Explore Amsterdam
Amsterdam Tourism: Best of Amsterdam
Essential Amsterdam
Amsterdam Is Known For...
Cutting loose in one of Europe’s nightlife capitals
Getting up close and personal with Van Gogh (and other famed artists)
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Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Amsterdam



In the words of those who've been there before ...



What is the best way to get there?
Flying:
The primary international airport serving the Netherlands is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Many smaller airlines also fly to regional airports such as Rotterdam or Eindhoven, or airports near the Dutch border.
Train:
Amsterdam Centraal station is the city's major international railway hub, with services to destinations such as Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Russia, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Bus:
Eurolines operates international coach services from Amsterdam Amstel railway station, while IDBUS, Megabus, and Flixbus operate international routes from Amsterdam Sloterdijk railway station.
Find more information on getting to Amsterdam.
Do I need a visa?
The Netherlands is part of the Schengen Area with many other European countries. This means tourists from certain countries don’t require a visa for trips less than 90 days — as long as your passport is valid for at least six months after your planned departure date.
Find more information about the Schengen Visa and what countries are exempt.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring (March to May) and Summer (June to August): The spring tulip season — when Keukenhof Gardens opens up and the city is taken over by colorful blooms for the Tulip Festival — is one of the most popular times to visit Amsterdam. Average daytime temperatures in spring reach 55 Fahrenheit (13 Celsius) and lows of 41 Fahrenheit (5 Celsius).
Summertime is also inevitably crowded, but it’s the most atmospheric time to experience Dutch culture, with dozens of festivals, urban beaches, and open-air cinemas springing up around the capital. Average daytime temperatures in summer reach highs of 70 Fahrenheit (21 Celsius) and lows of 54 Fahrenheit (12 Celsius).
Bicycle
Amsterdam is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world. Bike-hire companies are located all over the city. Find more information about where to hire a bike.
Train, Tram and Bus
Public transport operator Gemeentelijk Vervoerbedrijf (GVB) operates tram, bus and metro services starting at 6 a.m. and running until 12:30 a.m. Between 12:30 a.m. and 7 a.m., you can travel on night buses.
The I amsterdam City Card gives tourists unlimited access to public transport in the city combined with free entry to many attractions.
Find more information on schedules, fares, and routes.
Taxis
Amsterdam’s taxis are easily spotted with their blue license plates and official sign on the roof. Taxis are metered and can be caught from one of many taxi stands, hailed on the street, or booked via telephone.
Find more information about fares, who to call and where to find a taxi stand.
Ridesharing
Uber is available in Amsterdam on your smartphone.
Are there local customs I should know?
- We recommend staying at one of the most popular hotels in Amsterdam, which include:
- Some of the most popular restaurants in Amsterdam include:
- Amsterdam is known for some of its popular attractions, which include:
- We recommend checking out these popular tours when looking for something to do in Amsterdam:
- Amsterdam Classic Boat Cruise with Live Guide, Drinks and Cheese
- Amsterdam Luxury Live Guided Canal Cruise with Onboard Bar
- Anne Frank Guided Walking Tour through Amsterdam's Jewish Quarter
- Amsterdam Luxury Boat Canal Cruise w/ Live Guide and Onboard Bar
- All-Inclusive Amsterdam Canal Cruise by Captain Jack
- If you're a more budget-conscious traveler, then you may want to consider traveling to Amsterdam between December and February, when hotel prices are generally the lowest. Peak hotel prices generally start between September and November.