Amsterdam, Netherlands - Travel Guide

Amsterdam is a charming city known for its canals, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Visitors can explore world-class museums, enjoy picturesque boat tours, and experience a relaxed, liberal atmosphere.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay3 days

Budget$75/day

Mid-range$150/day

Luxury$600/day

Known For

New AmsterdamHollandNetherlandsEuropeCanalsRed Light DistrictAnne Frank HouseVan Gogh Museum

🇳🇱 Country Information: Netherlands

CapitalAmsterdam

CurrencyEuro (€)

Language Dutch , English, German, French

Phone Code+31

Electricity230V (Type C, F)

Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated for good service; typically round up or leave 5
10% in restaurants and bars
Tipping taxi drivers is not common
Tipping hotel staff for good service is appreciated

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available
Credit cards are widely accepted
Bringing cash is advisable for smaller purchases and markets
No black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Punctuality is highly valued
Direct communication is common and not considered rude
Cycling is a major mode of transport; be aware of bike lanes and rules
Dutch people tend to be informal in social interactions

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. The Netherlands has a long history of LGBTQ+ rights and was the first country to legalize same-sex marriage. Discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is prohibited.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are generally liberal regarding soft drugs (cannabis) in designated "coffeeshops" but possession of hard drugs is illegal and strictly enforced

Special Laws

Public urination is illegal and can result in fines
Cycling laws are strict; always use bike paths and signals
Smoking cannabis is only permitted in licensed coffeeshops, not in public

Common Phrases

NoNee (NAY)

YesJa (YAH)

HelloHallo (HAH-low)

PleaseAlstublieft (AHL-stoo-bleeft)

Excuse mePardon (pahr-DON)

Thank youDank u wel (DAHNK oo vehl)

Climate

Climate Zone: Marine Oceanic

Best Time to Visit

Super Cold Seasons: Dec
Feb
Floods: While not frequent, occasional minor floods can occur during heavy rainfall, particularly in autumn (Sep
Nov) and winter (Dec
Feb)

Getting There

Fly into Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)
direct flights from major global cities
Train from Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal (15
20 min, \~$5)

Getting Around

Extensive public transport (trams, buses, metro, ferries)
Cycling is primary local transport
Ride
sharing apps like Uber and Bolt available

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations recommended (MMR, DTP)
Hepatitis A/B recommended
No specific altitude sickness concerns
Probiotics can be helpful for travel
related stomach upset
No malaria risk

Staying Connected

eSIMs widely available
KPN, Vodafone, T
Mobile are major networks
Airalo, Nomad, and Holafly eSIMs work well

Local Cuisine

Stroopwafels dessert

Thin wafers pressed with a caramel-like syrup filling in the middle. These are best eaten fresh and warm, sometimes placed over a hot drink to soften

Bitterballen snack

Deep-fried, crispy balls typically filled with a savory mixture of beef or veal ragout. These are a quintessential Dutch pub snack, always served with

Dutch Fries (Patat/Frites) street_food

Thick-cut, often double-fried potatoes served in a paper cone with various toppings, most commonly mayonnaise. Popular variations include 'patatje oor

Dutch Apple Pie (Appeltaart) dessert

A traditional Dutch dessert with a thick, cakier crust enclosing a richly spiced apple filling. It is generally served warm and often accompanied by f

Jenever alcohol

The juniper-flavored traditional liquor of the Netherlands, considered the predecessor to gin. It is often served neat in a tulip-shaped glass, someti

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Anne Frank House Museum Tickets Attraction

Book exactly 6 weeks in advance

Tickets are released six weeks in advance, and the museum is highly popular with limited capacity, selling out almost instantly for all time slots.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Keukenhof Gardens Tickets (during opening season) Attraction

Book 2 weeks to 2 months in advance

Keukenhof is only open for a short spring season and attracts large crowds, necessitating advance booking for timed entry slots, especially when combined with shuttle buses.

Van Gogh Museum Timed Entry Tickets Attraction

Book 1 week to 1 month in advance

The Van Gogh Museum requires booking a specific date and time slot. Waiting can mean missing out on preferred times, especially during busy periods.

Fun Facts

1. Amsterdam stands on approximately 11 million poles, which were driven deep into the ground to provide a stable foundation for its buildings, as the city is built on swampy land.
2. The narrow design of many canal houses in Amsterdam was originally a strategy to avoid higher taxes, as property taxes were historically based on the width of a house's facade.
3. The city features a unique 'coffee shop' culture, where a "coffee shop" is a place where cannabis can be bought, while a traditional coffee and pastry establishment is called a "koffiehuis."
4. Amsterdam has a one-of-a-kind sanctuary: a floating houseboat named De Poezenboot that serves exclusively as a shelter for stray and abandoned cats.

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