Travel to Amsterdam to experience the colorful, multicultural capital of the Netherlands in all its glory. Soak in the rich history of the city as you stroll or bike through the Canal Belt that’s lined with centuries-old houses and bridges. Take a break from sightseeing in Amsterdam at one of the many brown cafés that offer Dutch beers and genever, a local juniper-flavored gin. Cap off the day with a visit to Amsterdam’s street markets to grab a bouquet of tulips or some Gouda Holland.
For a small city, Amsterdam has quite a big personality! Despite its size, this bustling city has all the qualities of a huge city – nightlife, Michelin restaurants, and efficient transportation. This idyllic capital of the Netherlands is well known for its canals, doll-like houses, and world-class museums.
Get your feet ready for a whole lot of walking – this city is best seen on foot! If you’re in for a cultural excursion, make sure to book a ticket to the Anne Frank Museum, Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Musuem! A trip to Amsterdam isn’t complete without a stop at the red light district, Jordaan, and a canal tour, too!
When is the best time to visit Amsterdam? Things to do in Amsterdam
Travel to Amsterdam either in late spring (April-May) or early fall (September-November) to enjoy sunny skies and smaller crowds. The iconic Holland tulips are in bloom everywhere in the public parks and gardens of Amsterdam by mid-April. If your sightseeing itinerary includes famous Amsterdam attractions like the Anne Frank House, winter may be the best option so as not to get stuck in line for hours with all the summer tourists.
With its historic buildings, canals, and famous museums Amsterdam is one of the leading European city destinations. Not only known for its leisure tourism, the Dutch capital is also a business travel destination, attracting thousands of global business visitors from across the world each year. However, the global pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) heavily hit both the Dutch leisure and business tourism industries in 2020. Global travel restrictions led to a large decline in the number of inbound tourists in the Netherlands, with an estimated total of barely seven million visitors in 2020. Meanwhile, in years prior to the pandemic, visitation numbers remained at roughly 20 million.
Who travels to Amsterdam?
When looking at the demographics of inbound visitors in Amsterdam in 2020, there were, perhaps unsurprisingly, more travelers from neighboring European countries than there were from countries further afield. That year, the number of German overnight guests in hotels in Amsterdam amounted to 486 thousand. Amsterdam also hosted French and British tourists, with nearly 480 thousand overnight guests from France and roughly 360 thousand overnight guests from the United Kingdom in 2020.
In addition to leisure-related tourism, the city also hosts numerous large meetings and trade fairs, therefore attracting many business travelers. However, the business tourism sector also took a hit from the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. As a result, the number of meetings held in Amsterdam was reduced by more than half compared to the previous year and did not even reach 2,000 events.
Must-Have Apps for Visitors to Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a city best explored on foot, but having the right apps can make your trip even smoother. Here are some essential ones:
Transportation
- 9292: This is the go-to app for public transportation in the Netherlands. It provides real-time information on trains, buses, trams, and ferries, helping you plan your journeys efficiently.
- Uber or Bolt: While Amsterdam has a good public transport system, these ride-sharing apps can be convenient for late-night returns or when traveling with luggage.
Exploration and Information
- Google Maps: Essential for navigating the city, finding points of interest, and checking distances.
- I amsterdam: The official city app offers information on attractions, events, and practical tips.
- Ulmon Amsterdam: This app provides offline maps, detailed guides, and recommendations for restaurants, cafes, and shops.
Food and Drinks
- TheFork: This app helps you find and book restaurants with discounts and offers.
- Deliveroo or Uber Eats: For those lazy days or late-night cravings, these food delivery apps come in handy.
Weather
- Buienradar: This app provides real-time weather updates, including rain forecasts, essential for planning outdoor activities.
Additional Tips
- Consider a city bike rental: Amsterdam is famous for its cycling culture. Renting a bike can be a fun and efficient way to explore the city.
- Download offline maps: While city has good internet coverage, having offline maps can be useful in case of connection issues.
- Respect local customs and regulations: Amsterdam has a liberal atmosphere, but it’s important to respect local customs and laws, especially regarding cannabis and red-light districts.
By using these apps, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your Amsterdam adventure!
