Amsterdam

Travel Guide

Amsterdam
Amsterdam
Amsterdam
Amsterdam
Amsterdam

Wander around a fairy-tale lattice of canals and captivating neighborhoods, 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 center features charming façades that front boutique stores, art galleries, coffee shops and atmospheric bars.

The city’s best-known area is its Old Center, 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 honors 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 neighborhood 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 harbor 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 Center.

Where to stay in Amsterdam

Flower Market showing a city, a river or creek and markets

Amsterdam City Centre

4.5/5(405 area reviews)

Dam Square and Nieuwmarkt Square are a few top attractions in Amsterdam City Centre. Hop around the city on the metro at Nieuwmarkt Station or Waterlooplein Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, charming cafes, and popular shops.

Amsterdam City Centre
Amsterdam Tulip Museum showing street scenes and signage as well as a small group of people

Jordaan

Upscale modern art galleries thrive in this historic area, while markets bustle at Noordermarkt, Westerstraat, and Lindengracht. Explore tranquil gardens and hidden courtyards (hofjes), or visit the Anne Frank House nearby.

Jordaan
Red Light District showing a city, a river or creek and a sunset

Red Light District

Explore this vibrant area with a mix of architectural styles and colorful streets known for adult entertainment. Visit local coffeeshops and the museums in the neighborhood for a unique experience.

Red Light District
Amsterdam which includes a river or creek, boating and a city

Canal Ring

4.5/5(232 area reviews)

Discover Amsterdam's Grachtengordel, where 17th-century canal homes and small bridges adorn the Singel, Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht canals. Visit the Anne Frank House and other nearby museums for a rich cultural experience.

Canal Ring
Rijksmuseum showing a pond, views and a city

Museum Quarter

4.5/5(221 area reviews)

In the heart of Amsterdam-Zuid, Museumkwartier boasts major museums like Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum, and Van Gogh Museum. Enjoy concerts at Concertgebouw, unwind in Vondelpark, and access tram lines 2, 3, 5, 12, 16, and 24.

Museum Quarter
Amsterdam showing a city, street scenes and a river or creek

Binnenstad

While you're in Binnenstad, take in top sights like Dam Square or National Monument, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Dam Stop or Paleisstraat Tram Stop.

Binnenstad
citizenM Schiphol Airport

citizenM Schiphol Airport

4 out of 5
Jan Plezierweg 2, Schiphol
The price is CA $136 per night from Jul 23 to Jul 24
CA $136
CA $157 total
Jul 23 - Jul 24
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! (3,060 reviews)
"Good place if you want to try an unconventional and cool hotel"

Reviewed on Jul. 11, 2025

citizenM Schiphol Airport
Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam

Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam

4.5 out of 5
Damrak 1-5, Amsterdam
The price is CA $298 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
CA $298
CA $362 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,075 reviews)
"I would recommend this hotel to family and friends. Great staff, amazing food and comfy beds. Close to almost everything you’d want to see in the central area of Amsterdam. And super convenient closeness to the train station."

Reviewed on Jul. 11, 2025

Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam
citizenM Amsterdam South

citizenM Amsterdam South

4 out of 5
Prinses Irenestraat 30, Amsterdam, North Holland
The price is CA $136 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
CA $136
CA $165 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
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! (1,001 reviews)
"So beautiful very modern but the room are very small."

Reviewed on Jul. 12, 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.
Cityden Zuidas

Cityden Zuidas

4 out of 5
Professor J.H. Bavincklaan 3, Amstelveen
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Amstelveen. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (973 reviews)
"A nice safe property near public transit"

Reviewed on Jun. 19, 2025

Cityden Zuidas
Adagio Amsterdam City South

Adagio Amsterdam City South

3.5 out of 5
Professor J H Bavinckln 5, Amstelveen, NL
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Amstelveen. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (467 reviews)
"Good apartment, clean and comfy, but way too hot - the ventilation did nothing to cool the room."

Reviewed on May 30, 2025

Adagio Amsterdam City South
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. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (419 reviews)
"Excellent. The front office clerk was dealing with rude customers. Ppl need to be more empathetic or try to understand the hospitality industry a bit more amd how it works. She did a great job. Thank you"

Reviewed on Jul. 5, 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.

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Reviews of Amsterdam

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
578
5 - Excellent 64%
4 - Good
275
4 - Good 30%
3 - Okay
43
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
5
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Just an all round good place to stay, great staff and perfect location.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Amsterdam is an amazing city with so much to do and see. Ranging from the Anne Frank house, to the Van Gogh Museum; it has something for everyone. The cafes are amazing and cute, and the food is delicious!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Amsterdam are good city. Bikers are crazy. a lot of nice and interstig places.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Well worth the visit! Not for earlier risers but for late nighters it was a playground. A great walking or biking city.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We went clubbing and it was an amazing experience. Escape is a good size club and packed with people. Amsterdam is clean and people are friendly.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Best city in the world

Cities near Amsterdam