Amsterdam

Canal-side bikes, brown cafes & weekend markets

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Amsterdam is one of the most rewarding places to explore, and this local guide brings together the best things to do, where to eat and where to stay in one place. Highlights include Blijburg aan Zee, Sunday Market Amsterdam and Rijksmuseum. Food lovers should not miss Moeders and La Perla. Below you will find 45 hand-picked local recommendations across sights, restaurants, hotels and tours, which you can filter by category and budget to plan the perfect trip, whether you have a weekend or a week.

Amsterdam at a glance

Ideal stay: 2 to 3 days
Best time to visit: spring and autumn
Highlights: Blijburg aan Zee and Sunday Market Amsterdam
Where to stay: Keizersgracht and Eastern Docklands
Local picks: 45 hand-chosen recommendations
Getting around: walkable, plus easy public transport

Local tips for Amsterdam

Stories and neighbourhood know-how from our local guides.

Local tipsWhere to Stay in Amsterdam: Best Neighborhoods for First-TimersWhere to stay in Amsterdam? A local guide to the best neighbourhoods, from the central Canal Belt and charming Jordaan…

Local tips3 Days in Amsterdam: The Perfect ItineraryA local's perfect 3-day Amsterdam itinerary: canals and the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, plus De…

Where to stay in Amsterdam

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Leidseplein

Melkweg

Museum Quarter

Moco Museum

A small, high-energy museum of modern and street art – Banksy, Basquiat, Warhol and buzzy immersive installations. A fun, Instagrammable counterpoint to the old masters next door.

★ 4.4

Jordaan

Moeders

A cosy Jordaan institution serving hearty traditional Dutch home cooking – stamppot, hutspot, split-pea soup – amid walls of family photos and mismatched plates donated by diners. Book ahead; it’s tiny and beloved.

★ 4.5

Amsterdam-Noord

NDSM Wharf

A former shipyard across the IJ reborn as a gritty creative hub – vast street-art murals, studios, festivals and the monthly IJ-Hallen flea market. Take the free ferry for Amsterdam’s alternative side.

★ 4.4

Oosterdok

NEMO Science Museum

A big green ship-shaped science museum packed with hands-on experiments – brilliant with kids. Even without a ticket, the stepped rooftop terrace gives one of the best free views over the city.

★ 4.5

Leidseplein

Paradiso

Dijksgracht / Oosterdok

Rederij Lampedusa

Why it matters: Rederij Lampedusa runs its canal tours on two wooden boats pulled from the Mediterranean in 2015, once used to carry migrants, now crewed by guides with roots in Syria, Somalia, Eritre

Jodenbuurt

Rembrandt House Museum

Rembrandt’s restored home and studio, where he worked at the height of his fame. See how a Golden Age master lived and printed, with regular etching demonstrations.

★ 4.4

Museum Quarter

Rijksmuseum

The Netherlands’ grand national museum – Rembrandt’s Night Watch, Vermeers and centuries of Dutch Golden Age art in a magnificent building. Book a timed ticket and give it a few hours.

★ 4.8

Museum Quarter

Rijksmuseum Highlights Tour

Make sense of the vast Rijksmuseum in a couple of focused hours – a guide walks you to the Night Watch, the Vermeers and the must-sees with the stories behind them, skipping the queue.

★ 4.6

Dam Square

Royal Palace Amsterdam

The 17th-century Town Hall turned royal palace on Dam Square, a monument to Golden Age wealth with lavish marble halls. Still used by the royal family, so opening days vary – check before visiting.

★ 4.5

Amsterdamse Bos

Spa Zuiver

Westergasfabriek

Sunday Market Amsterdam

On the first Sunday of the month the old Westergasfabriek gasworks turns into a hip market of food, art, fashion and design – free tastings of Greek wine, Lebanese falafel and Spanish ham alongside second-hand clothes and handmade crafts. It feels like a little town-within-the-city, and it’s the place for a truly one-off souvenir.

★ 4.3

Keizersgracht

The Dylan Amsterdam

An intimate five-star hidden behind a canal-house facade on the Keizersgracht, arranged around a serene courtyard with a Michelin-pedigree restaurant. Discreet, romantic luxury in the heart of the ring.

★ 4.7

$$$

Herengracht

The Hoxton, Amsterdam

The design-led Hoxton spread across five canal houses on the Herengracht, with a lively lobby-restaurant and that easy hang-out feel. A stylish, central base right on the water.

★ 4.6

Jordaan

The Jordaan

Amsterdam’s most charming quarter – narrow canals, leaning gables, brown cafes and courtyard gardens, plus the city’s densest cluster of local restaurants. Made for an aimless wander.

★ 4.7

Canal Belt

The Nine Streets (De 9 Straatjes)

A grid of nine pretty little streets crisscrossing the canals, packed with independent boutiques, vintage shops, design stores and cosy cafes. The nicest area in the centre for a browse.

★ 4.6

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Amsterdam travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Amsterdam?

Two to three days is enough to enjoy the highlights of Amsterdam at a relaxed pace. See our Amsterdam itinerary guide for a day-by-day plan.

Where is the best area to stay in Amsterdam?

Stay central and walkable to the main sights for a first visit. Our where to stay in Amsterdam guide breaks down the best neighbourhoods.

What are the best things to do in Amsterdam?

Browse the local picks above, from top sights and museums to where to eat and stay.

What is the best time to visit Amsterdam?

Spring and autumn usually bring the most comfortable weather and thinner crowds, though Amsterdam is worth visiting year-round.