Have you been considering a visit to Amsterdam? Now is the time! Amsterdam is the vibrant capital city of the Netherlands and is located in the province of North Holland. The city is known for its lovely scenic canals, historic architecture, and cultural attractions. Amsterdam is only 26 miles (42 kilometers) southwest of the North Sea coast. It is a popular tourist destination offering a diverse range of experiences for all types of travelers.
How to get there
Getting to Amsterdam is convenient, as the city is well-connected by various modes of transportation. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) is one of the busiest airports in Europe. It serves as a major international hub with direct flights from many cities worldwide. From the airport, you can easily reach the city center by train, taxi, or bus. We visited Amsterdam following a trip to Paris, taking the Thalys high-speed train. The journey took about three hours, with the train arriving at Centraal Station, as pictured below.
Several convenient transportation options are available for getting around the city. With an extensive public transportation network operated by the GVB company, you can use a single ticket for all modes of transportation, including trams, buses, and metro lines. See more information about how to get around in Amsterdam here.
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Upon arrival in Amsterdam, we decided to purchase 3 day GVB tickets for unlimited travel on the tram, bus, and metro. At 21 Euro per ticket, these multi-day passes are significantly cheaper than the I Amsterdam City Card or the Amsterdam City Pass. However, the GVB passes do not include any extras, such as museum entrance – they are travel only. If you are interested in this option, when you exit Centraal Station, the GVB ticket office will be to your left. Once inside, you will take a number and wait your turn to purchase tickets. There is a tram stop right in front of Centraal Station. Please note you must scan the card both when entering and exiting the tram.
Amsterdam is a beautiful city in any season! Our hotel was located near the Rijksmuseum on a street lined with beautiful 18th century townhouses. Most of the older town homes in and around the city have a hook in the gable, to which a pulley wheel and rope can be attached. As we learned on our canal tour, this manual elevator system allows larger items to be pulled in through the windows, rather than trying to move them up and down the steep staircases. Almost all the older 17th century homes located on the canals have these hooks in the gable.
Things to see and do in Amsterdam
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- Visit the Rijksmuseum
- Tour the Heineken Brewery
- Visit Dam Square
- Tour the Anne Frank House
- Explore the canals by boat
- Take a canal cruise at night
The Rijksmuseum is the largest museum in the country, housing over one million art objects from the years 1200-2000. Included are famous works by Rembrandt and Van Gogh. Don’t miss the grand central hall and the impressive library! See more about ticket sales and how to visit here. In the winter, an ice skating rink is located in front of the Rijksmuseum on Museumplein. You can also ride your bicycle directly through the center of the building!
Cycling is a popular form of transportation in Amsterdam and the city includes a well-developed infrastructure for bicycles. And here’s a fun fact…there are over 880,000 bicycles in the city. That’s four times the number of cars! Combined, Amsterdam residents bicycle about two million kilometers every day. They ride regardless of the weather or season, and there are many paths, signs, signals, and traffic lights designated solely for cyclists. In addition, there are almost 8000 bicycle parking spaces near Amsterdam Centraal station, as pictured below:
People are drawn to Amsterdam from all over the world to tour the Heineken Brewery. The Heineken Experience, as it is marketed, includes a self-guided walk through the factory, as well as some high-tech add-on experiences. Please note that children are not allowed, even accompanied by an adult. Visitors are able to view the huge copper tanks used to brew the original Heineken beer, and are given a mini-lesson on beer making. Most importantly, the tour also includes a tasting session!
If you want to combine a canal tour with the Heineken Experience, you can do that with this City Canal Cruise and Heineken Experience ticket. The boat conveniently boards right across the street from the Heineken Brewery.
The famous Dam Square lies in the historical center of Amsterdam, at the original location of the dam on the river Amstel. It is a very popular area that includes many shops and restaurants, and is always crowded with tourists. In the center of Dam Square you will find the National Monument. This white stone pillar was erected in 1956 as a memorial to the victims of World War II. The wall that surrounds the back side of the monument contains eleven urns with soil from World War II execution grounds. The inscription is in Latin, and is said to roughly translate as: “Here, where the heart of the fatherland is, may this monument, which citizens carry in their heart, gaze at God’s stars.”
There are many wonderful restaurants in this area, as well as cafes and shops offering the famous stroopwafels. We love taking food tours when visiting new cities. It is a fantastic way to explore the culinary scene! If food tours interest you, check out this top-rated Food Lovers Walking Tour with Tastings.
It looks like I managed to catch Santa in a photo at Dam Square!
The Anne Frank House is a museum dedicated to the life of Anne Frank, a Jewish girl who went into hiding with her family during World War II. Visitors can explore the rooms where Anne and her family lived in hiding and view her original diary and other personal belongings. Please note no photos are allowed inside the hidden annex.
The museum and small apartment where Anne and her family lived in hiding receives over one million visitors per year. Anne’s diary has become the most widely read story of the Holocaust. Passing through the bookcase that hid the opening to the small secret room where Anne was hidden with her family and four others is a profoundly sobering experience. Please note that tickets must be purchased online and in advance for a specific time slot. You are unable to purchase tickets on site. Find out more about how to purchase tickets here. A walking tour is available if you are interested in learning more about Anne and her family. Below is the entrance to the museum, which connects to the apartment.
You cannot leave Amsterdam without taking a canal tour! We were able to board a boat with only a few minutes wait across the street from the Heineken brewery. If you prefer to sample some delicious Dutch cheese with wine as you relax on the cruise, check out this Classic Boat Tour with Cheese and Wine option.
Amsterdam’s concentric canal belt was created during the 17th century in order to encourage water traffic and the rapid transport of goods around the city. Four huge ditches were dug around the Dam, with each connecting the currents flowing between the main rivers Ij and Amstel. The massive economic boom that followed led wealthy traders to relocate to the central area of the city. Housing quickly became an issue, and the city began handing out plots of land to affluent citizens. These plots were very narrow in order to allow the government to place as many houses as possible along the canals. These beautiful narrow townhouses have become an iconic symbol of the city of Amsterdam.
Night cruises on the canal are also available, and I would encourage at least a walk around the city after dark for the lovely night views and reflections in the water.
Where to stay
Amsterdam offers a wide range of accommodations options depending upon your preferences, interests, and budget. Here is a little information about some of the most popular neighborhoods:
- The Centrum (City Center) area provides easy access to major attractions like Dam Square and the Anne Frank House. There are numerous shops, restaurants, and nightlife options.
- The Jordaan is known for its charming streets, trendy boutiques, and art galleries. It offers a relaxed atmosphere while still being close to the city center.
- De Pijp is a diverse neighborhood known for its multicultural atmosphere and a variety of dining options. Located a bit south of the city, it is also the location of the Albert Cuyp Market.
- Oud-West is a hip area with a mix of local shops and trendy cafes. It provides a more laid-back atmosphere compared to the city center.
- Oost (East) is a good choice if you are looking for a local feel away from the tourist crowds.
- The Plantage is home to the Artis Royal Zoo and the Hortus Botanicus. It’s a peaceful area with easy access to the city center.
THE TIPS and TRUTHS
- Amsterdam is a beautiful city with much to see and do
- Public transportation is an easy and efficient way to get around the city
- Cycling is very popular among both residents and tourists
- Visit the impressive Rijksmuseum
- Tour the Heineken Brewery but note that a line can form–arrive early!
- Dam Square is a very popular tourist area and can become quite crowded
- You must try a stroopwafel!
- Consider this top-rated Food Lovers Walking Tour with Tastings
- Don’t miss touring the Anne Frank House and note you must buy tickets online
- A canal ride is a good way to explore and learn more about the city
- Take an evening canal tour to admire the lights, bridges, and canal houses on the water
Please leave a comment below and tell me about your experience in Amsterdam!
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