Amsterdam

Canals, culture and a vibrant spirit

Amsterdam presents a network of canals lined with brick buildings from different centuries. The city’s layout reflects its history as a trading hub, with many waterways still used today. Museums such as the Rijksmuseum display Dutch art and artifacts, while neighborhoods like Jordaan feature narrow streets and independent shops. Public spaces encourage walking or cycling along flat paths. Markets sell flowers, cheese and handmade goods year-round. The city balances historic architecture with modern culture through accessible public transport and community events throughout the year.

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City in Netherlands

$$$

$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

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Safety: 7.7

General Safety:	7
Health & medical:	9
Accessibility:	7
Tap water:	9

Read details

5/5

Most locals speak English fluently, especially in tourist areas, restaurants, and shops. You won’t have trouble communicating, but learning a few Dutch phrases is always appreciated.

Highlights Attractions Getting there Hotels Tips Travel costs Safety Articles

Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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Amsterdam Summary

These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.

‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.

‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.

‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.

Read how our scores work

Excellent for canals and cycling culture. Cycle through historic neighborhoods, take canal boat tours, visit world-class art museums, relax in city parks and explore lively cafés.

Place score

9.3

Best at:

Museums

Art

Cycling

Large cities

Walkable

Personal score

Suited for

👶 7

Families

🧓 7

Seniors

🌈 10

LGBTQ+

🛡️ 9

Travel Beginners

Netherlands – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type F Type C: Type F: Read about power adapters
Currency:	Euro (EUR) £1 ≈ €1.19
Cashless info:	Rating 5/5 The Netherlands is highly cashless, with almost all businesses accepting card payments. Contactless payments and mobile apps are widely used, and cash is not always necessary. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is appreciated but not compulsory in the Netherlands. In restaurants, a tip of 5-10% is standard. Taxi drivers usually expect a small tip or rounding up, and hotel staff appreciate small tips.
Public drinking:	Public drinking is allowed in most places in the Netherlands, including parks and on the streets. However, there are some restrictions in specific areas or during festivals.
Public smoking:	Smoking is banned indoors in public spaces, including bars, restaurants, and public transport. Smoking areas are designated in many public places.

King's Day (April)	A national holiday with celebrations, parades, and festivals. Expect large crowds, especially in cities like Amsterdam.
Christmas (December)	Festivities are widespread, but cities can be crowded, and prices for accommodation may rise.
Sinterklaas (December)	Celebrations for the Dutch Christmas tradition, expect family-oriented events and high demand for accommodation.

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps:	Uber, Bolt, Ola
Other:	The Netherlands has a well-developed infrastructure and public transport system. Be prepared for high bike usage in cities like Amsterdam, and expect occasional rain throughout the year.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Amsterdam, Netherlands

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Jan

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Feb

🌥️

Mar

🌤️

Apr

🌤️

May

🌤️

Jun

🌤️

Jul

🌤️

Aug

🌤️

Sep

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Oct

☁️

Nov

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Dec

High season:	April - Sep.
Shoulder season:	March, Oct., Dec.
Crowdedness:	9 (Very crowded)

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

King's Day on April 27: city-wide street party, very crowded and hotels book out

Tulip fields nearby bloom early April to early May; Keukenhof open late March to mid May

Amsterdam Light Festival late November to mid January: illuminated canal boat tours

Don't miss

🚤 Cruise the scenic canals and pass under arched bridges
🏠 Visit the Anne Frank House for a moving experience
🎨 Explore Van Gogh Museum’s masterpieces up close
🚲 Cycle through the charming Jordaan district’s narrow streets
🥞 Try Dutch pancakes and herring at a local market
🌳 Relax with a picnic in Vondelpark on a sunny afternoon

You've been here?

Why travel to Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has something for everyone: explore the works of Van Gogh and Rembrandt, cruise along charming canals or cycle through the city like a local. The laid-back atmosphere, rich history and lively entertainment scene make it a place you’ll want to return to. However, be prepared for unpredictable weather and high tourist crowds, especially in summer. While the Red Light District and coffee shops are well-known, they’re just one small part of what this diverse city has to offer.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Rijksmuseum
Showcasing Dutch art from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, the Rijksmuseum houses masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh in a former 17th‑century palace, offering visitors an extensive view of national heritage.
2 Anne Frank House
This poignant museum in Amsterdam's Jordaan district preserves the history of Anne Frank's hidden annex. Visitors walk through the original rooms, reading her diary while reflecting on the Holocaust and finding a deeply moving connection to the past.
3 Van Gogh Museum
This world-class museum in Amsterdam's Jordaan district houses Van Gogh's most famous works, including The Bedroom and Sunflowers. Visitors can explore his letters and paintings across multiple floors in this intimate yet impactful setting.
4 Jordaan
This historic district in Amsterdam features narrow canals, colorful gabled houses and bustling squares. It's a vibrant neighborhood known for its artistic heritage, cozy cafes and lively atmosphere that draws visitors from around the world.
5 Begijnhof
6 Rembrandt House
7 Moco Museum
8 De 9 Straatjes
9 EYE Filminstituut

🎡Places for activities

1 Heineken Experience
Step inside the world's largest beer factory, where historic brewing meets modern entertainment. Guided tours showcase massive tanks and interactive exhibits, offering a lively glimpse into Amsterdam's iconic Heineken heritage without leaving the city center.
2 A'DAM Lookout
This iconic observation tower offers panoramic views of the city's historic canals and skyline. Visitors climb to the top for breathtaking vistas, making it a must-see landmark in Amsterdam that captures the essence of this vibrant European capital.
3 Ziggo Dome
4 Concertgebouw
5 This is Holland

🏞️Natural landmarks

1 Vondelpark
A sprawling green oasis in Amsterdam's heart, Vondelpark offers serene walking paths, vibrant cultural events and tranquil lakes. It serves as a peaceful retreat from the city bustle, perfect for relaxation or outdoor activities year-round.
2 Hortus Botanicus
3 Rembrandtpark
4 Amsterdamse Bos
5 Waterland
6 Vondelpark
7 Westerpark
8 Beatrixpark
9 Oostvaardersplassen
10 Bodhi Beach

🛍️Shopping

1 Albert Cuyp market
2 De Bijenkorf
3 De 9 Straatjes
4 Kalverstraat
5 P.C. Hooftstraat
6 Magna Plaza
7 Haarlemmerstraat

🎈Events

King’s Day (April 27)
Amsterdam Light Festival
Amsterdam Dance Event
Pride Amsterdam
TULIP Festival
Holland Festival
Grachtenfestival (Canal Festival)
Sinterklaas Arrival (mid-November)
IDFA (International Documentary Film Festival)
Amsterdam Marathon

Explore on map

Open map view

Knowledge before you go

Watch out for bikes; never walk or stop in cycle lanes.
Book Anne Frank House and major museums well in advance, as timed tickets often sell out days or weeks ahead.
Learn the difference between coffeeshops and cafés and follow local rules on soft drugs, smoking areas and respectful behavior.
Stay in or near the canal belt for walkable sightseeing, quieter evenings than Red Light District and classic canal-house atmosphere.

How to travel to Amsterdam

Amsterdam is well-connected via Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, one of Europe’s busiest hubs, with direct trains to the city center (15 minutes). International trains run from Paris, Brussels and Berlin. Ferries connect from the UK.

Access summary

From Schiphol Airport (AMS): Frequent trains to Amsterdam Centraal, about 15–20 min.
From Paris: High-speed Thalys/Eurostar trains, typically around 3.5 hours.
From London: Direct Eurostar train via Channel Tunnel, usually about 4 hours.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay in Amsterdam

The city center is great for first-time visitors, while De Pijp and Jordaan offer a more local feel. Accommodations range from boutique hotels to budget-friendly hostels, but book early – Amsterdam hotels fill up fast.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Centre

8.6

Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Zaandam

8.9

ibis Amsterdam Airport

8.1

Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam

8.8

Zaan Hotel Amsterdam - Zaandam

8.8

Ramada by Wyndham Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

8.0

NH Collection Amsterdam Barbizon Palace

8.6

Mercure Hotel Amsterdam Sloterdijk Station

8.6

Explore more accommodations

How to get around Amsterdam

Amsterdam is best explored on foot or by bike, with an extensive tram, bus and metro system for longer distances. The OV-chipkaart works for all public transport. Be cautious when walking – cyclists always have the right of way!

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

+24 %

Daily expenses in Amsterdam are around 24% higher than the average across United States. That means you'll spend considerably more on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-3 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to EUR) is 3% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Travel costs

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

	Backpacker	Mid-range	Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation	£81	£182	£486
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person	£34	£83	£188
🍝 Food per day	£35	£85	£247
🚕 Transportation per day	£12	£14	£51

Food & Drink

🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person	£36
🍛 Lunch Set, per person	£16
🍟 Fast food combo	£12
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day	£11.50
☕ Cappuccino	£3.80
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l	£5.50

Transportation

🚌 Public transport ticket	£2.90
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi	£30
⛽ Petrol, 1 l	£1.80

Other

🎞️ Cinema ticket	£13
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult	£32
🤧 Cold medication	£5
💇 Basic haircut	£29

Safety information overview

General safety

Amsterdam is generally safe, but be cautious of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas. Avoid buying anything from street dealers and be mindful in the Red Light District at night.

Health & Medical

Healthcare is high-quality, with plenty of pharmacies and hospitals. EU travelers can use their EHIC card. Tap water is safe to drink.

Accessibility

Public transport and major attractions are accessible, but older buildings and some cobblestone streets may pose challenges for wheelchair users.

Tap water

Tap water is clean, safe and tastes great. Refill your bottle at public fountains to save money and reduce waste.