Amsterdam Travel Guide – This guide is perfect for first-time visitors to the Netherlands, highlighting top things to do in Amsterdam, including 12 attractions, 6 food spots, itinerary ideas, the I Amsterdam Card, transportation tips, 7 Dutch day trips, and FAQs. Amsterdam, the Netherlands’ vibrant capital, is a city full of unique experiences. My British colleagues were thrilled when I mentioned my trip, hinting at the endless fun in store. True to their excitement, I enjoyed the canals, museums, and other “wholesome” activities while safely exploring the city’s cannabis culture and the intriguing Red Light District.
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Contents
- Top 12 Things To Do In Amsterdam: Hightlights, Maps, Tickets
- Top 6 Must-Try Amsterdam Foods and Restaurant Recommendations
- How Many Days to Spend in Amsterdam? A 3-Day City Itinerary
- Is the I Amsterdam City Card Worth Buying?
- Amsterdam Transportation Guide
- Amsterdam Accommodation Recommendations
- Top 7 Dutch Day Trips From Amsterdam
- Netherlands Travel FAQs
Top 11 Things To Do In Amsterdam: Highlights, Map, Tickets
This map includes the top 12 must-visit attractions for a three-day trip in Amsterdam, along with six restaurant recommendations from me.
The map is set to English by default. Simply click "Enlarge Map" in the upper-right corner to switch to your preferred language! Click on the attraction names below to view detailed descriptions, opening hours, map links, and ticket information.
Things To Do In Amsterdam - Amsterdam Canals
- Rating：🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
- Time Spent：3 hours (Morning walk along the canals for photos)
Attraction Highlights
The canals of Amsterdam, built in the 17th century, are still in great condition and are now a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can explore them by boat, stroll along the banks, or rent a bike to cycle through, taking in the stunning historical buildings and iconic landmarks along the way.
Opening Hours
- It is open all day, but boat tour service hours vary depending on the season and the company.
Tickets / Tours
Detailed Address:
Canals are distributed throughout the city centre of Amsterdam.
Things To Do In Amsterdam - Anne Frank House
Photography is not allowed inside the Anne Frank House, yet it continues to attract countless visitors. After my visit, I was left deeply moved and emotionally stirred for a long time.
- Rating：🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
- Time Spent：2 Hours
Attraction Highlights
The Anne Frank House is the hiding place where Anne Frank and her family lived during the Nazi occupation. It has since been turned into a memorial museum, showcasing her heartfelt diary manuscripts, which deeply reflect her thoughts and emotions. Visitors can tour the secret annex where they once hid, and while photography is prohibited inside, the site still attracts countless people eager to learn about this poignant chapter in history.
Opening Hours
- Open daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, though hours may vary on weekends and public holidays.
Tickets / Tours
- Tickets must be purchased on：the official website
- You can also opt for additional options：Anne Frank's Life and World War II Walking Tour
Google Maps Link
Things To Do In Amsterdam - Van Gogh Museum
- Rating：🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
- Time Spent：2 Hours
Attraction Highlights
The Van Gogh Museum houses the largest collection of Van Gogh's works in the world, featuring over 200 paintings and more than 500 drawings. The museum also regularly hosts special exhibitions related to Van Gogh and his contemporaries.
Opening Hours
- Open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with extended hours until 9:00 PM on Fridays.
Tickets / Tours
Google Maps Link
Things To Do In Amsterdam - Rijksmuseum
- Rating：🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
- Time Spent：2 Hours
Attraction Highlights
The Rijksmuseum showcases a rich collection of Dutch Golden Age artworks and historical artifacts, including Rembrandt's famous masterpiece *The Night Watch*. The museum's garden also features a variety of sculptures and art installations.
Opening Hours
- Daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Tickets / Tours
Google Maps Link
Things To Do In Amsterdam - Royal Palace Amsterdam
- Rating：N/A
- Time Spent：N/A
Attraction Highlights
The Royal Palace of Amsterdam was originally a city hall and is now used for official events and receptions. However, I arrived too late on the day of my visit and missed the entry time. Hopefully, I'll have the chance to tour the inside on my next visit.
Opening Hours
- Daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Tickets / Tours
Google Maps Link
Things To Do In Amsterdam - Dam Square
- Rating：🌎🌎🌎
- Time Spent：30 minutes
Attraction Highlights
Dam Square is the heart of Amsterdam, surrounded by many important buildings and attractions, including the Royal Palace of Amsterdam and the National Monument, which commemorates the victims of World War II. The area is also home to numerous shops, cafes, and restaurants, and you'll often see street performers showcasing their talents.
Opening Hours
- Open All Day
Tickets / Tours
- Free to visit
Google Maps Link
Things To Do In Amsterdam - Heineken Experience
Non-alcoholic beers really don't taste great, but this is already my fifth glass (?). Plus, I had another drink up on the rooftop afterwards.
- Rating：🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
- Time Spent：4 hours (It’s a bit much, really, as I stayed on the rooftop for ages after getting drunk).
Attraction Highlights
The Heineken Experience is a brand-focused museum that delves into the history of Heineken beer. Visitors can learn about the brewing process, the brand's history, and participate in interactive exhibits. With the ticket, you can also enjoy two to three fresh Heineken beers (though, because my partner couldn’t drink much, I had to step in and finish his! Then, for some reason, the staff gave us an extra one, and another one appeared on the rooftop... That day, my memory was a bit blurry!).
Ka's Tips：You’ve got to pay attention to the staff's explanations—because if you answer the questions correctly afterwards, you get an extra drink! That day, one of the group members was so eager to answer that they ended up scoring three drinks!!!
Opening Hours
- Daily: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Tickets / Tours
Google Maps Link
Things To Do In Amsterdam - Albert Cuyp Market
I initially approached eating this raw herring with a bit of hesitation, but to my surprise, I found it incredibly delicious!
- Rating：🌎🌎🌎🌎
- Time Spent：1.5 Hours
Attraction Highlights
Albert Cuyp Market is the largest open-air market in Amsterdam, offering a wide variety of fresh produce, clothing, and handmade goods.
Ka's Tips：I recommend trying herring! I originally went in with a "let's see how bad it is" attitude, but surprisingly, I ended up really enjoying it!
Opening Hours
- Monday to Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
- Sunday: Closed.
Tickets / Tours
- The market is free to explore.
Google Maps Link
Things To Do In Amsterdam - A’DAM Lookout
- Rating：🌎🌎🌎🌎
- Time Spent：1.5 Hours
Attraction Highlights
A'DAM Lookout is an observation deck in central Amsterdam, offering stunning panoramic views of the city. It also features a rotating restaurant and Europe's highest swing.
Opening Hours
- Daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Tickets / Tours
Google Maps Link
Things To Do In Amsterdam - Red Light Secrets
- Rating：🌎🌎🌎🌎
- Time Spent：1 Hour
Attraction Highlights
The Red Light Secrets Museum explores the history and realities of Amsterdam’s Red Light District. It offers insight into the evolution of the area, the lives of sex workers, and interactive exhibits. The museum also provides educational content on the legalisation of sex work.
Opening Hours
- Daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Tickets / Tours
Google Maps Link
Things To Do In Amsterdam - Red Light District
- Rating：🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
- Time Spent：N/A (I didn’t track it, as cannabis consumption and performances were included.)
Attraction Highlights
The Red Light District is one of Amsterdam's most famous areas, known for legal sex work and its unique nightlife. The bars, nightclubs, and cannabis coffee shops offer a vibrant experience of the city’s after-dark scene. For those wanting to learn more about the area’s history and culture, guided tours are available for a deeper insight.
Opening Hours
- Open all day, but it becomes more lively after 7:00 PM.
Tickets / Tours
- The Red Light District is free to explore, but you can opt for a guided safety tour：➡️ Amsterdam Red Light District and Coffee Shop Tour
Google Maps Link
Things To Do In Amsterdam - Casa Rosso Theatre Sex Show
- Rating：🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Attraction Highlights
Casa Rosso Theatre is a famous live adult performance venue in the Red Light District, with over 50 years of history. The performances are legal and strictly regulated.
Opening Hours
- Daily from 19:00 to 02:00
Tickets / Tours
- Tickets can be purchased on-site, starting from €65 per person in 2024.
Google Maps Link
Top 6 Must-Try Amsterdam Foods and Restaurants
- The Pancake Bakery (Pancakes)
- Winkel 43 (Apple Pie)
- The Pantry (Traditional Dutch Cuisine)
- Manneken Pis Fries (Dutch Fries)
- Omelegg (Omelette)
- The Bulldog Coffeeshop (Cannabis)
Amsterdam Foods - The Pancake Bakery
- Rating：🌎🌎🌎🌎
- Introduction：The Pancake Bakery is one of Amsterdam's most popular pancake restaurants, offering a variety of Dutch pancakes, with the Dutch specialty poffertjes (mini pancakes) and bacon and cheese pancakes being particularly famous. The chicken, cheese, and lemon sugar pancake I tried was also excellent!
- Average spending per person：€15-€20
- Google Ratings：4.3/5
- Opening Hours：09:00 – 20:30, extended to 21:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Google Maps Link
Amsterdam Foods - Winkel 43
- Rating：🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎｜Extra 🌎
- Introduction：Winkel 43 is renowned for its delicious apple pie, making it a must-visit dessert shop for both locals and tourists. Honestly, it's the best apple pie I've ever had in my life! It's not overly spiced with cinnamon; the crust is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The cream that comes with it is absolutely fantastic!
- Average spending per person：€5-€15
- Google Ratings：4.6/5
- Opening Hours：08:00-01:00, extended to 03:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Google Maps Link
Amsterdam Foods - The Pantry
- Rating：🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
- Introduction：The Pantry is a restaurant that offers traditional Dutch dishes, allowing visitors to experience authentic Dutch cuisine. The owner asked me where I was from, and I instinctively replied, "From Hong Kong," but later I really wanted to tell her that I was coming from the UK. This delicious dinner saved my taste buds that had been spoiled over the past two years in the UK!
- Ka's Tips：Reservations on the official website is a must! I could only book a 10:30 PM slot that day— the place was fully booked, and some people without reservations had to wait until 11:00 PM. While the opening hours state 10:30 PM, they actually stay open well past 11:00.
- Average spending per person：€20-€35
- Google Ratings：4.7/5
- Opening Hours：11:00-22:30
- Book on the official website
- Google Maps Link
Amsterdam Foods - Manneken Pis Fries
- Rating：🌎🌎🌎🌎
- Introduction：Manneken Pis Fries offers the most famous fries in Amsterdam, with a variety of sauces available. I chose truffle sauce and garlic flavour, and they were quite good! But be careful of the pigeons trying to steal your fries.
- Average spending per person：€5-€10
- Google Ratings：4.2/5
- Opening Hours：10:00-00:00
- Google Maps Link
Amsterdam Foods - Omelegg – City Centre
- Rating：🌎🌎🌎🌎
- Introduction：Omelegg is a restaurant that specialises in a variety of omelette dishes, known for its rich and diverse menu as well as delicious food. I chose the traditional Dutch flavour, which was quite good, but the avocado and salmon flavour ordered by my partner looked even more appetising!
- Average spending per person：€15-€25
- Google Ratings：4.6/5
- Opening Hours：08:00-15:30
- Google Maps Link
Amsterdam Weed - The Bulldog Coffeeshop
- Rating：🌎🌎🌎🌎
- Introduction：The Bulldog is one of Amsterdam's most famous coffeeshops, offering cannabis products and beverages. It's a must-visit spot for many tourists. I only tried the lowest dosage, and my reaction was being fully alert yet talking nonsense.
- Important Notice：Cannabis is not legal in the Netherlands, but there is a so-called "tolerance policy" (gedoogbeleid), meaning the law is not enforced for the retail of small amounts of cannabis for personal use in designated "coffeeshops." (Plain language translation: Cannabis is decriminalised in Amsterdam, but only for use within coffeeshops.) Everyone's physical condition is different, so please assess your own tolerance and control your dosage.
- Average spending per person：€15-€30
- Google Ratings：4.3/5
- Opening Hours：08:00-01:00
- Google Maps Link
How Many Days in Amsterdam? A 3-Day City Itinerary
If it's your first time visiting Amsterdam, I recommend reserving three days to explore the city’s main attractions. If you have extra time, you can visit nearby spots or travel to other Dutch cities like Rotterdam. Here's my actual itinerary:
Day 1: Classic Route in the City Centre
| Day 1 | |||
| Time | Attractions / Activities | Ka's Tips | |
| Arrival | First, head to your accommodation to drop off your luggage. | It’s recommended to choose accommodation in the city centre. | |
| Itinerary Starts | Anne Frank House | Tickets must be booked on the official website at least a month in advance! If you miss out, you can try again a week before your visit, as a small number of tickets are released during that time. | |
| Afternoon Tea | The Pancake Bakery ｜ Winkel 43 | Both restaurants are within a 3-5 minute walk from the Anne Frank House. I first had the apple pie at Winkel 43, then after visiting the Anne Frank House, I had pancakes at the Pancake Bakery. It’s up to you whether you want to go this crazy! | |
| Evening | Royal Palace Amsterdam | ||
| Dam Square | |||
| Canal Cruise | I just took a walk, no boat tour, but if you've got the cash, you can still make it pretty romantic! | ||
| Dinner | The Pantry | ||
Day 2: Museum Quarter Route
| Day 2 | |||
| Time | Attractions / Activities | Ka's Tips | |
| Dawn | Photos in the Canal District. | This was because I booked a really bad hotel, so I left as soon as dawn. You don’t have to be this crazy! | |
| Morning | Van Gogh Museum | ||
| Mid Day | Rijksmuseum | ||
| I ate too much the day before... and woke up too early (actually, the hotel was so bad I couldn’t sleep). I skipped lunch that day. But I did notice that there are plenty of cafes around the museum district offering light meals, so don’t worry! | |||
| Afternoon | Albert Cuyp Market | The market offers a variety of traditional Dutch snacks, and there are also restaurants nearby for a quick meal. | |
| Evening | Heineken Experience | You can enjoy some beer until you're pleasantly tipsy in the evening | |
| Dinner | The Seafood Bar | This restaurant is highly recommended online, and there’s a branch in the museum district. However, I got drunk at the Heineken Experience and went straight back to the hotel to rest, so I didn’t get to go to this one. | |
Day 3: Red Light District and Cannabis Experience
If you don't plan to have as much fun as I did, you can head straight to the countryside. However, since you’re in the Netherlands, you should definitely take the time to experience it!
| Day 3 | |||
| Time | Attractions / Activities | Ka's Tips | |
| Morning | A’dam Lookout | Start the day with an adrenaline-pumping experience on a swing high in the sky | |
| Lunch | Omelegg | ||
| Afternoon | Red Light Secrets – Museum of Prostitution | ||
| Evening | Cannabis Experience | Important statement: Cannabis is decriminalised in Amsterdam but can only be used in coffee shops. Everyone's physical condition is different, so please assess your tolerance and control your dosage. If it's your first experience, it's advisable to inform the staff that you are a beginner and start with the lowest dose. Avoid mixing with alcohol and consider pairing with hot cocoa. My reaction was to talk erratically while feeling very alert. | |
| Dinner | Manneken Pis Fries｜Snacks along the way | ||
| Night | Casa Rosso Sex Show | ||
Is the I Amsterdam City Card Worth Buying?
The Amsterdam City Pass (I Amsterdam City Card) is definitely worth purchasing for first-time visitors, especially for those planning to visit multiple major attractions and use public transportation. Here are some reasons to consider buying it:
- Prices (2024 Update)：€ 60.00（24 Hours）｜€ 85.00（48 Hours）｜€ 100.00（72 Hours）
- Attraction tickets：Many major attractions, such as the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Heineken Experience, are included.
- Transportation：You can take trams, buses, and the metro as many times as you like, making it very convenient.
- Fast Track Access：Some popular attractions offer fast track entry, saving you time spent waiting in line.
Ka's Experience：Using my second-day museum route as an example, entry fees for the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, and Heineken Experience total around €73. With the I Amsterdam City Card, you can save €13, plus get free transportation.
Purchase Links：Get Your Guide｜KKDAY
Amsterdam Transportation Guide
Transportation from Amsterdam Airport to the City Centre
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (IATA: AMS) is the Netherlands' main international airport, connecting Europe and the rest of the world. There are several convenient transportation options from the airport to Amsterdam city centre:
- TrainYou can take a train operated by Dutch National Rail (NS) directly to Amsterdam Central Station (Centraal Station), which takes around 15-20 minutes and is the most economical and quickest option. ➡️ Train Transfers Between Airport and City Centre
- Shuttle Buses：The 397 bus departs from the airport and stops at multiple locations in the city centre, making it a good option for travellers staying away from Central Station. ➡️ Bus Transfers Between Airport and City Centre
- Taxies or Uber：Taxis and ride-sharing services are available at the airport, with a journey time of about 20-30 minutes, though the cost is relatively high.
This time, I flew from Liverpool to Amsterdam with EasyJet, then took the train to Brussels, followed by a Ryan Air flight to Rome, and finally returned to Liverpool. Flying with European low-cost airlines can often be cheaper than train tickets, but it's essential to strictly control luggage dimensions (to avoid fines) and check in online early (to prevent losing your seat due to overbooking).
I will start by searching on Google Flights and then compare it with * Expedia Flight Search *. If prices are similar for my preferred flights, I book through Expedia, as it offers package discounts when combined with hotel bookings and allows points accumulation. However, note that Expedia may not show all budget airlines.
Amsterdam Train Travel to Other Cities
If Amsterdam is your stopover in Europe, taking the train is a great option from nearby cities. The main railway operator in the Netherlands is NS, connecting cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Groningen. You can check schedules via Google Maps, and buying tickets on-site is suitable for flexible itineraries.
However, if you can confirm your dates or routes in advance, you can enjoy early bird discounts or choose a rail pass to save costs. It's recommended to compare prices and purchase through platforms like Get Your Guide or KKDAY.
Eurail Global Train Pass for 33 European Countries：Get Your Guide｜KKDAY
Public Transportation in Amsterdam
In Amsterdam, if you don't use the I Amsterdam City Card, it's recommended to purchase a public transport pass, which allows unlimited use of trams, buses, ferries, and the metro within a specified period. Based on my experience, you'll easily get your money's worth after just three trips in one day.
Single Metro Ticket Price: €3.20 (2024)
Public Transport Pass: €9.00 (1 day) | €15.00 (2 days) | €21.00 (3 days)
Purchase Links：Get Your Guide｜KKDAY
Amsterdam Accommodation Recommendations
In conclusion, it's advisable to stay in the city centre, close to the Central Station or the canal district. This location can save you a lot on transportation costs and time, making it easier to explore nearby attractions. Alternatively, you might consider staying in a hotel near the museum district, where accommodation tends to be slightly cheaper (though still quite pricey). This area also has many attractions, but walking to the city centre will take about half an hour or you’ll need to take a metro ride.
I only write about accommodations I have personally stayed in and found worthwhile. I won’t provide a generic 'recommended accommodations' list for places I haven’t experienced myself. However, based on years of trial and error, I’ve summarised a set of criteria that work for any destination and budget.
>>> Accommodation Selection Guide <<<
Expedia Hotels Search ｜Hotels.com Taiwan
My Bad Experience
During this trip, I chose to stay at the Aston City Hotel, which became a little episode in my journey. Considering that accommodation prices in central Amsterdam are generally quite high, especially during the last week of June, it wasn’t easy to find options under 1,000 HKD per night. In the end, I opted for this hotel, located not far from the Heineken Experience, with a rate of around 2,200 HKD for a three-night stay in a double room (after deducting membership points).
However, I hastily booked the hotel without thoroughly checking the reviews. As a result, the only advantages of this hotel were its low price and proximity to the museum district. The hotel facilities were outdated, the hallways were not clean, and the room even had an unpleasant smell! I couldn’t stand such an environment, so I hurriedly left the hotel at 5 a.m. the next morning to take photos as soon as the sun rose. Surprisingly, I captured stunning views of the canals and the sunrise, turning a misfortune into a blessing.
Top 7 Dutch Day-Trips From Amsterdam
If you are staying in Amsterdam for more than three days, consider arranging some relaxed day trips to explore nearby Dutch towns and cities.
Alkmaar Cheese Market
- Rating：🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
- Time Spent：Half Day
Attraction Highlights
The Alkmaar Cheese Market is one of the most famous cheese markets in the Netherlands, held regularly every summer since the 16th century. Here, you can witness the traditional cheese trading and transportation process, immersing yourself in the rich cultural atmosphere. Additionally, the market offers a variety of Dutch cheeses and delicacies for you to taste and purchase, allowing you not only to enjoy delicious food but also to gain a deeper understanding of the culture and history of Dutch cheese.
How to Get There
From Amsterdam Central Station, take the train to Alkmaar Station, then walk for about 10 minutes to reach the market.
Opening Hours
- Every Friday: 10:00 – 13:00 (from early April to the end of September).
Tickets / Tours
- The Alkmaar Cheese Market is free to visit, but you can choose to participate in： ➡️ Small Group Alkmaar Cheese Market and City Tour.
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Zaanse Schans
- Rating：🌎🌎🌎🌎
- Time Spent：I chose to visit Kinderdijk instead, so I didn't go here, but I recommend pairing it with an Alkmaar day trip.
Attraction Highlights
Zaanse Schans is a meticulously crafted area that showcases the traditional village life of the Netherlands from the 18th and 19th centuries. The well-preserved windmills and wooden shoe factories offer visitors an in-depth understanding of Dutch history and culture. In addition to the famous Kinderdijk, Zaanse Schans is conveniently located near Amsterdam, making it an ideal choice for a short trip. Here, you can visit the windmills to learn about their operation and history, observe the traditional wooden shoe-making process, and explore museums and shops to discover Dutch cultural traditions and purchase souvenirs.
Opening Hours
- Daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
How to Get There
From Amsterdam Central Station, take a train to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans station, then walk about 15 minutes to reach the destination. You can also pait it with Alkmaar to make it a day trip.
Tickets / Tours
- Free entry, but individual windmills and museums may charge a fee.
- If you want to travel conveniently, save time, or visit more places at once, you can join the following recommended day tours:
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Kinderdijk
- Rating：🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
- Time Spent：Half Day (I paired it with Rotterdam to make a day trip).
Attraction Highlights
Kinderdijk is home to the best-preserved windmill cluster in the Netherlands, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. These 18th-century windmills were primarily used for water management, protecting the lowlands from flooding. Visitors can enjoy the scenic Dutch countryside, tour the windmills, walk or cycle along the windmill routes, and even take a boat tour to admire the windmills and the surrounding beauty.
Opening Hours
- Daily from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (April to October) and from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (November to March).
How to Get There
Take a train from Amsterdam Central Station to Rotterdam Centraal Station, then transfer to tram line 7 to Rotterdam, Erasmusbrug waterbus station. From there, switch to waterbus line 21 to Kinderdijk.
Tickets / Tours
- The Kinderdijk windmill group is free to visit; however, currently, only two windmills are open to the public. If you wish to gain an in-depth understanding of the interiors of the windmills, you can purchase tickets for entry. You may also choose from the following ticket options:
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KEUKENHOF
- Rating：N/A (Non-Flowering Season During Ka’s Visit)
Attraction Highlights
Keukenhof Gardens is a world-famous floral park known for its vibrant displays of tulips and other spring flowers. Every spring, it attracts millions of visitors eager to admire the stunning sea of flowers. Within the gardens, you can enjoy a variety of tulips, hyacinths, and other spring blooms, as well as explore different themed garden designs that celebrate the beauty of nature. Additionally, it is a paradise for flower photography enthusiasts, with countless beautiful floral landscapes waiting to be captured.
Opening Hours
- It is open every year from March to May, with specific opening dates depending on the blooming season, usually from 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM daily.
How to Get There
From Amsterdam Central Station, take the train to Schiphol Airport, and then transfer to bus 858, which goes directly to Keukenhof Gardens.
Tickets / Tours
- Tickets need to be booked in advance, and prices vary depending on the season and events. You can also participate in guided tours and transfer services:
Google Maps Link
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Day Trip to Rotterdam
- Rating：🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
- Time Spent：Half a day (I paired it with Kinderdijk to make a day trip).
Attraction Highlights
Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands, known for its modern architecture and bustling port. The Cube Houses, the Erasmus Bridge connecting the old and new city centres, and the Markthal (arch market) are must-see attractions.
How to Get There
From Amsterdam Central Station, take a train to Rotterdam Centraal Station, which takes about 1 hour.
Tickets / Tours
- Individual attractions and activities may incur additional charges. If you want to travel comfortably and visit more cities in a single day, consider the following day trips:
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Giethoorn
- Rating：🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
- Time Spent：N/A (I chose Rotterdam this time, but I'll definitely visit next time I'm in the Netherlands!)
Attraction Highlights
Giethoorn is a famous water village in the Netherlands, known for its tranquil canals and car-free paths, earning it the nickname "Little Venice." Visitors can rent boats, join boat tours, or explore on foot or by bike.
How to Get There
From Amsterdam Central Station, take the train to Steenwijk station, and then transfer to a bus to Giethoorn.
Opening Hours
- Open All Day
Tickets / Tours
- Free entry, but boat trips and museums incur additional charges. If you want a hassle-free experience and to save time on transfers, consider joining one of the recommended day tours:
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Day Trip to The Hague
- Rating：🌎🌎🌎🌎
- Time Spent：Half Day
Attraction Highlights
The Hague is the political centre of the Netherlands and home to the International Court, boasting a rich cultural and historical heritage. The Peace Palace serves as the office of the International Court and showcases many important international legal cases. The Assembly Hall and the Knights' Hall are significant meeting places for the Dutch government, witnessing the country’s political development and decision-making processes. Additionally, the Mauritshuis Royal Gallery is famous for its renowned painting, "Girl with a Pearl Earring," and houses many masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age and modern art, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the world of art.
How to Get There
From Amsterdam Central Station, take the train to Den Haag Centraal Station, which takes about one hour.
Tickets / Tours
- Individual attractions and activities may incur additional charges. If you want to travel comfortably and visit more cities in a single day, consider the following day trips:
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Amsterdam Travel FAQs
Q: What are the regulations in the Amsterdam Red-Light District?
A: Taking photos of the windows in the Red-Light District is not allowed. Please respect local regulations.
Q: Is cannabis legal in Amsterdam?
Important Notice：Cannabis is not legal in the Netherlands, but there is a so-called "tolerance policy" (gedoogbeleid), meaning the law is not enforced for the retail of small amounts of cannabis for personal use in designated "coffeeshops." (Plain language translation: Cannabis is decriminalised in Amsterdam, but only for use within coffeeshops.) Everyone's physical condition is different, so please assess your own tolerance and control your dosage.
Q: What payment methods are accepted in Amsterdam, and how much cash should I prepare?
A: The main payment methods include credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), debit cards (Visa Debit, MasterCard Debit), cash, and mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Cash is less commonly used, as most payments can be completed via card or mobile payment.
Q: How can I buy a SIM card in Amsterdam? Can I purchase one in advance?
A: Prepaid SIM cards can be purchased at Schiphol Airport, in the city centre, at train stations, and supermarkets like Albert Heijn and Kruidvat. You can also buy them in advance through platforms like Get Your Guide or KKDAY, or opt for a digital eSIM, provided your device supports it.
Q: When is the best season to visit Amsterdam?
A: The best times to visit are spring (March to May) and summer (June to August), when the weather is pleasant, and daylight hours are long. Spring is ideal for seeing tulip fields, while summer is great for outdoor activities and city strolls. Autumn (September to November) is also a good option, with cooler weather and fewer tourists.
Q: What is the voltage and plug specification in the Netherlands?
A: The Netherlands uses a voltage of 220V and C-type and F-type plugs. It is advisable to bring an international power adapter.
Q: Is there anything specific to be cautious about while walking in Amsterdam?
A: Amsterdam is a famous bicycle city, so be sure to avoid bike lanes while walking to prevent accidents.
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