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
-
Amsterdam City Centre
In the city centre
Take a stroll along Damrak, filled with curio shops and restaurants geared up for tourism. Reach the square to see the Royal Palace and New Church standing side-by-side in their majestic glory. Madame Tussauds offers waxy fun for the family, while Kalverstraat is a high street shopping extravaganza.
Places to stay from £10 per night
-
Oud Zuid
1.4 miles from city centre
The ‘Old South’ is Amsterdam’s most elegant neighborhood and contains a mix of commercial and residential areas. Luxurious PC Hooftstraat features designer label clothing and accessories, while a stroll along the Northern Amstel Canal will bring you to one of the many parks in the area.
Places to stay from £9 per night
-
Oud-West
1.1 miles from city centre
There’s an urban feel in this hugely multi-cultural area in the streets between Overtoom and Kinkerstraat. With numerous ethnic shops and restaurants, the area is a smorgasbord for food lovers. Ten Katemarkt street market is in the centre of the district, known for its Turkish food vendors selling delicious treats.
Places to stay from £18 per night
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 £255 per night
Next weekend
From £434 per night
| Most popular time to visit | October–December |
| Cheapest time to visit | January–March |
| Local currency | € 10 = £8.58 |
| Language | Dutch |
| Average weekend price | £121 per night |
| Average weekday price | £126 per night |
| Typical stay | 2 nights |
Points of interest in Amsterdam
Stay near the top sightseeing spots in Amsterdam
-
Dam Square
In the city centre
-
Leidseplein
0.8 miles from city centre
-
Ziggo Dome
4.5 miles from city centre
-
Anne Frank House
0.4 miles from city centre
-
Melkweg
0.7 miles from city centre
-
Museum Square
1.2 miles from city centre
-
Het Concertgebouw
1.3 miles from city centre
-
Rijksmuseum
0.9 miles from city centre
-
Hermitage Amsterdam
0.6 miles from city centre
-
Royal Palace Amsterdam
0.1 miles from city centre
Amsterdam reviews
What other travellers say about Amsterdam
The one drawback was being able to access museums like Anne...
26 April 2024
The one drawback was being able to access museums like Anne Frank and Van Gogh despite trying to use the o line booking 6 weeks in advance as suggested. We ended up missing out on these. Other museums were easily accessible. We really enjoyed what we did see as well as some of the great restaurants such as Umami by Ha which was outstanding and Himalayan Kitchen, a hidden gem! Absolutely loved the Keukenhof and all the beautiful flowers!
Amsterdam is a superb city to not only visit, but to enjoy...
26 April 2024
Amsterdam is a superb city to not only visit, but to enjoy an extended stay in. There are superb places for great food and ambiance. Examples would be Toscanini (an Amsterdam institution) and Kaagman & Kortekaas. When you go to Amsterdam you will find the people as enjoyable to be with as the city itself. It is a place where respect is comfortably exchanged. Be respectful and you will be respected. Very welcoming. Lastly, watch out for the bicycles. They travel at high speeds and expect to be watched for.
Lots of museums, the Rembrandt house was a...
26 April 2024
Lots of museums, the Rembrandt house was a 'surprise' quite a small but very interesting museum. Walking friendly city with lots of restaurants and shops. For dinner it can be good to reserve a table or be early in the better restaurants.
Lovely city, lots of culture & great architecture.
26 April 2024
Lovely city, lots of culture & great architecture. Friendly, welcoming & felt very safe, even in the parts of the city you might not expect to feel safe! Beware the cyclists, they are crazy, rarely stopping at crossings or red lights & bikes are scattered everywhere, blocking pavements. Crossing roads is the one time you feel concerned for your safety & its not from the cars! Eyes in all directions are needed. Definitely do the canal cruise, its a great way to immerse yourself in the city & get a feel of the place. Then just walk, each corner seems to bring something new to see & photograph.
Third visit to Amsterdam and managed to do all different...
25 April 2024
Third visit to Amsterdam and managed to do all different things. Went to same restaurants as we have in the past, Dante and Seafood restaurant plus discovered The Black Dog which was very good, great vibe. Highlights were the Lookout and De Begijnhof. Also Mocca Museum. Very sad and concerning to see so much rubbish in the canals. Stayed near Rokin just a few minutes walk to the metro which is easy, clean and efficient! Tram stop a little further but also an easy way to travel.
Beautiful place to visit.
25 April 2024
Beautiful place to visit. Bit busy during certain festivals and tulip season. City overcrowded, best to stay outside the center. Very well organises transport system. Lots to see and do. Book well in advance if you want to visit Anne Frank House.
Popular places to stay in Amsterdam
Stay in some of the best accommodation Amsterdam has to offer
-
Rosies Place Amsterdam City Centre, Amsterdam
From £306 per night
-
Huis Roomolen Amsterdam City Centre, Amsterdam
From £328 per night
-
Empire suites roof terras Amsterdam City Centre, Amsterdam
From £255 per night
-
B&B Amsterdam Amstel Apartment Amsterdam City Centre, Amsterdam
From £240 per night
-
Six Amsterdam City Centre, Amsterdam
From £167 per night
-
Other accommodation in Amsterdam
Choose from a wide variety of places to stay in Amsterdam
-
Apartments
From £39 per night
-
Villas
From per night
-
Cabins
From £118 per night
-
Cottages
From £83 per night
-
Glamping Sites
From £73 per night
-
Serviced Apartments
From £42 per night
-
Holiday Homes
From £83 per night
-
Guest Houses
From £34 per night
-
Hostels
From £9 per night
-
B&Bs
From £30 per night
-
Homestays
From £32 per night
-
Campsites
From per night
-
Boats
From £21 per night
-
Self Catering Accommodation
From £34 per night
