Amsterdam

Travel Guide

Amsterdam
Amsterdam
Amsterdam
Amsterdam
Amsterdam

Amsterdam Travel Guide Video

Wander around a fairy-tale lattice of canals and captivating neighborhoods, where old-world charm is fused with modern luxury and world-famous nightlife.

Amsterdam is the Netherlands’ capital city and an important European hub with a rich and multicultural character. Explore the historic harborside and admire the distinctive 19th-century architecture of the tall, narrow buildings that huddle over meandering canals. Forming a U-shape around the historic port, the city’s medieval center features charming façades that front boutique stores, art galleries, coffee shops and atmospheric bars.

The city’s best-known area is its Old Center, which is crisscrossed with arched stone bridges and cobblestone streets. Explore Dam Square and its historic landmarks, including the neoclassical Royal Palace, the Gothic Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) and the National Monument that honors victims of World War II. The square is adjacent to the city’s notorious Red Light District. The neighboring districts of Plantage and the Canal Ring feature beautifully preserved buildings from the 17th and 19th centuries, as well as leafy parks and tree-lined canals. Check out the Jewish Heritage Museum and the Amsterdam Botanic Gardens nearby Waterlooplein. A short walk will bring you to the Artis Zoo and a selection of fascinating museums. Popular museums are Stedelijk, the Van Gogh Museum and Hermitage Amsterdam.

Discover the renewed district of Jordaan, where a former working-class neighborhood transformed into a chic area for galleries, cafés and shops. Further south from here is Amsterdam’s Museum Quarter. Stretch out on the grassy lawns of Vondelpark with a cold beer or peruse the stalls at Albert Cuyp Market. Grab a table in the hip De Pijp district to experience fantastic multicultural cuisine.

Explore the city on a scenic canal boat tour or rent a bicycle to experience the streets the true Dutch way. Don’t miss trying local sweets, such as stroopwafels and licorices. Amsterdam has a fast and reliable public transit network that is comprised of buses, trams and trains. Reach the picturesque harbor city by plane to Schiphol Airport, on a cruise ship or via intercity train from several major hubs in Europe. Visit in summer to experience the city’s lively peak period or in winter to enjoy the romance of the snow-dusted Old Center.

Where to stay in Amsterdam

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Amsterdam City Centre

3.5/5(4 area reviews)

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

Amsterdam City Centre
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Jordaan

Jordaan is well-liked for its breweries and churches. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Amsterdam Tulip Museum and The 9 Streets are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Bloemgracht Stop or Rozengracht Stop to get around.

Jordaan
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Red Light District

Are you interested in fascinating museums, popular shops, and acclaimed art galleries? A visit to Red Light District might be the perfect thing. You can also explore top sights like Dam Square and Oude Kerk.

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

Canal Ring

Known for its fascinating museums and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Canal Ring. Check out top attractions like Reguliersdwarsstraat and Theater Tuschinski, and jump on the metro at Muntplein Tram Stop or Rembrandtplein Stop to see more of the city.

Canal Ring
Rijksmuseum showing views, a city and a pond

Museum Quarter

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Museum Quarter. Check out top attractions like Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum, and jump on the metro at Van Baerlestraat Stop or Concertgebouw Tram Stop to see more of the city.

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

Binnenstad

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

Binnenstad
citizenM Schiphol Airport

citizenM Schiphol Airport

4 out of 5
Jan Plezierweg 2, Schiphol
The price is P6,164 per night from Aug 19 to Aug 20
P6,164
P7,106 total
Aug 19 - Aug 20
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Schiphol. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,109 reviews)
"Great, comfy, and convenient hotel"

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

citizenM Schiphol Airport
Hotel Casa Amsterdam

Hotel Casa Amsterdam

4 out of 5
Eerste Ringdijkstraat 4, Amsterdam
The price is P7,374 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P7,374
P8,960 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
"The staff were lovely and the coffee was excellent"

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

Hotel Casa Amsterdam
Best Western Amsterdam

Best Western Amsterdam

3 out of 5
Voorburgstraat 250, Amsterdam
The price is P5,272 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P5,272
P6,406 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,011 reviews)
"It was good the money well spent"

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

Best Western Amsterdam
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Cityden Zuidas

Cityden Zuidas

4 out of 5
Professor J.H. Bavincklaan 3, Amstelveen
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Amstelveen. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (975 reviews)
"Overall very solid place. Friendly staff, good room sie, nice bathroom. Couple of suggestions: add smaller pot, so one can cook couple of eggs, hot cereal, or other items. One complaint is the bed - two doubles put together didn’ really work for me and the mattress topper may have not improved it. ..."

Reviewed on Jul 17, 2025

Cityden Zuidas
Corendon Apartments Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Hotel

Corendon Apartments Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Hotel

4 out of 5
285 Schipholweg, Badhoevedorp, NH
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Badhoevedorp. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (437 reviews)
"We had a fantastic stay in the hotel."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Corendon Apartments Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Hotel
Adagio Amsterdam City South

Adagio Amsterdam City South

3.5 out of 5
Professor J H Bavinckln 5, Amstelveen, NL
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Amstelveen. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (476 reviews)
"The staff were always friendly and helpful with information regarding transportation or stops to consider while visiting the city."

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

Adagio Amsterdam City South
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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