Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is known for being highly tolerant towards people from all walks of life. Locals themselves are huge on the saying, “to live and let live”, but that’s not to say that there are no rules or that anything goes. Tourists will surely have plenty to enjoy, as long as they respect the ancient city and its laws and culture. After all, every bit of freedom enjoyed by the people has been carefully shaped over its 750 years of existence.

A dam was placed in the river Amstel in 1275. Since then, the city has been a hub for people from all over the world to come and trade. Because there was a high tolerance regarding religion, Amsterdam was a haven for many people who were prosecuted elsewhere. The newcomers assimilated, and that is why Amsterdam is so inclusive and inviting to new people. Over the decades, trading and sailing the world made the capital a major player in world history.

Amsterdam is very lively and offers a lot of cultural activities. There are many museums to visit, restaurants to try, and festivals to participate in. People love the small size of the city and the many attractions and events that are always going on. Locals are also friendly, and most of them speak English. Three surprising things you may not know: the weather is not very predictable, the Red Light District is not an amusement park, and there are many bicycles everywhere.

Tips for travelers: Things to know before visiting Amsterdam, Netherlands

Trip101 has partnered with over 200 accredited and experienced tour guides from more than 50 countries to ensure you receive the most accurate and authentic travel information. These guides bring a wealth of local expertise, offering insights that go beyond the typical tourist experience. Trust the travel tips from experts who live and breathe their destinations to provide you with unparalleled local knowledge.

These insightful tips are shared by our experienced Amsterdam tour guide(s), Locally

Getting Around In Amsterdam
Getting Around In Amsterdam

How far away is city center from the airport, and what's the easiest way to get there?

Schiphol Airport is located outside the city, just a 15-minute train ride or a 45-minute taxi journey away. If you have lots of luggage, taking a cab is suggested, but many travelers prefer the train. The train station is underneath the airport and goes straight to Amsterdam Central Station, where people are accustomed to seeing luggage. It's the fastest and cheapest way to enter the city center. If you’re staying on the outskirts, taking a cab is advisable due to the challenges of driving in the city. Be aware that taxi drivers may take longer routes to increase the fare, which is a common practice.
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Local Food
Local Food

What are some of the best local food to try in Amsterdam?

One quintessential Dutch treat is the stroopwafel. This delicious snack is a flat cookie with syrup in between, available everywhere in various price ranges. The trick is to enjoy it fresh-made, while it’s still warm, or by resting it on top of your hot coffee or tea to let the steam warm it up. Supermarkets sell packages of 12 stroopwafels for a very reasonable price. However, for the full tourist experience, fresh-made stroopwafels with toppings are available at markets, though they can cost between 13 to 18 EUR (13.92 to 19.27 USD). Another popular snack found in cafes is bitterballen. These are deep-fried balls with a thick, savory filling of beef, cheese, or a meat-based sauce. They are best enjoyed with a cold beer. Be sure to let them cool for a few minutes after being served, as the filling can be very hot. French fries are also a must-try and can be found on almost every corner. The best ones are made from fresh potatoes and double-fried. Dutch people love to pair their fries with mayonnaise or peanut sauce. A popular combination is patatje oorlog, which includes fries topped with mayonnaise, peanut sauce, and chopped onions. Except for stroopwafels, these foods are hearty and provide a solid base for beer drinking, which is a common activity among both locals and tourists. It's important to eat well to avoid overindulgence in alcohol without sufficient food intake.
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Healthcare
Healthcare

What healthcare facilities are available for tourists/foreigners in Amsterdam?

In case of a serious accident, an ambulance will be dispatched to transport you to the hospital promptly. Medical personnel are available in all hotels, and some vaccine stations have been converted into medical posts. Most incidents are minor, such as someone smoking too much and feeling unwell, which can often be remedied quickly. For serious issues, the ambulance arrives promptly, and people on the street, including area coaches, are well-informed about what to do and who to call. Amsterdam is a safe city with a strong sense of community, so there's always someone nearby to help.
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Staying Connected
Staying Connected

Should travelers consider getting a local SIM card? If so, would it be cheaper to grab one at the airport upon arrival or wait and buy one at a local shop in the city?

Getting a local SIM card isn't always necessary because Wi-Fi is widely available in Amsterdam. Many restaurants and cafes provide Wi-Fi, often with the Wi-Fi code on cards placed on tables. With widespread Wi-Fi, you can make calls and access the internet without needing a local SIM card. If you do need a SIM card, they are easily accessible through phone sellers, including shops that offer refurbished phones or repair services. While the airport may offer convenience, local shops can provide competitive prices. However, it's important to note that Wi-Fi availability in Amsterdam makes it less essential to have a local SIM card.
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Money Matters
Money Matters

Where can you usually find the best exchange rate in the city?

The best way to get cash is from an ATM, which is safe and convenient. Look for ATMs with a yellow band and a little square face with square eyes. It's advisable to keep your money in your bank and withdraw it as needed. However, be aware that some ATMs offer different conversion charge options for various currencies. Watching a YouTube video on this topic can provide valuable insights into avoiding unnecessary fees. When it comes to exchanging money, there are various exchange places available. Carrying a few hundred euros in cash is usually sufficient, as euros are widely accepted throughout Europe, except in England, which uses its own currency. For general use, traveling with a bank card and withdrawing money as needed is recommended, keeping in mind that bank holidays may result in higher fees. Legitimate ATMs are typically attached to buildings on the street. For local transactions, both credit cards and cash are widely accepted. Paying in cash might be more appreciated by vendors, especially in tourist areas, as they can pocket it directly. However, paying with a credit card is straightforward, with most payment machines accepting all cards, except for Visa, which often incurs higher charges, making vendors less inclined to accept it. To ensure wider acceptance and avoid extra fees, it's advisable to carry both Mastercard and Visa credit cards.
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Important Travel Info
Important Travel Info

Are there any medications or items travelers should avoid bringing into the country?

There aren't any specific restrictions beyond what airlines already demand. Unlike countries like New Zealand or England, where traveling with plants is restricted, the Netherlands is more lenient. However, bringing a large quantity of over-the-counter medications might raise suspicion. For personal use, it's generally fine, but carrying too many could make it appear like you intend to sell them. Items such as toothpaste and liquid medications such as Nyquil are typically allowed for personal use. Be aware that if checked, large quantities might be confiscated, but usually, there are no issues if the amounts are reasonable. For an updated list of restricted or prohibited items, refer to this link from the Netherlands government: https://www.belastingdienst.nl/wps/wcm/connect/bldcontenten/belastingdienst/individuals/abroad_and_customs/restricted_prohibited_import_export/restricted_prohibited
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Attractions
Attractions

Are there any dress codes to follow when visiting religious sites or monuments in Amsterdam?

There isn't a specific dress code in Amsterdam for most attractions. The general dress code is casual, even for events like receptions where people are often seen wearing their best jeans. While people might dress a bit nicer for church services, many churches also host various events where casual attire is acceptable. For example, unlike in Rome where strict dress codes are enforced for entering St. Peter's Basilica, Amsterdam's churches are more relaxed. Travelers often dress less casually than most Dutch people, but comfort is key.
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What To Buy
What To Buy

Where are the best places to find souvenirs in Amsterdam?

Vintage and pre-owned shopping is highly esteemed in Amsterdam, covering everything from clothing to furniture and antiques. There’s a thriving market for vintage goods, with numerous shops and even chains specializing in different qualities of vintage items. For this reason, shopping tours are quite popular.
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Climate Tips
Climate Tips

What's the best time to travel to Amsterdam weather-wise? Are there any seasons to avoid?

The "no jacket required" temperatures are in June, July, August, and September. However, there are two things you cannot trust in this country: the weather reports and bicycles, as they always surprise you. Therefore, the best tip for dealing with the weather is to dress in layers. When it starts raining, it usually doesn't rain the whole day. It rains for a bit and then it's dry, repeating the cycle. On days like those, opt for plastic coveralls over umbrellas because rain and wind often go hand in hand, making umbrellas less effective. It's best to enjoy a coffee and apple pie while waiting for the rain to pass. Despite the unpredictable weather, the best chance for pleasant weather is during the summer months. No, there are no particular seasons to avoid visiting Amsterdam. The city does not experience hurricanes or earthquakes. While it can be cold during the winter months, it is still lovely. Visiting Amsterdam later in the year, when the days are shorter, is quite fun. From November to February, it gets dark after 4:00pm, allowing visitors to experience the city lights and the charmingly lit houses. People in Amsterdam typically don't close their curtains, giving you a glimpse into the cozy interiors. In contrast, during the summer months, it stays light until 9:30pm, creating an almost perpetual day.
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Area Guide
Area Guide

Which neighborhoods in Amsterdam have the best nightlife scene and events?

The main squares, such as Rembrandt Square and Leidse Square, are great for nightlife and entertainment. Avoid the Red Light District, as it's not enjoyable for a night out. Another nice area is the Westerpark Terrain. Within the city center, you’ll find numerous cafes on every corner where you can sit outside, have a beer or some bitterballen, and enjoy watching people.
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Local Events
Local Events

Are there any annual festivals or special events in Amsterdam or nearby cities that tourists shouldn't miss?

The festival scene in and around Amsterdam, as well as throughout the Netherlands, is vibrant and diverse. There's a plethora of outdoor festivals happening all summer long, offering a wide range of music, culture, and entertainment. Information about these festivals can be easily found by searching ""festivals Amsterdam"" on Google. The festival season typically kicks off in March or April, coinciding with the tulip season, and continues throughout the summer months. Events like King's Day and Liberation Day mark the beginning of the festival season, with music festivals happening across the country. From there, you can expect a steady stream of festivals every weekend, covering various themes and interests. These festivals are usually well-organized, with special transportation services often available to take attendees from train stations to the festival grounds and back. With so many festivals happening, there's always something exciting to experience during the summer months in the Netherlands.
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Featured Articles - Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam, Netherlands

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Amsterdam is enduringly one of Europe's most popular holiday destinations, with visitors picking it for weekend breaks, longer holidays and many even choosing it as a place to move to. The welcoming nature of Holland, and particularly its capital, makes it a city where you can quickly and easily find your feet. And of course, it's beautiful, too - the mix of canals, brilliant architecture, and galleries, make the perfect setting for a city with accessible amenities and where your language, whatever it may be, is likely to be spoken. Also, you'll find here a vibrant food scene, where food markets are aplenty and food establishments are almost everywhere, including vegan restaurants. So we know why we want to go; the question that remains is, where do we stay once there? Continue reading to discover some of the top Airbnb vacation rentals in Amsterdam's city centre. **Popular picks in Amsterdam's city centre:** Amsterdam's central district, called by locals as "Centrum," offers a storied range of places that tourists from all walks of life can enjoy. Below is a list of favourite attractions that the city's residents hold close to their hearts. - **Arts and culture:** Fans of fine art should pay a visit to the Rembrandt House Museum and stroll through a masterful collection of works made by the painter known for his upfront realism. If you're rather into photography, you'll be in luck when you stop by the Foam Photography Museum and Huis Marseille. - **History:** Amsterdam's centre is steeped in historical gems and remnants of days gone by, interspersed with more modern structures. The Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder and Museum Van Loon provide significant insights of the Netherlands' Golden Age. Those who wish to look deeper into the city's history should check out the Amsterdam City Archives. - **Entertainment venues:** Looking to let off your steam after a day of gallivanting? Centrum has got you covered. The district is home to Boom Chicago, the premier spot for improv shows and English-language comedy, as well as the groundbreaking theatre and stage production house Frascati. The former church-turned-events venue Paradiso is the eclectic spot for live music and nightlife. - **Shopping and dining:** Your experience in Amsterdam won't be complete if you don't splurge your cash for a shopping and dining spree. The Noordermarkt, which opens on Mondays and Saturdays, sells various items that range from clothing and textiles to precious antique items. The city's iconic waterfront makes for a perfect setting for food breaks and drinking sessions, and Hannekes Boom is the epitome of this type of experience.

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