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Amsterdam travel guide

Netherlands

Basics

CountryNetherlands

Time zoneEurope/Amsterdam

CurrencyEUR

Official language(s)Dutch

If you're planning backpacking, consider purchasing a train pass. There are many places to safely rent bicycles.

Places to visit

Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam

A major Amsterdam museum focused on modern and contemporary art and design. Its collection includes works by Picasso, Kandinsky, and Monet.

LocationMuseumplein 10, 1071 DJ Amsterdam

Nearest stationAmsterdam Zuid

HoursDaily 10:00–18:00

AdmissionPaid

Travel tipCheck the temporary exhibitions before you go, as the program changes often.

Royal Palace of Amsterdam

A landmark historic building on Dam Square. It is used today for royal events and special exhibitions.

LocationDam, 1012 NG Amsterdam

Nearest stationAmsterdam Centraal

HoursVaries

AdmissionPaid

Travel tipInterior access can vary depending on the event schedule.

Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam

One of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, with greenhouses and rare plants. It is a peaceful place for a stroll in the city.

LocationPlantage Middenlaan 2a, 1018 DD Amsterdam

Nearest stationWaterlooplein

HoursDaily 10:00–17:00

AdmissionPaid

Travel tipThe greenhouses are especially worthwhile on a rainy day.

Moco Museum

A popular museum showcasing modern art, street art, and pop art. It is also known for exhibitions related to artists such as Banksy and Roy Lichtenstein.

LocationHonthorststraat 20, 1071 DE Amsterdam

Nearest stationMuseumplein

HoursDaily 09:00–19:00

AdmissionPaid

Travel tipIt can get crowded on weekends, so booking tickets online is a good idea.

NEMO Science Museum

A family-friendly science museum with many hands-on exhibits. Its rooftop terrace is also popular for panoramic city views.

LocationOosterdok 2, 1011 VX Amsterdam

Nearest stationAmsterdam Centraal

HoursTue-Sun 10:00-17:30

AdmissionPaid

Travel tipIf you are visiting with kids, allow plenty of time for the interactive exhibits, and do not miss the rooftop on a clear day.

Vondelpark

A major park in Amsterdam offering beautiful nature and a tranquil atmosphere.

HoursOpen 24 hours

AdmissionFree

Travel tipCatering services are available during peak season.

Anne Frank House

A museum dedicated to the diary of Anne Frank, a Jewish girl.

Hours10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Admission€10

Travel tipMake a reservation in advance.

Begijnhof

A quiet and peaceful place with medieval architecture and gardens.

HoursOpen 24 hours

AdmissionFree

Travel tipBring your camera to capture the beautiful scenes.

Dam Square

A historic square located in the heart of Amsterdam.

HoursOpen 24 hours

AdmissionFree

Travel tipEnjoy the scenery and take your time in the square.

Rijksmuseum

The museum that showcases Dutch art and history with an extensive collection.

Hours10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Admission€20

Travel tipVisit on weekdays to avoid crowds.

Food to try

FEBO

A Dutch fast-food chain known for its vending-machine style service. It is a quick way to try local snacks like croquettes and frikandels.

LocationDamrak 56, 1012 LL Amsterdam

Nearest stationAmsterdam Centraal

HoursDaily 10:00–02:00

AdmissionCroquette around €3 each

Travel tipIf it’s your first time, try both a kroket and a frikandel.

Winkel 43

A popular Amsterdam café especially famous for its apple pie. It is a classic dessert stop loved by locals and visitors alike.

LocationNoordermarkt 43, 1015 NA Amsterdam

Nearest stationAmsterdam Centraal

HoursDaily 09:00–18:00

AdmissionApple pie by the slice around €5

Travel tipExpect a queue during peak hours, so allow extra time.

Foodhallen Amsterdam

An indoor food hall with many popular local and international vendors. It is a great place to sample several dishes in small portions, especially when traveling solo.

LocationBellamyplein 51, 1053 AT Amsterdam

Nearest stationAmsterdam Centraal

HoursDaily 11:00–00:00

AdmissionVaries by vendor

Travel tipIt can get very crowded in the evenings and on weekends.

Moeders

A popular restaurant for homestyle Dutch cuisine. It is a good place to enjoy a local meal in a cozy, unpretentious atmosphere.

LocationRozengracht 251, 1016 SX Amsterdam

Nearest stationTram: Westermarkt

HoursDaily 17:00-22:00

AdmissionMain dishes about €18–€28

Travel tipIf you want to try several traditional Dutch dishes, booking for dinner is a safer choice than walking in.

Albert Cuyp Market

A traditional market offering fresh produce and various street food.

Hours8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Admission€5 - €10

Travel tipVisit early to get fresh ingredients.

The Bulldog

A famous restaurant in Amsterdam that serves delicious local cuisine.

Hours12:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Admission€20 - €40

Travel tipPair your meal with a local beer.

Events

Holland Festival

The Netherlands’ largest performing arts festival. It features international works across theatre, opera, dance, and music.

WhenAround June each year

HoursDuring the event period

AdmissionPaid

Travel tipVenues vary by performance, so check the location when booking.

Amsterdam Tattoo Convention

A large convention that brings together international tattoo artists and body-art fans. It features demonstrations, consultations, and exhibitions.

WhenAround February each year

HoursDuring the event period

AdmissionPaid

Travel tipPopular artist booths can have long lines, so arriving early helps.

Grachtenfestival

A summer music festival set around Amsterdam’s canals. You can enjoy classical and chamber music performances across the city.

WhenEvery August

LocationThroughout Amsterdam’s canal district

Nearest stationVaries by venue

HoursEvery August

AdmissionSome free, some paid

Travel tipSmall venues around the canals can fill up quickly, so check the program in advance.

Amsterdam Fashion Week

A major fashion event showcasing Dutch fashion trends. Shows, presentations, and talks take place, adding energy across the city.

WhenEvery August

LocationVarious venues across Amsterdam

Nearest stationVaries by venue

HoursEvery August

AdmissionSome free, some paid

Travel tipCheck the official program in advance because access and ticketing vary by event.

King's Day

A festival celebrating the birthday of King of the Netherlands.

WhenEvery April 27th

HoursAll day in late April

AdmissionFree

Travel tipEveryone wears orange to celebrate!

Amsterdam Photo Festival

An exhibition exploring various themes through photographic art.

WhenEvery November

Travel tipSee works from top photographers around the world.

Subway lines

Metro 50: Isolatorweg => GeinMetro 51: Centraal Station => IsolatorwegMetro 52: Noord => ZuidMetro 53: Gaasperplas => Centraal StationMetro 54: Gein => Centraal StationMetro A: Binnenhof => Schiedam CentrumMetro B: Nesselande => Hoek van Holland StrandMetro C: De Akkers => De TerpMetro D: De Akkers => Rotterdam CentraalMetro E: Den Haag Centraal => SlingeTram 20: Nieuwegein-Zuid => Utrecht P+R Science ParkTram 21: IJsselstein-Zuid => Utrecht P+R Science ParkTram 22: Utrecht Centraal Station => Utrecht Science Park

Basic travel phrases (English)

Hello

Hello · Greeting

Thank you

Thank you · Thanks

Nice to meet you

Nice to meet you · Nice to meet you

Have a great day

Have a great day · Wishing a good day

Welcome

Welcome · Welcome

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