Amsterdam
Between canals, crooked houses, and a seriously laid-back way of life: your guide to Amsterdam.
Our Amsterdam City Check
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Flair
Maritime, cosmopolitan, and seriously in love with cycling.
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Best Time to Visit
April through September is ideal — perfect weather for canal boat tours and bike rides.
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Trip Length
Three days gives you enough time to hit the top museums and explore the canal district properly.
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Price Level
High — especially for accommodation in the city center. Book early to get decent rates.
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Food
Don't leave without trying fresh poffertjes or picking up Dutch cheese straight from a market stall.
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Getting Around
Bike is king here, but the tram network is excellent too — and way less intimidating than Amsterdam's cycling traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Amsterdam expensive?
The price level in Holland is comparable to much of Western Europe — but Amsterdam is pricier than most of the country.
Hotel prices in particular are steep: expect to pay at least 150 euros per night for a decent double room in the city center.
Museum admission typically runs into double digits too, usually between 12 and 20 euros per person.
What currency is used in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam uses the euro — and cash is pretty much on its way out. In two weeks, we only withdrew cash once.
Even small purchases are paid by card as a matter of course, and some restaurants and shops don’t accept cash at all. That said, it’s still worth having a little on hand for the occasional exception.
What's the best time to visit Amsterdam?
Amsterdam is at its best in summer — for example as a travel destination in July. When the sun’s out and rain is unlikely, the whole city moves outdoors and the canals come alive.
Spring is seriously special too. We especially love Amsterdam as a travel destination in April, when the tulips are in full bloom.
September and October can still be lovely, though the chances of rain are noticeably higher.
Which is the best travel guide for Amsterdam?
These are our three top picks for Amsterdam travel guides:
The Comprehensive One: The MM-City Amsterdam from Michael Müller Verlag is a great all-rounder for a city trip. Detailed but still well-organized and easy to use. 300 pages, €17.90.
To the MM-City Amsterdam
The Compact One: Prefer something slim and light? The Reise Know-How CityTrip Amsterdam covers everything you actually need — nothing more, nothing less. 156 pages, €11.95.
To the Reise Know-How CityTrip Amsterdam
The Insider Guide: Alongside a classic travel guide, we really recommend 111 Places in Amsterdam That You Shouldn’t Miss. Especially if this isn’t your first time in Amsterdam, you’ll discover a handful of genuinely surprising spots. 240 pages, €16.95.
To the book 111 Places in Amsterdam
How much time do I need for Amsterdam?
Don’t short-change yourself on time here. Amsterdam has a lot to offer, and a weekend really isn’t enough. Four days is the sweet spot. Add an extra day for a day trip to a nearby city and you’ve got a really well-rounded trip.
