Amsterdam is a unique city in the Netherlands and is one of the “titans” among the European capitals, boasting high economic importance, a cultural travel hub, and unique architecture. With its iconic narrow houses perched over the intricate system of canals, the city offers wonderful visiting opportunities for all kinds of travelers. Whether indulging in its slack regulations on adult entertainment and nightlife, visiting its many incredible museums, or simply walking through its concentric streets, the city will always have something to offer.
Outside of the city and main attractions, the outskirts offer visits to small towns such as Zaandijk with its characteristic windmills and tulip fields as far as eyes can see, as well as the greatest and most amazing flower garden in the world at Keukenhof.
The city lends itself to being explored in various ways, from walking on the cobblestone sidewalks and stopping in the many cafes, restaurants, and coffee shops, exploring it by bicycle, or navigating its canals on a rented boat.
No matter how many times you visit Amsterdam, it will always surprise you with its wonders.
Bucket List
What to expect
Netherlands Info & Stats
- Language: Dutch is the official language.
- Population: 17+ million (2019 est.)
- Timezone: UTC +1
- Ethnic Make-up: Dutch 83%, other 17% (of which 9% are non-Western origin mainly Turks, Moroccans, Antilleans, Surinamese, and Indonesians)
- Religions: Roman Catholic 31%, Protestant 21%, Muslim 4.4%, other 3.6%, unaffiliated 40%
- Political System: Constitutional Monarchy
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Credit Cards: Almost anything can be paid with credit cards and ATMs are extremely common.
- Electricity: Socket types E and K, 230 volt / 50 hertz
- Tipping Customs: 10-15% in restaurants and bars
- Haggling Culture: Not common
Weather
The average temperature is 27° C
In the winter months, due to its northern location, the city can get quite cold, taking away a bit from the outdoor activities and walking or cycling around the city and canals.
The spring and summer months are the most crowded and for good reason. The weather is wonderful and the rainbow colors from the ever-present tulips dot every corner of the city.
Money
The currency is the euro.
The exchange rate from US dollars is 1 USD = 1 EUR.
Credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are commonly distributed around the city.
Prices: Amsterdam is quite expensive, being a northern European city and a central tourist destination. That being said, there are so many places catering to all types of budgets and anybody can find their own affordable experience.
Tipping: Tipping follows European customs and is not customary, although always appreciated.
Getting around
Amsterdam is the city of bicycles. Renting a bike and exploring the streets this way is a wonderful and common experience. Just be aware that there are many bicycles going around and interwoven with the city traffic.
Although more intended as an attraction for visitors, navigating the canals by boat is a great way to both get around and explore this wonderful city. Ferries are also commonly used to move from one side of the Amstel to the other
There is an extensive network of buses, trams, and the metro, all very affordable and connected to the same traveler card. This is by far the easiest and quickest way to move around.
Walking through the streets of Amsterdam is just beautiful in itself
Safety
Safety: Amsterdam, like the rest of the country, is very safe with low crime rates. The biggest concern in Amsterdam may be pickpockets or getting hit by one of the many cyclists.
Natural risks: There are no concrete natural risks, although the country is below sea level and is prone to extreme flooding. That being said, the country has invested heavily in infrastructure to prevent and contain these events.
Emergencies number: 112 (European common emergency service), 911
Tips & Impressions
- Eyes up! Bicycles are one of the most used modes of transport in the city and although all streets have bike lanes, you might feel overwhelmed by the sheer number passing by and surrounding you at all times. Remember to give way and basically treat them as cars. Also, unless you are agile as a cat, they have the priority such as when boarding ferries.
- Although the city is historically very open to soft drugs, the residents of Amsterdam will understandably not appreciate an intoxicated and molesting tourist. Hotels and restaurants prohibit the use of any recreational drugs on their premises and it should be considered like smoking cigarettes on an airplane.
- In that regard, cannabis should only be smoked inside coffee shops. Inside those spaces, remember that you are in a public place that has rules, not your friend’s dorm room. Laughter and general silliness are clearly tolerated and part of the environment but don’t overdo it. Also, in coffee shops, you cannot smoke tobacco or drink alcohol inside. Consider them basically tea rooms.
- You will find dozens of smart shops selling truffles of psilocybin mushrooms. Let yourself be guided and helped by the people working there and don’t be afraid to ask questions, as they are legal. Also here, though, their consumption in public is not allowed so don’t walk into a restaurant and take out your bag of shrooms.
Deals for Amsterdam
Where to stay
Luxury
Boutique & Eco-friendly
Budget & Local experience
Travelogue
- Day 1
- City walk
- Museumplein
- MoCo Museum
- Day 2
- ARTIS zoo
- NEMO Science museum
- Zaandijk historical village
- Day 3
Boutique Hotel Zaan in the nearby town of Zaandijk. The town itself is wonderful with willows leaning over the many canals of the Zaan river.
A couple of steps away from the hotel is the open air museum and historical recreation town of Zaanse Schans with its beautiful three windmills and old houses.
