Amsterdam Travel Guide (Amstelland/North Holland/Western Netherlands/Netherlands/Benelux/Europe)

Introduction to Amsterdam
List of Places to Visit in Amsterdam
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of Amsterdam: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of Amsterdam
Best Things to Do in Amsterdam: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Amsterdam
Food and Drink Scene of Amsterdam
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in Amsterdam: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in Amsterdam: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of Amsterdam
Best Time to Visit Amsterdam
Do’s and Don’ts of Amsterdam
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in Amsterdam
- Health in Amsterdam
Getting to Amsterdam: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in Amsterdam
Where to Go Next from Amsterdam: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Introduction to Amsterdam

Amsterdam, the Netherlands’ capital city, is known for its picturesque canals, historic buildings, and world-famous museums and galleries. The city has a rich cultural heritage that dates back to the Golden Age, when Amsterdam was a bustling center of global trade and commerce. Today, Amsterdam attracts millions of tourists each year who come to experience its unique blend of history, art, and modern vibrancy.

List of Places to Visit in Amsterdam

Here is a list of some of the places you shouldn’t miss during your visit to Amsterdam:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Rijksmuseum: The Rijksmuseum is the largest and most famous museum in Amsterdam. It has an impressive collection of over one million artworks and artifacts, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and other Dutch masters.
Van Gogh Museum: The Van Gogh Museum houses the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh’s paintings and drawings. The museum also has a permanent exhibition of work by other 19th-century artists who inspired Van Gogh.
Anne Frank House: The Anne Frank House is the former home of the famous diarist Anne Frank, who hid from the Nazis during World War II. The house now serves as a museum and educational center, telling the story of Anne Frank and the Holocaust.
Amsterdam Museum: The Amsterdam Museum showcases Amsterdam’s history and culture from the Middle Ages to the modern-day. It has interactive exhibits, paintings, and artifacts that tell the city’s story.

Natural Attractions of Amsterdam: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Vondelpark: Vondelpark is the largest park in Amsterdam, covering over 120 acres of land. It’s a popular spot for walking, cycling, picnicking, and people-watching.
Amsterdam Canals: Amsterdam’s iconic canals are a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-see attraction. You can take a boat tour, rent a boat, or just stroll along the canals and admire the beautiful houses and bridges.
Amsterdamse Bos: Amsterdamse Bos is a large park and forest on the outskirts of Amsterdam. It’s perfect for hiking, cycling, swimming, and birdwatching.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a bike-friendly city with over 800,000 bicycles in use. Here are some popular biking routes:

Amsterdam Waterland Route: This route takes you through the countryside north of Amsterdam, passing through picturesque villages and farmland.
Amsterdam City Route: This route takes you through the main sights of Amsterdam, including the canals, parks, and museums.
Amsterdam Beach Route: This route takes you from Amsterdam to the beaches of Zandvoort and Bloemendaal, passing through beautiful dunes and forests.

Best Things to Do in Amsterdam: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the best things to do in Amsterdam:

Red Light District Tour: Take a guided tour of Amsterdam’s famous Red Light District, where you’ll learn about the history and culture of the area.
Bike Tour: Rent a bike and explore the city on your own or take a guided bike tour.
Food Tour: Amsterdam is known for its delicious food and drink, so why not take a food tour to sample local specialties?
Heineken Experience: Visit the Heineken Experience, a museum and brewery, to learn about the history of Heineken beer and how it’s made.

Week-Long Itinerary for Amsterdam

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to Amsterdam:

Day	Activity
Day 1	City Tour: Visit the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Anne Frank House
Day 2	Vondelpark: Rent a bike and cycle around Vondelpark.
Day 3	Amsterdam Canals: Take a boat tour of the canals and then walk around the Jordaan district.
Day 4	Amsterdamse Bos: Spend the day hiking, swimming, and relaxing in Amsterdamse Bos.
Day 5	Day Trip: Take a train to nearby Haarlem to explore the town’s historic architecture and museums.
Day 6	Food Tour: Take a food tour to sample some of Amsterdam’s best cuisine, including stroopwafels and raw herring.
Day 7	Shopping: Explore Amsterdam’s many markets and boutiques and pick up some souvenirs to take home.

Food and Drink Scene of Amsterdam

Must-Try Dishes

Here are some of the must-try dishes in Amsterdam:

Stroopwafels: These are traditional Dutch waffles made with two thin layers of dough with caramel syrup in the middle. They’re delicious and best served hot.
Raw Herring: This is a raw fish served with diced onions and pickles. It’s a popular street food in Amsterdam.
Dutch cheese: Try some of the famous Dutch cheeses like Gouda, Edam, and Maasdam. You can find them in markets around the city.
Bitterballen: These are traditional Dutch meat-based snacks, similar to croquettes, that are served with mustard.

Local Beverages

Jenever: Jenever is a traditional Dutch liquor that’s similar to gin. It’s usually served with a shot of beer.
Heineken Beer: Heineken beer is one of the most famous beers in the world and is brewed in Amsterdam.
Dutch Gin: Dutch gin is another popular liquor in Amsterdam. It’s traditionally served with tonic water and a slice of lemon.

Where to Stay in Amsterdam: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Here are some recommended places to stay in Amsterdam:

Hotel Pulitzer: This is a luxurious hotel located in the historic city center, near the canals and museums.
The Flying Pig Uptown Hostel: This is a popular hostel located near Vondelpark and the city center.
Hotel V Fizeaustraat: This is a modern boutique hotel located in the trendy East Amsterdam neighborhood.
Airbnb: Many locals rent out rooms or entire apartments on Airbnb, which can be a great budget option.

What to Buy in Amsterdam: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some souvenirs and local products you can bring home from Amsterdam:

Dutch Cheese: As mentioned earlier, Dutch cheese is a famous local product that makes for a great gift.
Stroopwafels: You can buy packets of stroopwafels in souvenir shops all over Amsterdam.
Delftware Pottery: Delftware Pottery is traditional Dutch blue and white pottery that’s unique to the Netherlands.
Tulips: Tulips are iconic to the Netherlands, and you can buy bulbs or bouquets to take home.

Local Culture and Customs of Amsterdam

Amsterdam is known for its liberal social policies, most notably its tolerance of marijuana and sex work. However, it’s important to be respectful of locals and their customs while visiting.

Best Time to Visit Amsterdam

The best time to visit Amsterdam is during the spring months (April-June) and fall months (September-November). During these months, the temperature is mild, and the crowds are smaller than in the summer months. July and August are the busiest and hottest months in Amsterdam, so it’s best to avoid visiting during this time.

Do’s and Don’ts of Amsterdam

Do:

Rent a bike and explore the city on two wheels.
Visit the museums and art galleries to enjoy the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Try some of Amsterdam’s famous local cuisine, like stroopwafels and raw herring.

Don’t:

Don’t buy drugs from street dealers, as this is illegal and can be dangerous.
Don’t take photos of the sex workers in the Red Light District, as this is disrespectful and forbidden.
Don’t walk or stand in bike lanes, as this can be dangerous for you and other cyclists.

Safety and Health

Safety in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a fairly safe city, with a low crime rate compared to other major European cities. However, like any big city, there are some areas that can be dangerous, especially at night. It’s best to stick to well-lit areas and travel with a companion or group.

Health in Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s tap water is safe to drink, and there are many pharmacies and medical clinics around the city. However, it’s always a good idea to bring any necessary medications with you and have travel insurance in case of emergencies.

Getting to Amsterdam: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Amsterdam

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is the main international airport serving Amsterdam. It’s a major hub for airlines like KLM and is located about 13 km southwest of the city center.

Bus Stations Near Amsterdam

Amsterdam has several bus stations, including Amsterdam Centraal Station, which is the city’s main train station. From here, you can take buses to other parts of the city and outside the city.

Other Options

You can also travel to Amsterdam by train, ferry, or car. The city is well-connected to other parts of the Netherlands and Europe, making it an easy and convenient destination to reach.

How to Get Around in Amsterdam

The best way to get around Amsterdam is by bike. There are bike rental shops all over the city, and it’s a cheap, eco-friendly, and fun way to explore. You can also take buses, trams, and trains to get around the city and beyond.

Where to Go Next from Amsterdam: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations and excursions you can take from Amsterdam:

Haarlem: This historic town is only 15 minutes by train from Amsterdam and is known for its beautiful architecture and museums.
Zaanse Schans: This open-air museum is a 20-minute train ride from Amsterdam and showcases traditional Dutch windmills, houses, and shops.
Keukenhof Gardens: These world-famous gardens are only open in the spring and are filled with millions of tulips and other flowers.

Conclusion

Amsterdam is a unique and vibrant city that offers visitors a rich combination of history, culture, and modern-day excitement. Whether you’re interested in art and museums, outdoor adventures, food and drink, or simply getting lost in the winding canals and charming streets, Amsterdam has something for everyone. Use this comprehensive tour guide to plan your perfect trip and make the most of your visit to one of Europe’s most charming and dynamic cities.