Best time
April - September
How long
2-4 days
Best for
Weekend trips, museums, solo travel
Perfect for
Weekend / Museums / Couples / Solo
Why go to Amsterdam
Amsterdam is small enough that you can cross the historic centre in half an hour, which makes a two night trip genuinely worthwhile. The canal ring is the attraction as much as any single site: walk it in a loop, and drop into museums as you pass them.
The city has also spread out. De Pijp, Amsterdam Noord across the free ferry, and the Oost are where the newer restaurants and bars are, and they are far less crowded than the centre.
What to do
Walk the canal ring properly
Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht on foot, ideally in the early evening when the houses light up.
Choose between the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh
Both in one day is too much. Book timed entry either way.
Take the free ferry to Noord
Behind Centraal station. Five minutes across the water to a different, newer part of the city.
Eat and drink in De Pijp
The Albert Cuyp market by day, small restaurants by night, and much better value than the centre.
Rent a bike, carefully
Only if you are comfortable in traffic. If not, walking covers most of the centre anyway.
Visit the Anne Frank House
Tickets release online on a fixed schedule and go immediately. Plan for it or skip it.
Where to stay
Jordaan
Quiet, pretty and central, with small cafes and canals. The most pleasant base if the budget allows.
De Pijp
Lively, good value and full of restaurants. Fifteen minutes from the centre by tram.
Oud West
Residential, calm and close to Vondelpark and the museums.
Getting there and around
- Schiphol (AMS) has direct trains to Centraal station every few minutes, taking 15 to 20 minutes.
- Direct international trains connect Brussels, Paris, London and much of Germany.
- Schiphol is efficient but very large. Leave time for the walk to your gate.
Walk or use trams. Everything within the canal ring is close together. Watch for bikes constantly, especially when stepping off a tram.
What it costs
Budget: Hostels, supermarket lunches, free ferries and parks. Accommodation is the expensive part.
Mid range: Canal district hotel, two museums, dinner out. Book early, prices spike on weekends.
Higher end: Canal house hotels and design properties in the centre.
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Thinking about Amsterdam?
Send us your dates and we will tell you whether it is the right call, and what to book first.