Amsterdam is probably one of the most vibrant and fascinating cities in Europe. The capital of the Netherlands is the largest and most populous city in the country with around 900,000 inhabitants. The city is best known for its picturesque canals, rich history and its popular cultural scene. The nightlife is also considered one of the best in Europe and that is why Amsterdam is one of the liveliest cities in the world.
Did you know that Amsterdam has more canals than Venice? You can explore the city on foot or by bike, but public transport is also well developed here. Amsterdam is probably one of the few cities where cycling is really lovely and relaxed. A little fun fact is that there are more bicycles in Amsterdam than residents. The airport is one of the largest and is considered a hub in Europe. From here there are flights to all over the world.
canals, bikes and iconic sights
Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands and is located in northwestern Europe. The city lies in the western part of the country, close to the North Sea, and is known for its famous canals that run throughout the historic center. Because of its central location in Europe, Amsterdam is easily reachable from major cities like Paris, Brussels, and Berlin.
Built on a network of waterways, the city is often called the “Venice of the North.” Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most visited destinations and a perfect starting point for exploring the Netherlands and beyond.
Amsterdam is a fascinatingly diverse city. Charming, open, and creative, with amazing culture and sights. The city is on many travelers’ bucket lists. Here are some things you should know before traveling to Amsterdam.
Language: The official language is Dutch. Almost everyone speaks English very well.
Tip: 5–10% in restaurants is customary.
Payment: Card payments are standard almost everywhere. Almost all restaurants, shops and hotels will accept credit or debit cards.
Weather: Often changeable, even in summer. The best time of year is June through September, but they are also the highest months for tourism.
Food: Typical Dutch dishes include stroopwafels, bitterballen, poffertjes and haring.
City Card: The Amsterdam City Card is available for 24, 48, and 72-hour travel. It grants admission to many museums and attractions. It also includes use of public transport.
Driving here is not really recommended. Parking is often very expensive (up to 10€ per hour) and many streets are quite narrow here.
In Amsterdam, the GVB (municipal transport company) operates buses, trams and the metro. You can check in and pay contactless with a credit card or smartphone.
Most locals use bikes to get around. It’s probably the best way and one of the best ways to explore the city and get from place to place. You can also find bike rentals almost everywhere (e.g., MacBike, Swapfiets or Donkey Republic) where you can rent bikes for little money.
The city center is very easy to get around on foot. Amsterdam is generally very pedestrian-friendly, but you should always watch out for cyclists.
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Amsterdam is one of the most easily accessible cities in Europe. The airport is about 15 kilometers from the center and you can get to the city by train in about 15 minutes. Amsterdam is also generally easy to reach by train, even from many neighboring countries. If you are traveling by car, please note that parking in the city is generally incredibly expensive.
The months between May and October are probably the best here. It is warm and does not rain very often. In the summer months of July and August it can also be very hot here with temperatures over 30 degrees.
Whether it’s for food, drinks, entry fees, hotels, parking or other activities, Amsterdam is basically one of the most expensive cities in Europe. A breakfast for two costs around 30-40€ and if you are looking for an average hotel with a double bedroom, you will pay at least 150-200€ per night. To save money, it’s best to look during the week. Prices may be slightly lower than on weekends.
Amsterdam is an amazing city where you should spend at least three full days. A great option is a long weekend with three or better four full days.
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