Amsterdam City Guide

General Information / Guide

The capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam, borders Germany to the east and Belgium to the south, ranking as one of the most populous cities and hosting numerous visitors throughout the year. With a history dating back to the 12th century, the city was initially established as a fishing village on the banks of the Amstel River, evolving into one of the most famous tourist destinations in Europe.
Much like the rest of the country, Amsterdam features numerous canals, initially dug to control water in marshy areas and utilized for transportation or defense purposes. The famous Dam Square is the city's most famous square and continues to welcome countless visitors from around the world throughout the year.
The historical buildings surrounding these canals serve various purposes today, including residences, public institutions, and private businesses. With its vibrant nightlife, charming cafes, canals, museums, bicycle paths, parks, and more, Amsterdam stands out as one of Europe's beloved tourist cities, offering numerous activities to its visitors.

Climate / Weather / When to Go

Amsterdam has an oceanic climate with mild temperatures and consistent rainfall. Spring brings blooming tulips and mild temperatures averaging 8°C to 15°C, while summer is the peak tourist season with warm, sunny weather hovering around 20°C. Autumn showcases vibrant fall foliage with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 15°C, and winter is characterized by chilly temperatures ranging from 3°C to 7°C. The best time to visit depends on preferences: spring and autumn for mild weather and fewer crowds, summer for warmth and outdoor activities, and winter for a unique, festive experience.

How to Get There

Schiphol International Airport, located 15 km southwest of Amsterdam, is accessible via direct and connecting flights from various locations.  From Schiphol International Airport to the city center, there are various transportation options such as bus, train, private transfer, car rental, and taxi. Among these options, the easiest and most economical method is the train. With trains departing every 10 minutes throughout the day, you can reach the train station in the center of Amsterdam within half an hour. From Amsterdam Central Train Station, you can easily reach many parts of the city on foot or by tram.

Food / Restaurants / What to Eat and Drink

In Amsterdam, the diverse global migration has created a culinary haven for every palate. The city's famous culinary culture offers a variety of cheeses, raw fish sandwiches ("broodje haring"), sausages, seasoned fries ("patat"), round meatballs ("bitterballen"), and pumpkin soup ("pompoensoep"). Traditional Dutch cuisine features simple flavors, with evening meals centered around potatoes, vegetables, and meat. Don't miss the popular sweets like mini pancakes and caramel-filled waffles ("stropwafel").
To experience these iconic dishes, consider visiting "Skek" for traditional flavors and live music, or try "Pasta e basta" for a pleasant atmosphere with wine, classical music, and a meal. If you enjoy sandwiches, head to "Bagels & Beans" at various locations for different delicious bagels.
For seasoned fries, visit "Vlaams Friethuis" at many locations all around the city. To try "haring," a Dutch seafood dish, explore places like "Stubbe's Haring." And for delicious Amsterdam-style pancakes, make sure to check out Bakers & Roasters and Pancakes Amsterdam.

Important Places / Places to Visit

• Dam Square: At the heart of Amsterdam, Dam Square is a historic area hosting significant events. Don't miss the iconic Amsterdam Royal Palace and Christmas celebrations, including a massive Christmas tree.
• Amsterdam Royal Palace: Dating back to the 1600s, this historic palace in Dam Square displays artifacts from King Louis Bonaparte's time. After touring, explore nearby stores or enjoy lunch at adjacent restaurants.
• Van Gogh Museum: Located in the museum district, this captivating museum showcases Van Gogh's paintings, letters, and contemporary artists' works, providing a fascinating journey into the artist's life since 1973.
• Anne Frank House: Among Amsterdam's most visited museums, Anne Frank House was the wartime hiding place for Anne Frank's family. Established in 1960, it offers a historical journey and insight into Anne Frank's diary.
• Canal Boat Tour: A must-see in Amsterdam, the canal tour provides a 75-minute exploration with audio guides, offering detailed information about the canals and city history, especially delightful in spring.
• Heineken Experience: The first Heineken brewery, dating to the 1860s, offers a fun tour for beer tasting accompanied by Dutch cheeses, providing insights into the brewery's history.
• Vondelpark: The country's most famous park, Vondelpark, offers walking paths, bike lanes, film screenings, events, and lush lawns for picnics, all within a short walk from the museum district.
• Rijksmuseum: A must-visit for museum enthusiasts, Rijksmuseum boasts the world's largest collection of Dutch art from the 1800s, featuring significant works from the Dutch Golden Age and the Asian Art Collection.
• Bloemenmarkt (Flower Market): Open daily, this beloved flower market is the world's only floating flower market, selling colorful flowers and bulbs, including tulips. In December, it transforms into a festive space.
• Rembrandt House Museum: The historic house of Dutch painter Rembrandt, dating to the 1600s, is now the Rembrandt House Museum, allowing visitors to see the artist's living space and works, with periodic independent exhibitions.

What to Do

In Amsterdam, you have endless options for activities that cater to different interests. The iconic canal tour stands out as the most famous way to explore the city, providing insights into Amsterdam's canals. Must-visit museums include the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, and Anne Frank House. Vondelpark is the city's largest park, and renting a bike to experience Amsterdam's lively atmosphere is one of the best things to do. You can also try local flavors at places like Stubbe's Haring for Herring and Vlaams Friethuis for Patat. Explore the famous Red Light District, and visit the Bloemenmarkt flower market. Don't miss the renowned street markets, with Albert Cuypmarkt offering some of the best options for souvenirs. Discover Amsterdam's nightlife at entertainment venues like Rembrandtplein and Leidseplein, where the fun lasts until the morning.

Nightlife / Bars / Entertainment

Amsterdam is renowned for its lively nightlife, and notable nightclubs such as Jimmy Woo, stand out in the city's entertainment scene. Jimmy Woo, known for its unique decor and challenging entrance, is a two-story club with distinct sections, making it a popular spot for Erasmus students and celebrities to socialize.
Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein are central to Amsterdam's vibrant nightlife. Escape, located in Rembrandtplein Square, is a renowned nightclub, achieving additional fame for hosting performances by Tiesto.
Paradiso, within walking distance of Leidseplein, is another spot standing out with its unique architecture as it is transformed from a church. Trouw, a former newspaper printing house, is a key destination for music and dance, despite its 15-minute tram ride from the city center. Amsterdam also offers a variety of classic and cocktail bars, providing a diverse range of beer options for exploration.

Shopping / What to Buy

Some of the most famous shopping spots in the city center are Damrak, Kalverstraat, Leidsestraat, and Noorderkerk streets. Kalverstraat is notable for perfume, bags, and sportswear stores, along with currency exchange offices and eateries. For souvenirs, explore the flower market near Muntplein. Adjacent to Kalverstraat, Damrak and Rokin streets offer books at tea and the Himalaya bookstore.
If you are looking for high-end luxury brands in Amsterdam, should visit P.C. Hooftstraat in Oud Zuid, featuring renowned brands like Gucci. Dam Square's Bee Hive (De Bijenkorf), along with shopping centers Magna Plaza and Kalvertoren, cater to mall enthusiasts.
If you want to wander in markets, check out Albert Cuyp Market for fresh fruit and vegetables, Bloemenmarkt for numerous flowers, or Waterlooplein for vintage and second-hand clothing. 

Festivals/ Events

January: Wine Professional - Amsterdam Gastronomy
February: DigiMarCon Europe
March: Independent Hotel Show
April: King’s Day 
April- May: Tulip Festival
May: Liberation Day 
May: A Taste of Amsterdam
June: Holland Festival
June: Vondelpark Festival
June: GreenTech
July: iGB Live!
August: Latin Village Festival
September: Theater Festival
October: KunstRAI
October: ADAF Annual Dutch Art Fair
November: WTM World Travel Market
November: Jazz Festival
November: Amsterdam Light Festival

Holidays / Festivals / Important Days

1 January: New Year's Day
27 April: King's Day
4 May: National Remembrance Day 
5 May: Liberation Day 
26 May: Ascension Day
5 June: Pentecost Sunday 
6 June: Pentecost Monday 
5 December: Sinterklaas 
25 December: Christmas Day
26 December: Boxing Day
31 December: New Year's Eve 

Things to Pay Attention to / Important Information

Despite Dutch being the official language, language won't be an issue as English is widely spoken.
For safety and to avoid unwanted reactions, be mindful of bicycle lanes and avoid walking on them.
In certain streets, public drinking is prohibited. Adhere to the rules if you see signs indicating a ban on alcohol consumption.
For public transportation (buses, metro, and trams), obtain GVB passes for unlimited use, available at GVB offices, hotel reception, or tourist offices.
Amsterdam is windy, especially in winter. Check the weather before renting a bicycle.
Despite being one of the safest cities globally, be cautious in Red Light District at night against pickpockets.

Transportation

In Amsterdam, walking and cycling are popular choices for both locals and tourists. Additionally, the city offers diverse public transportation services, including buses, trains, and the metro. Various card options, like the OV-chipkaart, provide flexible access to these modes of transport, valid for a single journey within an hour or for 1-7 days. Another option is the Amsterdam City Card, which allows unlimited use of the GVB public transportation system for 24, 48, or 72 hours, along with complimentary entry to popular attractions. 
The GVB Card, valid for 1 to 7 days, covers GVB-operated trams, metro, and buses. The Amsterdam Travel Ticket, available for 1-3 days, facilitates extensive travel between Schiphol Airport and city center stations, offering unlimited access to GVB-operated trams, buses, metro lines, night buses, and ferries.