In this article, I give you tips on how to visit Amsterdam to make your stay unforgettable.
Here you'll find
- A presentation of not-to-be-missed monuments and activities
- Tips for getting around Amsterdam
- Tips for staying and eating well
- Practical information for visiting Amsterdam
- And much more!
If you're looking for information on how to visit Amsterdam, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Visit Amsterdam: article summary
What's the best place to visit in Amsterdam?
There's plenty to see and do in Amsterdam during your stay. If you're looking for what to do firstfor see the essentials and be sure to spend a few memorable days in the capital, here are my suggestions:
- Visit the best museums to discover the finest local works of art through the ages! It's a great way to spend some quality time, between classicism and modern works of art with innovative staging.
- Discover Anne Franck House and the tragic story of this young Jewish woman at a time of Nazi occupation
- Browse the city's various districtsfrom Amsterdam city center which groups together the majority of visits (and in particular the red-light district), to the North and South zones, with their parks, harbour and docks that are an integral part of this charming capital.
- Rent a bike and wander the narrow streets, pedal along the canals or take a leisurely stroll down the aisles of the Vondelpark or another pleasant green space in the city
- Opt for an excursion to discover the city in a different way: a cruise the Amsterdam canals, a visit to the Keukenhof floral park (the world's largest flower park) and discover other nearby towns. If you don't have the time, the flight simulator This Is Holland lets you travel... virtually!
- Visit most beautiful buildingswith Amsterdam's Royal Palace that's sure to impress!
Just with this brief overview of Amsterdam's must-see activities and sights, you can see that the city has a lot to offer visitors! And with the following tips, you'll be able to make the most of it, without a hitch!
Visiting Amsterdam: how to get around the capital?
Amsterdam has an excellent transport network reliable and efficientwhich allows you to travel by bus, by metro or in tramway in the city. For me, the simplest options are:
- On foot or by bikeif you are staying in the center
- Using the Amsterdam sightseeing buswhich includes numerous stops in the city's main areas
- Visit public transportWe offer a wide range of convenient services, including a ferry that takes you to the northern part of the city, where you'll find the viewpoint. A'Dam Lookout or the Straat Museum dedicated to Street Art.
Good to know If you plan to take public transport, remember to I Amsterdam city Cardwhich allows you to take them on an unlimited basis for the duration of your stay.
And from the airport?
It's easy to reach the city from Amsterdam airport.
Via a private shuttle which will take you directly to your accommodation, or by using the special trains and shuttles that serve Schiphol and the Central Stationyou'll reach the capital very quickly.
There's no need to stress about your arrival: Amsterdam is all about accessibility for its visitors, and everything goes off without a hitch!
When is the best time to visit Amsterdam?
Amsterdam's climate depends very much on the North Sea two elements often come up when talking about local weather: rain and humidity. However, contrary to popular belief, it's not particularly cold in Amsterdam; it's more or less the same temperature as Paris at the same time of year.
The best time to visit Amsterdam will therefore depend on your schedule and the atmosphere you wish to find in the city.
Springtime is the perfect time to discover the flower gardens and stroll along the canals, cycle through the city and enjoy the tulips in bloom, especially at the flower market !
In summerOn the other hand, it's moderately warm, which can be nice to cool off a bit, but don't even think about swimming (unless you're from Brittany, and even then...!). On the other hand, it's very busy at this time of year, which will put off those who prefer peace and quiet. Rental rates are also much higher in summer.
What about autumn and winter? For me, autumn is the best choice, as much for the gentle atmosphere of the city and its orange colors, as for visiting the city without the crowds. The weather is good enough to take part in all the best activities without moderation.
In winterThe cold is there, but it's above all the humidity that can be unpleasant. However, if you're planning to spend your stay between museums, the craziest exhibitions (such as Body Worlds) and the city's best restaurants, so that shouldn't be a problem for you!
How long does it take to visit Amsterdam?
It is possible to Amsterdam in 2 daysIf you're in a hurry, limit your program to the city's must-sees. It's quite feasible, and will give you a good overview of the charming Dutch capital.
However, if you'd like to explore the city a little further and discover some of its more unusual facets, I recommend a stay in one of the following locations between 3 and 5 days in Amsterdam.
You'll have time to stroll along the canals, go on out-of-town excursions, and indulge in the temptation of crazy or unusual activities as the Heineken Experiencethe Amsterdam Ice Bar or the brilliant museum of torture.
Amsterdam is a dynamic city where there's never a dull moment. So don't hesitate to opt for a longer stay, if you can!
Where to stay in Amsterdam?
I invite you to give priority to central accommodationYou'll be able to move easily from one monument to another during your stay. Focus on the neighborhood Centrumto make your life easier.
The hotel and Airbnb offer is enormous, and you'll have no trouble finding accommodation in Amsterdam. If you're short of ideas or would like some relevant suggestions, then take a look at my selection of 5 top hotels in Amsterdam !
Where to eat in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is not especially well known for its gastronomy and yet the capital boasts very good restaurants.
If my No. 1 remains the BougainvilleWith a Michelin-starred restaurant offering a fascinating culinary experience, there's no shortage of good addresses to suit all tastes and budgets.
You can also find good brunchesfor an early-morning pick-me-up before exploring the city!
How to get to Amsterdam
Planning a visit to Amsterdam? All you have to do is choose the means of transport that will take you to the capital. From Franceit's easy! You can choose between :
- The planeThe capital is served by a wide choice of traditional and low-cost airlines from a large number of French cities.
- By train with the Thalys, departing from Paris, Lille and sometimes other French cities, depending on the season. Journey time from Paris is around 3 hours.
- By busFlixbus, Ouibus and Eurolines. They serve the Dutch capital from a large number of French cities.
- Via boatdeparting from Strasbourg!
- Visit car. A solution that may be convenient in theory, but let me remind you that parking in Amsterdam are rare, and therefore very expensive!
You've got all the information you need to visit Amsterdam in the best possible conditions. There's only one thing left for me to do: you want to an excellent stay !
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!
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