Visit Amsterdam, a city full of contrasts. The UNESCO-protected canal-belt lays beside the vibrant entertainment areas of Rembrandt Square and Leidseplein and flows through the very heart of the city. A city full of amazing art, from the classic Dutch Masters to the vibrant street art scene at NDSM.
Amsterdam, founded in 1275, is the capital of the Netherlands and a historic centre of trade that flourished during the Dutch Golden Age. Today it is one of Europe’s most popular travel destinations, known for its canals, world-class museums, cycling culture and welcoming atmosphere.
If you are planning a trip, this page offers essential Amsterdam travel tips, local insights, must-see sights and the best tours to make the most of your visit. Here is why Amsterdam should be at the top of your travel list:
Every tour below is fully private and led by an expert local guide, with a 4.9 rating from over 3,300 reviews. Choose the one that suits you, or see all our private Amsterdam tours.
The Anne Frank House, located within a regular canal house on Prinsengracht, offers a deeply moving experience. As you enter the secret annex via the bookcase you find yourself in the space where the Frank family hid from the Nazis for over two years.
A visit to the Jewish quarter provides additional historical context to Anne’s story. This neighbourhood houses the Portuguese Synagogue, the Jewish Historical Museum, and the Holocaust Memorial, offering powerful insights into Amsterdam’s Jewish heritage and the devastating impact of World War II.
Amsterdam’s 17th century canal belt is a beautiful network of waterways and includes four main canals; Herengracht, Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, and Singel, which form rings around the old city centre and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. As you stroll alongside these historic canals, you’ll enjoy views of lovely old houses with decorated rooftops, colourful houseboats, and pretty bridges.
Amsterdam’s city centre is home to a collection of narrow canal houses with distinctive Dutch gabled facades, many tilting slightly forwards towards the water.
The Rijksmuseum, the Dutch National Museum, is the crown jewel of Amsterdam’s cultural landscape. The museum houses a collection of Dutch Golden Age masterpieces including Rembrandt’s “Night Watch,” Vermeer’s “The Milkmaid,” and countless other treasures spanning eight centuries of Dutch art and history.
Our Van Gogh Museum houses the world’s largest collection of Vincent van Gogh’s masterpieces, offering visitors a glimpse into the troubled genius’s artistic journey. With over 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and 750 personal letters, including iconic works such as ‘Sunflowers,’ ‘Almond Blossoms,’ and ‘the Yellow House’.
Amsterdam’s culinary scene is full of must-try Dutch delights. Savour creamy Gouda and Edam in specialist cheese shops, bite into warm stroopwafels oozing with caramel, or brave the local tradition of raw herring with onions. In areas like Jordaan and De Pijp you can sample Dutch delicacies and enjoy the authentic local vibe too.
Explore Amsterdam’s hidden treasures on a bike, and see the artistic side of the city away from tourist crowds. Cycle past lovely canal houses, old bridges, cool street art, and former industrial areas that most visitors miss. You can even hop on a free ferry to discover converted ship-docks. These quieter districts show you how locals really live, all while enjoying the freedom of exploring like a true Dutch person, on two wheels through the city’s bike-friendly streets.
Experience the historic heart of Amsterdam on our Around the Red Light District Tour, where you’ll discover how this medieval port grew into a global trading powerhouse. This vibrant quarter offers far more than its notorious reputation suggests, from ancient craft breweries and the Oude Kerk (Old Church) that has evolved through centuries, to the fascinating social balance where Amsterdam’s high society and underworld have coexisted in remarkable harmony.
With 165 canals covering more than 100 km of waterways, and more than 1,200 bridges, you will be spoilt for choice as to what you will see. Just sit back and relax as our captain guides your Amsterdam cruise along the Dutch waterways. On Private Amsterdam Canal Cruise you will pass famous sights, such as the Anne Frank House, the Westerkerk, Nine Streets, the Skinny Bridge, and the dancing houses at the Amstel River.
Schiphol Airport is just 15 to 20 minutes away from the centre of Amsterdam by train. Trains run frequently, and it’s the fastest and easiest way to reach the city. You can also take a taxi or book a private transfer, which takes about 25 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. Whether you’re heading to a hotel, canal cruise, or tour meeting point, you’ll be in the heart of Amsterdam in no time!
If you have just a few hours for a layover at Schiphol Airport, take a look at our layover tours.
Amsterdam is a compact city with excellent public transport including trams, buses, metro and trains. Most of the city centre is easily explored on foot or by bike. Visitors can also use an OV-chipkaart or contactless bank card to travel on public transport. Cycling is one of the most popular and local ways to get around. Don’t try to take a car in the city centre, it will take you forever.
Yes, Amsterdam is generally a very safe city for travellers. Like any popular destination, petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur, especially in busy areas like train stations or tourist hotspots — so it’s wise to stay aware of your belongings. But overall, the city has a relaxed and welcoming vibe, even at night. Locals are friendly, most people speak excellent English, and public transport is reliable and safe to use. Whether you’re exploring on foot, by bike, or boat, Amsterdam offers a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors. Read more about safety.
Spring and early summer from April to June and early autumn from September to October are the most pleasant times to visit. Tulip season in April is especially popular. July and August are warmer but busier. Winter is quieter and charming with festive lights but can be cold and rainy.
Yes, most people in Amsterdam speak English very well. Dutch is the official language, but locals are used to helping international visitors, and communication in English is easy in restaurants, museums and shops. The Netherlands consistently ranks as the country with the highest level of English proficiency outside of native English speaking countries, so visitors rarely experience language barriers.
