Essential Travel Tips to Maximize Your Trip to Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a vibrant city known for its young energy, music, and colorful architecture throughout the year. However, springtime in Amsterdam offers an enchanting blend of tulips and sunshine. To make the most of your time and budget in this happening city, here are some essential tips:

Getting around Amsterdam is easy and inexpensive. The city is highly walkable, but be cautious and avoid the bike lanes. Exploring the charming streets and bridges along the canals is a great way to achieve your daily steps goal. If you need a break, consider purchasing the OV-chipkaart, which allows you to use trams, trains, buses, and ferries by the hour, day, or longer. Renting bicycles is another popular option for exploring the city on your own schedule.

Experience Amsterdam from a unique perspective by cruising its iconic canals. Opt for smaller boats that can navigate canals inaccessible to larger vessels. Amsterdam Boat Tours offers small, open boat experiences with informative narrations from experienced captains, sharing fascinating facts and highlighting well-known landmarks. If you prefer a more flexible itinerary, hop-on-hop-off canal tours are also available.

Amsterdam offers a wide range of accommodations to suit different budgets. From low-budget hostels to high-end hotels, you can find the perfect place to stay. For a luxurious experience, consider the Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht by Hyatt. This five-star hotel, located on the charming “Prince Canal,” features whimsical decor reminiscent of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and offers exceptional service. The serene courtyard provides a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Amsterdam boasts a diverse culinary scene, with restaurants scattered throughout the city. Indulge in a favorite Dutch culinary experience, the Rijsttafel (Rice Table), featuring a feast of Indonesian dishes influenced by the country’s colonial history. Mama Makan Restaurant, located in the Hyatt Regency Amsterdam, offers a botanical setting and serves local favorites as well as vegan options. Explore the city’s many dining options, from casual cafes to fine dining establishments, and don’t miss the opportunity to try Poffertjes, Dutch mini pancakes, available at Pancakes Amsterdam and street food vendors.

A visit to Amsterdam in spring demands a trip to the Keukenhof tulip gardens. From mid-March to mid-May, you can marvel at over 7 million blooming tulips in a stunning array of colors. Explore the expansive grounds by renting bikes, taking electric boat rides through the surrounding canals, or leisurely walking along the meandering paths. The gardens also feature exhibits showcasing tulip history dating back to the 17th century and pavilions adorned with other vibrant flower varieties.

While Amsterdam is famous for its renowned museums like the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, make time for lesser-known artistic discoveries as well. Visit the MOCO Museum, showcasing funky sculptures and street art by renowned artists like Warhol, Basquiat, and Koons, among others. Immerse yourself in the powerful history of the Holocaust at the Anne Frank House Museum, where you can climb the stairs to the hidden rooms behind the bookcase where Anne Frank wrote her diary.

Explore the Westerkerk Church adjacent to the Anne Frank House, where the painter Rembrandt is buried. The church’s tower, known as Westertoren, is described in Anne Frank’s Diary for its chiming bells, which were visible from the hidden rooms. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Museum of Our Lord in the Attic, a preserved Catholic sanctuary hidden within a typical canal house, offering a unique glimpse into Amsterdam’s religious history.

Conclude your Amsterdam adventure with a visit to the Houseboat Museum, located on the Prinsengracht (Prince’s Canal). For just five Euros, experience the lifestyle of living on a houseboat. This former cargo ship, built in 1914, represents the more than 2,500 houseboats that define Amsterdam’s unique charm. Discover the clever use of space, including comfortable bedrooms, bathrooms, and a living area with a kitchen.

While exploring the well-known attractions is a must, don’t overlook the lesser-known spots if time allows. Even with a few days in Amsterdam, following these tips will ensure you make the most of your visit and create unforgettable memories.