Amsterdam Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Amsterdam
Amsterdam
Amsterdam
Amsterdam
Amsterdam

Amsterdam Travel Guide Video

Wander around a fairy-tale lattice of canals and captivating neighbourhoods, where old-world charm is fused with modern luxury and world-famous nightlife.

Amsterdam is the Netherlands’ capital city and an important European hub with a rich and multicultural character. Explore the historic harborside and admire the distinctive 19th-century architecture of the tall, narrow buildings that huddle over meandering canals. Forming a U-shape around the historic port, the city’s medieval center features charming façades that front boutique stores, art galleries, coffee shops and atmospheric bars.

The city’s best-known area is its Old Center, which is crisscrossed with arched stone bridges and cobblestone streets. Explore Dam Square and its historic landmarks, including the neoclassical Royal Palace, the Gothic Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) and the National Monument that honors victims of World War II. The square is adjacent to the city’s notorious Red Light District. The neighboring districts of Plantage and the Canal Ring feature beautifully preserved buildings from the 17th and 19th centuries, as well as leafy parks and tree-lined canals. Check out the Jewish Heritage Museum and the Amsterdam Botanic Gardens nearby Waterlooplein. A short walk will bring you to the Artis Zoo and a selection of fascinating museums. Popular museums are Stedelijk, the Van Gogh Museum and Hermitage Amsterdam.

Discover the renewed district of Jordaan, where a former working-class neighborhood transformed into a chic area for galleries, cafés and shops. Further south from here is Amsterdam’s Museum Quarter. Stretch out on the grassy lawns of Vondelpark with a cold beer or peruse the stalls at Albert Cuyp Market. Grab a table in the hip De Pijp district to experience fantastic multicultural cuisine.

Explore the city on a scenic canal boat tour or rent a bicycle to experience the streets the true Dutch way. Don’t miss trying local sweets, such as stroopwafels and licorices. Amsterdam has a fast and reliable public transit network that is comprised of buses, trams and trains. Reach the picturesque harbor city by plane to Schiphol Airport, on a cruise ship or via intercity train from several major hubs in Europe. Visit in summer to experience the city’s lively peak period or in winter to enjoy the romance of the snow-dusted Old Center.

Where to stay in Amsterdam

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Amsterdam City Centre

4.5/5(2,168 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums, charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Amsterdam City Centre. Top attractions like Dam Square and Nieuwmarkt Square are major draws. Catch the metro at Nieuwmarkt Station or Waterlooplein Station to see more of the city.

Amsterdam City Centre
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Jordaan

Get to know Jordaan and its many features like its breweries and churches. You might want to explore sights like Amsterdam Tulip Museum and The 9 Streets, and you can jump on the metro at Bloemgracht Stop or Rozengracht Stop to get around the city.

Jordaan
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Red Light District

5/5(1 area review)

Dam Square and Oude Kerk are just a few worthwhile attractions to visit in Red Light District. Travellers also love the fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries.

Red Light District
Amsterdam showing a city, a river or creek and boating

Canal Ring

4.5/5(972 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Canal Ring. Check out top attractions like Reguliersdwarsstraat and Theater Tuschinski, and jump on the metro at Muntplein Tram Stop or Rembrandtplein Stop to see more of the city.

Canal Ring
Rijksmuseum featuring views, a pond and a city

Museum Quarter

4.5/5(971 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Museum Quarter. Check out top attractions like Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum, and jump on the metro at Van Baerlestraat Stop or Concertgebouw Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Museum Quarter
Amsterdam featuring a river or creek, street scenes and a city

Binnenstad

If you're spending time in Binnenstad, check out sights like Dam Square or National Monument and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Dam Stop or Paleisstraat Tram Stop.

Binnenstad
citizenM Schiphol Airport

citizenM Schiphol Airport

4 out of 5
Jan Plezierweg 2, Schiphol
The price is ฿3,495 per night from 12 Aug to 13 Aug
฿3,495
฿4,029 total
12 Aug - 13 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Schiphol. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,115 reviews)
Convenient option at the airport
"Delayed flight meant I needed to spend the night. Wanted to be close to the airport for early morning flight the next day. Hotel was a 5 min walk from the airport, check-in was easy with staff assistance. Room was artsy, modern and clean. An iPad was provided to utilize the tv but I couldn’t get ..."

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

citizenM Schiphol Airport
Hotel Casa Amsterdam

Hotel Casa Amsterdam

4 out of 5
Eerste Ringdijkstraat 4, Amsterdam
The price is ฿4,181 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
฿4,181
฿5,080 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
"The staff were lovely and the coffee was excellent"

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

Hotel Casa Amsterdam
Best Western Amsterdam

Best Western Amsterdam

3 out of 5
Voorburgstraat 250, Amsterdam
The price is ฿2,989 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
฿2,989
฿3,632 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,009 reviews)
"clean, close to everything and affordable"

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2025

Best Western Amsterdam
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Cityden Zuidas

Cityden Zuidas

4 out of 5
Professor J.H. Bavincklaan 3, Amstelveen
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Amstelveen. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (975 reviews)
"Overall very solid place. Friendly staff, good room sie, nice bathroom. Couple of suggestions: add smaller pot, so one can cook couple of eggs, hot cereal, or other items. One complaint is the bed - two doubles put together didn’ really work for me and the mattress topper may have not improved it. ..."

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

Cityden Zuidas
Adagio Amsterdam City South

Adagio Amsterdam City South

3.5 out of 5
Professor J H Bavinckln 5, Amstelveen, NL
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Amstelveen. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (477 reviews)
"The staff were always friendly and helpful with information regarding transportation or stops to consider while visiting the city."

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025

Adagio Amsterdam City South
Corendon Apartments Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Hotel

Corendon Apartments Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Hotel

4 out of 5
285 Schipholweg, Badhoevedorp, NH
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Badhoevedorp. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (435 reviews)
"Bedroom was spacious with Comfortable beds. Clean, quiet apartment. Regular transportations to airport every half hour is a big plus. The employees are very helpful & pleasant. Super nice environment. Easy to get in & out by Taxi or Uber if needed as they are always there at the charging station. ..."

Reviewed on 1 Aug 2025

Corendon Apartments Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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