Things to do in Amsterdam
Canals, gabled houses, great museums and a relaxed café culture. This is our guide to getting the most out of a city break in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam after dark
The canal bridges are lit up in the evening, which makes a night-time walk through the centre one of the simplest pleasures in the city.
The best things to do in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a city made for wandering. The ring of canals in the centre is lined with tall, narrow merchant houses, houseboats and small bridges, and almost every street seems to end in a picture-perfect view. Some of the best things to do in Amsterdam cost nothing at all: walking, cycling and sitting outside a café with a coffee.
The capital of the Netherlands is also compact and easy to get around, with excellent trams and, of course, bikes everywhere.
What to see in Amsterdam
Rijksmuseum: the national museum, with Dutch masters such as Rembrandt and Vermeer.
Van Gogh Museum: the world's largest collection of the painter's work.
Anne Frank House: a moving visit to the hiding place of Anne Frank and her family. Tickets sell out, so book well in advance.
The Jordaan: a charming neighbourhood of narrow streets, independent shops and brown cafés.
Vondelpark: the city's favourite park for picnics, running and people-watching.
A canal cruise: the classic way to see the city from the water, especially at dusk.
The canal ring
Amsterdam's seventeenth-century canal ring is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the heart of the old city.
Explore Amsterdam by bike
Cycling is the way locals get around, and hiring a bike is one of the best ways to see the city like a resident. Bike lanes are everywhere, and you can be out in green countryside in just a few minutes.
Take care, though: cyclists move fast, and the rules are taken seriously. Keep to the right, signal clearly and never stop in the middle of a bike lane to take photos.
A city of bikes
There are more bikes than people in Amsterdam, and parked bicycles line almost every street and bridge.
Where to eat in Amsterdam
Amsterdam's food scene goes far beyond cheese and stroopwafels. You will find Indonesian rijsttafel, street food markets, modern bistros and a surprisingly strong Italian scene.
Our local guide to the best Italian restaurants in Amsterdam covers everything from wood-fired pizza to refined Italian fine dining. Do not miss a stroll through the Albert Cuyp Market in De Pijp for snacks.
Wood-fired pizza
Some of the best pizza in Amsterdam comes from small neighbourhood places where locals queue for a table.
Where to stay in Amsterdam
For a first visit, stay within or close to the canal ring, so you can walk to most sights. The Jordaan and the Nine Streets area are charming and central, the Museum Quarter is elegant and calm, and De Pijp is lively with lots of bars and restaurants.
Hotels in the centre can be expensive and fill up quickly, especially at weekends. Have a look at our selection of top hotels and offers in Amsterdam.
When is the best time to visit Amsterdam?
The best time to visit Amsterdam is in spring, from April to May, and in early autumn. In spring, the tulip fields outside the city are in bloom and the canals come alive, while September is often mild and a little quieter.
Summer is warm and busy, with long evenings on the terraces. King's Day at the end of April turns the whole city orange with street parties. Winter is cold and damp, but cosy brown cafés and festive lights make it a good time for museums.
Frequently asked questions about Amsterdam
How many days do you need in Amsterdam?
Three days is ideal for a first visit to Amsterdam. That gives you time for the main museums, a canal cruise, a bike ride and evenings in the Jordaan or De Pijp. With an extra day you can take a day trip to the windmills at Zaanse Schans or to cities such as Haarlem or Utrecht.
Is Amsterdam expensive?
Amsterdam is one of the more expensive cities in Europe, especially for hotels in the centre. You can save money by staying a little outside the canal ring, using public transport or a bike, and eating at markets and casual cafés. Many of the best experiences, such as walking along the canals, are free.
When is tulip season in Amsterdam?
Tulip season in and around Amsterdam usually runs from late March to mid-May, with the peak often in mid-April. The famous fields and the Keukenhof gardens lie outside the city, between Amsterdam and Leiden. Blooming times vary with the weather, so check the latest updates before you go.
How do you get from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam?
The easiest way from Schiphol Airport to central Amsterdam is by train. Trains run frequently from the station under the airport to Amsterdam Centraal, and the journey only takes around a quarter of an hour. Buses and taxis are also available.