If you’re planning a visit to and looking for the ultimate guide to visiting Amsterdam, you’re in the right place.

This Amsterdam travel guide will walk you through everything you need to know about exploring the Dutch capital, from the prettiest canal-side streets (that you’ve been daydreaming about) to the best cafés, markets, viewpoints, and experiences on offer here.

Located in the Netherlands in Northern Europe, Amsterdam is a city made for curious travellers, romantic wanderers, food lovers, cyclists, and anyone who appreciates beautiful old towns with a modern creative energy.

Known for its iconic 17th-century Canal Ring (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), gorgeous arched bridges, narrow coloured townhouses, museums, biking culture, buzzing neighbourhoods, and enviable lifestyle, Amsterdam is a city that captures most of the hearts of those who arrive here.

I’ve visited Amsterdam a couple of times now, and I swear I fall even more in love each time. You can spend your days strolling along the canals, browsing vintage markets, discovering hidden cafés, hopping between rooftop cocktail bars, or simply soaking in the atmosphere of streets that feel like a postcard come to life.

If you’re visiting in spring, you’re in for a treat – this is when tulip season transforms the city into a rainbow of fresh blooms, and the surrounding countryside becomes one of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe.

Like any popular destination, Amsterdam has a few tourist traps, especially around the nightlife scene, and it’s easy to get swept into the more chaotic corners of the city if you don’t know where to go. But fear not – this guide will help you avoid the tacky bars and overcrowded streets and experience Amsterdam at its best, with recommendations that show off the city’s charm, creativity, and character.

Fun fact…

Amsterdam actually has more bridges than Venice – Venice has 409, while Amsterdam boasts an incredible 1,281!

See all netherlands Guides

A complete guide to Amsterdam

How do you get to Amsterdam?

Amsterdam’s main airport is Amsterdam Schiphol, which 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)
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.

See all netherlands Guides

Best things to do in Amsterdam

1. Explore the canals.

Amsterdam’s canals are the heart and soul of the city, and the best way to truly experience them is to get out on the water or wander alongside them.

Whether you’re strolling over arched bridges, cycling between neighbourhoods, or hiring a boat with your friends, the canals offer endless charm and postcard-perfect views at every turn. It’s one of the most memorable ways to soak in the atmosphere of Amsterdam’s historic centre.

2. Enjoy a sunset cocktail at the Sky Lounge

For a drink with unforgettable views over the city, head to the Sky Lounge and watch Amsterdam light up as the sun goes down.

Located just above Centraal Station, this rooftop bar is the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring, with one of the best sunset viewpoints in the city.

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

If you’re visiting in spring (maybe you’re even planning your trip around this – i don’t blame you!), Keukenhof Gardens is a must. This famous park bursts into colour with millions of tulips and seasonal blooms every single year.

It’s only a short trip from Amsterdam (40-minute drive), making it a perfect day trip if you’re looking to explore beyond the city.

A day trip to Keukenhof Gardens, Netherlands

4. Cycle through and spend the afternoon relaxing in Vondelpark

Vondelpark is Amsterdam’s most famous green space, perfect for escaping the city buzz for a few hours.

Grab a bike, pack a picnic and simply lay back on the grass, watch street performers, and soak in the laid-back local vibes.

This is one of the best things to do in Amsterdam if you’re looking for an activity that captures the heart of the city but allows you to relax for a while.

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!

Say no more. It’s time for a treat and to enjoy the stunning canal views.

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

For something completely unique, pop into the world’s first condom specialist shop tucked away on Warmoesstraat. Definitely one of Amsterdam’s more offbeat experiences, but when in ~~Rome,~~ Amsterdam.

7. Join a free walking tour of Amsterdam

A free walking tour is always a brilliant way to get oriented in the city and uncover hidden gems you might miss on your own. It’s a great way to meet fellow travellers along the way, particularly if you’re travelling solo!

Allow local guides to share stories about Amsterdam’s history, architecture, and culture with you… giving you a deeper appreciation for the canals, streets, and neighbourhoods you wander through during the rest of your time here.

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. 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!

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

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

17. Take the tram and sunbathe at Blijberg aan Zee

18. 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.

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

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).