Amsterdam is a lively and historic city in the Netherlands. Things to do Amsterdam is a famous tourist destination for visitors from all over the world, thanks to its picturesque canals, world-renowned museums, and vibrant nightlife. In this article, we’ll look at some of the best activities to do, places to visit Amsterdam and public transportation Amsterdam alternatives for first-time visitors in Amsterdam.
Contents
Things to do in Amsterdam
- Take a canal cruise: One of Amsterdam’s main attractions is its famous canals, and a canal cruise is a terrific way to explore them. You’ll gain a new perspective on the city while learning about its history and architecture.
- Visit the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam’s most famous museum, which houses some of the world’s most important masterpieces, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer.
- Take a stroll around the Jordaan area, which is located just west of the city center and is noted for its gorgeous streets, vibrant market, and attractive boutiques.
- Rent a bike and go exploring like a local. Cycling is one of the greatest ways to experience Amsterdam because of its bike-friendly streets.
- Take a stroll through Amsterdam’s Jordaan neighborhood to explore some of the city’s most gorgeous streets.
In the spring and summer, visitors can enjoy the city’s stunning flower gardens and outdoor patios. - Always have a functioning Visa or Mastercard with you. The Netherlands is a cashless country!
Local Tip About Using Coins in Amsterdam
Compared to other EU countries or generally any other country in the world, the Netherlands is a cashless country, so more than coins, travelers should have credit cards.
Places to Visit in Amsterdam
- Anne Frank House is a must-see for anybody with an interest in history. The house where Anne Frank and her family hid during WWII is now a museum dedicated to her life.
- Van Gogh Museum: This museum is dedicated to Vincent van Gogh’s life and work, and it has the world’s biggest collection of his paintings.
- Dam Square is Amsterdam’s major square and a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Many historical structures surround it, notably the Royal Palace of Amsterdam.
Amsterdam Being Safe
There are no neighborhoods that are known to be dangerous or unsafe, but public train stations and Amsterdam Central station and the area surrounding it is very touristic, so as any other touristic area, travelers should be careful. In comparison to other cities, Amsterdam is a safer city.
Restaurant in Amsterdam
- Rijks: This Michelin-starred restaurant is housed within the Rijksmuseum. It has a lovely setting and provides contemporary Dutch food.
- Brouwerij ‘t IJ: This is a popular brewery in Amsterdam’s east. It features a wonderful outside seating area and a great assortment of beers.
- Must-taste! Stroopwafels (waffles with caramel filling), bitterballen (deep-fried pork balls), as well as raw herring, are other traditional Dutch foods to try when you are in town.
- Public Wi-Fi is available in certain areas and restaurants are always willing to give out their Wi-Fi passwords to customers.
Local Tip for Tipping Guide in Amsterdam
There is no rule about tipping. It is usually not common but always appreciated by the waiting staff.
Transportation in Amsterdam
- The “OV-chipkaart” is the most convenient and cost-effective way to move around Amsterdam. It is applicable to all modes of public transit, including buses, trams, and metro.
- Amsterdam boasts an excellent public transit system that comprises buses, trams, and the metro. This is a quick and inexpensive method to get about town.
- Smartphone applications: Many locals in Amsterdam use mobile applications to assist them navigate the city. Google Maps, Citymapper, and Moovit are among the most popular.
- Trainline can be used to find cheap train tickets.
Public Transportation in Amsterdam
- Travelers can visit GVB and Ns.nl to buy online tickets for public transportation Amsterdam or can buy them in person at major train stations. It is possible to add money to cards, but the machines will only let you add 4,5,10 or 20 euros at one time. It is possible to use credit cards everywhere but only the major train stations will take coins, in certain amounts.
- It is not possible to use bills to add money to cards, if travelers want to use bills to purchase tickets, they can buy them at the kiosks at major train stations or at the train station at Schiphol airport. At the location, they are purchasing the tickets they can also see how much a trip will cost.
- There is always a map available in train stations for travelers to see where they are going and which public transport they can take. Travelers looking for transportation Amsterdam can also go to the I Amsterdam Visitor center in center to get more information and maps as well.
Museum Pass Programs in Amsterdam
- The I Amsterdam City Card is a terrific alternative for visitors because it includes savings on other attractions and public transportation Amsterdam as well as free entrance to many of Amsterdam’s finest institutions, including the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum.
- The Museumkaart is a one-year pass that permits you to visit most museums in Amsterdam for free.
Shopping Areas in Amsterdam
- Nine Streets: This charming district in the heart of Amsterdam is recognized for its unique shops, boutiques, and vintage stores.
- Kalverstraat: This is the main retail street in Amsterdam, including everything from department shops to high-end boutiques.
- Albert Cuyp market is Amsterdam’s most well-known market, recognized for its broad assortment of items, which includes fresh vegetables, clothing, and souvenirs. It’s a great place to acquire one-of-a-kind Dutch items and try some local street food.
- Another popular retail street in the Jordaan district is the Haarlemmerstraat. It is well-known for its trendy boutiques and independent retailers selling clothing, accessories, and home decor.
Mobile Applications Locals Use in Amsterdam
- GVB and NS-NL are the 2 major public transport providers for the Netherlands. Travelers can purchase a ticket at major train stations to ride the tram, bus, and metro services, which are provided by the GVB.
- To travel into Amsterdam from different major cities such as Den Haag, Rotterdam, Groningen etc., travelers can use trains provided by NS-NL and tickets can be bought both online and in person at major stations.
- Travelers can go to the iamsterdam.com website to see different programs for seeing the city, from visiting museums to experiencing the nightlife and nature of Amsterdam. On this website, they can find passes for different museums for a certain number of hours or days they will be visiting the city.
- UberEATS and Thuisbezorgd are used by locals to order food, and locals usually have the GVB and NS-NL apps on their phones to purchase monthly tickets.
- Uber is used by locals to call a taxi, but due to the biking culture, the locals always prefer to bike everywhere. Travelers can download the I Amsterdam app on their phones to scan museum passes as well. For scanning menus, any phone that has a camera will be sufficient to scan the QR code!
- Booking and Airbnb can be used for accommodation planning.
- Skyscanner, EasyJet and Ryanair help people find cheaper flights!
In general, Amsterdam is a fantastic metropolis with a wealth of attractions. Amsterdam is a city that provides something for everyone, from its picturesque canals to its illustrious museums and exciting nightlife. Take advantage of the city’s public transit system, purchase a museum pass, and install a local mobile app to make the most of your time there. Have a safe journey!
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days in Amsterdam is enough?
What is Amsterdam most known for?
Is 2 days in Amsterdam enough?
Is Amsterdam worth visiting for a day?
