Amsterdam is up there with my favourite cities in Europe. If you haven’t yet been, it’s time you started planning your adventure there.

The city of Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands, host to a 17th Century Canal ring that is listed as a UNESCO Heritage Site and is simply a playground of activities for both adults and families.

I am lucky enough to have visited Amsterdam on two occasions already and I fell even more in love the second time round. The abundance of canals and arched bridges that you can wander aimlessly through and dine upon, the rows of stunning apartments and townhouses that line the canals, the variety of markets and shopping districts, the healthy cafes and rooftop cocktail bars… Amsterdam just seems to have it ALL.

EXPLORE THE NETHERLANDS ON MY BLOG HERE

If you happen to time your visit during the spring, you will get to witness the prettiest landscapes as the tulips blossom all over the city in a rainbow of colour.

Admittedly, if you head to Amsterdam unaware and without having done any research beforehand, you can be easily led into some tourist traps, some tacky bars and some seedy settings.

Like with any popular city, and particularly because the nightlife is a popular attraction here in Amsterdam, it does attract groups of stags and hens and you are likely to come across a few drunken backpackers BUT if you read this guide… you can easily avoid it all during your stay. Check out my guide to the nightlife in Amsterdam here.

Fun fact: Amsterdam actually has more bridges than Venice. Venice has 409 and Amsterdam smashes that nearly 3 times over with 1281 bridges!

A complete guide to Amsterdam

The Best Things to Do When Exploring Amsterdam | Where's Mollie? A UK Travel and Lifestyle Blog

How do I get to Amsterdam?

Amsterdam’s main airport is Amsterdam Schipholwhich is accessible from all over Europe with a direct flight.

Check flights on SkyScanner here.

Getting from the airport into the city centre:

From the airport you have a few options:

Direct train from the airport to Amsterdam Centraal station (every 15 minutes in the day, every hour at night) (5.50€, +1€ if you get a disposable ticket. You can get a plastic card to load credit onto, similar to Oyster, to avoid this!)
Bus (every 30 minutes during the day) (3.60€)
Direct shuttle options (often run by hotels or mini bus companies). There are loads, so have a look online. From what I can gather, it’s between 10-25€ depending on the service you want.
Private taxi (approximately 40-50€)

If you’re looking to arrive by train the main city train station is Amsterdam Centraal.

Top tip: Check out the flight deals on Skyscanner here.

Getting around Amsterdam:

When it comes to exploring Amsterdam, bikes are the go-to for most tourists and pretty much all of the locals. The whole city sits pretty flat and is simply a network of canals, making cycling a simple and effective way to get around. It’s such a popular option that, alongside the majority of the roads, there are bikes lanes assigned so that cyclists have their own territory to manoeuvre in.

Due to the popularity of cycling and therefore the volume of cyclists out and about, particularly in the summer, the bike lanes can get pretty hectic and you will need to be paying full attention when using them.

Walking is another popular and beautiful way to get around when exploring Amsterdam. A simple wander around the canals and shops will have you occupied for a few hours, if not the whole day {photographer heaven}. The city is pretty big though, so if you are tight on time or are looking to cover multiple attractions – consider hiring a bike.

We hired our bikes, on the day of rental, from Yellow bikes which cost €12 for 24 hours. Be sure to check with your hostel / hotel for bike deals, some of them even have free bikes included in your stay.

If not, public transport is widely available. If you think that you’ll be using it a lot, think about getting an Amsterdam City card. It’s not cheap, starting at €60, but includes unlimited transport and many free attractions during your stay in Amsterdam. For more information, click here.

It is illegal (not to mention incredibly dangerous!) to ride a bike under the influence of drugs or alcohol in The Netherlands.

Top tip: If you’d prefer to take public transport instead of walking, CityMapper is a great app in lots of cities that helps you get from A to B. Check out other useful travel apps in this blog post.

A Complete Guide To Amsterdam | Where's Mollie? A UK Travel and Lifestyle Blog

Where should you stay in Amsterdam?

If you’re backpacking or looking for the cheapest option…

I can speak from experience of absolutely LOVING these two hostels…

The Flying Pig Hostels:

Uptown Hostel (next to VondelPark), Downtown Hostel (right in the centre – read my review here) or Beach Hostel (an hour train from the centre). Book your stay here.

St Christopher’s Inn at the Winston:

Book your stay here.

Browse more hostels here: HostelBookers or HostelWorld.

If you’re looking for something quirky, or you’re in a large group and it might work out cheaper…

AirBnb (click here to get £25 off your first booking)

If you’re looking for a hotel…

Amsterdam hotels on booking.com
Top Secret Hotels in Amsterdam (get luxury but save the pennies)

Top tip: Check out how to pack a weekend away in a carry-on suitcase here!

Things to do in Amsterdam…

1. Explore the canals.

Exploring the canals is a must, whether it’s walking, cycling, on a group tour or, my favourite option for a unique experience… rent a boat with your friends!

2. Enjoy a sunset cocktail at the Sky Lounge.

3. Head on a day trip to visit Keukenhof Gardens.

It’s one of the most beautiful flower gardens in the world. (seasonal) Read about my adventure to Keukenhof here.

4. Cycle through and spend the afternoon relaxing in Vondelpark.

Top tip: Check out more ways to keep fit when you’re travelling in this blog post!

5. Grab a waffle smothered in Nutella, swing your legs over the side of the canal and indulge!

6. Browse the worlds first Condom specialist shop located on Warmoesstraat.

7. Join a free walking tour of Amsterdam

8. Visit a museum

The Anne Frank House (Visit the actual place Anne and her family spent more than two years hiding in during World War 2 which has now been converted into a humbling museum.)
The Van Gogh Museum
The Heineken Experience
The Rijksmuseum
Sex Museum
Electric Ladyland (a fluorescent art museum)
Stedelijk museum

Top tip: Book museum tickets online in advance, so you can guarantee your spot and you avoid the queues!

9. Visit the markets and boutique shops and go shopping!

Bloemenmarkt: The only floating flower market in the world and a very colourful and fragrant experience

Albert Cuypmarkt: The largest and most popular market in the Netherlands with 260 stands operating 6 days a week. Must try: Freshly make stroopwafels.
Foodhallen: An indoor food market and social hangout. Open every day 11am – 11.30pm with later opening on weekends.
Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes): A gorgeous neighbourhood bursting with boutique and designer shops, organic cafes and cosy eateries.
Kalverstraat: Where you’ll find your high street stores like Zara + H&M

10. Chill out and people watch at Museumplein

11. Take a photo with the famous IAmsterdam letters

Top tip: Get more sustainability tips for travelling in Europe in this blog post!

12. Tie in your visit with one of Amsterdam’s many festivals. See more here.

13. Explore the artsy Jordaan district.

14. Catch the ferry and explore Amsterdam North.

15. Go beer tasting under a windmill at de Gooyer in the Oostelijke Eilanden (Eastern Islands) neighbourhood.

There are eight windmills left in Amsterdam, but this one is unique because it contains a microbrewery!

16. In spring, go and see the tulips in Bollenstreek.

17. Get some fresh air in Flevopark and go wild swimming in Nieuwe Diep.

18. Enjoy the green space at Westergasfabriek.

19. Take the tram and sunbathe at Blijberg aan Zee.

20. Explore the other side of the Red Light District.

It’s Amsterdam’s oldest neighbourhood, and behind all the sex, you’ll find quaint squares and churches, and stunning architecture.

21. Enjoy a beer at Amsterdam’s original microbrewery, Brouwerij ’t IJ.

22. Explore the secret gardens and courtyards at Begijnhof.

Top tip: Check out money-saving tips on my blog here.

Food and coffee in Amsterdam

As well as the food markets mentioned earlier, there are plenty of places you should try for food.

For brunch, check out my Amsterdam brunch guide here.

Maoz, for great veggie pitas!
Hmm, for traditional Dutch food on a budget.
Moeders, for huge portions of Dutch food! Try the stamppot.
Sotto Pizza, for Italian on a budget.
Eddy Spaghetti, for a cozy Italian that’s not a city centre tourist trap.
Meatless District, for a 100% vegan seasonal menu.
Lite Dark for health food.
Or, if you’re so inclined, Cannibale Royal, for all the meat lovers.
Vuurtoreneiland, for a once in a lifetime dinner experience. You’ll be taken in a boat to a small island with just a lighthouse, an abandoned fort and a dining room. Enjoy local food surrounded by nature.
Michelin-starred Bridges, if you’re feeling fancy.
Morita-ya for Japanese food.

For coffee (actual coffee, not that…)

4850
Monks Coffee Roasters
Caffènation
Rum Baba
The Hoxton
The Coffee Virus

See my hidden gems you must visit when planning European adventure here.

Things to do at night in Amsterdam

Coffee shops

There’s a large hash consumption and scene here in Amsterdam – you’re probably already aware. It’s one of the biggest attractions for tourists here as you can legally buy and smoke in the designated ‘Coffee Shops’, of which there is an abundance all over the city. You won’t wander long before you spot one or… smell one.

The Red Light District

It’s a feature that Amsterdam is known for and whether you want to indulge in it or not, it’s worth a wander through. It’s best to wander with friends or in a group to avoid being on your own as the area can attract some seedy individuals. Remember: You cannot take photos of the ladies in the illuminated red doorways (it’s forbidden and strictly enforced).