With its canals lined with red brick mansions and stately museums filled with masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer, you might think the capital of the Netherlands is all about history. But there’s a modern streak, too: a creative food scene, an open-minded attitude, and an innovative culture of design. The best part? You can experience every facet of this easily walkable city in one visit. Or even in the span of a few hours. Tip: Those bike lanes can be a little intimidating. Read the rules of the road before you rent that fixed gear.
Amsterdam Travel Guide
Plan Your Amsterdam Trip
Why We Keep Going Back to Amsterdam
Neat as a pin but not afraid to get messy. Amsterdam doesn't really care what people think. And yet it pleases more than any other capital in Europe right now.
By Steve King
3 Days in Amsterdam
Our guide to hitting the best hotels, museums, and "coffee shops."
By Andrea Whittle
Featured
Amsterdam Wants to Ban Weed for Tourists
It’s one way the city hopes to reduce overtourism.
By Clodagh Kinsella
What New York City Can Learn from Amsterdam's Floating Houses
Hurricane Sandy battered the Northeast and flooded large parts of New York City, costing at least $34 billion and taking more than 100 lives. No country offers a better master class in flood protection than the Netherlands, which spends $1.3 billion a year on flood control.
By Raphael Kadushin
17 Places to Visit in the Netherlands That Aren't Amsterdam
Amsterdam is probably the first stop on anyone's trip to the Netherlands, but there is so much more to this small country than its capital city.
By Caitlin Morton and Katherine LaGrave
16 Best Hotels in Amsterdam
When it comes to where to stay, this charming European city has options aplenty.
By Meredith Bethune
Editor Hotel Recommendations
- De Durgerdam$$ | Netherlands, Amsterdam, Durgerdammerdijk 73Read full reviewThere's nothing else like it for those seeking a mini-break immersion into Amsterdam’s art, design, and foodHot ListPowered By: Booking.com
- De L'Europe$$$ | Netherlands, Amsterdam, Nieuwe Doelenstraat 2-14Read full reviewA regal grand dame in the beating heart of AmsterdamReaders Choice Awards
Gold ListPowered By: Expedia - Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam$$$ | Netherlands, Amsterdam, Oudezijds Voorburgwal 197Read full reviewA historic stay on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal canal that lives up to the name.Readers Choice AwardsPowered By: Skylark
- Sir Adam Hotel$$ | Netherlands, Amsterdam, Overhoeksplein 7Read full reviewHighly recommended for single travelers looking to connect with like-minded creatives while in Amsterdam.Readers Choice AwardsPowered By: Expedia
- Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam$$ | Netherlands, Amsterdam, Dam 9Read full reviewA historic grand dame that came under the Anantara flag in 2022 following a five-star renovation.Readers Choice AwardsPowered By: Expedia
- The Dylan$$ | Netherlands, Amsterdam, Keizersgracht 384Read full reviewClean lines, floor-to-ceiling windows, a perfect location in the central canal belt—what's not to like?Readers Choice AwardsPowered By: Expedia
- Kimpton De Witt$$ | Netherlands, Amsterdam,Read full reviewThe first Kimpton hotel to open in Europe and the location is one of the most convenient in Amsterdam—just a short walk from Centraal Station.Readers Choice AwardsPowered By: Expedia
- Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam$$$ | The Netherlands, Amsterdam, Herengracht 542-556Read full reviewThe epitome of good taste.Readers Choice Awards
Hot List Gold ListPowered By: Skylark - Sir Albert HotelNetherlands, Amsterdam,Read full reviewA design hotel occupying an 1895 factory in Amsterdam’s stylish De Pijp neighborhood.Readers Choice AwardsPowered By: Expedia
- Pulitzer Amsterdam$$ | Netherlands, Amsterdam, Prinsengracht 315-331Read full reviewThe hotel seamlessly melds 17th-century canal house style with modern Dutch design.Readers Choice Awards
Gold ListPowered By: Skylark - Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht$ | Netherlands, Amsterdam, Prinsengracht 587Read full reviewThe Andaz truly stands out from other local hotels with the one-of-a-kind design by Wanders. You also can't beat the canal-side location.Readers Choice AwardsPowered By: Expedia
- InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam, and IHG Hotel$$$ | Netherlands, Amsterdam, Professor Tulpplein 1Read full reviewThis ritzy historic hotel offers a genuine glimpse into Amsterdam's past.Readers Choice AwardsPowered By: Expedia
- Tivoli Doelen Amsterdam Hotel$$ | Netherlands, Amsterdam, Nieuwe Doelenstraat, 24Read full reviewWhile this is Amsterdam’s oldest hotel, a recent refresh affirms it as one of the most timeless stays in the city.Powered By: Expedia
- The Hoxton, Amsterdam$ | Netherlands, Amsterdam, Herengracht 255Read full reviewThe Hoxton offers exceptional value and style in the sometimes overpriced city of Amsterdam.Readers Choice AwardsPowered By: Expedia
The Best Things to Do in Amsterdam
- 15 Best Things to Do in AmsterdamWhether you want to go beyond the biking and the canals, or you only have a day.
By Meredith Bethune and Jennifer Ceaser
- 10 Best Tours in AmsterdamHow to see the most the city has to offer, by foot, bike, or even water.
By Clodagh Kinsella
- 10 Best Museums in AmsterdamThe institutions in Amsterdam’s Museum Quarter—and beyond—have never been better.
By Jennifer Ceaser and Clodagh Kinsella
- 10 Best Shops in AmsterdamWhere to go and what to buy for some of the best finds in town.
By Clodagh Kinsella
- Inside 10 of Amsterdam's Secret GardensHere’s a peek at ten of our favorite secluded gardens in Amsterdam.
By Mark Smith
- 7 Gorgeous Spas in AmsterdamAmsterdam has its share of luxurious spas and wellness sanctuaries; treat yourself like the locals do, enjoying Art Deco ambience at Sauna Deco and floating sessions at Koan Float.
By Irene Hoofs
Editor Recommendations
- Huis MarseilleNetherlands, Amsterdam, Keizersgracht 401Read full reviewThe oldest photography museum in the Netherlands is all about contemporary work.
- Eye Film MuseumNetherlands, Amsterdam, IJpromenade 1
- Oude KerkNetherlands, Amsterdam, Oudekerksplein 23Read full reviewA Gothic church turned contemporary art space, located in the Red Light District and surrounded by brothels—or, Amsterdam in a nutshell.
- RijksmuseumThe Netherlands, Amsterdam, Museumstraat 1Read full reviewThe Dutch answer to the Louvre.
- Anne Frank HouseThe Netherlands, Amsterdam, Westermarkt 20Read full reviewA visit to the house is a must, no matter how much you think you know about Anne Frank’s story.
- Rederij De Jordaan Private Boat Tour$$$ | Netherlands, Amsterdam, Egelantiersgracht 18CRead full reviewThis is going to be the highlight of your European tour.
- Van Gogh MuseumNetherlands, Amsterdam, Museumplein 6Read full reviewThis must-visit museum is home to the most van Gogh paintings in the world.
- Ferry to Amsterdam-NoordNetherlands, Amsterdam, Ferry Terminal, Amsterdam Centraal StationRead full reviewAmsterdam’s free ferry system is an essential part of the city’s transportation system.
- Portuguese SynagogueNetherlands, Amsterdam, Mr. Visserplein 3Read full reviewOne of Europe’s largest and oldest active synagogues.
- WestergasNetherlands, Amsterdam, Haarlemmerweg 4Read full reviewA massive former gas plant turned lively entertainment hub.
- STRAAT MuseumNetherlands, Amsterdam, NDSM-Plein 1, 1033 WCRead full reviewSome 86,000 square feet devoted to street art in the heart of trendy NDSM.
- A'DAM Toren$ | Netherlands, Amsterdam, Overhoeksplein 23-BRead full reviewA must for thrill-seekers, or just those that love a fabulous view.
- Moco Museum AmsterdamNetherlands, Amsterdam,Read full reviewThis edgy contemporary art venue boasts an impressively large Banksy collection.
Walking Tour: Amsterdam's Van Gogh Mile
While the Van Gogh Museum is closed in Amsterdam, take a walking tour to the Hermitage, where a collection of the artist's greatest hits is on display.
By Mark Smith
The Best Places to Eat and Drink in Amsterdam
- 20 Best Restaurants in AmsterdamWhether you're after traditional Dutch eats or something more international, we've compiled the best places to eat, according to our editors.
By Meredith Bethune
- 10 Best Local Eats in AmsterdamYou don't have to go upscale to taste test Amsterdam's homegrown classics.
By Clodagh Kinsella
- 8 Best Clubs in AmsterdamWhether you're after endurance-testing, all-night parties or cocktails and low-key indie pop, Amsterdam's got you covered.
By Clodagh Kinsella
Editor Restaurant and Bar Recommendations
- Stubbe’s Haring$ | Netherlands, Amsterdam, Singel, 1013The ultimate herring rite of passage among Amsterdammers for decades.
- Café de Sluyswacht$ | Netherlands, Amsterdam, Jodenbreestraat 1An old-school, lopsided pub with fab canal views and well-priced beers.
- Yerba$$ | Netherlands, Amsterdam, Ruysdaelstraat 48Stop for quiet night out to catch up with a friend, especially if one is vegan or vegetarian.
- Moon$$ | Netherlands, Amsterdam, Overhoeksplein 3Moon is the kind of place you go to impress a date or a client: Chef Jaimie van Heije's multicourse tasting menus have as much wow factor as setting on the 19th floor of the A'DAM Tower, with panoramic views of the city.
- Café Schiller$ | Netherlands, Amsterdam, Rembrandtplein 24Stop in for a drink and some snacks to take refuge from the tourist crowds just beyond the door.
- De Kas$$$ | Netherlands, Amsterdam, Kamerlingh Onneslaan 3The truest definition of farm to plate: The restaurant is literally inside a pair of greenhouses.
- Rijks$$ | The Netherlands, Amsterdam, Museumplein 2Culture enthusiasts who visit the Rijksmuseum can have a meal that's equally world-class here.
- Rijsel$$ | Netherlands, Amsterdam, Marcusstraat 52Since opening in 2012, it remains perennially packed with locals who come for expertly-prepared Flemish classics like Russian salad, fish soup, juicy roast chicken, or côte de boeuf.
- Daalder$$ | Netherlands, Amsterdam, Lindengracht 90Chef Dennis Huwaë's tasting menus bring Asian influences to this cafe, with contemporary mash-ups like codfish with carrot, curry, and rose or langoustine with broccoli and green nori.
- Vermeer$$$ | Netherlands, Amsterdam, Prins Hendrikkade 59-72Vegetable-centric Vermeer is located in the NH Collection Amsterdam Barbizon Palace Hotel, one of the first buildings you'll see as you exit Centraal Station.
- Balthazar's Keuken$$ | Netherlands, Amsterdam, Elandsgracht 108The restaurant serves set multi-course menus; wine pairings are available.
More from Amsterdam
Adventure
Chasing Adventure on a Dog Sledding Trip Through Swedish Lapland
Writer Pam LeBlanc clings to her love of adventure, while gliding through spruce forests behind a team of huskies.
By Pam LeBlanc
Food & Drink
Falling Into the Rhythms of La Pitchoune, Julia Child's Home in the South of France
Cookbook author Rebekah Peppler on a month spent in the chef's iconic home—and kitchen—in Provence.
By Rebekah Peppler
Inspiration
How Great Trips Are Made
Meet the magicians who can tap the wonder that makes travel unforgettable (try asking ChatGPT to plan any of these.)
By CNT Editors
Shopping
15 Best Passport Holders to Protect Your Documents While Traveling
Our top passport holders and wallets from Cuyana, July, Mark & Graham, and more.
By Lauren Dana Ellman
Style & Culture
Ask a Local: Where to Go for Indigenous Art and Fashion in Santa Fe
Indigenous designer Orlando Dugi shares his favorite art, culture, and cocktails in his adopted hometown of Santa Fe.
By Ashley M. Biggers
Places to Stay
17 Best Airbnbs in Boston, From a Beacon Hill Townhouse to a Charlestown House Boat
Plus, a studio that dates back to 1789.
By Andrew Sessa and Todd Plummer
Train Journeys
10 Cities With the Best Public Transportation, From Medellín to Stockholm
These cities have elevated public transportation to an art form—and worthy tourist attraction.
By Laura Walsh
Inspiration
After Prison, I Went to Miami to Reacquaint Myself With Freedom
Incarcerated at a facility in the Everglades, I spent years living in the shadow of Miami. Finally, I got to visit.
By Ryan M. Moser
Food & Drink
In His New Cookbook, Palestinian Chef Fadi Kattan Honors the Flavors of the West Bank
"I want this book to feel as though I have taken you by the hand and walked with you to discover my Bethlehem," says Kattan.
By Anastasia Miari
Shopping
65 Mother’s Day Gifts for Every Travel-Loving Mom
We've found dozens of thoughtful gifts the moms in your life won't secretly return.
By Meaghan Kenny and Paris Wilson
Places to Stay
On a Babymoon in Mexico, Embracing an Identity Shift
I’ve been excited to have a kid for as long as I can remember; now, I'm finally excited to be a mom.
By Mercedes Bleth
Shopping
The Best Face Sunscreens, Tested & Reviewed By Our Editors
The reef-safe, waterproof, and sweat-resistant SPFs our editors love.
By Meaghan Kenny
Places to Stay
The Best Hotels and Resorts in Koh Samui, Thailand
Serene stays on Thailand's most luxurious palm-fringed island.
By Hannah Summers
Women Who Travel
May 2024 Horoscope: This Month, Travel Will Be Joyful
Professional astrologer Steph Koyfman reads your monthly horoscope—and spells out how it may shape your travels.
By Steph Koyfman
Air Travel
I flew 18 hours with my toddler and these are the essential lessons I learnt
A plane ride across one of the longest flight paths in the world is certainly an undertaking, let alone with a talkative toddler in tow.
By Jessica Rach
More Destinations
- Venice Travel GuideTrust us, you'll want to get lost
- Our Ultimate Italy Travel GuideAll of our best hotel, restaurant, and activity recommendations in one place.
By CNT Editors
- Rome Travel GuideThe world's greatest outdoor museum
- Madrid Travel GuideBarcelona’s big rival has its mojo back
- Lisbon Travel GuideTiles, tiles, tiles
- Florence Travel GuideGet to know your Davids
- Edinburgh Travel GuideMore than just Fringe
- Dublin Travel GuideThe Irish capital is calling
- Copenhagen Travel GuideA Michelin-starred fairytale
- Berlin Travel GuideWho needs sleep anyway?
- Barcelona Travel GuideJust don’t confuse it with Spain
- Amsterdam Travel GuideThe other canal city
- Paris Travel GuideHave the best trip imaginable in the City of Lights
- London Travel GuideWhere the pubs are as old as the monuments