Visit the most incredible places in Amsterdam (2023)

FAQs

Why Amsterdam is the best place to visit? ›

With its picturesque canal network, rich history and thrumming cultural scene, the capital of the Netherlands is one of the world's most vibrant cities. There are endless things to do in Amsterdam in any weather and many of the most rewarding experiences lie beyond the well-trodden tourist paths of the city centre.

How many nights should I stay in Amsterdam? As a general rule, most travelers can plan on spending between 2-4 days in Amsterdam, depending on whether or not they take any day trips, and how long they plan to spend in the Netherlands overall.

1. Anne Frank House. The museum is housed in the oldest synagogue in Amsterdam.

2 days in Amsterdam is enough time to see the major highlights and central neighborhoods. But if you want to really dive into the museums, explore more of the parks, etc., you'll want an extra day or two.

It is the capital and the principal commercial and financial centre of the Netherlands. To the scores of tourists who visit each year, Amsterdam is known for its historical attractions, for its collections of great art, and for the distinctive colour and flavour of its old sections, which have been so well preserved.

The city has more canals than Venice

Amsterdam's 17th-century canals are so frequently compared to Venice that it earned the Dutch capital its nickname, the “Venice of the North.” In fact, Amsterdam is home to 165 canals with a total length of 50 km, while its Italian counterpart has only about 150.

De Wallen is home to the largest and most famous red-light district within Amsterdam, a historic area within the city that has been operating for centuries. De Wallen was the Medieval city centre of Amsterdam, full of old-world architecture and scenic canal-lined streets.

Built in the early 17th century, Jordaan is a neighborhood right next to the Amsterdam city center filled with quaint boutiques and shops, restaurants, galleries, museums, and flowery streets. It is undoubtedly the most loved and popular area in Amsterdam.

The best time to visit Amsterdam is between April and May or September and November – right before or directly after the summertime high tourist season.

The average daily budget for a trip to Amsterdam can vary depending on your travel style and preferences. However, a rough estimate for a budget traveler would be around €60-80 per day, while mid-range travelers can expect to spend around €100-150 per day.

How much money do I need for 1 week in Amsterdam? ›

The average price of a 7-day trip to Amsterdam is $2,118 for a solo traveler, $3,804 for a couple, and $7,131 for a family of 4. Amsterdam hotels range from $109 to $347 per night with an average of $153, while most vacation rentals will cost $280 to $590 per night for the entire home.

Bicycles outnumber the human population and the long history of beer is being revolutionized by craft brewers. The city is robust, but it is possible to get a vibe of Amsterdam in one day – and an Amsterdam walking tour is a fantastic way to do it.

Money and currency

Credit cards are widely accepted too, though in some small shops or hotels, there might an extra charge (2-6%) if you pay by a credit card, passport may be required. Generally, the most preferred payment method is Euro cash with the banknotes up to 50 Euro bill.

Amsterdam is one of my favorite cities in Europe. It has loads of history, amazing canals, 1000+ beautiful little bridges, really tall Dutch people, and a few other highlights. However, Amsterdam is not a cheap destination. But since most travelers only spend a few days here, it shouldn't tax your budget too terribly.

People go to Amsterdam for a variety of reasons. The city has a rich history and culture and is home to some of the world's most famous museums. It's also a great place for nightlife, with plenty of bars and clubs. And, of course, the city's famous red light district is always worth a visit.

Red Light District opening hours

The Red Light District is open 24/7. There is no entrance or exit to this area, it can be visited any time. The window brothels are only closed for 2 hours a day between 6:00 and 8:00. Most pubs and clubs close around 3:00 on weekends.

A really important Red Light District etiquette rule is to not take pictures of sex workers. They value their privacy and sometimes come after you if they see you taking a picture. Most sex workers lead a double life. Their family and friends do usually not know that they do this.

Step aside Paris, Amsterdam is the new city of love. Countless stories full of wonder, love and intrigue are hidden behind every stone of the city's most famous buildings.

Amsterdam is just as beautiful as other European cities, but it's unique and special in its own way — sure to make your pictures unforgettable. If you want to find more instagrammable places in the city, check our article on street art in Amsterdam.

'Red Light District' became shorthand for areas with high concentrations of sex workers in the 19th century when brothel-owners began to use red gas lights to discreetly alert potential customers to the true nature of their business.

What is the main tourist street in Amsterdam? ›

Damrak is the street connecting the Amsterdam Centraal Station to Dam Square. It was originally a straight stretch (rak) of the river Amstel which had been dammed (at what is now the dam square) leading to the name. The river has since been filled in and converted into the street.

De Pijp. One of the coolest neighbourhoods in Amsterdam. De Pijp is one of those places where locls love to hang out. You could easily spend a day or two exploring or eating and drinking your way around this trendy pocket of south Amsterdam.

South of the City Center, the Southern Canal Belt spans the area from the Amstel canal in the east to the Leidesgracht canal in the west. It is also wonderfully picturesque and walkable, with the streets on either side of Amsterdam's four most photogenic canals lined with townhouses and stone mansions.

Amsterdam has 3 main areas to party, the Dam Square (same area as the Red Light District), Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein. Another recommended area to visit is the Jordaan district, the alternative neighborhood of the city, ideal for shopping and for a coffee or beer with a canal view.

Amsterdam is one of the most popular destinations in Europe, and with good reason, it's one pretty epic city! Brimming with amazing culture, incredible nightlife, world-class museums and historical gems, Amsterdam is one city not to miss when thinking of a European city break; especially when visiting the Netherlands.

All together they form an aesthetic uniformity that make Amsterdam one of the most beautiful cities in the world, a stunning latticework of bridges and canals, picturesque cobbled streets, strikingly elegant architecture, and bikes, lots of bikes.