Indicative budget

Budget roughly €70-110 per day per person for food, accommodation and transport, flights excluded — accommodation is the biggest cost, especially on weekends.

Figures are purely indicative and do not represent real or guaranteed prices.

Getting around

The bicycle is Amsterdam's transport of choice: the city is flat, full of dedicated bike lanes, and rentals are cheap and widely available. Trams and buses are a good alternative and cover every area with an OV-chipkaart card; the historic centre is also very walkable.

Where to stay

The centre (De Wallen/Centrum) puts the main canals within reach but is the most touristy and priciest area; Jordaan is quieter and more picturesque, with a real neighbourhood feel; De Pijp, south of the centre, has more affordable prices and the famous Albert Cuyp market; Oud-West is a quiet, well-connected base.