Visit Amsterdam ferry is managed by GVB as part of the city's public transport network.

They're the same blue-and-white color you'll see on downtown streetcars.

The most popular ferry crossing is from the back of Amsterdam Centraal, where you can cross the water to Amsterdam Noord.

Not to be confused with the UK's main ferry crossings to Holland, these free local ferries are also incredibly useful for getting around and sightseeing from the river.

Let's find out more about this service!

Amsterdam ferry: article summary

Getting to Amsterdam Noord by ferry

Your ferry from Amsterdam Centraal will take you free of charge on this short trip on the water. You board as a foot passenger, and you can also take your bike with you.

Once in Noord, you can discover the green expanses and a more relaxing atmosphere. take advantage of the small villages to discover a truly different aspect of the city.

In Noord, you'll also find examples of beautiful architecture, waterside spots to relax, as well as a lively arts scene and regular festivals.

Some of the most popular places to visit are the A'Dam Lookout for spectacular views over Amsterdam and the Eye Filmmuseum, an iconic building that houses a cinema, film museum and café/restaurant with regular exhibitions.

At NDSM Wharf, you'll find the incredible Straat Museum, which showcases a wealth of street art and graffiti and is quickly became one of Amsterdam's most popular museums.

Discover the Amsterdam ferry terminal

Not to be confused with a standard ferry terminal for international arrivals, the GVB ferry terminal is for small ferries crossing the IJ River.

The main terminal is at the rear of Amsterdam Centraal, from where you can take separate ferries to Buiksloterweg, IJplein, Ponsteiger and NDSM.

There are additional ferry crossings from Ponsteiger to Distelweg and Azartplein to Zamenhofstraat. There are also crossings at Hempontplein to Zaandam, Spaarndam to Assendelft and Velsen Noord to Velsen Zuid.

GVB ferries are numbered F1 to F7, and most visitors will use the ferry crossings to Buiksloterweg (F3) and NDSM (F4 and F5).

Activities to try after your ferry trip

Ferry lines take you to different parts of Amsterdam. On site, you can enjoy a wide range of activities available to you.

Central Amsterdam to Buiksloterweg 

Take the Buiksloterweg ferry to visit the iconic Eye Filmmuseum building for an exhibition, film or restaurant. You can also visit the A'Dam lookout and the enjoy a breathtaking view of Amsterdam.

Central Amsterdam to NDSM Wharf

This area is home to numerous cultural events and festivals, as well as restaurants and bars. It's a creative community that thrives on the premises, so it's an interesting place to visit.

The Straat Museum is located here, which is reason enough to visit.

Central Amsterdam in Ijplein

There's not a lot here for a tourist to discover about Amsterdam. The region is a developing area in terms of housing, with many couples buying their first home here.

Amsterdam ferry timetable

Different timetables apply. If you want to visit certain parts of Amsterdam, I advise you to follow the timetables below. That way, you won't miss any ferries.

Central station at Buiksloterweg (F3)

This ferry operates 24 hours a day. Its journey time is 5 minutes.

Central station at NDSM platform (F4)

You can take this ferry:

• Monday 6.30 a.m. to 11.45 p.m.
• Tuesday to Friday 6.30 a.m. to 11.45 p.m.
• Weekends and public holidays 7.15 a.m. to 11.45 p.m.

The last ferry from NDSM to Centraal Station runs every day at 11:30 pm. It takes 14 minutes to cross the water.

Central station to NDSM platform via Pontsteiger (night ferry F5)

Finally, route F5 takes you to your destination:

• Monday to Friday from 0:23 to 1:39
• Weekends from 0:23 to 2:55

The journey also takes 14 minutes.

It can be convenient to take a ferry to Amsterdam to get to certain parts of the city. Follow the tips below, you'll arrive at your destination and be able to enjoy your vacation to the full!

You are looking for unusual museums in Amsterdam?

I've put together a list of establishments that you won't find anywhere else but in the Dutch capital.

Here we go!

Unusual museums in Amsterdam: article summary

Unusual museums in Amsterdam: Kattenkabinet

In 1990, cat lover Bob Meijer created the Kattenkabinet, in honor of his late ginger male cat named JP Morgan. In the museum, you can admire all kinds of cat-themed paintings, sculptures and drawings.

On display are works by Picasso and Toulouse-Lautrec, among others.

The museum is housed in a beautiful canal house dating back to 1667, making a visit to this particular museum an interesting experience even for people who don't like cats.

How much does it cost to get in?

To access this museum, you will need :

• 7 euros per adult
• 4 euros for students

Admission is free for under-18s.

What are the opening hours?

You can visit us on site:

• Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Saturday to Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm.

The Amsterdam Museum of Torture

Number two on our list of unusual museums in Amsterdam is the Torture Museum Amsterdamand is not suitable for sensitive people.

This intriguing museum gives you a realistic glimpse into a dark past, where horrific torture techniques and public executions were commonplace.

Over 40 different instruments and methods of torture from different parts of Europe are on display at the Museum of Torture.

How much does it cost to get in?

To visit the Museum of Torture, you must pay :

• 7,50 € per adult
• 4 euros per child

What are the opening hours?

For opening times, you can visit us on site:

• Every day 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Unusual museums in Amsterdam: Amsterdam Pipe Museum

In this museum, you can see peace pipes, clay pipes and historic prize lists. As a visitor, you can enjoy a personal tour of the museum. hundreds of pipes and all associated objects.

The tour guide tells you the stories behind the objects, which makes it very interesting.

How much does it cost to get in?

To visit the Amsterdam Pipe Museum, you will need :

• 10 € per adult
• 5 € for children aged six to 18

What are the opening hours?

You can visit us at :

• Monday to Saturday from 12 am to 6 pm

The Vrolik Museum

How are our organs and body parts built, and where exactly are they located? Where do the muscles and blood vessels in your forearm pass through?

At the Vrolik Museum, you'll find a collection in which the normal and abnormal development of the human body plays a central role. The site evolved over three distinct periods at the end of the 18th century, in the 19th century and in the first quarter of the 20th century.

What are the entrance fees?

To visit this museum, you will need :

• 7,50 € per adult
• 3,50 € for children under 12

What are the opening hours?

You can visit us on site:

• Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Unusual museums in Amsterdam: Marijuana and Hemp Museum

Are you interested in cannabis? Then this museum is the place for you!

Visit Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum, Amsterdam is the world's oldest and largest museum devoted solely to Cannabis, also known as hemp or marijuana.

This museum fulfills an important information function. It boasts a unique collection covering all aspects of cannabis. It functions as an educational center and facilitates scientific and technical research. fulfills an important information function.

The Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum was founded by Ben Dronkers, one of the Netherlands' most important cannabis pioneers. He is also CEO of Sensi Seeds.

How much does it cost to get in?

To visit this site, whatever your age, you must pay 8.50 per person.

What are the opening hours?

The venue opens :

• Every day 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Houseboat Museum

In 1997, House Boat Museum was opened. The owner got the idea for the museum from the many questions he had about life on a barge.

Now visitors can see and experience what it's like to live on a barge in Amsterdam. The Prinsengracht's unique location on the famous JordaanThis is a magnificent backdrop for the museum ship.

How much does it cost to visit the houseboat?

To visit this place, you must count :

• 4,50 € per adult
• 3,50 € for children aged five to 15

Unusual museums in Amsterdam: Museum of bags and purses

With over 4,000 bags, the museum presents the history of the bag and purse in the West. From the Middle Ages to the present day. The oldest bag is a 16th-century goatskin bag.

The collection features the weirdest and craziest types of bags, including the iconic bags of Margaret Thatcher and Madonna.

How much does it cost to visit the Musée du Sac?

To visit this place, you must count :

• 12,50 € per adult
• 9,50 € for customers
• 7,50 € for children aged 13 to 18
• 3,50 € for children aged seven to 12

What are the opening hours?

You can visit us on site:

• every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Unusual museums in Amsterdam: Tot Zover Museum/Funeral Museum

Tot Zover explores the Dutch approach to death in four different themes: rituals, the body, mourning and remembrance, and reflections on mortality.

The Tot Zover Museum provides an insight into the traditions and customs of death, burial and mourning in the Netherlands.

Here, for example, we find objects relating to the funeral industry, such as the uniform of a mortician and a spray bottle, which was used for dissipate unpleasant odors in funeral parlors.

Attention is also paid to modern funeral rituals in other cultures.

How much does admission cost?

As far as prices are concerned, you should allow for :

• 7 € per adult
• 5 € for children aged 13 to 18

There are many unusual museums in Amsterdam. During your stay, I recommend you visit some of them. They're all part of the city's charm. a must for your trip.

Amsterdam is full of unusual restaurants and unique place.

Today, I've decided to indulge all the gourmands and the curious.

I've prepared an article dedicated to the unusual restaurants you can find in Amsterdam.

Here we go!

Unusual restaurants in Amsterdam: article summary

Unusual restaurants in Amsterdam: the Albert Cuyp Market

Let's start with one of my favorite places to stroll in Amsterdam: the Albert Cuyp market. Located in the heart of Amsterdam's De Pijp district, this lively, bustling open-air market is a local favorite since 1904.

With almost 300 stalls, the market is a kaleidoscope of colors, scents and flavors. There's everything from fresh produce and flowers to clothes, accessories and, of course, street food.

With its lively atmosphere, friendly vendors, live music and wide range of products, the Albert Cuyp market is the place to be. an ideal place to work up an appetite.

De Kas

De Kas is a restaurant housed in a set of 1920s greenhouses that were once part of Amsterdam's municipal nursery! The produce used in the dishes is all grown on site, and the menu changes with the seasons.

The setting is divine, with plants and herbs surrounding you. Glass walls also frame views of the city and surrounding green spaces. This is the place perfect for vegetarian travelers in Amsterdam.

On the menu you'll find tasty things like wild garlic, fig leaves, turnip and sea lavender. If you try just one of Amsterdam's many unique restaurants, I'd recommend to this one!

Unusual restaurants in Amsterdam: REM

Imagine dining on a former pirate radio platform in the North Sea, surrounded by water in the heart of Amsterdam's industrial zone. Built in 1964, this steel island was used as a communications platform before being decommissioned by the Royal Marines and relocated to Amsterdam.

Its three floors include a restaurant, bar and rooftop terrace with "relaxing hammocks". REM Eiland's dishes combine all kinds of flavors in an experimental and traditional way.

You can nibble on delicious tofu, yakitori and oysters or dive into the 6-course chef's menu.

The Kattencafekopjes

There are lots of fun restaurants in Amsterdam, and cat lovers are sure to love this cat cafe. Grab a "catuccino" and sit back and play with the locals.

There's a selection of fruit juices and sodas to accompany the excellent coffee, pastries such as salted caramel brownies and treats such as sourdough bread with pumpkin spread.

After lunch, you can curl up in a corner with a cat and doze off!

Unusual restaurant in Amsterdam: the Avocado Show

With two locations in Amsterdam, fans of all things avocado are well served in this city of fun culinary experiences and delicious dishes.

Menu includes French fries panko-crusted avocado and nachos filled with guacamole and jalapeños. Moving on to more substantial dishes, try the Avocado Shakshuka, a real delight.

Each dish is also made to please food photography lovers, so don't forget to take a photo before you eat!

The Moon Restaurant

This superb restaurant is one of Amsterdam's most unique eateries. Located on the 19ᵉ floor of the A'DAM tower, Moon slowly rotates 360° as you dine, offering you a complete panorama of the city.

Here you can have lunch and watch the city slowly spin before you while enjoying a traditional Dutch steak or aardpeer, accompanied by a delicious bottle of wine.

Dinner in the dark at Ctaste

With several different menus available, you can leave your sense of sight at the door and let your senses of smell, touch, taste and hearing express themselves.

It really is a unique and memorable way to experience food. It's not something you'll do every day, but it's an unforgettable experience. You'll enjoy it even more what's on your plate.

Unusual restaurant Amsterdam: Eye

Film buffs will love this place. Eye is Amsterdam's national film museum. It is housed in a magnificent, ultra-modern building on the IJ harbor and features over 54,000 films!

They have everything from classics to cult movies, and whatever kind of film you like, you'll find it at Eye. But it's not just about works from the past. That's right, this museum also aims to stay up to date.

The museum offers new film acquisitions, programs and debates.

The icing on the cake is their Eye Bar restaurant, a super-cool place for a drink. You won't find The best view of the harbour from their spacious terrace.

Le Cannibale Royale

At the top of meat-lovers' lists, this restaurant combines the elegance of a chic French brasserie with a macabre cavern where you'll find unleash your inner carnivore!

With several branches in Amsterdam, Cannibale Royale is the place to go for succulent prime rib, burgers, steaks and even some interesting salads if you don't want to eat that much meat!

It's a popular spot for locals and you'll discover local bands. The perfect place to spend an Amsterdam evening.

Amsterdam is full of unusual places. During your stay, you can stop off at one of them and take a look around. enjoy the incredible ambience of these establishments.

In this article, I look at the distinctive personalities of the Amsterdam districts.

So buckle up and follow me through town.

Amsterdam neighborhoods: article summary

Amsterdam's De Pijp district

Radiating energy, Amsterdam's De Pijp district is a paradise for hipsters and creative souls. Known as Amsterdam's "Latin Quarter", it's packed with trendy bars, cozy cafés and an eclectic gastronomic scene to suit every palate and budget.

Take a stroll through the neighborhood's side streets and you'll discover hidden art galleries that embody De Pijp's artistic ambience. A visit to the lively Albert Cuyp market, offering local specialties and people-watching opportunities, is a must.

Finally, beer connoisseurs will appreciate the Heineken experience.

The Jordaan

Nestled between the Prinsengracht and Lijnbaansgracht canals, the Jordaan district today exudes a bohemian spirit. But it wasn't always that way. Originally built in the 17th century as affordable housing for workers and craftsmen, Jordaan's narrow streets and humble dwellings reflect its historical roots.

After a period of decline, Jordaan enjoyed a revival in the 20th century, becoming a fashionable housing option. Today, Jordaan offers a haven of peace for tourists seeking respite from the bustling city center.

Stroll along the picturesque canals, discover hidden courtyards adorned with flowers. Explore the vibrant Noordermarkt, where farmers' and flea markets offer a delicious mix of local produce and vintage clothing on Saturdays.

Amsterdam neighborhood: Museumkwartier

The Museumkwartier is the city's cultural epicenter. It is undoubtedly on the itinerary of every tourist visiting Amsterdam for the first time.

This lively district is home to some of the world's most renowned museums and an abundance of cultural treasures. Museumplein, a lively square surrounded by cultural institutions such as the prestigious Van Gogh museumthe Rijksmuseum and contemporary art at Stedelijk Museum.

Take a stroll through the Vondelpark a picturesque green space that complements the cultural appeal of the Museumkwartier.

Amsterdam Noord

Amsterdam Noord, located on the city's north bank, embodies transformation and avant-garde initiatives. Former industrial sites have been revitalized into creative hubs and cultural spaces.

Explore the Eye Film Museum, an architectural marvel dedicated to cinema, and enjoy a film with a breathtaking view of the city. Venture to NDSM Wharf, a former shipyard transformed into a vibrant cultural mecca, featuring captivating art installations, live entertainment and lively markets await you.

For a unique perspective of Amsterdam, climb aboard a ferry and enjoy a panoramic view of the city's rooftops.

Amsterdam's red light district

De Wallen, also known as the historic center, is a picture-postcard Amsterdam. Here you'll find picturesque canals, narrow streets and the colorful, distinct spirit that defines the city.

The focal point of this district is the Dam squareA lively public square adorned with historic monuments. These include the national monument royal palace and the Nieuwe KerkThe church is in Gothic style and dates back to the 15th century.

Immerse yourself in Amsterdam's history with a visit to De Oude Kerkthe city's oldest building, surrounded by lively pubs, restaurants and even a brothel.

Visit Red Light Districta notorious part of the old center, may not be for every tourist, but its unique atmosphere and cultural significance are well worth exploring.

Planting

Plantage offers a verdant oasis and a serene escape from urban clamor. As its name suggests, this neighborhood is characterized by lush vegetation and focuses on botanical beauty.

One of Plantage's jewels is the century-old Artis Royal Zoo, where wildlife thrives amid magnificent landscaped gardens. The Hortus Botanicus invites families to explore lush greenhouses filled with exotic flora and enchanting landscapes.

Beyond its natural offerings, Plantage boasts elegant townhouses with majestic facades, many of them date from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Culture lovers will be spoilt for choice. With several world-class museums in Plantage, including thehe Museum of Jewish History, the Museum of Dutch Resistance and the Amsterdam Hermitage.

Amsterdam neighborhood: Oud-West

Oud-West is an eclectic enclave renowned for its diverse population and artistic expression. Oud-West has long been a haven for artists, creatives and those seeking a lively community.

The spirit of the neighborhood is infectious, with its lively streets and colorful facades. Diversity is also illustrated by the eclectic mix of architectural styles, with lively streets lined with colorful facades.

Nieuwmarkt

Nieuwmarkt, located in the historic center of Amsterdam, is appreciated for its diversity. This multicultural district is not only eclectic in its range of residents. International restaurants, bars and boutiques line the streets.

Nieuwmarkt's alternative roots run deep: the neighborhood has a long history of counter-cultural activism, culminating in the squatter movements of the 1970s.

Today, this mentality persists as Nieuwmarkt continues to develop an artistic and cultural community.

During your visit to Amsterdam, you may not have the opportunity to see all these neighborhoods. However, I advise you to explore as many places as possible, in order to to make your trip unique and exceptional.

Looking for tickets and information on Anne Frank House Museum?

Well, you've come to the right place!

Tickets for the Anne Frank House are only available on the official website, so they're booked fast!

However, there are other ways of obtaining this type of ticket.

Today, I'm going to tell you all about it.

Tickets for the Anne Frank House: article summary

Why buy a ticket for the Anne Frank House in advance?

To visit the Anne Frank Houseyou can only buy tickets on the official websiteTickets are available every Monday at 5 p.m. for a visit six weeks later.

Given that the attraction receives over 1.2 million visitors each year and has a fairly low capacity, tickets are sold out every day! So I suggest you reserve them before your visit, as soon as they're released. to make sure we can reserve a place for you.

Different types of ticket

As I said in the previous section, you can only buy tickets for the Anne Frank House on the official website 6 weeks before your visit. You can opt for either a regular visit or a guided tour.

Choose the regular ticket to visit the Anne Frank House

A regular ticket for the Anne Frank House gives you access to the main house and the secret annex, the newspaper rooms and exhibitions.

This ticket also includes an audioguide available in 9 languages: Dutch, English, Spanish, German, Portuguese, French, Italian, Hebrew and Japanese.

When booking your ticket, you will be asked to choose a 15-minute time slot. This will not be the duration of your visit, but just the time you need to enter.

Once inside the house, you can take all the time you need for your visit, which lasts around an hour on average.

Bear in mind that tickets sell out very quickly, so you need to book well in advance. if you wish to reserve a place.

They also have a strict no rescheduling or refund policy. Make sure you are 100 % are sure to be there at the time you book!

Upstream research

Before visiting the museum, be sure to read The Diary of Anne Frank to learn more about the story of her and her family as they hid from the Nazis. It will make a huge difference when you visit the attraction.

If you don't have time to read the book before your visit, you may need to choose a guided tour to find out more about the historical background to the Anne Frank house.

How much does a one-way ticket cost?

A one-way ticket costs 16 € per person.

Opt for a ticket with guided tour

If you haven't read Anne Frank's diary, but would like to know more about her story and the Second World War, you should book a guided tour in addition to your ticket.

This ticket includes a 30-minute introductory program just before your visit to the museum, during which a guide will tell you all about the story of Anne Frank and the persecution of Jews in the context of the Second World War.

The introductory program is only available in English or Dutch and costs an additional €7. It includes, of course, a visit to the museum immediately afterwards. Just make sure you arrive at the group entrance 5 minutes before the tour begins. before your reserved time slot!

How much does a ticket with guided tour cost?

To take advantage of this ticket, you need 23 per person.

The Anne Frank House is one of Amsterdam's main attractions. During your visit, I strongly recommend you make a detour here. You can then turn to the Museum of Jewish Culture for learn a great deal more about the poisonous atmosphere prevailing at the time in the magnificent city of Amsterdam.

If you're planning a trip to Amsterdam, you'll probably want to know where to go in town.

With its olive-green canals and beautiful gabled houses, waterside bars, bustling markets and exquisite art, Amsterdam never fails to charm.

Today, I'm talking about the main things to see in town.

Where to go in Amsterdam: article summary

Where to go in Amsterdam: the flower market

What a delight to stroll past the stalls of the city's magnificent floating flower market, the Bloemenmarkt. Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, some stalls close on Sundays.

The market is located along the south bank of the Singel. Popular with locals and tourists alike, it is one of the main flower suppliers in central Amsterdam, but its flowers and bulbs now share stall space with souvenir clogs, garden gnomes, earthenware from Delft and other similar objects.

Explore Zeeburg

At the northeastern end of downtown, Zeeburg has become one of the city's most promising neighborhoods. In fact, a series of artificial islands and peninsulas linked by bridges.

The quays here date back to the late 19th century. By the early 1990s, the area was virtually derelict, so the city council embarked on a massive renovation, which has been going on for some fifteen years.

As a result, it's the fastest-growing part of Amsterdam, with a mix of renovated port structures and iconic new buildings that give it a modern feel distinctly different from the city center.

Where to go in Amsterdam: discover the Begijnhof

A small footbridge on the north side of the Spui leads to the BegijnhofA group of impeccably maintained old houses. It's one of the most fascinating sights in the city center, and one of the free things to do in Amsterdam.

The place was founded in the 14th century as a home for beguines, members of a Catholic sorority living as nuns, but without vows and with the right to return to the secular world.

Take a stroll through the Albert Cuypmarkt

A stroll along the city's best market is a great way to pass the time. It's open every day except Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

It stretches for over a kilometer between Ferdinand Bolstraat and Van Woustraat and is the city's largest, with a wide range of stalls selling everything, from raw herring sandwiches to casseroles.

Enjoy a concert at the Concertgebouw

Going to a concert at the Concertgebouw, one of the city's most impressive concert halls, is a wonderful experience, especially when the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra is performing.

The acoustics of the Grote Zaal (large hall) remain unsurpassed, while the smaller Kleine Zaal regularly hosts concerts by local bands.

One of the best free things to do in Amsterdam is to listen to the free 30-minute Wednesday lunchtime concerts held from September to May and in July and August. Perfect for a musical break during your trip.

Where to go in Amsterdam: stroll through the Vondelpark

Amsterdam lacks green spaces, which makes the green expanses of the Vondelparkone of the city's best attractions.

The park boasts a wide variety of local and imported plants, an excellent rose garden and a network of ponds and narrow waterways that are home to many species of wild birds.

Other animals include cows, sheep, hundreds of squirrels and a large colony of noisy parakeets.

During the summer, the park regularly hosts free concerts and theatrical performances, mainly in its own open-air theater. specially designed for events like these.

Discover Gassan diamonds

Before the Second World War, many local Jews worked as diamond cutters and polishers. However, there are no signs of this industry in the surrounding area.

Today, the Gassan Diamonds factory is the main exception. Free daily guided tours include a visit to the cutting and polishing areas, as well as a stroll through the Gassan's diamond jewelry showroom.

Garden of the Rijksmuseum

If you're a little tired of the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam, the Rijksmuseum Garden is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, with a diversity of trees, shrubs, flowers and statues.

The garden is divided into several sections, including a rosarium, a pond with fountains and a secluded area with benches for you to enjoy. sit back and relax as you contemplate the surroundings.

Where to go in Amsterdam: Dam Square

A walk around the Dam squareThe square, which gave Amsterdam its name, is the perfect place to spend some time in the heart of the city. What's more, a visit to the square is free of charge.

Today, it's an open, airy space, but somewhat disjointed. This lack of harmony is caused by the presence of the municipal war memorial. Nevertheless, for its historical value, Place du Dam is a place not to be missed.

During your trip to Amsterdam, you'll be able to discover many exceptional places. I recommend that you take a few days and visit the city in depth.