Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a city that captivates with its artistic legacy and laid-back energy. The city’s free-spirited vibe is reflected in its iconic coffee shops, bike-friendly streets, and progressive culture. Whether you’re visiting the Anne Frank House, exploring the Van Gogh Museum, or enjoying a leisurely boat ride through its canals, Amsterdam offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Its multicultural influence can be seen in the diverse food offerings and music genres that permeate the city’s vibrant cultural scene.

🇳🇱

Currency

Euro (EUR) €

Best Time

April to October

Population

870,000

Weather °C

10.2

“Amsterdam captivates with its intricate canal system and vibrant tulip fields; each corner offers a glimpse into a rich history. The city’s laid-back vibe and artistic spirit invite you to explore its museums, cafes, and charming streets, creating a delightful balance of history and modernity.”

Off the beaten path places in

Amsterdam

“Amsterdam is a city filled with lovely canals, impressive architecture and more than a thousand bridges. There is something for every traveler’s taste, from culture and history, partying or just to take a vacation with the chart of an old European city. Maybe that’s a reason why its colloquially known as the Venice of the North.”

Amsterdam Views

Canals, museums, and cycling culture.

Amsterdam has more than 1,500 bridges and is often referred to as the "Venice of the North."

Amsterdam is a city where art, history, and modernity blend seamlessly. Known for its beautiful canals, historical architecture, and vibrant cultural scene, Amsterdam has something to offer every visitor. Whether you’re cycling along the canals, visiting the world-renowned Rijksmuseum, or enjoying the city’s coffee shops, Amsterdam provides a unique experience. The food scene is eclectic, with everything from street food to fine dining, while the music scene ranges from jazz to electronic.

Amsterdam is home to over 165 canals, and it’s known for its world-class museums like the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum.

State

North Holland

Year

1275

Airport

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)

Cost of Living (10)

7

Places to See

🗺
Tropenmuseum
Ethnographic Museum
Linnaeusstraat 2, 1092 CK Amsterdam, Netherlands
4.3
16–18
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Renowned for its ethnographic collections and cultural exhibits
Vibe:
Cultural, Informative
Get To:
Tram 14 (Artis stop)
Tip:
Guided tours, Workshops
World culture museum with Dutch colonial history exhibits
🗺
Tropenmuseum
Ethnographic Museum
Linnaeusstraat 2, 1092 CK Amsterdam, Netherlands
4.3
16–18
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Renowned for its ethnographic collections and cultural exhibits
Vibe:
Cultural, Informative
Get To:
Tram 14 (Artis stop)
Tip:
Guided tours, Workshops
World culture museum with Dutch colonial history exhibits
🛳️
NEMO
Science Museum
Oosterdok 2, 1011 VX Amsterdam, Netherlands
4.6
17–19
10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Features a rooftop terrace with stunning city views
Vibe:
Interactive, Fun
Get To:
Tram 26 (Nemo stop)
Tip:
Hands-on experiments, Workshops
Science museum on a boat with interactive exhibits and experiments
https://www.nemosciencemuseum.nl/nl/
🎸
Dam Square
Historic Square
Dam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
4.6
0
Varies
The heart of Amsterdam, surrounded by historic buildings
Vibe:
Crowded, lively
Get To:
Tram, Bus
Tip:
Street performances, cafes
One of the main tourist sights and expect lots of entertainment.
Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, 1018 CZ Amsterdam, Netherlands
4.5
23–25
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Historic zoo, aquarium and planetarium offering a day’s fun
https://www.artis.nl/nl/
Westermarkt 20, 1016 GV Amsterdam, Netherlands
4.7
14
9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Biographical museum dedicated to Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank.
https://www.annefrank.org/nl/
Must Visit:

Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum

Places to Eat

🧆
Ron Gastrobar
Innovative Dining
Sophialaan 55, 1075 BP Amsterdam, Netherlands
4.5
40–60
12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Known for its unique flavor combinations
Vibe:
Trendy, Culinary
Get To:
Tram 12, Stop: Wibautstraat
Tip:
Creative tapas, Local wines
Contemporary tapas style restaurant with an open kitchen
https://rongastrobar.nl/
🍔
Venus & Adonis
Upscale Dining
Prinsengracht 274, 1016 HH Amsterdam, Netherlands
4.5
30–50
12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Popular restaurant serving steak and surf & turf options.
http://www.venusenadonis.nl/
🦀
Visaandeschelde
Restaurant
Scheldeplein 4, 1078 GR Amsterdam, Netherlands
4.5
50–70
12:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Upscale contemporary seafood restaurant
http://www.visaandeschelde.nl/
🎣
Morgan & Mees
Restaurant
Tweede Hugo de Grootstraat 2-6, 1052 LC Amsterdam, Netherlands
4.5
25–35
7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Mediterranean restaurant serving visually appealing food
http://www.morganandmees.com/
Must Try:

Stroopwafels, Herring, Dutch Pancakes, Poffertjes, Bitterballen

Places to Drink

🎵
Shelter
Restaurant
Overhoeksplein 3, 1031 KS Amsterdam, Netherlands
4.5
20-50
23:00 - 06:00
Subterranean night club and exhibition space offering a fresh perspective
🏊
W Amsterdam
Luxury Hotel
Spuistraat 175, 1012 VN Amsterdam, Netherlands
4.8
300
24 Hours
Offers guest rooms, suites and a heated wet deck rooftop pool in the city center of Amsterdam
🎷
Bimhuis
Concert Hall
Piet Heinkade 3, 1019 BR Amsterdam, Netherlands
4.8
10-30
10:00 - 00:00 (event-based)
Jazz venue surrounded by beautiful scenery featuring top performances
🍣
Momo
Asian Fusion
Hobbemastraat 1, 1071 XZ Amsterdam, Netherlands
4.5
30-60
12:00 - 00:00
Features an extensive cocktail menu
Vibe:
Stylish, Contemporary
Get To:
Tram 1, Stop: Rokin
Asian fusion bar and bistro serving excellent sushi and bites to share
Music / Dance:

EDM, Jazz, Blues, Classical, Folk

Places to Network

🗣️
Eventbrite
Event Platform
Silodam 402, 1013 AW Amsterdam, Netherlands
4.7
Free - 50
Event-based
Wide variety of networking and fun events in Amsterdam
Key Industries:

Tech, Trade, Tourism

Places to Shop

🏠
Atelier Sukha
Store
Houtmankade 16, 1013 MX Amsterdam, Netherlands
4.4
50-200
10:00 - 18:00
Boutique home and lifestyle store

Luxury

🍓
De Kas
Restaurant
Kamerlingh Onneslaan 3, 1097 DE Amsterdam, Netherlands
4.9
50-100
12:00 - 22:00
Greenhouse restaurant with ingredients harvested fresh from the garden
🛥️
Amsterdam Jewel Cruises
Tour Company
Singel 235, 1012 WE Amsterdam, Netherlands
4.8
50-100
12:00 - 22:00
Luxurious boats equipped with fine dining.
Vibe:
Luxurious, Scenic
Get To:
Departure from various central locations.
Tip:
Canal cruises, gourmet meals
https://www.amsterdamjewelcruises.com/
Luxury dinner cruise on an antique riverboat

Watch Out

Watch out for Crowded Areas
Skip Super Touristic Places

Transportation

Bikes dominate, good public transit

City Overview

Amsterdam is famous for its canals, cycling culture, and artistic heritage, home to the works of Van Gogh and Rembrandt. The city’s laid-back vibe mixes historical charm with a modern, eco-conscious ethos.

3 Day City Itinerary Guide

- Day 1: Morning: Visit the Rijksmuseum. Afternoon: Stroll through the Jordaan neighborhood. Evening: Canal cruise and dinner at a waterside restaurant. - Day 2: Morning: Anne Frank House and the Westerkerk. Afternoon: Visit Vondelpark and Van Gogh Museum. Evening: Explore the nightlife in the De Pijp district. - Day 3: Morning: Bike tour of the city. Afternoon: Explore NDSM Wharf. Evening: Sunset at the A’DAM Lookout.

Current Trends

- Pop-up galleries: The city’s art scene is thriving with temporary exhibitions and street art. - Sustainable fashion: The city is becoming a hub for eco-friendly and second-hand fashion with places like Episode and The Swapshop. - Food markets: Trendy food spots like Foodhallen offer local and international cuisine in a sustainable setting.

Local Events Guide

- King’s Day (April): A national celebration with outdoor parties, flea markets, and music events. - Amsterdam Dance Event (October): A massive electronic music festival drawing top DJs. - Grachtenfestival (August): A classical music festival held along the city’s canals.

Local Insider Tips

- Jordaan neighborhood for trendy cafes and boutique shops. - NDSM Wharf for an artistic, industrial vibe and street art. - Vondelpark for local picnics and people-watching.

Sustainable Travel

- Biking: Amsterdam’s bike-friendly infrastructure makes cycling the greenest way to get around. - Canals: Eco-friendly canal tours are a sustainable way to explore the city. - Green hotels: Stay at Conscious Hotels, which emphasize sustainability and eco-conscious practices.

Explore the Best Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences:

Ready to see through a local’s eyes? Our curated guide unveils top hidden gems, secret spots, and local favorites that you won’t find in typical travel guides. Whether it’s a cozy café tucked away in a historic neighborhood, a scenic trail only known to insiders, or unique cultural sites, has so much more to offer beyond the tourist hotspots. Dive into our off-the-beaten-path guide and discover the true heart —perfect for adventurous travellers, culture enthusiasts, and anyone looking for an authentic journey

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Unlock the Hidden Side:

Each spot in our City guide is handpicked to help you experience the city like a local, avoiding the crowds and discovering the best-kept secrets. From charming local eateries and breathtaking viewpoints to tucked-away art galleries and vibrant local markets, this guide lets you explore beyond the surface. Follow our recommendations for an unforgettable adventure and see why these places stand out as favorites among locals. For more unique experiences like these, explore our full collection of off-the-beaten-path city guides and make every trip a journey of discovery.