Reimagined warehouses. Intriguing made-in-Holland ateliers. Canal after canal. Step on the cobbles in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam is one of the greatest cities in the world. With our insider’s guide to Amsterdam, you’ll know where to sleep, what to do, and how to party like a local.
Plan your trip to Amsterdam
What to expect and things to do
There’s a certain look people cast when you mention you’re off to Amsterdam. Part intrigue, part curiosity, but mostly a heavy-hearted thud of envy. For even if they haven’t been lucky enough to land in this fascinating city – a web of canals, compelling corners, and spruced-up quarters where cafes, restaurants and bars spill out onto the pavements – they know it’s one of the world’s greatest destinations. Go now to experience its game-changing foodie scene, lively canal-side hangouts, and its defiantly down-to-earth spirit.
Top five districts in Amsterdam
Whether bedding down or checking out, these are the best districts in the city.
De Wallen
Fun, lively, and hedonistic
Amsterdam’s notorious Red Light District is a mix of hazy cafes, brothel windows and salubrious characters hanging out in rowdy bars. Yet, there’s still much more to its medieval lanes, from pop-up galleries at Oude Kerk (the city’s oldest building), to avant-garde theatre at Frascati.
Jordaan
The real Amsterdam
There’s a lot to love about this district, originally conceived to house the working class. It’s one of a few areas in the city that feels wholly local. Where up-and-coming restaurants sit cheek-by-jowl with trendy canal-side hangouts. And Amsterdammers browse through made-in-Holland ateliers and pioneering art galleries.
De Pijp
Cool, creative, and multicultural
Jump on the metro for a mere five minutes and you’ll land in multicultural De Pijp sitting just below the city’s historical canal belt. Come to mooch around its vast street market, Albert Cuypmarkt, rummage through beatnik boutiques and refuel on brunch in one of the creative cafes.
Oud-Zuid
Culture and luxury shopping
Beeline to Oud-Zuid to discover the modern art exhibitions at the Stedelijk, Banksy works at the Moco Museum and more than 200 original paintings at the Van Gogh Museum. Stroll past the fashion houses by Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Cartier along PC Hooftstraat.
Noord
Cultural crawl
An out-of-town district whose derelict warehouses, factories and industrial parks have been reimagined by a collective of inventive chefs, creative entrepreneurs, and young artists. You’ll find experimental art galleries and kitchens doing wonderful things with seafood.
The best things to do in Amsterdam
Top six bucket list
Whether you want to let loose in one of its riotous pubs, take respite in its green and serene version of Central Park, or glide along its canals.
Anne Frank House
Poignant
Standing in the secret annexe where Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazis for more than two years and reading her courageous and poignant words from her diary is an incredibly moving experience.
Van Gogh Museum
Iconic
This iconic museum taps into the life and artistic development of the Dutch painter. It’s home to more than 200 of his original paintings, from his earlier sombre works of peasants in the Netherlands to his paintings produced in his French ‘Yellow House’.
Cultural Fact File:
Canal cruise
See the city
For an alluring water-bound experience, glide along Amsterdam’s ethereal Canal Ring – the fan-like network of waterways – to catch the coveted city views from the water. Our tip? Book a private boat tour of the city with a side of bottomless Champagne.
Foodhallen
Sample local cuisine
Arrive hungry at this wildly popular food hall that’s rightfully gained a reputation for standout, globally inspired street food. Stalls are strung about this former tram depot beneath twinkly lights serving everything from falafel to freshly shucked oysters.
Amsterdam’s renowned clubs
Party hard
Amsterdam knows how to party, whether you’re up for a good old-fashioned bar crawl along the streets of De Wallen or want to go full throttle in one of its superclubs. Ravers Radion in Nieuw-West is a legendary spot to let loose.
Amsterdamse Bos park
Explore on two wheels
Escape the crowds in this vast rural idyll, stretching for around 1,000 hectares just south of the city. Cycle through verdant meadows and woods, and picnic beside a lake. If you time your trip right, bag tickets for a night of open-air theatre on its velvety lawns.
Where to stay in Amsterdam
Top four hotels
Amsterdam’s hotel scene is firing on all cylinders, whether you’re looking for a canal-side mansion converted into something cool and contemporary, a pad dripping in luxury, or a quirky bolthole with an acclaimed restaurant. Here are four of our favourites.
The Hoxton, Amsterdam
Hip and arty
The Hoxton has garnered a loyal following thanks to its hip, arty interiors, affordable prices, and thoughtful touches. Expect breakfast delivered to your door each morning, canal-side views from your room, cool furnishings, and DJs popping up over the weekend.
Pulitzer Amsterdam
Iconic
An iconic hotel stretching across 25 restored canal houses with plenty of personality. Contemporary Dutch design has breathed new life into the buildings dating back to the 17th century, drawing wealthy travellers to its elegant rooms that kookily come with bike repair kits.
Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Centre
Budget-friendly
A superb find close to Amsterdam Central Station, with extraordinarily comfortable yet simple rooms. In a city notorious for expensive hotel rooms, the mid-range prices here are easy to swallow. Expect large breakfasts of flaky croissants and fry-ups.
Hotel Not Hotel
Quirky and cool
Fancy bedding down in a converted VW? An Amsterdam tram cart? Or a secret bookcase? Stay for less than €100 a night at this arty pad with themed rooms, some with shared bathrooms though all with reams of character.
Average costs
A trip to Amsterdam promises a wonderful experience, but it's important to budget accordingly. To fully enjoy your experience, you can expect the following expenses:
Amsterdam packs an almighty punch. Tick off all the touristy stuff: a canal cruise and the Van Gogh Museum. But make time too for the hip and lively district of Jordaan and up-and-coming Noord. You won’t regret it.
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