Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Amsterdam

BrakiWorldTraveler

Before you go, obtain the "I amsterdam" card or the "Holland Pass". Both will save you money and queuing for tickets.

Cammie00

Decide on what you would like to see and do before you go and allow for some time in between sites as you will need to this for time to relax in many of the café bars.

Jan S

Rent a bike. There are many rental companies, with different color bikes, standing out between the black or grey bikes of the locals … Avoid taxis. They are expensive.

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

jfadds

Amsterdam is a wonderful city with helpful citizens who all seem to speak perfect English. It is small and compact — easily navigated on foot and when needed, an efficient public transportation system. Combine this with great museums, interesting neighborhoods and LOTS of places to eat and drink.

AJVaughnDOTcom

Everyone loves Amsterdam and the Netherlands. Amsterdam has something for everyone. From the most Discriminating Foodies to Low Brow Art Lovers and all the wonderful people in between.

jerryd989

Amsterdam is filled with history and great art. The architecture is pretty unique and has a very simple elegance.

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.