Essential Amsterdam Travel Tips for an Unforgettable Trip

Discover the Best Travel Tips for an Amazing Amsterdam Adventure

Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands, is a vibrant and culturally rich destination that offers something for everyone. Known for its picturesque canals, beautiful architecture, and world-class museums, Amsterdam is a city that captivates visitors with its unique charm. Take a leisurely stroll along the famous Canal Ring, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and admire the elegant houses and historic buildings that line the waterways.

One of the most visited places is the Anne Frank House, where tourists can learn about the life of Anne Frank and her family who hid from the Nazis during World War II. Immerse yourself in Dutch art and history at the renowned Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum. Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Jordaan and De Pijp, where you can find trendy boutiques, cozy cafes, and bustling markets. Indulge in delicious Dutch cuisine, from crispy fries to traditional herring, and sample the local craft beers. A visit to the Albert Cuyp market is also recommended, where visitors can purchase edible treats and souvenirs. Many tourists also flock to the Red Light District, where they can experience Amsterdam’s underground culture.

With its vibrant atmosphere, rich history, and diverse attractions, Amsterdam truly is a city worth discovering. Here are some must-see attractions in Amsterdam, completed with hotels nearby.

ANNE FRANK HOUSE

The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam is a must-visit for anyone travelling to the Netherlands. Located in the centre of the Dutch capital, the annex in which Anne Frank and her family sheltered during the Nazi occupation has been turned into a museum - enabling visitors to learn more about her incredible story. Standing in the same building, walking up the same steps, and seeing the same rooms that were a part of Anne’s life during her tragically-shortened years, the Anne Frank House offers a deeply-moving insight into her life and experiences. A visit to the house can take anywhere from an hour and a half to two and a half hours, and starts with a short history of Anne Frank, followed by a visit to the front part of the house before gaining access to the annex. Inside the annex, you can explore the various rooms, learn more about Anne Frank’s life during her time in hiding, and admire her writing desk where she wrote her diary - a moving experience for all those that visit. The museum also has an excellent audio tour that allows visitors to learn more about Anne’s story, and provides some additional insights into her experiences during the Nazi occupation. HOTELS AND ACTIVITIES NEARBY

RIJKSMUSEUM

The Rijksmuseum Amsterdam is one of the most remarkable attractions in the Netherlands. Situated in the heart of Amsterdam, the Rijksmuseum is home to an incredible collection of art and artifacts from the Dutch Golden Age, the period from around 1600 to around 1700 when Dutch culture, art, and science flourished. Inside the museum, visitors can explore over 7,000 works of Dutch masters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Steen. On the ground floor, visitors can take a stroll through the Gallery of Honor, a grand hall illuminated by natural light that offers a stunning view of the museum’s extensive painting and sculpture collections. Other highlights of the museum’s holdings include furniture, arms and armor, Asian art, musical instruments, and historical artifacts. The Rijksmuseum is also home to a library, a café, and several restaurants. On top of this, the museum organizes exciting events and lectures throughout the year and provides a variety of interactive displays and activities for those looking to explore the history and culture of the Dutch Golden Age. With its world-class collections, exciting events, and interactive elements, the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam is a must-see attraction for any traveler to the Netherlands. HOTELS AND ACTIVITIES NEARBY

HEINEKEN BREWERY

If you’re visiting Amsterdam and looking for an educational and fascinating experience, the Heineken Experience Tour in Amsterdam is a must-see. This interactive tour allows visitors to experience the brewing process, learn more about Heineken’s rich history, and sample some of the most popular beer in the world. Upon entry, visitors are treated to a multi-media show that provides an in-depth overview of Heineken’s history. After the show, viewers continue to the interactive area, where they can learn more about the brewing process, try their hand at the interactive beer-making game, and explore the Heineken memorabilia-filled museum. Later, visitors will be able to explore the high-tech tasting room and enjoy two Heineken beers on tap. The experience ends in the gift shop, where souvenirs, bottles, and kegs of the world-famous beer are available for purchase. There is also the opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal in the Heineken café. For beer lovers, the Heineken Experience Tour in Amsterdam is a must-see attraction that will provide an unforgettable experience. HOTELS AND ACTIVITIES NEARBY

JORDAAN

Among its many charming neighborhoods, the Jordaan district stands out as a must-visit for any traveler. This historic area, located in the heart of Amsterdam, is known for its charming narrow streets, quaint cafés, and cozy brownstone apartments. Originally a working-class neighborhood, the Jordaan district has evolved into a trendy and sought-after area filled with unique boutiques, art galleries, and lively markets. One of the main attractions of the Jordaan district is the vibrant Noordermarkt. This bustling market, held every Saturday, is a local favorite for its selection of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and antiques. The market also features a flea market on Mondays, making it the perfect spot to hunt for unique treasures. Just a short walk from the Noordermarkt is the Westerstraat, the longest shopping street in the Netherlands. Here, visitors can browse through a variety of shops selling everything from vintage clothing to handmade crafts. The Jordaan district is also home to many charming cafés and restaurants, offering a taste of traditional Dutch cuisine. One local favorite is Cafe Thijssen, a cozy spot with a warm atmosphere and a menu filled with delicious dishes like traditional stamppot (mashed potatoes with vegetables and sausage). For a sweet treat, De Taart van m'n Tante is a must-visit with its whimsical decor and mouth-watering cakes. HOTELS AND ACTIVITIES NEARBY

BEST TIME TO VISIT AMSTERDAM

Amsterdam is one of the most popular cities in Europe to visit, with people flocking to the city to experience its world-renowned museums, enjoy its unique architecture, and wander its canals and cobblestone streets. The best time to visit Amsterdam is in the spring or summertime, when the weather is warm and inviting, the days are longer, and the city is alive with vibrant festivals, fairs, and events. Visit in April or early May to catch the annual tulip festival in Keukenhof, a stunning flower park home to more than seven million blooming tulips. If you’d like to experience Amsterdam’s largest festival, plan your trip for the end of August or the beginning of September to attend the annual Gay Pride parade, which attracts over a quarter million people each year. This time of year also offers the chance to enjoy the city’s cozy cafes without the crowds, as well as some pleasant, mild temperature weather. For those looking for lower airfare and accommodation prices, visit during the winter time, when you will experience fewer tourists, colder temperatures, and the opportunity to explore the city’s famous Christmas markets or enjoy some of the best ice skating rinks in Europe. No matter when you decide to visit, make sure to sample the city’s famous apple pies, cheese, and beer, take a sunset boat tour through Amsterdam’s canals, and admire the city’s unique architecture.

TO OTHER CITIES BY TRAIN

Many of the cities within the Netherlands and beyond can be easily accessed from Amsterdam by train. The main station, Amsterdam Centraal, offers direct connections from Amsterdam to cities including Utrecht, Rotterdam, The Hague, and many other cities within the Netherlands. Regular international services operate to destinations such as Berlin, Paris, Brussels, and Dusseldorf in Germany. In addition, there are overnight services to destinations such as Munich, Zurich, Prague, and Vienna in Austria. For those travelling to the UK, there are direct services to London taking around four and a half hours. If you are looking for a more leisurely journey, the iconic Intercity Direct service connects Amsterdam with Rotterdam and Antwerp in Belgium with stops at several other cities along the route. The train services provide a fast and reliable method of travel for both business and leisure travellers.