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“They say I was in Amsterdam, but I can’t remember….” 😀 so says one of the most popular T-Shirts in Amsterdam. It is a world-famous sin city with the Red-Light District and the coffee shops but the official promotional brochures are filled with flower fields, windmills, diamonds and canals with pretty Dutch architectured houses alongside. I love Amsterdam – it is a real melting pot of cultures and as a visitor I felt very much at home. I rarely like cities let alone capitals but this is one of the few of my favourites.
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Table of Contents
Getting to Amsterdam
Schiphol Airport is close to the city – and there are shuttles that depart every 10 minutes run by Connexxion and will bring you to most of the hotels in the city. This service of course costs for example 14/Euros for one way.
*Money saving Tips: There are of course options where:
- If you want to just travel to your hotel – The Amsterdam Airport Express (Bus 397) goes every 7.5 minutes from the airport – Platform B9 to some fixed stops in the city centre. It costs about 11.25 Euros for a return fare. Way cheaper! – so find a hotel close to these stops. Here is the link for the time table schedules and the ticket.
- If you plan to travel to the hotel and get in some sight-seeing at the same time around Amsterdam city – There is another day travel card (Amsterdam Travel Ticket)- the link here for the ticket rates. It is about 17 Euros for a day ticket. Bear in mind that this is just the city transport included which is trains, trams, buses and ferries.
- This third one is my favourite – if you plan to go beyond Amsterdam city into the outskirts like Zaanse Schans or Volendam – then you must get this ticket – Amsterdam & Region travel Ticket costs about 19.50 Euros per day. Be warned though – this is quite an illusive ticket to find – my father and I went in search of the tickets at the airport but no one has heard of it , in the end found it at the central bus station in Amsterdam city. But with this very ticket you can go farther away to the nice places to see the windmills and flowers for very very much cheaper! Here is the link of where to get the tickets and cost.
- If you would like to combine travel with entries to museums and sight-seeing example on the canal cruise then there is the i amsterdam city card costing about 65 Euros for a 24-hr card. Here is the link for what’s included in it.
In order to save money – you need to plan ahead at least roughly.
Getting Around Amsterdam
With the car , its a definite no-no. It is very difficult to find places to park. If you have a hotel in the city centre, it almost has no possibility for parking and if you manage to find a space, it is very expensive – so save yourself the stress and use the public transports available here (Refer above for day travel cards.) There are several options of Park + Ride stations if you stay a little bit outside, you could park your car at the stations and ride to the city centre. The other popular possibility is cycling around. It is very popular and the locals are very very experienced in avoiding newbies on bicycles. Only thing though is never bring your expensive bikes here – because they are parked at the road sides and an expensive bike will stick out like a sore thumb begging to get stolen!
What to see in Amsterdam
Whenever we visit the city , we walk around by foot and use the tram. Before long, you get used to the layout of the city. Below are a few places worth visiting.Â
Amsterdam Centraal
The train station architecture Amsterdam Centraal is one of the nicest around in my opinion. You won’t miss it because it is the central point of transport with trams, buses and of course trains here.
St. Nicholas Basilica
This is the city’s main Catholic Church. It is located at the city center, an impressive building amongst other typical Dutch architecture.
"Venice of the North"
There are many canals constructed at the end of the 17th Century and when walking along the City Center including the Red Light District there are many bridges across the many canals. The main canals like Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, Herengracht are in the Unesco World Heritage List.
This area is commonly filled with pedestrians and bicycles. Its busy and there are plenty of shops, restaurants around.
Canal Cruise
The canal cruise has a “captain” who drives the boat as well as provide a running commentary about the sights off the canal. I think it is worth doing at least once. When I was on it , the captain was a pretty insulting guy – he insulted children, women, asians and then he dared asked for a tip at the end! Well, I think I hit the jackpot with this one – I’ll bet he is only 0.00001% of such characters here. There is a canal cruise station fairly close to Amsterdam Centraal – within 10 minutes walking distance. Its relaxing to see Amsterdam in this way.
Amsterdam Royal Palace
I have not been inside here but the outside looks impressive. It is located at the heart of the city at Dam Square. Here is the link for tickets and opening hours.
National Monument
Standing also in Dam Square opposite of the Royal Palace , is the National Monument which commemorates the casualties of War beginning from World War II.
Rokin
This is the main street starting from Dam Square to Muntplein. In 2018, a North-South Metro line runs through Rokin. This road houses plenty of well known big brands for shopping.
A'DAM LookOut
This is an observation deck with a view over Amsterdam – You can see the A’DAM Tower from the main train station.
Munttoren (Mint Tower)
This is often my landmark – for when I want to find the flower market. It is situated on Muntplein, at the end of the shopping street Kalverstraat. The mint tower itself is part of the old medieval city wall. The carillon is consisting of 38 bells which chime every quarter of the hour.
Flower Market (Bloemenmarkt)
This is a unique floating flower market filled with many different types of flowers according to the seasons. These are export ready and are ready packed for travellers to bring home..
Rembrandtplein
A very happening square – lots of restaurants, cafe, clubs for night life-
Den Waag in Nieuwmarkt
Nieuwmarkt area has a lot of restaurants , cafes and bars too. This is the oldest non-religious building in the city. It really looks medieval. Now there is a restaurant at the ground floor.
Amsterdam's Red Light District
Who has not heard of this most famous Red Light District ? It is not very far away from Den Waag – This area is not hidden or walled up like in the Reeperbahn in Hamburg. People just stroll past literally “window shopping” – the ladies are on display at the windows and when business calls the curtains are drawn close. It is interesting to witness especially on a first time visit , the bargaining that goes on. I was surprised by how un-seedy it was – rather a matter of fact approach to prostitution.Â
There are some etiquette that should be observed like not taking pictures and especially not posting said pictures in social media. Nobody likes to have their picture taken and memorialized over the ages at the Red Light District. There are said to be people who will snatch away cameras if caught photographing the ladies and / or customers.
In this area , there are also small restaurants with great food interspesed with erotic shops and peep-shows. It really is quite amazing.
Vondelpark
A large public park full of greens. Parakeets are a common sight here.
Museumplein / Museums Quarter
The Museum Quarter where the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum is, is within easy walking distance of Vondelpark and the famous “I amsterdam” sign. Its worth spending some time here, feels relaxing
Rijksmuseum
I can highly recommend visiting the Rijksmuseum. Obviously it has a lot of works from the Dutch masters but it is way more than that. For example I saw this “Clock Art” from there. Check out the opening times and tickets from the link. Museum entrance is free if you have the I amsterdam city card, otherwise it costs 17,50 Euros per person above 18 years of age.
"I amsterdam"
This by now very famous letters are located at the back of the Rijksmuseum. It’s a very successful advertising gimmick. And even though I already have photos with it, everytime I am in Museumsplein I am still drawn to it – Check out if you have the same symptoms and let me know.
*Update Feb 2019: I Just learned that this cool sign has been removed by the authorities in early December 2018. What a shame!Â
Heinekenplein
Across the canal from Museumsplein is Heinekenplein, for those interested in beer making and look forward to beer tasting in the end, there is the Heineken experience. Opening times and tickets are in this link. The Heineken square itself often has events and even an open-air cinema is organized here annually.
Albert Cuyp Market
Nearby is the daily market (except Sundays strangely enough) – I came browsing around here and found a nice unique jacket in one of the many shops around. I also tried some “street food” – A nice way to spend the morning really.
Other Interesting Facts About Amsterdam
Amsterdam is one of those cities which boldly take taboo issues such as prostitution and soft drug consumption by the horns. The city became famous and unique due to this fact.
As you weave your way through the streets, there is the unmistakable waft of marijuana smoke in the air. The coffee shops were aplenty in most places in the city and while they are not legal in the eyes of the law , they are obviously tolerated. Now a lot of them are closed due to Dutch politics.Â
As opposed to what one may expect, they are not seedy or sleazy. People are generally relaxed and chilled out, low key really. They offer good fresh orange juices and of course coffee on their menu 🙂 and the best part is smoking cigarettes (tobacco) are prohibited inside. Hard drugs are not sold inside but you could be approached by illegal sellers on the street. Do avoid buying anything on the streets, you really wouldn’t know what substance you are getting.Â
Cannabis sold in the coffee shops are controlled and there are rules regarding the quantity sold to individuals as well as customers should be above legal age. Alcohol is also not sold here , another plus for me. Be aware that the cannabis sold here are in different forms , also made into muffin style (Space cakes) as well as shakes. The effect could turn out too strong for the casual tourist. So taste with care!Â
Remember that you should not smoke or consume anywhere else except inside the coffee shops. In case you are now curious – I am averse to smoking anything either weed or tobacco does not matter – I can practically feel my throat and lungs deteriorating just by watching others do it. But what do I know… “They say I was in Amsterdam, but I can’t remember….”
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Nice summarized blog on things to do in Amsterdam. I liked the tips you provided to take the public transport to your hotel from the airport. It’s very important. Rijkmuseum is somewhere I would surely love to visit. During my last visit to Amsterdam, I missed it. I wanna go there again. By the way, your pictures are lit.
Thank you! Rijksmuseum is high on my recommended things to do list especially on a rainy day which is a high probability in amsterdam.
I visited Amsterdam about twenty years ago, and I really enjoyed my time there. You’re right about the Rijksmuseum, it’s definitely a must-see. I didn’t remember seeing that I Amsterdam sign (and it’s certainly big enough!), so I googled what year it was installed – 2004. So I missed it by a few years. Sadly, I also read that it was very recently removed because it was promoting mass tourism. At least you have your photos with it!
OH thanks for letting me know about the sign , I have to update this information. That sign has a special place in my heart.
I guess the canal cruise is the most popular thing to do in Amsterdam. But most likely the next popular one is the Red Light District, hahaha! I passed through Amsterdam so many times over the yers, yet never had a chance to stop and visit the city. I’m hoping one of these days it will happen though.
As a stranger to Europe, Amsterdam was a nice melting pot and I felt “at home” pretty immediately, so i definitely recommend a visit , if for nothing else to feel the whole vibe of the city.
Amsterdam Royal Palace looks so amazing! I wonder if I can take a photo here with less people. The red light district is very popular. I want to see the attractions too.
I haven’t been to Amsterdam yet and it is high on my list. Thank you for the transport options from the airport. We are always looking for the most cost effective ways to get from the airport to hotels. High on my list would definitely be a canal cruise hope we don’t get the same captain! Museums would also be high on my list. Thanks for sharing.
I have visited Amsterdam many times and this city never stops to amaze me! Even though not my favorite place in Amsterdam, I have to agree- no visit to the city is complete without Rijksmuseum. Thank you for this post, your pictures brought back a lot of nice memories and reminded me it might be time to visit again.
A great compilation for first-time visitors to Amsterdam. I have been to the city a number of times because of work, and there is always something new I discover. Besides the cafes and the charming streets, there’s pretty much something for everyone here. You’ve pretty much covered all the important stops. I would maybe add the Madame Tussaud to the list, even though it is a little kitsch, but fun and centrally located on the Dam Square.
I have never been to Amsterdam but I very much want to go there. And this article of yours is quite helpful for a first-timer like me. It nicely summarizes all the must-dos in the city. I love markets especially ones like the flower market. Will make sure I add that to my itinerary.
I visited Amsterdam more than 5 years ago and instantly loved it. It was such a great amalgamation of sin and beauty haha. I loved visiting the Red Light District, eating the pot brownies and exploring the canal roads. But also, there are beautiful parks and cute villages as soon as you step out of the city as well. From museums to historical places to great night life to gorgeous parks, Amsterdam truly is one of the best European cities to visit in my opinion. I don’t remember making it to Albert Cuyp Market, looks like I missed out on something really nice!
I love Amsterdam too! I lived there for a year and I miss it so much! You definitely pointed out the not-to-be-missed things of this amazing city. Among the ones you mentioned I haven’t gone to the Heineken Factory yet for some reasons. Did you go inside?
Unfortunately I did not enter the factory – it would be really something to do on my next trips! 🙂
I love Amsterdam and have been there many times. It’s great to read about your enthusiasm for the city. When I travel there I only use public transportation since it’s the very best way to get around no matter where you’re going.
That’s too bad about your insulting captain on the river cruise. I would really like to do that in Amsterdam, but would hope I get someone nicer! I’ve read about people getting their cameras snatched in the Red Light District too.
I’m very sure you get a nice one. Most people are nice there 🙂
Very good summary about Amsterdam and the things to do and see. K was there last year for a few days. Ut I’d love to go back and also visit more of the surrounding smaller towns. We visited Zaans Schaans to see the windmills which was very neat.
What a great guide to Amsterdam. I spent 2 days in Amsterdam many years ago so would love to go back and see the attractions I missed.