Amsterdam is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, well-known for its past, stunning canals, and the architecture of its iconic, narrow houses reflecting the city’s culture and art to its lovely neighborhoods, lush green spaces, gastronomy, iconic windmill, and tulips. The capital of the Netherlands is a diversified city with much to offer to every traveler.
If you’re wondering why to visit Amsterdam, here is a list of reasons why you should visit this city at least once in your lifetime.
Getting there
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is located about 20km from Amsterdam, and the cheapest and quickest way to get into the city center is by train (about 15 minutes). You can purchase a one-way ticket from the machines next to the trains or go onto the rail website for more information. You can also download the NS-app to plan your trip, receive push notifications when the timetable changes, and more.
Pro tip: I purchased all my train tickets in the Netherlands through the Trainline app. You can easily find the fastest and cheapest train fares, and Trainline works across 45 countries in Europe.
Data Plan: Use Airalo to stay connected at all times. The e-sim providers have very reasonable prices and work very well.
Getting around in Amsterdam
Amsterdam has impressive public transportation and offers travelers many options like bicycles, metros, buses, ferries, and trains to get around the city and beyond.
Bicycle: Most locals use bikes to get around. There are a LOT of bicycles, so be prepared for lots of bike traffic, but you can easily rent one (for about $10-12 Euros) for your time there.
Helpful Tip: As pedestrians, cyclists have the right of way—so watch out!
Walking: Most places you’ll want to visit in Amsterdam are relatively close. A bus or metro will get you around much quicker, though.
Public Transport: You’ll find that getting around quickest can take a combination of bus, metro, and tram rides. Luckily, the GVB offers daily transportation passes, available for 1 to 7 days, starting from €8.50, and are valid for all three types of transport. This is your best bet if you’re in the city for a few days.
Pro tip: Depending on your type of trip, I’d recommend getting an iAmsterdam card. The card includes free admission into the most popular museums, free public transportation (unlimited use of the GVB public transport system), a free canal cruise, and bike rental. See if the iAmsterdam card can save money on your trip by using their online savings chart before buying.
Tulips
Amsterdam dominates the global tulip bulb industry with 4.32 billion tulips yearly production. Tulip season runs from the end of March until mid-May, but the best time to see the flowers is in April. Keukenhof, the world’s biggest flower exhibition, is one of the best places to visit, with over 7 million blooming bulbs. And it’s only 30 minutes from Amsterdam. Another fantastic way to enjoy the tulips in all their glory in rural fields is to get a bicycle and explore.
If you are visiting Amsterdam during off-peak tulips season, visit the Amsterdam Tulip Museum. Also, on the third Saturday of January, the city celebrates National Tulip Day in Dam Square, where over 200,000 tulips are displayed for the public to pick freely.
The architecture
Amsterdam is best known for its luxurious canal houses and charming gabled facades, but the city has more than enough architectural treasures. You will find a fascinating architectural mixture of 17th-century canals with UNESCO status, works of Dutch architect Berlage and the architectural movement Amsterdam School and innovative new projects in the business district The Zuidas and the neighborhood Eastern Docklands.
The Amsterdam canals are UNESCO World Heritage site. Here you’ll find the charming houses primarily built in the 17th century as homes for the wealthy.
The most iconic and recognizable buildings are the Amsterdam Centraal Station and the Rijksmuseum. Both were designed by Dutch architect Pierre Cuypers, combining Renaissance and Gothic elements, and are sometimes considered to be Neo-Gothic in style.
The city has over 1,200 bridges. The oldest bridge, the Torensluis, dates from 1648. Some of the most iconic bridge views include the Skinny Bridge (Magere Brug) and the Seven Bridges, one of the city’s most romantic spots.
Popular museums
Amsterdam has over 50 museums housing various masterpieces, from history and culture to science, photography, and art. The Museum Quarter houses Amsterdam’s big three, Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art, showcasing the brilliance of Dutch masters, modern art, and impressionists. The famous Anna Frank House is also a must-see!
A heaven for cyclists
The best way to explore Amsterdam and truly experience it is by renting a bike to get around the neighborhoods.
An even bigger adventure is to take the ferry or metro to Amsterdam Noord and follow Route 9 by the marked pathways and explore the dike villages, grassland landscape, and the island of Marken. (47 km/4-5 hours).
You could also opt for a guided bike tour through the Amsterdam Countryside if you’d prefer!
Impressive canal system
Amsterdam’s iconic canals are the city’s symbol and have enormous cultural and historical value. The 17th century canal ring was placed on UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010. The canals were built as a way to transport food and goods into the city center quickly and efficiently. The result is a beautifully designed and structured maze of canals that give Amsterdam its unique character.
There are 165 canals with 100km (60 miles) in length. Most canals can be accessed by private boats or group tours. The canal ring, known as Grachtengordel, took 400 years to build and refers to the grandest four canals: Herengracht, Keizersgracht, Prinsengracht, and the Singel encompassing the old city around Dam Square.
Every canal in Amsterdam is unique and has its charm. For the most beautiful, traditional canal houses in Amsterdam, you have to go to the so-called Gouden Bocht or Golden Curve, the section of the Herengracht between Leidsestraat and Vijzelstraat. Standing on the bridge on the corner of Reguliersgracht and Herengracht gives you a spectacular view. If you like taking photos, this is the spot.
The Magere Brug is by far the most picturesque bridge, and this gem is beautifully lit in the evening when it becomes one of the most romantic places in Amsterdam. Don’t be surprised if you see couples taking selfies on the bridge on a beautiful evening.
Charming countryside
When visiting Amsterdam, a trip to the countryside is a must, ride bikes and take beautiful photos! The countryside features fertile farmland, flower fields, lovely waterways, and attractive towns and villages. There are plenty of options for day trips.
Themed parks and zoo
If you are looking to have some fun, visit The Efteling Theme Park. Amsterdam’s largest theme park was opened in 1952 and spanned over 160 acres. The park is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a variety of rides for people of all ages. Artis Royal Zoo, the city’s oldest zoo and home to 750 types of animals and 300 types of flowers and trees during spring, is also a must-see.
Cheese tastings and craft beers
Visit the oldest tasting room in Amsterdam, De Drie Fleschjes translated “Three Little Bottles,” which opened in 1650. Enjoy a drink and enjoy the ambiance of antique barrel-lined walls and burning candelabras
Don’t miss the Albert Cuyp Market! It’s the largest in all of The Netherlands and has been around since 1905. Come hungry and try some local cheeses and dutch Stroopwafels. You can also score some great souvenirs here.
Green spaces and parks
Have a picnic in the Vondelpark to enjoy the city’s fresh air and greenery. Vondelpark is a great and large park with about 10 million visitors annually and free admission. And you can visit it in a typical Dutch way: by bike! With a guided bicycle tour, the guide will inform you about its history and show you every corner of it.
Coffee Houses & Red Light District
This side of Amsterdam has transformed into an art and cafe scene, although prostitution is still legal. While it isn’t exactly my thing, that’s not to say you shouldn’t at least stroll around and see what it’s all about.
Where to stay in Amsterdam?
There are many great neighborhoods in Amsterdam where you can stay for your visit. If it’s your first trip, the center of the city is a great place to stay.
Jordaan is the most affluent neighborhood in the city and home to some world-class hotels and restaurants; it’s also where you can find the Anne Frank Museum. The De Pijp neighborhood caters to a local, younger, and “hipster” crowd with its cafes, bars, and shops. And Leidseplein is a great neighborhood if you want to experience Amsterdam’s nightlife.
Hotel De Hallen is an excellent boutique hotel in Amsterdam situated in a former tram depot built in 1902. The hotel is located in Oud-West, with an abundance of trendy restaurants, cafes, and stores. The hip De Hallen complex is next door, while the picturesque Jordaan area and historic Canal Belt are a short walk away. The only downside is that it is a bit removed from Amsterdam’s city center.
Where to eat in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is packed with excellent restaurants and is a food lover’s paradise! You’ll also find a vast selection of vegetarian and vegan restaurants and menu offerings, so there’s something for everyone.
The popular Moeders restaurant is an excellent place to taste hearty traditional Dutch cuisine in homely surroundings. It’s a charming restaurant located on the edge of Amsterdam Centrum. The name means “mothers,” and you’ll understand why as soon as you enter. Individually framed photographs of mothers of customers keep a watchful eye over diners.
What to do in Amsterdam
Despite its shady reputation, Amsterdam is a historic city full of culture that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime—it’s full of surprises around every corner. And there isn’t a prettier view than watching boats float along the gardens and canals of the city.
Take a guided boat tour if you can only do one thing in Amsterdam. You’ll get to see the major canals, the beautiful architecture, learn about the city’s history, and more. It’s a fantastic way to experience the city truly.
Have you ever visited Amsterdam?
