Amsterdam
Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is one of Europe’s most iconic and picturesque cities — known for its historic canals, elegant gabled houses, and rich cultural heritage. Founded in the late 12th century as a small fishing village at a dam on the Amstel River, it gradually developed into a significant port and commercial center. The name “Amsterdam” is derived from “Amstelredamme,” reflecting its origins near a dam built to control flooding from the river.
By the 14th century, Amsterdam had joined the Hanseatic League, strengthening its trade links across Northern Europe. However, it was during the 17th century — the Dutch Golden Age — that the city truly flourished. At this time, the Netherlands emerged as a global maritime and economic power, and Amsterdam became the world’s leading financial center and a hub for trade, science, and art. Wealthy merchants built the iconic canal belt, or Grachtengordel, which remains a symbol of the city’s prosperity and innovation.
The city’s Golden Age also fostered a remarkable cultural blossoming. Artists like Rembrandt and Vermeer thrived, and Amsterdam became known for its printing presses, scientific exploration, and progressive ideas. Religious tolerance attracted a diverse population, including Sephardic Jews, Huguenots, and intellectuals fleeing persecution elsewhere in Europe. The 20th century brought both tragedy and resilience — the Nazi occupation during World War II deeply affected the city, with the persecution and deportation of Jewish residents, including Anne Frank, whose diary remains one of the most poignant testimonies of the Holocaust.
Often called the “Venice of the North,” the city boasts over 100 kilometers of canals, connected by charming bridges and lined with 17th-century merchant houses, many of which are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
💡Amsterdam: Good to Know
🛂 Visa: The Netherlands is part of the Schengen Zone, allowing visa-free entry for citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and many others for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
✈️ Closest Airport: Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)
💬 Language: Dutch is the official language, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.
🏷️ Price Level: Moderate to high — Amsterdam is more affordable than London or Paris, but still pricey compared to smaller European cities.
🍔 Big Mac Index: US: US$5.69 / Netherlands: US$5.34
💰 Currency: Euro (€) | 1 USD ≈ 0.92 EUR
☀️ Best Times to Visit: April to May (tulip season) and September to October — pleasant weather and fewer tourists compared to summer.
🚲 Transportation: Trams, buses, metro, ferries, and of course, biking is the local way of life. The city is also walkable.
🔌 Adapter: The Netherlands uses Type C and Type F plugs (standard in most of Europe). North American travelers will need a plug adapter.
🛜 WiFi: Widely available in hotels, cafés, restaurants, and many public spaces. Look for “Publicroam” or free city WiFi spots.
🏧💰 ATM & "Cash or Card": Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but some smaller shops or cafés may only accept local Dutch cards (Maestro), so carry a bit of cash (euros) just in case. ATMs are common and secure.
💸 Tipping: Service is typically included in bills, but rounding up or tipping 5–10% in restaurants for great service is appreciated. For taxis, rounding up is also customary.
🚢 Cruise Terminal Address: Piet Heinkade 27 1019 BR Amsterdam (docked)
✈️ 🚇 🚕 Getting There and Around
🎟️ Getting around Amsterdam is convenient and often part of the experience. The city is known for its compact, walkable center, charming canals, and bike-friendly streets. Most major attractions, museums, and neighborhoods like the Jordaan, De Pijp, and the Red Light District are within a 15–20 minute walk or a short tram ride from each other.
For longer distances, Amsterdam has an excellent public transportation network of trams, buses, metros, and ferries operated by GVB. Trams are especially useful for getting around the central areas. You can use contactless payment directly at the gates or card readers, or purchase a GVB card or Amsterdam Travel Ticket (great for multi-day visits). Biking is also a top local choice—rent a bike to explore the city like a local!
✈️ Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) is located about 17 km (10.5 miles) southwest of the city center, with multiple fast and reliable options for getting into Amsterdam.
The fastest and most convenient option for most travelers is the direct train from Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal Station. Trains run every 10–15 minutes, take 15–20 minutes, and cost around €5.90 for a one-way ticket. You can buy tickets at kiosks, online, or use a contactless bank card to tap in/out.
Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber are also available. A ride to the city center takes about 25–30 minutes, depending on traffic, and usually costs between 35–50 EUR. Official taxis are available at designated stands outside the arrivals hall.
There are also bus options, including Bus 397, which connects the airport with popular areas like Museumplein and Leidseplein. Buses run every 7–15 minutes and take around 30–40 minutes, depending on traffic. Tickets cost about 6.50 EUR.
🚇 The Port of Amsterdam is one of Europe’s major cruise hubs, with many ships docking at the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (PTA), located just east of the city center. From the terminal, it’s about a 15–20 minute walk or a 5-minute tram ride to Amsterdam Centraal Station and the heart of the city.
For a quicker and easier transfer, Tram 26 stops right near the terminal and connects directly to Centraal Station in just a few minutes. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt are also readily available at the port, offering convenient access to hotels or sights farther out, like the Museumplein or De Pijp.
🚌 City Sightseeing operates one bus route plus one boat route covering the most important sights around the city (more info here).
⭐️ Top Sights in Amsterdam
"Amsterdam is famous for being built on 11 million wooden poles, as the city lies below sea level."
📸 Rijksmuseum: Step into the world of the Dutch Golden Age at Amsterdam’s most iconic museum. The Rijksmuseum houses masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Frans Hals, and more. Don’t miss Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch”, one of the most famous paintings in the world — now displayed in a specially designed gallery. The building itself is a work of art, with beautiful architecture and peaceful gardens outside.
📸 Van Gogh Museum: An intimate and moving experience, this museum holds the largest collection of Vincent van Gogh’s artworks — including “Sunflowers,” “The Bedroom,” and dozens of self-portraits. You’ll get a deep look into the emotional life and evolving style of one of history’s most beloved painters. It's both inspiring and heartbreaking.
📸 Anne Frank House: One of the most powerful sites in Amsterdam, the Anne Frank House lets you walk through the secret annex where Anne, her family, and others hid during WWII. The preserved rooms and Anne’s original diary offer a deeply human perspective on the horrors of war and the resilience of hope. Tickets sell out weeks in advance, so book early online.
📸 The Jordaan: A charming, historic neighborhood filled with narrow streets, indie boutiques, cozy cafés, and quiet canals. Once a working-class area, the Jordaan is now a favorite among locals and travelers alike. It’s the perfect place to get lost, take photos, sip coffee, or browse vintage shops and art galleries.
📸 Vondelpark: Amsterdam’s largest and most loved green space — perfect for a bike ride, picnic, or relaxed afternoon. Locals sunbathe, jog, or enjoy open-air theatre here in the summer. There are several cafés in the park, and it’s especially lovely in spring when flowers are blooming.
📸 Royal Palace & Dam Square: Located in the heart of the city, the Royal Palace on Dam Square is still used by the Dutch royal family for official events. You can explore the grand halls, marble floors, and ornate artwork inside. Outside, Dam Square is a bustling meeting point, surrounded by shops, street performers, and historic buildings.
📸 A’DAM Lookout: Across the IJ River (a free ferry from Centraal Station), the A’DAM Lookout offers 360-degree panoramic views of Amsterdam. For the adventurous, try “Over the Edge” — Europe’s highest swing, where you literally swing over the side of the building. There’s also a rooftop bar for a more chilled experience.
📸 Bloemenmarkt: The world’s only floating flower market, where colorful stalls sit atop houseboats along the Singel canal. You’ll find fresh flowers, tulip bulbs, Dutch souvenirs, and fragrant local products. While it’s become a bit touristy, it’s still worth a visit for the scents, sights, and photos.
📸 De Negen Straatjes (The 9 Streets): A network of nine picturesque side streets nestled between the main canals — packed with boutique shops, artisan cafés, vintage stores, and indie galleries. It’s one of the best areas in the city for wandering, shopping, or just people-watching. Great for finding unique gifts or grabbing a stylish lunch spot.
🍽️😋 Regional Specialtiess
Amsterdam’s food scene is a delicious reflection of the city’s history, diversity, and creativity. Rooted in Dutch culinary tradition, shaped by centuries of global trade and colonial influence, and constantly evolving through international fusion and innovation, the city offers something for every kind of eater.
🍽️ Stroopwafels: A beloved Dutch treat: two thin waffle cookies sandwiched with a warm, gooey caramel syrup center. Best enjoyed fresh from a market stall, when they’re still warm and slightly chewy. You’ll find them at places like Albert Cuyp Market or the original Lanskroon Bakery.
🍽️ Bitterballen: These crispy, deep-fried balls are filled with savory beef or veal ragout, and served hot with a side of spicy mustard. They’re a classic bar snack— perfect with a cold beer at a canal-side terrace. Look for them on nearly every brown café menu.
🍽️ Haring (Pickled Herring): A true Dutch delicacy — served raw, lightly pickled, and topped with chopped onions and pickles. You can eat it the traditional way (by the tail!) or sliced in a sandwich (a broodje haring). Try it from a street haringkar (herring cart), especially near the Albert Cuypmarkt or Spui.
🍽️ Patat (Dutch Fries): Thick-cut and double-fried for maximum crispiness, Dutch fries are served in a paper cone with your choice of sauces. Popular toppings include mayonnaise, curry ketchup, or the famous patat oorlog (fries with mayo, peanut satay sauce, and onions). Try Vleminckx Sausmeesters — a legendary local spot.
🍽️ Kibbeling: These are bite-sized chunks of battered and fried white fish (usually cod), served with garlic mayo or tartar sauce. A popular street food at markets and seaside towns — crispy on the outside, tender inside, and perfect for a quick snack.
🍽️ Poffertjes: Tiny, fluffy Dutch mini pancakes, dusted with powdered sugar and a generous pat of butter. Often served from traditional stands or at cafés. They're especially popular at street fairs and winter markets — warm, sweet, and utterly comforting.
🍽️ Erwtensoep (Dutch Pea Soup): A hearty, thick green pea soup packed with smoked sausage, bacon, and root vegetables — perfect for cold days. It’s traditionally eaten in winter and often served with rye bread and bacon (roggebrood met spek). You’ll find it at traditional Dutch eateries and cafés.
🍽️ Appeltaart (Dutch Apple Pie): A deep-dish apple pie, filled with cinnamon-spiced apples and often topped with raisins and a flaky crust. Served warm with a cloud of whipped cream and best paired with a strong Dutch coffee. Head to Winkel 43 in the Jordaan for what many locals call the best appeltaart in the city.
🥤 Jenever (Dutch Gin): The ancestor of modern gin, Jenever has a malty, juniper-forward flavor and is traditionally served in a tulip-shaped glass — often filled to the brim. Visit a proeflokaal (tasting room) like Wynand Fockink to sip it straight or enjoy a "kopstootje" (a beer and Jenever combo).
📍🗺️ Maps, Apps & Links
🚕 Bolt
🚕 Uber