Things to Do in Amsterdam in 2025 - Top Attractions, Local Food, Hotels & Travel Tips (Updated April 2025) | Trip.com

About Amsterdam

Recommended trip: 2–4 day(s)

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Amsterdam Local Travel Guide 2025

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Amsterdam Brief Guide

Amsterdam is a beautiful city carved by numerous canals and waterways. The "Venice of the North" is a "Kingdom of Museums" full of European art. It is also a vibrant city perfectly combining spicy temptations with ultra-sweet freedom. Amsterdam is famous throughout the world for its openness and culture. The famous legal red light district can answer all the questions you may have about the place. Taking a sightseeing tour of Amsterdam by boat is a unique and charming experience. When you stroll through the streets of the city, the ancient buildings and windows tell the story of a thousand years of history.

Amsterdam Must-try Local Experiences

1. Explore Amsterdam's Iconic Canals Amsterdam's canals, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offer a unique city perspective. Take a canal cruise or rent a pedal boat, especially at night, to admire the picturesque houses and charming bridges. 2. Immerse Yourself in Art and History at Famous Museums Museumplein is home to the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk Museum, making it a must-visit for art and culture lovers. You can also visit the Anne Frank House to learn about Anne Frank's life and World War II history. The Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank House can only be visited with a reservation (For the Anne Frank House, all tickets are available for a visit six weeks later). 3. Rent a Bike and Explore the City Amsterdam is known as the city of bikes. Renting a bike is a fantastic way to explore the city like a local and discover hidden gems. 4. Discover the Beauty of Vondelpark Vondelpark is Amsterdam's largest park, perfect for a leisurely stroll, picnic, or relaxing in a beautiful green space. 5. Explore Amsterdam's Red Light District Visit the Red Light District to learn about its history and culture. At night, it’s important to pay attention to personal safety. 6. Visit Markets Visit the major markets in Amsterdam such as the Albert Cuyp Market to experience local life. In addition, the Bloemenmarkt is a picturesque floating flower market on the Singel canal and is the ideal place to buy souvenirs, colorful tulips and bulbs of all kinds. 7. Witness the Tulip Extravaganza From late March to mid-May, visit the Keukenhof Gardens or explore the colorful fields surrounding Amsterdam during the tulip season. 8. Attend a Classical Concert at the Concertgebouw The Concertgebouw is renowned for its exceptional acoustics and hosts world-class classical music performances. It's a must-visit for music enthusiasts. 9. Enjoy the Taste of Dutch Cuisine Sample local dishes such as stroopwafels, herring, and bitterballen. Don't miss trying Dutch cheese at a local market or cheese shop. 10. Find Treasures at Waterlooplein Market Explore Waterlooplein Market, Amsterdam's largest flea market, for unique vintage clothing, antiques, and other treasures. 11. Photograph the Skinny Bridge at Sunset Capture the Skinny Bridge's silhouette against the colorful sunset sky for a memorable Amsterdam postcard.

Amsterdam Must-see Attractions

Amsterdam is a culturally rich city renowned for its historic canals, iconic museums like the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum, and attractions such as the Royal Palace and immersive canal cruises, offering visitors a blend of artistic heritage and picturesque urban landscapes.

Amsterdam Food Guide

Amsterdam's food scene is a rich tapestry of local and international flavors, featuring world-renowned Dutch cheese, the Dutch-Indonesian rijsttafel tradition, classic Dutch pancakes with a variety of toppings, and the iconic Dutch fries served with an array of sauces. All of these reflect the city's diverse culinary heritage and innovation.

Amsterdam Transportation

Amsterdam's transportation infrastructure is well-developed, with Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and Amsterdam Central Station serving as the primary hubs for international and intercity travel. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is the main airport in the Dutch capital and one of Europe's busiest airports. Located just 9 miles southwest of Amsterdam, it is easily accessible and offers a range of facilities and services. To reach the city from Schiphol, travelers can take the Dutch Railways (NS) train to Amsterdam Centraal, which operates every 15 minutes and takes approximately 17 minutes. Amsterdam Central Station is the city's principal railway station and a major transport hub. It is located at the northern edge of the city center and connects to various modes of transportation, including trains, trams, metro, buses, and ferries. International rail services are available to destinations such as London, Paris, and Berlin. From Amsterdam Central Station, regular trains are running to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, with the journey taking around 15-20 minutes.

Amsterdam Where to Stay

Amsterdam is a city renowned for its unique blend of history, culture, and modernity, offering a diverse array of neighborhoods each with their own distinct character and accommodation options.

Amsterdam Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Amsterdam is during the spring, specifically from April to May, when the city is vibrant with the color and life of tulip blooms. This period is ideal for sightseeing with fewer tourists and for experiencing the legendary blooms of the Netherlands, including the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens. Additionally, April brings the celebration of King's Day, offering a unique cultural experience with street markets and festivities. Late September to October is also recommended for stable weather and the opportunity to enjoy local festivals. For those seeking smaller crowds and potentially lower prices, November and February are low seasons with fewer tourists and easier access to attractions.

Amsterdam Travel Tips

1. Book Anne Frank House Tickets in Advance: The Anne Frank House is one of Amsterdam's most popular attractions. Tickets are only sold online through the official website and often sell out quickly. To ensure entry, book your tickets as soon as you know your travel dates. Tickets are released two months in advance, with a small percentage available on the day of the visit. 2. Mind the Cyclists: Amsterdam is famous for its cycling culture. Be aware that bike lanes are ubiquitous. Always look both ways before crossing the street and never walk in bike lanes to avoid accidents. Stay alert for bikes coming from both directions and use designated pedestrian crossings. 3. Respect the Red Light District Rules: While visiting the Red Light District, be mindful of the local rules. Photography is strictly prohibited, and respectful behavior is expected at all times. Avoid littering, keep noise levels down. 4. Stay Alert in Crowded Areas: Pickpocketing can be an issue in crowded areas like Dam Square and public transport. Keep your belongings secure, use a money belt, and avoid leaving valuables unattended. Be cautious at ATMs and on public transport, and always stay vigilant. 5. Bike Rental Precautions: If you rent a bike, ensure you're comfortable with cycling in urban areas. Always lock your bike securely when parking, as bike theft is common. Use hand signals when turning and follow all traffic rules to stay safe. Consider renting insurance for the bike and choose a rental shop with good customer service. Avoid riding under the influence and always use designated bike lanes. 6. Photography in Museums: Many museums in Amsterdam do not allow photography inside. For example, the Anne Frank House prohibits photography to protect original items and avoid nuisance. Always check the rules before taking pictures to avoid any issues. 7. Public Behavior Laws: Public drinking and urination are strictly prohibited in Amsterdam. Violations can result in hefty fines. Additionally, noise pollution, littering, and public intoxication are also fined. Respect local laws to avoid penalties.

Amsterdam Useful Guide

Amsterdam, the vibrant capital of the Netherlands, is a linguistic mosaic where Dutch is the official language, enriched by a colorful local dialect known as Amsterdams. English, widely spoken by the populace, serves as a bridge for communication, with 90% of residents proficient in it. Translation services and multilingual websites cater to the city's international visitors. When language barriers arise, non-verbal cues and technology, such as language apps, become invaluable tools for effective interaction. Embrace Amsterdam's multilingual charm with a smile and a friendly "Hoi" to enhance your experience.