We’ve been all over the world, but one place that continually makes our team’s list of surprising destinations is Amsterdam.
If you’re looking for a unique, charming city to add to your travel bucket list, bump Amsterdam up to number one. Gorgeous canals, colorful buildings, and world-famous attractions make this city the ultimate vacation spot.
Where is Amsterdam?
Amsterdam is in western Netherlands, which borders Belgium, Germany, and the North Sea. Waterways are hugely important to the capital city and always have been. The name Amsterdam literally means “the dam on the River Amstel” and you’ll find the city full of canals ripe for exploring.
Amsterdam Weather
The best time to visit Amsterdam is when the weather is warm and relatively dry, making May through September a popular time for tourism. Even the hottest parts of the summer, though, are relatively mild compared to other locations. July averages about 61° Fahrenheit.
Temperatures can drop below freezing in the winter — January averages about 36° Fahrenheit — and it’s not unusual to see rain and snow. Like many countries in the region, though, the Netherlands knows how to embrace the winter and will still give you plenty of enjoyment to experience in the off-season.
What Language Do They Speak in Amsterdam, Netherlands?
Dutch is the official language of the Netherlands. If you only have English in your repertoire, though, you should still be able to travel Amsterdam easily.
More than 90% of the country’s citizens know English, and the 2022 EF English Proficiency Index ranked Amsterdam as the top city worldwide for English fluency among non-native speakers.
How Do You Get to Amsterdam?
Between Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, which is routinely named one of the best in the world, and the city’s train system, getting to Amsterdam on public transit is super easy.
From the U.S., you’ll find direct flights from major airports like New York JKF, Chicago, and Atlanta.
If you’re arriving from other European destinations, you might be best taking the train. Amsterdam is connected by networks from other major capitals like Paris, Berlin, and Brussels. The Eurostar also takes you from the UK to Amsterdam Central Station.
Where to Stay in Amsterdam
"There are plenty of five-star hotels in this European city, but that’s not where you want to stay,” said Jessica Thiefels. Instead, she recommends staying with a local or booking an Airbnb.
“Many Amsterdam homes and apartments are old, with winding staircases that you don’t find in modern homes. Staying with a local gives you a chance to experience these unique architectural features that you don’t see anywhere else.”
Plus, when you stay with a local, there’s a good chance you have a host who’s eager to share insider tips and suggestions about where to eat, where to explore, and how to get around.
That being said, hotels in Amsterdam tend to be less expensive than vacation rentals. Look around online and compare prices.
And don’t forget to factor in the tourist tax, which at 12.5% is the highest in Europe. Expect to pay this tax on hotels and rentals as well as campgrounds.
What to Eat in Amsterdam
“Every meal we ate in Amsterdam consisted of three main things,” said Jessica. “Sausage, potatoes, and some sort of roasted vegetable. This is traditional Amsterdam fare.”
The most popular version of this combo is stamppot, which is mashed potatoes with vegetables and stew. It’s the perfect comfort food for those cooler Dutch evenings and winters. Amsterdammers know something about comfort, too. They call it gezellig.
Note that Amsterdam locals tend to eat dinner between 6 and 7 p.m., followed by a coffee or espresso around 8 p.m. If you plan to adventure around the city or into the Red Light District after dinner, this pick-me-up will be necessary to shake off your heavy but incredibly delicious meal.
Be sure to try some of these other local foods from Amsterdam:
Bitterballen
The ultimate appetizer, especially when accompanied by a drink, these fried balls of beef or veal are typically served with a mustard dipping sauce.
Stroopwafel
The perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. This local pastry is made up of two thin waffles stuck together by a layer of syrup. They’re so scrumptious, some higher end grocery stores in the United States have even started selling them.
Dutch fries
An absolute must! Don't be fooled into thinking these are your average French fries. These unforgettable thick-cut Dutch-style fries are served in cone-like containers with numerous sauce options to put on top.
Raw herring
This might sound a little unsettling at first to outsiders, but after one bite, you’ll realize why it’s so popular. Served with a pickle and chopped onions, this little snack is delicious. You might even be able to find it prepared — with onion, sugar, cream, and raw fish — as an ice cream.
Best Things to Do in Amsterdam
Anne Frank House
The Anne Frank House takes you on the emotional and powerful journey of the young wartime author. You’ll be exposed to priceless memorabilia such as the Secret Annex and preserved documents.
There are more than 1,000 original items, from photos and letters to objects like toys and books. They’re housed in the original building where Anne Frank and her family hid from 1942 to 1944.
Although there aren’t guided tours through the collection, you can get an audio tour (available in nine languages) or schedule an introductory program (in Dutch or English) before your visit.
Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum is dedicated to the work of the famous post-impressionist painter. You’ll see many of his famous paintings, including The Potato Eaters, The Bedroom, and Sunflowers in the permanent collection.
The museum also features rotating exhibits by more modern artists who have been inspired by Van Gogh’s work. And if you’re lucky, you’ll time your visit for when they display special prints from the collection. Some of the artwork is particularly fragile and sensitive to light, meaning it’s only available to the public on rare occasions.
For visitors who are visually impaired, ask the museum about its Feeling Van Gogh program. It includes interactive, tactile models of the artist’s most famous painting, Sunflowers. You’ll be able to feel the brushstrokes to experience the beauty through your fingertips.
Guide dogs are also permitted in the museum, and companions can get a free ticket.
Rijksmuseum
Only a short walk from the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum is massive in both stature and status. The castle-like exterior itself is mesmerizing, and the artwork inside equally so.
As the national museum of the Netherlands, the museum encapsulates centuries of Dutch history and art. You’ll find pieces by Rembrandt, Frans Hals, Johannes Vermeer, Van Gogh (again), and more.
The Rijksmuseum is also one of the premier museums for accessible accommodations. Guided tours are available in sign language and for people with dementia. You can book a special guided tour that allows you to use senses other than vision to experience the artwork, and quiet, sensory-friendly evenings are scheduled periodically, too.
The famous “I Amsterdam” sign is conveniently located at the back entrance of the museum, so make sure to snap a few pictures.
Red Light District
Prostitution is legal in Amsterdam, although most of it is concentrated in the Red Light District (RLD). From sex shops to women showcasing themselves in the famous, red-lit windows, this area is unforgettable.
Some locals would argue it’s a bit too unforgettable. Amsterdam has proposed construction of a new center that would move some of the businesses in an effort to reduce unruly party tourism.
Despite the RLD’s “anything goes” reputation, it’s actually quite regulated. Be a respectful tourist by following the do’s and don’ts of the Red Light District.
The Heineken Experience
A beer lover’s dream! Enjoy an exciting tour of the brewery dedicated to the country’s most famous beer.
The experience allows you to learn how the beer is made, sample hops, and learn some Heineken trivia. The tour concludes with a free cold Heineken at the bar.
Combine your ticket with another experience — the beer tour + canal cruise, a beer tour + a visit to Our House to tour the first-ever electronic museum, or the beer tour + a visit to football/soccer’s Johan Cruijff ArenA — for the ultimate package.
Canal tours
Amsterdam is arguably most famous for the beautiful canals and for good reason. Canal tours allow you to see the city from a different, breathtaking view.
There’s a range of tours, from kid-friendly to romantic, day and night, an hour long to several hours with dining included. Some of the most popular Amsterdam canal tours include unlimited wine and cheese for snacking while the boat with as few as 30 people — no crowds here — gives you a leisurely view of the most popular spots in the city.
Try a canal cruise on one of your first days in Amsterdam to help you get oriented.
Bike rentals
Bicycling is by far the most common form of transportation and an integral part of Amsterdam culture. Some sources even claim that there are more bikes than citizens in the Netherlands. There are almost 22,000 miles of cycle paths in the country, and entire cities are designed around two-wheeled transit.
If you want to feel like a local, rent your own bike and cycle your way around the city. Stay safe by keeping these tips in mind:
People in Amsterdam cycle fast, so know where you’re going and don’t stop in the middle of the bike lane when others are behind you.
Watch for traffic. Bikes and cars travel side by side, but crossing the street and taking turns can be confusing.
Adhere to all traffic lights. Cyclists are one in the same with vehicles.
Use front and back lights when cycling at night. It’s the law in Amsterdam.
You might want to try some off-street practice if you’re just getting started. Head to Vondelpark, one of the most famous and beautiful parks in the city. Entry to Vondelpark is free, and there are plenty of places that offer bikes rentals by the hour, day, or even week if you’re feeling confident.
As one of the most accessible destinations in the world, Amsterdam also has plenty of adaptive bikes for rent.
Travel Insurance for Amsterdam
Visiting Amsterdam should be the trip of a lifetime. Keep it stress-free with travel insurance, and don’t forget medical coverage.
Your domestic health insurance typically does not cover you in other countries, so when you’re traveling to the Netherlands or another country, you need travel medical insurance to help pay for treatment if you get sick or hurt.
Travel insurance can also reimburse you for insured trip expenses if you have to cancel or interrupt your trip, lose your luggage, or suffer a host of other travel mishaps.
Get a quick quote online to see how easy and affordable travel insurance can be. You can also talk to a licensed Seven Corners agent to make sure you have the best travel insurance for Amsterdam.
Contributing Authors
Jessica Thiefels is a podcast host and published author. Her articles have appeared in publications such as FastCompany, Shape, Business Insider, and AARP. She offered her expertise on this article after falling in love with Amsterdam during a European tour.
Katherine Goens is a former member of the Seven Corners marketing team. She graduated from Butler University in 2017 with a degree in Strategic Communications and a minor in Spanish.
This article was edited by Becky Hart.
