Amsterdam was founded in the 12th century and is known for its sprawling streets, nightlife, scenic places, and a staggering amount of museums. In addition to metropolitan delights like Coffeeshops and Red Light District, the city is bustling with beautiful canals. The city welcomes tourists for an opportunity to take a romantic canal walk while witnessing sailboats on the water.
Amsterdam abounds with exciting museums like art museums and even the Boat Museum so make sure you factor them into your itinerary if you’re planning on visiting this amazing place soon! If Amsterdam is in your buckets, this Amsterdam trip planner is all you need to know about what to do, places to visit, and Amsterdam Itineraries.
Best Time To Visit Amsterdam
Most people enjoy visiting Amsterdam during the summer months (from April to September) because it has mild weather during that time. However, Amsterdam during the holiday season is a pure delight. The city is decorated with huge pomp and show and tourists get to see the chancellery where Santa Claus lives in the Netherlands. Not only does it make for an interesting tale for children at home that you can tell them about on your return, but it truly is one of those once-in-a-lifetime types of experiences. Moreover, it is convenient during the winter season as there is fewer crowd bolstering on the streets and the fare is economical. Read more about the best time to visit Amsterdam.
Amsterdam Itineraries
Depending on how long you're in Amsterdam for - whether it's just a day or 5 days, we have the perfect itineraries crafted for you. Go through these Amsterdam itineraries and plan your stay well in advance!
Traveling to Amsterdam for the first time? You could use some help planning your daily itineraries. Apart from the basic planning (flight tickets, visa, accommodation in Amsterdam, etc.), you'll need to consider your day-to-day activities in the city - where to go, what to see, how to get there, and more. But fret not, for we are here to help.
1-Day Amsterdam Itinerary
Your day
Morning
Rijksmuseum
Van Gogh Museum
Vondelpark
Afternoon
Amsterdam Begijnhof
Amsterdam Canal Cruise
Anne Frank House
Evening
Damrak
Foodhallen
Top 11 Instagrammable Places in Amsterdam
5-Day Amsterdam Itinerary
7-Day Amsterdam Itinerary
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Hacks To Buying Cheap Amsterdam Flight Tickets
Now that you've figured out the perfect time to visit the Netherlands and braved through the restrictions, it is time to look for flight tickets. Go through our 17 golden hacks for cheap flight tickets before scouring through the flight ticket websites. You'll be surprised how easy it is to save a pretty penny while booking flight tickets!
Do I Need Travel Insurance?
Traveling involves a certain amount of uncertainty always. With the pandemic, this amount has only increased. Opting for travel insurance is not something many people have done (pre-pandemic), but post-pandemic, it is highly recommended that you opt for it. Choosing the right travel insurance plan gives you a safety net to prevent losses if things go downhill.
Travel insurance can be complex- how do you know what to choose? For this very reason, we can crafted a ultimate guide to choose travel insurance post-covid.
Packing For Amsterdam
The important thing to keep in mind is to pack smart.
The weather in Amsterdam can’t be predicted and that’s why it’s a good idea to pack waterproof clothes. Packing comfortable shoes such as sneakers or boots is a good idea as it might get uncomfortable while sightseeing. From spring until autumn, mosquitos go crazy in Amsterdam! It is ideal to carry some kind of mosquito repellent to avoid rashes or discomfort. The weather in Amsterdam is usually warm, therefore, it is advised to pack light cotton clothes. The general style in Amsterdam is laid back and urban elegance. Pack some casual clothing with a few wardrobe essentials that you can dress up with sartorial flair.
Where To Stay In Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a popular city, therefore, it is certain to be brimming with accommodation options. Every neighborhood in Rome has its charm and is well-connected via metro or bus to the rest of the city. A good choice would be to live in the center of town near the city center. Stay close to amenities and be able to walk everywhere.
The canal belt, which lies north and south of the city center in Amsterdam, is one of the most beloved parts of the city. The most convenient and expensive options here include city-center apartments and other inner canal belt homes that are surrounded by fantastic bicycle paths, walking trails, and parks.
Accommodation on a budget
There are several budget-friendly neighborhoods in Amsterdam and some of them are Amsterdam Zuidoost, Amsterdam Noord, Geuzenveld, and De Aker. One can find accommodation in hotels like Hampton by Hilton Amsterdam, Hotel Casa, Hotel Nadia, and Clemens Hotel among others. These hotels are economical and can be found in the best neighborhoods in Amsterdam.
Nightlife
Amsterdam is famous for its bars and its music scene, so much so that you can visit a new bar or concert venue every day of the year and always find something fun to do. One can experience the thrill of bars in Bar Oldenhof, Rosalia's Menagerie, and Pulitzer's Bar. Enjoy the adrenaline rush of grooving to music at nightclubs like Paradiso, Shelter, and Disco Dolly.
Shopping hub
Amsterdam’s top shopping excursions cater to the needs of global shoppers with a taste for top trends. While most tourists visit the Dutch capital for scenic boat rides through its canals, art museums, or vibrant nightlife, the city is also a wonderful place to visit with family or friends in search of quality goods at affordable prices. You can shop for high-end fashion at Kalverpassage, Magna Plaza, De Beurspassage, Amsterdamse Poort, and Winkelcentrum Brazilië.
A kiss of luxury
Travelers can enjoy dining in the historic district of Jordaan while also making sure to visit top attractions like Anne Frank House, Westerkerk, and many more. Sauna van Egmond is an award-winning sauna resort with services ranging from facials to massages that are known for their high quality. Ratatouille Food & Wine features delicious French cuisine with 60 wines available to try right on site!
Getting Around Amsterdam
Though the historic parts of Amsterdam are not very far away from the commercial area, tourists sometimes feel that those two seem lightyears apart. This however isn't true because one can quickly and easily travel they want to by using public transportation provided by Skywire. There is an extensive public transportation network consisting of trams, ferries, buses, and metros that all use the same public transport chip card. Bicycles are also available for rent at several outfitters throughout the city. Moreover, Amsterdam Centraal train station is about a 15-20 minute ride from the airport.
5 Best Day Trips From Amsterdam
Amsterdam is just one of the many amazing cities in The Netherlands. What makes it even better is that almost everything you might want to see is located near each other, so within just a few hours, you can enjoy its handful of must-see attractions. The beautiful gardens and tulip fields at Keukenhof are arguably one of the most popular excursions to make if you're in Amsterdam. If you're looking for something a little off the beaten path, then hopping on a train or bus to the charming fishing town of Volendam might be just the ticket. It's not far from Amsterdam and is also near Zaanse Schans, which is an open-air museum that contains many old Dutch houses.
Check out our list of 5 best day trips from Amsterdam:
Amsterdam Travel Tips & Hacks
- When you are traveling by public transport, please be sure to always purchase a ticket or use your transport card. It is important to remember to validate both the ticket and the card. In the case of the former, simply insert it into the reader in the transport. If you fail to do so and are checked, you will get a fine which will end up being unnecessary!
- Another way to experience the life of Amsterdam is by trying biking along the many bike trails rather than owning a car or choosing to drive one around. You can share a bike or use your own, either way, it will be astonishing!
- The streets of Amsterdam have become a haven for vacationers because of the many delicious Dutch delicacies one can find in abundance throughout the city.
- Ticket booking through online portals comes in many different forms and packages, some of which work on making your trip more organized or accommodating. You can plan your trip as per time constraints or spend time relaxing at the place when you get there; this largely depends on how you book your tickets with offers.
Ready To Head Out To Amsterdam?
Check out the top things to do in Amsterdam & our comprehensive Amsterdam Travel Guide packed with itineraries, tours, culture trips, best hotels, restaurants and a lot more.
FAQs: Amsterdam Trip Planner
Yes, Amsterdam is worth-visiting for everybody to unleash their wanderlust and discover the beauty and heritage of this city.
The best time to visit Amsterdam is between March to April and September to November.
Tourists are usually seen bustling on the roads of Amsterdam. One can take a tour of the canals, go sightseeing, cycle to hidden gems, visit museums, try herring from a herring cart and much more.
Some of the must-visit places in Amsterdam are Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House, Speciality Museums, Van Gogh Museum, The Jordaan, A'dam Lookout, Vondelpark, and Moco Museum among others.
One should pack a proper balance of warm and light wear cotton clothes while visiting Amsterdam. While it might sometimes drizzle or rain heavily in the city, make sure you pack a raincoat, umbrella, sneakers or boots, and mosquito repellants too.
If you don’t want to walk around the city while experiencing the beautiful sights, you can choose to opt for an OV chip card.