This Amsterdam Travel Guide is based on seven years of living in the city—and yes, it’s one of Europe’s most visited (and most misunderstood) places. There are parts that feel like a theme park—full of chain stores, selfie sticks, and watery coffee. But there’s also something else: an elegance beneath the surface, a rhythm that’s distinctly Dutch, and a lifestyle that makes sense once you settle in.

I lived in Amsterdam for seven years, first as a student, then as a young professional. And to be honest, I fell in love with it instantly. Every time I walked along the canals—even after years—I’d catch myself thinking, “I can’t believe I live here.” That said, I didn’t do everything (you never do, when you live somewhere), but I do know what’s worth your time—and what isn’t.

Best Time to Visit: April to October for the best weather. Spring brings cherry blossoms and wisteria, while December means cozy lights and markets.

How Long to Stay: 3–4 days is ideal. If you’re staying longer than a few days, it’s worth planning one or two day trips. Here are my favorite day trips from Amsterdam—from windmills to seaside towns.

Weather & Packing: Layer up and bring a compact umbrella.

Top Things to Do in Amsterdam

There’s the list you’ll find on every blog—and then there’s the list I actually recommend. Some overlap. Some don’t. Here’s the curated edit:

Anne Frank House

The actual house where Anne Frank and her family hid during WWII, now preserved as a sobering museum.

Yes, it’s worth it—quiet, powerful, and deeply moving. But it is just a house, and the experience is more reflective than immersive.

Book weeks in advance or try your luck with the limited day-of tickets released each morning at 9am.

Rijksmuseum

Amsterdam’s national museum, home to Rembrandt, Vermeer, and other Dutch Golden Age icons.

Go for The Night Watch, The Milkmaid, and the deep dive into Dutch art and history.

Give yourself at least a couple of hours—the collection is huge, and worth slowing down for.

Van Gogh Museum

A museum dedicated entirely to Vincent van Gogh, tracing his life and artistic evolution through self-portraits, landscapes, and letters.

Even if you’re not into museums, this one is different. It’s intimate, beautifully curated, and easy to connect with.

Expect to leave with a deeper appreciation for both the art and the man behind it.

Pop into a touristy cheese store for free samples

You’ll find these shops all over the city—bright lights, fake cows, rows of Gouda in every flavor imaginable.

They’re technically tourist traps, yes. But if you’re hungry and passing by? Go in. Try five cheeses. Leave. No one will stop you.

Walk around Jordaan

One of the most atmospheric neighborhoods in Amsterdam—historic, residential, and quietly beautiful.

Go during the day and again after dark, when windows are lit and curtains nonexistent.

Don’t plan—just let yourself get a little lost.

Canal Cruise

A classic Amsterdam activity—and for good reason.
Float past gabled houses and crooked bridges, ideally with a glass of wine in hand.

Renting your own boat is fun but stressful. For most people, a small-group cruise is perfect.

Vondelpark

Amsterdam’s largest and most beloved park, sprawling just beyond the museum quarter.
When the sun’s out, the city comes alive here—picnics, musicians, and people doing nothing in particular.

Pick up snacks and drinks from Albert Heijn and find a spot under the trees or near the water.

Febo

A wall of vending machines serving hot Dutch snacks. Yes, really.

It’s trashy in the best possible way. Walk up, pop a coin in, and grab a steaming kaassoufflé.

Late-night Febo is a rite of passage.

Dam Square

The city’s chaotic central square, flanked by the Royal Palace and the New Church.

Worth a quick look, but don’t linger—it’s always full of tourists, pigeons, and questionable energy.

Go early morning for a rare moment of calm.

A’DAM Tower / M’Adam Bar

A modern tower across the IJ with one of the best panoramic views in the city.

Take the free ferry from Centraal and head to the skybar.

Cocktails are pricey, but the view is unbeatable. There’s also a giant swing off the edge—if you’re into that kind of thing.

NDSM

A former shipyard turned arts district in Amsterdam Noord.

It’s raw, creative, and feels like a different city—think street art, converted warehouses, and unexpected calm.

Come on a Sunday for the flea market or just to escape the Centrum chaos.

Negen Straatjes

“The Nine Streets,” packed with boutiques, vintage shops, and cafés.

Touristy? Yes. But also genuinely charming. It’s the kind of place where even window shopping feels good.

Go early on a weekday if you want to browse without the crowds.

Blue Amsterdam

A panoramic café hidden on the top floor of a shopping center near Kalverstraat.
You’d never expect the view—rooftops, canals, and sky.

Come for lunch or coffee mid-afternoon, when the light hits just right.

Magic brownie?

Cannabis is decriminalized in the Netherlands, and edibles are widely sold in coffee shops.
If you’re curious, sure. But please—for the love of all things chill—start with half.

They don’t kick in for a while, and when they do? Sometimes nothing happens. Other times… they hit so hard you’ll wonder if walking is something you still know how to do.

Where to Eat & Drink in Amsterdam

Amsterdam isn’t known for its food—but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking. In fact, the hardest part is deciding what to eat. You’ll find every cuisine imaginable: ramen, tacos, Thai, French, Ethiopian, sushi, Neapolitan pizza—you name it.

You can absolutely overthink it here—because the options are endless, and a lot of them are genuinely good.

Dutch food is a thing, though. You should try bitterballen, poffertjes, or at least an apple pie with a mountain of whipped cream. Stroopwafels too, obviously.

Where to Stay in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is compact, so no matter where you stay, you’ll likely be a short tram ride from everything. That said, each neighborhood has its own feel—and where you base yourself will shape how you experience the city.

• Jordaan — Quiet, postcard-perfect, and walkable. Canal houses, independent shops, and a slower pace.
  
• De Pijp — Lively and youthful, with a strong food scene and the famous Albert Cuyp market.
  
• Centrum — Convenient, central, and chaotic. Great for first-timers or short stays.
  
• Oud-West — Residential but stylish. Close to the action, but calmer. Great cafés, bakeries, and walking distance to Vondelpark.
  
• Amsterdam Noord — A ferry ride across the IJ. Creative, spacious, and slightly unexpected. Feels like a different city in the best way.
  
• Oost — More local and spread out. Good value, lots of greenery, and a slower pace.
  

You’ll find everything from design hotels to canal-side Airbnbs—and prices can vary wildly depending on the season.

Getting Around Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a small city, but not one you’ll cross quickly by foot—you’ll use a mix of trams, buses, ferries, and bikes to get around. Everything runs on the OV-chipkaart system, which makes transfers seamless (or just tap your contactless card).

• Trams are the easiest way to get around the center—fast, frequent, and scenic.
  
• Buses are useful if you’re staying farther out, especially in Oost or Noord.
  
• Bikes are how locals move, but unless you’re confident, skip it. Amsterdam cyclists are fast, unapologetic, and merciless with tourists.
  
• Ferries are free and fun, especially the ride from Centraal to NDSM.
  
• Uber and Bolt are available, but not essential unless it’s very late or pouring rain.

Amsterdam by Season

A few seasonal highlights worth planning around:

• Spring — Bloom season. Cherry blossoms and wisteria in the city, and tulip fields just a short day trip away.
  Expect moody skies with sudden sunbursts—and bring a raincoat anyway.
  
• Summer — La vie de terrasje. Think canal-side cafés, park picnics, sunset ferry rides, and the city at its most social.
  It’s the season to linger, not rush.
  
• Autumn — Golden leaves, soft light, fewer tourists… and a lot of rain.
  Pack layers, and expect that you’ll still get wet.
  
• Winter — Christmas lights in the canal belt, oliebollen on street corners, and a quiet calm that makes the city feel more local.
  Snow is rare, but the festive vibe is real.

Smart Amsterdam Travel Tips

• Do not walk or stand in the bike lane. Ever. It’s not decorative. It’s a high-speed highway for locals who will not hesitate to ring, swerve, or yell.
  
• Don’t bike unless you’re confident. This isn’t a touristy bike experience — it’s serious traffic. If you’re wobbling in the wrong lane during rush hour, you will be hated.
  
• Tap water is safe to drink, but no need to romanticize it. It’s fine. Bring a reusable bottle.
  
• Don’t stand too close to the tram doors—any of them. Especially the middle ones. The driver will call you out over the speaker in front of everyone. It’s not personal. It’s Amsterdam.

• The real magic is outside the main center. Explore Jordaan, Oost, Noord, or De Pijp to get a feel for the actual city—not just the souvenir shop version.

Final Thoughts

Amsterdam might not have been my forever city, but I can’t deny its charm. It’s a place of contradictions — polished and gritty, touristy and authentic, flat but full of depth. Visit for a few days, and let it surprise you.