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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 £85 per night

This weekend

From £364 per night

Next weekend

From £438 per night

Most popular time to visit October–December
Cheapest time to visit January–March
Local currency € 10 = £8.57
Language Dutch
Average weekend price £114 per night
Average weekday price £114 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

10

A really nice city, full of character and history.

25 March 2024

A really nice city, full of character and history. Even the weather doesn't hinder the charm. Very easy to go around with bus, tram, metro and trains. People are very nice and welcoming. Be careful to book your attractions in advance as most of the museums are booked well in advance (6 weeks for Anne Frank's house!!!)

nvc123
nvc123
8.0

The smell of drugs was a bit too much in some areas,...

24 March 2024

The smell of drugs was a bit too much in some areas, avoiding the small narrow streets is a good idea and just sticking to the main high streets. The boats trips are a must for any new person visiting, they are very imformative and worth the price.

funkyx486
funkyx486
10

Great public transport system easy to use and get around, if...

24 March 2024

Great public transport system easy to use and get around, if here for a few days purchase an Amsterdam and region travel card, unlimited access to all modes of transport in Amsterdam and the surrounding area, lots of tourist attractions. Plenty of great places to eat suiting all budgets. Look for cafe de dokter amsterdams smallest bar, unique well worth a visit.

James
James United Kingdom
8.0

Very lively city with plenty to keep you busy.

23 March 2024

Very lively city with plenty to keep you busy. Lots of places to eat and drink as you can imagine. The Zoo is beautiful and the Heineken experience is worth a visit. Some nice places to eat round there too.

James
James United Kingdom
10

If you plan to mix work and travel you have to book longer...

23 March 2024

If you plan to mix work and travel you have to book longer stay. I amsterdam card for atleast 3 days. Book a visit to Rijksmuseum in 3 days so you can actually see all of it it's huge, half a day for the zoo. You don't need a car. You can get from anywhere to everywhere by bus, metro or train. Download GVB for info and tickets. Pack warm clothes it's cold, locals are with short sleeves on 12 C, but it's sea cold with mist and wind.

Виктория Bulgaria
10

I love Amsterdam.

21 March 2024

I love Amsterdam. Its my ultimate destination. Siting on Leidseplein watching the world go by. How lucky can someone be. Amsterdam is mesmerizing. Its alive. The dutch have built the greatest city in the world. I understand it has many problems that a tourist does not see. That said its an urban playground for adults. It has a laidback vibe that everyone should experience. I understand that tourism is a real problem in such a confined space so I fully encourage the off season if you decide to go. October through Christmas is out of this world.

mr_minimal
mr_minimal Canada

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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