There are so many reasons to visit the capital of the Netherlands that you’ll want to learn how to plan a trip to Amsterdam ASAP – it’s a destination for foodies, it’s a canal town with narrow streets, and it’s also bike-friendly haven for liberal culture and ideas. And, yeah, it’s also the place to go to indulge in some vices that are banned in the U.S. (they are completely legal here). But Amsterdam is much more than space cakes and hedonism: It’s an arts and cultural hub in Europe, so get ready to enjoy everything it has to offer. Here’s how to plan a trip to Amsterdam to remember.
When To Visit
It’s kind of a cliché, but any time’s a good time to visit this city of canals. That said, it is filled with tourists in July and August (however, the whole season really lasts from mid-April to mid-October, so plan accordingly). If you want to check out the famous tulip gardens, you’ve got to go in April or May; summer and tulip time travel means you’ll have to book your rooms months in advance. But if you’re up for visiting in less busy time, then winter is when you’ll find deals and other travel charms. Frommer’s details travel time tips here.
Getting Around
Like so many European cities, the public transportation system in Amsterdam is amazing. Its offerings include superb metro, bus, tram, ferry and train service. The I Amsterdam City Card offers unlimited use of public transportation for 24, 48 or 72 hours, and it’s a good thing to use. As the city is so bike-friendly, you might also want to rent a bike. Here’s how to arrange a bike rental. Taxis are also an option, but with such great public transportation, you probably won’t need to take one — unless it’s to the airport or late at night.
Take a Tour
Plenty of great tours will help you get the lay of the land (or canals) in and around Amsterdam. There are hop-on, hop-off bus tours, but there are also hop-on, hop-off canal tours, too. To really take in the art — or, if you’re a serious art lover — you might want to take a guided tour of the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum (some also include a lunch canal cruise, too). Night canal cruises are also fun. If you want to take in the famous Dutch windmills, there are daytrip tours for that experience, along with daytrips to Rotterdam and the Hague, too. If you’re feeling more adventurous, there are Red Light District tours, too. City-Discovery lists several different tour experiences.
Can’t Miss, Won’t Miss
The first thing to do in Amsterdam, which should be obvious for a city nicknamed “the Venice of the North,” is to check out the canals. Take a boat ride or cruise through some of the city’s hundred canals. The Van Gogh Museum, which recently reopened after a magnificent renovation, is also an absolute must-see. For the arts and history, the Rijksmuseum is a crucial destination, especially if you love Rembrandt and Vermeer. The Anne Frank House is also an important landmark to visit. And, for a different sort of education, visit the De Wallen. For more inspiration, visit Touropia.
Eat Your Way Through Amsterdam
Whether it’s highbrow (restaurants with Michelin stars) or casual (like cozy cafés), international (Indonesian, anyone?) or modern Dutch, you’ll find it here. For an overview of Amsterdam eating and drinking choices, check out the listings at I amsterdam. There are 38 quintessential restaurants you have to visit in Amsterdam, according to Eater, including: Merkelbach, for the best outdoor dining; the Brouwerij ‘t IJ, a brewery next to an old windmill and a canal, and the Rotisserie Rijsel for French and Flemish cuisine.
Freelance writer Lauren Paley is an avid writer and traveler. She has lived in Morocco, France, Tel Aviv and Prague, and has traveled to over 25 countries. Her interests include banh mi sandwiches, Boo the dog, trying (and failing) at languages, and outdoor movie theaters.
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