Amsterdam is hands down one of my favorite cities! It is convivial and cool and welcoming all at the same time. The 60 miles of canals (which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites) are lined with picturesque post-industrial buildings and more than 1,200 bridges. The Venice of the North has so much to offer that you could visit over and over and each visit would likely be different. Read along for a complete travel guide to Amsterdam.

Getting Around

The best way to get around the city is to do as the locals and bike around! Locals and visitors cycle all around the city, even during rain or snow! In fact, it has been ranked the most bicycle-friendly city in the world. The 249 miles of bike paths, well-developed infrastructure and flat terrain make it an ideal method of transportation. Even if you have little ones, most bike rentals can provide baby or kid seats or bakflets that have front cargo box (pictured above).

If cycling doesn’t sound appealing (or if the rainy weather doesn’t permit) public transportation is very efficient and reliable. Buses, tram and the metro are all great options. If you plan to use public transportation more than once it may be worth buying the disposable OV-chipkaart chip card. Taxis and Uber are also available but much pricier and traffic can get pretty bad.

Amsterdam’s ferries are also a great way to cross the River IJ from Amsterdam Central. Pedestrians, cyclists and mopeds can cross the river free of charge (no need to get tickets, simply hop on). The most popular route is from Amsterdam Central Station to Buiksloterweg.

Where to Stay

If you’re looking for a truly beautiful and centrally located hotel, Hotel Pulitzer Amsterdam is a new canal-side hotel that embodies Dutch contemporary design. For a unique and unforgettable experience, a houseboat is sure to make your stay in Amsterdam unlike any other. They come in all sizes and price ranges! And if you’re looking for a reasonably priced hotel, No. 377 House Hotel is a new hotel located in a classic canal house.

What to Eat

There are so many great restaurants to choose from. Diversity is a part of Amsterdam’s DNA which means you can find anything from Indonesian restaurants, vegan spots and of course, Dutch joints. A few favorites are Corner Bakery for a tasty and pretty breakfast, MAX Amsterdam and Omelegg. For a compilation of the best of the best that Amsterdam has to offer, visit De Foodhallen, an old tram station-turned-food-market that serves up a wide variety of food and drinks.

See & Do

Cycle Around Town

The capital of the Netherlands is small in size yet it features hundreds of miles of bike paths. So two-wheeling is more than a method of transportation in Amsterdam, it’s a way of life. In fact, there are more than 881,000 bicycles in Amsterdam outnumbering the amount of citizens in the city. Whether Dutch people are going to work, to shop or on a date, you can find them pedaling through the canal-woven streets. Needless to say, riding a bike is an essential Amsterdam experience! Check out this list of bike rental spots in Amsterdam.

Boat the Amsterdam Canals

A great way to spend a sunny day in Amsterdam is boating through the waterways. You can hop aboard a canal tour or rent your own. For tours, Lover’s Canal Tour offers an audio guide of the city’s history as you cruise past post-industrial houses, gothic churches and museums. If renting your own sounds more appealing, Boaty is a great inexpensive option. At the least be sure to ride the free ferries behind Centraal Station.

Shop Till You Drop at Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes)

This network of nine streets (hence the name) has many quirky shops and cafes. The streets are beautifully decorated and laced with unique boutiques. You will find anything from vintage stores, vinyl shops, museums and Gouda cheese shops. Even if you’re not looking to shop, these picturesque streets are worth a stroll.

Visit a Red Light District

Marijuana and prostitution are tolerated in this city and whether this is your cup of tea or not, it’s part of the city and the culture. There are several red-light districts but De Wallen, which is located about the Oude Kerk, is the most well know. Keep in mind that a coffeeshop is not the same thing as a cafe (though they both typically sell coffee).

Visit the Museums

Rijksmuseum is one of the best museums in the city and it’s the only museum in the world you can cycle through! Plus, the famous iAmsterdam letters are right outside (go early if you want to avoid the crowds).

Nemo Science Museum is an awesome place to take the kiddos (or the kids at heart). Plus, its rooftop is a must-visit for a panoramic view of the city!

Anne Frank House tickets book up quickly. And the only way to get tickets is to purchase them online. The first window of buying tickets is several months prior and they usually sell out super quick. But another window opens the day before so be sure to keep checking online.

Stroll the Hortus Botanicus

Hortus Botanicus is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world. Founded in 1638 by the city to serve as an herb garden for doctors and apothecaries, today, it contains more than six thousand tropical and indigenous trees and plants.

Wander Through an Open-Air Market

There are always markets going on in the city, below are some must-visits!

• Albert Cuyp Market, a great open-air market in the De Pijp district featuring more than 300 stalls and it is probably the most popular market in the city.
• Waterlooplein, located south of the Rembrandt House Museum is the oldest flea market not just in Amsterdam but in the Netherlands!
• Dappermarkt is an open-air market in the Dapperbuurt district where you can find food and clothing food.
• Noordermarkt is open Saturdays and you can find fresh, organic food.

Grab a Drink at a Local Brewery

Heineken originated from Amsterdam but it isn’t the only brewery in town. Brouwerij ‘t IJ, located at the foot of the beautiful De Gooyer windmill and Brouwerij De Prael, located at the Oudezijds Voorburgwal in the heart of the red-light district, are worth a visit!

Voila! The ultimate travel guide to getting the most out of your visit in Amsterdam! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!

We took a day trip to the tulip fields, check out this post on the best times and ways to see the beautiful flower fields.

Happy travels!