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Amsterdam travel guide
Canal-side clues, world-class museums and free ferries across the IJ.
Photo: Michielverbeek / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 4.0
Amsterdam is compact enough to walk and cycle, but its headline museums run on timed tickets that sell out, and the Anne Frank House only sells online. Plan those first, then leave room to wander. This hub links all our Amsterdam guides: best things to do, where to stay, a 3-day itinerary, day trips and ticket guides.
Plan your Amsterdam trip
Best things to do in Amsterdam →
12 honest picks with costs, timing and skip-it-ifs.
Where to stay in Amsterdam →
7 neighbourhoods compared, with hotel picks per budget.
Amsterdam in 3 days →
A day-by-day route grouped by area.
Day trips from Amsterdam →
7 easy escapes by train or bus.
Anne Frank House Tickets (2026): When They Release & How to Get One →
Anne Frank House tickets are only sold online by the museum, in timed slots, and sell out fast. Here's when they go on sale, what to do if it's sold out, and what to expect inside.
Zaanse Schans vs Volendam (2026): Which Dutch Day Trip Is Right for You? →
Windmills or fishing village? An honest comparison of Zaanse Schans and Volendam & Marken from Amsterdam: how to get there, how long to stay, crowds and whether to book a tour.
Amsterdam City Quest →
A printable self-guided treasure hunt.
Amsterdam quick facts
- Best time to visit
- April–May for tulips (Keukenhof is open in spring only) and King’s Day on 27 April (very busy). June–September is warmest. Autumn is quieter. Pack a rain jacket in any season.
- Money
- Euro (EUR). Many places are card-only, and cash is used less and less.
- Airports
- Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS).
- Airport to city
- Direct trains run from Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal in roughly 15–20 minutes. Check in and out with the same contactless bank card (OVpay) or buy a ticket.
- Getting around
- Walk, cycle, or take trams and metro. Tap in AND out with the same contactless card (or use a GVB day ticket). The ferries to Amsterdam-Noord behind Centraal Station are free.
- Budget
- Hotels are the big cost, and the city adds a tourist tax on top of the room rate. Compare live prices for your dates.
- Language
- Dutch. English is widely spoken.
- Plugs
- Type C/F, 230 V.
Only have one day? Do these three
Top things to do in Amsterdam
- 1. Rijksmuseum · Paid timed ticket
- 2. Anne Frank House · Paid, online only via annefrank
- 3. Van Gogh Museum · Paid timed ticket bought online in advance
- 4. A canal cruise · Paid
- 5. Wander the Jordaan & Nine Streets · Free
- 6. Vondelpark · Free
Watch: Amsterdam in one video
Video coming soon
Our walk-through of Amsterdam is in production. See all videos.
Turn sightseeing into a game
Amsterdam City Quest
Follow 12 quest stops from Centraal Station through the old centre and canal ring to the Jordaan, with riddles, photo missions, a kids’ mode and a printable map.
Get the questAmsterdam FAQ
How do I get Anne Frank House tickets?
Only online at annefrank.org. Tickets are released every Tuesday at 10:00 Amsterdam time for visits about six weeks later. There are no tickets at the door, and tours from third parties don’t include entry.
How many days do you need in Amsterdam?
Three days covers the main museums, the canals and the Jordaan, plus Noord or a short day trip. With 4–5 days you can add Haarlem, Utrecht or Rotterdam.
Is the I amsterdam City Card worth it?
Only if you’ll visit several included museums each day and use public transport. Add up the official prices first. The Anne Frank House is not included.
Do I need cash in Amsterdam?
Rarely. Many places only take cards, and contactless payment is normal. Carry a little cash for small market stalls just in case.
Are the ferries to Amsterdam-Noord free?
Yes. The GVB ferries from behind Amsterdam Centraal across the IJ are free for foot passengers and cyclists.
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