Amsterdam is the Netherlands’ capital, known for its artistic heritage, elaborate canal system and narrow houses with gabled facades, legacies of the city’s 17th-century Golden Age. Its Museum District houses the Van Gogh Museum, works by Rembrandt and Vermeer at the Rijksmuseum, and modern art at the Stedelijk. Cycling is key to the city’s character, and there are numerous bike paths. ― Google
Population: 921,402 (Nov 2022)
April to May: 🌷
Tulip season! Blooming flowers, mild weather, and fewer crowds
June to August: ☀️
Warmest months, peak tourist season, great for canal cruises and festivals
September to October: 🍂
Pleasant and less crowded, good for museum visits and walks
November to March: ❄️
Cold and damp but magical during holidays (Christmas lights, ice rinks)
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) — one of Europe’s busiest airports
15–20 minutes to city center via train, taxi, or shuttle
Direct trains from major cities: Paris, Brussels, London, Berlin
Amsterdam Centraal Station is centrally located
Well-connected highways, but driving/parking in the city is difficult and expensive
Park-and-ride options available
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) — one of Europe’s busiest airports
15–20 minutes to city center via train, taxi, or shuttle
Direct trains from major cities: Paris, Brussels, London, Berlin
Amsterdam Centraal Station is centrally located
Well-connected highways, but driving/parking in the city is difficult and expensive
Park-and-ride options available
Masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and other Dutch Golden Age painters
Largest collection of Van Gogh’s paintings and letters
Moving museum in the house where Anne Frank hid during WWII
Book tickets online well in advance
UNESCO-listed 17th-century canals
Best explored by bike or canal cruise
Tulip paradise ~45 minutes from Amsterdam (open March–May)
Grand 17th-century palace in the city’s historic heart
Canal Cruise (day or illuminated evening cruises)
Cycle like a local — rent a bike and explore parks and neighborhoods
Visit Albert Cuyp Market or De Negen Straatjes (Nine Streets) for local shopping
Relax in Vondelpark or have a picnic
Discover Heineken Experience or local breweries like Brouwerij 't IJ
Explore neighborhoods like Jordaan (charming) and De Pijp (trendy)
Hotel Pulitzer – historic canal houses with luxury service
W Amsterdam – trendy rooftop views and design-forward rooms
The Hoxton – hip and stylish in the canal district
Mövenpick Hotel – spacious rooms and views over the IJ river
ClinkNOORD Hostel – social and ferry-accessible from Centraal
MEININGER Hotel – affordable, family- and group-friendly
Stroopwafels, Poffertjes (mini pancakes), Haring, Bitterballen, Apple pie
Foodhallen – indoor food market with global and Dutch eats
De Kas – upscale farm-to-table inside a greenhouse
Moeders – hearty traditional Dutch meals in a quirky setting
Bak – creative seasonal fine dining with a view
Vegan Junk Food Bar, De Bolhoed, Meatless District
Amsterdam is famously open-minded, diverse, and bike-centric
Tolerant social policies on cannabis and sex work (both legally regulated)
Museum culture is strong — over 70 museums ranging from art to quirky (Cat Cabinet, Hash Museum)
Strong green culture with eco-friendly travel, upcycled fashion, and local produce
Locals are friendly, fluent in English, and appreciate respectful travelers