Netherlands
Amsterdam
Plan your Amsterdam trip: where to stay, must-try dishes, bars, museums, getting from Schiphol and practical tips for first-time visitors to the city.
Amsterdam is best explored on foot, by bike and by boat. The city fits into a small area: canals lined with narrow houses, world-class museums, cafés with tightly packed tables and neighbourhood markets. You can go from a room full of Rembrandts to a waterside terrace within the same hour.
The mood is relaxed and a little irreverent, and life revolves around the bicycle. The centre draws big crowds, but a few minutes’ walk towards the Jordaan, De Pijp or the East brings a slower pace.
The best time to visit runs from April to September, when the days are long and the terraces are open. Spring is tulip season, but expect chilly air and showers at any time of year. Plan three days for the major museums, a canal cruise and a neighbourhood away from the crowds, with a fourth day for a day trip.
Where to stay in Amsterdam
Centrum (historic centre and canals)
Best for Ideal for a first visit, when you want to do everything on foot.
Why stay here The Central Station, the canals, the museums and many restaurants are all close by. Getting around is simple from day one.
Good to know The area is very busy and noisy in the evening, especially near the lively streets.
Jordaan
Best for Best for couples and anyone who enjoys wandering quiet streets.
Why stay here Narrow streets, calmer canals, neighbourhood cafés and independent shops. The centre is within walking distance.
Good to know Accommodation is often small, and the limited number of rooms tends to sell out fast.
De Pijp
Best for Perfect for food lovers and travellers who want a real neighbourhood feel.
Why stay here Albert Cuyp Market, plenty of cafés and restaurants, and Sarphatipark right nearby. The Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum are easy to reach without a long journey.
Good to know The centre is a little further away, and the busy streets can be noisy at weekends.
Oost (East)
Best for Suited to longer stays and to those who prefer a quieter atmosphere.
Why stay here A residential feel, Oosterpark, and a variety of restaurants around Beukenplein. It shows a different side of the city.
Good to know You will need the tram or a bike to reach the sights of the centre.
Where to eat in Amsterdam
Local dishes to try
- Haring (herring) : Raw herring is eaten with onions and gherkins, often from a small street stall, as a classic snack.
- Bitterballen : These meat croquettes with a thick sauce are served hot with mustard, the perfect partner for a beer.
- Stroopwafel : Two thin waffles joined by a layer of caramel, best eaten warm, ideally from a market stall.
- Poffertjes : Small, fluffy pancakes served with icing sugar and butter, a favourite afternoon treat.
- Rijsttafel : A legacy of Indonesian cooking: a series of small dishes to share around a bowl of rice.
- Dutch cheese : Gouda and Edam can be tasted young or aged in the cheese shops of the centre.
Where to eat, by neighbourhood
| Place | Neighbourhood | Cuisine | In short |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bistro de la Mer | Centrum | Seafood, French cuisine | A central spot for a seafood meal in a relaxed bistro atmosphere. |
| Tomo Sushi | Centrum | Japanese, sushi | A central option, handy for a sushi dinner before a night out. |
| Sichuan Food | Centrum | Chinese | Sichuan cooking in the centre, a good change of flavours. |
| Meram | Oost | Turkish | Turkish food in the Oost neighbourhood, a good choice for dinner away from the busiest tourist areas. |
| ThaiCoon | Weesperbuurt | Thai | A Thai restaurant in the neighbourhood, a simple option for a meal without a long search. |
| De Jaren | Centrum | Café-restaurant | A large café in the centre, useful for a break or a lunch between sights. |
Places: © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Nightlife
Centrum and Nieuwmarkt
The liveliest area in the evening, with pubs and brown cafés around the historic centre and the Nieuwmarkt quarter. Terraces fill up on sunny days.
Jordaan
The Jordaan suits a quieter night out, with narrow streets and neighbourhood cafés.
East: Czaar Peterbuurt and Weesperbuurt
The East has a more local atmosphere. It is a good choice for tasting beers brewed on site and avoiding the centre crowds.
West
West of the centre, neighbourhood bars offer a night out without the tourist buzz.
Things to do in Amsterdam
Rijksmuseum
The grand national museum holds works by Rembrandt and Vermeer, including The Night Watch. The collections also cover the country’s history.
Tip Book a timed ticket online and arrive at opening time to enjoy the quieter galleries.
Van Gogh Museum
The museum traces Vincent van Gogh’s development through his paintings and letters. The route is chronological and easy to follow.
Tip Book ahead, especially in summer and during school holidays.
Anne Frank House
The visit takes you through the annex where the family hid during the war. It is deeply moving, and the route is understated.
Tip Tickets are sold online and go quickly, so book well before your trip.
Canal boat cruise
See gabled houses, bridges and houseboats from the water. It is a good way to understand how the city is laid out.
Tip Choose a late-afternoon departure for softer light and fewer people.
Rembrandthuis
The painter’s former home in the centre, where you can see his studio and his prints.
Tip Combine your visit with a stroll through the nearby Nieuwmarkt area.
Albert Cuyp Market and De Pijp
The market offers street food, fruit and small goods. The surrounding streets are full of cafés.
Tip Go in the middle of the morning, try a warm stroopwafel and stay on for lunch in the neighbourhood.
Vondelpark by bike
The park is ideal for a green break between sights. Many people cycle through it or settle down for a picnic.
Tip Rent a bike for the day, and respect the cycle lanes, which are very busy.
Getting around
From the airport to the city centre
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is linked to Central Station by a direct train, which makes it the simplest way into the centre. Buses also serve some neighbourhoods, and taxis are available outside the terminals if you prefer to go straight to your accommodation. Buy your train ticket from the machines or the counter at the airport.
Around the city
The centre is best explored on foot, and many sights are close to one another.
- Tram, metro and bus: the GVB network covers the whole city, with single-day and multi-day tickets available.
- Bike: hiring is easy, but the cycle paths are very busy. Ride carefully and follow the signs.
- Free ferries: from Central Station, they cross the IJ to Amsterdam-Noord.
- Taxi: useful for late nights or when you have luggage.
Practical info
Safety
Amsterdam is generally a safe city. Pickpocketing is the main risk, especially in busy areas around the station and on trams.
Good to know
- Keep your belongings in front of you in crowds, and don’t leave your phone on a café table.
- Don’t walk in the cycle lanes: they are marked in red and bikes move fast.
- Wear comfortable shoes: the streets are cobbled and the distances add up.
- Pack a waterproof jacket, as rain can arrive in any season.
Aziz’s take
Amsterdam unfolds at the city’s own pace: a morning in a museum, an afternoon cycling along the canals, then dinner in a neighbourhood close to the centre.
FAQ
How many days do you need in Amsterdam?
Three days is enough for a first visit: one day for the major museums, one for the canals and the centre, and one for De Pijp or the Jordaan. With a fourth day, you can add a day trip or a quieter afternoon in a park.
Where should I stay in Amsterdam for the first time?
The Centrum is the simplest choice: everything is walkable and the Central Station is close. If you prefer a neighbourhood feel, the Jordaan is a good alternative. For more calm, consider De Pijp or the East of the city.
What is the best time to visit Amsterdam?
April to September, when the days are long and the terraces are open. Spring brings the tulips, while summer draws the biggest crowds. May, June and September offer a good balance. Winter is greyer and colder, but the museums and cafés are still very pleasant.
Do I need to book the Anne Frank House and the museums in advance?
Yes, for the Anne Frank House, book online well ahead, as tickets sell out quickly. For the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, a reserved timed ticket helps you avoid the queue. For smaller museums, you can often decide on the day.
How do I get from Schiphol Airport to central Amsterdam?
The train is the most direct option, running straight to Central Station with no change. Buses and taxis are other options if you are staying far from the station. Train tickets are bought from the machines or the counter at the airport before you go to the platform.
What is a realistic daily budget for Amsterdam?
Allow about 150 to 220 € per person per day, excluding flights, based on a mid-range hotel, restaurant meals and a few paid sights. Accommodation is the biggest cost. Booking early and staying a little outside the centre can help bring the total down.