Canal Ring (Grachtengordel)
Ideal for: first visit, couples
Amsterdam's classic scenery: canals, bridges and narrow houses, at the centre of everything.
Amsterdam
Canals, bikes and great museums: a human-scale city, best explored on foot.
Plan your stay in Amsterdam
Best areas to stay in Amsterdam
Jordaan
Ideal for: couples, local life
Small streets, cafés and shops, with a village feel.
De Pijp
Ideal for: solo, nightlife
A lively area around the Albert Cuyp market, with many restaurants.
Museum Quarter (Museumkwartier)
Ideal for: families, seniors
Calm and elegant, near the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum and Vondelpark.
Practical info about Amsterdam
Amsterdam is best explored on foot, by bike or by tram. Bikes are everywhere: take care when crossing cycle lanes.
The best-known museums (Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House) require a booking: reserve time slots well in advance. Central accommodation is in high demand: book early.
What to see in Amsterdam
- The canals of the Canal Ring, on foot or by boat;
- the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum (booked time slot);
- the Anne Frank House (tickets only online, released on Tuesdays for six weeks later);
- the Jordaan, its cafés and markets;
- day trips: Zaanse Schans and its windmills, and in spring Keukenhof.
Arriving in Amsterdam
Direct trains link Schiphol airport to Centraal station in about 14 minutes. Amsterdam charges a tourist tax of 12.5% of the room price.
All our tips in Travel in the Netherlands.