Amsterdam Travel Guide
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Top Attractions
Cheap Flying Tips
Where to Stay
Things to Do
Your Guide to Amsterdam
Many people have an extensive bucket list when it comes to travel destinations, and one location that is sure to appeal to a wide array of travelers is Amsterdam.
From its famously liberal leanings that allow those within its confines to enjoy some of life’s indulgences guilt-free to its intricate system of canals that keep the city from going underwater, Amsterdam has a claim to be the world’s most unique city. Use the following guide to help you plan your trip and avoid missing out on all that the Dutch capital offers.
Top Attractions in Amsterdam
With city rights dating back to the 1300s, Amsterdam has been a major European hub from the Middle Ages to the present day. Moreover, with over 177 nationalities represented in the metropolitan area, it is considered one of the world’s great multicultural centers.
As such, putting together a list of everything you need to see on your trip to Amsterdam would be quite an ambitious undertaking. Nonetheless, the following three attractions are sure to help you make the most of your time in Europe’s “Venice of the North.”
Keukenhof
Keukenhof is a 79-acre park known for its mural-like scenes of tulips in bloom. Sitting about 25 miles southwest of Amsterdam in Lisse, more than 7 million tulip bulbs bloom between late March and mid-May, a phenomenon only possible in Holland’s ideal climate.
Be sure to plan for at least half a day in Keukenhof, making sure to stop at the petting zoo and to take a boat ride through the tulip fields that surround the park.
Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam features the most extensive collection of Van Gogh paintings and drawings in the world, including some of his most notable early works.
While some art buffs are a bit disappointed that the museum does not have all of his most well-known pieces, you cannot pass on checking out the work of the most celebrated Dutch artist while in his motherland.
Euronext Amsterdam
Amsterdam has been one of the world’s most significant financial hubs throughout history, with the Dutch even extending essential loans to the struggling US Colonies that would help them stay afloat on their march to statehood.
The Euronext Amsterdam, formerly known as the Amsterdam Stock Exchange, was founded in 1602 and is the world’s oldest “modern” stock exchange. Take a behind-the-scenes journey to see how the seafaring Dutch East Indies Company traded its very first share all the way to the modern digital floor that consumed the Paris and Brussels exchanges as part of its expansion in 2000.
The Experience Flying into Amsterdam Airports
Whether you are flying to Europe specifically to visit Amsterdam or are merely making the Dutch capital one of many stops along your European tour, there are several airline options to meet your needs:
- Amsterdam Airport Schiphol – Schiphol is by far the most trafficked civilian airport in the Netherlands. In fact, it is the fifth-busiest airport in all of Europe. Schiphol offers non-stop flights to countries worldwide and is conveniently located in the municipality of Haarlemmermeer, a mere 15 minutes from Amsterdam Central Station.
- Eindhoven Airport – While Schiphol is your likely airport when flying internationally, Eindhoven is the Dutch hub for connecting you with smaller, economical regional flights. About a 90-minute train ride from Amsterdam Central Station, Eindhoven may be a good option if you are skipping across Europe and are willing to sacrifice some convenience to save some money.
- Rotterdam the Hague Airport – The third-largest airport in Amsterdam, Rotterdam the Hague Airport is another budget option for travelers. While the prices may be reasonable if you can find the right deal, understand that options may be limited; this airport can only service one million travelers annually and offers service on only seven local carriers.
Like any modern airport, it is convenient to hail a cab or rideshare from any Amsterdam airport in which you land. However, the Dutch sensibility is one of public transit, so you are likely to want to travel to and from the airport via train. The Dutch Railways (NS) are well developed in the city and can often connect you to your final destination more quickly than taking a car.
Top 3 Tips to Fly Cheap to Amsterdam
If traveling is your passion, then finding creative ways to stretch your travel dollar is a priority. As Amsterdam is known as being on the more expensive side to visit, there are several ways to save on your flight to ensure that more of your money can be allocated toward enjoying the city:
1. Fly in February
While you will likely miss out on the tulips in bloom, February is considered the bottom of the low season. Airfare into Amsterdam in February can often be less than half of what it is in June or July (considered the height of the high season) with non-stop flights from major US destinations, such as Miami, New York, or Los Angeles, coming in as little as $450 per ticket round-trip.
2. Book Early
As is the case with most international travel, the earlier you book your ticket, the better. Purchasing a ticket for a same-month trip into Amsterdam will likely cause prices to soar well into four-figures.
3. Look for Connections
While flying non-stop usually helps you save on international flights, Europe can be an exception, with so many travel hubs located nearby. Therefore, if you are not happy with the fare you are getting when flying direct, look at flights into Paris, Brussels, Frankfurt, or Berlin. These cities are all close to Amsterdam, and you may be able to piece together a low-cost connection.
Popular Areas of Amsterdam to Stay
It is difficult to enjoy a city to the fullest if you do not stay in the right place. As such, to get the best cross-section of comfort and culture, consider one of the following areas of Amsterdam as you narrow down your search:
Jordaan
The most expensive neighborhood in contemporary Amsterdam, the Jordaan district is replete with culture. With art galleries, upscale eateries, and quaint boutiques lining the streets, Jordaan is the place to stay if you are willing to spend a little money for a quiet stay among the Dutch upper-middle class.
Oost
If you are more interested in experiencing Amsterdam’s rich industrial heritage, then the Oost neighborhood is the spot for you. The numerous docks in the area attracted a wide variety of tradesmen, laborers, warehouses—and everything needed to support them. Oost’s multicultural roots are still felt to this day, with the area boasting Amsterdam’s greatest spattering of cuisine, bars, and vibrant nightlife.
Centrum
There is more to do in the heart of Amsterdam than lose yourself in the debauchery of the Red Light district. If you can avoid the many tourist traps that De Wallen is known for, there are plenty of quaint back alleys to explore, the historic Canal Ring to tour, and the Spiegelwartier for arts and lovers to consume, all within a short walk of one another.
Popular Hotels in Amsterdam’s Top Areas
While there are many great Amsterdam accommodations from which travelers can choose, it is difficult to bypass a stay at one of the many luxurious hotels that the city has to offer. If you do decide to stay in one of the areas mentioned above, the following hotels can help you enjoy your experience to the fullest:
Jordaan
The Pulitzer Amsterdam is one of the world’s most prestigious hotels. Spread out over 25 canal houses, this property offers a wide array of extremely comfy and modern guest rooms. The hotel boat, constructed in 1909, is also a must-see attraction for taking a tour around the city.
Oost
If you want to make a statement with your stay, the Lloyd Hotel is the place for you. Originally a shelter for Jewish refugees, this historic building is now a 117-room boutique hotel.
Centrum
Even though it is not locally owned and operated, the W Hotel offers everything a traveler could ask for in terms of modern luxury in the heart of Amsterdam. While the rooms are as comfy as you could expect, the rooftop is the real attraction, with a heated pool, cocktail bar, and restaurant that all provide unmatched views of the city.
Popular Airbnb Options in Amsterdam’s Top Areas
Many contemporary travelers feel that staying in a hotel does not allow you to experience the true pulse of the city. If you subscribe to this school of thought, consider one of the following outstanding Airbnb options:
Jordaan
This private room with a terrace allows you to capture the full Amsterdam experience. As if the city’s rooftop views are not enough, Superhost Marcel gives expert recommendations on the best eateries and hangouts so you can enjoy the city to the max.
Oost
Just as the Oost neighborhood connects you with the industrial roots of Amsterdam, so too will this classy basement in a 17th-century canal house allow you to take a march in time. Equipped with all of the amenities of a full private apartment, this basement is right at the heart of one of Amsterdam’s busiest scenes for culture and nightlife.
Centrum
This fully furnished guest house will allow you to stay at the heart of Amsterdam at an affordable rate of $24 per night. In addition to providing a comfortable guest experience, this space is just a short transit trip away from some of the city’s top attractions.
Top Things to Do in Amsterdam
With so much culture, history, and exciting contemporary activities, there is no shortage of things to do in Amsterdam. However, the following breakdown looks at some of the most popular things to do that make their way on to most travelers’ lists:
- Book a Ticket to Anne Frank House – No matter how well you think you know Ann Frank’s story, you will leave this museum gleaning something new. Located in an understated 17th-century canal house, you will likely need to make online reservations well in advance to get the chance to experience the moving exhibits and attic in which Ann Frank hid from Nazi prosecution.
- Take a Stroll through Vondelpark – Amsterdam’s version of New York’s Central Park, this green expanse covers some 120 acres on the outside of Canal Ring. A welcome reprieve from the more industrial architecture of downtown Amsterdam, Vondelpark will at all times of the day feature numerous dance, music, and cabaret performances for passersby to enjoy.
- Make a stop at Oude Kerk – There is something about a church surrounded by brothels that makes Oude Kerk a truly Amsterdam experience and a must-see for any tourist. Consecrated in 1306, it is the oldest surviving building in the city and the house of worship of celebrated artist Rembrandt.
Coolest Airbnb Experiences in Amsterdam
If the more publicized Amsterdam attractions do not suit your fancy, take a look at one of the following Airbnb experiences to allow Amsterdam locals to show you their side of the city:
- Tour Zaanse Schans – If you want to get brushed up on Dutch culture, you must take this tour of the 17th-century Zaanse Schans village. Hosted by tour veteran and Amsterdam guru Chris, you can even extend your tour by heading to Marken Fisherman’s Island and Amsterdam Castle Muiderslot.
- Dutch Food XL Tour – Anytime you visit a foreign country, getting a spattering of the local cuisine is a must. Thijs, the founder of Amsterdam Food Tours, will take you on a comprehensive tour of the city that includes food tastings at seven locations and a drink at three different pit stops.
- Windmills and Dutch Countryside – While the bustle, culture, and vibrancy of Amsterdam life is likely a primary attraction that brought you to the Netherlands, it is also essential to include a touch of the rustic side. This exploration, led by Tol, gives you a look at some of the area’s most historic windmills, a glimpse into how wooden shoes are made, and a walk through some of Amsterdam’s best fishing locations.
Final Thoughts
Amsterdam is one of the cities on most travelers’ bucket lists. Nowhere in the world can you find such a diverse array of culture, history, and contemporary attractions. It is truly a city that offers something for everyone.
While it is impossible to try everything Amsterdam has to offer in a single vacation, this handy guide can help make your trip worth every penny.
