Amsterdam is famous for its coffee shops, canals, houseboats, historic architecture, and its Red Light District. Founded in 1275 (supposedly by two fishermen and their dog), the city grew in importance and wealth as Dutch colonies were set up around the world via the Dutch East India Company. Today, it’s one of the most popular destinations in Europe.
While the Red Light District put the city on the map, travelers have since realized that there is much more to Amsterdam than meets the eye. Here you’ll find dozens of art museums, beautiful parks, wonderful outdoor cafes, lots of history, and a love of life here. This city is by far one of the most beautiful in the world. There’s nothing like cruising around the canals on a sunny day or relaxing in Vondelpark with a good book!
I briefly lived in Amsterdam years ago and I can tell you the best of Amsterdam is found outside the city center in the smaller neighborhoods with their quiet charm and canal-side cafes. Don’t hesitate to wander and get lost in this city. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by what you discover.
This Amsterdam travel guide can help you plan your trip to what remains one of my favorite cities in the world.
Table of Contents
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Amsterdam
Top 5 Things to See and Do in Amsterdam
1. Visit the Van Gogh Museum
2. Take a canal tour
3. Explore the Jordaan
4. Visit Anne Frank House
5. Hang out in Vondelpark
Other Things to See and Do in Amsterdam
1. Take a free walking tour
One of the first things I do in a new city is take a walking tour. They’re the best way to orient yourself to the city, learn some history, find out where the major sights are, and explore all those winding canals. I think free walking tours are a wonderful first activity in any city. I recommend Free Walking Tours Amsterdam and
2. Visit the Amsterdam History Museum
This museum features a comprehensive history of Amsterdam. It’s big so you need 3–4 hours to really go through it in detail. There are a lot of relics, maps, paintings, and audio-visual displays throughout the museum bring the city’s history to life. My favorite is the video that shows the growth and construction of the city over time. The museum is located in a former monastery that was also once an orphanage. I can’t recommend this museum enough. It’s one of the best history museums I’ve ever visited. Admission is 20 EUR.
3. See the Tulip Museum
Located in a room inside a tulip shop, this small museum does an interesting job of telling the history of tulips in Holland, including the infamous tulip craze (in the 17th century, tulips became a popular luxury item and cost a fortune…until the bubble burst that they became worthless overnight). It only takes 30–60 minutes and, best of all, it’s never crowded. Admission is just 5 EUR.
4. Tour the Jewish Historical Museum
Located near Waterlooplein and often overlooked for the Anne Frank House, the Jewish Historical Museum tells the history of the prominent and influential Jewish people in Amsterdam. It also has an excellent section on World War II, the Holocaust, and how the Dutch dealt with the guilt of mass deportations after the war. Around 80% of the Jewish population in Amsterdam was killed in the Holocaust, making this an eye-opening museum worth spending time to see. Admission is 17 EUR.
5. See photography at FOAM
This photography museum houses wonderful pictures and sees few crowds despite being in the main part of the city. I really enjoyed all the black and white photographs and the outdoor garden. They change the exhibits all the time so you never know what is going to be on display (but it’s guaranteed to be good). I visit each time I’m in the city. You can check the website to see what’s on during your visit. Admission is 12.50 EUR.
6. Squeeze into the Houseboat Museum
This decorated houseboat provides an interesting glimpse into what living on the canals is like. I walked away with one impression of life on the canals: super neat, but super cramped. With admission at 4.50 EUR, it’s the cheapest museum in town and is worth a quick visit (it’s only open on Fridays from 10am-5pm though).
7. Explore Oost
The area east of the city has an amazing park, a zoo, and lots of good eateries. Wandering around here, you’ll be hard-pressed to find more than a handful of tourists, most of whom are probably lost. It’s an off-the-beaten-path and underrated part of the city. Also, spend some time hanging out in Oosterpark. I enjoy coming here because it’s far quieter and more peaceful than Vondelpark.
8. Relax in Rembrandt Park
Not to be confused with Rembrandtplein in the city center, this park west of the city is a leisurely place to wander. The area around it is more modern than elsewhere in Amsterdam; it’s a nice contrast to the historic center. You know you are there when signs suddenly stop being printed in English and are only in Dutch!
9. Try the Heineken Experience
While I find this experience to be overpriced and commercial, it’s nevertheless an interesting stop for beer fans. Here you’ll get an overview of the company, a few drink samples, and some silly games to play. Note that this isn’t an actual working brewery, just a place where you can learn a lot about one of the world’s most popular beer brands. Admission is 21 EUR (19.50 EUR if you book online) and the price includes two beers.
10. See the windmills
The Dutch are famous for their windmills and setting out on an adventure to visit the windmills surrounding Amsterdam is a great way to take in the city. There are eight in total – most of which are in Amsterdam West. De Gooyer is the closest to the city center and also happens to be a brewery, making it the perfect place to start (and maybe never leave). It’s just a quick 20-minute train ride from Amsterdam Centraal. Another windmill worth seeing is Sloten Mill, which is a reconstructed mill from 1847 that’s open to the public. Tours last 45 minutes and cost 7.5 EUR.
11. Stroll through the Plantage
This district in Amsterdam is comprised of tree-lined boulevards, quintessential canal scenes, several gardens and parks, and the Artis Royal Zoo. Beyond the main zoo area, Artis is also host to a Zoological Museum, a Planetarium, and an Aquarium (tickets start from 25 EUR). It’s a beautiful place to stroll and there’s a lot to see and do if you’re traveling with kids.
12. Drink at the House of Bols
This is one of the most underrated attractions in Amsterdam. Run by the Bols distillery, this is a Dutch gin museum. The self-guided interactive tour takes about an hour and will tickle your senses. Of course, it includes a cocktail at the end as well. It’s a must for gin drinkers and cocktail snobs! Admission is 16 EUR.
13. Visit the Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is located next to the Van Gogh Museum and, after years of renovation, it’s now beautifully remodeled. The museum features an extensive Rembrandt collection, including the famous painting “The Night Watch.” Besides Rembrandt, there’s also an incredible and robust collection of other classic Dutch painters, like Frans Hals and Johannes Vermeer. Over one million works of art, craftworks, and historical objects are kept in the collection so be sure to budget a few hours. Admission is 20 EUR.
14. Wander the Museum Van Loon
The Museum Van Loon is a double-sized canal house located on the Keizersgracht canal. Built in 1672, the house was owned by the wealthy Van Loon merchant family who curated a beautiful art collection. Their home is now a museum with period furniture, art, and family portraits. There’s a beautiful garden here too. This off-beat museum is not to be missed. Admission is 12.50 EUR.
15. Shop at the Waterlooplein Flea Market
This open-air market is a giant flea market — everything can be found here. There are around 300 stalls and people sell secondhand clothes, hats, antiques, gadgets, gems, bikes, and more. You can find new and unused items too. If there’s something you want, it’s probably here. It’s open Monday-Saturday.
16. Take a day trip to Haarlem
Just a quick train (or long bike) ride from Amsterdam, Haarlem is a quiet Dutch town that has a picturesque central church, great outdoor market, and all the beauty of historic Amsterdam with fewer crowds. The train costs between 4-8 EUR and takes about 15 minutes. It’s the perfect place to escape for an afternoon.
17. Visit Noord
Leave the city center, take the ferry across the IJ, and visit the up-and-coming area of Noord Amsterdam. In the last few years, a lot of people have moved here (it’s cheap), cool markets and restaurants have opened, and a lot of old industrial land has been reclaimed for public use. It’s the new hip place to be. If you’re into obscure cinema, be sure to visit the famous Eye, Amsterdam’s film museum. Admission is 11 EUR.
18. Read at the Amsterdam Library
The city’s library is a beautiful modern building built in 2007. It’s gigantic, overlooks the IJ, and has a wonderful top-floor cafe for impressive views of the city. It’s one of my favorite places to relax in the city. It’s quiet, peaceful, and there’s nothing like reading a good book with a great view!
19. Eat your way around Foodhallen
Located in Amsterdam West, this place is what the name implies – a food hall! Located in a refurbished tram depot, this indoor food hall has various vendors serving a variety of delicious food. Personal favorites include Viet View, Le Big Fish, and Friska. Bring an appetite!
20. Explore the Red Light District
Unsurprisingly, Amsterdam’s Red Light District is one of the city’s main draws. Though much tamer than in previous years, the Red Light District manages to balance sex and seediness with being a major international tourist attraction. While it’s worth seeing, I’d keep your time here brief. It’s quite calm and quiet during the day, but at night the area is bursting with drunken revelers and gawking tourists that clog the sidewalks. Even if it’s not your scene, I’d still make sure to see the area with your own eyes at least once. It’s certainly unique!
21. See the Erotic Museum and the Amsterdam Sex Museum
Tucked away in an old warehouse in the Red Light District, the Erotic Museum (7 EUR) highlights eroticism in all its various forms throughout the ages. It has sculptures, paintings, drawings, photographs, and other artwork. And, of course, there is a gift shop if you want a more unique souvenir from the city. The Amsterdam Sex Museum (9 EUR) is the more serious museum and is much more informative than the Erotic Museum (but also a little less fun). It was the world’s first sex museum, having opened in 1985. It highlights the history of sexual views and norms, as well as the lives of some of the world’s most sexually famous individuals (like the Marquis de Sade).
22. Take a Food Tour
One of the highlights of any trip for me is getting to eat my way around a new city. Food is an important part of every culture, and it’s something I’m always happy to splash out on when given the chance. If you’re looking to learn more about Amsterdam’s food scene and sample some of the city’s best offerings then I suggest taking a food tour. Not only do you get to try amazing foods but you learn a ton about their history, how they’re made, and how the food culture here has evolved. Some companies worth checking out are: Hungry Birds and Secret Food Tours.
23. See the Museum Amstelkring
Hidden inside a 17th-century canal house, this is one of the most interesting churches I’ve ever been to. Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder (“Our Lord in the Attic”) is a clandestine Catholic church that was secretly built during Protestant rule on the 3rd floor of a regular house (it was never really a secret, but since it was out of sight the authorities didn’t crack down on them too harshly). Built in the 1660s, the church has a beautiful drawing room and the furnishings and artifacts make this one of the best 17th-century rooms still intact. Admission is 14 EUR.
24. Learn About Drugs at the Hash, Marihuana & Hemp Museum
No trip to Amsterdam is complete without learning a little bit about drugs. This museum (which has a sister museum in Barcelona) is full of information about the historical and modern use of cannabis. It covers all the medicinal, religious, and cultural uses of the plant and focuses on how hemp can be used for all sorts of beneficial agricultural, consumer, and industrial products. It’s actually really educational! Admission is 9 EUR.
25. Do a bike tour
Bikes are to Amsterdam like wine is to Bordeaux. The locals love to bike everywhere and there are supposedly more bikes than people in the city. Bike usage has skyrocketed in the past two decades and locals collectively cycle over 2 million kilometers every day! If you want to explore the way the locals do, take a bike tour. Mike’s Bike Tours is the best company to use, whether for a tour or to rent a bike on your own. Not only do they offer city tours but they also offer bike tours of the surrounding countryside as well. Tours start at 32 EUR and last around 3 hours.
26. Browse the Stedelijk Museum
I’ll be honest: I don’t like modern art. It’s just not my cup of tea. But if you do, this is the place in the city to see it. Opened in 1874, the museum is home to over 90,000 items including works by Jackson Pollock and Andy Warhol. The exhibitions cover paintings, drawings, graphic design, sculptures, sound, and installations. To be fair, there is a ton of variety here — it’s just not my favorite style. But definitely check it out if you’re an art fan! Admission is 20 EUR.
27. Take an Alternative Art Tour
Amsterdam is home to some incredible street art. You’ll see it all over while you explore, but if you really want to appreciate it and learn about the alternative art scene in Amsterdam then take a tour. Alltournative Amsterdam runs an amazing, insightful tour where you can learn all about the alternative arts while getting to see the best murals in the city. All the people I took on the tour loved it! Tours start at 15 EUR.
28. Explore Micropia
Micropia is a “zoo” home to all sorts of microbes and bacteria. It’s super educational as you can learn about all the invisible microbes that we interact with day to day (you can also scan yourself to see what actual bacteria and microbes are on you right then and there). It’s a neat place to visit with kids. Admission is 16 EUR.
29. Visit Museum Vrolik
This quirky museum is home to one of the largest collections of human (and animal) deformities. The collection dates back to the 19th century and the first quarter of the 20th century and has around 150 different items, including creepy jars holding fetuses, human and animal skeletons, and even the remains of a pair of conjoined twins. Super weird! Admission is 7.50 EUR.
For more information on other cities in the Netherlands, check out these guides!
Amsterdam Travel Costs
Hostel prices – If you want a centrally-located hostel, expect to pay between 15-30 EUR per night for a bed in a dorm with eight or more beds. A 4-6-bed dorm costs upwards of 50 EUR per night. Prices are fairly consistent all year round.
A private room with an en suite bathroom starts at 50 EUR per night (though they average closer to 85 EUR). Free Wi-Fi is standard but only a few hostels have self-catering facilities. Only a couple offer free breakfast.
Budget hotel prices – Budget two-star hotels start at 50 EUR per night. Expect basic amenities like free Wi-Fi, TV, and a coffee/tea maker.
Airbnb is available around the city, although it has become more tightly regulated in recent years. A private room starts at 80 EUR per night while an entire apartment averages around 175 EUR per night (though you can find plenty of apartments under 150 EUR per night if you book early).
Food – Dutch cuisine typically involves lots of vegetables, bread, and cheeses (gouda originated here). Meat, while historically not as prominent, is a staple of dinner meals. Breakfast and lunch usually involve open-faced sandwiches, often with cheeses and cold cuts. Dinners are very much a “meat and potatoes” meal, with meat stews and smoked sausage being two popular choices. For those with a sweet tooth, the stroopwafel (a waffle cookie with a syrup filling) is the go-to choice, though apple tarts/pies are also local favorites.
Cheap food (like burgers and fries) at the famous FEBO cost around 5 EUR, but don’t expect anything fancy for (FEBO is Dutch drunk food). Other street food like pizza slices, shawarma, and falafel costs between 3-8 EUR.
There are plenty of budget-friendly fast-food restaurants in Amsterdam, ranging from McDonald’s to Maoz to Wok to Walk (which is by far the best). Combo meals here cost around 9-10 EUR. Many cafes in the city offer prix-fixe lunch specials for between 10-15 EUR.
Mid-range restaurant meals average around 35 EUR for a three-course meal with a drink. Vegetarian and pasta dishes start from 12 EUR, and a beer to go with it costs about 5 EUR.
In a high-end restaurant, a five to seven-course menu costs between 60-90 EUR, while a glass of wine to go with it is about 6 EUR.
For restaurants, I love Cafe de Jaren, Pancakes, Modoers, and Burger Bar.
If you cook your meals, expect to pay 50-60 EUR per week for groceries that including pasta, vegetables, chicken, and other basic foodstuffs.
Backpacking Amsterdam Suggested Budgets
If you’re backpacking Amsterdam, expect to spend about 60 EUR per day. This budget covers staying in a hostel dorm, taking public transit, cooking most of your meals, limiting your drinking, and doing free activities like walking tours and lounging in the parks. If you plan on drinking, add at least 5-10 EUR per day to your budget.
A mid-range budget of about 150 EUR covers staying in a budget hotel or private Airbnb, eating out at cheap local restaurants, having a few drinks, taking the occasional taxi to get around, and doing more paid activities like visiting museums or taking a food or art tour.
On a “luxury” budget of about 280 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out whenever you want, drink as much as you’d like, take more taxis, rent a bike or car for exploring outside the city, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. the sky is the limit!
You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you spend more, some days you spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.
Amsterdam Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips
Amsterdam is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe — and one of the most expensive. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some ways to save money in Amsterdam:
- Get the I Amsterdam Pass – This pass offers free entrance to most of the major museums and attractions as well as free public transportation. If you’re going to be bouncing between museums a lot, get this card. The pass starts from 65 EUR per day.
- Drink in hostels – Hostels have the best drink deals in the cities. Even if you aren’t staying at them, most have bars open to the public where you can get 2 EUR beers and other drink specials. Belushi’s Bar at The Winston is very popular among locals too.
- Get the Museumkaart (Museum Card) – Good for one month for non-residents, this card gets you into museums in Amsterdam and beyond for only 64.90 EUR. With the Museum Card, you get access to dozens of museums in Amsterdam and hundreds throughout the Netherlands.
- Take a free walking tour – If you want an overview of the city, take one of the free walking tours. The biggest one is offered by New Europe Tours and will give you a solid introduction and overview. Just be sure to tip!
- Grab an Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket – This ticket is valid for two days or seven days and costs 10-20 EUR. It gets you unlimited access to eight clubs, a welcome drink at five of the clubs, access to the Holland Casino, discounts on your Uber ride, and more. If you’re going to party in Amsterdam, this nightlife ticket definitely cuts down the cost.
- Hire your own boat – Instead of taking an expensive canal cruise, hire your own boat. If you have three or four people, it works out to be about 20 EUR a piece and you can bring alcohol, food, or smoke on it. Boaty Rentals (also known as Amsterdam Rent A Boat) has great options.
- Eat on the cheap – Febo, Walk to Wok, Maoz are all cheap places to get food. Moreover, cafes in the city for many prix-fixe lunch specials for between 10-15 EUR. If you’re going to eat out, lunch is the best time to do it in Amsterdam!
- Cook your own food – Dutch food isn’t going to win any culinary awards and eating out in the city isn’t cheap. Head to the supermarket instead and cook your meals. You’re not missing out on anything and you’ll save a ton.
- Stay with a local – Couchsurfing is a service that lets travelers stay with locals for free. Since a lot of travelers use this service, make your requests for hosts early.
- Save money on rideshares – Uber is way cheaper than taxis and is the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to wait for a bus or pay for a taxi.
- Attend a free festival – During the summer, everyone stays outside all day and there are tons of events happening. Check the local tourism office for a list of free concerts, festivals, shows, and markets. Once the weather gets warm, the social calendar fills up and much of it is free!
- Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.
(Hey there! Wait one second! Did you know I also wrote an entire guidebook to Amsterdam filled with – not only even more detailed information on the things included on this page but also itineraries, practical information (i.e. hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, prices, etc), cultural insights, and so much more? It has everything you want in a guidebook – but with a focus on budget and cultural travel! If you want to go into more depth and have something to take on your trip, click here for more about the book!)
Where to Stay in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a big city and there are TONS of hostels here. Here are some of my favorite budget-friendly places to stay in Amsterdam:
- Euphemia Old City Canal Zone
- Meininger Amsterdam City West
- Hostel Van Gogh
- StayOkay Amsterdam Vondelpark
- The Flying Pig Downtown
For more hostel suggestions, be sure to check out my list of the best hostels in Amsterdam.
How to Get Around Amsterdam
Public transportation – Amsterdam has an efficient system of buses, trams, and a metro that can get you anywhere in the city. Getting around the city is easy — you just need a ticket card (cash fares are not available). You can buy disposable ticket cards for single trips or reloadable cards that you can refill as needed.
Single fares start at 3.20 EUR, though day passes are a much better idea as they are just 8.50 EUR.
Tickets are available from drivers and ticket sellers, tourist offices, and kiosks. If you download the GVB app it saves you going to a ticket machine or a counter.
You can also get unlimited access on local public transportation with the I Amsterdam City Card.
Bicycle – Amsterdam is one of the best cycling cities in the world and bike rentals here are plentiful and affordable. You can rent bikes starting around 10 EUR per day.
Taxi – Don’t take taxis here. They are way too overpriced and the city is small enough to walk around. And, if you don’t feel like walking, public transportation goes everywhere. If you do need a taxi, prices start at 5.25 EUR and go up by 2.40 EUR per kilometer. Skip them!
Ridesharing – Uber is available in Amsterdam but, again, public transportation goes everywhere and is cheaper.
Car rental – You don’t need a car to get around the city, however, if you want to explore the region outside Amsterdam you can find rentals for as little as 30 EUR per day for a multi-day rental.
When to Go to Amsterdam
Amsterdam is busy year-round but its peak season is July and August. The average daily summer temperature in Amsterdam is around 72°F (22°C), but it can get a lot hotter than that. This is when the city is packed so expect crowds, waits, and full hostels and hotels. If you’re visiting during this time, book your stay in advance.
If you come between mid-April and mid-May, you can see the tulip fields in bloom just beyond the city. The weather during this time is still nice, though you might get a bit of rain so bring a rain jacket.
Overall, I think late spring and early fall are the best times to visit as you beat the heat and the crowds so there’s no mad dash to book everything early. The weather is temperate so you can still walk everywhere too.
The average daily temperature in the winter is 45°F (7°C), though the Christmas season is a really lovely time to visit as the city lights up with markets and festivities. Beyond that, I wouldn’t suggest visiting in the winter.
(Hey there! Wait one second! Did you know I also wrote an entire guidebook to Amsterdam filled with – not only even more detailed information on the things included on this page but also itineraries, practical information (i.e. hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, prices, etc), cultural insights, and so much more? It has everything you want in a guidebook – but with a focus on budget and cultural travel! If you want to go into more depth and have something to take on your trip, click here for more about the book!)
How to Stay Safe in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is an incredibly safe place to backpack and travel – even if you’re traveling solo. Pick-pocketing is your biggest concern and it frequently happens on crowded public transit. Keep your possessions in sight at all times and make sure your valuables are tucked away just to be safe. Don’t flaunt your valuables either.
As a notorious party city, and it’s easy for thieves to take advantage of drunk tourists at night. Keep your belongings close and always keep an eye on your drink. Avoid walking home alone at night if intoxicated.
The Red Light District has become more dangerous in recent years, with illegal drugs and violent crime on the rise. Keep an extra eye out while you are there.
There are a few common scams in Amsterdam as well, such as people trying to sell you public transit tickets that actually have already been used. Be wary of purchasing a really cheap bike from someone off the street as well as it likely means it’s already been stolen.
You can read about other travel scams to avoid here.
Always trust your gut instinct. If your hotel is seedier than you thought, get out of there. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they know where you are.
Remember, if you don’t do it at home, don’t do it in Amsterdam!
The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:
Amsterdam Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources
These are my favorite companies to use when I travel to Amsterdam. They are included here because they consistently find deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the ones I use the most and are always the starting points in my search for travel deals.
- Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
- Momondo – This is my other favorite flight search engine because they search such a wide variety of sites and airlines. I never book a flight without checking here too.
- Airbnb – Airbnb is a great accommodation alternative for connecting with homeowners who rent out their homes or apartments.
- Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there, with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
- Couchsurfing – This website allows you to stay on people’s couches or in their spare rooms for free. It’s a great way to save money while meeting locals who can share the ins and outs of their city. The site also lists events you can attend to meet people (even if you’re not staying with someone).
- Booking.com – The best all-around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have a no money down policy, a great interface, and the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
- Eurail – If you are going to Europe and taking a lot of high speed or long-distance trains, get a rail pass. I’ve used a rail pass three times and saved hundreds of dollars each time. The math just works.
- Intrepid Travel – If you want to do a group tour around Europe, go with Intrepid Travel. They offer good small group tours that use local operators and leave a small environmental footprint. If you go on a tour with anyone, go with them. And, as a reader of this site, you get a discount when you click the link!
- The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
- Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B in the best and cheapest way possible. It gives you all the bus, train, plane, and boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
- FlixBus – German-based FlixBus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include Wi-Fi and electrical outlets.
- BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers for a small fee. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!
- EatWith – This website allows you to eat home-cooked meal with locals. Locals post listings for dinner parties and specialty meals that you can sign up for. There is a fee (everyone sets their own price) but this is a great way to do something different, pick a local’s brain, and make a new friend.
- World Nomads – I buy all my travel insurance from World Nomads. They have great customer service, competitive prices, and in-depth coverage. I’ve been using them since I started traveling in 2003. Don’t leave home without it!
GO DEEPER: Nomadic Matt’s In-Depth Budget Guide to Amsterdam!
There’s a lot of free information online but do you want to spend days searching for information? Prob not! That’s why guidebooks exist.
While I have a lot of free tips on Amsterdam, I also wrote an entire book that goes into great detail on everything you need to plan a trip here on a budget! I give you suggested itineraries, budgets, even more ways to save money, my favorites restaurants, prices, practical information (i.e. phone numbers, websites, prices, safety advice, etc etc.), and cultural tips.
You get the insider view of Amsterdam that I got from living here! The downloadable guide can be used on your Kindle, iPad, phone, or computer so you can have it with you when you go.
Amsterdam Gear and Packing Guide
If you’re heading on the road and need some gear suggestions, here are my tips for the best travel backpack and for what to pack!
The Best Backpack for Travelers
Size: 45-47L
Straps: Thick and cushy with compression technology that pulls the pack’s load up and inwards so it doesn’t feel as heavy.
Features: Removable top lid, large pocket at the front, hydration compatible, contoured hip belt
If you want something different, refer to my article on how to choose the best travel backpack for tips on picking a pack and other backpack suggestions.
What to Pack for Your Trip
Clothes
- 1 pair of jeans (heavy and not easily dried, but I like them; a good alternative is khaki pants)
- 1 pair of shorts
- 1 bathing suit
- 5 T-shirts (Unbound Merino is my preferred company. If you’re a member of NM+, you can get 15% off your purchase)
- 1 long-sleeved T-shirt
- 1 pair of flip-flops
- 1 pair of sneakers
- 6 pairs of socks (I always end up losing half)
- 5 pairs of boxer shorts (I’m not a briefs guy!)
- 1 toothbrush
- 1 tube of toothpaste
- 1 razor
- 1 package of dental floss
- 1 small bottle of shampoo
- 1 small bottle of shower gel
- 1 towel
- Deodorant
Small Medical Kit (safety is important!!!)
- Band-Aids
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Antibacterial cream
- Earplugs
- Tylenol
- Hand sanitizer (germs = sick = bad holiday)
Miscellaneous
- A key or combination lock (safety first)
- Zip-lock bags (keeps things from leaking or exploding)
- Plastic bags (great for laundry)
- Universal charger/adaptor (this applies to everyone)
- LifeStraw (A water bottle with a purifier)
Female Travel Packing List
I’m not a woman, so I don’t know what a woman wears, but Kristin Addis, our solo female travel guru, wrote this list as an addition to the basics above:
Clothing
- 1 swimsuit
- 1 sarong
- 1 pair of stretchy jeans (they wash and dry easily)
- 1 pair of leggings (if it’s cold, they can go under your jeans, otherwise with a dress or shirt)
- 2-3 long-sleeve tops
- 2-3 T-shirts
- 3-4 spaghetti tops
- 1 light cardigan
Toiletries
- 1 dry shampoo spray & talc powder (keeps long hair grease-free in between washes)
- 1 hairbrush
- Makeup you use
- Hair bands & hair clips
- Feminine hygiene products (you can opt to buy there too, but I prefer not to count on it, and most people have their preferred products)
For more on packing, check out these posts:
Amsterdam Travel Guide: Suggested Reading
The Dutch Wife, by Ellen Keith
In 1943, Marijke de Graaf is sent from Amsterdam to a concentration camp in Germany with her husband. On arrival, she faces a choice: death, or join the camp’s brothel. It is there she encounters SS officer Karl Müller. Keith’s ability to seamlessly combine different timelines and narratives as well as paint the emotions that come from tough choices is superb (and why this book topped the Canadian best-seller lists when it came out!).
Why the Dutch Are Different, by Ben Coates
Ben Coates got stranded at Schiphol Airport, where he called a Dutch girl he’d met a few months earlier and asked if he could stay over the night. He never left. Fascinated by his adopted home, this is a travel book wrapped in a history book wrapped in a memoir. It’s also a look at modern Dutch culture and society, as well as how it got that way and what the future holds for the country. It’s one of the better books on the Netherlands I’ve read!
Amsterdam, by Russell Shorto
Written by Russell Shorto, one of my favorite writers, this book illuminates life in one of my favorite cities in the world. Shorto moved to Amsterdam with his wife and children (as he did in his book on Manhattan) and has written a phenomenal tale of the city’s history. I’ve read a lot of books about Amsterdam and this book is by far one of the best, providing a wonderful overview of the city and its culture as told through the stories of its famous and not-so-famous residents.
Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl, by Anne Frank
This is a definite must-read before you come to the Netherlands. Anne Frank’s diary was discovered in the attic where she spent the last years of her life during World War II. When the Nazis invaded the country, Anne was just 13 years old. As a Jewish girl, her life was very much in danger so she and her family fled their home and went into hiding in an old office building. They faced hunger, boredom, and the desperation of living in a confined space — until the horrible end. If you go to Amsterdam, you can visit the annex where she lived.
My ’Dam Life: Three Years in Holland, by Sean Condon
Australian comedian Sean Condon is married and living in the Netherlands…jobless, homeless, and completely careless. In true deprecatory humor, Condon dissects his expat experience of pure laziness and leisure. Condon takes us through a city of cannabis, high culture, canals, bicycles, and international cuisine. It’s a light-hearted read that most expats can relate to!
Amsterdam Travel Guide: Related Articles
Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling the Netherlands and continue planning your trip:
