Amsterdam Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Amsterdam
Amsterdam
Amsterdam
Amsterdam
Amsterdam

Wander around a fairy-tale lattice of canals and captivating neighborhoods, where old-world charm is fused with modern luxury and world-famous nightlife.

Amsterdam is the Netherlands’ capital city and an important European hub with a rich and multicultural character. Explore the historic harborside and admire the distinctive 19th-century architecture of the tall, narrow buildings that huddle over meandering canals. Forming a U-shape around the historic port, the city’s medieval center features charming façades that front boutique stores, art galleries, coffee shops and atmospheric bars.

The city’s best-known area is its Old Center, which is crisscrossed with arched stone bridges and cobblestone streets. Explore Dam Square and its historic landmarks, including the neoclassical Royal Palace, the Gothic Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) and the National Monument that honors victims of World War II. The square is adjacent to the city’s notorious Red Light District. The neighboring districts of Plantage and the Canal Ring feature beautifully preserved buildings from the 17th and 19th centuries, as well as leafy parks and tree-lined canals. Check out the Jewish Heritage Museum and the Amsterdam Botanic Gardens nearby Waterlooplein. A short walk will bring you to the Artis Zoo and a selection of fascinating museums. Popular museums are Stedelijk, the Van Gogh Museum and Hermitage Amsterdam.

Discover the renewed district of Jordaan, where a former working-class neighborhood transformed into a chic area for galleries, cafés and shops. Further south from here is Amsterdam’s Museum Quarter. Stretch out on the grassy lawns of Vondelpark with a cold beer or peruse the stalls at Albert Cuyp Market. Grab a table in the hip De Pijp district to experience fantastic multicultural cuisine.

Explore the city on a scenic canal boat tour or rent a bicycle to experience the streets the true Dutch way. Don’t miss trying local sweets, such as stroopwafels and licorices. Amsterdam has a fast and reliable public transit network that is comprised of buses, trams and trains. Reach the picturesque harbor city by plane to Schiphol Airport, on a cruise ship or via intercity train from several major hubs in Europe. Visit in summer to experience the city’s lively peak period or in winter to enjoy the romance of the snow-dusted Old Center.

Where to stay in Amsterdam

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Amsterdam City Centre

4.5/5(2,168 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums, charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Amsterdam City Centre. Top attractions like Dam Square and Nieuwmarkt Square are major draws. Catch the metro at Nieuwmarkt Station or Waterlooplein Station to see more of the city.

Amsterdam City Centre
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Jordaan

Get to know Jordaan and its many features like its breweries and churches. You might want to explore sights like Amsterdam Tulip Museum and Houseboat Museum, and you can jump on the metro at Bloemgracht Stop or Rozengracht Stop to get around the city.

Jordaan
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Red Light District

5/5(1 area review)

Dam Square and Oude Kerk are just a few worthwhile attractions to visit in Red Light District. Travellers also love the fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries.

Red Light District
Amsterdam showing a city, a river or creek and boating

Canal Ring

4.5/5(972 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Canal Ring. Check out top attractions like Reguliersdwarsstraat and Flower Market, and jump on the metro at Muntplein Tram Stop or Rembrandtplein Stop to see more of the city.

Canal Ring
Rijksmuseum featuring views, a pond and a city

Museum Quarter

4.5/5(971 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Museum Quarter. Check out top attractions like Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum, and jump on the metro at Van Baerlestraat Stop or Concertgebouw Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Museum Quarter
Amsterdam featuring a river or creek, street scenes and a city

Binnenstad

If you're spending time in Binnenstad, check out sights like Dam Square or National Monument and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Dam Stop or Paleisstraat Tram Stop.

Binnenstad

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Amsterdam

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
3139
5 - Excellent 71%
4 - Good
1161
4 - Good 26%
3 - Okay
117
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
14
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
17
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Sam

Would recommend for all ages

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Amsterdam is a beautiful country and can’t wait to visit agen

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

I do like Amsterdam. It is a unique city and worth seeing. Full of history and things to see & do.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

This place has so much to do, transport is easily accessible and easy to use. I hope to go back one day!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Unfortunately for us the bars and museums were closed due to the coronavirus. we had a good time all the same.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

I enjoyed a canal trip very much. I would have gone to the Rijksmuseum but government museums were closed because of the coronavirus. Damm Inn Square was noisy, double glazing would be a great improvement.

Cities near Amsterdam