Amsterdam Travel Guide: Tips

My Guide to Getting from Schiphol Airport to the City

Once you arrive in Amsterdam, getting around the city is actually very easy. Here are the most practical ways I've chosen for you:

The Fastest Way: Train

The train station is located directly below the airport. You can purchase your ticket from the yellow ticket machines at the platform entrances or from the ticket offices.

• Duration: Trains heading towards Amsterdam Centraal (Central Station) take approximately 15-20 minutes.
• Clue: Don't forget to scan your card/ticket at the turnstiles when boarding and alighting from trains!

Alternatively: Amsterdam Airport Express (Bus)

If your hotel is near Museum Square (Museumplein) or Leidseplein, taking the bus might be more sensible than taking the train.

• Lines: Vehicles numbered 397 (Day) and N97 (Night) depart from Platform B17.
• Advantage: Because it stops at popular stops throughout the city, it drops you right in the heart of the center.

Things You Need to Know About City Transportation

You've arrived in the city, so how do you get around? Here are my recommendations:

Payment Method: OVpay and Cards

I should mention from the start that cash is not accepted on public transport in Amsterdam.

• OVpay: The easiest way! Just show your credit card or phone (Apple/Google Pay) to the readers in the vehicles and get on.
• Daily Tickets: If you plan on doing a lot of traveling, I recommend getting GVB tickets which give you unlimited rides for 24 or 48 hours.

Enjoying the Tram Ride

Amsterdam's iconic blue and white trams go all over the city. Lines 1, 2, and 12 pass through the most touristy areas, offering a kind of free city tour!

Free Ferries!

Few people know this: the ferries from behind Central Station to the north side (Amsterdam Noord) are completely free. I highly recommend crossing over to the NDSM-werf side and enjoying the river air.

When is the best time to visit Amsterdam?

"What is the best time to visit Amsterdam?" If you ask me, to be honest, the city's winters and autumns are quite harsh and windy. If you want to enjoy the canal banks without freezing, I recommend you choose the period between April and October.

Special Date You Shouldn't Miss: April 27th (King's Day)

If you want to time your trip to coincide with a festival, be sure to mark April 27th on your calendar! King's Day (Koningsdag), the birthday of the King of the Netherlands, means a huge street party where the whole city is painted orange.

I would really love for you to see this unique atmosphere and that wild party firsthand, with the canals overflowing with boats and everyone dancing in the streets. The city's energy is completely different that day!

My Little Tips

• For Tulips: If you want to see the famous tulip gardens (Keukenhof), the best time is between late April and early May.
• Weather: The atmosphere in Amsterdam is a bit... "undecided" It can suddenly start raining one minute and be sunny the next. No matter what season you come in, be sure to bring a light raincoat or a sturdy umbrella.

How much time should you allocate to Amsterdam?

One of the questions I get asked most often is this: "How many days should we stay for?"

As you'll notice from the long list below, Amsterdam is such a vibrant city that even if you stay for 4-5 days, you'll never get bored; you'll discover a new corner every day.

But don't worry if you're short on time! Two days is actually enough to understand Amsterdam's unique overall feel and rhythm, visit its most important landmarks, and even experience being a local.

My Little Suggestion

• Day 1: Explore the canals in the city center, Dam Square, and those famous historic streets.
• Day 2: Dedicate yourself to visiting museums (such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum) and in the evening, get lost in the back streets of the Jordaan district.
• Day 3: If you have a third day, I highly recommend taking a short trip outside the city to fairytale towns like Zaanse Schans (Windmills) or Volendam.

Where to Stay in Amsterdam? (My Favorite Areas)

Where you stay in Amsterdam completely changes the atmosphere of your holiday. "Which region is right for me?" For those who say this, be sure to check out this short guide I've prepared:

Most Central and Touristy: City Center (Centrum)

If this is your first time visiting Amsterdam and "As soon as I step outside, everything should be right in front of me." If you're looking for a place to go, this is the perfect spot for you. From Dam Square to the Red Light District, you can reach everywhere on foot or with a short tram ride.

Why here? There are no transportation problems, and the action never stops.

Most Family-Friendly: Oud-Zuid

If you're traveling with children or looking for a quieter, more peaceful atmosphere, Oud-Zuid is the place for you. With its huge parks, playgrounds for children, lakes, and proximity to the famous Vondelpark, it's a true haven of tranquility.

Why here? Very close to Museum Square but away from the city noise.

Most Local and Bohemian: De Pijp

The city's most "cool" And welcome to its multicultural neighborhood! This is one of my favorites. With independent design shops, the famous Albert Cuyp Market, and fantastic brunch spots on every corner, this is where the heart of the city beats.

Why here? It's perfect for hanging out in local bars in the evenings and feeling like a true Amsterdammer.

The Most Picturesque Views: Canal Belt

You know those narrow, historic houses overlooking the canal that you see in photos? Well, they're right here! If you're planning a romantic getaway or... "My window should open onto those famous canals." If you're looking for something like that, the best boutique hotels are in this area.

Why here? This UNESCO-protected area boasts one of the world's most aesthetically pleasing walking paths.

My Little Note: No matter which area you choose, Amsterdam's public transport is so well-developed that getting to the center is very easy from anywhere. But if your budget allows, staying in the De Pijp or Jordaan areas will give you a true view of the city. "neighbourhood" It will make your soul feel better.

My Lifesaving Tips Before You Come to Amsterdam

While Amsterdam may seem like a very relaxed city from the outside, it's a place with its own unique rules. "I wish I had known before I left." To avoid saying that, I have a few golden tips for you:

Which Card is Right for You? (I Amsterdam vs. GVB)

• I Amsterdam City Card: If "While I'm here, I'll see Van Gogh, the Stedelijk, take a tour on the canal, and get free access to all of these places." If you're saying that, then this card is your champion. It has options from 24 to 120 hours. It covers over 70 museums and all city transportation.
• GVB Daily Cards: "I have no business with museums, I prefer to get lost in the streets, but when I get tired, I hop on the tram." If you say that, then this card is perfect for you. It only covers intra-city transportation.

The "Check-in / Check-out" Rule in Public Transportation

Didn't get a card? No problem. You can use your credit card or your phone. “Akbil” You can use it like that. But there's a crucial rule here:

• Scan your card twice: once when boarding (check-in) and again when disembarking (check-out). If you don't scan it when disembarking, the system will consider you to have traveled to the end of the line and charge you for it. "full tariff" It pulls.
• Personal card: Only one person can use one credit card. Everyone must have their own card (or phone).

Say Goodbye to Cash!

In Amsterdam "Cash is king." The saying "pay by the door" is completely a thing of the past. Since the pandemic, most places, even the smallest croissant stand, only accept cards. At the door "Card Only" Don't be surprised if you see this message. Make sure you have a credit card or debit card enabled for international use with you.

The "Deposit" Period Begins at Popular Venues

If you want to visit the city's most popular restaurants, reservations alone are no longer enough. Amsterdam, like London and Rome, has now switched to a prepaid reservation system at popular venues.

When you make a reservation, an amount between 10-20 Euros is charged to your card. If you go, this amount is deducted from your account. But if you don't go, unfortunately, that money goes to the venue. "gift" It remains. I suggest you make your plan solid!

What is Amsterdam famous for?

Amsterdam isn't just about canals; it's a city where history, art, and a free-spirited spirit are intertwined, with a different story hidden around every corner.

Art and Culture Stops

• Van Gogh Museum: It houses the world's largest Van Gogh collection.
• Rijksmuseum: The Netherlands "The Golden Age" shedding light on it, Rembrandt's "Night Patrol" National museum containing iconic works such as these.
• Anne Frank's House: That famous secret compartment, holding the sad and poignant memories of World War II.

Urban Fabric and Lifestyle

• Canals (Grachtengordel): These canals, which are on the UNESCO World Heritage List, bring life to the city. "The Venice of the North" He earned the title.
• Bicycle Culture: There are more bicycles than people in the city. Bike lanes are the main artery of transportation.
• Narrow and Sloping Houses: The narrow-fronted, slightly leaning historic buildings from the 17th century, lining the canals, are the city's signature feature.

Culinary Destinations

• Stroopwafel: Caramel syrup spread between two thin waffles. It's customary to place it on top of coffee and let its steam soften the waffle.
• Dutch Cheeses: Gouda and Edam cheeses, in particular, are world-famous.
• Potato: Thick-cut French fries served in a cone, topped with plenty of mayonnaise.
• Haring (Raw Sturgeon): A traditional dish eaten raw with onions and pickles.

Colorful and Free Atmosphere

• Tulip Gardens: Especially in the spring, the whole city is adorned with tulips (the Bloemenmarkt - Floating Flower Market is famous for this).
• Red Light District: The city's most controversial but also most touristy "Red Light District" .
• Coffee Shops: This is part of the Netherlands' liberal approach within a set of rules.

A Small Note: Don't think Amsterdam is just the city center; neighborhoods like Jordaan and De Pijp are great for experiencing real local life and discovering boutique cafes.

The Netherlands is a cheese paradise.

The Netherlands is a true cheese paradise, and it's no coincidence that one in three shops on the streets of Amsterdam is a cheese shop. Dutch cheeses are generally named after the cities where they are made and categorized according to the fat content of the milk and the aging (ripening) time.

1. Gouda (Most Popular Choice)

It is the most famous cheese from the Netherlands worldwide. It is made from cow's milk and produced in a wheel shape.

• Taste: It varies depending on aging time. Fresh ones (Jong) are soft and creamy, while aged ones (Oud) harden and develop crunchy, salt-crystal-like structures inside.
• Feature: It melts beautifully when heated; it's indispensable in sandwiches and for breakfast.

2. Edam (The Classic Red Cover)

It is usually sold in the form of spheres coated in red beeswax. It is less fatty than Gouda.

• Taste: It has a very light, nutty, and mild taste. It's ideal for those who don't like strongly scented cheeses.
• Feature: Thanks to its rigid structure, it can be stored for a long time without spoiling.

3. Leiden (Cheese with Cumin)

It is a cheese produced in and around the city of Leiden, and often flavored with cumin or nigella seeds.

• Taste: Spicy and aromatic. Cumin balances the rich taste of the cheese.
• Feature: The most characteristic of the Netherlands "spicy" It is cheese.

4. Maasdam (Cheese with Holes)

It was produced as a rival to Switzerland's Emmental cheese. It is known for its large holes inside.

• Taste: It has a sweet and fruity aroma.
• Feature: It ripens much faster than Gouda and has a softer texture.

Things You Should Know When Buying Cheese

• Try a tasting: Cheese shops in Amsterdam offer tasting plates alongside each cheese.
• Mustard sauce: The Dutch often serve cheese with honey mustard or fig jam.
• Goat and sheep cheese: Geitenkaas (goat cheese) is also quite popular and has a very refreshing taste.

Amsterdam's Districts and Exploration Guide

Amsterdam, due to its circular canal structure, consists of rings connected to the center (Centrum) and vibrant neighborhoods that extend beyond these rings. To make your sightseeing plan easier, let's divide the city into its main areas:

1. Amsterdam Centrum (City Center)

• Dam Square
• Red Light District (De Wallen)
• Bloemenmarkt (Floating Flower Market)
• Begijnhof

2. Oud-Zuid (Old South)

• Museumplein (Museum Square)
• Vondelpark
• P.C. Hooftstraat

3. De Pijp (Bohemian and Gourmet Zone)

• Albert Cuypmarkt
• Heineken Experience
• Sarphatipark

4. Jordaan (The Most Photogenic Neighborhood)

• Anne Frank's House
• Westerkerk
• 9 Straatjes (9 Streets)

5. Amsterdam-Noord (Modern and Alternative North)

• NDSM Werf
• A'DAM Lookout
• EYE Film Museum

A little tip: If you're short on time, be sure to prioritize visiting the Jordaan and De Pijp neighborhoods. These are the true gems of the city. "local" You can breathe the best air around here.

3-Day Amsterdam Guide

Day 1: Getting to Know the Spirit of the City (Classical & Bohemian)

Morning: Channels and the Scent of History
Greet Dam Square and enter the hidden courtyard of Begijnhof.

Afternoon: Art and Green Break
Enjoy yourself at Museumplein and Vondelpark.

Evening: The Bustling Streets of De Pijp
End the day with Albert Cuypmarkt and Cannibale Royale.

Day 2: On the Water and in the Coolness of the North

Morning: Explore the canals in your own boat, visit the Anne Frank House.

Afternoon: Take the free ferry across to NDSM, and stop by the river in Pllek.

Evening: Enjoy beer and cheese at Brouwerij ‘t IJ.

Day 3: Hidden Corners and Farewell

Morning: Get lost in the labyrinthine streets of Jordaan.

Lunch: Potato break at Bloemenmarkt and Vleminckx.

Evening: Say goodbye to Amsterdam with one last stroll through the Red Light District.

Here are a few extra tips from me.

• When walking on the sidewalk, avoid the red-paved paths; those are bicycle highways.
• Febo experience: When you get hungry at night, grab hot croquettes from the vending machines on the wall.
• Tram: Don't hesitate to take the tram if you get tired.

Amsterdam's Backyard: Fairytale Towns Beyond the Canals

When you venture a little outside of Amsterdam's famous canal circuit, you realize that the true spirit of the Netherlands is actually hidden in the towns and fields.

Keukenhof and the Tulip Route: An Explosion of Color

Late April to early May is the best time. Tulpenroute and Keukenhof are must-sees.

Zaanse Schans and Zaandam: A Journey to the 18th Century

Green wooden houses, windmills, clog workshops, and cheese factories.

Volendam and Marken: Fisherman's Stories

Fresh seafood, Cheese Factory Volendam and Marken island.

Giethoorn: The Venice of the Netherlands

No cars, just canals and thatched houses. Rent an electric boat.

Leiden, Rotterdam, Den Haag, Delft and Utrecht

These cities are also easily accessible from Amsterdam by train, and each offers a different character.

Amsterdam Street Food

Patatje Oorlog (War Potato)

Fabel Friet and Vleminckx Sausmeesters are the best addresses.

Stroopwafel

Rudi's and Van Wonderen Stroopwafels in Albert Cuypmarkt.

Haring (Dutch Sturgeon)

Stubbe's Haring and Frens Haringhandel.

Poffertjes (Tiny Crepes)

Albert Cuypmarkt and The Pancake Bakery.

What to Eat in Amsterdam? (A List Only Locals and Foodies Know)

Centrum (Center)

• Van Stapele Koekmakerij, Vlaams Friteshuis Vleminckx, De Laatste Kruimel, Ramen-Ya, Rene's Croissants

Jordaan & De 9 Straatjes

• Chun Cafe, Polaberry, Winkel 43, Salmuera, Toki

De Pijp

• Little Collins, Bakers & Roasters, Omelegg, Fuumi, Rise Bakery, Kaasbar, Cannibale Royale

And along with many other regions, the culinary world of Amsterdam awaits you!

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