With my hosts in Amsterdam and 20 years of experience in the city, I have put together this local guide. I hope you find it helpful. Amsterdam. Photogenic, Instagram-friendly geometric canals, narrow-roofed houses squeezed together, city dwellers riding their bicycles, snow falling on frozen canals in winter, leaves scattered on the ground in autumn - this is what Amsterdam represents to me.
The heart of the historic city is found around the canals from the Middle Ages and colonial period, within the famous red-light district De Wallen and the old Jewish quarter Waterlooplein. However, if you dig beneath the surface, Amsterdam will offer you new surprises.
The History and Development of Amsterdam
The name Amsterdam comes from the fishing village founded in the twelfth century, which built a dam on the Amstel River. During the Dutch Golden Age, Amsterdam reached the peak of prosperity as an important trading port.
Today, it is a significant financial center and diamond distribution point. The currency used is the Euro. The local language of the Netherlands is Dutch, but most people speak English fluently.
The Best Way to Get Around Amsterdam
When you talk to locals in Amsterdam, there is a general consensus that the best way to explore the city is by using the local trams or walking.
Even better, rent a bike like the locals do. This is the best way to get around in the extremely flat city. Amsterdam has a special system for bike paths that weave in and out of the most crowded parts of the urban landscape. Many hostels offer bike rental options. It’s quick, practical, and gives you a chance to burn off those stroopwafels! A one-day bike rental costs around 10 Euros.
Additionally, there is an extensive tram line network, which is one of the most popular modes of public transport.
The metro, tram, ferry, and bus lines are operated by GVB - the public transport company. The GVB daily or multi-day ticket offers unlimited travel on all GVB lines.
When to Visit Amsterdam
The tourist-heavy summer season stretches from May to September. The best option is to visit in April or late September to November when crowds are smaller and prices are not too high. If you want to visit during tulip season, this period lasts from mid-March to the end of May, with mid-April being the best time.
Best Things to Do in Amsterdam
1. Visit the tulip fields of Keukenhof - near Lisse in April, the best time to see beautiful flowers. Various colors arranged in regular rows will greet you - like a rainbow spread across the earth. If spring is particularly cold, it might be a good idea to postpone your visit to later days in May. Visit the gardens on weekdays to avoid traffic congestion.
2. Visit Vondelpark - a place that offers beauty in every season. If possible, attend a free concert at the open-air theater held between May and early September.
3) Visit the Rijksmuseum - a treasure trove of Dutch art history, home to works by masters like Rembrandt and Vermeer.
4) Visit the Anne Frank House Museum - a surreal experience that reminds us of the atrocities committed during World War II and the power of human resilience. Here, in a small hidden annex, Anne Frank and her family hid for 25 months. This is a sad part of Amsterdam's history and a raw, emotional experience. By visiting the museum, you can learn about the conditions in which the inhabitants of the house lived.
5). If you want to shop but do so without exceeding your budget, Waterlooplein Flea Market is a great option. The stalls are filled with all sorts of items and historical relics from the past. The flea market dates back to 1880 and was a selling point for goods among Jewish merchants.
Tip: Amsterdam City Pass
There are three types of Amsterdam City Passes. These are called ‘I Amsterdam City Pass’, ‘Amsterdam Holland Pass’, and ‘Amsterdam City Pass’. Each offers different discounts and is time-limited. It is better to examine these passes individually and check which one suits your schedule best. Generally, these passes are beneficial for those who want free travel on public transport along with entry to the main museums.
Where to Eat in Amsterdam
Dutch cuisine is not limited to stroopwafels and bitterballens, but I love tasting these local delicacies over and over again. If you’re feeling adventurous, visit the stalls selling raw herring (haringhandels) that are plentiful. If you can’t stand the smell, don’t worry - fried fish pieces called ‘kibbeling’ are also available at these stalls.
Amsterdam is truly a cosmopolitan city. Expect to encounter a wide range of international cuisine here. ‘Bazar’ is a converted church that now serves Middle Eastern cuisine! Head to ‘La Pata Negra’ for good Spanish tapas or visit ‘Fou Fow Ramen’ for ramen. Soenda Kelapa - an Indonesian Restaurant, or ‘Taco Cartel’ for Mexican tacos are also eclectic options.
However, if you came to Amsterdam to taste local flavors, visit Geflipt and enjoy Dutch-style burgers. Café Kale, Café Oosterling, or Bar Fisk are great places to enjoy the local Dutch pub scene.
If you are looking for good food in an interesting place in a nice location, head to the waterfront.
‘Away from the crowds in the center of Amsterdam, Hotel de Goudfazant is located among the old industrial buildings in Amsterdam Noord. The menu is seasonal and offers great value, especially considering the quality of what comes out of the kitchen.’
Anna Hafsteinsson, Clink Hostels
Also, don’t forget to check out my guide for the best cheap eats in Amsterdam.
Where to Drink and Have Fun in Amsterdam
The Dutch are famous worldwide for their liberal approach to drugs, which are restricted in other regions. Therefore, it’s no surprise that coffee shops (and the red-light district) attract millions of international visitors each year. Amsterdam is a playground for those looking to have a good time. There are all kinds of bars and parties.
Some bar and club recommendations in ‘Dam’ are Marktkantine, Pacific, Leidseplein, Paradiso, and Rembrandtplein.
Pllek, located on the banks of the IJ river, is a stylish industrial venue built from old shipping containers. With its own artificial beach, live music, and many events, it’s a great place to grab a cocktail or sip your beers outdoors on sunny days. Another suggestion is Pacific Parc, a fantastic spot from day to night. Grab a spot on the large sunny terrace during the day, and when night falls, head inside to dance until the early hours with DJs and live music.
I Love to Walk...
Amsterdam is quite rich in green, open spaces throughout the city. Vondelpark is undoubtedly the largest and most well-known. There are many smaller parks that provide resting areas for city dwellers; among these are Beatrixpark, Sarphatipark, Oosterpark, Park Frankendael, Rembrandtpark, Westerpark, Flevopark, Amstel Park, Wertheimerpark, and Sloterpark.
Westerpark is a smaller urban park located in the west of the city. The park offers a perfect mix of greenery and impressive architecture. The transformed Westergasfabriek gas factory hosts many events such as exhibitions, markets, festivals, independent shops, an art house cinema, a brewery, and a dance club.
Noorderpark is a green oasis in the heart of Amsterdam's Noord district. With plenty of trees and green space, it is a great place to escape the noise of the city center.
Best Places to Relax in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a city of canals and calm waterways. Is there a better way to relax than to enjoy the architectural splendor of the city from the water?
“It is very peaceful to sail through the beautiful waterways of the city. If you don’t like the big tourist boats, we love Pure Boats.”
Perhaps flower therapy can be considered a good way to promote inner peace? A visit to Amsterdam in the spring would be incomplete without visiting the Keukenhof tulip fields near Lisse in April. Various colors arranged in regular rows will greet you - like a rainbow spread across the earth. If spring is particularly cold, it might be a good idea to postpone until later in May. Visiting the gardens on weekdays helps you avoid traffic congestion.
Vondelpark offers beauty in every season. If possible, attend a free concert at the open-air theater held between May and early September. Listening to music in the arms of beautiful nature is a great way to bring that zen feeling.
Best Viewpoint in Amsterdam
By general consensus, one of the best views in Amsterdam is found at A’dam Toren or A’dam Tower; this is located at the corner of ClinkNOORD. It has a great bar where you can sip your cocktails and admire the view of Amsterdam. For those with a fast heartbeat, the ‘Over The Edge’ Swing offers plenty of adrenaline.
Noorderlicht is another great place to look out over the IJ river from Amsterdam Noord. Here, you can sit for a few hours and watch the world go by.
Doubletree Hotel Skylounge and Nemo Panorama Terrace are also great options to catch the city’s bird’s-eye views. Westerkirk Tower is the tallest church in Amsterdam. If you want to get some exercise on a summer evening, you can climb this iconic church tower and enjoy the view of the Jordaan area.
My Secret Place
Shh! Here is a secret place known only to the locals and those with the best information.
Blijburg is a cultural beach area located outside the city; here, Amsterdammers gather to play, swim, eat, drink, and create. It is a great place filled with live music and festivals throughout the year; a perfect spot to get some sea air and relax!
Also, visit Haarlem and the dreamlike Hello I’m Local Hostel to escape the daily stress of Amsterdam. Staying here reminds you of how holiday days feel. Riding a bike in the beautiful surrounding countryside, perhaps heading to the nearby beach. Quenching your thirst at a lovely rural pub. Playing board games in the common room. The lack of wifi or TV in the rooms ensures a restful sleep. The lovely beds make you feel as if you are at home. Wake up to the most beautiful breakfast table - all locally sourced. Then maybe grab a book and relax on the lovely open terrace. Taste the local Joven beer and homemade bitterballen to quench your thirst. Walk to the station and cross over to Amsterdam with just a 15-minute journey. Haarlem is completely away from tourists, very beautiful. Very peaceful.
Welcome to the world's most local boutique hostel.
My other hidden spot, another culinary paradise: a small Surinamese eatery called De Hapjeshoek hidden in Waterlooplein Station. Whenever I’m in Amsterdam, I always stop by for the delicious chicken curry sandwiches, known as ‘Kipfillet Kerrie Broodjes’. At 3 Euros, it's a bargain.
Where to Stay in Amsterdam
I’ve written a comprehensive guide to the best budget-friendly accommodations in Amsterdam, and I’ve also written a second guide for the best cheap hostels in Amsterdam.
How to Get There
Amsterdam Schipol is extremely well connected to all major airports in the United Kingdom. This route is served by budget and full-service airlines such as British Airways, easyJet, Flybe, KLM, Jet2, and Vueling.
Amsterdam is also well connected by train and bus - for the best and cheapest ways to visit the city, check out Omio and compare flights, trains, or buses from key nearby cities. (For example, look at flights from Paris or London to Amsterdam.)
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