Amsterdam is a city built on water. Celebrated for its picturesque bridges over 17th-century canals, in person it feels charming, liberal and a touch unruly. For centuries, the capital of the Netherlands has symbolised Dutch tolerance; today, it draws travellers who come for its cultural abundance and stay for its restless energy.
The city’s iconic canal ring – comprising Herengracht, Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht – is a Unesco World Heritage Site and Amsterdam’s beating heart, attracting more than 10 million visitors annually. But behind the picture-perfect façade lies a city alive with contrasts, its 75 museums, buzzing concert venues and underground nightclubs showcasing Amsterdam as a stage for creativity.
From smart packing tips to must-see attractions and hidden gems, here’s how you can make the most of your trip to one of the world’s most free-spirited capital cities.
Credit: Tom van der Leij
Credit: Tom van der Leij
Where to start in Amsterdam
From Schiphol Airport, the quickest route into town is by train – less than 20 minutes to Central Station. Alternatively, take a Bolt or Uber, which costs around €45 (HK$405) one way, depending on traffic conditions.
Once you arrive, you’ll find plenty of trams, buses, ferries and a small metro network. But the true Amsterdam experience is on two wheels – Amsterdammers love to cycle, and it’s easy to rent a bike and blend in with the locals (just be sure to learn the correct hand signals). Those who prefer walking can discover the city on foot – Amsterdam is compact and endlessly walkable. A guided tour also makes for a great first-day activity, with Tom’s Travel Tours and That Dam Guide both recommended.
Credit: Tom van der Leij
Credit: Tom van der Leij
Credit: Tom van der Leij
What to see and do
Beyond the canals, start in Wallen, and leave time to linger in Chinatown and Nieuwmarkt at Café Fonteyn, Café Stevens and the historic Café de Schreierstoren . For dinner, Van Beeren and slow-food favourite De Hemelse Modder are standouts.
From just behind Central Station, free ferries cross the IJ River to NDSM Wharf – once an industrial playground, now a creative hub featuring giant murals; the world’s largest street art museum, STRAAT ; hip hangouts Pllek and Noorderlicht ; and IJver, located in a covered wharf and filled with workshops. For the best city views, head to the SkyLounge at the DoubleTree Hotel or cross the IJ to the A’DAM Tower and try the daring over-the-edge swing.
Credit: Klapfilm nl/amsterdam&partners
Where to shop
Next, browse Noordermarkt, a vintage paradise on Mondays and an organic farmers’ market on Saturdays, in the heart of the Jordaan. For all things bohemian, explore De Pijp, home to Europe’s largest daily market, the Albert Cuyp, and plenty of cosy cafés, like De Pilsvogel. Design lovers should head to De 9 Straatjes, while the chic crowd flocks to the boutiques on Cornelis Schuytstraat and the high-end shopping street PC Hooftstraat.
Intrepid explorers, meanwhile, can cycle under an hour east to the quaint villages of Durgerdam and Schellingwoude, where tranquil water views make you feel miles from the city.
Credit: Tom van der Leij
Credit: Tom van der Leij
Credit: Koen Smilde Photography/amsterdam&partners
Where to eat
No trip to the Netherlands is complete without trying bitterballen (deep-fried veal croquettes). Got a sweet tooth? Poffertjes (tiny pancakes with butter and sugar) are also sold at most market stalls.
Cheese lovers can sample aged Gouda or overjarige komijnekaas, with cumin, at Noordermarkt, while the adventurous can brave a brined herring with onions and pickles at Herring Stall Jonk near Spui. For arguably the best fries you’ll ever eat, head to Vlaams Friteshuis Vleminckx and order a patatje oorlog – satay and mayo in a tasty battle.
For something classic, enjoy apple pie with whipped cream at Café Hegeraad, where carpeted tables set the mood. For more Dutch staples, plump for sole fillet or clams at Moeders or De Reiger in Jordaan. Meanwhile, cosy De Struisvogel offers homemade French-inspired dishes. Michelin-starred dining shines too, including De Kas or two-star Vinkeles at The Dylan Hotel – just be sure to book ahead.
When it comes time for a drink, sip craft beer at Brouwerij ’t IJ, or at Pension Homeland near the National Maritime Museum. Sample Dutch wines at Design and Wine on Haarlemmerdijk, jenever at Café In ’t Aepjen, and organic tulip herb tea at Teashop Het Kleinste Huis.
Credit: Pulitzer Amsterdam
Credit: Rosewood Amsterdam
Credit: Rosewood Amsterdam
Where to stay
For three- and four-star hotels, The Canal House, Pillows, W and The Hoxton are sound choices. The Ambassade and long-time favourite The Pulitzer are both sophisticated, canal-side five-star hotels. For those who want the very best, there’s the Waldorf Astoria, Conservatorium and the newly opened Rosewood Amsterdam , which displays more than 1,000 pieces of art. Feeling adventurous? Rent a canal boat via Booka Houseboat . And if romance is on the agenda, you can hire one of the 28 iconic bridge houses transformed into independent hotel suites canals via Sweetshotel.
Credit: creativebros.nl/amsterdam&partners
Credit: Tom van der Leij
What to consider while travelling
For your morning flat white or espresso, look for a café not a “coffee shop”. And to really appreciate this historic city, check out some of the more out-of-the-way spots. That said, you can’t go wrong with a trip to the Van Gogh Museum or the Stedelijk for some of the best art in the world. And finally, watch out for all those bicycles – always make sure to look left and right whenever you’re crossing the street.
Amsterdam’s maritime climate means cold winters and warm summers, and rain is always possible. Pack layers, comfortable walking shoes and a rain jacket. From November to April, a warm jacket, woolly hat and gloves are a must. Daylight hours shorten considerably in winter, with sunlight from just 8.30am to 4pm in December.