Amsterdam travel tips for visitors

How to effectively use your time

To see the most and not get tired by inefficient route, use the following.

  • Opion one is to join a guided tour. A knowledgeable guide will not only show you an efficient route, but also answer your questions and tell you interesting details.
  • Option two is to read our prepared itinerraries. You can get inspised to take a private journey. We have pages for journeys of various lengths, various modes of transport and various styles of experience.
  • Option three is to buy the hop-on hop-off bus tickets. It has its positives and negatives. But it is a popular way of sightseeing.

Discount Cards

If you are going to visit more than two or three attractions or museums, buying a city pass is recommended. Of course it will save you money. But it will also save you time and energy by making your visit easier. With such a pass you do not need other tickets to most of the popular institutions. There are other benefits too. Like the use of public transport, discounts in shops and restaurants, and the ability to skip waiting line of people who do not have their tickets yet.

Things to avoid

General knowledge of what to avoid in Amsterdam. A page about car driving, bicycle lanes, public transportation and visitor's safety. As well as smoking at public areas and other Amsterdam tips.

Things to do in Amsterdam with children

Many museums have departments aimed at children. Then there are the standard activities like park, ZOO or botanical garden visit. But also activities typical for Amsterdam like bicycle rental, boat rental or wax figurines of Madame Tussauds.

Amsterdam in winter

The peak of tourist season is July and August, when the weather is finest. However, weather is never really extreme at any time of year. And if you are a person who prefers off-season travel, you'll find the city of Amsterdam every bit as attractive during winter months. There are ice skating rinks and winter holidays.

Luggage Storage

While your belongings are safely stored, you can go and enjoy Amsterdam to the fullest. Without needing to be occupied by your things. Risks of loss, theft or damage are also present when carrying too much.

Dutch Souvenirs

What is traditionaly Dutch? Clogs, tulips and Delft pottery. These things people often buy as souvenirs or presents.

Accommodation booking scams

There have been cases of accommodation scams in Amsterdam lately. We have a dedicated page about this topic. In short, you should never give your banking information to anyone and no reputable hotel will ask for advance payment.

Amsterdam tourist information office

They have departments at the Central Station, Schiphol airport and even a souvenir shop. But they charge a fee for the accommodation reservations. You can find most information needed for your travel also on our webpages.

Post office and sending postcards

Sending a postcard or a letter home is a nice thing to do. If you are not sure how many stamps to put on, or you want to send a small parcel, the Central Post Office is your place. In addition, they offer telephone cards and money change.

Safety

Amsterdam is a safe city, and there is nothing to fear when walking in the central parts. However some residential surburbs have a bad reputation, especially at night.

Don't leave your belongings unattended. When you're in a coffeeshop, bar or restaurant. Keep your bag where you can see or feel it. Because as in every larger city - pickpockets are present.

Money and currency

In Amsterdam, as well as in all of Netherlands and many other countries of European Community, the accepted currency is Euro (EUR, €). No other currencies are commonly accepted. So you will have to change your dollars, sterling, yens, etc. to Euros. Credit cards are widely accepted too, though in some small shops or hotels, there might an extra charge (2-6%) if you pay by a credit card. And passport may be required. Always have some Euro cash for payment in small establishments. In banknotes up to 50 Euro bill.

Driving in Amsterdam

Driving in the city center is strongly discouraged due Amsterdam’s narrow, winding streets, constant construction and high parking rates. However, if you must, here are a few tips to make your visit a little less hectic.