The capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is a city you will never forget after spending some time traversing through its meandering canals, peddling by old townhouses or aimlessly indulging in a hedonistic way spending some time in its old fashioned cafes. It is a liberal place with rich culture and a cool kind of charm that mixes the old and the new. Are you enamored by the paintings of Rembrandt, the secret of Anne Frank, the treasures of tulips in full-flower, or you are in love with the canal walks, Amsterdam would yield to all types of travelers.You will be able to plan your dream vacation in one of the most beautiful and exciting cities in the world: Amsterdam, learning here everything you need to know about the start date, transport, must-visit places, local food, hotel and hostel, and some unknown secrets that will make your stay in the city unforgettable.
Amsterdam is a town, a city of northern parts of Holland. Because of its picturesque nature, people visit the town.
1. One of a kind Canal System
The canal ring forms the most iconic feature in Amsterdam; it is a UNESCO world heritage site. Our city being called the Venice of the North can be attributed to the waterways that existed in the city in the 17th century, and without a doubt, no visitor should embark on the trip without taking a walk or serving as a passenger in one of our water leisure activities.
2. Cultural and Historical Heritage
Whether it is the presence of centuries of history (between the Golden Age merchant houses and the poignant experience of the house of Anne Frank) or the welcoming atmosphere (whether it is an incredible museum experience like the house of Vincent van Gogh, the Anthropos Museum or the serenity and beauty of the Vondel Park), Amsterdam is replete with centuries of the layers of the past. Such museums as the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum demonstrate the artistic heritage of the city.
3. Biking Culture
Amsterdam is notoriously bicycle friendly. Actually, bikes are more than people in the city. Bike renting is a local way to see a nation and is among the greatest ways of exploring neighborhoods.
4. Free and Open-Minded Spirit
The city is characterized as progressive and open-minded. It became the first nation to allow same sex marriage and is still surrounded with diversity, individuality and tolerance.
5. Densely Populated and Pedestrian Friendly
The city is quite compact and can easily be accessed by foot, tram, or even bike. In several days, you can observe the majority of major attractions with no necessity to use a car at all.
What is the Best Time to Visiting Amsterdam?
Amsterdam can be visited at any time of the year, however, the seasons provide new opportunities:
Spring (March–May):
This is among the finest times to come. The tulip fields are in full bloom and Keukenhof is one of the most beautiful spring gardens worldwide and is held in the city. It is cool and pleasant weather.
Summer (June–August):
Prepare yourself to spend long days, a great number of outdoor activities, and a vivid atmosphere. This is also, nevertheless, the season of the tourist growth so places can be busy and prices supplementary.
Autumn (September–November):
There are never as many people about in the fall, the canals are beautiful in the fall, with fall foliage, and the cafes are warm. This is a perfect romantic and quiet time to visit.
Winter (December–February):
It is usually cold and rainy, but the season fairs and illumination with the possibility of frozen canals (great ice-skating fun) make the city look magical. It is also the perfect season to go museum-hopping.
Arrival to Amsterdam
By Air:
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) is one of the key European transit points, with the destinations worldwide. It is a 15–20-minute drive by train to/from the airport to the city center.
By Train:
In case of a trip inside Europe, you can take international services like Thalys and Eurostar to reach Amsterdam to Paris, Brussels, London, and cities in Germany.
By Bus:
There are low-grade services offered like Flixbus, which offers comparatively low prices and is located in neighbouring countries.
By Car:
Getting around in Amsterdam is not advisable by car because there is a scarcity of parking spots, and many people ride bikes. It is preferable to park out-of-town and take transportation.
Transportation in Amsterdam
Public Transportation:
The GVB runs trams, buses and metros. To the convenience, buy a GVB card or a multi-day travel ticket.
By Bike:
It is simple to hire a bike and the parks and neighborhoods that are difficult to access by tram are accessible.
On Foot:
Amsterdam is a small city in the centre. It is only when you are walking that you can discover lovely bridges, secret courtyards and little shops.
Canal Boat:
To see a different side of the city, go on a canal tour; some are just boat tours, others are dinner tours, others can be hired out privately.
Amsterdam Deals on Accommodation
There is a different atmosphere in every neighborhood:
Jordaan:
Cute, classic, with a lot of art galleries, cafes and boutique stores. It is peaceful and yet near the action.
De Pijp:
Nonconformist and international with such popular Albert Cuyp Market is located in Lindengracht and offers a wide verge of tastes. and numerous fashionable food joints.
Centrum (City Centre):
Near major attractions and can get crowded as well as pricey. Perfectly suitable to a debut visitor.
Museumplein:
This part is sophisticated and silent compared to the city center and is close to the best museums in the city.
Oud-West:
Trendy, cool and non-touristy in hipster local bars and indie shops.
Amsterdam-Noord:
Reachable by ferry, the area is attracting the creative types and provides a contemporary offset to the historic center.
Amsterdam Best Things to See
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Rijksmuseum
The house is where Dutch masterpieces such as the Night Watch by Rembrandt are found. The museum is a big place and you should allow at least two hours. -
Van Gogh Museum
A must-visit place to the lovers of art. The museum possesses the biggest stake in the works by Van Gogh worldwide. -
Anne Frank House
A touching and heart wrenching experience. Online booking of tickets weeks before hand as they are quickly sold out. -
Dam Square
The historic centre of Amsterdam on the edge of the Royal Palace and Nieuwe Kerk. -
Vondelpark
The biggest park in Amsterdam and a great place to have a picnic, ride your bike or rest. -
Canal Cruise
Depending on your preferences, you can pick among numerous cruises be it the historical tour or the evening ride or dine. -
The Jordaan
Explore this humble neighborhood packed with art galleries, independent shops and nearby cafes. -
A’DAM Lookout
This observation deck is in Amsterdam-Noord with panoramic views and even a swing into the outside of the building. -
Heineken Experience
Discover how famous beer of the world is created, its history in this interactive museum and brewery tour. -
Albert Cuyp Market
An excellent location to taste Dutch snacks and buy the way the locals do.
The Eating and Drinking in Amsterdam
Undoubtedly, the Dutch food is not as popular as the food in other countries, but it is a heavy, delicious and surprising one.
The Dutch Traditional Food:
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Stroopwafel: A caramel filled waffle-like cookie that is chewy—good when warm at a stall in a market.
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Haring: Raw herring that is served with pickles and onions. The item requires some courage.
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Poffertjes: A pancake bite-sized fluffy food that comes with some butter and powdered sugar.
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Bitterballen: Beef ragout balls deep fried, an excellent match with mustard and beer.
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Erwtensoep: Thick heavy peas soup with sausage, also very popular during winter.
Local Drinks:
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Dutch beer: Heineken and Amstel are known worldwide, but you might also want to taste the Dutch craft beers.
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Jenever: The celebratory drink of the Netherlands. Dutch gin.
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Coffee: In Amsterdam, you will find great cafes, of all types, both classic and modern specialty stores.
Vegetarian Food / International Food:
Amsterdam is extremely vegetarian and vegan. There is anything such as Middle Eastern and Indonesian food to vegan junk food restaurants.
Amsterdam Nightlife
Bars & Pubs:
The hotspots are Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein nightlife. There are also the noiseless brown cafes (traditional Dutch pubs) in Jordaan to have a more intimate evening.
Live Music:
Visit clubs such as Paradiso and Melkweg to watch concerts.
Clubs:
Electronic music in Amsterdam is known around the world. The popular clubs are Shelter, De School and Claire.
Red Light District:
It is a special area of the city and the best way is to go there with an open mind and respect to it. There is more to the adult entertainment and it is one of the oldest areas of the town which is full of history and interesting architecture.
Day Trips in Amsterdam
Zaanse Schans:
Windmills, wooden clogs and cheese is what the stereotypical Dutch countryside is all about, but in this case located only 30 minutes out of the city.
Keukenhof Gardens:
It opens only during the spring, and this is where you will find endless rows of tulips and colorful blossom.
Haarlem:
A picturesque, old town with excellent shopping, a lovely cathedral and relaxed feeling to the place.
Utrecht:
A picturesque student town and like Amsterdam but more relaxed and like a local.
The Hague and Rotterdam:
They are each less than one hour on the train. The government seat is at The Hague, and Rotterdam is a city of futuristic buildings and a food culture.
Example of 5-Days Itinerary
Day 1: Raised in Daisy (Amsterdam)
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Morning: Rijksmuseum and Museumplein walk
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15.00–16.30: Van Gogh Museum
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Sunset: Visit of a canal by boat
Day 2: Exploration of the History
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Behind the scenes: Anne Frank House
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Afternoon: The district of Jordaan and Westerkerk
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Evening: Dinner in De Pijp
Day 3: Culture and Markets in the Area
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Breaking of the new day: The Albert Cuyp Market
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PM: Vondelpark and Heineken Experience
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Evening: Drinking at the Leidseplein pubs or live music world
Day 4: Day Trip
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Morning–late afternoons: Make a trip to Zaanse Schans or Haarlem
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Evening: Peaceful meal in Jordaan or rooftop bar
Day 5: Secret Treasures and Goodbyes
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Morning: Shop around in De 9 perfect street (The Nine Streets)
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Afternoon: Go to the A’DAM Lookout and have lunch in Noord
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Evening: Dinner supper and night walk along the canals
Practical Tips
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Language: Locals, with the exception of a few, are very good at speaking English, but it is always nice to pick up on some basic Dutch.
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Currency: Euro. Cards are accepted everywhere, although cash is a good idea to have.
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Tipping: It is not obligatory, yet it is good to round up or leave the small tip (5–10 percent).
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Weather: It is constantly changing, and you should always take a raincoat or umbrella with you.
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Safety: Amsterdam in general is safe. Watch out for pickpockets in places with loads of people and also bike traffic.
Final Thoughts
Amsterdam is an unexpected city. It combines the classical attraction of the ages with a modern dynamic attitude. Whether you visit it because of its world-renowned museums and canals, multicultural communities, or just to take things slow and get engulfed with the general aura, you will fall in love with this city in a manner you have never expected.
Don’t take haste. You cannot dash along from attraction to attraction. Take your coffee to sit by the canal, hear the different sounds of the bicycle bells and canal boats moving. Amsterdam is not just a place, it is the state of mind, the beat or style of life.
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