In this article, I talk about tourism in Amsterdamwith tips, suggestions and the rules you need to know for a successful stay!
Here you'll find
- Amsterdam tourism in figures
- Good reasons to visit Amsterdam
- Rules to know for a successful stay
- Practical information: activities, visits, travel
- And much more!
If you're looking for information about tourism in Amsterdam, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Amsterdam Tourism: article summary
Amsterdam tourism in figures
Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is a city very popular by foreign visitors, whether they are passing through the city for a day or for a short stay. 2 to 3 days or more in the city.
Not only is it a city extremely dynamicIt's the perfect place for a family getaway or a day out with friends. a safe capital with a very pleasant atmosphere.
Before visit AmsterdamHere are a few facts and figures to help you better understand the experience:
- In 2019, the city saw its peak visitor numbers with over 20 million tourists in 1 year
- Visitor numbers have risen steadily since 2009, but have now come to a halt. in 2020 because of Covid, with only2 million visitors
- Tourism in Amsterdam accounts for around 2.5 % of GDP
- Amsterdam's tourism sector accounts for more than 51,000 jobs9 % of the total
- Amsterdam's main visitors are Dutchfollowed by British and Germans. Outside Europe, Americans are Amsterdam's biggest tourists
- 2/3 hotels of the city are located in Amsterdam's city center, providing a convenient offering for tourists and business travelers alike.
- Its main point of entry - the airport at Schiphol - has been named World's Best Airport 7 times, and is the 3rd best airport in the world.e Europe's largest airport in passenger terms, with 70 million annual passengers
- By 2030, the city hopes to achieve the 30 to 40 million of foreign tourists
Why visit Amsterdam in 2023?
If you're wondering why tourists go to AmsterdamHere are a few answers that may well inspire you to set off and discover this beautiful city, which has been christened The Venice of the North.
Its many cultural activities
Art lovers know that Amsterdam is a city rich in works of art and renowned artists. You'll find superb museumssuch as :
- Visit Rijksmuseum dedicated mainly to Dutch art. It boasts over 1 million pieces
- Visit Van Gogh Museum devoted to the finest works by the famous painter
- Straat Museum that will delight Street Art fans
- Visit Moco Museum and the Stedelijk Museumboth dedicated to modern and contemporary art
- And many more!
You can also discover exciting exhibitions (like Body Worlds and its plastinated bodies); visit the Amsterdam Zoo familiarize yourself with growing tulips via Flower Market or admire architecture impressive Royal Palace.
There's so much to do, you'll never get bored in Amsterdam!
Atypical neighborhoods
Just strolling through the streets of certain districts is enough to understand the city's appeal to tourists from all over the world.
Enter historic facades from Amsterdam city centerits small channels reminiscent of Venice (and which you can discover for a while). a lovely cruise), and its many parks and green spaces (like the superb Vondelpark), we move from one sense of wonder to the next very quickly.
What's more, it's easy to get from one neighbourhood to the next, on foot or by car. by bike (like a local!); or by opting for the other practical solutions available: the metrothe tourist bus or the tramway.
Its principle of sustainable tourism
In 2025, Amsterdam will celebrate its 750th anniversary. To mark the occasion, the municipality drew up a charter for the implementation of sustainable tourism, respecting the environment and the daily lives of the capital's inhabitants.
A necessity, in the face of mass tourism that is denaturing the city (but it's obviously not the only one affected by this scourge), and proving that solutions do exist.
These include
- The implementation of a tourist tax for each visitor
- From strict rules concerning Airbnb rentals: bans in certain neighborhoods, limits on the number of rentals/year, etc.
- A better supervision of visitorsto combat certain behaviors that are detrimental to the well-being of local residents. For example, it will no longer be possible to consume cannabis in the streets of Red Light District from May 2023
- From stiff fines (up to 140 euros) for incivilities such as throwing a cigarette butt on the ground or urinating in the canals...
Thoughtful measures for a city that doesn't want to lose what makes it one of Europe's leading tourism destinations!
Gentle legislation
Amsterdam's image is associated with a relatively permissive policy, in two areas: soft drugs and prostitution.
In fact, the city is overflowing with coffee-shop where cannabis can be bought and consumed. This encourages cannabis tourism, which attracts a large number of nearby visitors.
Amsterdam is also famous for its Red districtwith its prostitutes in the window, thanks to a legal prostitution in the country.
Finally, fans of betting and gambling will find a wide choice of casino in Amsterdam to play late into the night!
Unusual experiences
To make matters worse, Amsterdam is a lively city where you can easily find fun, wacky and unusual activities. For a fun-filled holiday, it's perfect!
Here are a few experiences that are well worth the detour:
- Visit Madame Tussauds Museum and its famous wax statues of famous people
- The Upside Downa museum for taking photos in the craziest positions
- The Heineken experienceto find out all about local beer and take part in a tasting!
- This is Hollanda 3D flight simulator to discover the country and its culture in a different way
- Visit Torture Museum and its special atmosphere
- And many more!
Tips and recommendations for tourism in Amsterdam
Sightseeing in Amsterdam is easy, whether you're a seasoned traveler or not. But here are the answers to some frequently asked questions.
When is the best time to visit Amsterdam?
Amsterdam is pleasant all year round, despite cold winters and weather that can sometimes be quite temperamental, with its unexpected downpours.
For sightseeing in Amsterdam, I often recommend autumn. A season that allows you to enjoy the city's beautiful colors and its best attractions without hindrance. Visit spring is also an excellent choice, especially for discovering the incredible colourful flowers in the garden Keukenhof.
Where to go in Amsterdam?
It's important to know that Centrum (the name of Amsterdam's downtown district) is home to most of the city's tourist attractions. This makes it both a very good drop-off point for your accommodation, and a perfect neighbourhood for strolling, going out in the evening or finding a good restaurant.
Advice for tourists
At night, some parts of Amsterdam (De Wallen in particular) can look a little less than stellar. It's best to be aware of this if you're traveling with the family.
We strongly recommend that you buy nothing on the street! No matter what you're offered (weed, bike, etc.), you run the risk of being ripped off.
Finally, always keep a close eye on your belongings, as Amsterdam is not immune to the scourge of the Pickpockets. Stay alert and you'll be fine.
All you have to do is plan What you can do in Amsterdam for your next trip!
What to do in Amsterdam in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
Whatever the length of your stay, I invite you to download my special Amsterdam guide.
It's free and in PDF format.
All you have to do is tell me below which e-mail address you'd like to receive it at.
EDIT: you can't enter your email?
Take the quiz at the top of this article and you'll be able to register your email address to receive the special Amsterdam guide!
Leave a Reply