The Dutch capital is a city of water whose 17th-century canal belt is UNESCO-protected. The Rijksmuseum of Rembrandt and Vermeer, the Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank House are all reachable on foot or by tram, and a short train ride takes you to the windmill village of Zaanse Schans.
We never take payment — compare, then book on the official partner site.
Based on recent searches — the price may change when you book.
See round-trip flights for these dates →Lowest saved nonstop round-trip fare per person for a 4-day trip.
See on MyRealTrip ↗No recent round-trip prices for a 4-day trip yet.
Check prices →The tourist board names mid-March to early May (especially late April to early May) as tulip season and July-August as the warmest months (average around 22 °C). November to March is usually the most affordable time. Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs notes that rain is frequent and the weather changes often within a day, so bring a jacket in any season. Hotels fill up fast around King's Day on 27 April and Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), held every October.
According to NS, eight Sprinter trains an hour run to Amsterdam Centraal via Sloterdijk and Lelylaan. Trains usually leave from platform 3; check in at the poles at Schiphol and check out at the gates at Centraal. Buy a ticket online from NS (no booking fee) or at station machines, or simply tap in with a contactless bank card (OVpay).
The Amsterdam Airport Express (bus 397) and the N97 Niteliner link the airport and the city. According to the Van Gogh Museum, bus 397 stops at Museumplein, handy if you stay in the Museum Quarter. The NS Amsterdam Travel Ticket is valid on both.
Use the official taxi rank at the airport. The tourist board advises against rides from drivers soliciting inside the airport, as they are not officially approved. Licensed taxis have blue number plates and a roof sign and charge by the meter; ask for a receipt.
On trams, buses, metro and trains, tap a contactless debit or credit card or a phone wallet on the reader when you board and tap the same card again when you get off. Check in and out every time you change, including between operators. According to the tourist board, public transport does not take cash.
GVB runs the city's trams, buses, metro and ferries. According to the tourist board (updated June 2026), if you use only GVB with OVpay you pay at most EUR 10.50 a day. GVB unlimited tickets for one to seven days are also available, valid from your first check-in. Check amounts officially.
Many trams start in front of Centraal, and trams link it with the Jordaan, Museumplein and De Pijp. Trams do not go beyond the city limits, so they do not reach Schiphol. The IJ ferries behind Centraal are free, and the busiest route, to Buiksloterweg, also runs at night.
The NS Amsterdam Travel Ticket costs EUR 18 for 1 day, EUR 24 for 2 days and EUR 30 for 3 days and covers the airport train, buses 397 and N97 and all GVB lines. For nearby places such as Zaanse Schans, the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket (2026: EUR 23 for 1 day, EUR 34 for 2 days, EUR 44 for 3 days) fits better. For both, each day starts at midnight and runs until 4 a.m. the next morning.
Good for: First-timers, transport hub
Trams, ferries and airport trains leave from Centraal, and the Royal Palace and the Begijnhof are within walking distance. Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs warns of frequent pickpockets around the stations and Dam Square, so watch your bags.
Good for: Canal walks, markets, local feel
A former working-class district whose canal streets, such as Prinsengracht and Brouwersgracht, are lined with galleries and cafés. The Noordermarkt hosts a farmers' and flea market on Saturday mornings and a flea market on Mondays, and the Anne Frank House is here too.
Good for: Museums, parks
The Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum and the Royal Concertgebouw stand around Museumplein; the Concertgebouw holds free lunchtime recitals on Wednesdays. Airport bus 397 stops at Museumplein, and Vondelpark is close by.
Good for: Markets, street food, restaurants
The Albert Cuypmarkt, the largest outdoor market in the Netherlands with 260 stands, runs through the heart of the neighbourhood. It is open every day except Sunday, and Sarphatipark is nearby.
Compare prices from many booking sites on the map
Search stays in Amsterdam in the appMap & prices: Stay22 — you book on each site
Created in the 17th century to keep the sea at bay, the UNESCO-protected canal belt is Amsterdam's signature sight, especially lovely after dark when the bridges are lit up. A canal cruise takes you past the tilting canal houses and shows the city from the water.
The national museum covering 800 years of Dutch art and history, home to Rembrandt's Night Watch, Vermeer's Milkmaid, Frans Hals and four Van Gogh paintings including a self-portrait. Officially open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m., including public holidays; booking a start time is required. Adults EUR 25, 18 and under free; the garden is free to visit.
The museum with the world's largest collection of Van Gogh's paintings, sketches and letters. Tickets are sold online only, and every visitor needs a ticket with a start time. Adults EUR 25, under 18 free. Open daily, but hours vary by date (usually 9 a.m. to 5 or 6 p.m., Fridays until 9 p.m.). Take tram 2, 5 or 24 or bus 397 to Museumplein.
Opened in 1960, the museum preserves the annexe where Anne Frank's family hid for two years during the Nazi occupation. Entry is by online timed ticket only; every Tuesday at 10 a.m. CEST, tickets for six weeks later are released. Open daily 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; adults EUR 16.50, ages 10-17 EUR 7, ages 0-9 EUR 1 (including a EUR 1 booking fee), card payment only. The entrance is at Westermarkt 20; take tram 13 or 17 to Westermarkt.
King Willem-Alexander's official reception palace, used for state visits. In 2026 it opens on more than 230 days from 10 a.m., but only on set days, so check the official calendar. Adults EUR 13.50 (audio tour included), 17 and under free; the halls hold works by Dutch masters such as Govert Flinck and Ferdinand Bol.
A tranquil courtyard dating back to the 14th century, once home to religious women who took a vow of chastity. A small chapel and an English Reformed church remain, and entry is free. The garden door is open only during the day, and people still live here, so please be quiet.
First opened in 1865, Amsterdam's most famous park. It is a picnic hotspot in summer, when its free open-air theatre hosts performances. Right next to the Museum Quarter, it is a good break between museums.
A village of historic windmills and green wooden houses that is free to walk around. Most locations open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and most windmills are open to visitors from April to October. The Ticket Zaanse Schans, covering museums and two windmills among others, costs EUR 29.50 for adults and EUR 20 for ages 4-17. Take the local train from Centraal to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans (about 17 minutes), then walk about 15 minutes, or take bus 800 (about 24 minutes, every 15 minutes from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
The Dutch fish classic: order a 'broodje haring' at a herring cart for the fish in a small bun with pickles and onions. The tourist board says it is sweetest from May to July.
Crispy deep-fried balls with a soft filling, the classic pub snack, dipped in mustard. You will find them on the menu at most Amsterdam bars.
Two thin waffles stuck together with sweet syrup, best enjoyed hot from a street market or bakery.
Small, fluffy mini pancakes topped with butter and powdered sugar; a hot bag from a street-market stall is a favourite.
Battered, deep-fried morsels of white fish (usually cod), served with a herby mayonnaise sauce and lemon. A good option if raw herring feels too bold.
Winter comfort food of potatoes mashed with vegetables such as sauerkraut, carrot, onion or kale, usually served with a big sausage.
Amounts are rough figures in local currency. Check exchange rates before you go.
Train from Schiphol to Centraal (~17 min) → Dam Square and the Royal Palace (check opening days) → Begijnhof (open during the day only) → a canal-belt walk or canal cruise around sunset.
Rijksmuseum in the morning (book a start time) → a break in Vondelpark → Van Gogh Museum in the afternoon (timed ticket) → dinner in De Pijp (the Albert Cuypmarkt is closed on Sundays).
Morning train to the Zaanse Schans windmills → back in the city in the afternoon for a walk along the Jordaan canals → your pre-booked Anne Frank House visit (open until 10 p.m.) → head to the airport.
ComparisonWhere to travel in April — cherry blossoms, tulips, spring city walks and dry-season islandsEight April picks — cherry blossoms, tulips, spring city walks and dry-season islands —…
ComparisonWhere to travel in February — warm dry-season cities, snow festivals and Lunar New Year tipsEight February picks — warm dry-season cities, snow festivals and winter city breaks —…
ComparisonWhere to travel in March — dry-season cities, warm islands, camellias and the first cherry blossomsEight March picks — dry-season cities, warm islands, camellias and cherry blossoms —…
ComparisonWhere to travel in December — warm dry-season cities, snow trips and Christmas marketsEight December picks — warm dry-season cities, snow trips and Christmas markets — from…Prices and times are approximate as of 2026-09 and may change. Always re-check visa and entry rules with official sources before you travel.