amsterdam tourism culture

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Amsterdam. Capital of the Netherlands. With its famously scenic canals, rich history and iconic cultural scene, Amsterdam is one of the world's most vibrant cities. This page offers top tips to see our capital city like a local. Read about the city's hidden gems, sustainable travel tips and off-the-beaten-track adventures.

See Amsterdam like a local

As one of the most famous cities in the world, Amsterdam is synonymous with vibrant culture, rich history, inclusiveness and beautiful canals. Since its construction in the 17th century, the Amsterdam canal ring has grown into one of the most unique urban landscapes in the world. It’s not for nothing that it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Go on a canal cruise or hire a boat or kayak to see the city from a different perspective. Het Grachtenmuseum canal house museum is also a great way to learn more about this special aspect of Amsterdam.

With over 800 years of history to discover, Amsterdam is rich in fascinating attractions and sights. From old castles to beautiful museums and from charming secret courtyards to picturesque, cobbled streets, our capital city is a feast for the eyes. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a frequent guest, no trip to Amsterdam is complete without a visit to icons of art and culture such as the world-famous Rijksmuseum , the Van Gogh Museum or the Anne Frank House . Get a glimpse behind the scenes during events such as the Open Garden Days and Open Monument Days Amsterdam , when historic canal houses and monuments in the city centre open their doors to the public.

Amsterdam is for everyone, regardless of origin, gender identification, religion or sexual preference. The Pride & Queer Festival , one of the largest celebrations of LGBTQ+ equality in the world, lights up Amsterdam every year with dance parties, film screenings, sporting events, debates, exhibitions and much more. Join the Pride Walk, discover the festivities during Pride at the Beach and show your support during the famous Canal Parade. Everyone is welcome to the party.

Finally, the Netherlands is known for its dance music. We have world-class DJs and exceptional music festivals. Especially in and around Amsterdam, lovers of dance music will have the time of their lives. The annual Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) is a celebration of that culture, bringing more than 2,500 of the world's most prominent artists to stages across the city. From underground bunkers to newly renovated warehouses and from rooftops to museums – you’ll always be able to find a party that suits your style in Amsterdam.

Flavours of Amsterdam

Exceptional culinary experiences

When it comes to eating out in Amsterdam, there is always something new and unique to try. But if you're looking for something really special, check out this selection of unusual, wonderful restaurants in the capital.

Sustainable and low-waste dining

In Amsterdam, the number of sustainability enthusiasts among entrepreneurs is growing fast. They combat food waste and work with seasonal products and local suppliers to reduce the impact on our planet. Here’s a list of a few of these heroes.

Now a popular restaurant, this towering former drilling platform in the port of Amsterdam was once a pirate radio station. It’s cosy in the winter and a wonderful place to dine in the summer, when you can enjoy a meal on the roof terrace.

Try some traditional Dutch delicacies

From pancakes and zoute drop (salty liquorice) to vending machine kroketten (croquettes) and Dutch herring, Amsterdam offers the hungry traveller plenty of tasty snacks and unique culinary experiences. An absolute must when visiting the capital.

Michelin Star restaurants in Amsterdam

Fancy a truly special gastronomic experience? Visit one of the many Michelin Star establishments in Amsterdam. These top restaurants are as diverse as the city itself.

One of the most sustainable cities in Europe

With its beautiful, tree-lined canals, famous parks and no less than 400 kilometres of bicycle paths, an environmentally conscious attitude is deeply rooted in the Amsterdam way of life. Our capital city is known around the world for its art and culture, but did you know that it’s ranked 10th among the most sustainable cities in the world? The municipality of Amsterdam aims for a completely emission-free city by 2030 and wants to be circular, climate-neutral and climate-adaptive by 2050. This means that there are numerous options for a pleasant, sustainable holiday .

Amsterdam's clean air and lush greenery are helped by the locals' favourite mode of transport: the bicycle. Cycling is a way of life for locals of all ages and walks of life, and the well-designed cycle paths and level streets make it safe and easy. If you want to explore the region by bike or look for hidden gems in your neighbourhood, these cycling routes will ensure that you return home with unique stories.

Green tips in the capital

The Plantage

This neighbourhood is a lush, leafy urban haven. It’s the perfect place to go to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre and is home to highlights such as the ARTIS zoo, the Hortus Botanicus garden and the secret courtyard of H'ART Museum.

Interested in excellent food and a crash course in sustainability? The Ceuvel is an award-winning, innovative community project built on what was once an industrial plot along a canal. In addition to vegan food and cocktails, it’s home to artists and entrepreneurs focusing on urban regeneration. The Ceuvel showcases cleantech and you’ll find phyto-remediating plants, a floating B&B, heat exchangers and even composters for kitchen and toilet waste.

Best parks in Amsterdam

Whether you want to work on your fitness, let the kids run free or just chill out in the sun, Amsterdam's parks offer a surprising amount of beautiful places to hang out. Each with its own unique charm and history.

This atmospheric waterfront restaurant breathes new life into plant-based dining with inventive dishes that showcase locally sourced ingredients, most of which are grown in the kitchen's own greenhouse.

One of the largest parks in Amsterdam, Sloterpark has something for everyone. From young families to sports enthusiasts to people who just want to have a relaxing picnic on the cosy beach, it’s a fantastic spot to enjoy the outdoors.

The NDSM Wharf as a cultural hotspot

The NDSM Wharf is a great place to visit if you want to see a different side of Amsterdam than the well-known canals and tulips. Transformed from an industrial shipyard into a vibrant social space, you'll find urban art , eco-conscious restaurants and spectacular waterside cafes for chilling out among the shipping containers and graffiti-decorated hangars. The wharf is easy to reach: two free ferries, accessible to pedestrians, cyclists and mopeds, go directly to the NDSM wharf.

The Westerpark is one of those places where there’s always something happening. From unique culinary festivals to art of the highest level, there are plenty of ways to discover this historic Amsterdam district. The Westerpark is home to the Westergas cultural complex, which is a hub for festivals, art events and even flea markets all year round. An adventurous environment where inspiring collaborations come to fruition, best described as quirky but at the same time typically Amsterdam in character.

Visiting Amsterdam with your family? Then don’t miss out on a ferry trip to Fort Pampus , a UNESCO World Heritage site . An artificial island and former sea fort, Pampus is a true oasis of tranquillity and relaxation. The island is characterised by sun, wind and water, which are even a source of green energy and make Pampus one of the first self-sufficient World Heritage sites.

Hidden gems

Performing arts at unique locations

Deep in the woods, near a historic church or in a sea container: you will find unexpected places for the performing arts everywhere in Amsterdam. Here’s an overview.

Nxt Museum is the first museum in the Netherlands entirely devoted to New Media Art. Think immersive audio-visual projections and incredible art installations, all in a colossal industrial space.

Follow the Local route

Experience Amsterdam and the surrounding area like a local while following this Local route. You'll cycle along cobblestone streets, nibble on savoury snacks and enjoy the art and culture that have made the city so famous.

Unusual museums in Amsterdam

Many Amsterdam museums are world-famous, such as the Rijksmuseum, the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum. But anyone interested in venturing off the beaten track should definitely visit these little-known but beloved museums.

Distillery 't Nieuwe Diep

Located in a renovated pumping station in Amsterdam Flevopark, 't Nieuwe Diep produces about 100 different gins and liqueurs and you can sample them all in the Proeflokaal tasting room.

Discover more cities as a local

Rotterdam: The premier port of Europe

Rotterdam is a dynamic city with its own unique character. Find out why the city is well worth a visit.

Almere: The youngest city in the Netherlands

The newest city in the Netherlands might just surprise you with all it has to offer. ‘Ally’ is an open-air museum of modern architecture.

Utrecht: The most cycle-friendly city

Find out why Utrecht is regarded as a cozier alternative to Amsterdam.

20 things to know before visiting Amsterdam in 2024

Mar 16, 2024 • 7 min read

Take advantage of Amsterdam's incredible parks but be respectful to the locals © Lucy Lambriex / Getty Images

From cannabis-clouded coffee shops  to lovely parks and cycling lanes aplenty, Amsterdam is a European city with a delightful, vibrant vibe that’s entirely its own. While it certainly makes for amazing travel escapades, there are some useful things to understand about this city and the local culture. 

So, what do you need to know before visiting Amsterdam for the first time? Here are our top tips for newcomers.

1. Amsterdam is not a 24/7 city

Amsterdam establishments keep very regular hours. Opening hours in shops are generally from about 10am to 6pm, and 8pm for supermarkets. Many shops and grocers do not open on Sundays (with the exception of busy tourist areas like Nieuwendijk and Kalverstraat ). Coffeeshops tend to open in the morning and close around midnight, while bars and clubs go much later until 3 or 4am.

2. Pre-purchase tickets where possible

At museums and galleries , it’s best to plan for long queues – especially during the high season from June to August . Ticketed time slots (most can be downloaded to your phone) are available at popular sights like the Anne Frank Huis and Van Gogh Museum and should be booked at least six weeks in advance.

3. Book accommodation and restaurants in advance

Similarly, lodging should be secured at least four months before your trip, especially if you’re visiting during the summer or on the weekend. Seats at your must-visit restaurants are best squared away at least two weeks in advance.

4. Budget for a (higher) tourist tax 

In 2024, Amsterdam's tourist tax – which is added to the cost of accommodation per night – has risen from 7% to 12.5%, making it now the most expensive in Europe. The tax is charged at a percentage of your accommodation cost, and is payable on arrival. For example, a four-person room booking for three nights by Vondelpark is costing a group of friends €818.88 between them, with an additional €91.88 to be paid on arrival. Plan ahead and factor the tax into your budget, as it's easy to forget about it once you've booked transport and accommodation ahead of it. 

5. Lock your bike… twice

Cycling is one of the most popular ways to get around Amsterdam . Most rental bikes come with two locks – it’s best to use them both! Bike thieves in Amsterdam can be very capable. Use one lock for the front wheel (attached to the bike frame) and the other for the back, preferably attached to a post, bike rack or some other structure mounted to the ground.

Also, pay attention to signage regarding bike parking. Bicycle racks near tram and train stations and in certain public squares are usually best, or you may risk it being removed by the police.

6. Pack layers of clothing

Practical clothing will get you far in Amsterdam. It’s a city where people dress hip but casual (jeans and nice sneakers or boots, for example) and mix-and-match layers since the year-round weather is unpredictable. A light trench coat or windbreaker jacket is essential for all seasons besides winter, when a proper coat and warm gear are needed.

7. Buy an OV-chipkaart for travel around the city

The OV-chipkaart is highly recommended for public transport since it’s more convenient than single tickets and is easily reloadable at machines or online. It's available for purchase from ticketing machines and supermarkets. Note: you need to touch on and touch off, including when you're getting off trams. Otherwise, you'll pay a hefty fee. 

8. Carry a mix of cash and cards

In Amsterdam, there is a growing movement of cafes and restaurants going cashless – while some of the more traditional, older haunts like bruin cafés (brown cafes) may not take cards at all. It's best to carry a mix of cash and cards.

9. Be respectful on the streets

Dutch locals are tired of Amsterdam’s reputation as a destination for bachelor parties and bad behavior, therefore authorities have taken steps to curtail the effects of rowdy visitors. To avoid disapproving looks and humiliating conversations, acting sensibly on downtown streets is a must.

Smoking marijuana and drinking in public is illegal and considered poor etiquette by Amsterdam natives. Similarly, taking photos of sex workers in the Red Light District is strictly prohibited.

10. Haggling at flea markets is okay

When shopping at Amsterdam’s famous rommelmarkt (flea markets) like IJ Hallen , the first price given by the seller is usually not a firm price but a starting point. This rule applies to secondhand items not artisan-made goods. Use your judgment and always be respectful.

11. Mind the Dutch mentality

The Dutch are known for being extremely direct. If a local shares a blunt, unvarnished opinion with you, it comes from a place of honesty rather than rudeness. In Dutch culture, it’s gracious to speak your mind and keep it short – don’t be surprised to find "no" is a complete sentence!

Despite the brutally honest Dutch mentality, there are certain talking points that are considered too close to comfort and should be avoided – for example, asking very personal questions about income.

12. Do I need to tip?

Tipping is not expected in Amsterdam where hospitality workers receive a fair wage for their professions, and are not dependent on the tip jar contributions as might be the case elsewhere. Of course a tip (around 10% is normal) for excellent service is not going to be considered odd. Feel free to tip in bars, cafes, restaurants and accommodation if the service warrants it. If you take a free walking tour, presenting your guide with a decent tip at the end is normal.

13. Make friends by wearing orange

At sporting events in recent years, the Dutch are known for the oranjekoorts (orange fever) or oranjegekte (orange craze).

If you want the Dutch to know you’re cheering for them, wear the royal family’s traditional color. The more outlandish and over-the-top – we’re talking wigs, feather boas and face paint – the better.

14. Can I transport tulip bulbs home?

Tulip bulbs purchased at Amsterdam’s Bloemenmarkt can be shipped back to countries such as the United States, but an official certificate is needed for customs. Look for the sticker that says, “To the Plant Protection Service of the United States and Canada.” The additional certificate must be dated within six weeks of travel (otherwise, it’s best to have the seller ship them).

15. Can I bring cheese back home from the Netherlands?

Most varieties of Dutch cheeses will make it through customs, although typically unpasteurized and raw cheeses may not. Cheese should also be vacuum-bagged (for the sake of your fellow travelers as well as for healthy and safety). 

16. Mind the cyclists – and the cycling lanes

Cyclists in Amsterdam mean serious business. Never walk in a cycling lane, or you'll risk the wrath of an angry local on wheels. Always take a good look both ways before crossing – bicycles are silent, but an accident can be very serious for cyclists and pedestrians. 

17. Don’t rent a car – rent a bike instead

Driving in Amsterdam is notoriously difficult, especially in the city center. Narrow cobblestone alleys and canals make maneuvering tough, plus parking is scarce and pricey (and it's usually not available, even at hotels).

Helmets are not legally mandated but strongly recommended. Most bike shops rent them for as little as €2.50 a day.

18. Be careful around canals

Almost none have barriers, and yes, tourist drownings have happened.

19. Watch out for pickpockets

Amsterdam’s compact downtown (chock-full of foot traffic and often folks who are under the influence) is the perfect recipe for thieves – especially in busy squares and typical visitor areas. Stay aware, and don't keep all your documents and valuables on you. 

20. What to do if you need medical care in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has an abundance of English-speaking doctors and medical care services targeted towards travelers, such as Hoteldoc and Amsterdam Tourist Doctors . For urgent medical care, dial 112 for emergencies or +31 20 570 9500 directly for an ambulance.

This article was first published December 2021 and updated March 2024

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Netherlands Tourism

50 best things to do in amsterdam.

During a 50-year project in the 17th century Amsterdam grew to four times its previous size, becoming the 3rd largest city in the world after London and Paris. Amsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands but the Dutch parliament is seated in The Hague .

Central to that plan was the Canal Belt, a network of concentric canals that is now UNESCO listed.

Built on reclaimed land, Amsterdam is a feat of ingenuity, and still crackles with the ambition, cultural tolerance and enterprise that drove the 17th-century Golden Age when the Netherlands led the world in trade, maritime power, culture and economic might.

This is the city of Rembrandt, Anne Frank, the Red Light District, Johan Cruyff, and the Dutch East and West India Companies; there’s a world of fascinating stories, spellbinding art and architecture that has stood the test of time.

TIP : Get the I Amsterdam City Card for free attractions, discounts and free public transport. And consider this top rated Volendam, Marken & Windmill tour

1. Museumplein

There’s more culture on this one square in the Museumkwartier than you’ll find in most other whole cities.

The Museumplein is in Amsterdam’s well-heeled Oud-Zuid district, noted for its plush properties, upmarket boutiques (Hoofstraat and Van Baerlestraat) and the city’s favourite park at Vondelpark.

So needless to say, we’ll keep coming back to this part of the capital on this list.

But your main goal has to be the grassy square and its cluster of world-beating museums.

The big ones all follow below, counting the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum and the Stedelijk Museum, as well as the Concertgebouw, one of the world’s best places to watch a classical concert.

The area took shape in the 1880s after the construction of the Rijksmuseum, and the square was re-landscaped in 1999. There are outdoor events and celebrations on the square all year, including a skating rink from November to February.

2. Van Gogh Museum

Opened in 1973, the Van Gogh Museum has the largest collection of works by Vincent Van Gogh in the world.

This includes 200 paintings, 500+ drawings and 750 letters, as well as pieces by contemporaries and influences like Rodin, Monet, Signac, Toulouse-Lautrec, Manet and Gauguin.

Van Gogh’s work is hung chronologically, presenting five different periods: Nuenen/Antwerp (1880-86), Paris (1886-88), Arles (1888-1889), Saint-Rémy (1889-90) and Auvers-sur-Oise (1890). There’s much to savour, but Sunflowers, Almond Blossoms, Bedroom in Arles and Wheatfield with Crows are indispensible.

With more than 2.1 million visitors a year, the Van Gogh Museum is the most popular museum in the Netherlands.

The advantage of booking a ticket with GetYourGuide.com is that you can skip the queue, heading straight for the blue lane at your allotted time, and spending a few hours under the spell of one of the great painters.

3. Rijksmuseum

An extraordinary showcase for Dutch art, applied art and historical artefacts, the Rijksmuseum beckons you through 800 years of Dutch history at a purpose-built neo-Gothic palace.

Some 8,000 pieces are on show at any one time, and for many people the museum’s pinnacle is the collection of Dutch Golden Age paintings.

There are masterpieces like The Milkmaid by Johannes Vermeer, The Night Watch by Rembrandt and Portrait of a Young Couple by Frans Hals.

You can embark on adventure through Dutch culture and design, via Delftware, textiles, glass, armour, costume, sculpture and stunning 17th-century dollhouses.

Two exhibits that give a sense of the Dutch Golden Age are the Hartog Plate, the oldest known artefact of European exploration in Australia, and the stern of the HMS Royal Charles, captured in the Raid on the Medway in 1667. Like the Van Gogh Museum the Rijksmuseum is almost always busy, so pre-booking with GetYourGuide.com will let you skip the line.

4. Anne Frank House

On the Prinsengracht, the Anne Frank House preserves the secret annexe where the young diarist Anne Frank hid from Nazi persecution from 1942 until she was captured along with her family and four other inhabitants in 1944. The rooms are on an enclosed courtyard behind a 17th-century canal house that served as the Dutch HQs of the spice and gelling companies Frank’s father Otto worked for.

Otto was the Frank family’s sole survivor after the Holocaust, and published his daughter’s diary in 1947. You’ll see the original copy of this defining work, as well as photographs and items belonging to the Frank family and the four other inhabitants of the annexe.

The secret rooms give a visceral sense of what it was like to live in hiding, while temporary exhibitions on persecution and fascism will inspire renewed vigilance.

Related tour :  Amsterdam Walking Tour: The Fascinating Story of Anne Frank

5. Stedelijk Museum

Open since 1895, the third of that trio of cultural giants on the Museumplein is the Stedelijk Museum, dedicated to modern and contemporary art, from Vincent van Gogh onwards.

All of the big art movements involving the Netherlands are represented, like Neo-Impressionism, De Stijl, Bauhaus, CoBrA and Pop art.

There’s painting, sculpture, installation art, video art prints, posters, graphic design and artists books.

You can feast your eyes on works by Piet Mondrian, Karel Appel, Willem de Kooning, Kandinsky, Cézanne, Chagall, Matisse, Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock and Gilbert & George, to name a small few.

The late-19th-century main building was given a modern extension in 2012, nicknamed “the bathtub”, serving as the main entrance and making a big statement on the Museumplein.

Book online :  Amsterdam Stedelijk Museum Skip-the-Line Ticket

6. Hire a Bike

At 800,000 there are as many bikes as people in the centre of Amsterdam, probably the most cycle-friendly city in the world for its easy terrain and well-planned infrastructure.

Most streets have separate bike lanes, so you can get to wherever you want to go safely and quickly, and will feel like an Amsterdammer when you do it.

All ferries over the IJ allow you to take your bike on board for free.

You will not have to look hard for a rental centre, and MacBike, whose fleet is easily spotted by its red paint and logos, is the most widespread.

If you don’t want to look like a tourist there are plenty of companies with bikes purposely designed to help you blend in.

One rule to keep in mind is to cross tram tracks at an angle, because it’s easy to get caught in those grooves.

Guided tour :  3-Hour Guided Bike Tour of Historical Amsterdam

7. Vondelpark

Amsterdam’s park of choice is a tranquil strip of ponds, undulating lawns and mature trees pushing west from the Museumplein.

A fun piece of trivia about the park, landscaped in 1865, is that it is constantly sinking, and needs to be renovated every generation to avoid it being completely inundated with water.

The Openluchttheater puts on a vibrant schedule of free live music, musical theatre and cabaret from June to August.

Although the performances cost nothing to watch, it may be worth booking online to reserve a place.

The rose garden in the centre of the Vondelpark was planted in 1936 and grows more than 70 types of rose, while the park has a sculpture, The Fish (1965) by Pablo Picasso.

A very respectable way to spend an hour or so is at the neo-Renaissance Vondelparkpaviljoen, built in 1874. There’s a cafe, Vertigo, in the basement, with seating on the terrace outside.

8. Herengracht

Patrician’s Canal in English, the Herengracht is the first of the four main canals in the city centre’s Canal Belt.

This waterway was completed along with its neighbours in the 17th century as part of an expansion project that is now UNESCO listed.

As the name may tell you, the Herengracht was where Amsterdam’s social elite built their grand gabled houses, and that sense of prestige has continued into the 21st century.

Take your time as there’s much to see, and almost every building is a work of art.

You’ll pass the former office of the Dutch West India Company at Herenmarkt and one of Amsterdam’s oldest residences (built in 1590) at 81. The magnificent Bartolotti house (1617) at 172, considered the finest of all of Amsterdam’s Golden Age merchant’s houses, while the Classical terrace of the Cromhouthuizen merits a photo at 364-70. The most desirable location for a self-respecting regent or mayor was the Gouden Bocht (Golden Bend) after Leidsegracht, developed after 1663 and now home to banks and insurance companies.

Related tour :  City Canal Cruise

9. Museum Het Rembrandthuis

Amazingly, the house at Jodenbreestraat 4 where Rembrandt lived and worked from 1639 to 1658 has been kept as a museum to one of the masters of the Dutch Golden Age.

The house first went up in 1606 and was rebuilt around 1627. Come the early 20th century the building was in bad condition, but was restored by the eminent architect Karel de Bazel and opened as a museum in 1911. A new extension was built next door in the 90s, and this houses a huge collection of Rembrandt’s drawings and etchings, while the actual Rembrandt house reconstructs the artist’s living space and workshop.

There’s even an exhibition of broken pots found during an archaeological dig and dated to Rembrandt’s stay.

In 2010 the museum received its first painting by Rembrandt with the Tronie of an Old Man with Turban (1627-1628), followed by four panels from the series The Five Senses n 2017.

Ticket :  Rembrandt House Museum Entrance Ticket

10. Jordaan District

Whether it’s your first or tenth time in Amsterdam, you have to drop by this grid of little streets and filled-in canals bordered by the Singel.

Created during that great expansion in the 17th century, the Jordaan was first inhabited by Amsterdam’s working class and an international array of migrants, like Huguenots from France and Puritans from England, seeking the city’s famous religious tolerance.

Up to the 20th century the Jordaan was firmly a neighbourhood for the salt of the earth, as well as the radical left, and was gentrified in the second half of the 20th century to become a treasured shopping and nightlife district.

Explore the tight streets and sequestered courtyards, kick back at a snug little cafe, potter around the many specialty shops and galleries and visit the Noordermarkt for its organic farmers’ market on Saturdays.

De Negen Straatjes (nine little streets) are your first stop for boutiques, design shops and stylish bars.

Related tour:  4-Hour Food Tasting Tour of Jordaan

11. Canal Cruise

A canal cruise in Amsterdam is practically a cliché, but water is such an intrinsic part of the city that you have to get on board.

You’ll be granted the best views of those 17th-century merchant and patrician houses, the innumerable bridges, historic churches and cute houseboats.

Day or night, it’s an opportunity not to pass up; the only tricky part is working out which is the best cruise for you. GetYourGuide.com has an enormous choice, catering to all tastes.

Say you prefer more of a personal trip, there’s an hour-long guided cruise on a small vessel, or you can see sights like the Skinny Bridge and Golden Bend in lights on a 90-minute evening trip.

There are semi-open boat trips, in-depth cruises for people who want to see every inch of the canals, dinner cruises, unlimited drinks cruises, cocktail cruises and no end of combined experiences.

Tip : List of available Amsterdam Canal Cruises

12. Begijnhof

Founded sometime around the early 14th century, the Begijnhof is an enclosed courtyard established as a Beguinage, a community for lay religious women (beguines). Entered down a stairway from Spuiplein, it’s an oasis of peace, with a green wooded square surrounded by fine gabled houses.

As wooden buildings were outlawed in 1521, the Begijnhof was reconstructed in brick in the 17th and 18th century.

With one exception, Het Houten Huis (1420) standing on the southwestern frontage and officially the oldest house in Amsterdam.

Another of Amsterdam’s oldest monuments, the English Reformed Church, is also on Begijnhof, with roots as a 14th-century Catholic chapel.

You can also visit a hidden church, built behind the facades of a row of houses after public Catholicism was banned in the 16th century.

The last beguine passed away as recently as 1971.

13. Keizersgracht

The widest of the three main canals on the Canal Belt, Keizersgracht is between Herengracht and Prinsengracht and named for Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor (1459-1519). If the canal freezes in winter, no boats are allowed to pass through, in order to help keep the ice intact for skaters.

As with Keizersgracht’s neighbours, it pays to be methodical as you make your way, so you don’t miss anything.

At No. 44 are the Greenland Warehouses (1620), easily identified by their three crow-stepped gables.

As many as 50,000 litres of whale blubber could be stored in the basements of these buildings, a far cry from their current role as luxury apartments! The distinguished House with the Heads (1622) at No. 123 is adorned with the heads of six Roman gods and goddesses, while Felix Meritis (1788) at No. 324 was built by the Enlightenment society of the same name and hosted performances by the likes of Mozart and Brahms.

14. Dam Square

A square for the whole nation, Dam Square is traced by the Royal Palace, the National Monument (a remembrance obelisk from 1956) and the 15th-century Nieuwe Kerk.

Dam Square is at the point where the Amstel River was dammed in the 13th century, and was the scene of Amsterdam’s central market in Medieval times.

This space has a storied history, and not all of it is savoury.

Whenever there has been civil unrest, whether it was Anabaptists in the 16th century or students protesting the Vietnam War in the 1960s and 70s, Dam Square is the place where things have boiled over.

The last outbreak of violence was at the Coronation of Queen Beatrix in 1980, while there was a massacre on the square at the end of the Second World War.

On the lighter side, there’s a funfair on Dam Square for national occasions like Kings Day (27 April) and in the build-up to Christmas.

15. Prinsengracht

The third and outermost of Amsterdam’s three main canals is also the longest, and named for William, Prince of Orange, famed for his revolt against the Spanish.

Unlike the other waterways curling around the old centre, the Prinsengracht has traditionally been quite poor, in keeping with its location beside the Jordaan.

But there’s no lack of stunning Golden Age canal houses, joined by small workshops and dwellings, as well as rows of sweet houseboats on the water.

We’ve already mentioned the Anne Frank Museum, but there are also splendid 17th-century churches like the Noorderkerk and the soaring Westerkerk.

At No. 7 stands another of Amsterdam’s 14 hidden Catholic churches.

Also keep a lookout for the exceptionally narrow house at No. 245, just 1.4 metres wide (17th-century property tax was paid according to the width of a building). Every August the classical Prinsengrachtconcert is performed from a pontoon on the canal in front of the Hotel Pulitzer.

Unlike its neighbours the Herengracht and Keizersgracht, the innermost Singel is a canal that opens onto the IJ in the north.

In Medieval times this was Amsterdam’s outer moat, and was only used for shipping goods.

But in the 16th and 17th centuries the canal was widened and developed, and there are plenty of holdovers from the Golden Age on its refined banks.

It’s hardly surprising that Singel is one of the poshest parts of the city, with continuous rows of gabled canal houses.

Look for De Dolphijn at 140-142, built in 1600 and once home to Frans Banninck Cocq, the central figure in Rembrandt’s masterpiece, The Night Watch.

The Munttoren on the Muntplein, looming over the Bloemenmarkt, once belonged to one of the main gates in Amsterdam’s city wall.

17. Red Light District

At Oudezijds Achterburgwal, amid a historic cityscape boasting the Gothic Oude Kerk and the chaotic Nieuwmarkt square, is the world’s most famous Red Light District.

A product of the Dutch tradition of tolerance, the Red Light District is a difficult place to describe.

Because on the one hand brothels, peep shows, sex shops and theatres cater for most urges, but on the other, everything is strictly regulated, video surveillance pervades the area, there’s a rigid code (no photos whatsoever) and sex workers even have their own union.

In all senses, it’s a remarkable place, and there’s an information centre to help you make sense of it.

The wider De Wallen area has much more to recommend it, like eccentric shops, galleries, international restaurants, rickety gabled houses and the oldest canals in the city.

Red Light Secrets is a museum where the area’s prostitutes tell their own funny, moving and human stories.

Recommended tour :  Red Light District 2-Hour Walking Tour

18. Heineken Experience

After Heineken moved home to a modern facility on Amsterdam’s fringes in 1988 the monolithic 19th-century brewery building in the De Pijp district reopened as a museum to one of the world’s favourite pilsners.

Over four floors, this has evolved into the Heineken Experience, which will tell you all about the brand’s origins, when a student of Louis Pasteur worked with Gerard Adriaan Heineken in 1873 to develop a special yeast.

There are brewing artefacts like vast copper vessels still in situ, as well as multimedia exhibits, a bizarre 4D ride when you’ll find out what it’s like to be brewed and bottled, and, naturally, a tasting bar.

Book online :  Heineken Experience Ticket

19. NDSM Wharf

For an antidote to the tourist trail, this former industrial shipyard the size of ten football pitches on the north bank of the IJ has emerged as a whole cultural neighbourhood.

You can get there on the 906 ferry from the Centraal station, and one reason to make the trip is for the monthly flea market in the gargantuan IJ-hallen, thought to be one of the largest in Europe.

Everywhere at the NDSM Wharf, industrial remnants have been re-evaluated.

Take the waterside Pllek, where there’s a cafe in former shipping containers by an artificial beach.

For a night you won’t soon forget you can book a room at the Faralda Crane Hotel, literally a crane, but with three scenic luxury suites inside its column.

Be sure to keep one eye on the calendar for outdoor film screenings and annual events like the DGTL underground electronic festival in March.

20. Bike Tour

For the ultimate introduction to Amsterdam you can hop on a bike and take an all-encompassing three-hour tour of the city.

With GetYourGuide.com you can book this trip past the world-renowned canals and via all the sights that you can’t leave out of a first-time trip to Amsterdam.

So the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House and Jewish Museum are on the itinerary, but because you’ll be in the company of a knowledgeable Amsterdammer you’ll also see things and hear stories that you might otherwise have missed.

Tours are given in English, French or German.

21. Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder

We’ve mentioned how, post-Reformation, Catholicism became a more secretive practise in Amsterdam, and at this 17th-century canal house you can visit a real Schuilkerk, or clandestine church.

In English, the name is “Our Lord in the Attic”, which as you can tell makes up the top three floors of this magnificent residence.

By the 19th century it had ceased to be used as a place of worship and was preserved as a museum in 1888. So while you can peruse a refined bourgeois house, decorated with period furniture, table clocks and Delft tiles, there are also religious treasures like paintings, marble altar columns, wooden liturgical fittings and silverware on show in the church upstairs.

As a whole Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder testifies to the religious tolerance of the time, because churches like this were open secrets intentionally ignored by the authorities.

22. Leidseplein

If you’re going out in Amsterdam, you’ll surely find yourself on Leidseplein at some point.

Directly on this central square are discos, cinemas, theatres, restaurants and a casino.

The most famous of Amsterdam’s coffee shops, the Bulldog, is on Leidseplein, while De Melkweg is a concert venue of real pedigree, hosting the Beastie Boys, U2, and Prince to name a few.

In summer Leidseplein is dominated by restaurant and cafe terraces, and crowds roll up to watch a colourful cast of jugglers, living statues, break-dancers and buskers do their thing.

As sights go, the neo-Renaissance Stadsschouwburg (1894) is an attention-grabber and is the former home of the National Ballet and Opera.

If AFC Ajax win something big, there’s usually a big celebration from the steps of this monument.

There’s an unforgettable image of Johan Cruyff holding the Cup Winners’ Cup aloft over the square in 1987.

23. Tropenmuseum

A nuanced and thoughtfully presented ethnographic museum, the Tropenmuseum is tour through the various cultures of the world.

The museum started life as a platform for the Netherlands’ colonial territories, but after Indonesia gained independence the scope switched to developing regions in general.

These include Latin America, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, South Asia, West Asia and North Africa, all with an emphasis on tolerance and care for the environment.

There’s a mine of intriguing objects, photographs, sketches and footage helping to find global common ground in aspects of life like celebration, conflict, mourning and prayer.

The building is a treasure too, dating to 1926 and featuring the Lichthal (Light Hall), a massive central space with a grand stairway, all overlooked by galleries.

Book online :  Tropenmuseum Entrance Ticket

24. Westerkerk

Amsterdam’s principal protestant church dates from the 1620s and was built in the most western part of the Canal Belt, beside the Jordaan.

At that time, not long after the Reformation, it was one of the city’s first purpose-built Protestant places of worship.

Walking around Amsterdam’s old centre, the church’s 85-metre tower, the highest in the city, will occasionally hove into view.

Anne Frank could see it from her secret annexe and mentioned the tower and its carillon several times in her diary.

Looking up from street level, the 51-bell carillon is just above the clock-faces, and the 14 largest bells in the set were cast by the greatest founder of the day, François Hemony in 1658. Rembrandt is buried at the Westerkerk, although the exact location of his tomb is unknown as he was destitute when he passed.

There’s a 20th-century memorial for him on the north wall, and every 15 July he is remembered with a lunchtime concert.

25. Portuguese Synagogue

If one monument could sum up just what a melting pot Amsterdam was in the 17th century it’s this Sephardic Jewish synagogue.

After being expelled from Spain and Portugal, a Sephardic Jewish community flourished in the safety of Amsterdam’s tolerant environment from the 16th century onwards.

Initially worship was confined to relative secrecy, but as the 17th century wore on, synagogues were permitted in prominent places.

Completed in 1675 the Portuguese Synagogue was the largest in the world at the time, and one of the largest monuments in the city.

Even now, you’ll be bowled over by the dimensions of this Classical building (mimicking the demure Baroque style of the Protestant churches at the time) and can visit Sunday to Friday all year round.

Note the wooden ark and tebah, and the 12 columns holding up the women’s gallery, one for each of Israel’s twelve tribes.

26. Magere Brug

This imposing bascule bridge over the Amstel, known in English as the “Skinny Bridge”, may not look so slim today.

Because the name is a holdover from a 17th-century structure that was so narrow that two pedestrians would struggle to pass each other on the crossing.

Tradition has an alternative explanation, suggesting that the name comes from the Mager sisters, who lived on opposite sides of the Amstel and used their wealth to build the bridge so they could visit each other.

The original skinny bridge was demolished in the 19th century, and its successor from 1871 was replaced by the current Magere Brug in 1934. It’s a handsome landmark, especially at night when lit up by thousands of bulbs, and Bond fans may know it from Diamonds Are Forever (1971).

27. Hermitage Amsterdam

The largest satellite attraction for Saint Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum can be found at the riverside Amstelhof.

This fine building with an elongated Classical facade was built in 1682 as a charitable retirement home for women.

The last inhabitants departed for new accommodation in 2007, and over the next couple of years the Amstelhof became a mini-Hermitage.

There’s a long connection between Amsterdam and Saint Petersburg, as Peter the Great founded the city in 1703 after visiting Amsterdam and relied on Dutch knowhow to turn swampy ground into something habitable.

There are two permanent exhibitions here; one going into the history of the Amstelhof, and the other charting Netherlands-Russia relations.

The temporary exhibitions are vital.

In the second half of 2018 there was a show for 18th-century European Neoclassicism, and a set of 30 portraits from the Dutch Golden Age.

28. Amsterdam North Ferry

Amsterdam is a city with endless inspiration for free activities, and something that always catches newcomers by surprise is the free ferry 24-hour service over the IJ from the Centraal Station terminal.

Amsterdam-Noord is green and peaceful, for a respite from the tourism honeypots on the opposite shore.

The EYE and A’Dam Toren will literally be your first ports of call as you step off the ferry.

But you may want to bring a bike and see Amsterdam’s residential side in an area described as a “village within a city”. If you’re really committed you could cycle all the way to Durgendam, a quaint old village on the water.

A little closer, Noorderpark has an award-winning swimming complex and two community centres at repurposed gas stations.

29. EYE Film Institute Netherlands

Impossible to miss on the other side of the IJ from the Centraal station, the EYE Film Institute Netherlands is in a bold white building designed by Delugan Meissl and unveiled in 2012. The institute came about after four film institutions, including the Dutch Film Museum, were rolled into one in 2009. You can get there via the free ferry across the IJ, a journey worth making, whether you want to check out the permanent and temporary exhibitions or catch some independent cinema (four screens), archive documentaries or classics from Tarkovsky to Rademakers.

The basement has a clever exhibition on the history of cinema, with interactive quizzes to keep kids on board, while there are thought-provoking multimedia art installations throughout.

The EYE’s restaurant is special, with views through floor-to-ceiling windows to the Centraal station.

30. A’Dam Lookout

Reopened and launched as the A’DAM Toren after a two-year renovation, this landmark tower was built on the north shore of the IJ for Royal Dutch Shell in 1966. With 22 floors the tower is 100 metres high and commands a supreme view of the IJ, Amsterdam’s historic centre, it’s many canals and out across North Holland’s reclaimed polder landscape.

At the top there’s a smart interactive exhibition about Amsterdam’s culture and past, while in the revolving capsule on the 19th floor is Moon, a contemporary restaurant using local, seasonal ingredients.

On the floor above, at the observation deck, Madam, is a modern French and Mediterranean eatery.

Something to try before you eat anything is, “Over the Edge”, Europe’s highest swing, off the edge of the building and 100 metres over the ground.

Book online :  A’DAM Lookout Premium Ticket Including 2 Drinks

31. Westergasfabriek

A set of late-19th-century industrial buildings on the edge of Westerpark was reworked into a cultural, shopping and dining venue in 2003. This was once Amsterdam’s gasworks, and the dignified old brick buildings are now hip restaurants, an arthouse cinema, microbrewery, design shops, fair trade food stores, a wine bar and exhibition spaces.

Even the gas holder has been repurposed, and with a capacity of 3,500 is now a spectacular space for club nights.

Any time of year there will be something going on at Westergasfabriek, whether it’s a film festival, exhibition or specialised food market.

32. Nederlands Scheepvaartmuseum

Set on some 18,000 wooden piles on an artificial island in Amsterdam’s Harbour, the National Maritime Museum is in the Dutch admiralty’s former main warehouse, constructed in 1646. Even now it’s a staggering technical feat, with an inner courtyard that has been covered with an immense glass canopy.

Since the Netherlands’ hegemony in the 17th century relied on maritime prowess, the museum inside is essential if you want to understand the dynamics of the Golden Age.

The museum shows how the sea has shaped Dutch culture over 500 years, with displays of maps by the eminent 17th-century cartographers Willem Blaeu and son, navigational instruments, maritime paintings, models of ships, weapons and lots more.

Moored beside the museum is a faithful replica of the Amsterdam, an 18th-century Dutch East India Company cargo ship wrecked in the channel in 1749 but rediscovered in 1969.

33. Royal Palace

This expansive building on Dam Square wasn’t always a palace, as it was built as Amsterdam’s city hall in the middle of the 17th century.

Composed of yellowy sandstone shipped from Bentheim in Germany, the monument captures a city full of confidence and was believed to be the largest secular building in Europe at the time.

It was Louis Napoleon who turned the building into a palace in 1806, and there are ample reminders from the city hall days.

The sculpture of Atlas crowning the pediment symbolises Amsterdam’s central role in global affairs in the Golden Age.

The Burgerzaal, for Amsterdam’s all-powerful burgomasters, is a sublime marble hall, laid with maps by the Blaeus and has figurative sculptures of the four elements on its arches.

The Empire Style sculpture, furniture, chandeliers and bronze pendulum clocks of Louis Napoleon’s court are still in place and suffused with mythological symbolism.

Book online :  Skip the Line Ticket & Audio Guide: Amsterdam Royal Palace

34. Moco Museum

The well-connected art lovers Lionel and Kim Logchies founded this boutique contemporary art museum in 2016. Two decades worth of contacts have granted the couple access to some major pieces previously hidden away from the public, so you’re sure to see something new.

In 2018 there was an exhibition of works by Banksy, the first formal collection of his art in the world.

This included icons like the Flower Thrower and Girl with Balloon, all complementing the Banksy police van, owned by the museum and on show in the garden.

At the same time there was an interactive room with the work of pop artist Roy Lichtenstein rendered in 3D, and a show for the feted Iranian street artists Icy and Sot.

A word for the venue, which is a Jugendstil townhouse on Museumplein, designed in 1904 by Eduard Cuypers.

Book online:  Moco Museum: Skip-the-Line Tickets with Banksy and More

35. Foodhallen

A former tram depot in the ultra-trendy Oud-West neighbourhood is the fitting location for an indoor food market (part of the larger De Hallen complex) with a diversity of little pop-up restaurants.

There are more than 20 in all, and the big choice means that even the pickiest eaters will find something to their taste.

People with a globetrotting palate will have to choose between Greek meze, temaki rolls, oysters shucked on the spot, American barbecue, Vietnamese summer rolls, falafel, dim sum, tapas, gourmet hot dogs, wood-fired pizzas… the list goes on.

Much of Foodhallen’s charm comes from its fun, convivial atmosphere, and things can get pretty lively here on a Friday or Saturday night.

Head up to the gallery for a great view of the hall.

Tip : List of Amsterdam Food Tours

36. Concertgebouw

On its 125th anniversary the stately Concertgebouw concert hall on the Museumplein was bestowed the Koninklijk (Royal) prefix by Queen Beatrix.

And with good reason, because the Concertgebouw is one of the world’s great concert halls with a Main Hall fabled for its finery and acoustics perfectly suited to late-Romantic classical music.

So for a bit of Mahler and Strauss, check out the programme.

But you can also attend a free lunchtime concert in the Recital Hall on Wednesdays (July and August excepted). There are guided tours of the Concertgebouw on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, taking you to parts of the building you wouldn’t otherwise see, and passing on interesting stories from this monument’s 130-year past.

37. Albert Cuyp Markt

In Oud-Zuid’s De Pijp there’s a street-length outdoor market on Albert Cuypstraat, from Ferdinand Bolstraat to Van Woustraat.

The Albert Cuyp Market came together at the turn of the 20th century to bring some order to the hordes of traders and hawkers who would set up shop here.

Originally just a Saturday night affair, the market trades Monday to Saturday during daytime hours, with 300 stalls on both sides of the street completely shutting down traffic.

You can find it all here; fresh produce, cheese, herring, spices, fabrics, cosmetics, fashion accessories, but also Surinamese, Moroccan and Antillean specialities.

The high competition keeps prices low and there may not be a better place to see real Amsterdammers going about their day.

38. Fashion for Good

Right on Rokin in the centre of Amsterdam is the world’s first museum devoted to sustainable fashion innovation.

At Fashion for Good, which only opened in October 2018, you’ll be confronted by the absurd wastefulness of the fashion industry in the 21st century.

For instance, almost 60% of all clothing ends up in landfill or being burnt within one year of production.

Using installations made with found or cradle-to-cradle materials, Fashion for Good shows off the work of some 50 innovators who aim to right some of the industry’s wrongs.

Take Mycotex, which produces fabrics using myco-proteins, or Colorfix, creating dyes from engineered microorganisms.

You’ll find out about biodegradable glitter and polyester, lifelike leather made from apples and see how blockchain technology is changing production.

Everything in the museum’s shop is sustainable, and the Design Studio lets you create your own sustainable t-shirt, printed on site.

39. Hortus Botanicus

The Plantage neighbourhood was planned as an eastern extension of the Canal Belt, but lack of demand for housing in the 17th century allowed this corner of the city to stay leafy and spacious.

There’s a surplus of visitor attractions in this corner of Amsterdam.

One of the most vital is Hortus Botanicus, founded in 1638 and among the oldest botanical gardens in the world.

In those early years the garden grew medicinal herbs for doctors and pharmacists at a time when plague outbreaks were still common.

Hortus Botanicus moved to its current location in 1682 and was soon planted with species gathered from all ends of the earth by the Dutch East India Company.

More than 6,000 plant species grow at Hortus Botanicus today, and remarkably, a single coffee plant in this collection lead to widespread plantations around the world.

Don’t miss the 17th-century hexagonal pavilion, or the cycads in the Palm House (1915), built in the style of the Amsterdam School.

40. Amsterdam Museum

You couldn’t be blamed for wanting to know more about a city built on stilts and renowned for free thought, tolerance, Johan Cruyff, the Dutch East India Company, architectural innovation, a famous Red Light District and much more.

You can pull on all of these threads and many more at the Amsterdam Museum.

The setting is a former convent that became an orphanage during the Reformation.

For a whirlwind tour through Amsterdam’s past, Amsterdam DNA is an hour-long experience using interactive stations, specially selected artefacts and ambient effects.

World – City is a new permanent exhibition exploring Amsterdam’s relationship with the rest of the world down the centuries.

One exceptional piece is the Medieval aerial map from the Middle Ages, and the painting The Dam by the leading Amsterdam Impressionist George Hendrik Breitner.

Book online :  Amsterdam Museum Entrance Ticket

41. Joods Historisch Museum

The only museum dedicated to Jewish history in the Netherlands is in a complex of four synagogues dating back to 1671, opposite the Portuguese Synagogue.

Joint tickets are sold for these attractions, and the Joods Historisch Museum gives an enthralling account of 400+ years of Judaism in Amsterdam.

These buildings had been unused by the Jewish community from the Holocaust up to the museum’s establishment in 1987. The collection of ceremonial objects, art and archaeological finds is enormous, and only a small fraction can be shown at one time, along with important exhibitions, often delving into the community’s persecution in the Second World War.

There’s also a media library, with books, music, magazines, film, brochures and photography, open to the public since 1987. A wonderful touch is the Children’s Museum, where kids can go inside a Jewish household, baking challah in the kitchen, learning to write their names in Hebrew and playing traditional musical instruments.

Included in :  Jewish Cultural Quarter Full-Day Tickets

42. ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo

Founded in 1838, this venerable institution in the Plantage neighbourhood is the oldest zoo in Amsterdam and also the oldest in the Netherlands.

So some of the charm of Artis comes from its historic buildings, like the library (1867) and aquarium (1882). Children of course will be thrilled with the animal collection, which runs to as many as 900 species.

Just to skim over a few, there are Asian elephants, chimpanzees, giraffes, caiman, a large assortment of turtles, tortoises, snakes and lizards, as well as predators like jaguars, lynxes, Alaskan wolves and lions.

Artis has a botanical appeal too, with more than 200 tree species, and an oak in the chimpanzee enclosure thought to be at least 250 years old.

Check the website for the planetarium schedule and for a timetable of keeper talks for griffon vultures, butterflies, African penguins, gorillas, red ruffed lemurs, sea lions and more.

Book online :  ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo: Skip-the-Line Admission

43. Verzetsmuseum

Facing the zoo is a museum about the Dutch Resistance in a grand building raised for the Jewish Singing Society in 1876. Neatly designed, and using lots of multimedia, exhibitions at the Verzetsmuseum recount the efforts made to disrupt German occupation.

At Risk of Explosion! you can find out about an audacious attack on the Municipal Register in 1943. A group of artists and students gained access by dressing up as police, leaving behind a bomb which partially destroyed the records of the 70,000 Jews living in Amsterdam.

There’s also a more general chronology of the Second World War in the Netherlands, and the many different ways that ordinary Dutch citizens resisted, from strikes, to espionage, helping people hide and forging documents.

44. Johan Cruyff Arena Tour

In 2018 the Amsterdam ArenA, home of AFC Ajax was renamed in honour of fabled former player and manager Johan Cruyff, who passed away in 2016. For students of the beautiful game, Ajax will always be fascinating, as the club that gave the world Total Football in the 1970s and continues to produce some the world’s most exciting young talent.

This 55,000-seater stadium was completed in 1996 and included a few innovations like a fully retractable roof.

Head here for a 75-minute all-access tour (the Ajax dressing room is off-bounds on match-days), taking you to the tunnel, dugout, the Ajax Gallery of Fame, the press conference room, the stadium’s control room and up to the highest seat.

Book online :  Johan Cruijff ArenA Stadium 75-Minute Tour

45. TonTon Club West

The Zuiverlingshal (Refinery) at Westergasfabriek houses one of three branches of a grown-up arcade concept that has taken Amsterdam by storm.

Along with old-school coin-op arcade games there’s air-hockey, pinball and token-redemption machines.

It’s like stepping into a grown-up version of an arcade from an 80s teen movie, with Japanese flourishes, ramen burgers, Dance Dance Revolution, rhythm games like Taiko no Tatsujin and no shortage of frantic button mashers.

You can order a boozy milkshake, nurse a Japanese whisky, and when the weather’s good you can hang out on the terrace.

46. Museum Het Schip

The outstanding example of the Amsterdam School of Expressionist Architecture lies just across the tracks from the Westerpark.

Designed by Michel de Klerk, Het Schip (1919) is still a thrill to behold a century later for its unconventional form.

It still fulfils its intended purpose, as social housing, but also contains a meeting hall, while its former post office became a museum to the Amsterdam School in 2001. This recalls the history of the movement, from 1910 to 1930 and explains the design and construction of the Het Schip (The Ship in English), a real architectural wonder.

After seeing the museum you’ll spot the Amsterdam School’s curving lines all over the city.

Also be sure to take a walk around the neighbourhood, for more architecture of this style and to see a side to the city not usually on tourists’ radars.

47. Give Herring a Try

As Dutch as it gets, soused herring now has a European TSG designation (Traditional Specialities Guaranteed). The flavour of young herring ripened in a brine solution may not appeal to people who haven’t grown up with it, but you won’t know if you like it until you try it.

The best herring is Hollandse Nieuwe, which is caught between mid-May and late-June at a time when the young herring is neither too thin or fat.

The Amsterdam way to enjoy this street food is in slices on a bed of diced raw onion and with pickles on the side, either on a paper plate or in a bread roll.

One of the most prominent spots is Stubbe’s Haring, on the bridge across the Singel, a moment from Amsterdam Centraal station.

48. Bloemenmarkt

On the Singel canal between Koningsplein and the Muntplein is the world’s only floating flower market.

Since 1862 traders have been selling cut flowers and bulbs here from houseboats.

In days gone by the flowers would make their way here from the countryside by boat on the Amstel River, which explains this waterborne setting.

These barges are now fixed, and have glass canopies to keep things humid.

These mirror the greenhouses right across Holland, producing daffodils, orchids, carnations, violets, geraniums, snowdrops and of course tulips, even out of season.

The Bloemenmarkt sells bulbs all year, so you can grow your own, while tulip season tends to fall between the middle of April and start of May.

This is a fine time to hop on a train to see the spectacular spring displays at the Keukenhof garden in Lisse.

49. Head for the Beach

The dense Dutch railway network means that North Sea coast resorts like Zandvoort and Scheveningen are genuine day-trip options from Amsterdam in summer.

But curiously, you can also hit the beach without leaving the city, at a host of man-made urban beaches attached to bars and restaurants.

Strand Zuid at Europaplein has more than 2,000 square metres of soft sand, where you can sip a cocktail on a hammock or sun lounger.

You can also cross the IJ once more to Pllek at NDSM in Amsterdam-Noord, which has a heart-rending view of the city and a sustainable outlook to go with it.

Three quarters of Pllek’s menu is vegetarian, and along with live music there are yoga classes, mini festivals, workshops and art exhibitions on the beach.

50. Brouwerij ‘t IJ

Founded in 1985, Brouwerij ‘t IJ came with a wave of local breweries catering to people who were dissatisfied with beer produced by the Netherlands’ corporate breweries.

It was set up on Funenkade, in the shadow of De Gooyer, the tallest windmill in the Netherlands.

The brewery makes eight highly-rated standard beers, including a pilsner, IPA, white beer and dark beer.

You may be surprised by the low price, and the portions are small enough that you might be able to try most of the range if you go slowly.

Classic Dutch pub snacks like Ossenworst (raw beef sausage) and boiled eggs make for satisfying accompaniments.

If you’re interested in how water, hops, malt and yeast combine to make this nectar, there are 20-minute brewery tours from 15:30 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

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Amsterdam » Entertainment » Culture

Amsterdam, city of culture

Amsterdam offers a diverse array of world-class entertainment, as for centuries has been one of the leading centres of culture in Europe. High-quality culture spread across 65 theatres and concert halls, 42 museums and over 140 galleries . The availability of culture in Amsterdam is thanks to afforable prices , and the fact that Beethoven's Ninth can be enjoyed just as much in jeans as in more formal attire.

Amsterdam's cultural season lasts all 52 weeks a year. Each year about 16.000 concerts and theatre performances take place, averaing over 40 events a day, in traditional venues such as Concertgebouw, the Muziektheater and Stadsschouwburg , as well as in the Beurs van Berlage , while more experimental productions can be found in the Felix Meretis Theater or the IJSbreker among amother places.

Music in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is burstling with live music, as it is the city with a rich tradition in classical music and opera. In summer, the concerts can be enjoyed in one of Amsterdam's beautiful parks .

For more information and reservations:

Uit Buro (AUB) Leidseplein 26 1017 PT Amsterdam AUB Ticketline: 0900.01.91 (0,40 EUR per minute) Web: www.aub.nl

Concertgebouw

Concertgebouw 2-6 1071 LN Amsterdam

Muziektheater

Waterlooplein 22, Amstel 3.

Stadsschouburg

Leidseplein 26

Amsterdam: The Best Cultural Guide For A Perfect Vacation

Welcome to Amsterdam

A world of history, culture, adventure, and gastronomy.

Immerse yourself in the captivating diversity of Amsterdam, a city that beckons with its beautiful canals, rich artistic heritage, and vibrant African diaspora community. In this comprehensive travel guide, I invite you to explore the mesmerizing tapestry of this thriving city. Discover Amsterdam’s history, delve into its vibrant culture, embark on thrilling adventures, and indulge in its culinary delights.

My blog is reader-supported. When you buy through links on my site, I may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your help keeping this blog thriving!

Exploring the Vibrant Diversity of Amsterdam: A Comprehensive Travel Guide

Discovering amsterdam, iconic landmarks and must-visit museums.

Get ready to explore the rich heritage of this city as I take you on a virtual tour of its charming neighborhoods, iconic landmarks, and hidden gems. Immerse yourself in the masterpieces of the renowned Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum, and the Van Gogh Museum, and stroll along the picturesque canals that crisscross Amsterdam.

Amsterdam’s Multicultural Identity

Amsterdam is a city that celebrates diversity, with a melting pot of cultures, subcultures, and communities. Experience the vibrant African diaspora community, indulge in a myriad of culinary delights influenced by the multicultural population, and immerse yourself in the local lifestyle of neighborhoods like Jordaan, De Pijp, and Oud-West.

Whether you’re seeking historical treasures, cultural immersion, thrilling adventures, or culinary delights, Amsterdam has something for everyone. Join me as I uncover the vibrant diversity that makes Amsterdam an extraordinary destination. Get ready to be enchanted by the charm of this remarkable city .

Amsterdam’s 10 Fun Facts

Bike central.

Home to over 800,000 bikes, Amsterdam boasts more bicycles than people, making it the “Bicycle Capital of the World.”

Diversity and Open-mindedness

Notably liberal, Amsterdam was the first city to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001, embodying an ethos of diversity and inclusivity.

Tulip Fever

The city saw the first recorded speculative bubble, “Tulip Mania,” in the 17th century when tulip bulb prices skyrocketed.

A City of Canals

Over 100 kilometers of picturesque canals crisscross the city, making up a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Coffee Shops and Cafés

“Coffee shops” in Amsterdam offer legal cannabis, while “cafés” serve traditional coffee and meals.

Artistic Heritage

Birthplace of Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh, Amsterdam’s museums proudly display their masterpieces.

Living on Water

With about 2,500 houseboats adorning its canals, houseboat living is a charming aspect of Amsterdam culture.

Historic Dam Square

Named after a 13th-century dam on the Amstel River, Dam Square serves as a lively city hub.

Museum Haven

Amsterdam houses over 50 museums, from the renowned Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum to quirky ones dedicated to cheese and cats.

Sinking City

Built on wooden piles due to its below-sea-level location, Amsterdam constantly contends with water, giving the city a characteristic tilt.

Getting to Amsterdam

Fly into amsterdam airport schiphol.

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol serves as the primary gateway to the city, offering excellent connectivity from various parts of the world. With a wide range of international flights, you can conveniently reach Amsterdam from North America, Asia, or other parts of Europe.

Upon arrival at Schiphol Airport, you have various transportation options to reach Amsterdam’s city center. The train is a convenient and efficient choice, with a station directly below the airport. Also, taxis and rideshare services like Uber are readily available outside the airport terminals.

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Train Travel through Amsterdam Centraal

The train is most popular for travelers already exploring Europe . The city is well-connected to major European cities through an extensive rail network. High-speed trains such as Thalys and Eurostar provide fast and efficient connections, allowing you to continue your European adventure seamlessly.

Where to Stay in Amsterdam

There are endless lodging options in this very central, walkable city. here are a few of the popular areas to stay:, amsterdam centrum: vibrant energy at the heart of the city.

Amsterdam Centrum, located in the city’s heart, is perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in the vibrant energy. This neighborhood is home to famous landmarks like the historic Anne Frank House, lively Dam Square, and the renowned Red Light District. Accommodation options cater to every budget, from luxury hotels with canal views to budget-friendly hostels, making it ideal for first-time visitors.

Jordaan: Traditional Charm and Artistic Flair

Jordaan offers a blend of traditional charm and modern flair. It is known for its picturesque canals, narrow streets, and 17th-century houses, and it exudes a charming atmosphere and vibrant art scene. Explore trendy boutiques, art galleries, and cozy cafés along the canals, and embrace the local market culture and hidden courtyards. Jordaan provides an authentic Amsterdam experience with its artistic and cultural ambiance.

De Pijp: Hip and Happening

De Pijp is the place to be for a hip and happening experience. Known as the Latin Quarter of Amsterdam, it attracts residents, artists, students, and young professionals. With its trendy bars, eclectic restaurants, and the famous Albert Cuyp Market, De Pijp offers a lively and diverse atmosphere. Immerse yourself in the bustling energy of this neighborhood, explore its vibrant streets, and indulge in its diverse culinary offerings.

Oud-West: Embracing Multicultural Diversity

Oud-West provides a glimpse into Amsterdam’s multicultural diversity. This vibrant and eclectic area showcases the influence of the African diaspora with Afro-Caribbean shops, Surinamese restaurants, and cultural events. Experience the rich cultural fabric of Oud-West as you savor international cuisine, browse local markets, and engage with the diverse community. Hostelle, a unique Black-owned women-only hostel, offers a safe and welcoming space for female travelers on a budget.

Unique Lifestyle: Houseboat Experience

Amsterdam’s canals are lined with houseboats, showcasing a distinct style of living. Some houseboats welcome visitors for tours or overnight stays, offering a unique vantage point on Amsterdam living.

Top Things to Do in Amsterdam

Quintessential amsterdam experiences, amsterdam’s iconic canal ring: the grachtengordel​.

Start your Amsterdam adventure by immersing yourself in the city’s iconic Canal Ring, the Grachtengordel. It consists of a series of canals built in the 17th century when the city was expanding rapidly during the Dutch Golden Age. The canals are lined with elegant buildings and beautiful parks and bridges, making it a popular attraction for tourists. The Canal Belt is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its significant contribution to the culture and development of Amsterdam. Visitors today can still experience the grandeur of this historic district, and enjoy its many museums, galleries, shops, restaurants, and other attractions – giving them a glimpse into Amsterdam’s unique history.

Stroll Along the Canals, Cycle the Narrow Streets, or Cruise the Waters​

Take a stroll along the canals, marveling at the picturesque facades and charming drawbridges. Rent a bike to explore the city like a local, navigating the narrow streets and discovering hidden gems. For a more relaxing experience, opt for a canal cruise and enjoy the unique houseboat culture that gives Amsterdam its distinctive character.

Rijksmuseum: Dutch Art And History​

Immerse yourself in the masterpieces in the Rijksmuseum, a great institution showcasing a vast collection of Dutch art and history. Discover iconic works by Dutch masters like Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh. From Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch” to Vermeer’s “The Milkmaid,” the museum takes you through the Golden Age of Dutch painting, providing a fascinating glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Van Gogh Museum: A Glimpse into the Artist’s Life​

For an intimate look into the life and work of Vincent van Gogh, head to the Van Gogh Museum. This tribute to the world-renowned artist houses an extensive collection of his paintings, drawings, and personal letters. Delve into Van Gogh’s artistic journey, from his vibrant landscapes to introspective self-portraits. The museum offers a unique perspective on his life and allows you to appreciate the depth and beauty of his creations.

Anne Frank House: A Profoundly Moving Experience

A visit to the Anne Frank House connects you with Amsterdam’s poignant history. Step into the house where Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazis during World War II. As you walk through the secret annex and witness Anne Frank’s original diary, personal belongings, and thought-provoking quotes on the museum walls, you’ll be deeply affected by the stories of resilience and hope that emerged from the darkest times.

Moco Museum: Contemporary Art in the Heart of Amsterdam

If you’re a fan of contemporary art, a visit to the Moco Museum is a must. Located in the heart of Amsterdam, this museum showcases an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. Marvel at the works of world-renowned artists such as Banksy, Warhol, and Haring, as well as exhibitions that push the boundaries of artistic expression. The Moco Museum offers a unique perspective on the art world and will inspire you.

Red Light District: Stroll Through One of the Oldest Neighborhoods

The Red Light District of Amsterdam is a famously vibrant and colorful area known for its legal prostitution, nightlife, and culture. The district is located in De Wallen, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Amsterdam, founded in the 13th century. It is an iconic part of the city’s landscape with its narrow streets and iconic red-lighted windows where female prostitutes are on display. The district also offers a wide variety of restaurants, bars, coffee shops, museums, and theatres that attract both locals and tourists alike. 

Heineken Experience: A Journey Into Dutch Brewing History​

For beer enthusiasts, visiting the Heineken Experience is a must-do activity in Amsterdam. Dive into the history of this iconic Dutch beer brand through an interactive and immersive tour. Learn about the brewing process, explore the historic brewery building, and even enjoy a tasting session to savor the distinct flavors of Heineken. The Heineken Experience offers a fascinating glimpse into Dutch brewing and is a fun-filled experience for beer lovers.

Exploring Amsterdam’s Vibrant African Diaspora Community: A Cultural Journey​

Amsterdam is a city of canals, museums, and historical landmarks and a vibrant hub that celebrates the diverse contributions of its African diaspora community. In this section, I invite you to embark on a cultural journey and discover some notable establishments owned by individuals from the African diaspora in Amsterdam. These places offer unique experiences and provide insights into the city’s rich heritage and cultural tapestry.

Restaurant Semai: A Flavorful Journey to Ethiopia

For an authentic taste of African cuisine, head to Restaurant Semai, a beloved restaurant serving quality Ethiopian food for those wanting bold, spice-rich dishes. Indulge in these traditional delicacies, savor the vibrant spices, and immerse yourself in the culinary heritage of the African diaspora. Restaurant Semai is a testament to the richness and diversity of African cuisine, offering a gastronomic experience that will delight your taste buds.

Water & Brood: Afro-Caribbean Fusion at its Finest​

Water & Brood is a Black-owned restaurant that blends traditional Afro-Caribbean flavors with innovative culinary techniques. Step inside this vibrant eatery and be prepared for a delightful fusion of textures and flavors. One of their standout dishes is fried chicken and waffles, which combines a classic soul food and adds a creative twist. The tender and crispy fried chicken paired with fluffy golden waffles creates a harmonious medley of flavors that will leave you craving more. Water & Brood offers a unique dining experience that pays homage to Afro-Caribbean culinary traditions while showcasing the creativity and talent of the African diaspora community.

The Black Archives: Unveiling The Stories Of The African Diaspora​

Delve into the historical narratives and stories of the African diaspora at The Black Archives. Located in Amsterdam, this initiative collects and preserves archives, documents, and artifacts highlighting the African diaspora’s history and presence in the Netherlands. It is a valuable resource for researchers, educators, and anyone interested in exploring the diverse heritage of the African diaspora. Visit The Black Archives to better understand the community’s contributions, struggles, and triumphs throughout history.

By visiting these establishments and engaging with the African diaspora community in Amsterdam, you will have memorable experiences and actively support and celebrate their cultural heritage.

Bijlmer Park Theatre: A Cultural Haven In The Bijlmer Neighborhood​

Located in the lively Bijlmer neighborhood, Bijlmer Park Theatre is a cultural gem that celebrates diversity and artistic expression. This theater hosts a variety of performances, including those by artists from the African diaspora. From captivating dance shows to thought-provoking theatrical productions, the theater provides a platform for artists to showcase their talent and engage with the community. Attending a performance at Bijlmer Park Theatre is an opportunity to experience outstanding artistic performances and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the African diaspora in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam’s Black Heritage Tours: Unveiling Hidden Stories

Amsterdam’s Black Heritage Tours provide an enlightening exploration of the city’s often-overlooked Black community. Led by passionate guides, these canal tours unveil Amsterdam’s deep roots in Black history and shed light on the significant contributions of Black individuals to the city’s culture and economy. Discover the business district once vital for the Dutch West India Company and Dutch East India Company, and explore hidden aspects such as gable stones with symbols representing Black individuals, illuminating Amsterdam’s multicultural heritage.

Of note, they are currently only offering private-guided tours. Check out their website for more details:

Gastronomic Delights: Indulge in Amsterdam’s Food Scene

Traditional dutch delights: stroopwafels and haring​.

No visit to Amsterdam is complete without trying some traditional Dutch delights. Treat yourself to a freshly made stroopwafel—a beloved sweet snack that epitomizes Dutch culinary traditions. These delightful treats consist of two thin layers of perfectly baked dough with a luscious caramel syrup filling in between. You can find them at numerous street markets and local bakeries. The heavenly scent of freshly prepared stroopwafels wafts through the air, inviting you to indulge in this quintessential Dutch treat.

For adventurous foodies, exploring the raw herring culture in Amsterdam is a must. Haring, a traditional Dutch delicacy, is raw herring typically served with diced onions and pickles. The locals enjoy haring by lifting it by the tail, tilting their heads back, and taking a bite right off the fish. Head to one of the many street markets or herring stands to savor this briny, tender fish and embrace the haring-eating tradition like a true local.

Culinary Journey: Cheese Tasting and Dutch Cuisine​

The Netherlands, and Amsterdam in particular, are renowned for their cheese. Take a culinary journey by visiting a local cheese shop or market for a tasting, or even participate in a cheese-making class to learn about the artisan process. To experience the full palette of Dutch cuisine, try traditional dishes like herring, bitterballen, or stamppot at a local eatery.

Surinamese Cuisine: A Burst Of Flavors​

Amsterdam’s food scene is multicultural, as is made clear by one of their standout cuisines – Surinamese. Suriname, a former Dutch colony in South America, brings its vibrant flavors and culinary traditions to the city. To experience the rich taste of Surinamese cuisine, visit Warung Spang Makandra in the lively De Pijp neighborhood. This popular restaurant offers a range of mouthwatering dishes, but their signature dish is roti. Roti is a hearty and flavorful meal consisting of curried chicken, vegetables, and potatoes; all served with a warm, flaky flatbread. The fragrant spices and complex flavors of Surinamese cuisine will transport your taste buds to the colorful streets of Paramaribo, the capital of Suriname.

Farm-To-Table: BAK Restaurant​

BAK restaurant is a must-visit if you appreciate the farm-to-table concept and want to savor dishes made with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Located in a beautifully restored industrial building, BAK takes pride in its sustainable approach to cooking. Each plate at BAK is a work of art, carefully crafted with attention to detail and deep respect for the ingredients. The menu changes regularly to highlight the best produce available each season, ensuring every dish is fresh and bursting with flavors. By collaborating with local farmers and suppliers, BAK emphasizes local community support and carbon footprint reduction. Immerse yourself in the farm-to-table experience and indulge in a memorable dining journey at BAK.

Indonesian Cuisine: An Integral Part Of Dutch Gastronomy​

Indonesian cuisine holds a special place in Amsterdam’s culinary landscape. Thanks to the historical connection between the Netherlands and Indonesia, Indonesian flavors and dishes have become integral to Dutch cuisine. Indulge in a rijsttafel, a sumptuous feast of various Indonesian dishes served with fragrant rice. This culinary tradition originated during the colonial era when Dutch planters would showcase their wealth by presenting a table filled with an array of Indonesian delicacies. Today, you can savor the rijsttafel experience at restaurants like Sampurna or Kantjil & de Tijger, where you can relish various flavors, from satay skewers to rendang beef and spicy sambals.

Amsterdam’s Street Food Culture: Febo Automat And More​

Amsterdam’s street food culture is also worth exploring. The Febo Automat is an iconic Dutch institution that offers a unique self-service snacking experience. At Febo, you’ll find a wall of vending machines filled with various hot and ready-to-eat snacks. From krokets (deep-fried meat ragout) to frikandels (meat sausages) and kaassoufflés (cheese-filled snacks), the choices are endless. Insert your coins, open the compartment, and enjoy your freshly cooked snack. It’s a fun and convenient way to grab a quick bite while exploring the city streets.

Sweet Temptations: Dutch Pastries And Pancakes​

And let’s not forget about the sweet temptations in Amsterdam. The city is a paradise for those with a sweet tooth. Treat yourself to traditional Dutch pastries like Appeltaart (Dutch apple pie) or gevulde koek (almond-filled cookie), both which pair perfectly with a warm cup of coffee. If craving something more substantial, indulge in a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth Dutch pancake. These large, thin pancakes come in sweet and savory varieties; you can top them with anything from powdered sugar and syrup to cheese and bacon. The Pancake Bakery in the Jordaan neighborhood is a popular spot to enjoy this Dutch specialty.

Craft Beer And Artisanal Gin: Amsterdam’s Beverage Scene​

When it comes to beverages, Amsterdam has a thriving craft beer culture. Explore the city’s breweries and beer bars to sample a wide range of beers, from traditional Belgian-style ales to innovative craft brews. Brouwerij ‘t IJ, located beneath a towering windmill in the east of the city, and De Prael, known for its commitment to social entrepreneurship and brewing delicious beers, are just a few examples of the breweries you can visit.

Gin lovers will also find their haven in Amsterdam. The city has seen a resurgence of artisanal gin distilleries. Take a tour of the House of Bols to learn about the history and production of Dutch genever (the predecessor of gin), or visit Wynand Fockink, a traditional tasting room where you can sample a wide range of genevers and liqueurs.

Amsterdam’s food scene is a reflection of its vibrant and multicultural identity. Whether indulging in traditional Dutch delicacies, exploring international cuisines, or sipping on local craft beverages, the city offers a diverse range of culinary delights that will leave your taste buds craving for more. Embark on a gastronomic adventure and let Amsterdam’s flavors and aromas enchant you.

Unforgettable Experiences: Engaging Activities And Tranquil Retreats​

Amsterdam invites you to engage with its vibrant streets and stunning landscapes. Cycling is not just a mode of transportation here; it’s a way of life. With an array of bike rental services, you can easily embark on a self-guided tour, cycle along the canals, traverse vibrant neighborhoods, or even explore the serene countryside. Consider a walking tour if you’re interested in a more leisurely pace. They offer an intimate view of the city, uncovering significant landmarks, and hidden gems, and sharing captivating narratives that breathe life into Amsterdam’s history. Here are a few specific tours you can consider:

Bike Tour: Explore The Highlights Of Amsterdam​

Hop on a bike and join a guided tour that takes you to the must-see highlights of Amsterdam. Pedal along the picturesque canals, pass iconic landmarks like the Anne Frank House and the Rijksmuseum, and discover charming neighborhoods such as Jordaan and De Pijp. An experienced guide will share fascinating stories and historical anecdotes, allowing you to immerse yourself in the city’s rich heritage.

Food Walking Tour: Taste The Flavors Of Amsterdam​

Embark on a culinary adventure with a food walking tour through Amsterdam’s vibrant neighborhoods—sample local delicacies such as herring, Dutch cheese, stroopwafels, and artisanal chocolates. Learn about the city’s food culture, visit bustling markets, and hear captivating stories behind traditional dishes. This tour is a feast for the senses, allowing you to indulge in Amsterdam’s gastronomic delights while exploring the streets on foot.

Street Art Tour: Discover Amsterdam’s Urban Art Scene​

Amsterdam is renowned for its vibrant street art scene, and a street art tour is a fantastic way to explore this dynamic form of artistic expression. This tour offers a fresh perspective on Amsterdam’s cultural landscape and showcases the city’s thriving urban art scene. Wander through colorful neighborhoods like NDSM Wharf or the Jordaan district, where striking murals and graffiti adorn the walls. Learn about the artists behind the artworks, their inspirations, and the messages they convey.

Unwinding in Amsterdam: Spa Zuiver and A’DAM Lookout

Exploration deserves relaxation, and Amsterdam is home to unique wellness experiences to help rejuvenate your body and mind. Spa Zuiver, nestled in Amsterdam Forest, offers a variety of treatments, saunas, a spacious swimming pool, and a relaxation area. For those seeking a thrill, A’DAM Lookout awaits. Here, you can experience the Over the Edge swing, swaying 100 meters above the ground with the city sprawling beneath you, adding an adrenaline surge to your Amsterdam experience.

Historical Walking Tour: Unveil Amsterdam’s Past​

Step back in time with a historical walking tour that uncovers Amsterdam’s intriguing past. Learn about Amsterdam’s Golden Age, its trading history, and the stories of influential figures who shaped the city. Explore the medieval streets of the Old Town, visit the historic Dam Square, and discover hidden courtyards and ancient landmarks. A knowledgeable guide will provide fascinating insights into Amsterdam’s rich history, making the past come alive before your eyes.

Nature’s Haven: Amsterdamse Bos And Vondelpark​

When you need a respite from urban exploration, Amsterdam’s nature retreats await. Amsterdamse Bos, a sprawling park, boasts walking trails, picnic spots, and even goat farms. For a city-central green space, spend a relaxed afternoon in the renowned Vondelpark, where you can cycle, stroll, or simply unwind amidst its verdant tranquillity.

Day Trip Ideas: Exploring Beyond Amsterdam​

While Amsterdam has much to offer, consider venturing beyond the city limits to discover the beauty of the surrounding areas. Here are a few day trip ideas to enhance your travel experience:

Rotterdam: The Hip “Brooklyn” of the Netherlands

A day trip to Rotterdam from Amsterdam is an excellent way to experience the culture and vibrancy of two of the Netherlands’ most famous cities. From Amsterdam, the journey by train is just under an hour, making it easy to enjoy a full day in Rotterdam. Once there, visitors can explore the city’s many attractions including its historic architecture, modern art galleries, bustling markets and world-renowned museums. The maritime flair of Rotterdam is evident everywhere and the city’s stunning waterfront views are sure to impress. 

For more information on things to do, check out my other post:

Want more ideas for Rotterdam?

Check out my Rotterdam post!

Keukenhof Gardens: A Floral Paradise​​

Embark on a day trip to Keukenhof Gardens, located just outside Amsterdam. Known as the “Garden of Europe,” Keukenhof is a vast park that showcases over seven million flowers, including the famous Dutch tulips. Stroll through the meticulously designed gardens, marvel at the vibrant colors, and immerse yourself in the fragrant beauty of this floral paradise.

Zaanse Schans: Step Into Dutch History​

Travel back in time with a visit to Zaanse Schans, a historic village that offers a glimpse into traditional Dutch life. Explore well-preserved windmills, visit the wooden houses, and discover artisanal workshops where they make clogs and produce cheese. Zaanse Schans is a living museum that allows you to experience the rich cultural heritage of the Netherlands.

Haarlem: Charm And Culture​

Just a short train ride from Amsterdam lies the picturesque city of Haarlem. Known for its historic architecture, vibrant market squares, and art museums, Haarlem offers visitors a charming and cultural day trip option. Explore the cobblestone streets lined with boutique shops, visit the famous Frans Hals Museum to admire Dutch Golden Age paintings, and take a relaxing stroll along the scenic canals. With its relaxed atmosphere and cultural treasures, Haarlem is a delightful escape from the bustling streets of Amsterdam.

Best Time to Visit Amsterdam

The best time to visit Amsterdam depends on your preferences and what you’re looking to experience. Each season in the city offers its unique charm and activities.

Spring (March to May) brings mild temperatures and the famous blooming tulips at Keukenhof Gardens. It’s a great time to witness the city’s transformation with colorful flowers and enjoy outdoor activities. However, remember that Easter and King’s Day attract crowds, so plan accordingly.

Summer (June to August) is the peak tourist season in Amsterdam. The city comes alive with festivals, outdoor events, and vibrant energy. The weather is pleasant, with longer daylight hours allowing for more exploration. However, be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices during this period.

Autumn (September to November) offers mild temperatures and the beauty of fall foliage. September is enjoyable, with fewer tourists and comfortable weather for sightseeing. November marks the start of the festive season, and you can enjoy the city’s cozy atmosphere as winter approaches.

Winter (December to February) is filled with holiday spirit. Festive lights adorn the streets, and ice-skating rinks pop up around the city. December is bustling with holiday events and markets, while January and February are quieter months with colder weather. It’s a great time to experience the city’s indoor attractions, museums, and cozy cafes.

Consider your preferences for weather, events, and crowd levels when planning your visit to Amsterdam . Whether you prefer the vibrant energy of summer, the blooming flowers of spring, the peaceful ambiance of autumn, or the festive charm of winter, Amsterdam offers something special throughout the year.

Amsterdam’s 10 Must-See Annual Events & Festivals

Amsterdam is a hub of cultural and festive activities that captivate visitors from across the globe. from dazzling light art to colorful tulips, the city offers diverse events catering to all interests., join us as we explore the top 10 annual festivals in amsterdam:.

Light Festival (Early December until late January)

Marvel at the captivating Amsterdam Light Festival, where the city transforms into an illuminated wonderland of stunning light installations. Take a stroll or embark on a boat tour to fully immerse yourself in this magical experience.

Christmas Markets (Late November until early January)

 Indulge in the holiday spirit at Amsterdam’s charming Christmas markets. Delight in the festive atmosphere, shop for unique gifts, and relish in the joyful ambiance while sipping hot chocolate and exploring ice-skating rinks.

Tulip Day (January 21st)

Join the Dutch in celebrating their iconic flower during Tulip Day on Dam Square. Immerse yourself in a sea of vibrant tulips, pick your own bouquet, and witness the start of tulip season in the Netherlands.

Chinese New Year (February 10th, 2024)

Experience the lively Chinese New Year celebrations in Amsterdam’s vibrant Chinatown. Be mesmerized by colorful dragon dances, indulge in delicious cuisine, and enjoy spectacular fireworks.

Amsterdam Gay Pride (Late July until early August)

Embrace inclusivity and attend the renowned Amsterdam Gay Pride festival. Join exhibitions, cultural events, and sports activities celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, culminating in the spectacular Canal Parade.

King’s Day (April 27th)

Paint the town orange during King’s Day, a vibrant celebration of King Willem Alexander’s birthday. Immerse yourself in lively street parties, concerts, and markets that fill the city with joyous festivities.

Vondelpark Open-Air Theater (Early May until late September)

Unwind in the heart of Amsterdam’s beloved Vondelpark and enjoy free performances at the open-air theater. From music to theater and dance, this cultural hotspot offers a range of shows for all ages.

The Open Garden Days (Third weekend of June)

Discover the hidden beauty of Amsterdam’s private gardens during the Open Garden Days event. Explore exquisite gardens behind canal house facades, or take a canal boat tour to witness multiple enchanting locations.

Sail Amsterdam (August 2025)

Witness the grand spectacle of Sail Amsterdam, a maritime event every five years. Be captivated by majestic historic ships sailing through Amsterdam’s harbor, creating a mesmerizing display of naval heritage.

Heritage Day (Second weekend of September)

Gain exclusive access to Amsterdam’s historical treasures during Heritage Day. Step inside magnificent buildings, including canal houses, castles, and palaces, and immerse yourself in the city’s architectural heritage.

Plan your visit to Amsterdam around these exceptional annual festivals and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this captivating city. With its diverse events, Amsterdam promises unforgettable experiences for every traveler.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: A CULTURAL GUIDE FOR A PERFECT VACATION TO AMSTERDAM

How many days in amsterdam is enough.

Around 3-4 days is usually enough if you only want to explore the main attractions of Amsterdam.

What is the best way to travel in Amsterdam?

Public transportation, such as trams and buses, is recommended. Biking and walking are popular too due to the city’s compact size.

What is the best month to go to Amsterdam?

April to September offers pleasant weather and a lively atmosphere. Tulip season in April is particularly popular.

Does Amsterdam have travel restrictions?

Travel restrictions can change, so it’s advisable to check the latest information before planning a trip.

Is Amsterdam an expensive city to visit?

Amsterdam can be expensive, but budget-friendly options are available.

Is 5 days in Amsterdam too much?

Five days can give you a more relaxed and wonderful Amsterdam experience and allow you to explore beyond the main tourist spots.

Is it better to Uber or a taxi in Amsterdam?

Most of the time, Uber is preferred since it is usually cheaper than taxis in Amsterdam. Taxis in the city are a bit expensive, while Uber fares vary based on factors like time, weather, and car availability.

Should I take cash or a card to Amsterdam?

Cards are widely accepted, but it’s also convenient to carry some cash for small purchases.

Is Amsterdam a walkable city?

Yes, Amsterdam is very walkable due to its compact size and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.

What time of year is Amsterdam cheapest?

November to February is generally the off-peak season which offers lower prices.

What season is the cheapest to go to Amsterdam?

Winter (November to February) tends to be the cheapest season for travel in Amsterdam.

What is the coldest month in Amsterdam?

January is typically the coldest month in Amsterdam at 2°C (36°F).

Do I need a Covid test to enter Amsterdam?

Entry requirements can change, so check the latest Covid-19 travel regulations before your trip.

Do I need a visa to go to Amsterdam?

Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Many countries don’t need a visa for short stays.

Do they use euros in Amsterdam?

Yes, Amsterdam uses euros (€) as its currency.

How to enjoy Amsterdam on a budget?

Use public transport passes, explore free or low-cost attractions, and consider eating at local markets or budget-friendly eateries.

Can you go to Amsterdam on a budget?

Yes, with careful planning, you can experience Amsterdam on a budget.

How much money should I take to Amsterdam for 3 days?

Budget around €100-150 per day for food, attractions, and transportation.

What is Amsterdam known for?

Amsterdam is known for its beautiful canals, unique buildings, and lively nightlife.

How to get from Amsterdam Airport to the hotel?

You can take a train, bus, taxi, or airport shuttle to your hotel from Amsterdam Airport.

How do I get from Amsterdam Airport to the city?

The train is a popular and efficient option to get from Amsterdam Airport to the city center.

Should I exchange money before I travel to the Netherlands?

It’s often more convenient to withdraw euros from ATMs in the Netherlands rather than exchanging money before your trip.

Do I need a travel plug for Amsterdam?

The standard power plugs in the Netherlands are Type C and Type F, so you may need a travel adapter for your devices.

Embracing The Journey: An Unforgettable Adventure​

Amsterdam offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and diverse experiences that enchant you. From its iconic canals and world-class museums to its vibrant neighborhoods and multicultural heritage, the city invites you to immerse in its charm and embrace its open-minded atmosphere. 

Whether indulging in Dutch delicacies, exploring the African diaspora, or simply strolling along the picturesque streets, Amsterdam promises unforgettable moments and cherished memories. 

So pack your bags, embrace the city’s diversity, and get ready to embark on a remarkable journey that will stay with you long after you’ve bid Amsterdam farewell. Bon voyage!

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Amsterdam Tourism: History, Culture, and Beauty

Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands, is a world-renowned destination that seamlessly blends its rich historical heritage with a modern and progressive ambiance and Amsterdam tourism . With its picturesque canals, iconic architecture, cultural diversity, and liberal atmosphere, Amsterdam offers a unique and captivating experience for tourists from all corners of the globe. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating Amsterdam Tourism, exploring its historical landmarks, cultural treasures, vibrant nightlife, and the distinctive Dutch way of life.

Historical Significance, Landmarks and Amsterdam Tourism

Amsterdam boasts a fascinating history that dates back to the 13th century when it was founded as a fishing village . Over the centuries, it grew into a thriving trading hub, and remnants of its glorious past can still be witnessed today. The city’s historical significance is best exemplified by its UNESCO-listed Canal Ring, a network of concentric canals lined with elegant 17th-century buildings, providing a stunning backdrop for leisurely walks or boat tours .

Visitors can explore iconic landmarks such as the Anne Frank House, which offers a poignant glimpse into the life of the famous diarist during World War II. The Royal Palace, with its opulent interiors and grand architecture, is another must-visit site. Additionally, the Rijksmuseum, housing an extensive collection of Dutch art, including masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer, offers an enriching cultural experience.

Cultural Experiences and Museums

Amsterdam’s cultural scene is incredibly diverse, catering to all tastes and interests. The city boasts an impressive array of world-class museums that showcase various art movements, historical artifacts, and innovative exhibitions. The Van Gogh Museum is a true gem, housing the largest collection of Vincent van Gogh’s works in the world. Visitors can admire the artist’s vibrant masterpieces and gain insight into his life and artistic journey. For history enthusiasts, the Amsterdam Museum provides a comprehensive overview of the city’s past, from its humble beginnings to its present-day cosmopolitan character. The Rembrandt House Museum, located in the artist’s former residence, offers a glimpse into his personal life and artistic process.

Beyond museums, Amsterdam’s cultural richness extends to its vibrant neighborhoods and diverse communities. The Jordaan district, known for its charming streets and cozy cafés, is a hub for artists and artisans, offering a bohemian atmosphere that captures the city’s creative spirit. The multicultural neighborhood of De Pijp entices visitors with its bustling market, ethnic eateries, and hip boutiques. The NDSM Wharf, a former shipyard turned creative hub, hosts festivals, art installations, and innovative events, showcasing Amsterdam’s avant-garde cultural scene.

Canal Cruises and Bicycling Culture in Amsterdam Tourism

Exploring Amsterdam’s iconic canals is an essential part of any visit to the city. Canal cruises allow tourists to soak in the beauty of the waterways, gliding past historic buildings, picturesque bridges, and charming houseboats. The city’s unique architecture and urban planning, which integrate the canals into the fabric of daily life, create a postcard-worthy scenery at every turn.

Amsterdam’s bicycling culture is legendary, and renting a bike is a fantastic way to immerse oneself in the local lifestyle. With an extensive network of bike paths and a city designed to accommodate cyclists, pedaling through Amsterdam’s streets allows visitors to experience the city like a local. Exploring Vondelpark, the city’s largest green space, or cycling along the Amstel River offers a refreshing escape from the urban bustle.

Vibrant Nightlife and Festivals

Amsterdam comes alive at night, offering a vibrant nightlife scene that caters to every taste. The city’s famous Red Light District, with its neon-lit streets and bustling clubs, is a magnet for partygoers seeking entertainment. For live music enthusiasts, the city boasts numerous venues that host a variety of genres, from intimate jazz bars to large concert halls. The Paradiso and Melkweg are renowned for their eclectic lineups and have played a significant role in the music scene for decades.

Throughout the year, Amsterdam hosts a multitude of festivals that celebrate music, arts, and cultural diversity. King’s Day, held on April 27th, transforms the city into a massive outdoor party, with locals and tourists dressed in orange, enjoying live performances and vibrant street markets. The Amsterdam Dance Event, a globally acclaimed electronic music festival, attracts thousands of music lovers and industry professionals to the city which contributes in Amsterdam Tourism.

Amsterdam tourism scene is a tapestry of historical marvels, cultural treasures, scenic canals, and an inclusive atmosphere that embraces diversity. The city’s unique blend of old-world charm and contemporary vibrancy offers a captivating experience for visitors seeking a multifaceted destination. From immersing oneself in the city’s rich history through its museums and landmarks to embracing the local way of life by exploring its canals and biking culture, Amsterdam offers a wealth of opportunities to discover and enjoy.

Whether wandering through its picturesque streets, admiring world-class art, savoring Dutch cuisine, or joining in lively festivities, Amsterdam invites travelers to embark on a remarkable journey filled with beauty, culture, and unforgettable memories. As one of Europe’s most beloved destinations, the allure of Amsterdam continues to captivate visitors from around the world, leaving an indelible mark on their hearts and minds.

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Nestled in the heart of the Netherlands, Amsterdam has a rich history of artistic and cultural expression dating back to the 17th-century Golden Age. Dutch masters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Hals established the city as a hub of artistic innovation and excellence. In the centuries that followed, Amsterdam continued to flourish as a center of art and design.

From the early 20th-century Art Nouveau period and De Stijl movement to today’s postmodern and contemporary movements, Amsterdam has played a key role in shaping the evolution of art and design on a global scale. Today, the city’s vibrant contemporary art and design scene is a testament to its rich cultural heritage, with galleries, museums, and shops showcasing the latest trends and emerging talents. As a graduate of The Gerrit Rietveld Academie in Amsterdam, I know firsthand that the city is an ever-changing playground for art and design enthusiasts, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in creativity and innovation.

Art Museums:

The Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam is one of the most important museums of modern and contemporary art and design in the world. The museum’s collection includes more than 90,000 works of art and design, ranging from paintings and sculptures to furniture and industrial design objects. The Stedelijk is renowned for its collection of works by Dutch artists, including Vincent van Gogh, Piet Mondrian, and Gerrit Rietveld, as well as its extensive collection of contemporary art and design from around the world. The museum is also known for its innovative and thought-provoking exhibitions, which explore a wide range of themes and issues related to contemporary art and design.

The Rijksmuseum is one of the most prestigious art museums in the world. The museum’s collection consists of more than one million objects, including paintings, sculptures, and historical artifacts, that span from the Middle Ages to the present day. The museum is particularly renowned for its collection of Dutch masterpieces, including Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch” and Vermeer’s “The Milkmaid.” The Rijksmuseum is housed in a stunning building that underwent a major renovation in 2013, which restored the museum’s historic grandeur while also adding new modern elements to the space.

The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is one of the most popular and renowned art museums in the world. The museum is dedicated to the life and work of the famous Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh and houses the largest collection of his works in the world, including more than 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and 700 letters. The museum provides a comprehensive overview of van Gogh’s artistic development, from his early works to his famous masterpieces, such as “The Sunflowers” and “The Potato Eaters.”

The Rembrandt House Museum in Amsterdam is a must-visit destination for art lovers and history buffs. The museum is located in the house where the famous Dutch painter Rembrandt lived and worked for almost 20 years, from 1639 to 1658. The museum provides visitors with a unique opportunity to experience what life was like for Rembrandt during this period, with a range of period rooms and reconstructed studio spaces. The museum also houses an extensive collection of Rembrandt’s works, including some of his most famous etchings and drawings.

The EYE Film Institute in Amsterdam is a unique cultural institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the art of film. With a vast collection of films and cinema-related objects, as well as screenings, exhibitions, and events, the institute is a must-visit destination for film lovers and architecture enthusiasts alike.

Art Galleries:

In addition to the traditional art and design institutions, Amsterdam also boasts a dynamic and thriving contemporary art and design scene, with a range of galleries and shops that showcase the latest trends and emerging talents. Contemporary art galleries such as Stigter van Doesburg , Radar, Galerie Fons Welters , KochxBos, Mediamatic, Upstream Gallery, W139, Pakt, and Annet Gelink Gallery feature works by both Dutch and international artists, covering a diverse range of styles and mediums. These galleries often host exhibitions and events that engage with contemporary issues and push the boundaries of art and expression.

De Ateliers is a prestigious artist residency that offers a nurturing environment for emerging artists to hone their craft. De Ateliers features an exhibition space that regularly showcases contemporary art. The institution organizes a range of public activities, including the annual “Offspring” exhibition, where resident artists display their creations. Additionally, visitors can attend a series of artist talks, performances, and screenings, ensuring a rich and immersive experience in the vibrant local art scene.

The Rijksakademie is a distinguished hub for contemporary visual arts, renowned for its esteemed two-year residency for emerging artists. Beyond nurturing artistic talent, the institution hosts a vibrant public program of events, talks, and exhibitions, reflecting a diverse range of artistic expressions. Visitors will find the Rijksakademie a center of artistic activity, offering a unique blend of creation, learning, and engagement with the art world. For a deeper dive into its offerings and history, please refer to our  in-depth article about The Rijksakademie .

Amsterdam’s design scene is just as impressive as its art scene, with a range of design studios, shops, and exhibitions showcasing cutting-edge design concepts and innovative solutions. The Nine Streets neighborhood, or De Negen Straatjes, in Amsterdam’s city center, is a charming area with picturesque canals, trendy restaurants, and boutique shops. Named after the nine narrow streets that create an intimate atmosphere, it’s a popular destination for shoppers seeking unique and one-of-a-kind finds, including vintage clothing stores, independent boutiques, and artisanal shops. The neighborhood is also home to several art galleries, making it a great spot for art lovers.

Droog is a prime example of Amsterdam’s design prowess, renowned for its minimalist and conceptual designs that challenge traditional design norms. Other notable design shops and galleries in Amsterdam include the Frozen Fountain , Moooi , and the Hôtel Droog . Shops such as Pols Potten offers contemporary furniture, lighting, and accessories that embody Amsterdam’s innovative and forward-thinking design ethos. These shops often collaborate with emerging designers and design studios, providing a platform for new and experimental design concepts. Vlieger Papier is a haven for paper goods, graphic design equipment, and paper crafts.

The MX3D Bridge is a pedestrian bridge located in the famous red-light district of Amsterdam. This bridge is a true marvel of engineering and artistry, designed by the Dutch company MX3D in collaboration with designer Joris Laarman and software company Autodesk. What makes the MX3D Bridge so unique is that it was 3D printed using robots, resulting in an intricate steel structure that looks like a work of art. The process took several months and the result is a stunning bridge that spans the Oudezijds Achterburgwal canal. Walking across the MX3D Bridge offers a unique perspective on the city, and it serves as a significant example of how 3D printing technology can be used to create functional structures in urban environments.

Waag Futurelab is a unique cultural institution housed in De Waag, a historic 15th-century building in the city center. Originally built as a gate to the city’s medieval walls, the building has served a variety of functions over the centuries, including a weigh house, a museum, and a prison. Waag Futurelab is a center for innovation and creativity, hosting a range of events, exhibitions, and workshops that explore the intersection of art, science, and technology. The institution’s focus on experimentation and collaboration makes it a hub for artists, designers, and technologists looking to explore new and innovative ideas. De Waag Amsterdam is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in cutting-edge art, science, and technology.

Vintage Delight:

When it comes to vintage shopping in Amsterdam, the city offers a vibrant scene with an array of fantastic options. Start your adventure at Episode , with multiple locations offering a wide range of vintage clothing, accessories, and footwear. In the heart of the historic district, Laura Dols is a must-visit for its extensive collection of vintage and retro clothing, including exquisite wedding dresses. Zipper , with its two locations, is perfect for denim jackets, retro t-shirts, and unique accessories. In the Jordaan neighborhood, Bij Ons Vintage awaits with handpicked second-hand and vintage pieces. For high-quality designer vintage, make your way to Marbles Vintage & Design in the Nine Streets area, where you’ll discover unique finds from renowned brands. With these top vintage shops, Amsterdam offers a delightful experience for fashion enthusiasts seeking one-of-a-kind treasures.

Take a Break:

If you’re looking for some local favorite spots to rest and relax while exploring the city, here are a few recommendations. For a taste of traditional Amsterdam, head to Café de Pels , a popular haunt for journalists, artists, and intellectuals for nearly half a century. This bar is also a favorite spot for local art students. If you’re in the mood for a stunning view, check out Café de Jaren and its incredible sun terrace overlooking the canal. For a slice of the city’s most famous apple pie, make your way to Café Winkel 43 ; it’s an experience that’s quintessentially Amsterdam. For an authentic taste of Dutch spirits and a step back in time, visit the historic Wynand Fockink Proeflokaal and Spirits . Here, you can go for a tasting session in an environment that has preserved its 17th-century charm, offering a unique glimpse into the local drinking culture. And for those seeking a digital detox, The Offline Club in Amsterdam offers a cozy retreat where you can unplug and enjoy good company, board games, and live music, making it a perfect addition to your Amsterdam adventure.

And Beyond:

The Amsterdam Light Festival is a dazzling annual event that transforms the historic canals and architecture of Amsterdam into a luminous outdoor gallery. Each year, from late November to mid-January, artists, designers, and architects from around the globe converge on the city to showcase their innovative light installations and sculptures. These artworks are strategically placed along the canals and in public spaces, creating a magical atmosphere that can be enjoyed by boat, on foot, or by bike. The festival not only illuminates the city during the darkest months of the year but also invites visitors and locals alike to see Amsterdam in a new light, offering a unique blend of art, technology, and public engagement.

The Science Museum in Amsterdam, or NEMO Science Museum , is a hands-on museum dedicated to science and technology. The museum is housed in a distinctive green building shaped like a ship, which is located on the banks of the IJ river in the city center. NEMO is designed to engage visitors of all ages with interactive exhibits that cover a wide range of topics, from electricity and magnetism to biology and human anatomy. 

The Heesterveld Creative Community, nestled in the vibrant NDSM Wharf neighborhood, is home to a diverse group of artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs who have transformed the area into a lively hub of creativity and collaboration. The NDSM Wharf, once an industrial shipyard, has been reimagined into a cultural playground, offering a unique blend of studios, galleries, and performance spaces. Visitors to Heesterveld can immerse themselves in an ever-changing tapestry of art exhibitions, workshops, and events that reflect the cutting-edge of Amsterdam’s creative spirit.

The Gerrit Rietveld Academie is a leading art and design academy located in Amsterdam, named after the famous Dutch designer and architect Gerrit Rietveld. The academy offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in fine art, design, and applied arts. Its curriculum is focused on experimentation, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration, with a strong emphasis on developing the individual artistic and creative vision of each student. The academy’s building in Amsterdam, designed by Rietveld himself, is a masterpiece of modernist architecture characterized by clean lines, geometric shapes, and bold use of color that reflects his commitment to simplicity and functionality. Visitors to Amsterdam should definitely consider visiting the academy, especially during the end of the school year when it hosts its final exam exhibition, showcasing the innovative and creative work of its talented students.

The Artis Royal Zoo in Amsterdam may not be an obvious recommendation for an art and design guide. Still, its unique history makes it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the city’s past. Located in the old Jewish quarter of Amsterdam, the zoo played a critical role in the rescue of Jewish children during World War II. The zoo’s director, Dr. Artis, provided hiding places for hundreds of Jewish children in the animal cages, allowing them to escape Nazi persecution. As someone who once lived in the old Jewish quarter of Amsterdam, I can attest to the powerful impact of visiting the Artis Royal Zoo. Learning about the heroic actions of Dr. Artis and others who risked their lives to save Jewish children during World War II was both humbling and inspiring.

To fully appreciate the history of the Second World War in Amsterdam, a visit to The Anne Frank House is a must. The museum is dedicated to the life and legacy of Anne Frank, a young Jewish girl who kept a diary while in hiding with her family during the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam. The museum is situated in the actual building where Anne Frank and her family lived in hiding for two years before they were discovered and deported to concentration camps. The museum offers a powerful and sobering glimpse into the horrors of the Holocaust and the bravery of those who risked their lives to protect Jewish families. Visitors can see the hidden rooms where Anne Frank and her family lived, as well as exhibits on the life of Anne Frank and the history of World War II. The Anne Frank House is a poignant reminder of the importance of human rights and the need to stand up against oppression and discrimination.

Theatre Tuschinski is a cinema and an architectural masterpiece that blends Art Deco, Art Nouveau, and Amsterdam School styles into a breathtaking whole. Located in the heart of the city, this iconic venue was opened in 1921 and has since been a premier destination for film enthusiasts and architecture lovers alike. The lavish interior, complete with intricate murals, plush seating, and stunning stained glass, transports visitors back in time, offering a cinematic experience that is as visually captivating as the films it screens. Theatre Tuschinski’s commitment to preserving its historical elegance while showcasing the latest in film technology makes it a pivotal part of Amsterdam’s cultural heritage and a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in the city’s artistic and historical splendor.

Don’t miss the chance to snap a photo on the bench under the graffiti that reads “ Wake Me Up When I’m Famous .” This famous piece of street art, created by Dutch artists and brothers Rinus & Jurriaan van Hall, captures the whimsical and reflective spirit of the city. Located at Frans Halsstraat 64, in the vibrant De Pijp neighborhood, this spot offers a unique photo opportunity that blends Amsterdam’s rich artistic culture with its laid-back, introspective lifestyle.

Zaanse Schans , a picturesque open-air museum, is celebrated for its meticulously preserved windmills and quintessential Dutch houses. This enchanting village provides a window into the industrial heritage of the Netherlands, featuring historic windmills, wooden houses, workshops, and museums. Visitors have the opportunity to witness clog-making and cheese-making demonstrations, as well as explore operational windmills that were pivotal in local manufacturing processes. The most convenient mode of transportation to Zaanse Schans is by train. Departing from Amsterdam Central Station, travelers can take a direct train to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans Station, with the journey lasting about 17 minutes. Upon arrival, a picturesque 15-minute walk leads to the heart of the museum area.

Amsterdam is a city with a dynamic and ever-evolving contemporary art and design scene, constantly pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation. This makes it a must-visit destination for art and design enthusiasts from around the world. With its rich history and cultural heritage, as well as its vibrant contemporary scene, Amsterdam is a destination that is sure to inspire and delight visitors from all over the world.

Shachaf Dekel

Boutique Hotels, Nomad Sanctuaries, and Chic Hostels:

When planning your stay in Amsterdam, it's crucial to select the right hotel to meet your needs and ensure it's situated in your desired location in the city. To help you make an informed decision, we've carefully selected some of the best hotels in Amsterdam for our readers. Please note that some of our recommendations include an affiliate link, which supports the magazine's continued activities by providing a percentage of the sale without extra cost to you. We encourage you to use these links and support our magazine.

Conservatorium Hotel

The Conservatorium Hotel in Amsterdam stands as a stunning example of modern luxury fused with historical charm. Located in the heart of the city's famous museum district, this hotel is housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century building that was once a prestigious music conservatory. The hotel's design is a masterful blend of contemporary architecture and classic elements, creating an atmosphere of sophisticated elegance. Guests can enjoy spacious, artfully designed rooms and suites that offer a tranquil retreat from the bustling city.

Zoku Amsterdam

Zoku Amsterdam is a sustainable apartment hotel designed for professionals, business travelers, and remote workers. It features 133 private apartment-style rooms equipped with air conditioning, free high-speed Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. The rooftop Social Spaces offer coworking spaces, meeting rooms, and a bar and restaurant. Each loft comes with a lofted bed, living room, kitchen, bathroom, large 4-person table, and personalized artwork.

Hotel Mercier

Hotel Mercier is a 4-star hotel offering guests comfortable air-conditioned rooms, a lush garden, and free Wi-Fi. With a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space, guests can relax knowing that their needs will be met around the clock. The hotel also features a bar, making it the perfect spot to unwind after a long day. Hotel Mercier is conveniently located near popular Amsterdam attractions such as Anne Frank House, Royal Palace Amsterdam, and Leidseplein.

The Hoxton Amsterdam

Nestled in five charming canal houses, The Hoxton Amsterdam is a stylish and welcoming retreat in the heart of the city. With free WiFi and a restaurant on site, guests can indulge in comfort and convenience during their stay. The hotel's 24-hour front desk and bar ensure that guests have everything they need, while the Royal Palace Amsterdam and Anne Frank House are just a short walk away.

Mr. Jordaan

Mr. Jordaan is a charming 3-star hotel located just 500 meters away from Anne Frank House. This property offers guests a complimentary buffet breakfast and free Wi-Fi access throughout their stay. Located in the heart of Amsterdam, popular tourist destinations like Royal Palace Amsterdam, Leidseplein, and Rembrandtplein are just a short walk away from Mr. Jordaan.

INK Hotel Amsterdam - MGallery

INK Hotel Amsterdam - MGallery is a unique 4-star hotel located in a historic building that formerly housed the newspaper "De Tijd" headquarters. The hotel's award-winning design seamlessly blends old and new, with a courtyard, Library Lounge adorned with vintage newspapers, and bar PRESSROOM set in the original press room. Located just a 5-minute walk from Dam Square and Amsterdam Central Station, the hotel's central location makes it the perfect base for exploring the city. INK Hotel Amsterdam - MGallery has been recognized for its exceptional design with the European Hotel Design award, specifically for its Lobby, Lounge, and Public Areas.

The Social Hub Amsterdam City

This hybrid hotel and co-living space offers a range of room types, including co-working studios with private workspaces. It features communal areas, a gym, a restaurant, and regular social events.

Located in a former newspaper headquarters, Volkshotel is a creative and vibrant hotel that offers co-working spaces, meeting rooms, and a rooftop bar with panoramic city views. It hosts various events and has a lively atmosphere.

Ecomama Hostel

Ecomama is a trendy and eco-friendly hostel in Amsterdam. It features unique and stylish rooms, a communal kitchen, a cozy lounge area, and regular social events.

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The Best Things to Do in Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s heady mix of elegant, historic gabled buildings and magnificent canals, coupled with a vibrant nightlife and an impressive range of attractions, landmarks and cultural sites, ensures visitors can enjoy a fascinating stay at any time of year.

To help guide travellers around the city, here is Culture Trip’s list of top things to see and do in Amsterdam.

Hop on a captivating Amsterdam canal cruise

A boat tour provides a great introduction to and overview of the city. Amsterdam’s beautiful 17th-century canal belt , forming a multi-tiered crescent around the historic centre, ensures one stunning panorama after another. You’re surrounded by more than a thousand national monuments, including Anne Frank’s House, Westerkerk and the Rijksmuseum . A variety of tours are on offer , including guided historic cruises, candlelit dinner and drink excursions and even an eco-friendly trip where passengers are encouraged to fish for discarded plastic.

Lose yourself in this green oasis of lawns, ponds, woodlands and twisting paths at the heart of the city. Among the lively backdrop of strollers, cyclists, skaters, playful children and, in summer, a sea of picnics, there are 69 sculptures to admire, including a Picasso, as well as an impressive rose garden, cafés and bars with terraces. As well as buskers and street entertainers, an open-air theatre provides music, dance, jazz, cabaret, comedy and children’s theatre during the summer months.

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Immerse yourself in art at the Van Gogh Museum

You’re not only treated to the world’s largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh here, but also works by contemporaries such as Gauguin, Monet and Toulouse-Lautrec. More than 200 paintings and 500 drawings from every period of van Gogh’s career range from his early, sombre work in the Netherlands and Belgium to the colourful portraits and still lifes from his French period. The museum regularly organises temporary exhibitions.

Cycle around the city

It’s great to experience Amsterdam as the locals do , on a bike. The city is awash with good cycle paths and some great routes, and it’s well worth heading out to outlying districts, such as Noord, Oost, Zuid and West. Each has a completely different vibe to the centre, and their own cultural attractions and highlights.

Visit Anne Frank’s House

Anne Frank is, of course, one of Amsterdam’s most famous residents, living in a secret annex during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands in World War II before being taken to a concentration camp. You can visit the hidden apartment on Prinsengracht canal where Anne and her family and several others lived, behind a secret door, concealed behind a hinged bookcase. It is bare of furniture yet very poignant, and magazine pictures stuck on the walls by Anne remain. Neighbouring buildings house a museum dedicated to Anne’s tragic story. Very long queues to visit are common, so it is best to book tickets online in advance .

Visit the animal kingdom at Artis Zoo

Located in the leafy Plantage district, Amsterdam’s zoo is situated in beautifully landscaped grounds and boasts more than 900 animal species. It also has a planetarium, an aquarium with coral reefs, a kids’ petting zoo, African savannah and tropical rainforest areas and the Micropia exhibition, focussing on microbes, which is a lot more engaging than you may think.

Stroll the city’s markets

There are a number of open-air street markets around the city, and visiting them can help give you a feel of the ‘real’ Amsterdam. The biggest and best known, Albert Cuypmarkt, situated in the 19th-century neighbourhood of de Pijp , has more than 300 stalls, selling everything from traditional Dutch delicacies such as stroopwafels to cheese, meats, fruit and seafood, jewellery and clothes. The Bloemenmarkt on the Singel canal is the only floating flower market in the world, established in 1862. As well as flowers, its florists sell a host of bulbs. Waterlooplein flea market offers a great choice of second-hand clothing, shoes and antiques.

Chill out at a brown café

The traditional Dutch local pub is known as a bruin café , the name coming from years of smoke stains on the walls. Typically they have dark-brown wood panelling and furniture, low lighting and perhaps candles on the tables, and are irresistibly cosy, friendly and conducive to conversation. Often selling food too, they may be found down side streets or in 17th-century canal houses.

Catch a movie at one of Amsterdam’s striking independent cinemas

Most of the city’s independent cinemas have something special or quirky to offer, whether it’s the luscious Pathé Tuschinski, considered one of the most beautiful cinemas in the world; the striking Postmodern building that houses the EYE Film Institute; Movies, the city’s oldest cinema, dating from 1912; or the Filmtheater Kriterion, established by former members of the Dutch Resistance after World War II.

This article is an updated version of a story created by Tom Coggins .

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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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See & Do

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Amsterdam: Exploring Culture & Traditions

Welcome to amsterdam: exploring culture & traditions.

Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands, is a vibrant and diverse city known for its rich culture, historic architecture, and picturesque canals. With its unique blend of old-world charm and modern urbanity, Amsterdam offers a plethora of attractions and activities for visitors to explore. Whether you're interested in art, history, or simply soaking up the atmosphere of a lively European city, Amsterdam has something for everyone.

Top Attractions

Van gogh museum.

Immerse yourself in the works of the famous Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh. The museum houses the largest collection of his paintings and drawings, providing a fascinating insight into his life and artistic journey.

Anne Frank House

Step back in time and visit the actual hiding place where Anne Frank wrote her diary during World War II. This museum offers a poignant and thought-provoking experience that pays tribute to Anne's extraordinary spirit.

Rijksmuseum

Delve into the Dutch Golden Age at the Rijksmuseum, where you can admire masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and other renowned Dutch artists. The museum's vast collection of art and historical artifacts is a true treasure trove.

Escape the city bustle and unwind in Vondelpark, Amsterdam's largest park. With its tranquil green spaces, scenic ponds, and charming cafes, it's the perfect place for a leisurely stroll or a picnic on a sunny day.

Discover Amsterdam's famous canal system by taking a relaxing boat tour. Glide along the picturesque waterways, passing historic houses, charming bridges, and iconic landmarks.

Local Cuisine

Amsterdam boasts a diverse culinary scene, influenced by both Dutch traditions and international flavors. Here are some must-try dishes:

• Herring: Sample this traditional Dutch delicacy, usually served raw and topped with onions and pickles. It's a true taste of local culture.
• Stroopwafels: Indulge in these delicious caramel-filled waffle cookies, best enjoyed warm from a local bakery
• Bitterballen: These deep-fried meatballs are a popular snack in Amsterdam's bars and cafes. Dip them in mustard for a burst of flavor.
• Poffertjes: These small, fluffy pancakes are a favorite among both locals and visitors. They're typically served with butter and powdered sugar.
• Gouda Cheese: Don't miss the opportunity to savor some authentic Dutch Gouda cheese. Visit a cheese shop and learn about the different varieties and pairings.

Traditions and Festivals

Amsterdam is known for its vibrant festivals and events, celebrating both Dutch traditions and international culture. Here are a few notable ones:

• King's Day: On April 27th, the entire city turns orange to celebrate the King's birthday. Enjoy street parties, live music, and a festive atmosphere like no other.
• Amsterdam Light Festival: During the winter months, the canals come alive with stunning light installations, transforming the city into a magical wonderland.
• Gay Pride Parade: Every year in August, Amsterdam hosts one of the largest and most colorful LGBTQ+ parades in the world. Join the festivities and show your support for equality.
• Sinterklaas: In December, Amsterdam celebrates the arrival of Sinterklaas, a traditional Dutch Santa Claus. Watch the lively parade and enjoy the festive spirit.

Getting Around

Amsterdam is a compact city that is best explored on foot, by bike, or by using public transportation. The city's extensive network of trams, buses, and metro lines makes it easy to navigate and reach all major attractions. Consider purchasing an OV-chipkaart for convenient and discounted travel within the city.

Final Thoughts

Amsterdam's unique blend of history, art, and vibrant culture makes it a destination worth exploring. From its world-class museums to its picturesque canals and lively festivals, the city offers a diverse range of experiences. So pack your bags, embrace the Dutch spirit, and get ready to immerse yourself in the wonders of Amsterdam.

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About The Netherlands

What is amsterdam known for (local tour guide explains).

As a born Amsterdammer, I know the city like the back of my hand. I love this city, and so I like to share my love for it with others. I do that through my city tours, but also through this article. But what is Amsterdam known for?

Amsterdam is known for its beautiful canals, quirky architecture, rich history, museums, Anne Frank, Dutch art, coffeeshops, diverse cultures, and the Red Light District. Because of this, Amsterdam is visited by millions of tourists each year.

If you are looking for a city that pulls you in with its art, charm, grace, and beauty, look no further than Amsterdam. Don’t believe me? Let’s look at what makes Amsterdam so great and why it is visited by more than 9 million tourists each year.

What is Amsterdam Famous For?

When talking about what makes a city famous, we have to look at exactly what sights, histories, and cultural influences the city has.

Amsterdam has no shortage of all of these for us to explore. And yes, before we get started, Amsterdam is far more than just a layover spot for backpackers to grab some “green.”

So, what is Amsterdam known and famous for?

This has everything to do with what Amsterdam has to offer for tourists and what makes it worthwhile for people to visit the capital of the Netherlands .

The cultural significance of Amsterdam:

Amsterdam is a relatively compact city in terms of land coverage to population density. In just 219 sq km (84 sq mi) , over 838,000 people live and thrive in the city.

But this isn’t the most impressive stat.

The most impressive feature of Amsterdam is that within the confines of this city, there are over 50 museums , many of them world-famous!

This means there is nearly one museum for every 0.25 sq km (0.09 sq mi) . That is absolutely insane!

This is what makes Amsterdam the cultural capital of the entire region.

The city is bursting at the seams with art, history, and culture to be experienced and learned. 

From the real-life Anne Frank House to the world-renowned Rijksmuseum and even the Van Gogh museum, which houses the largest collection of Van Gogh paintings on earth, you will find it all here.

But the culture doesn’t end there.

Amsterdam is not only a center for cultural and historical remembrance. It is a living and breathing cultural melting pot.

In Amsterdam, over 170 distinct nationalities live together and coexist. 

In the entire world, only a few cities have more different nationalities. This makes Amsterdam one of the most culturally diverse places on earth.

You will notice this in the food, music, art, and people you meet on every corner. Amsterdam is famous for its varied cultural experience!

The beauty and charm of Amsterdam:

Amsterdam is an incredibly charming city to visit.

The beautiful 17th-century Golden Age architecture paired with the intricate canal systems makes central Amsterdam one of the most amazing cities in the world.

It leaves you feeling like you took a step back in time, to a place outside of this era completely.

The canals of Amsterdam are some of the most romantic and beautiful in the world.

While Venice is known as the city with the most beautiful canals, we should also definitely not forget Amsterdam. This is also why Amsterdam has been nicknamed Venice of the North .

You can walk for miles along the beautiful and famous canals or sit on the dock with a bottle of wine to watch the boats go by. Of course, you can also take a boat tour and enjoy the city’s beauty from the water.

You can enjoy Amsterdam in many different ways:

Aside from the beautiful architecture and canals, the local people are mostly very friendly.

If you are looking for something, they are willing to help you and do this in excellent English. This is because the Dutch people are known for talking many foreign languages.

But I must also say that not all Amsterdam residents are happy with the many tourists. Because of the many tourists, there is also a regular nuisance for local residents.

Amsterdam is also known as the Sin City of Europe:

Yes, yes, I know I can’t avoid it. We have to talk about the quirky features of Amsterdam at some point. At least, if we want to discuss everything Amsterdam is known for.

Because, in its own way, Amsterdam is famous for being a very quirky city all around.

Most notoriously, Amsterdam is famous for what you ​can​ do rather than what you can’t. This is why Amsterdam got nicknamed the City of Sin.

You see, authorities in Amsterdam long ago decided that it was best to allow the people certain pleasures, so long as no one was getting hurt.

This included the use of soft drugs like marijuana and prostitution.

This led to the rise of coffeeshops and the Red Light District. But rest assured, Amsterdam is not a city of evil! For most people, these places are just there and are not looked at strangely.

However, the fact remains that Amsterdam has a bit of a quirky side.

You can roll up a joint at a coffeeshop or go and meet a legal sex worker in the red light district. Take that, Las Vegas!

Amsterdam is one of the most eco-friendly cities:

The city’s cleanliness is another area in which Amsterdam is world-renowned and famous. From its appearance to its actual eco-friendly nature of it.

Amsterdam is famous for being incredibly conscious of its surroundings and their impact on the world. Amsterdam ranks 5th among the most eco-friendly cities for working people.

This is partly due to the many cycling and walking to work, the high number of vegetarian and vegan eateries, renewable energy, and the many techniques used to be environmentally friendly.

For example, 58% of Amsterdam residents go to work on foot or bike each day. This is also why Amsterdam is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the entire world.

But Amsterdam is not satisfied with this.

For example, the city wants to emit 95% less CO2 by 2050, and 80% of the houses must run on sustainable energy by 2030.

Another good example is the quality of the water in the Amsterdam canals.

In the past, the sewers even ran into the canals, and people got sick from the water. This has improved enormously in the last decades.

Nowadays, water is pumped from the IJsselmeer through the canals, dramatically improving water quality. This makes it possible to swim through the canals, which is also done annually for a good cause.

In this way, Amsterdam tries to remain one of the most eco-friendly cities in the world. Many cities worldwide could take an example from this.

What Tourist Attractions is Amsterdam Known For?

As we discussed above, Amsterdam is famous for its culture and architecture. This means that there are plenty of unique places to see and experience when you are there.

The city has some incredibly famous landmarks that visitors from around the world go out of their way to see. Here are just a few!

Dam Square​:

Otherwise known as the “Dam,” this massive central city square is where it all happens.

Here you will find festivals, shops, street performers, and breathtaking architecture surrounding you. The Dam Square is a must-see for everyone visiting Amsterdam and is one of the city’s most famous sights.

The famous “Dam Square” in Amsterdam:

Anne Frank House:

The Diary of Anne Frank is a heartbreaking tale of a young Jewish girl hiding from Nazi persecution during WWII. That girl lived in Amsterdam, right on the canal in this famous canal house.

She penned much of her diary in this house and lived in the ‘secret annex’ hideaway for over two years. This home is now a world-famous museum and is one place every visitor to Amsterdam must see and experience.

Rijksmuseum:

The Rijksmuseum is among the most famous museums in the entire world. Here in this 19th-century complex, you will find some of the most famous European masterpieces of the ages.

You will be able to see such paintings as ​“ The Night Watch ”​ by Rembrandt van Rijn, The ‘​ Self-Portrait’ by Vincent Van Gogh​ , and ​“ The Battle of Waterloo” ​by Jan Willem Pieneman.

If you are a bibliophile, you will also love visiting this museum because it is home to 35000 old books and manuscripts. It also houses a collection of medieval sculptors and traditional handicrafts.

This museum of art is home to some of the most breathtaking works of human history and must be seen to be believed. It may be the most famous place in all of Amsterdam.

Van Gogh Museum:

One of the country’s top attractions is the museum dedicated to the most revered painter of the Netherlands, Vincent van Gogh.

Established in 1972, this museum exhibits the exceptional artistry of the artist. 

In this museum, you will find 200 paintings, 500 sketches, and 700 letters from Van Gogh. Moreover, you will see a colorful multimedia presentation of Van Gogh’s life.  

The Royal Palace:

The Royal Palace of Amsterdam was built in 1648. Ancient Rome inspires its classical architecture.

The Council hall is the most beautiful and largest room in the Palace. It is one of Europe’s best staterooms. The ceilings of the Palace are painted by Rembrandt’s pupils, Govert Flinck and Ferdinand Bol. 

Red Light District:

I mentioned it briefly, but the Red Light District is, of course, one of the most famous tourist attractions in Amsterdam.

Although most Dutch people are not surprised by this neighborhood, it remains strange for many tourists.

Where the Red Light District once began as a service, so to speak, it has now become a real attraction. This is not necessarily a positive development.

First of all, the ladies are just there to do their jobs and not to be seen as some kind of zoo animal. So I want to emphasize that when you walk the Red Light District, treat the people who work there with respect.

Moreover, tourists cause a lot of nuisance in the Red Light District. First, because it is simply too crowded, but also because of excessive alcohol and drug use.

Magere Brug (skinny bridge):

The Skinny Bridge is one of Amsterdam’s most iconic bridges. This bridge over the Amstel River connects two parts of the city.

It is especially recommended to come to this place in the dark. This is because the bridge is then beautifully illuminated with hundreds of lights.

This makes it one of the most photographed places in Amsterdam.

The Jordaan is probably the most famous neighborhood in Amsterdam. It is a romantic neighborhood with beautiful houses. Surrounded by numerous canals, the Jordaan used to be known as a real working-class neighborhood.

Today it is one of the most popular and hip neighborhoods in the city. You can stroll through it and experience the real old Amsterdam.

Museum Het Rembrandthuis:

Rembrandt van Rijn, even people who don’t like art know this name. This museum, named after the Dutch painter, is located in his old house.

That alone should be reason enough for an art lover to visit this museum. But in addition, this museum has a wonderful collection, which every art lover dreams of.

On display are not only works by Rembrandt himself but also by his many pupils.

This museum is well worth a visit for its art, but also for the history of the building in which it is located.

LEARN MORE ABOUT AMSTERDAM? Then please check out the following articles: - Why Is Amsterdam Called The Venice Of The North? - Why Is Amsterdam The City Of Sin? - Why Is Amsterdam The Capital Of The Netherlands? - 45 Interesting Facts About Amsterdam (Fully Explained) - 12 Best Amsterdam Canals Facts You Didn’t Know

Amsterdam is among the most charming, beautiful, and unique cities in the world. Its quaint beauty is often overlooked by bigger and flashier cities in western and central Europe.

However, I hope that by reading this, you now know what Amsterdam is known and famous for. This must-have ensured that Amsterdam is on the top of your list for cities to visit.

Hopefully, thanks to this article, you know which places to visit during your visit to Amsterdam!

Leo van den Berg

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8 Must-Visit Cultural Sights in Amsterdam

With thousands of preserved renaissance buildings and numerous museums, Amsterdam is, without a doubt, a European cultural hub.

Concentrated on about 2,000 acres in Amsterdam are close to 7,000 buildings initially erected in the 16th to the18th century. The area is also home to the city’s grachten – a network of 160 canals connecting small islands within the city. 

The connecting bridges have had their original charm largely preserved and are a sight to behold in itself. These eye-catching bridges would, of course, include the famed wooden Magere Bridge. 

But that’s not all, of course. For any visitor spending some time in Amsterdam, the following cultural sights are must-visits. 

1. Van Gogh Museum

For some 50 years, the Van Gogh Museum of Amsterdam has been a mecca of sorts for art lovers and tourists. Even the building itself is an excellent example of contemporary architecture.

It houses one of the world’s most extensive collections of the legendary painter’s works and personal artifacts, most of which came from Theo van Gogh, the brother of Vincent. 

In addition to the 500 etchings and 200 canvases housed, you can also see Van Gogh’s personal letters. What’s more, all of the critical periods of Van Gogh’s works are on display. 

You can also opt for the Meet Vincent van Gogh Experience while there. It’s an interactive presentation of the painter’s life and most iconic paintings. 

2. Dam Square

Dam Square is a fixture on any given tourist’s Amsterdam map.

The main attraction here is the Koninklijk Palace, which is still the site of Dutch royal activities. On top of that, adjacent cultural attractions include Madame Tussauds and the Nieuwe Kerk (the New Church). And this is where you can see the National Memorial Statue that was built as a homage to WWII soldiers.  

When you run out of energy, you can take a break at one of the restaurants and cafes nearby. There’s also a Ferris wheel on which you may acquire a unique perspective of the area. 

3. Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam

Located in the heart of Amsterdam, the botanical garden is among the oldest in the world. It was a small garden of medicinal plants when it first opened in the mid-17th century. Fast forward almost 400 years and the botanical garden of today has an impressive collection of exotic and rare flora. 

Of particular interest is the hothouse that contains several zones of tropical plants. Additionally, you may want to check out the garden’s old pavilion that dates back to the 17th century. 

Want to see some rare plants? Keep your eyes peeled for the Persian Ironwood just for a start. 

4. The Begijnhof

If the Amsterdam weather obliges, make sure to take a walk to the Begijnhof. This is actually part of old Amsterdam with historic homes and charming pathways and lanes. 

You’ll see some of the oldest homes in the city, including an intact wooden building from the 1300s. Some of the most beautiful green lawns you’ll ever find are right here. The Begijnhof also has a small chapel erected by the original settlers that’s still operational and open to visitors. 

A hideaway in the middle of the city, the best way to explore the area is to travel on foot and soak up its unique vibe. 

5. Rijksmuseum

Believe it or not, the Rijksmuseum collection encompasses a million artifacts that date back to as far back as the 13th century. The museum’s 250 rooms have 8,000 paintings on display, including those by the world’s most renowned artists. 

Book lovers will also be delighted once they step foot in the Rijksmuseum. After all, it’s home to more than 35,000 manuscripts and books, and those on display ably demonstrate the evolution of Dutch culture and art.

Other notable collections include medieval sculptures, traditional handicrafts, and contemporary art. The museum even has a Michelin-starred restaurant where you can really treat yourself and your company. 

Distinctly memorable, this district has a captivating mix of traditional architecture, high-street boutiques, and open-air markets. 

When in Jordaan, know that you’re only a short walk away from the Woonboot Museum, the Anne Frank House, and the Amsterdam Cheese Museum. And if you’re visiting on a Saturday, you’ll want to check out Lindengracht street. Formerly a canal, the street turns into a market where you’ll find an array of local produce and crafts on that particular day. 

As you might expect, this is a district where trendy cafes and restaurants abound. Some are even known to put on regional traditional folk music all day. 

7. Anne Frank House

A monument to a WWII tragedy, Anne Frank’s House in Amsterdam has been restored and preserved to the original state left behind by Anne Frank’s family. In fact, the original copy of the famous diary is on display. 

Considering this is one of Amsterdam’s most popular tourist attractions, tickets must be reserved well in advance. To be absolutely sure, you might want to book your tickets at least two months prior to your visit.

8. Vondelpark

Covering 120 acres, Vondelpark is the biggest park in Amsterdam. It has an eclectic mix of cultural hotspots and captivating gardens but the rose garden may be of particular interest to those yearning to see a collection of the most fantastic varieties.

There are statues, sculptures, and cultural venues to be found here. The Vondelpark Open Air Theater is a highlight and, if you visit at the right time, you can see a show as it holds stage productions between the months of May and September. 

You’ll also find that the locals often organize picnics at Vondelpark. But for the tourists, the plentiful cafes in and around the park may be a more convenient option if you get hungry. 

Your Cultural Renaissance in Amsterdam

It’s safe to say that the cultural riches of Amsterdam put the glorious history of the Dutch on full display. From stunning works of art to one-of-a-kind public spaces, this city is bound to leave you breathless. 

You can even walk to most of the attractions when in Amsterdam. Needless to say, you can discover so much about the city in such a short time.

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Areas such as Leidseplein and the red light district of Amsterdam need no introduction. But to drill it down further, check out some of the best bars in the city. 

Would you like to have schnapps at a remodeled former pirate radio and TV station? Or maybe cocktails at an 11th floor lounge?  

Whatever your guilty pleasure, the best bars in Amsterdam will deliver beyond your wildest expectations. Discover all the best bars to drop by and brace yourself for an unforgettable night out in one of Europe’s hippest cities. 

Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

1. REM Eiland

Perched above a river is an oil-rig-like structure known as REM Eiland. 

Famous Amsterdam architectural company Concrete is responsible for the groundbreaking design, and the fire engine red accents on the exterior make the building even more eye-catching. 

REM Eiland is a booth, bar, and restaurant with a menu to suit any taste. The most popular seating areas are the wraparound platform and the rooftop helipad, for which you might have to reserve in advance. 

2. SkyLounge

The aptly named SkyLounge has one of the best views of Amsterdam’s canals. In fact, this is only one of several bars and restaurants offering a 360° panoramic view of the city. 

The lounge is part of the DoubleTree hotel and great to visit at any time of the day. But if you arrive just before sunset, you’ll be able to catch the cityscape’s transformation from sun-washed to glittery. 

For an even more immersive yet relaxing experience, the SkyTerrace has plenty of sofas on which you and your company can relax with a tasty cocktail in hand. 

3. ‘t Smalle

Situated on the UNESCO-listed Golden Age canal, Café ‘t Smalle is located in a converted 18-century gin distillery. Its unique setting includes a canal-banked terrace at the bar where patrons can dock their boats. 

As soon as you step inside the bar, you’ll be greeted by the lead-framed windows characteristic of Amsterdam’s canal ring. Some of the vintage beer pumps are even still operational. 

And in case you’re wondering, yes, the gin produced at the facility in its previous incarnation is still available for order. 

4. Westergasterras

This bar is in western Amsterdam and within the revamped Westergasfabriek complex. Formerly a gasworks plant, it is now a hotspot frequented by the locals and tourists. 

Among all the attractions in the city, Westergasterras is a definite highlight. The location is a large outdoor terrace overlooking a neighboring weir that’s complete with ponds. 

The bar puts its sizable space to good use, as it hosts events, art exhibitions, and some of Europe’s best DJs. 

5. Brouwerij ‘t IJ

For those with a taste for craft beer, know that Brouwerij ‘t IJ is one of the best beer bars in Amsterdam. The location is a converted mid-18th century windmill with the sails intact and imparting a unique charm.

The organic microbrewery stocks a range of seasonal, standard, and limited-edition beers. And as you might suspect, some of these are far more potent than Budweiser and Coors. 

Brouwerij ‘t IJ also offers half-hour beer-tasting tours. But if you prefer, you can drink at your own pace in the indoor tasting room. 

You may want to hang out at the bar’s tree-shaded outdoor terrace if the weather permits. 

Door 74 has the feel of a Prohibition-era speakeasy adjacent to the iconic Rembrandtplein square. But what’s most interesting is that you can’t just walk into this bar. 

For a start, the doors are unmarked. You’re going to have to text or call beforehand to get in. It’ll all be worth it, though. 

Besides the speakeasy charm, the pressed-tin ceiling and the liberal use of dark wood add a classy flair to the place. Keep in mind that the menu changes every few months. Just to give you an idea, some of the more unique themes include Tarzan jungle and 1920s horror. 

And here’s an important tip: whenever you feel like drinking, never ask for a mojito. 

7. Flying Dutchmen Cocktails

Out of all the cocktail bars in Amsterdam, the Flying Dutchmen is definitely on the busier side. The crowds gather here for the Art Nouveau interior and award-winning cocktails. 

As if the bar needs any more hype, the Spirited Awards made one of the co-owners a nominee for the best bartender award four years running. 

The Flying Dutchmen serves classic cocktails based on centuries-old recipes. Avid drinkers will have a good time deciding on one or more of the 600 labels that the bar routinely keeps in stock. 

8. Belushi’s

When it comes to partying and fun, Belushi’s is it. 

The bar is on the outskirts of the red light district and a great place to start off a night on the town. It’s a place where many arrive and wouldn’t think of going anywhere else. 

If for nothing else, Belushi’s has the longest happy hour in Amsterdam. Budget-conscious partygoers will delight in the fact that it’s on the affordable side.  

Belushi’s also serves snacks and burgers before the party officially kicks off – that would be 10 pm on most nights. The bar can get absolutely packed and the music is consistently great, though you may want to look up the DJ schedule before heading over. 

In the end, its patrons are probably Belushi’s best assets. This hostel bar is a melting pot of people from all over the world. 

Let’s Tango in Amsterdam

Now you know all the bars in Amsterdam that you can’t afford to miss. So, feel free to hop from one place to another until you find a place to dock. But keep in mind that the above only scratches the surface of what Amsterdam has to offer. 

As you make your way around town, you’re bound to run into some cool bars on your own. And that’s a very good thing, seeing as half the fun is in the search.

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Amsterdam Tourism is a blog that is dedicated to providing insightful information on the best places to visit, hidden gems, local culture and traditions, and much more. With my passion for Amsterdam, I am here to help you make the most of your trip to this beautiful city.

• Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Tourism in Amsterdam - Statistics and Facts

Who travels to amsterdam, impact of covid-19 on accommodation in amsterdam, key insights.

Detailed statistics

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Current statistics on this topic, accommodation.

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Change in inbound tourism receipts due to COVID-19 in the Netherlands 2019-2020

Change in international tourism receipts in the Netherlands due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in 2019 and 2020, by quarter (in million U.S. dollars)

Tourism expenditure in the Netherlands 2010-2020, by category

Tourism expenditure in the Netherlands from 2010 to 2020, by category (in million euros)

Change in international tourist arrivals due to COVID-19 in the Netherlands 2019-2021

Change in international tourist arrivals in the Netherlands due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic from January 2019 to April 2021 (in 1,000s)

Number of tourism jobs in the Netherlands 2010-2022

Number of jobs in the tourism industry in the Netherlands from 2010 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

• Premium Statistic Tourist accommodation establishments in Amsterdam, Netherlands 2010-2022
• Premium Statistic Number of overnight accommodation units in Amsterdam in the Netherlands 2022, by type
• Premium Statistic Inbound tourist arrivals in the Netherlands 2012-2022, by accommodation type
• Premium Statistic Average cost of overnight accommodation in Amsterdam 2019-2023, by month

Number of tourist accommodation establishments in Amsterdam, Netherlands from 2010 to 2022

Number of overnight accommodation establishments in Amsterdam in the Netherlands as of December 2022, by type

Number of international tourist arrivals in the Netherlands from 2012 to 2022, by type of accommodation (in 1,000s)

Average cost of overnight accommodation in Amsterdam, the Netherlands from January 2019 to December 2023 (in euros)

• Premium Statistic Number of hotels in Amsterdam (Netherlands) 2007-2020
• Premium Statistic Number of hotel rooms in Amsterdam from 2017 to 2020, by classification
• Premium Statistic Tourist arrivals in hotels in Amsterdam 2022, by origin
• Premium Statistic Leading travel markets in Amsterdam 2019-2022, by number of hotel overnight stays

Total number of hotels in Amsterdam (Netherlands) from 2007 to 2020

Number of hotel rooms in Amsterdam from 2017 to 2020, by classification

Tourist arrivals in hotels in Amsterdam 2022, by origin

Number of tourist arrivals in hotels in Amsterdam, the Netherlands in 2022, by origin (in 1,000s)

Leading travel markets in Amsterdam 2019-2022, by number of hotel overnight stays

Number of tourist overnight stays in hotels in Amsterdam, the Netherlands from 2019 to 2022, by country (in 1,000s)

• Premium Statistic Number of Airbnb listings in Amsterdam 2023, by room type
• Premium Statistic Number of Airbnb listings in Amsterdam 2022, by district
• Premium Statistic Overnight stays spent at Airbnb rentals in Amsterdam 2016-2019

Number of Airbnb listings in Amsterdam, the Netherlands as of December 2023, by room type

Number of Airbnb listings in Amsterdam 2022, by district

Number of Airbnb listings in Amsterdam, the Netherlands in 2022, by district

Overnight stays spent at Airbnb rentals in Amsterdam 2016-2019

Number of overnight stays spent in Airbnb accommodation in Amsterdam in the Netherlands from 2016 to 2019 (in 1,000s)

Business tourism

• Basic Statistic Overnight stays in hotels by business travelers in Amsterdam 2012-2022
• Premium Statistic Overnight stays in hotels by business travelers in Amsterdam 2022, by category
• Premium Statistic Number of meetings held in Amsterdam 2014-2020
• Premium Statistic Leading exhibitions in Amsterdam 2021, by number of visitors

Overnight stays in hotels by business travelers in Amsterdam 2012-2022

Number of nights spent by business tourists in hotels in Amsterdam, Netherlands from 2012 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

Overnight stays in hotels by business travelers in Amsterdam 2022, by category

Number of nights spent by business tourists in hotels in Amsterdam, Netherlands in 2022, by star rating (in 1,000s)

Number of meetings held in Amsterdam 2014-2020

Total number of meetings held in Amsterdam, Netherlands, from 2014 to 2020

Leading exhibitions in Amsterdam 2021, by number of visitors

Leading trade and public exhibitions in Amsterdam, the Netherlands in 2021, by number of visitors

Cultural activities

• Premium Statistic Attendance at the Rijksmuseum 2014-2021
• Premium Statistic Attendance at the Van Gogh Museum 2014-2021
• Premium Statistic Visitors to the Anne Frank Huis in Amsterdam in the Netherlands 2011-2020
• Premium Statistic Visitors to the NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam in the Netherlands 2011-2020
• Premium Statistic Visitors to the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam (Netherlands) 2012-2020
• Premium Statistic Number of visitors to Natura Artis Magistra Zoo Amsterdam 2011-2022

Attendance at the Rijksmuseum 2014-2021

Total number of visitors to the Rijksmuseum in the Netherlands from 2014 to 2021 (in millions)

Attendance at the Van Gogh Museum 2014-2021

Total number of visitors to the Van Gogh Museum in the Netherlands from 2014 to 2021 (in millions)

Visitors to the Anne Frank Huis in Amsterdam in the Netherlands 2011-2020

Number of visitors to the Anne Frank Huis in Amsterdam in the Netherlands from 2011 to 2020 (in 1,000s)

Visitors to the NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam in the Netherlands 2011-2020

Number of visitors to the NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam in the Netherlands from 2011 to 2020 (in 1,000s)

Visitors to the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam (Netherlands) 2012-2020

Number of visitors to the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam (Netherlands) from 2012 to 2020 (in 1,000s)

Number of visitors to Natura Artis Magistra Zoo Amsterdam 2011-2022

Number of visitors to the Natura Artis Magistra Zoo in Amsterdam in the Netherlands from 2011 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

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7 Reasons You Should Visit This Beautiful Dutch City Instead Of Amsterdam

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You can say a lot of things about Amsterdam, but today Amsterdam is saying a lot about you.

And by “you”, we simply mean tourists in general.

Everyone would like to think there were a lot of valuable lessons learned during the pandemic.

Amsterdam may have made it through, but it seems memory loss may be a side effect.

Surely, we all feel grateful those dark days are behind us, but is Amsterdam forgetting how travel came to a screeching halt with so many economies across the world severely affected overnight?

The Netherlands' most popular city has long been attracting free spirits with fewer rules and more play, but those days may be over as the city is basically hanging up a ‘Do Not Disturb' sign.

Fortunately, Amsterdam has a doppelgänger less than an hour away . The beautiful city of Utrecht is well worth the trip.

Here are 7 reasons why you should visit this beautiful Dutch city instead of Amsterdam:

Another Campaign To Deter Tourists

Man, oh man, here we go again…

Amsterdam has launched yet another campaign to keep tourists at bay. This time, it's in the form of a questionnaire to get tourists to think twice about their reason for visiting.

With very specific questions, including references to drugs, this new tool is designed to push tourists to visit for the right reasons (in their eyes) and inform them of certain illegal activity despite the city's notoriously lax culture.

While over-tourism is a very real concern, here is the kicker – Amsterdam built their own city, culture, and attractions, so how is this newfound Karen-esque perspective the fault of tourists when they're just seeking a fun time in what is supposed to be a really cool city?

The answer may be a hard lesson for Amsterdam if tourism numbers drop, and this is exactly why nearby Utrecht should be on travelers' radar.

A Spitting Image Of Amsterdam Without The Hassle

Split between a canal (the Oudegracht), just like Amsterdam, is another city that can easily take on the moniker of ‘next best thing'.

Of course, every city is unique in its own way, even if they're essentially neighbors, but that's not to say Utrecht won't have you ‘ooh-ing' and ‘ahh-ing' just like you would in the more popular Dutch city.

Many streets will have you asking, “wait, am I in Amsterdam?”. It wouldn't quite feel this way without a bicycle-friendly lifestyle and a plethora of cafes. To that, Utrecht says, “check” and “check”.

Easy To Reach

In under an hour, travelers can drive, Uber, bus, or take a cheap train to Utrecht from Amsterdam, which is the easiest gateway into this lesser-known gem.

The only other notable city outside the Netherlands to use as a gateway would be Dusseldorf or Brussels, where a train takes approximately 2 hours.

Given that Utrecht is essentially a smack dab in the country, these are the best options.

One Of The Oldest Cities In The Netherlands

Utrecht's history runs deep and was hugely significant before Amsterdam became what it has grown into today: a thriving cultural hub and top tourist destination.

But tourists can still see stunning sites of this ancient city's historic past with the unmissable Dom Tower, an array of incredible castles, and overall medieval atmosphere.

It goes without saying, one of the best ways to learn about history is by visiting local museums, which Utrecht has many, as well as walking tours through lovely historic neighborhoods.

More Laid Back

Travelers can visit Utrecht for a more casual time along a scenic canal as if Amsterdam didn't have the wild scenes they're known for.

Amsterdam is fully aware of its self-induced party image, but Utrecht is on the other side of the spectrum.

Its beauty strongly resembles that of the more popular Dutch city.

People tend to be more keen on welcoming outsiders as it's not a hugely popular tourist hub where over-tourism or partygoers are major concerns.

More Affordable

Amsterdam is a lot of things, but it's not exactly known for its affordability. Utrecht, on the other hand, is much more budget-friendly.

While it's certainly not the cheapest in Europe, if you're seeking Amsterdam vibes without breaking the bank, Utrecht is the place.

Sip coffee canal-side, rent a bike, or pay a cheap entry fee to climb the 14th-century Dom Tower as the cost of living and attractions are more affordable than in Amsterdam.

One Of The Happiest Cities In The World

Utrecht may be in caught in Amsterdam's shadow, but that doesn't mean it has to be gloomy. In fact, Utrecht is the fastest growing and happiest city in the country, according to the United Nations.

As Amsterdam sounds like a place to skip for now, Utrecht is slowly but surely making a name for themselves.

So, when choosing between Amsterdam or Utrecht, would you rather be told “don't do this”, “don't do that” and get pressed with, “what are your intentions?” like a Dad on Prom Night, or would you rather visit somewhere new and exciting filled with people truly happy to have you?

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

The post 7 Reasons You Should Visit This Beautiful Dutch City Instead Of Amsterdam appeared first on Travel Off Path .

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European cities hope jet-setting Taylor Swift fans will splash the cash for Eras tour

The superstar arrives in Europe next month – and Swifties, tourist boards and venues are already preparing

T im Brown, 44, and his wife, Marcella, 34, may not consider themselves bona fide “Swifties”, but when it was announced last June that Taylor Swift would be visiting their corner of the globe this summer they could not resist joining the scramble for a pair of tickets.

A post-pandemic appetite for live music events has fuelled huge worldwide interest in the American singer-songwriter’s Eras tour, which surpassed in $1bn sales in November to become the highest-grossing series of concerts in history.

The pop culture event of the summer will arrive in Europe next month, kicking off in Paris on 9 May and wrapping up in London on 20 August with 49 dates in between in Sweden, Ireland, Portugal, Germany, Poland, Austria, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands and Switzerland.

The unique nature of the tour’s ticketing system, which was tweaked after a number of hitches last year, means there will be a mass movement of travelling fans who will not only be Swiftie in affiliation but swift-like in their willingness to travel across the continent.

In expectation of intense demand, Ticketmaster introduced a pre-registration system that rewarded some early applicants with access codes to the ticket sale proper, via staggered windows for each city.

Notionally designed to prioritise genuine fans over “scalpers” – people who buy and resell tickets for a quick profit – the pre-sales system also meant many fans registered for tickets in multiple destinations across Europe to increase their chances.

Tim and Marcella, who live in Norwich, registered not just for the nearest concerts – in London and Liverpool – but also in Amsterdam and Lisbon. The pair got lucky with a pair of €91 tickets in the Portuguese capital and have turned the trip into a weekend break. “I used to live in Lisbon so I thought why not kill two birds with one stone,” Tim said. “We booked ourselves flights and four nights’ accommodation the same day.” They are far from alone.

Katie Soo, the chief business officer of DICE, a rival ticketing company, said: “The excitement and uncertainty inherent in the ticket-purchasing process might have inadvertently incentivised fans to apply for tickets in multiple cities, thereby increasing the likelihood of travelling across Europe to attend the concerts.”

Hotel prices

Several European cities have already reported a sharp rise in demand for hotel and short-term rental accommodation over the summer, when the Swift hurricane will arrive. In Edinburgh, Liverpool and Cardiff, rooms at the Travelodge chain around Swift’s June dates have been sold out since August 2023, a month after tickets for the shows went on sale.

In Paris, where fans anticipate Swift to debut an updated version of the Eras show with songs from the new Tortured Poets Department album, 80% of hotels and apartments listed on Booking.com are already full up. In Warsaw on 2 August, only 9% of hotels listed on the same site are still available.

Not all of the 18 cities covered by the Eras tour are obvious tourism destinations. From 17-19 July, Swift will play three concerts at the 65,000-capacity home ground of the football club Schalke 04 in Gelsenkirchen in Ruhr valley, western Germany. The city’s less-than-familiar name prompted one US chatshow host to quip that “the place might not even exist”.

Yet even in Germany’s rust belt the influx of Swift fans is temporarily transforming the hotel market: any two-bedroom apartments that remain available are going for €800-2,000 a night, with cheaper accommodation available only in surrounding cities that are just as off the usual tourist track as Gelsenkirchen, such as Essen, Bochum or Herne.

Cities with stricter rules on allowing Airbnb-style holiday lets and a more limited stock of short-term rental apartments are reporting a particularly marked increase in rates during Swift’s visit, with about 30% year-on-year spikes in rental rates in Cardiff, Edinburgh and Milan, according to AirDNA, a data analytics company specialising in the short-term rentals market.

Of all the tour’s European stops, Vienna is experiencing the most notable impact on its rental market, with booking rates for the nights of Swift’s concerts recorded in February 44% higher than at the same point the previous year. By the end of March the number of nights booked in the Austrian capital for the length of Swift’s stay in the second week of August had risen by 430% compared with the same period in 2023.

When Luke Tilden’s wife, Tatjana, suggested last summer that the couple buy their 13- and 15-year-old daughters, Lena and Maya, tickets to a Taylor Swift gig for Christmas, the 53-year-old Briton initially waved it off. “There’s no chance in hell we’d get a ticket without paying through our noses, I thought,” said Tilden, who works as an interpreter at the European parliament in Brussels.

But after pre-registering for tickets in London, Paris and Munich, the Tildens got unexpectedly lucky for four tickets in southern Germany and have turned the concert visit into a mini-holiday: “We’ll visit the in-laws in Bavaria, enjoy the countryside, do a bit of hiking.”

The hope in cities across Europe is that this will be replicated on a massive scale, with fans’ excitement translating into generous spending sprees on food, shopping and leisure. In Stockholm, for example, where authorities are expecting 159,000 visitors to arrive from 135 countries in mid-May, the chamber of commerce has forecast a spending boost of €50m. “We hope the whole town will buzz from the Eras tour,” said Tomas Andersson, a spokesperson for the Swedish capital’s tourism board.

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Whether fans will necessarily act like ordinary tourists, however, is up for debate. “Pop-culture tourists do not necessarily care about traditional buildings and authentic restaurants,” said Maria Lexhagen, a professor at the European Tourism Research Institute, Mid Sweden University.

“Joining up with other fan communities is stronger motivation, as is the idea that they might get closer to the stars themselves. Many of them will map out where Swift is spending her time in the city – they will seek out seemingly marginal but meaningful places like back alleys or coffee shops.” Venues may be hoping for a repeat of Sydney in February, when Swift swept into an unassuming Italian restaurant in the suburbs and sent its name into global media headlines.

In Stockholm the tourism board said it was expecting bookshops and secondhand clothes stores, rather than museums and royal palaces, to attract most of the arriving visitors. Some venues are being proactive: one restaurant within walking distance of the multipurpose Friends Arena in the Solna municipality is putting on a “Taylor Swift brunch experience” with a karaoke stage; the waterfront nightclub Debaser is hosting a pre-concert party on 16 May, an all-ages all-day party with a Swift-themed quiz on 19 May and an afterparty the day after.

Environment

As the Swift circus rolls across the continent, the transport infrastructure of urban centres will also be put to the test. Around the tour’s three-night stop in Dublin at the end of June, Irish Rail has announced additional late-night services to Cork and Limerick to meet an expected increase in demand. Extra tram and bus services are likely to be announced nearer the time.

Unlike rail operators, most airlines do not have capacity to charter additional flights. Due to yield management – airlines adjusting prices based on expected demand – a scramble for airborne journeys into cities that host the Eras tour is more likely to result in more expensive tickets rather than additional flights.

Officials at Lisbon airport said no additional flights had been chartered around Swift’s concerts on 24 and 25 May but that demand would probably be reflected in slightly higher load factors. A spokesperson for Amsterdam Schiphol said general aviation slots could be requested at short notice but nothing out of the ordinary had been logged so far.

Calculating the environmental impact of the tour with any certainty was difficult, experts said. “We can expect that some Swift fans will travel a long way to see one, if not several, shows across Europe”, said Stefan Gössling, a professor of tourism at Linnaeus University in Kalmar, Sweden. “But measuring the environmental impact of these trips is extremely difficult – it would involve a lot of guesswork.”

This did not mean the carbon footprint was negligible. “Every flight taken by a person adds to demand and hence influences supply considerations,” Gössling said. “The greater the demand, the more aircrafts are in service.”

The pop star’s carbon footprint is easier to estimate. Swift owns two jets by the French manufacturer Dassault, whose journeys are trackable. During the 2023 leg of the Eras tour, Swift’s planes spent 166 hours crisscrossing the US in about 75 individual journeys, though it is possible they were used by people other than the singer.

According to data available through the open-access aviation tracker ADS-B exchange, Swift’s jets caused carbon emissions of about 2,830 tonnes of CO 2 equivalent over the course of the US Eras tour – about 1,700 times the annual contribution of an average person.

A spokesperson for Swift told US media last year that in advance of the tour’s start in March 2023, the pop star bought more than double the carbon credits needed to offset all tour travel. Carbon offset credits are tradable certificates that allow purchasers to compensate for emissions by investing in environmental projects that claim to reduce carbon emissions, though recent studies have questioned the efficacy of these schemes.

Additional reporting by Ajit Niranjan

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