What comes to mind when you think of Amsterdam? …yeah, that’s what we thought you’d say.
And you’re not entirely wrong, though we’d challenge you to think beyond the outdated stereotype and instead fill your mind with the many other hallmarks of this city that are equally—though not literally—intoxicating.
Approach Amsterdam with a kind heart and a warm smile, and you’ll find a community ready to welcome you like an old friend.
Image Credit: Getty Images, a_Taiga.
What to do in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Many visitors build their Amsterdam travel guide around the annual Tulip Festival. The flowers bloom between March and May, filling nearly 100 locations around Amsterdam with vibrant scents and shades. Naturally, a stop at Keukenhof Tulip Gardens is a must.
When you’re not stopping to smell the tulips, you can check off the city’s headline attractions with visits to the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, and Heineken Experience. A stroll through Vondelpark, the Albert Cuyp Market, and Foodhallen wouldn’t hurt either.
If you must partake in the cliché attractions, at least enhance your experience through educational engagement by visiting the Red Light Secrets Museum and the Hash, Marihuana & Hemp Museum. For fans of the traditional allure of Amsterdam, the Museum of the Canals and Rijksmuseum won’t disappoint.
Getting around Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a walkable city, but within your first few footsteps you’ll notice that bicycles and boats are the best way to get around the many canals and dedicated bike lanes. There’s a metro and trams as well, so whichever mode of transportation you prefer will help you see the sites.
Here’s where the train lines come in clutch. Instead of wasting your vacation in an airport, you can hop a train from Amsterdam Centraal for an easy day trip to capital cities like Paris in three and a half hours, London in four hours, and Berlin in a little over six hours.
And those are just direct routes with no changes. Add a change or two and you can easily visit Vienna, Prague, and Geneva.
Train travel offers comforts and conveniences that air travel can’t and in some cases, you’ll find that it’s a cheaper alternative when you add in the cost of transportation to and from the airport to a city center.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Alexander Spatari. Image Location: Prinsenstraat, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
AMA: Amsterdam Edition
How many days in Amsterdam is enough?
Three to five days is the sweet spot, but you can certainly see the highlights in two just like you could spend a week making your way through every museum. Four days lends enough time to see the top sites at a relaxed pace, even during peak tourist season.
What should I do with one day in Amsterdam?
With a single day in Amsterdam, start with a coffee in a café then grab a Museumkaart that grants admission to your choice of 39 museums in the city. After museum hopping in the daylight, consider a twilight canal cruise. If you're wandering around the center of the city at night you may even stumble on the (in)famous Red Light District. Note, however, that while Amsterdam's Red Light District and coffee shops are internationally known, the city is trying to move away from a reputation focusing narrowly on this. Dare to explore away from the touristy areas and you're likely to find a far more authentic Amsterdam.
Is Amsterdam in Holland or the Netherlands?
Amsterdam is the capital city of the country, the Netherlands. Holland composes two of twelve provinces within the Netherlands. Some people refer to the Netherlands as Holland, and though it might be an honest mistake, it’s similar to using New York City interchangeably with Manhattan or Brooklyn.
Can I fly direct to Amsterdam from the US?
Yes, there are direct flights to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol from cities like New York, Atlanta, Orlando, Minneapolis, Boston, and plenty more. With a train connecting the airport to Amsterdam central station in roughly 15 minutes, even a short stay is logistically convenient.
What’s the best time to visit Amsterdam?
Most travelers will insist that you visit Amsterdam between March and May to see the tulips in full bloom. If your late-spring calendar is already full, the winter months are best for budget travelers while September is clutch for thinner crowds and unique festivals.
Ready to go Dutch?
We're only scratching the surface of all that Amsterdam has to offer. For all your accommodation needs, check out our article on the best hotels in the city center. Backpackers and eurail-ers can find tips on Amsterdam on a budget, and parents are going to want to see our guide to Amsterdam for kids. Foodies in search of Dutch delicacies, here is your guide to Amsterdam's best food stalls and restaurants. And for train tickets in Amsterdam and across Europe, your first stop is the Trainline App.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, George Pachantouris. Image Location: Herengracht Canal, Amsterdam