Ultimate Amsterdam Travel Guide: Tips & Tools
Discover the ultimate Amsterdam travel guide packed with essential tips and tools. Explore exciting things to do in Amsterdam, find the best places to eat, learn how to travel around the city, and get convenient parking options for a hassle-free trip.
NETHERLANDSTRAVEL GUIDE
1/14/20258 min read
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PLACES/CITIES WITH TIPS AND TOOLS
1. The Canals
Amsterdam's picturesque canal network is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a boat tour or stroll along the waterways to soak in the charming views of historic houses and bridges.
Canal Cruise with Unlimited Cheese & Wine
Luxury Covered Cruise Unlimited Drinks & Snacks
Top 10 Amsterdam Cruises, Sailing and Water Tours
Blog: Amsterdam from the Water: The Ultimate Canal Cruise with Unlimited Cheese & Wine
Blog: The Ultimate King’s Day Party Cruise in Amsterdam
2. Van Gogh Museum
Home to the largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh, this museum showcases his life, art, and emotional journey.
Van Gogh Museum & Rijksmuseum Small Group Tour
Private Gogh Museum & Rijksmuseum Tour
Van Gogh Museum Book Tickets & Tours
Blog: Private Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum Tour
3. Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum houses masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and other Dutch Golden Age painters, offering a deep dive into the Netherlands' rich artistic heritage.
Rijksmuseum Guided Tour and Ticket
Van Gogh Museum & Rijksmuseum Small Group Tour
Rijksmuseum Book Tickets & Tours
Blog: Private Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum Tour
4. Anne Frank House
This museum offers a powerful insight into Anne Frank's life and the impact of World War II. Visiting her preserved hiding place is a moving experience.
Visit Anne Frank House
Anne Frank House Tickets & Tours
5. The Heineken Experience
Learn about the history and brewing process of one of the world's most famous beers at this interactive and fun museum.
Enjoy the The Heineken Experience
Heineken Experience Book Tickets & Tours
6.Tulip Season and Keukenhof Gardens
Visit during spring to witness breathtaking tulip fields and the nearby Keukenhof Gardens, known as the "Garden of Europe."
Keukenhof Ticket and Roundtip Shuttle Transfer
Tour to Keukenhof Gardens with Windmill Cruise
Keukenhof, Tulip Farm Full Day Tour with Cruise
Blog: Visiting Keukenhof with a Hassle-Free Shuttle from Amsterdam
7.The Amsterdam Museum
Dive into the city’s history, from its beginnings as a small fishing village to its current status as a global cultural hub.
8. Day Trips
Its central location makes Amsterdam a great base for day trips to places like Zaanse Schans (windmills), Haarlem, or Utrecht, offering a deeper look into Dutch life.
Amsterdam, Delft, Rotterdam and The Hague Guided Tour
Giethoorn Day Trip, Boat & Walking Tour
Tour to Keukenhof Gardens with Windmill Cruise
Keukenhof, Tulip Farm Full Day Tour with Cruise
Zaanse Schans and Cheese Tasting Tour
Zaanse Schans, Edam and Marken Full Day
Zaanse Schans, Edam and Volendam Bus Tour
Blog: Day Trip From Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans, Volendam and Marken
Blog: Visiting Keukenhof with a Hassle-Free Shuttle from Amsterdam
9. Delicious Food
Try Dutch specialties like stroopwafels, poffertjes, bitterballen, and fresh herring at local markets and eateries.
Henri Wilig Cheese Tasting Experience
Live Guided Zaanse Schans & Cheese Tasting Tour
Traditional Waffle Making Workshop
10. Cultural Festivals
Events like King's Day, Amsterdam Pride, and Amsterdam Dance Event draw visitors from all over the world.
Light Festival Heated Cruise with Drinks and Snacks
King’s Day Party Cruise with Open Bar & Music
King’s Day Pub Crawl with VIP Clup Entry
11. The Nightlife
From vibrant bars in Leidseplein to the iconic clubs of Rembrandtplein, Amsterdam offers a buzzing nightlife scene for all tastes.
Ludwig’s Original Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry
Red Light District Pub Crawl with Unlimited Shots
12. The Red Light District
While controversial, this area highlights Amsterdam’s open-minded and progressive culture. Guided tours offer insights into its history and policies.
Red Light District & Coffee Shop Tour
Private Red Light District Tour with Sex Museum
Private Amsterdam Red Light District and Food Tour
Private Walking Tour of the Red Light District
Amsterdam Red Light District Tickets & Tours
13. Cycling Culture
Amsterdam is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world, with dedicated bike lanes and rental shops, making it easy and fun to explore on two wheels.
14. Private and Exclusive Travel
Exclusive or small groups Activities in Amsterdam.
Private Keukenhof and Tulip Experience Tour
Private Luxury Cruise with Drinks & Silent Disco
Private Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Delft, The Hague and Boat Tour
Private Day Trip from Amsterdam to Bruges
Private Kinderdijk, The Hague with Museum Visit
Private Dutch Delta Works Tour
Top 10 Amsterdam Private and Luxury Tours
15. Moco Museum
A boutique museum showcasing contemporary and street art from artists like Banksy and Basquiat. Perfect for Instagram-worthy photos and edgy art lovers.
16. Hermitage Amsterdam (H'Art Museum)
Why Visit: A branch of Russia’s Hermitage Museum, featuring rotating exhibitions of world-class art and historical artifacts.
Highlight: Grand interiors and unique exhibitions on Russian art and culture.
17. Eye Film Museum
A boutique museum showcasing contemporary and street art from artists like Banksy and Basquiat. Perfect for Instagram-worthy photos and edgy art lovers.
18. FOAM (Photography Museum)
Why Visit: A leading photography museum showcasing works from emerging and established photographers.
Highlight: Its frequently changing exhibitions make each visit unique.
19. NEMO Science Museum
Why Visit: A hands-on science museum great for families and curious minds.
Highlight: The rooftop terrace offers spectacular views of Amsterdam.
20. National Maritime Museum (Scheepvaartmuseum)
Why Visit: Explore Dutch maritime history through impressive ship models, maps, and even a replica ship.
Highlight: The interactive exhibits are perfect for families.
Visit National Maritime Museum
21. Hash, Marihuana & Hemp Museum
Why Visit: A quirky museum dedicated to the history and uses of cannabis.
Highlight: Learn about the cultural and industrial significance of hemp and marihuana globally.
22. Stedelijk Museum
Why Visit: Amsterdam’s premier modern and contemporary art museum features works from Picasso, Warhol, and more.
Highlight: The futuristic bathtub-shaped building is iconic.
23. Our Lord in the Attic Museum (Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder)
Why Visit: A hidden 17th-century Catholic church built in the attic of a canal house.
Highlight: A fascinating glimpse into Amsterdam’s religious history.
24. Rembrandt House Museum
Why Visit: Step into the home of Rembrandt and see how the master artist lived and worked.
Highlight: Live demonstrations of 17th-century painting techniques.
25. The Amsterdam Dungeon Museum
Why Visit: An interactive and theatrical museum that brings Amsterdam’s darker history to life.
Highlight: Live actors and spooky sets make this part haunted house, part history lesson.
Visit Amsterdam Dungeon Museum
26. STRAAT Museum (Street Art Museum)
Why Visit: A massive museum dedicated to urban and street art, featuring works from famous graffiti artists.
Highlight: The warehouse-style space is an Instagram paradise for street art lovers.
27. Museum Van Loon
Why Visit: A beautifully preserved 17th-century canal house that gives insight into how Amsterdam’s wealthy lived centuries ago.
Highlight: The elegant gardens and original interiors filled with antiques and artwork.
28. Artis Micropia Microbe Museum
Why Visit: A one-of-a-kind museum dedicated to microbes and the unseen world of bacteria.
Highlight: See live microorganisms under a microscope and learn about their impact on our lives.
Visit Artis Micropia Microbe Museum
29. Dutch Resistance Museum (Verzetsmuseum)
Why Visit: A deeply moving museum about the Dutch resistance during World War II, featuring personal stories and artifacts.
Highlight: The children's exhibit, which tells WWII stories through the eyes of young people.
30. Cat Cabinet Museum (Kattenkabinet)
Why Visit: A museum entirely dedicated to cat-themed artwork, featuring paintings, sculptures, and memorabilia.
Highlight: The resident cats that roam the museum!
31. Willet-Holthuysen Museum
Why Visit: Step inside a lavishly decorated 19th-century canal house that gives a glimpse into Amsterdam’s aristocratic life.
Highlight: The elegant ballroom and formal garden are stunning.
Visit Willet-Holthuysen Museum
32. Allard Pierson Museum
Why Visit: This archaeology museum showcases ancient civilizations, including Egypt, Greece, and Rome.
Highlight: See real Egyptian mummies and ancient artifacts from around the world.
33. National Holocaust Museum
Why Visit: A powerful museum dedicated to the history of the Holocaust in the Netherlands.
Highlight: Personal stories, artifacts, and exhibitions about Dutch Jewish families during WWII.
Visit National Holocaust Museum
34. Madame Tussauds Amsterdam
Why Visit: Get up close with lifelike wax figures of celebrities, world leaders, and Dutch icons.
Highlight: Pose with figures of famous musicians, actors, and historical figures.
35. Diamant Museum
Why Visit: Learn about Amsterdam’s long history in the diamond trade and see dazzling gems up close.
Highlight: Live diamond-cutting demonstrations and beautiful crown replicas.
36. Upside Down Museum
Step into the world's largest upside-down social media experience, designed for mind-bending fun.
Challenge your perception in interactive rooms that flip reality on its head.
Dive into the biggest voice-activated LED-light ball pit, complete with a jacuzzi.
Capture epic content in a luxurious private jet setting and share it with your friends.
Indulge in the iconic Freakshake at the picture-perfect café, perfect for your next viral post!
37. Fabrique des Lumières: Dutch Masters
Experience breathtaking digital art in the largest immersive art center in the Netherlands.
See the masterpieces of Dutch Masters come to life in a stunning visual spectacle.
Immerse yourself in 3,800m² of vibrant, cutting-edge art projections.
Discover classical, modern, and contemporary artworks like never before.
Visit one of Amsterdam’s most innovative and must-see attractions!
Visit Fabrique des Lumières: Dutch Masters
38. Artis Royal Zoo
Explore one of the world's five oldest zoos, rich in history and wildlife.
Encounter Asian elephants, jaguars, Western lowland gorillas, and Chilean flamingos up close.
Journey through the stars with an included visit to the ARTIS-Planetarium.
Meet the newest addition to the zoo family—a newborn reticulated giraffe.
Stroll through the stunning botanical gardens, home to centuries-old trees and rare plants.
Blog: A Day at ARTIS Zoo Amsterdam: Tickets, Tips & Must-See Attractions
39. Airport Transfers
See the options below.
Airport Transfer to/from by Bus
Airport Transfer to/from Train
Airport Transfer to/from by Bus/Train incl. 1-3 Days Travel Ticket Bus/Ferries/Metro/Train/Trams
Private Transfer to/from by Taxi
40. Hotels in Amsterdam
See options below.
Ibis Schiphol Amsterdam Airport*** (close to airport)
Corendon Urban Amsterdam Airport Schiphol Hotel ****
41. Discount Amsterdam Travel
Take advantage of the GVB public transport ticket. You can use it in the public buses, ferries, metro and trams. You can save up to 50% on many popular attractions with the Amsterdam Pass. You can travel in Amsterdam and the region with the region ticket. For 1-3 days you can use the buses, ferries, metro, trams and trains in the region. Save up to 50% on entry tickets with the Go City Pass. This includes the Heineken Experience, the Rijksmuseum and many more.
The Amsterdam City Pass gives your free entrance in 70+ major museums (f.e. Rijksmuseum), attrations (f.e. Artis Zoo) and free public transport.
Cheap Flights to/from New orleans Check Here
