With its canals lined with red brick mansions and stately museums filled with masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer, you might think the capital of the Netherlands is all about history. But there’s a modern streak, too: a creative food scene, an open-minded attitude, and an innovative culture of design. The best part? You can experience every facet of this easily walkable city in one visit. Or even in the span of a few hours. Tip: Those bike lanes can be a little intimidating. Read the rules of the road before you rent that fixed gear.
Photo by Sander Baks
Amsterdam Travel Guide
Plan Your Amsterdam Trip
Featured
Amsterdam Wants to Ban Weed for Tourists
It’s one way the city hopes to reduce overtourism.
What New York City Can Learn from Amsterdam's Floating Houses
Hurricane Sandy battered the Northeast and flooded large parts of New York City, costing at least $34 billion and taking more than 100 lives. No country offers a better master class in flood protection than the Netherlands, which spends $1.3 billion a year on flood control.
17 Places to Visit in the Netherlands That Aren't Amsterdam
There is so much more to the land of windmills, canals, and tulips than just Amsterdam.
16 Best Hotels in Amsterdam
When it comes to where to stay, this charming European city has options aplenty.
Editor Hotel Recommendations
- De Durgerdam$$ | Netherlands, Amsterdam, Durgerdammerdijk 73Read full reviewThere's nothing else like it for those seeking a mini-break immersion into Amsterdam’s art, design, and food
Hot List - De L'Europe$$$ | Netherlands, Amsterdam, Nieuwe Doelenstraat 2-14Read full reviewA regal grand dame in the beating heart of Amsterdam
Readers Choice Awards
Gold List - Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam$$$ | Netherlands, Amsterdam, Oudezijds Voorburgwal 197Read full reviewA historic stay on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal canal that lives up to the name.Readers Choice Awards
- Sir Adam Hotel$$ | Netherlands, Amsterdam, Overhoeksplein 7Read full reviewHighly recommended for single travelers looking to connect with like-minded creatives while in Amsterdam.Readers Choice Awards
- Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam$$ | Netherlands, Amsterdam, Dam 9Read full reviewA historic grand dame that came under the Anantara flag in 2022 following a five-star renovation.Readers Choice Awards
- The Dylan$$ | Netherlands, Amsterdam, Keizersgracht 384Read full reviewClean lines, floor-to-ceiling windows, a perfect location in the central canal belt—what's not to like?Readers Choice Awards
- Kimpton De Witt$$ | Netherlands, Amsterdam,Read full reviewThe first Kimpton hotel to open in Europe and the location is one of the most convenient in Amsterdam—just a short walk from Centraal Station.Readers Choice Awards
- Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam$$$ | The Netherlands, Amsterdam, Herengracht 542-556Read full reviewThe epitome of good taste.Readers Choice Awards
Hot List Gold List - Sir Albert HotelNetherlands, Amsterdam,Read full reviewA design hotel occupying an 1895 factory in Amsterdam’s stylish De Pijp neighborhood.Readers Choice Awards
- Pulitzer Amsterdam$$ | Netherlands, Amsterdam, Prinsengracht 315-331Read full reviewThe hotel seamlessly melds 17th-century canal house style with modern Dutch design.Readers Choice Awards
Gold List - Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht$ | Netherlands, Amsterdam, Prinsengracht 587Read full reviewThe Andaz truly stands out from other local hotels with the one-of-a-kind design by Wanders. You also can't beat the canal-side location.Readers Choice Awards
- InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam, and IHG Hotel$$$ | Netherlands, Amsterdam, Professor Tulpplein 1Read full reviewThis ritzy historic hotel offers a genuine glimpse into Amsterdam's past.Readers Choice Awards
- Tivoli Doelen Amsterdam Hotel$$ | Netherlands, Amsterdam, Nieuwe Doelenstraat, 24Read full reviewWhile this is Amsterdam’s oldest hotel, a recent refresh affirms it as one of the most timeless stays in the city.
- The Hoxton, Amsterdam$ | Netherlands, Amsterdam, Herengracht 255Read full reviewThe Hoxton offers exceptional value and style in the sometimes overpriced city of Amsterdam.Readers Choice Awards
The Best Things to Do in Amsterdam
- 15 Best Things to Do in AmsterdamWhether you want to go beyond the biking and the canals, or you only have a day.
- 10 Best Tours in AmsterdamHow to see the most the city has to offer, by foot, bike, or even water.
- 10 Best Museums in AmsterdamThe institutions in Amsterdam’s Museum Quarter—and beyond—have never been better.
- 10 Best Shops in AmsterdamWhere to go and what to buy for some of the best finds in town.
- 3 Best Day Trips from AmsterdamAll easily accessible by train.
- Inside 10 of Amsterdam's Secret GardensHere’s a peek at ten of our favorite secluded gardens in Amsterdam.
- 7 Gorgeous Spas in AmsterdamAmsterdam has its share of luxurious spas and wellness sanctuaries; treat yourself like the locals do, enjoying Art Deco ambience at Sauna Deco and floating sessions at Koan Float.
Editor Recommendations
- Huis MarseilleNetherlands, Amsterdam, Keizersgracht 401Read full reviewThe oldest photography museum in the Netherlands is all about contemporary work.
- Eye Film MuseumNetherlands, Amsterdam, IJpromenade 1
- Oude KerkNetherlands, Amsterdam, Oudekerksplein 23Read full reviewA Gothic church turned contemporary art space, located in the Red Light District and surrounded by brothels—or, Amsterdam in a nutshell.
- RijksmuseumThe Netherlands, Amsterdam, Museumstraat 1Read full reviewThe Dutch answer to the Louvre.
- Anne Frank HouseThe Netherlands, Amsterdam, Westermarkt 20Read full reviewA visit to the house is a must, no matter how much you think you know about Anne Frank’s story.
- Rederij De Jordaan Private Boat Tour$$$ | Netherlands, Amsterdam, Egelantiersgracht 18CRead full reviewThis is going to be the highlight of your European tour.
- Van Gogh MuseumNetherlands, Amsterdam, Museumplein 6Read full reviewThis must-visit museum is home to the most van Gogh paintings in the world.
- Ferry to Amsterdam-NoordNetherlands, Amsterdam, Ferry Terminal, Amsterdam Centraal StationRead full reviewAmsterdam’s free ferry system is an essential part of the city’s transportation system.
- Portuguese SynagogueNetherlands, Amsterdam, Mr. Visserplein 3Read full reviewOne of Europe’s largest and oldest active synagogues.
- WestergasNetherlands, Amsterdam, Haarlemmerweg 4Read full reviewA massive former gas plant turned lively entertainment hub.
- STRAAT MuseumNetherlands, Amsterdam, NDSM-Plein 1, 1033 WCRead full reviewSome 86,000 square feet devoted to street art in the heart of trendy NDSM.
- A'DAM Toren$ | Netherlands, Amsterdam, Overhoeksplein 23-BRead full reviewA must for thrill-seekers, or just those that love a fabulous view.
- Moco Museum AmsterdamNetherlands, Amsterdam,Read full reviewThis edgy contemporary art venue boasts an impressively large Banksy collection.
---Erik-Smits---2015.jpg)
-CopyrightJanArsenovic.jpg)
Walking Tour: Amsterdam's Van Gogh Mile
While the Van Gogh Museum is closed in Amsterdam, take a walking tour to the Hermitage, where a collection of the artist's greatest hits is on display.
The Best Places to Eat and Drink in Amsterdam
- 20 Best Restaurants in AmsterdamWhether you're after traditional Dutch eats or something more international, we've compiled the best places to eat, according to our editors.
- 18 Best Bars in AmsterdamCocktail culture has officially reached this city.
- 10 Best Local Eats in AmsterdamYou don't have to go upscale to taste test Amsterdam's homegrown classics.
- 8 Best Clubs in AmsterdamWhether you're after endurance-testing, all-night parties or cocktails and low-key indie pop, Amsterdam's got you covered.
.jpg)
.jpg)
Editor Restaurant and Bar Recommendations
- Stubbe’s Haring$ | Netherlands, Amsterdam, Singel, 1013The ultimate herring rite of passage among Amsterdammers for decades.
- Café de Sluyswacht$ | Netherlands, Amsterdam, Jodenbreestraat 1An old-school, lopsided pub with fab canal views and well-priced beers.
- Yerba$$ | Netherlands, Amsterdam, Ruysdaelstraat 48Stop for quiet night out to catch up with a friend, especially if one is vegan or vegetarian.
- Moon$$ | Netherlands, Amsterdam, Overhoeksplein 3Moon is the kind of place you go to impress a date or a client: Chef Jaimie van Heije's multicourse tasting menus have as much wow factor as setting on the 19th floor of the A'DAM Tower, with panoramic views of the city.
- Café Schiller$ | Netherlands, Amsterdam, Rembrandtplein 24Stop in for a drink and some snacks to take refuge from the tourist crowds just beyond the door.
- De Kas$$$ | Netherlands, Amsterdam, Kamerlingh Onneslaan 3The truest definition of farm to plate: The restaurant is literally inside a pair of greenhouses.
- Rijks$$ | The Netherlands, Amsterdam, Museumplein 2Culture enthusiasts who visit the Rijksmuseum can have a meal that's equally world-class here.
- Rijsel$$ | Netherlands, Amsterdam, Marcusstraat 52Since opening in 2012, it remains perennially packed with locals who come for expertly-prepared Flemish classics like Russian salad, fish soup, juicy roast chicken, or côte de boeuf.
- Daalder$$ | Netherlands, Amsterdam, Lindengracht 90Chef Dennis Huwaë's tasting menus bring Asian influences to this cafe, with contemporary mash-ups like codfish with carrot, curry, and rose or langoustine with broccoli and green nori.
- Vermeer$$$ | Netherlands, Amsterdam, Prins Hendrikkade 59-72Vegetable-centric Vermeer is located in the NH Collection Amsterdam Barbizon Palace Hotel, one of the first buildings you'll see as you exit Centraal Station.
- Balthazar's Keuken$$ | Netherlands, Amsterdam, Elandsgracht 108The restaurant serves set multi-course menus; wine pairings are available.
.jpg)
.jpg)
3 Best Day Trips from Amsterdam
All easily accessible by train.
More from Amsterdam
Shopping
The Ultimate Beach Vacation Packing List
Sunscreen's a given, but it's not the only necessity.
Places to Stay
23 Best Airbnbs in Los Angeles, From a Designer Loft to a Beach Bungalow
Bookmark these beautiful stays in Venice, Silver Lake, Malibu, and more.
Destinations
Where to Eat, Stay, and Play in Salerno, the Often Overlooked Gateway to the Amalfi Coast
With the opening of a new airport this summer, planning a trip to Salerno has never been easier. Here's why it's worth a stop.
National Parks
What It Took to Create a National Park in Chile
In a new book, Kris Tompkins celebrates the 15-year journey of forming Patagonia National Park in Chile.
Food & Drink
From Beirut to Brooklyn, Edy Massih Has Carried His Grandmothers' Recipes
In his new cookbook, Keep It Zesty, Edy Massih reflects on the long line of Levantine women who taught him about good food, and the act of sharing it.
News & Advice
Can Americans Travel to Cuba?
It’s a common misconception that US passport holders cannot travel to Cuba. Here’s how to make your first visit happen.
Places to Stay
25 Best Airbnbs in the South of France, From Basque Country to St. Tropez
Including French screenwriter Jacques Prévert's former home, which dates back to the 12th century.
Air Travel
The Real ID Deadline Is Approaching—Here’s How to Be Prepared
Starting in May 2025, US travelers will need a Real ID to board all domestic and international flights.
Shopping
The Best Men's Vacation Shirts to Pack This Summer
Easy breezy shirts that will take you from the beach to the boardwalk to the resort’s restaurant this summer.
Islands & Beaches
26 Most Beautiful Beaches in the US
All the surf and soft sand you could ask for—no passport required.
Places to Stay
The Best Hotels in Costa Rica, From Luxury Glamping Sites to Sustainable Resorts
Beautiful hotels in an even more beautiful place—as chosen by our editors.
Islands & Beaches
These Blue Flag-Certified Beaches Are the Cleanest in the World
Need a sand-and-sea summer vibe? These countries have the cleanest beaches, according to the Blue Flag program.
Destinations
The Best Hotels in Prague
Our favorite places to bed down in one of Europe's prettiest cities.
Inspiration
The 10 Most Affordable Cities in Europe to Visit This Year
From Lisbon to the capital of Lithuania, these European cities won't break the bank.
Food & Drink
The Michelin Guide Has Finally Arrived in Mexico—These Are the Starred Restaurants
For its inaugural guide to Mexico’s culinary scene, Michelin awarded stars to 18 restaurants. See who made the list.
More Destinations
- Our Ultimate France Travel GuideAll of our best hotel, restaurant, and activity recommendations in one place.
- Venice Travel GuideTrust us, you'll want to get lost
- Our Ultimate Italy Travel GuideAll of our best hotel, restaurant, and activity recommendations in one place.
- Rome Travel GuideThe world's greatest outdoor museum
- Madrid Travel GuideBarcelona’s big rival has its mojo back
- Lisbon Travel GuideTiles, tiles, tiles
- Florence Travel GuideGet to know your Davids
- Edinburgh Travel GuideMore than just Fringe
- Dublin Travel GuideThe Irish capital is calling
- Copenhagen Travel GuideA Michelin-starred fairytale
- Berlin Travel GuideWho needs sleep anyway?
- Barcelona Travel GuideJust don’t confuse it with Spain
- Amsterdam Travel GuideThe other canal city
- Paris Travel GuideHave the best trip imaginable in the City of Lights
