THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO VISITING AMSTERDAM 2023
Places to visit in Amsterdam | Best time to visit | Visiting Tips
Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting Amsterdam
You’re planning a trip to Amsterdam but feeling overwhelmed by all the options? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Our comprehensive guide is packed with all the essential information you’ll need before visiting Amsterdam. We’ve covered all the details, from the best time to visit to how to get around.
Whether you’re interested in exploring world-famous museums like the Rijksmuseum or experiencing the city’s liberal policies like legalized marijuana in designated coffeeshops and the Red Light District, Amsterdam is a city that truly has it all. It’s known for its picturesque canals, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene.
To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve hand-picked some of the best attractions, tours, and day trips that will leave you in awe.
What is Amsterdam known for?
Amsterdam is a vibrant and beautiful city that offers visitors a unique cultural experience. It is famous for its beautiful canals, historic architecture, and colorful flower markets. Whether you are a culinary enthusiast, an art lover, or a history buff, Amsterdam has something for everyone. Among Amsterdam’s top attractions is the Van Gogh Museum, which contains the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh artwork. Amsterdam’s other famous museums are the Rijksmuseum and the Anne Frank House, which sheds light on the city’s history during World War II.
If you want to embark on an outdoor adventure, Amsterdam’s scenic canal system offers the perfect opportunity for a leisure Canal Cruise Tour. Also, think about renting a bike and exploring the city’s streets and parks like a local. Amsterdam has a strong cycling culture and numerous bike-friendly policies, including bike lanes and traffic signals, making it convenient even for beginners.
So what are you waiting for? Get ready to explore one of Europe’s most exciting and vibrant cities.
Best time to visit Amsterdam
Whether it’s spring, summer, autumn, or winter, Amsterdam is a city that welcomes visitors with arms wide open, so choosing the best time to explore depends on your interests, preferences, and budget.
For those who love outdoor activities and pleasant weather, the ideal time to visit is late spring or early autumn season in Amsterdam. During these seasons, temperatures are moderate, and the days are longer. Additionally, there are plenty of festivals and outdoor events, like the Tulip Festival and King’s Day. You don’t want to miss the stunning tulip colors that brighten up the city.
If you plan to visit Amsterdam during the summer, be prepared for long queues at popular attractions, crowded streets, and pricier accommodations. The weather is warm and sunny, but think well before booking your flight in the high season.
Are the winter months your favorite? Amsterdam is the perfect place for you between November and March! You’ll enjoy cooler temperatures and plenty of winter festivals, and colorful city decorations. Take advantage of Amsterdam’s museums and galleries, experience the city’s liberal culture, and relax in one of the many cozy coffee shops.
Best Deals to see all of the top attractions in Amsterdam!
Save time and money by purchasing Amsterdam Passes and visiting all the top attractions stress-free!
Continue reading our insightful travel guide to visiting Amsterdam!
Find the best things to do and places to visit in Amsterdam. Read our travel tips and be fully prepared for your trip to Amsterdam!
FAQ – Visiting Amsterdam
What is the best month to go to Amsterdam?
The best time to visit Amsterdam is during the shoulder season. By visiting right before or after the summer tourist season, you’ll be able to explore all sites completely stress-free. The temperatures are moderate, and the city is not as crowded. Beware that the number of tourists visiting Amsterdam can increase significantly during the weekends.Is Amsterdam friendly to tourists?
Yes, Amsterdam is known for being a friendly and welcoming city for tourists from all over the world. Since tourism is such an important part of Amsterdam’s economy, many residents are accustomed to interacting with tourists.How many days do you need in Amsterdam?
At least three days are needed to completely immerse yourself in this city’s beauty and rich history. Everything depends on how tight your schedule is and which attractions you want to visit.What month is weather good in Amsterdam?
The weather in Amsterdam is generally mild and comfortable during spring and autumn. This is the best time of the year to visit Amsterdam. It’s not as crowded as during summer, nor chilly and rainy as it can get during winter.Is Amsterdam expensive?
Since Amsterdam is limited in size, the prices of almost everything are pretty high. This remarkable city is among the most visited ones in Europe, making it a desirable and, therefore, more expensive destination. However, with some careful planning and budgeting, it’s possible to enjoy the city without spending a fortune.Get ready to visit Amsterdam – BEST VISITING TIPS
1.
YOU DON’T HAVE TO SEE EVERYTHING
Amsterdam has so much to offer that it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when visiting for the first time. There’s no need to see them all at once! If you try to fit all activities and attractions into a tight schedule, you might overstress and not have a full and enjoyable experience. Instead, we recommend you do a little research and take things slow. Don’t waste your precious time waiting in long lines. Book your attraction tickets ahead of time and enjoy a hassle-free visit to Amsterdam’s top sights.
2.
EASILY GET AROUND THE CITY WITH BIKES
Renting a bike is a popular and convenient way to explore Amsterdam. Consider booking accommodation outside the city center to save money, and take advantage of Amsterdam’s bike-friendly infrastructure to travel affordably and conveniently. Bike paths are well organized, but you still need to be careful about how you’re driving. Sometimes the bike lanes are even more crowded than the car lanes.
3.
ENJOY AMSTERDAM TO THE FULLEST BY GOING ON A GUIDED TOUR
You can do many interesting and fun activities in Amsterdam, from guided walking and biking tours to a relaxed canal cruise. Our knowledgeable and experienced guides will ensure you leave Amsterdam with unforgettable memories you’ll cherish forever. You’ll find only the best value options online on our carefully curated list of perfect tours.
Essential Travel Tips for Amsterdam
- Bicyclists in Amsterdam can be quite assertive, so please refrain from walking in the designated bike lanes.
- Carry your ID card at all times. You’ll need it to enter some of the bars and coffeeshops.
- If you plan to explore Amsterdam on foot, make sure you wear comfortable shoes.
- Customer service is different in the Netherlands. In cheaper/mid-range restaurants and cafes, servers leave people alone for longer periods of time without checking up on them.
- If you want to purchase unique souvenirs, avoiding the popular tourist areas and exploring other parts of the city is recommended.
- Book your accommodation in advance, particularly if you’re visiting during the season’s peak.
- Photos and videos are strictly forbidden in the Red Light District area. You do not want to mess with security guards and sex workers, as they may take action if they see you taking a picture.
- Beware that the soft drugs are tolerated and can be bought in designated coffeeshops.
- The water in Amsterdam is safe to drink.
- Don’t forget to tap your card on your way in and out when using public transport.
- If you can, save some time for a day trip. Dutch Capital is really close, as well as plenty of small and picturesque towns.
- Finally, spot small houses that can be found off the beaten path.
Getting around Amsterdam
Getting around Amsterdam can be a great adventure. The City of Canals has an extensive network of public transport options, bike lanes, metros, trams, and canals, making it easy and convenient to explore everything Amsterdam has to offer.
BY BOAT
One of the quite popular ways of getting around Amsterdam is by boat. The city’s canals offer a unique and scenic way to see the sights, with many boat tours available for visitors. Alternatively, you can also rent your own boat or take a water taxi to go around the city. Beware that boat taxis can be a much more expensive option than other boat options, but if you have to get somewhere fast, this is the way to go.
BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT
If you would rather stay on land while exploring Amsterdam, you can count on the city’s widespread public transportation network. Trams, buses, and metro lines can reach all corners of Amsterdam. Tickets are available for single use, as well as day passes, and multi-day passes. It’s important to remember to check in and out of your trip with your ticket.
BY BIKE
There’s nothing quite like exploring Amsterdam on a bicycle. With more than 800,000 bicycles in the city, it’s not surprising that cycling is a favorite mode of transportation for tourists and locals. A total of 515 kilometers of cycle lanes make Amsterdam one of the world’s most bike-friendly cities.
Also, you can rent a bike at various locations throughout the city and return it to a different spot as long as it’s from the same bike provider.
BY FOOT
You can book a walking tour and explore the city on foot. This is a great way to see Amsterdam’s hidden gems and learn about the city’s history and culture from a knowledgeable guide. You can also casually stroll around the city on your own and discover some interesting spots you would most likely miss by taking any other form of transportation. Consider also booking an Amsterdam Food Tour, and discover the most famous Dutch delights while exploring the city.
Embark on an exciting adventure outside of Amsterdam!
Escape the city crowds and discover the breathtaking Dutch countryside by taking a day trip from Amsterdam. Visit charming towns and villages, explore stunning natural landscapes, and discover historic landmarks like Zaanse Schans. You can even take your trip further and travel all the way to picturesque Burges, Belgium. The choice is yours!
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore beyond Amsterdam’s city limits. Book your day trip today and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!