What to Know about Travelling to Amsterdam
Quick answer: Before travelling to Amsterdam, know that July and August are the liveliest (and busiest) months, mid-April to May is tulip season, and October to March brings better deals. The city is compact, so walking and cycling are the best ways to get around, and many highlights, from canals and parks to lunchtime concerts, are free.
Amsterdam is the Dutch city famous for tulips, canals and wooden clogs, and its most memorable experiences lie in its stunning alleys. Here is what to know about travelling to Amsterdam, from its history and weather to transport, free things to do and food.
History of Amsterdam
Amsterdam has around 7,000 buildings from the 18th century and 69 miles of canals, and it hasn’t changed much since Rembrandt’s time. With old masters, historic monuments and beauty at every turn, it is also a modern capital with a broad range of restaurants, innovative hotels and fashionable shopping.
Elegant, colourful, charming and quirky, the city is known for its canals, 17th-century buildings and endless streams of bicycles. It also carries the hallmarks of a famously liberal metropolis, and many young people visit for the cannabis scene as well.
Amsterdam overflows with culture and world-class art. The Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum and the P.C. Hooftstraat shopping street are must-visit spots, and the city’s cutting-edge design scene has become a source of local pride.
Check out the Amsterdam Travel Guide here
Best Time to Visit Amsterdam
- July and August: the best months to enjoy every detail of the city, but also the busiest.
- Mid-April to May: the time to see beautiful tulips.
- October to March: better deals and fewer crowds, except around Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam is an extraordinary celebration and well worth experiencing.
Amsterdam Weather
August is the hottest month of the year and January is the coldest, so plan your trip accordingly. Rain can fall at any time, and winters can bring snow. Pack good clothing and an umbrella.
Amsterdam Transportation
Amsterdam is compact, so renting a bike or walking along its excellent bike streets is a fun way to explore.
Public transport is also impressive, with metros, trams and buses. You can buy a chip card at any counter or ticket vending machine, and cards valid for one to seven days start at $8.
Places to Visit in Amsterdam (Many for Free)
Like many major cities, Amsterdam isn’t cheap and can be a challenge for budget travellers. However, you can enjoy many famous sights for free: the canals, parks and waterways cost nothing. Here are some amazing things to do in Amsterdam.
The Concertgebouw
The Concertgebouw is one of the world’s best-known classical concert halls. You can enjoy a free show every Wednesday at lunchtime, finishing around 1 pm, with free tickets available on the day of the show. Visit their website for details and the upcoming programme. Travelling to Amsterdam without a big plan? This is a great way to fill a lunch hour.
Rijksmuseum Gardens
Take a walk around the majestic gardens of the Rijksmuseum to enjoy a peaceful side of the city and some intriguing artworks. There is a life-size chessboard, a beautiful fountain by contemporary Danish artist Jeppe Hein, and alluring post-war climbing frames by architect Aldo van Eyck.
The lawns also host rotating sculpture exhibitions; at the time of writing, 21 sculptures by the Spanish artist Joan Miró were on display.
The Muziektheater
The Muziektheater is a major opera, dance and music venue. Top performers give free weekly lunchtime concerts, finishing around 1 pm, and a free theatre tour is available once or twice a month.
Bimhuis
Bimhuis is Amsterdam’s legendary jazz venue and well worth your time. Every Tuesday at 10 pm there is a free improvisation session; if you want to play, arrive by 8 pm.
Central Library
The Centrale Bibliotheek is one of the biggest libraries in the Netherlands, and you can read international newspapers there for free. Wi-Fi isn’t free, but you can buy access for a set time from the ticket machine. On the 7th floor, a lovely café offers incredible city views.
Canal Cruises
See the city’s scenic beauty from the water on a canal cruise, an experience of a lifetime. You can also book a private cruise with drinks. Evening canal cruises are the best.
Bike Tours
If you are travelling to Amsterdam and skip a bike tour, you miss out on one of the most exciting rides of your life. There are more than 800,000 bicycles in Amsterdam, and thanks to its flat terrain it is among the world’s most cycle-friendly cities. Cycle through the alleys like a local and enjoy everything the city has to offer.
Food to Try in Amsterdam
Amsterdam has a rich Dutch food culture, and many snack shops and restaurants also serve cuisines from around the world.
- Bitterballen: crispy, delicious meatballs served as a snack in most bars and many restaurants.
- Pannenkoeken: Dutch pancakes with a twist, flat and filling the entire plate. Add fruit or chocolate to satisfy your taste buds.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Amsterdam?
July and August for the full experience, mid-April to May for tulips, and October to March for better deals.
How do you get around Amsterdam?
Walk or cycle, or use metros, trams and buses with a chip card valid for one to seven days.
What can you do for free in Amsterdam?
Explore the canals and parks, visit the Rijksmuseum gardens, and catch free lunchtime concerts at the Concertgebouw and Muziektheater.
Final Words
Amsterdam has endless things to offer, from iconic sights to every flavour you can imagine in its restaurants. Visit the highlights, ride a bike like a local and make your trip a success. What are you waiting for?
