What to see in Amsterdam

Welcome to Amsterdam — a city where ancient canals coexist with modern art, bicycles rule the streets, and the spirit of freedom permeates every corner. This is not just the capital of the Netherlands; it’s a true open-air museum, attracting millions of tourists with its unique atmosphere. Our guide will help you plan an unforgettable trip to this amazing city.

How to get to Amsterdam

Where is Amsterdam located? This magnificent city is the capital of the Netherlands, situated in Western Europe. Amsterdam’s main international airport is Schiphol (IATA code: AMS), one of the largest and busiest in Europe.

By plane:Currently, there are no direct flights to Amsterdam. You can buy tickets to Amsterdam on Kupi.com only with one or more layovers, most often via Istanbul, Belgrade, Dubai or other hubs. Travel time will significantly increase and will be from 6–8 hours or more, depending on the layover duration.

By train: From neighboring European countries (Belgium, France, Germany), Amsterdam can be easily reached by high-speed trains Thalys or Intercity. This is a convenient option for those traveling through Europe.

By bus: European bus operators, such as FlixBus, offer budget routes to Amsterdam from many European cities. This is the most economical, but also the longest way.

When to go to Amsterdam and what about the weather

The weather in Amsterdam, like in many European cities, is quite changeable and unpredictable.

• Spring (April-May): ideal time to visit. Temperatures are comfortable (around +10°C to +18°C), the city comes alive, and tulips bloom (especially in April, if you want to visit the famous Keukenhof fields). Tourist numbers have not yet peaked.
• Summer (June-August): the most popular season. Warm (from +18°C to +25°C, sometimes higher), long daylight hours, many festivals and events. But this is also the time of the largest influx of tourists, which means higher accommodation prices and crowds at major attractions.
• Autumn (September-October): an excellent time for those who prefer moderate temperatures (from +10°C to +17°C) and fewer tourists. The city is painted in golden colors, creating a cozy atmosphere. Rain becomes more frequent.
• Winter (November-March): coldest (from 0°C to +8°C), with possible frosts and rare snow. This is the lowest tourist season, allowing you to enjoy the city without crowds and at lower prices. In December, Amsterdam is decorated for Christmas, and the Light Festival takes place, making it especially magical.

The best time to visit is spring and early autumn, when the weather is most pleasant and the tourist flow is not too dense.

Amsterdam Attractions

Amsterdam abounds with museums, historic buildings, and picturesque spots. Here is a list of must-visit places that will help you understand what to see in this city.

Museums

1. Rijksmuseum: the national museum of the Netherlands, housing the greatest collection of Dutch art and history, including masterpieces by Rembrandt (“The Night Watch”), Vermeer, and other Golden Age masters. A must-see for art lovers.
2. Anne Frank House (Anne Frank Huis): a moving and important place where the Jewish girl Anne Frank hid from the Nazis during World War II and wrote her famous diary. Tickets must be booked well in advance, often months ahead.
3. NEMO Science Museum: an interactive science museum, shaped like a ship. Ideal for children and adults who want to learn through play and experiments.
4. The National Maritime Museum (Het Scheepvaartmuseum): dedicated to the maritime history of the Netherlands, with an impressive collection of maps, ship models, and a full-size replica of a 17th-century merchant ship.
5. Amsterdam City Archives (Stadsarchief Amsterdam): for those interested in the city’s history. It stores millions of documents, photographs, and maps telling the story of Amsterdam’s past.
6. Van Gogh Museum: the largest collection of Vincent Van Gogh’s works, including “Sunflowers,” “The Potato Eaters,” and self-portraits. Allows visitors to trace the artist’s creative journey.

Canals and Architecture

1. Amsterdam Canals: included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. A boat trip along the canals is a must-do. You will see the city from a completely different perspective.
2. Red Light District (De Wallen): the historic and perhaps most famous district of Amsterdam. Despite its reputation, it is the oldest part of the city with beautiful architecture and churches.
3. Dam Square: the central square, surrounded by the Royal Palace, the New Church, and the National Monument. Life is always bustling here.
4. Bloemenmarkt (Flower Market): the world’s only floating flower market, where you can buy tulip bulbs, souvenirs, and fresh flowers.
5. De Gooyer Windmill: one of the few remaining windmills in the city, next to which is the Brouwerij ‘t IJ brewery.

Other Interesting Places

1. Vondelpark: Amsterdam’s largest and most popular park. An ideal place for walks, picnics, cycling, or simply relaxing. Free concerts are held here in summer.
2. Westerkerk (Western Church): Amsterdam’s tallest church, offering stunning city views. Nearby are the Anne Frank monument and the Rembrandt House Museum.
3. OBA Library (Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam): a modern building with breathtaking city views from the upper floors, free Wi-Fi, and a cafe. An excellent place to relax and enjoy the panorama.
4. Jordaan: a charming district with narrow streets, cozy canals, small shops, and traditional cafes. Ideal for leisurely strolls.
5. The Canal Museum (Het Grachtenhuis): a small but very informative museum that tells the history of the creation and development of Amsterdam’s canals.

What to see in Amsterdam in one day

If you only have one day, focus on key locations in the city center that can be covered on foot or by bike.

1. Morning (9:00–12:00): Dam Square and Royal Palace. Start your day at the central square, admire the architecture, and take photos.
2. Late Morning (12:00–14:00): Canal Cruise. Take an hour-long canal tour. This is the best way to quickly get acquainted with the city.
3. Lunch (14:00–15:00): Have lunch at one of the cozy cafes in the Jordaan district or near Museumplein.
4. Afternoon (15:00–18:00): Museum of your choice. Visit one of the major museums: the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum. Choose the one that interests you most. Remember that tickets for the Anne Frank House must be booked well in advance.
5. Evening (18:00–20:00): Stroll through Jordaan. Walk through the picturesque streets of Jordaan, soak in the atmosphere.
6. Dinner (after 20:00): End the day with a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.

This is an intense program, but it will give you a vivid impression of the city.

What to see around Amsterdam

If you have more time, be sure to explore the surroundings.

Keukenhof Tulip Fields: if you are traveling in spring (late March — mid-May), this is a must-visit place. One of the most beautiful flower parks in the world. You can get there by bus from Schiphol.

Zaanse Schans Windmills: a living museum village where you can see working windmills, traditional Dutch houses, workshops for making clogs (wooden shoes) and cheese. Reachable by train from Amsterdam Centraal.

Volendam & Edam Fishing Villages: charming fishing villages on the IJsselmeer coast, known for their cheeses, traditional clothing, and picturesque harbors. Easily accessible by bus from Amsterdam.

The Hague (Den Haag): the political capital of the Netherlands, home to the International Court of Justice, the Parliament building (Binnenhof), and the famous Scheveningen beach. By train from Amsterdam Centraal, about 50 minutes.

Rotterdam: a modern city with futuristic architecture, interesting museums, and a bustling port. A great contrast to old Amsterdam. By train from Amsterdam Centraal, about 40 minutes.

Utrecht: a cozy university city with beautiful canals, an ancient Dom Cathedral, and a tower offering panoramic views. By train from Amsterdam Centraal, about 30 minutes.

Transport in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a city designed for movement.

Bicycle: this is the main mode of transport. Renting a bicycle is the best way to feel like a local. Be careful: there are many cyclists here, and they ride fast.

On foot: the city center is quite compact, and many attractions are within walking distance of each other.

Public transport (GVB): trams, buses, and metro. This is an efficient way to move around the city and its surroundings.

• OV-chipkaart: a reusable card for paying for travel. Can be purchased at the central station or from vending machines.
• Single-use tickets: available from tram/bus drivers, but more expensive.
• Amsterdam Travel Card / I Amsterdam City Card: tourist cards that include unlimited travel and/or museum entry. Beneficial if you plan to move around a lot and visit museums.

Taxi: a rather expensive mode of transport, best used for late-night trips or airport transfers if you have a lot of luggage.

Where to eat in Amsterdam

Amsterdam offers a wide selection of culinary experiences — from traditional Dutch dishes to international cuisine.

Traditional Dutch cuisine:

• Herring (Haring): try fresh Dutch herring with onions and pickles from street stalls.
• Stroopwafels: thin waffles with a caramel filling. Perfect with coffee.
• Frites: French fries with various sauces (Joppie sauce is especially popular).
• Cheese: the Netherlands is the home of famous Gouda, Edam, and Maasdam cheeses. Visit cheese shops for a tasting.
• Rijsttafel: a traditional Indonesian dish, a legacy of the colonial past. It’s a whole table of small portions of various appetizers and dishes.

Restaurant districts:

• Jordaan: many cozy cafes and traditional Dutch restaurants.
• De Pijp: a lively district with international cuisine, bars, and the famous Albert Cuyp Market.
• City Center: here you’ll find everything from fast food to fine dining.

Popular spots:

• Pancakes Amsterdam: for lovers of Dutch pancakes.
• FEBO: a chain of fast-food vending machines — a unique local experience.
• Foodhallen: a trendy indoor food court with diverse world cuisines.

Where to stay in Amsterdam

The choice of accommodation depends on your budget and preferences.

• City Center (Centrum): ideal for those who want to be in the heart of the action and have easy access to most attractions. Expensive, but convenient.
• Jordaan: a picturesque and atmospheric district with cozy streets and canals. Slightly quieter than the center, but still very close to major sites.
• De Pijp: a trendy and lively district with many cafes, bars, and restaurants. A good choice for young people and nightlife enthusiasts.
• Museum Quarter (Museumkwartier): an elegant district near the main museums. More expensive hotels and boutique hotels are located here.
• West and East (West and Oost): quieter and more budget-friendly areas, from which the center is easily accessible by public transport. A good choice if you don’t mind a 15–20 minute commute.

What to bring from Amsterdam

A trip to Amsterdam is not only about experiences but also an opportunity to bring back something to remember the city by.

Dutch cheese: Gouda, Edam, Maasdam. This is the most popular souvenir. In specialized cheese shops, you can taste and package cheese for transport.

Tulip bulbs: a symbol of the Netherlands. Buy bulbs at the Flower Market or in specialized stores. Make sure they are allowed for import into your country.

Clogs (wooden shoes): miniature or even full-sized clogs make an original souvenir.

Delft Blue pottery: famous white and blue ceramics. These can be decorative plates, vases, figurines.

Windmills: souvenir replicas of windmills.

Paintings or reproductions: from the Museum Quarter or souvenir shops.

Beer: try local beer varieties, for example, beer from Brouwerij ‘t IJ brewery, located near the windmill.

Clothing and accessories: Amsterdam has many fashion stores, from major brands to small designer boutiques.

Sweets: stroopwafels, licorice (drop), chocolate.

City-themed souvenirs: magnets, postcards, t-shirts with bicycles or canals.

Amsterdam is a city that will forever leave a mark on your heart. Its unique combination of history, art, culture, and freedom makes it one of the most attractive travel destinations. From canal cruises to visiting world-class museums, from cycling tours to cozy cafes — everyone will find something for themselves here.