Getting started: About Amsterdam
- Amsterdam, the official capital of the Netherlands, is in the northern area of the country.
- Amsterdam was established in the 13th century as a fishing community on the Amstel River. The city’s port is the second largest in the Netherlands and located on the North Sea Canal and IJ Bay.
- According to World Population Review estimates, Amsterdam’s population is expected to reach 1.181 million in 2024.
- Amsterdam is one of the world’s most bicycle-friendly locales, with much of the population using bicycles to navigate the city.
- The top three places to see in Amsterdam are the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and Anne Frank House.
Visit our Amsterdam flights page to plan a trip to this European city rich in history and entertainment!
When to visit Amsterdam
Any time of the year is a good time to visit Amsterdam! Many travelers say that the ideal months to visit Amsterdam are in the spring — April-May — or in the autumn —September-October — when the weather is at its most delightful. The summer season tends to be the busiest, but it’s also the period in which most festivals take place. And of course, the Netherlands’ glorious tulips bloom in March, which is also a nice time to visit.
Places to visit in Amsterdam
Amsterdam has many historical and natural sites to visit. For example, the old Jordaan neighborhood, with its tiny streets and charming houses, is one of the city’s most appealing areas, while the UNESCO-protected Canal Ring is a postcard-perfect representation of the city. Amsterdam is certainly a walkable city but its comprehensive bicycle path network lets you explore on two wheels.
Canals of Amsterdam
Most first-time visitors to Amsterdam begin their exploration with the canals, specifically, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Seventeenth-Century Canal Ring Area of Amsterdam inside the Singelgracht. Canal cruising is one of Amsterdam’s most popular activities and a canal tour along these waterways lets you to experience the city from a different perspective, cruising by gothic churches, museums and medieval structures. Canal cruises begin in the heart of the city and follow various courses depending on boat size and traffic. We suggest taking in the views along the most famous waterways, Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht.
Jordaan
Formerly a working-class neighborhood, the historic Jordaan district is home to museums, cafés and the bustling Noordermarkt Square, featuring a weekend market and the 17th-century Noorderkerk Church.
Rijksmuseum Amsterdam
The Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, the Netherlands’ national museum, provides an excellent overview of Dutch history from the 13th century to the present. Set in the heart of Amsterdam, the museum houses more than 8,000 works of art, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh. In addition to the museum’s superb permanent and temporary exhibitions, Rijksmuseum Amsterdam offers kid-friendly interactive discovery tours. The museum, which deserves to be at the top of your list of Amsterdam attractions, is open daily from 09.00 to 17.00.
Van Gogh Museum
Vincent van Gogh, the great Dutch painter, is one of history’s most recognizable artists and the Van Gogh Museum is the place to learn about his life and work. Sunflowers, Almond Blossoms and The Potato Eaters, three of the painter’s most famous works, are in the museum’s collection, as are numerous other paintings, sketches and correspondence from the artist. The museum’s gift shop offers a wide selection of souvenirs and special Vincent van Gogh-related products. The Van Gogh Museum, a must-see in Amsterdam, is open daily though operating hours may vary according to season.
Anne Frank House
The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam also draws numerous visitors. Born in 1929 in Germany, Anne and her family moved to Amsterdam in 1934 as Hitler and the Nazis came to power. In 1942, when persecution of the Jews increased, Anne and her family hid in the house, in a “secret annex.” The family was eventually betrayed and all except Otto Frank, Anne’s father, were killed by the Nazis. Anne had kept a diary throughout the family’s ordeal, which was discovered after the end of World War II. At the Anne Frank House, visitors learn about her story firsthand through quotations, images, videos and other materials. To visit the museum, you must purchase a ticket via the official website.
Royal Palace Amsterdam
State visits, throne successions, royal marriages and award ceremonies… The Royal Palace of Amsterdam, in the middle of the city, has hosted some of the most significant events in the country’s monarchical history. Originally the town hall, the palace is a spectacular 17th-century structure and prominent landmark now open to the public for most of the year. Inside are paintings and sculptures by notable artists depicting Amsterdam’s prominence in the 17th century.
Vondelpark
This expansive park in Amsterdam’s city center is known for its historic trees and stunning green landscapes, which draw more than 10 million visitors each year. Vondelpark is also a place to witness the city’s passion for cycling firsthand, with numerous cycling routes, as well as running and walking paths. Featuring cafes, restaurants, an open-air theater and a concert area, the park offers a congenial environment for arts and culture events. As well, its proximity to several tourist attractions, including the Van Gogh Museum, is convenient for tourists.
Amsterdam Central Station
Dating to the 19th century, Amsterdam Centraal Station is notable for its Neo-Gothic and Neo-Renaissance architecture and stately exterior. It’s also in the center of Amsterdam, within walking distance of the majority of the city’s tourist sites and hotels, and the area is usually bustling as a result!
Our Lord in the Attic Museum
In the heart of Amsterdam, there is a tiny hidden gem: Our Lord in the Attic Museum. Visitors flock to this 17th-century canal house and the small church in its attic, which offer a view of the daily activities — life, work and religion — of the era. The structure is comprised of narrow passageways and historically designed dwelling spaces — and numerous narrow steps to ascend and descend!
Stedelijk Museum
The Stedelijk Museum is a cultural destination inviting visitors to learn and experience modern art and design. The museum’s collections and exhibitions include works by international artists and designers; there’s also a library and a shop. The Stedelijk Museum is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00.
Artis
A one-of-a-kind zoo and botanical park with a history reaching back to 1838, Artis, also known as Natura Artis Magistra, states that its “primary goal is for visitors to experience the wonder of nature in all its forms. From the smallest, invisible life forms in ARTIS-Micropia to the rich biodiversity of animals and plants in ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo and the limitless universe in the Planetarium.” Visitors can watch sea lions feed, visit an area where red-collared lemurs wander freely, and observe how elephants eat with their trunks. In addition, the ARTIS-Groote Museum hosts inspirational exhibitions and scientific events. Artis is open daily from 09:00 to 17:00. Do include this fascinating and laudable institution on your Amsterdam itinerary.
Transportation in Amsterdam
City transportation in Amsterdam
Amsterdam has a comprehensive and efficient public transportation system comprising trams, subways, buses (most of which are electric) and ferries. In addition, Amsterdam is one of the world’s most bike-friendly cities, with many of the city’s residents traversing the city by bicycle.
Airport transportation in Amsterdam
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) is approximately 21 kilometers from the city center. Trains, buses and taxis operate between the airport and the city center; bicycles are also available. The train station is just below the terminal building, while buses depart from the front of Schiphol Plaza at the airport; in addition to the Amsterdam center, buses operate to other locales such as Leiden, Lisse, Haarlem and Noordwijk. Both standard and luxury taxis are available at Schiphol Plaza.
Dining in Amsterdam
- Bitterballen (deep-fried breaded meatballs)
- Stroopwafels (thin waffle cookies with a caramel filling)
- Pannenkoeken (Dutch-style pancakes)
- Apple pie
- Haring (Dutch-style salted herring)
- Kaas (Dutch gouda cheese)
- Rijsttafel (an elaborate meal featuring rice and many small dishes)
We’ve listed some typical snacks below – remember, check out the ingredients if you have dietary restrictions or requirements 😊
Useful information about Amsterdam
- As of 2024, the city’s population is approximately 1.181 million.
- The country’s official language is Dutch, but English is widely spoken in Amsterdam.
- C and F sockets are mainly used throughout the country, including Amsterdam.
