Welcome to Amsterdam, the heart of the Netherlands! This vibrant and historic city is home to a wealth of culture, cuisine, and nightlife. The city is known for its canals, museums, bridges, and lively nightlife. Amsterdam is also a convenient base for exploring other parts of the Netherlands, such as the countryside or the beaches.
- Country: Netherlands
- Country Dialing Code Prefix: +31
- Language: Dutch, English, German, French.
- Currency: The Euro
- Average temperature: 18 °C
Table of Contents
How To Get Around:
Trams:
Trams are an efficient way to get around Amsterdam. If you’re sightseeing, consider taking the Hop on Hop Off tram tour.
Buses:
Buses are the most common form of public transport in Amsterdam, with over 100 routes crisscrossing the city.
Ferries:
Ferries are the primary transportation between the city and its many canals. There are over 100 ferry routes in Amsterdam, each with a unique view.
Metros:
The Metro lines run underground and are color-coded to make navigation easy. A single ride costs €2.90, and a day pass costs €7.50.
Rideshare:
Try out the Dutch system of OV-chipkaart. OV-chipkaart is a card you can use to pay for public transportation, and it’s very easy to use. Just make sure that you get a card that’s valid for the zone that you’re in.
Trains:
The city has an extensive network of trains. Whether you’re looking to explore the city or get from one place to another, taking the train is a great option.
Bicycles:
Bicycles are a big part of Amsterdam culture. Amsterdam is full of bike paths and bike lanes, so it’s easy to get around without worrying about cars.
Neighborhoods to Know:
Jordaan:
This area is known for its cobbled streets, picturesque canals, and charming cafes. The Jordaan is also home to many of Amsterdam’s most popular museums, including the Anne Frank House and the Rijksmuseum.
Museumkwartier:
This vibrant neighborhood is home to some of the city’s best museums, including the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk Museum. Whether you’re looking for a new painting to add to your collection or want people to watch from a cafe, this is the perfect spot.
De Pijp:
This exciting neighborhood is filled with great cafes, bars, restaurants, and shops. If you’re looking for a lively and fun neighborhood to explore during your time in Amsterdam, be sure to check out De Pijp!
De Wallen:
De Wallen is the most famous and busiest red-light district in Amsterdam and is rich with wild tales of peep shows, sex shops, cannabis cafes, and nightclubs.
Places to Visit:
Van Gogh Museum:
It has been around for over 100 years and houses a large collection of paintings and drawings from Vincent van Gogh, his contemporaries, and his followers. The Van Gogh Museum is open every day except Mondays. It offers guided tours, audio guides in English, Dutch, and Japanese, and a kids’ club that provides activities for children aged 4-12.
Anne Frank House:
The Anne Frank House is a museum established to honor Anne Frank’s life. It is located in the house where she and her family hid from the Nazis during World War II. The museum is a popular tourist attraction in Amsterdam, as it allows visitors to explore what life was like for Jews during this period.
Canal Cruise:
The cruise will take you from Amsterdam’s medieval origins to its Golden Age. The boat leaves from behind Central Station and will show you all of Amsterdam’s famous landmarks. On this two-hour tour, you will see the Royal Palace, Dam Square, Anne Frank House, and more.
Vondelpark:
The park was created on what had been a swampy area called “De Kleine Vlakte” (the little level). The park was named after Joost van den Vondel, one of the greatest Dutch poets. He had lived in this area for some time and is said to have composed some of his works here.
Best Shopping Places:
The Otherist:
The Otherist advertises its goods as “modern curiosities and vintage finds.” Its business is built on oddities like porcelain skulls, unique jewelry, and shelves of framed butterflies.
Vanilia:
This shop is filled with Dutch-designed wrap dresses, sweaters, skirts, and denim that put more value on your wardrobe. And gets you compliment every time you walk through the streets.
Antiekcentrum Amsterdam:
It is the largest antique market in Amsterdam and is considered the Antique heaven for collectors of bygone-era treasures. It comprises a wide range of jewelry, art, ceramics, and homewares.
FlowersLoveMe:
The colorful blooms of Bloemenmarkt get overshadowed by crowds, yet tourists and locals visit FlowerLovesMe for its gorgeous, custom bouquets and arrangements.
Best Restaurants:
Eatcafe Van Beeren:
The establishment has an illustrious history as a ‘brown café’ in the Nieuwmarkt area. Residents, squatters, students, and the nightlife public met each other and pondered life, politics, and the price of beer, all while enjoying their drinks. These days, Van Beeren is just a real Amsterdam pub, focused mostly on good food.
The Waag:
Restaurant-Café In de Waag is located in an old city gate named the St. Anthonis. Restaurant Cafe in de Waag occupies the ground floor. Enjoy your lunch or dinner while sitting in the oldest non-religious building in Amsterdam.
Wok to Walk:
It caters to traditional to modern Asian dishes, giving your taste buds an unrivaled fusion of exotic, mouth-watering flavors from the east. Eating at this restaurant with a great view of Rembrandtplein will be a positive experience for guests.
Floreyn’s specialties of Dutch cuisine will amaze you. They have unique dessert flavors like horseradish ice cream. Their house specialty is veal cheeks, and pairing it with wine makes you fall in love with it.
Must-try food:
Bitterballen:
Bitterballen are deep-fried balls of beef rolled in breadcrumbs and served with a mustard sauce. They are a common snack food in the Netherlands and are usually served with a mustard sauce. It is served in many pubs as snacks to soak up the large quantity of beer consumed.
Pannenkoeken (Pancakes):
Pancakes, or pannenkoeken, are a Dutch specialty. Made from batter, milk, and eggs, pancakes are served with syrup, powdered sugar, or fruit. They come in all shapes and sizes, including cheese-filled ones topped with delicious chocolate sauce!
Rijsttafel (Rice Table):
Rijsttafel is a traditional Indonesian meal consisting of several dishes. It consists of many different dishes, ranging from chicken satay, fish stew, and roasted duck to fruits such as bananas and jackfruits. This amazing variety of food is served on a bed or mound of rice.
Kaas (Dutch Cheese):
The Dutch are famous for their cheese, and there are many fine shops in Amsterdam where you can sample some of the best. The most famous is the Albert Cuyp Market on Haarlemmerstraat, where you can buy cheese from various stalls.
Best Hotels:
Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht Hotel:
The Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht Hotel is a 5-star luxury hotel located in the heart of Amsterdam. The hotel offers stunning views of the city and is close to many of the city’s most popular attractions.
The Hoxton, Amsterdam:
Guests can enjoy stunning views of the canals, relaxed dining at the on-site restaurant, and easy access to the city’s major attractions. The Hoxton also offers a variety of facilities and services, making it the perfect choice for business and leisure travelers.
The Dylan:
The Dylan offers many services and facilities, including a spa, fitness center, and fine dining restaurant. The hotel also boasts an impressive art collection, with works by renowned artists such as Rothko, Hockney, and Warhol on display.
Hotel TwentySeven:
With its velvet-swathed interior and ornate gilded chandeliers, Hotel TwentySeven looks like the Royal Palace of Amsterdam. It seals the luxury deal with its five-star service of a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Places to Hangout:
Coffeeshop Best Friends:
It’s a hideout for people to relax in the busy Amsterdam, and unlike its name, this place is a Cannabis Cafe with a surprisingly good variety of weed.
The Pool Bar:
It has an easy-to-find location and reasonably priced amazing beer. This place has an amazing atmosphere, delicious food, pool tables, and a fun vibe, making it the perfect place to hang out with friends. It has a friendly staff, and they serve amazing coffee as well.
Original Dampkring:
It’s a dark yet warm and cozy Cannabis shop with friendly and knowledgeable staff that helps you choose what you might like. It’s a clean and communal place that feels like a bar and serves snacks and other soft drinks.
Door 74:
Located on Reguliersdwarsstraat, Door 74 is a bar with a wide range of innovative cocktails and a Prohibition theme. This bar requires you to make reservations a day before your arrival and confirms them via text message or phone call.
Bottom Line:
Amsterdam is a beautiful city known for its canals, museums, nightlife, and friendly people. It’s a little city with a big heart, and there is something for everyone in Amsterdam. If you plan to visit this place, do not forget to visit the red-light district.
