Amsterdam Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Amsterdam
Amsterdam
Amsterdam
Amsterdam
Amsterdam

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 centre features charming façades that front boutique stores, art galleries, coffee shops and atmospheric bars.

The city’s best-known area is its Old Centre, 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 honours 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 neighbourhood 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 harbour 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 Centre.

Where to stay in Amsterdam

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Amsterdam City Centre

4.5/5(187 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

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
Rijksmuseum which includes views, a city and a pond

Museum Quarter

4.5/5(87 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 showing street scenes, a river or creek 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
Amsterdam featuring a river or creek, boating and a city

Canal Ring

4.5/5(82 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
citizenM Schiphol Airport

citizenM Schiphol Airport

4 out of 5
Jan Plezierweg 2, Schiphol
The price is NZ$299 per night from 20 Sept to 21 Sept
NZ$299
20 Sept - 21 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Schiphol. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,147 reviews)
"Fantastic hotel and really convenient for layover at the airport"

Reviewed on 10 Sept 2025

citizenM Schiphol Airport
Ruby Emma Hotel Amsterdam

Ruby Emma Hotel Amsterdam

4 out of 5
Amstelvlietstraat 4, Amsterdam
The price is NZ$245 per night from 21 Sept to 22 Sept
NZ$245
21 Sept - 22 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,595 reviews)
"Easy acess to the Metro...10 min ride to central Amsterdam. Nice modern rooms and amenities. Good value for the price. Would stay there again!"

Reviewed on 10 Sept 2025

Ruby Emma Hotel Amsterdam
citizenM Amsterdam South

citizenM Amsterdam South

4 out of 5
Prinses Irenestraat 30, Amsterdam, North Holland
The price is NZ$194 per night from 21 Sept to 22 Sept
NZ$194
21 Sept - 22 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. The hotel is in a good location near the train station and tram. As a solo traveler, it was perfect for me."

Reviewed on 9 Sept 2025

citizenM Amsterdam South
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.
PREMIER SUITES PLUS Amsterdam

PREMIER SUITES PLUS Amsterdam

3.5 out of 5
Parnassusweg 376, Amsterdam
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified aparthotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Van Gogh Museum ...
9/10 Wonderful! (152 reviews)
"Great hotel, great staff, convenient for my work."

Reviewed on 8 Sept 2025

PREMIER SUITES PLUS Amsterdam
Bob W Noord

Bob W Noord

2 out of 5
Papaverhof 71, Amsterdam, NH
Stay at this aparthotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and housekeeping. Popular attractions Dam Square and Van Gogh Museum are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (84 reviews)
"Good breakfast at Papillion just next door. Very good pizza at Bello Gio’s by the river. Ferry free to the city nearby."

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

Bob W Noord
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 WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (465 reviews)
"Staff was welcoming and room was clean. Made the 2 week stay really comfortable."

Reviewed on 10 Sept 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.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Amsterdam

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
222
5 - Excellent 59%
4 - Good
123
4 - Good 33%
3 - Okay
22
3 - Okay 6%
2 - Disappointing
8
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A vibrant city with something for everyone. Although a large group of people, we did not feel unsafe at any time.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Loved Amsterdam! It’s got a great vibe. Loads of things to do and see. Easy to walk and explore. Felt very safe at all hours.

4/5 - Good

Kath

Recommend doing a canal cruise - a great way to see the city.

4/5 - Good

MR

only stay in Amsterdam for one day, will come again if there is chance in the future.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Beautiful city. Would love to move here.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

I live Amsterdam as it’s so very entertaining

Cities near Amsterdam