The Ultimate Amsterdam Travel Guide 2025 (+ Map & Itinerary)
Welcome to Amsterdam: a city where the bikes outnumber the people, the windows sometimes tell more stories than the museums, and somehow everything just looks better reflected in a canal.
It’s effortlessly beautiful, refreshingly laid-back, and full of little surprises – from hidden gardens tucked behind grand canal houses to repurposed industrial spaces now hosting art shows, rooftop bars, or both. But beyond the pretty canals and stroopwafel clichés, there’s a city full of creativity, culture, and surprisingly good Indonesian food.
Whether you’re planning your very first visit or finally coming back for round two (because once is never enough!), this Amsterdam travel guide has everything you need: when to go, where to stay, how to get around, and all the local tips I’ve learned from exploring the city one bike ride and bitterbal at a time.
If you're looking for a list of the most popular Amsterdam activities, check out my guide on the best things to do in Amsterdam.
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Amsterdam Key Info
When to visit
Anytime between April – December. Mid-April is peak tulip season.
How to get there
Fly to Schiphol Airport (AMS) or get the train to Amsterdam Centraal (Eurostar from London).
How to get around
Mostly walkable + easy-to-navigate trams. Bikes and canal cruises are a must. Uber & Bolt are both available.
IDEAL TRIP LENGTH
3-4 days
PLACES TO VISIT
Rijksmuseum
Vondelpark
Van Gogh Museum
Anne Frank House
Albert Cuyp Market
MUST-DO ACTIVITIES
Canal Boat Cruise
Fabrique des Lumières: Digital Art Show
Amsterdam City Centre Bike Tour
Giethoorn & Zaanse Schans Windmills Day Tour
brunch spots
Little Collins
Kafé Kontrast
Benji’s
Dignita Hoftuin
Bakers & Roasters
MY TOP HOTEL PICKS
Hotel Arena
The Hoxton, Herengracht
Hotel Jakarta
The July – Boat & Co
Pulitzer Amsterdam
How to Get to Amsterdam
Getting to Amsterdam is almost too easy – as in dangerously easy for your wallet once you realise how convenient it is to get there (hence why I’ve visited numerous times).
If you’re coming from London, I recommend getting the train. The Eurostar is the ultimate no-stress, no-drama journey: hop on at St Pancras, whizz through the countryside, and arrive at Amsterdam Centraal in just over 4 hours. No faffing with liquids in plastic bags or waiting in long airport queues. Plus, you can bring as much luggage as you can carry, yay for no weight restrictions!
Flying? Sure, it’s the next best option if you can’t get the train. Schiphol Airport (AMS) is one of Europe’s busiest hubs and has direct connections from pretty much everywhere. From Lisbon to Ljubljana, there’s probably a budget airline with a route here.
Once you land, you’re a breezy 15–20 minutes from the city centre. Here’s how to make your grand entrance:
🚆 Train – The NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen) train from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Centraal runs every 7–10 minutes. It takes around 17 minutes and will cost you €5.20 for a one-way ticket when you buy your ticket online at www.ns.nl. No fuss, no traffic, and the station is conveniently located beneath the terminal.
🚌 Bus 397 – Exit Schiphol Plaza and turn right, and hop on the 397 Bus. If you’re heading to areas like Museumplein or Leidseplein, this one’s handy. The bus runs every 10 minutes during the day and takes around 35 minutes to reach the city centre. A one-way ticket costs €6.50, or €11.75 for a return journey. Tickets can be bought on board.
🚖 Taxi/Bolt/Uber – A door-to-door option if you can’t be arsed lugging around your suitcases (no judgement, I always get a taxi). The journey will take around 25 minutes, depending on traffic, of course, and you can expect to pay around €30–€50 for the trip.
Popular activities in Amsterdam
How to Get Around Amsterdam
Walking
First things first: bring shoes you actually like walking in. Amsterdam might look petite on a map, but between wandering canals, hopping between cafés, and “accidentally” walking into every boutique in De Negen Straatjes, your daily step count is going to average between 10,000–20,000 easily.
Amsterdam is mostly flat and super walkable – especially central neighbourhoods like Jordaan, De Pijp, and the canal belt – and half the fun is getting gloriously lost.
Public Transport
Amsterdam’s public transport is top-tier. Trams are the MVPs here – clean, efficient, and they glide through the city like they’re on their own little catwalk.
A single ticket costs €3.40 for 1 hour, which includes unlimited travel on trams, buses, and metros within the hour.
No need to buy physical tickets, you can simply check in and out of public transport with your debit or credit card. Or alternatively, you can tap an online ticket displayed on your mobile.
If you’re here for a few days, grab a GVB day pass (available in 1 to 7-day options) for unlimited tram, metro, and bus rides for your entire stay. You can easily buy these day passes on the GVB app – it’s €9.50 for a 24-hour pass.
TIP: You can get FREE unlimited public transport with an I Amsterdam City Card purchase – it's an absolute must-have for any visit to Amsterdam.
Biking
Bikes, of course, are the unofficial religion of Amsterdam. If you’re feeling brave, rent one for a day and channel your inner Dutch local – just please stay out of the bike lanes when you’re on foot (unless you’re in the mood to be yelled at in Dutch).
NOTE: You can get a FREE 24-hour free bike rental with your I Amsterdam City Card, as well as a free canal cruise, so don’t forget to take advantage of this!
Ride Sharing Apps
Both Uber & Bolt are available in Amsterdam, which is perf when it’s absolutely pissing it down with rain. Expect to pay around expect to pay around €10–€15 per journey.
Canal Cruises in Amsterdam
How Many Days in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam isn’t the kind of place you want to rush. Yes, it’s compact. Yes, you could technically dash around the canals, pop into a museum or two, and call it a trip in about 48 hours. But would you really have time to enjoy that second slice of appeltaart or sit on a canal-side bench wondering if you should move here? (Spoiler alert: the answer is no).
Therefore, for first-timers, I recommend spending at least 3 to 4 days in Amsterdam. It gives you room to breathe – you can do all the must-sees (Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum), but also time to stumble into a record shop and lose an afternoon in De Pijp… or spend far too sampling the local baked goods in Vondelpark, if you catch my drift.
Planning on staying longer? Even better. Amsterdam is the perfect base for day trips – check out the windmills in Zaanse Schans, admire the modern architecture in Rotterdam, or go on a beach escape to Zandvoort aan Zee (yes, the Netherlands has beaches and they’re actually so lovely).
- Cuypers Library at the Rijksmuseum
Best Time to Visit Amsterdam
Amsterdam has range. She’s moody in the best way, wildly photogenic year-round, and knows how to dress for every season. That said, your experience here can totally depend on when you go.
I would personally recommend visiting in April or during Summer and Autumn. Here’s what you can expect across the year:
Spring (March – May)
Average temps: 8–17°C / 46–63°F
Spring is Amsterdam in her soft-girl era. With cherry blossoms blooming, canal-side tulips, and the whole city slowly waking up after winter.
April is peak tulip season – a day trip to Keukenhof Gardens is a must, but you can also spot plenty of tulips in Amsterdam city centre.
Summer (June – August)
Average temps: 17–26°C / 63–79°F
The city comes alive in summer. Everyone is outside: on boats, in parks, at festivals, or just dangling their legs over a canal with a beer. Long daylight hours mean 10 pm sunsets, which feels magical.
Yes, it’s busier during summer, however, you’ll find the crowds more manageable without the stifling 40°C heat you get in southern Europe, but not here.
Autumn (September – November)
Average temps: 9–18°C / 48–64°F
Autumn in Amsterdam is almost sickeningly beautiful and romantic. The leaves turn every shade of gold, the air gets crisp, and the city feels quieter, slower.
September is still quite warm, while October and November start to bring that cosy atmosphere. It’s the perfect time for museums, slow dinners, and evening boat cruises down the twinkling canals.
Winter (December – February)
Average temps: 2–7°C / 35–45°F
Winter is chilly (okay, maybe freezing at times) but also low-key lovely – especially during December. The canals might freeze (sometimes!), fairy lights go up, and the Christmas markets bring just the right amount of festive cheer. Bring thermal layers, a decent coat, and maybe some waterproof shoes, as rain is always lurking.
Where to Stay in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam isn’t massive, but each neighbourhood definitely has its own vibe. Are you here to sip espresso martinis in converted warehouses, have a romantic canal-side cruise, or do ya just want to be near the best apple pie of your life? Here’s a quick guide to where to stay, depending on what kind of trip you’re after.
As always, I recommend looking at my Google Map of Amsterdam. I’ve pinned all the main attractions + each of my hotel recommendations so you can easily see how close everything is. If you’re like me, you’ll appreciate the visuals to make sense of it all.
Amsterdam Centrum (City Centre & Canal Belt)
This is where the postcards come to life: there are golden canals, crooked houses, and bikes gliding past at dangerous speeds. Stay in Amsterdam Centrum and you’ll be walking distance to pretty much everything, including the Anne Frank House, Dam Square, and SO many good foodie spots.
£££: The Hoxton, Herengracht
Chic, central, gorg interiors and always buzzing with a cool crowd.
££££: Pulitzer Amsterdam
A dreamy maze of 25 connected canal houses with immaculate interior design.
££££: De L’Europe
For when you're feeling flush and want 5-star service with a view of the Amstel River.
De Pijp & Amsterdam South
Trendy, lively, and full of banging food. De Pijp is home to the Albert Cuyp Market, excellent brunch spots, and plenty of buzzy bars. South of that, you’ll find more serene, upscale vibes and easy access to the museums.
££: Volkshotel
A creative hub in a former newspaper HQ with a rooftop bar, hot tubs (!!), and co-working spaces.
£££: Hotel Jakarta
Tropical, sustainable, and beautifully designed with an absolutely breathtaking indoor garden.
££££: Conservatorium Hotel
A proper splurge-worthy stunner with vaulted ceilings, high-end everything, and only a few steps from all the main museums.
Amsterdam East (Oost & Plantage)
Leafy, peaceful, and a bit under-the-radar, Oost is the perfect area if you want to be close to the centre without staying in the thick of it. Great parks, indie shops, and brunch options galore.
££: Hotel Arena
A beautiful former chapel turned modern design hotel set right in Oosterpark.
£££: Pillows Maurits At The Park
Elegant, calm, and feels like a little luxe escape from the city chaos.
Amsterdam Noord
This area is all converted industrial spaces, street art, and a strong creative scene. If you like your city breaks a bit edgier and less touristy, then Amsterdam Noord is your spot. You’ll be a bit further out from all the main attractions, however, you’re only a quick tram or ferry ride away from the centre.
££: Sir Adam Hotel
Located inside the A’DAM Tower, it’s part hotel, part rockstar fantasy – expect to find electric guitars on display in your room.
£££: The Hoxton, Lloyd
The cool younger sibling of the Herengracht location. Equal parts arty and comfortable, with a killer restaurant downstairs.
Westerpark & West Amsterdam
A little removed from the city centre but full of character. Westerpark is perfect for long walks, cool cafés, and escaping the crowds while still being 10 mins from the action.
££: Conscious Hotel Westerpark
A stylish eco-hotel set inside a former brick factory. It’s got great coffee, cosy rooms, and the park literally on your doorstep.
££: The July - Boat & Co
Sleek apartments, canal views, and a very good-looking lobby. Ideal if you want space to spread out.
Best Hotels in Amsterdam
$$
(from £150+/night)
Hotel Arena
Sir Adam Hotel
Conscious Hotel Westerpark
Volkshotel
The July – Boat & Co
Where to Eat in Amsterdam
- Café Sonneveld
- Café Sonneveld
Best Restaurants in Amsterdam
$$
Café Marcella
A stylish all-day canal-side café in De Pijp serving strong coffee, seasonal small plates and wines.
The Pantry
The go-to spot for hearty, home-cooked Dutch food, like stamppot, meatballs, and all the comforting classics your Dutch grandma would make (if you had one).
Breman Brasserie
Located inside The Hoxton Lloyd with a huge sun-soaked terrace, this chic brasserie serves up elevated European comfort food with South American flavours.
Foodhallen
Indoor international food market with 21 stands to choose from.
Brio
Italian-influenced dinner menu with a focus on seasonal ingredients. Lovely spot for a date night or a quick pitstop for espresso and natural wine.
Nnea
Voted no.1 pizza in the Netherlands and no.9 in Europe – serving delicious Neapolitan pizzas.
Café Sonneveld
A cosy, classic Dutch eatery in Jordaan known for its generous portions and canal-side views.
$$$–$$$$
Pesca
Here you can select fresh fish from an innovative & theatrical in-house seafood market concept.
Bisous
Modern French/Zeeland cuisine served in a uniquely, glamorous Parisian interior.
De Kas
Fine dining in a greenhouse, dishes made from organic ingredients grown on-site.
Choux
Choux is a minimalist dream with a maximalist approach to flavour – expect colourful, veg-forward tasting menus.
- Breman Brasserie
- Breman Brasserie
- Café Marcella
- Bitterballen at Café Marcella
Brunch Spots in Amsterdam
Little Collins
Aussie-inspired plates and banging Bloody Marys – a local favourite for laid-back weekend brunch.
Box Sociaal
Hearty dishes and a seriously good flat white in a cosy, friendly setting.
Benji’s
A leafy, tropical café with a healthy-ish menu that’s as Instagrammable as it is tasty.
Dignita Hoftuin
Tucked behind a historic garden, this all-day brunch spot serves up sustainably sourced eats with a view.
Kafé Kontrast
Scandinavian cuisine meets Indonesian comfort food classics, all served in a minimalist, design-forward space.
Mortimer
Located in the city centre, Mortimer does simple brunch staples with elevated ingredients and strong coffee.
Bakers & Roasters
A Kiwi-Brazilian mash-up serving giant portions, fresh juices, and some of the best eggs in town.
Lagom
Clean, chic, and delicious: Lagom nails the modern Nordic brunch aesthetic. Make sure to order their French toast!
- Brunch at Little Collins
- Little Collins
Quick Eats – Foodie Spots in Amsterdam
MONTY’S
Insanely mouth-melting cheese toasties, don’t skip the truffle mayo on the side.
CHUN
Fluffy Korean Sandwhiches. Order the Rib Eye Bulgogi (sweet-marinated beef).
Zero Zero
Fresh focaccia sandwiches – get their Porchetta!
Dumplings
No frills window-serve eatery that serves some of the best Peking duck crepes in town.
Ranchi Amsterdam
Japanese-style sandwiches aka Sando’s. Their Katsu Sando & waffle fries is banging.
Fabel Friet
Fried Dutch potatoes with special toppings. Get the parmesan & truffle mayo combo.
Omelegg
Breakfast spot serving omelettes with unique fillings, from pulled chicken to banana & peanut butter.
- Cheese toasties at MONTY’S
- MONTY’S
Sweet Treats & Bakeries in Amsterdam
SAINT-JEAN
Pastries that (almost) look too good to eat. Their pistachio cruffin is insane.
Margo’s
Bakery serving delicious 100% plant-based pastries.
Banketbakkerij Het Koekemannetje
Famous for their white chocolate cookies.
Salvo Bake House
Bakery with amazing selection of sweet & savoury pastries as well as Italian baked goods like Maritozzo, Cannoli, and Veneziana.
Winkel 43
This is THE spot to get the best apple pie – crispy, caramalised and served with a mountain of whipped cream.
Van der Linde
Ice cream shop that only sells one flavour: vanilla. Far from basic though, it’ll be the best you ever try, layered with whipped cream. €1.60 for a cone.
BunBun
Officially the smallest bakery in Amsterdam, here they make unique cinnamon buns made with croissant dough – a match made in heaven!
et CLAIRE
Croissants crafted with the finest French butter at this patisserie. Be sure to try their Pistachio Cube too!
Van Stapele Koekmakerij
This bakeshop is known for its signature chocolate cookie which is devilishly decadent.
- Pastries at Margo’s
- Margo’s
Best Bars in Amsterdam
LuminAir SkyBar
Perched above the DoubleTree by Hilton, this swanky rooftop bar has an outdoor rooftop terrace panoramic views of Amsterdam and cocktails that come with a side of drama.
Super Lyan
Buzzy neon-lit basement bar from cocktail wizard Mr. Lyan. It’s playful, experimental, and a little bit cheeky.
W Lounge
This sleek rooftop bar & pool overlooks the Royal Palace. There’s live DJ sets, every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Flying Dutchmen Cocktails
Award-winning cocktail bar run by two bartending legends. Features the largest backbar of the Netherlands with over 900 unique spirits.
Door74
One of Amsterdam’s original speakeasies, hidden behind an unmarked door (You’ll need to ring the bell to enter). Inside, it’s all candlelight, vintage glassware and expertly crafted cocktails – reservations are essential.
Café Americain
An Amsterdam institution with a cinematic vibe. With art deco interiors, low lighting and live jazz. Great for a late-night negroni.
- LuminAir
- LuminAir Rooftop
I amsterdam City Card
The I Amsterdam City Card is a must-have for your first visit to Amsterdam. This pass includes unlimited public transport, free entry to 70+ museums, a free canal cruise + bike rental, as well as discounts across lots of restaurants & activities.
Entry to the Rijksmuseum, Moco Museum, and Hortus Botanicus are all included. Passes are available for 24 hours up to 120 hours.
Amsterdam 3 Day Itinerary
This is my recommendation on how to spend the perfect 72 hours in Amsterdam. This 3-day itinerary is the ideal combo of museums, markets, and aimless canal wandering.
DAY ONE
Morning
Visit the Van Gogh Museum – book tickets in advance and give yourself 2 hours minimum.
Go to the Moco Museum next door for Banksy, Basquiat and cool digital art installations.
Lunch
Lunch at Café Marcella – Dutch small plates and great wine in De Pijp.
Afternoon
Rent a bike (free with the I Amsterdam City Card!) and explore Vondelpark.
Evening
Take a sunset canal cruise with unlimited drinks.
Dinner at Pesca – choose your own fish from a theatrical seafood display.
DAY TWO
Morning
Grab a coffee & pastry at Margo’s
Visit the Anne Frank House – tickets must be booked 6 weeks in advance.
Mid-Morning
Head to Fabrique des Lumières for a mind-blowing immersive art show.
Lunch
Lunch at Foodhallen – an indoor food market with something for everyone.
Afternoon
Visit the Rijksmuseum – allow at least 3 hours and don’t miss the Cuypers Library.
Evening
Dinner at Nnea – voted no.1 pizza in the Netherlands.
Check out all my Amsterdam restaurant recommendations here.
DAY THREE
Morning
Brunch at Little Collins – Aussie-inspired plates and excellent coffee.
Mid-Morning
Albert Cuyp Market – browse the stalls and grab a fresh stroopwafel.
Tram to Hortus Botanicus – one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world.
Afternoon
Grab a cheese toastie from MONTY’S & explore Jordaan.
Evening
Wrap things up with drinks at LuminAir SkyBar – rooftop cocktails and epic views.
Google Map of Amsterdam
Here’s a Google Map of all the places in Amsterdam mentioned in this post (+ a few moreof my personal recommendations added).
Things To Do In Amsterdam
This post covers all the museums, markets, parks and must-do experiences in Amsterdam. From immersive art shows and canal cruises to stroopwafel tastings, discover the most iconic things to do in Amsterdam.
