We have been lucky enough to visit Amsterdam twice. The first time was to celebrate New Years, and the second time was with our mothers to see the tulips. It’s one of those cities you can go back to time and time again, and not get sick of it!
Anne Frank House
The Anne Frank House is the building that the famous diary writer hid with her family from Nazi troops while they occupied the Netherlands. Anne’s father, Otto Frank, was the only surviving member of his family after the war. He helped to establish the house as a nonprofit museum in 1957. Visiting the house is truly taking a step into a haunted part of history, but incredibly important to understand first hand what many people went through during this dark period in Europe. We definitely recommend purchasing your tickets (at least 2 months) in advance to avoid waiting in long lines.
- Cost: €10.50
- Reserve spots online here: Anne Frank House Tickets
- Estimated time needed: 2-3 hours
Heineken Experience
The Heineken Experience is an interactive brewery tour. It’s interesting to learn about the history of this international brand. If you book your tickets online in advance, you get a designated time slot to enter, you can skip the line and you save 3 euros! It also includes a tasting halfway through the tour, as well as 2 Heineken beers at the end.
- Cost: €18 (online) €21 (in person)
- Reserve spots online here: Heineken Experience Tickets
- Estimated time needed: 2-3 hours
Keukenhof Gardens
The Keukenhof Gardens are a perfect day trip from Amsterdam. They are only open 2 months out of the year, from mid March until mid May, during tulip season. It’s about 40 minutes to get to the gardens so we recommend making a day of it if you can and pack a lunch! Check out our previous post dedicated to visiting the gardens here: Keukenhof Gardens.
- Cost: $42 (Entry ticket & transportation)
- Reserve tour here: Keukenhof Entry Ticket with Transfers
- Estimated time needed: All day
Red Light District
The Red Light District is definitely an adult-only experience. Prostitution is legal in Amsterdam so storefront windows are lined with half-dressed women looking for customers. There are many sex shops, shows and café’s in this area. It’s such a unique experience, that it’s worth a stroll in the early evening before things get too crazy!
- Cost: Free
- Estimated time needed: 30 minutes – 1 hour
Canal Cruise
With over 165 canals, Amsterdam is often considered the Venice of the North. Taking a canal cruise is a great way to take in the city. You can preorder a ticket online and go to any one of the 14 pick up stations to scan your ticket and join the cruise (no reservation required). If you’re visiting in warm weather, we also recommend the open boat canal cruise with a bar onboard. Perfect for a Summer evening.
- Cost: €16 (Standard) $22 (Open Boat)
- Reserve spots online here: Standard Canal Cruise Tickets / Open Boat Canal Cruise
- Estimated time needed: 1 hour
Brouwerij’t IJ brewery
The last remaining windmill in Amsterdam can be found next to Brouwerij’t IJ brewery. It’s a great spot to grab a flight of their blonde and dark beers and soak up the view.
- Cost: €5-8 (for a drink)
- Estimated time needed: 1-2 hours
I Amsterdam
The Iamsterdam sign is a newer symbol for the people of Amsterdam. Originally located in Museumplein, it was removed in 2018 due to the amount of crowds drawn to a limited space. You can find this famous sign at Schipol airport (outside arrivals 1) or in Sloterplas lake, a park area in Amsterdam.
- Cost: Free
- Estimated time needed: 15 – 30 minutes
JWO Lekkernijen
We don’t normally focus on specific food places when writing our city guides, but we had the best sandwiches at this local deli! If you’re visiting Amsterdam in nice weather, it’s the perfect spot to grab a to-go lunch. The people behind the counter asked us a bit about what we liked and created delicious custom sandwiches for us. Definitely let them take the reins since they know what cheeses and sauces go best with which meat.
- Cost: €5-10 (per sandwich)
- Estimated time needed: 15 – 30 minutes
Van Gough Museum
This museum is dedicated to the work of post-impressionist artist Vincent Van Gough and his contemporaries. It’s located in Museumplein, a neighborhood of Amsterdam with other museums.
- Cost: €19
- Reserve spots online here: Van Gough Museum
- Estimated time needed: 2-3 hours
Rijksmuseum
Rijksmuseum is a national museum dedicated to the arts and history of Amsterdam. It is also located in Museumplein, along with the Van Gough Museum.
- Cost: €19
- Reserve spots online here: Rijksmuseum Tickets
- Estimated time needed: 2-3 hours
Rembrandt House Museum
Going off the museum theme, Rembrandt House Museum is a historic home, turned art museum. Painter Rembrandt lived and worked in the house between 1639 and 1656.
- Cost: €14
- Reserve spots online here: Rembrandt House Museum
- Estimated time needed: 1-2 hours
Jordaan Neighborhood
The Jordaan neighborhood is one of the more picturesque and artistic parts of Amsterdam. It’s a great area to take a walk and get lost in. Chances are you’ll stumble across some unique boutiques and modern restaurants.
- Cost: Free
- Estimated time needed: 1-2 hours
Dam Square
Dam Square is a central spot in Amsterdam used for many public events. During the holidays, there are Christmas market booths and attractions set up there.
- Cost: Free
- Estimated time needed: 15 – 30 minutes
Visit a pancake house
After all of that sightseeing you’re going to want to refuel! Amsterdam is known for their sweet and savory pancakes. We recommend Pancake Bakery. Although there was a line outside to get in, don’t be fooled – it moves quickly! The pancakes are large so if you’re not too hungry, we recommend sharing.
- Cost: €8-12 (per pancake)
- Estimated time needed: 1-2 hours
Accommodation
During our New Year’s Eve trip to Amsterdam, we stayed in a private room through Airbnb. It was right in the heart of the Canal District, within walking distance of the Anne Frank House and other sights. Our second time in Amsterdam, we rented a small studio apartment.
Amsterdam Travel Tips
- Transportation
- Amsterdam is very walkable.
- If you’re feeling brave, it’s also accessible to rent a bike and get around that way.
- Finally, if you are not comfortable with walking a lot – the tram system or hop on hop off boats are another scenic way to get places quickly.
- Uber is also an option in Amsterdam.
- Tipping
- Tipping is not as prominent in the Netherlands as it is in the US because servers are paid a livable wage.
- Some spare coins or 5-10% is a nice gesture if you enjoyed the meal or service, but not expected. Be sure to check your receipt to see if a gratuity was already built in.
- Weather
- Amsterdam is further North so it has cold winters and moderate summers. It is busiest in the summer months so traveling in the shoulder or off season will help to avoid the crowds.
- Winter: 32 – 48 F
- Summer: 55 – 70 F
- Amsterdam is further North so it has cold winters and moderate summers. It is busiest in the summer months so traveling in the shoulder or off season will help to avoid the crowds.
- General
- Do not make the mistake of walking in the bike lane. There are very clear areas meant for bikes and for walkers. Bikers will ring their bell and furiously whip past you if you’re in the wrong lane!
- Know the difference between a café and a coffee shop
- Coffee shop = a shop that sells marijuana
- Café = where you buy your morning coffee
- Don’t take photos in the Red Light District. It is meant to protect the sex workers and a security guard will come out if you try to.
- Don’t forget your allergy medicine in Spring! With all the tulips and gardens in full bloom, you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared.
Amsterdam is a city full of life! I always dream about the day I’ll make it back there to stroll along the canals. We hope you enjoyed our City Guide filled with the best things to do in Amsterdam.
Cheers, Amanda
