NEWArrivalGuides is now part of Smartvel. Discover our new smarter travel tools
Trip PlannerTravel guidesTravel tips
Explore our blog
CONTENT FOR BUSINESS
ArrivalGuides
All Travel Guides
Amsterdam

Netherlands

Amsterdam

Provided byTaiga/shutterstock
PDF Guide

Our travel guides are free to read online. Get your own copy as a PDF to take anywhere or print for your trip.

This will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4.95

AmsterdamGuide was updated:
With its characteristic canals (UNESCO World Heritage) surrounded by narrow, low, and crooked 17th-century houses, Amsterdam is, undoubtedly, one of the most charming capital cities in Europe. The rich cultural life and a wide range of entertainment make Amsterdam a full-scale city which has managed to retain its small-town feel. With over 50 museums, of which many are famous across the globe, this city is a real treat for art lovers: highlights include the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and the Stedelijk Museum.
Read MoreRead Less
Facts
Population:Metro area: 1,189,000 (2025) City: 741,636 (2025)
Currency:Euro (EUR)
Emergency Numbers:112
Newspapers:Volkskrant: www.volkskrant.nl De Telegraaf: www.telegraaf.nl Het Parool: www.parool.nl NRC Handelsblad: www.nrc.nl AD (Het Algemeen Dagblad): www.ad.nl
Website:www.iamsterdam.com/en »
Opening Hours:Shops in Amsterdam are usually open every day of the week, but opening times may differ slightly per shop and district. In general, stores are open 9am–6pm from Monday to Wednesday and on Fridays, 9am–9pm on Thursdays, 9am–5pm on Saturdays and noon–5pm on Sundays.
Tourist Information:I amsterdam Visitor Centre Central Station, De Ruijterkade 28, Amsterdam Open Thu–Mon 9am–8pm, Tue & Wed 9am–7pm

Do & See

Scenic canals, cosy bars and cafés combine with architectural masterpieces to make Amsterdam one of Europe's most beautiful cities. Take an unforgettable journey through this charming Dutch capital. The Rijksmuseum houses countless works of art, the Van Gogh Museum features 600 pieces by the famous artist, and the Anne Frank House gives you an insight into life in the Second World War. Each has its own unique story, but they all show how magnificent Amsterdam can be.
Book now
Jordaan

Jordaan

The Jordaan is a neighbourhood of the city centre of Amsterdam, west of Prinsengracht canal. Originally a working-class neighbourhood, the Jordaan has become one of the most expensive, upscale and desirable locations in the country. It is home to gorgeous historical residential buildings with cute hofjes (inner courtyards), numerous modern art galleries, speciality shops, cafes and restaurants. Rembrandt spent the last years of his life in the Jordaan, on the Rozengracht canal. The Anne Frank House is located on the edge of the Jordaan, on the Prinsengracht canal. Many houses in the Jordaan have a stone tablet on their facade, displaying the profession or family sign of the inhabitants, such as scissors for tailors and a piglet for butchers. See how many you can spot!

Do & SeeRead more →
Book now
Van Gogh Museum

Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum offers an immersive look at the painter's masterpieces, from the iconic "Sunflowers" to "The Bedroom" and "The Potato Eaters". It presents his paintings, sketchbooks and letters, and documents the evolution of his art, reflecting on themes like love and hope, anxiety and suffering. This venue also highlights his influence on other artists, making it a beacon for art lovers worldwide. Since its inception in 1973, the museum has become a pivotal space for celebrating Van Gogh's legacy.

Do & SeeRead more →
Moco Museum

Moco Museum

Moco Museum packs big-name modern and contemporary art into the 1904 Villa Alsberg, a townhouse steps from the Rijksmuseum. Since 2016, its intimate (if somewhat cramped) rooms have showcased Banksy, Basquiat and Kusama alongside rising stars, all sourced from private collections. The permanent Banksy exhibition shares space with rotating shows, while the gift shop peddles cheeky art merch. Expect queues for Yayoi Kusama’s infinity rooms or Warhol’s pop pieces; early mornings or late afternoons ease the squeeze. More accessible than scholarly, it’s ideal for art newcomers or those short on time.

Do & SeeRead more →
Nxt Museum

Nxt Museum

Nxt Museum pioneers Amsterdam’s digital art frontier, where immersive installations dissolve the lines between technology and human perception. Housed in a repurposed industrial space, it commissions large-scale works that interrogate AI, virtual worlds and machine-driven realities. Past exhibitions have explored themes like fluid identities in digital realms ("UFO—Unidentified Fluid Other"), the impact of surveillance tech ("Shifting Proximities"), and kinetic sculptures that react to human movement ("Life in a Different Resolution"). The museum’s ever-evolving programming, from pulsating data sculptures to algorithm-generated soundscapes, demands active participation, not passive viewing. Recent shows like "Still Processing" warp light and sound to challenge how we interpret visual information. Ideal for tech-curious visitors, though those craving traditional art might find it jarring.

Do & SeeRead more →
View all Do & See →