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With its characteristic canals (UNESCO World Heritage) surrounded by narrow, low, and crooked 17th-century houses, Amsterdam is, undoubtedly, one of the most charming capital cities in Europe. The rich cultural life and a wide range of entertainment make Amsterdam a full-scale city which has managed to retain its small-town feel. With over 50 museums, of which many are famous across the globe, this city is a real treat for art lovers: highlights include the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and the Stedelijk Museum.
Do & See
Scenic canals, cosy bars and cafés combine with architectural masterpieces to make Amsterdam one of Europe's most beautiful cities. Take an unforgettable journey through this charming Dutch capital. The Rijksmuseum houses countless works of art, the Van Gogh Museum features 600 pieces by the famous artist, and the Anne Frank House gives you an insight into life in the Second World War. Each has its own unique story, but they all show how magnificent Amsterdam can be.
Explore Amsterdam
Sign up for a tour to discover the sides of Amsterdam you might never see on your own. For example, a canal cruise is an absolute must for every first-time visitor. Amsterdam’s fantastic architecture is best seen from a sightseeing boat on the canals. Despite being the biggest city in the Netherlands, Amsterdam is also a great destination to explore by bike or on foot. Travel outside the city and experience the typically Dutch landscape of windmills, dikes and manicured green pastures. Stroll through quaint fishing villages, take a boat tour along the scenic waterways or cycle along the sand dunes.
Amsterdam Metropolitan Area
For the visitors who have already seen the beautiful canals, visited the highlights, pioneered the Jordaan neighbourhood and got the hang of the never-ending nightlife, here’s news for you: there is plenty more to experience. The vast Amsterdam Metropolitan Area offers a great variety of products and activities: beaches, shopping centres, history museums and much more. All of these attractions are within an hour's reach using public transportation.
Dining
Amsterdam’s dining scene surprises at every turn. Explore canalside bistros, hidden speakeasies, and even greenhouses serving zero-waste feasts. While Dutch classics like bitterballen and hearty stews anchor the traditional culinary offerings, today’s chefs reinvent them with hyper-local ingredients and global influences. Whether you’re after sustainable tasting menus or fries from a frietjes stand, the city serves it with a side of creativity.
Cafés
Whether you're after soaking up the atmosphere of a traditional Dutch brown café, lounging in a city's luxurious grand café, enjoying a summer drink on one of the city's many terraces, or checking out the thriving bar scene, Amsterdam is the perfect place to enjoy a tipple.
Bars & Nightlife
The dance clubs in Amsterdam might feel too small for somebody who is used to flashy clubs in NY, LA or London, but don't worry — they can be just as entertaining and delightfully crazy. Hip, laid-back or sophisticated — the choice is yours.
Shopping
Whether you're searching for the best souvenir, a unique vintage dress or the latest designer handbag, Amsterdam has the perfect shop for you. Hunt for antiques, score some limited-edition trainers or sample local Dutch delicacies: you can find it all in Amsterdam.
Besides the main shopping streets, Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat, home to all the shops you would expect to find in a large European city, Amsterdam has a lot to offer to the luxury shopper. De Bijenkorf department store and Magna Plaza shopping centre are two of the best spots in town for upmarket items. Furthermore, the Spiegelkwartier will fulfil your desire for antiques, while the neighbourhood markets open their doors to budget-conscious shoppers.
Tourist Information
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) is a modern, efficient and traveller-friendly airport. 90 airlines depart from Schiphol to over 250 destinations worldwide. The easiest and cheapest way to travel from the airport to Amsterdam is by train. This takes about 20 minutes to the Central Station and trains leave at least every 15 minutes during the daytime (less frequently at night). The train station at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is located directly below the airport. Tickets are for sale at the NS service desk or ticket machines.
Taxis to the city centre cost significantly more and can take a while, depending on traffic conditions.
Address: Evert van de Beekstraat 202, Amsterdam
Email: info@schiphol.nl
Phone: +31 20 794 0800
Website: www.schiphol.nl/en
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Passport & Visa
Citizens of European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries do not need a visa to enter The Netherlands, only a valid ID. Many other countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Australia, and New Zealand, benefit from visa-free entry for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Visitors from visa-exempt countries must hold a valid passport and, starting in late 2025, will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorisation online before travelling.
For those requiring a visa, such as travellers from some Middle-East, African or Asian nations, a Schengen visa must be obtained prior to arrival. All travellers should ensure their passport is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay.
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Website: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/visa-policy_en
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Best Time to Visit
Most tourists tend to plan their trip to Amsterdam for the summer, so if you want to avoid the crowds — come in April–May or September. You'll get mild temperatures, blooming flowers in spring and golden trees in autumn.
Be ready for rain regardless of the season. April and May are considered part of peak tourist season. Locals use websites like buie.nl to predict when the weather down to minutes.
Summer is high tourist season in Amsterdam, so be prepared to wait in long lines when visiting popular attractions. The summer months are also the most expensive when it comes to accommodation.
Hotel prices and tourist population drop in autumn and winter months, as does the temperature. This is the best time to visit Amsterdam's many indoor attractions, such as museums and cafes. The city covered with a white blanket of snow is a marvellous sight. If the winter happens to be particularly cold, you can ice-skate on the frozen canals. Some cafes set tables and chairs straight on the ice.
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Public Transport
Public transport is the perfect way to visit all the attractions and to explore the city. Visitors arriving by car are advised to park the car at the Park and Ride sites at the city limits and to use public transport.
In Amsterdam, 15 tram lines, 33 bus lines, 10 ferry connections and 5 metro lines take you to a wide range of destinations throughout the city. The most convenient transport ticket is the GVB day or multi-day ticket. These tickets entitle holders to transport on all GVB lines, including the night buses, and are available at GVB Tickets & Info and tourist offices. Drivers and conductors also sell 1-hour and 24-hour disposable OV chip cards on trams and buses. No cash is accepted on buses or trams.
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Phone: +31 20 460 6060
Website: www.gvb.nl/en
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Taxi
Taxis can be handy when travelling to and from the airport, late at night when the trams have stopped running or when you're running late. Depending on the traffic during peak times, however, public transport may get you there even quicker. Just hail a taxi, or catch one at the designated cab-stands near tourist hotspots such as Dam square, Leidseplein and the Rembrandtplein.
Uber operates in Amsterdam.
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Email: info@tcataxi.nl
Phone: +31 20 777 7777
Website: www.tcataxi.nl/en
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Post
At the main post office, you can phone, fax (retro!), buy maps and stamps, in addition to the usual services.
Stamps can also be bought in most convenient stores. Post-office boxes are red or orange.
There is a convenient service point at the Amsterdam Central Station.
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Website: www.postnl.nl/en
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Pharmacy
In the Netherlands, there is a distinction between drug stores (‘drogist’) and pharmacies (‘apotheek’).
Dutch drug stores (‘drogist’) are consumer-focused shops that stock most of what you need for your health although you cannot get items with a prescription here, typically. Popular brands are Kruidvat, Etos, Hema, DA, DIO and Trekpleister. You won’t find prescription drugs here
Pharmacies (‘apotheek’) are typically open during regular business hours. Dam Apotheek is centrally located on Dam Square and DA Apotheek on Leisestraat has one of the best opening hours. OLVG (Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis) hospital is good for emergencies and has a 24-hour pharmacy. There’s also a pharmacy within Amsterdam Central Station that’s open late.
Call the central number for pharmacies to find out which ones are open in your area.
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Phone: +31 20 592 3315
Website: www.amsterdam.info/health/pharmacies
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Telephone
Country code: +31
Area code: (0)20
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Electricity
The Netherlands uses the Type F electrical plug with two round pins, same as in many countries in Continental Europe. The standard voltage is 230 volts, but some hotels have special plugs for 110 or 120-volt shavers.
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