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Top things to do in Amsterdam

Attractions, tours and activities in Amsterdam

Recommended museums in Amsterdam

Where to discover culture and the arts in Amsterdam

Amsterdam: the city's best neighbourhoods

Find a great area to stay in Amsterdam

About Amsterdam

Including tips for the best time to visit Amsterdam

As the Netherlands' culture-packed capital, Amsterdam has always been a hotspot for holidaymakers. This enticing slice of North Holland is renowned for its iconic criss-crossing canals, distinctive narrow houses and an eclectic range of museums including the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum.

Main public transport options include buses and trams, but bicycles rule when it comes to getting around. With around 400 km of bike paths and almost 8,000 parking spaces, exploring on two wheels makes taking in the main sights a breeze.

The city's medieval centre, known as Centrum, showcases many points of interest synonymous with Amsterdam tourism, including canals, traditional architecture and the famous nightlife of the Red Light District. If you're visiting in tulip season, a stopover at nearby Keukenhof's botanical garden in mid-April provides sweeping views of multicoloured flowers in bloom.

A variety of accommodation can be found all over the city, from high-end hotels to cosy hostels and homestays. The main airport of Schiphol is 15 km southwest of the city and offers regular train services between the main terminal and city centre.

Tonight

From £91 per night

This weekend

From £408 per night

Next weekend

From £366 per night

Most popular time to visit October–December
Cheapest time to visit January–March
Local currency € 10 = £8.63
Language Dutch
Average weekend price £121 per night
Average weekday price £127 per night
Typical stay 2 nights

Points of interest in Amsterdam

Stay near the top sightseeing spots in Amsterdam

Amsterdam reviews

What other travellers say about Amsterdam

8.0

Old, historic city with lots of canals and waterways.

21 April 2024

Old, historic city with lots of canals and waterways. Easiest way around is walking. Lots of historic buildings and museums to see in the central city area. Train from/to airport to central city terminal is inexpensive, and easy to figure out. People are extremely friendly, and most speak English. Many, many people walking around and viewing the central city, especially around central train station and streets nearby. Not easy to find a restroom, and when you do, there's a lineup, and you have to pay to get in - interesting. Credit or debit cards seems to be the best payment methods.

Anonymous
10

An excellent European destination with world class museums,...

21 April 2024

An excellent European destination with world class museums, restaurants, and tourist activities (canal cruise, Keukenhof Gardens at tulip time, rijstaffel dinner, shopping). City seemed safe at night for walking. Cleanliness level is medium. Costs level also medium. Getting around by Uber was very easy. What to avoid: summer crowds, not getting reservations well in advance.

Anonymous United States
6.0

Amsterdam Museums well worth a visit , public transport is...

21 April 2024

Amsterdam Museums well worth a visit , public transport is great, use the 9292 app to give you details where/ when next tram/ bus or train will be. Van Gogh Museum can ONLY be booked in advance and at least 4 weeks in advance. Well worth a visit. Amsterdam can be a noisy & busy city but a lot to do and safe. Leiden 30 min by train from Amsterdam was a lot more quaint and peaceful with a windmills, museums and great restaurants.

Sebastiaan
Sebastiaan South Africa
10

Mine was a business trip - so not much time to enjoy the...

20 April 2024

Mine was a business trip - so not much time to enjoy the great cosmopolitan feel of the south city area. Been there many times before - great compact city - lots to do, new and old. 1m people - 750k bicycles so beware - they don't stop! Trams, rail and Uber all good. Would always recommend a trip to Amsterdam!

Lawson
Lawson United Kingdom
8.0

A great city to visit!

19 April 2024

A great city to visit! People were most helpful and friendly, especially as I was over 80 and a solo traveller! It was my first visit to Amsterdam and I felt very comfortable there. I visited some great sights like Keukenhof, Anne Frank House, Ruiksmuseum, Jewish Museum and Synagogue, Flowermarket(to buy cheap tulip bulbs), all very interesting ! of course also a canal tour which was a bit spoilt by rainy weather. Certainly like to go back sometime as Van Gogh Museum you have to book at least 6 weeks in advance!

Barbara
Barbara United Kingdom
10

I loved the architecture and the canals, Amsterdam is a very...

19 April 2024

I loved the architecture and the canals, Amsterdam is a very attractive city. Very easy to get around with a great tram system, also lots of it is easily accessed by walking, and you get the atmosphere of the different areas this way. There is plenty to do and see, but probably one of my favourite things was soaking up the atmosphere, enjoying a coffee or a glass of wine beside a pretty canal. The people are very friendly and overall the city has a relaxed, chilled feel.

Susan
Susan Ireland

Popular places to stay in Amsterdam

Stay in some of the best accommodation Amsterdam has to offer

Other attractions and activities in Amsterdam

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