Why You Should Visit Amsterdam

Amsterdam, the vibrant capital of the Netherlands, is a city of endless charm and diverse experiences. With over 60 miles of picturesque canals, a rich cultural heritage, and a warm, inviting atmosphere, Amsterdam is a destination that caters to all types of travelers. Whether you’re drawn by the allure of historic art, the appeal of innovative cuisine, or the thrill of vibrant street festivals, Amsterdam has something special for you.

Best Time to Visit Amsterdam

Spring: Spring is arguably the most enchanting time to visit Amsterdam. The city bursts into a riot of color with blooming tulip fields visible from space and wisteria draping over canals and streets. Spring is also the season of King’s Day, celebrated on April 27. The festivities kick off the night before with lively street parties, and on the day itself, the city transforms into a sea of orange as locals and visitors alike participate in a city-wide flea market, vibrant boat parties, and endless celebrations. This is a unique opportunity to experience Dutch culture and revelry in its most exuberant form.

Summer: As the weather warms up, Amsterdam’s terrace culture comes alive. The city’s urban beaches, such as Pllek, offer the perfect setting for relaxing beach parties. For a more active experience, the 17th-century inner harbor is ideal for open-water swimming. August brings one of the world’s largest LGBTQ+ Pride events, featuring the famous Canal Parade. This spectacular event sees boats decorated in every imaginable way, filled with revelers celebrating diversity and inclusion. Summer in Amsterdam is all about enjoying the outdoors and soaking up the lively atmosphere.

Autumn: Autumn in Amsterdam is marked by a series of exciting festivals. In October, the Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) attracts electronic music fans from around the globe for a five-day extravaganza. November brings Museum Night, where many of the city’s museums open their doors for special evening events. Mid-November also heralds the arrival of Sinterklaas, the Dutch version of Santa Claus, who arrives by boat and is celebrated with a festive canal parade. The cooler weather and fewer tourists make autumn a wonderful time to explore the city’s cultural offerings and enjoy its seasonal charm.

Winter: Winter in Amsterdam offers a magical experience with the Amsterdam Light Festival. This event features dozens of glowing public art installations scattered throughout the city, creating a winter wonderland. As the year ends, traditional olliebollen stalls appear, selling these delectable spherical doughnuts, a special treat for New Year’s Eve. Museumplein, the cultural heart of Amsterdam, is transformed into a charming ice rink, complete with a Christmas market. Winter in Amsterdam is perfect for those who enjoy festive cheer and cozy, cultural experiences.

Lay of the Land

The Canal Belt: This iconic area of Amsterdam is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its concentric canal rings and historic architecture. Notable neighborhoods include the Jordaan, renowned for its cozy cafes, galleries, and the Anne Frank House. The Flower Market, located on the Singel canal, is a must-visit for its colorful array of blooms and unique gifts. The Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes) is a charming shopping district filled with boutiques, vintage stores, and local eateries.

North (Noord): Once an industrial area, Amsterdam Noord has transformed into the city’s creative hub. STRAAT is an open-air museum showcasing massive graffiti and street art. For a thrill, visit A’DAM Tower, where you can swing over the city on Europe’s highest swing. Noord is also home to trendy cafes, innovative cultural spaces, and a burgeoning arts scene.

East (Oost): The multicultural East district offers a diverse array of experiences. In this vibrant area, you’ll find trendy boutiques nestled alongside Middle Eastern delis, such as Tigris & Eufraat, known for its delicious baba ghanoush. Canal-side Brouwerij ‘t IJ is a popular spot for craft beer enthusiasts, serving award-winning brews in the shadow of the iconic De Gooyer windmill.

South (Zuid): Amsterdam Zuid is the city’s wealthiest district and home to its greatest art treasures. On Museumplein, you’ll find the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum, and Moco Museum, all clustered in this cultural hub. De Pijp is a lively neighborhood known for the Albert Cuyp Market, a bustling market operating since 1912 where you can sample local delicacies and shop for unique items.

West: Oud-West is an eclectic area where you can visit De Hallen, a former tram depot now housing a variety of businesses, including the Maker Store and Foodhallen. Foodhallen is an indoor food market with a wide range of culinary options, while Ten Katemarkt offers a more traditional shopping experience. In Westerpark, Westergas, a former gas factory, is now a cultural center featuring restaurants, theaters, and the TonTon Club, a retro arcade and Asian bistro.

Getting Around Amsterdam

By Bike: Amsterdam is renowned for its cycling culture, making bikes the best way to explore the city. Rentals are available from MacBike and StudioBike. Be cautious of local cyclists who navigate the bike lanes with speed and purpose.

By Tram: The GVB operates Amsterdam’s extensive tram system, which is both efficient and easy to navigate. Use a contactless credit or debit card for convenient payment, or purchase daily tickets. The GVB app can help plan your routes.

By Boat: Captaining your own boat on the canals is a unique way to see the city. Mokumboot offers electric six-person boats for rent, and no license or experience is required. It’s a leisurely alternative to traditional tourist canal cruises.

By Train: NS trains connect Amsterdam to Schiphol Airport and other destinations across the Netherlands. Payment is made using contactless cards at validation points, which are located at the top of the escalators at Schiphol before you head down to the train platforms.

Know Before You Go

Languages: While Dutch is the official language, English is widely spoken, with the Dutch consistently ranking among the best non-native English speakers in the world.

LGBTQ+: Amsterdam is celebrated for its inclusive and vibrant LGBTQ+ scene. Reguliersdwarsstraat has been a prominent gay district for over 40 years, offering a range of bars, clubs, and events that cater to the LGBTQ+ community.

How to Visit Amsterdam Sustainably

Outdoors: Explore Amsterdam by bike or on foot to minimize your carbon footprint. Visit the H’ART Museum (formerly Hermitage Amsterdam), which employs sustainable practices like exchanging excess heat with the neighboring Hortus Botanicus to keep both art and plants at optimal temperatures.

Shopping: Hunt for treasures at IJ-Hallen, Europe’s largest flea market, and find fresh, local foods at Noordermarkt, an organic farmers market held weekly.

Dining: Embrace sustainability at Café de Ceuvel, a vegan cafe that utilizes innovative technologies like aquaponics and composting toilets. For a more upscale experience, dine at Restaurant De Kas, a Michelin-starred eatery housed in a greenhouse serving farm-to-table meals for nearly 25 years.

What to Read and Watch

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green – This poignant novel, also adapted into a film directed by Josh Boone, features Amsterdam as a significant backdrop. A bench from the movie, which was famously removed and replaced, highlights the city’s enduring connection to this touching story.

Ocean’s Twelve directed by Steven Soderbergh – While not a cultural exploration of the Netherlands, this heist film showcases Amsterdam’s stunning cityscape, offering a visual feast of its iconic landmarks.

Amsterdam is a city that promises unforgettable experiences, whether you’re exploring its artistic heritage, enjoying its lively festivals, or simply wandering its enchanting streets and canals. With this guide, you’re well-equipped to make the most of your visit to this remarkable destination.