About Amsterdam

Montelbaanstoren, Oude Schans

What can we tell you about Amsterdam?

The Dutch capital has more than 160 canals and over 1,250 bridges. Make sure to take some time out to stroll along the many different canals, admiring the houseboats and architecture along the way. 

Amsterdam's main train station, Centraal Station, is built on four man made islands on the site of the city's old port. This is done to preserve that site as the city's main entry point despite changing modes of transportation. 

Amsterdam Canal District

The size of Amsterdam is pretty small compared to other international cities and the wonderful architecture gives it quite the small town feel. Still, there are plenty of things to do and see to keep you entertained. Each neighbourhood has it perks, so if you’re planning a city trip to Amsterdam exploring one area a day would be a fantastic idea.

- The most popular tourist attractions in Amsterdam

About Amsterdam Canal Cruise

Cruiseship in Amsterdam

The Amsterdam Canal Cruise  is the most popular way to explore Amsterdam. 
Every year more than 3 million tourists having a canal tour through the 17th century Amsterdam canal district with 165 canals and more than 1250 bridges. 

During your stay in Amsterdam you can not miss the canal cruise, it's a wonderful experience to see the beautiful canal houses from the water. Most tours also go across the river ij and if you're lucky, you pass a giant cruise ship.
- Information about canal cruises in Amsterdam

About Amsterdam sightseeing tours

Canal cruise Amsterdam

There are lots of different bus and boat tours in Amsterdam and various options like sightseeing boats with an open space at the back and the Hop on-hop off bus tour service is a easy way to discover the city. But if you're looking for a fun way to get around the city's canals, try a canal bike. Canal Bus operate the bikes and they can be rented at four different locations throughout the city, including Leidseplein and the Anne Frank House.
Take a ride on a ferry: if you want to see Amsterdam from the water without spending anything, take a trip on one of the free ferries from behind Centraal Station.

How can you visit the sights in Amsterdam while avoiding the crowds?

Leave early in the morning, plan your days in Amsterdam and book the bust spots like the Anne Frank museum and the Rijksmusem in advance, otherwise you have to wait or be disappointed. The city on/off bus is great for getting your bearings and if you want to explore take the 24 hour ticket on the metro as its the cheapest way !

About exploring Amsterdam with a bike

The bicycle, approximately 50% of Amsterdam's traffic, is by far the easiest way to explore the Dutch capital. And after a number of hours of walking around it will dawn upon you that there really are people on bikes absolutely everywhere in this city. There are lots of shops around Amsterdam where you can rent bikes. Some companies rent bikes just like the ones residents use, while others rent bikes with their logos all over it. Our advice is to rent an ordinary bike without logos, to fit in with the locals better. Somewhere that rents unbranded bikes is Rent-a-bike Damstraat on Pieter Jacobszdwars Straat just off Dam Square. And if cycling isn't your thing, you can use the city's public transport to get around, tram line 2 comes along almost all the top tourist attractions of Amsterdam.

About Amsterdam restaurants

Dutch waffles

Like in most capital cities, Amsterdam has a endless amount of good restaurants, and here you can choose all popular international styles, from Greek cuisine to Thai, while in particular there are lots of Indonesian restaurants and steak houses. On Rembrandt Square, Leidseplein and the area around Dam Square you'll find most restaurants. 
Service charge is almost always included in the Netherlands, but it is customary to leave a tip in a hotel, restaurant, taxi or a tourist guide. A tip of at least 5% is customary. 

But something that you will only find in the Netherlands is Febo, a chain of fast-food restaurants with a special concept. The way they work is simple - you choose what you want from a host of small compartments at the wall. Then when you've made your choice, you put in your coins into the slot provided and enjoy! And there are Febo restaurants all over the city. Dutch waffles and pancakes or "poffertjes" are also huge hits. 

About Vondelpark

Amsterdam's largest and most famous park is Vondelpark which is just south of Leidseplein. It opened its gates back in 1865 when it was originally called Nieuwe Park. But after a statue of famous Dutch poet Jost van den Vondel was erected in 1867 it adopted the name Vondelpark. And if you're looking to get away from the hustle and bustle for a few hours, this is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the flora and fauna.

Magna Plaza

About shopping in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a shopper's dream come true and there are lots of places to treat yourself to some retail therapy. The two main shopping streets are Leidestraat near Leidseplein and the pedestrianised Kalverstraat which is closer to Centraal Station, while the imposing Magna Plaza on Spuistraat is the city's number one shopping centre. Also, if you're looking to pick up a bargain probably the best place to find one is in the Albert Cuyp Markt which is Amsterdam's number one street market. It's located in an area called De Pijp which is just behind the Heineken Brewery, and here you can pick up everything from clothes to all kinds of food.
- More information about shopping in Amsterdam

About popular neighbourhoods in Amsterdam

Jordaan

Too many people who visit Amsterdam only see the touristy areas around Leidseplein Dam Square and the Red Light District. But the city has so much more to offer.
Oud Zuid is the most upscale neighborhood of Amsterdam, with exclusive shopping streets, luxury hotels and fine restaurants.
Jordaan this neighbourhood near the Anne Frank House is full of quaint streets and boutiques.
De Pijp along with the Albert Cuyp Markt you'll also find bars and cafes along Van Wou Straat.
Nieuwmarkt is found just beside the Red Light District, here you'll discover Amsterdam's Chinatown.
9 Streets are located just west of central Amsterdam is one of its most charming.
areas and one that isn't visited enough by people coming to the Dutch capital. This small area is full of specialist stores and second hand shops, most of which are independently run and owned by locals. It's also got some really cool cafes and restaurants.
Begijnhof located behind the square known as Spui, Begijnhof is a tranquil courtyard that was once home to female religious community and entrance is free.

About Amsterdam museums

Rijksmuseum Amsterdam

Van Gogh Museum: Houses the world's best collection of the famous painter's work.
Rijksmuseum: The Netherlands' largest museum and is home to many famous works by Rembrandt.
Anne Frank House: Tells the story of the famous teenager who kept a diary while hiding from the Nazis during World War II in the house where the museum is housed.
Hermitage Amsterdam: Found on the Amstel River, this is one of the Dutch capital's newest and biggest attractions. It has exhibitions on 19th century Russia and more.
- More information about Amsterdam museums, tickets and discounts

About Amsterdam nightlife

As there are so many pubs and bars in Amsterdam, the best way to experience it is to go on a bar-crawl. Ultimate Party Pub Crawl operate a pub crawl that visits lots of the city's hotspots before ending up in a top club. 
While Amsterdam is better-known for its coffee shops that sell hash and marijuana, all over the city are older cafes known as brown-cafes. These are traditional Dutch bars that get their name from their brown-stained caused by all the cigarettes smoked in them over the years. They're a great place for a coffee in the morning or a beer any time.
- More information Amsterdam nightlife 

About Amsterdam Red Light District

Amsterdam Red Light District

Besides the window prostitutes can be found various sex theaters with live acts and striptease shows with Amsterdam's most famous and certainly largest night club Casa Rosso. But also peepshows, a sex museum, cannabis museum and also many coffee shops where soft drugs are sold legally. But there is much more to see in the Red Light District, the very picturesque Zeedijk ending on the amazing Nieuwmarkt Square, the Jewish quarter, Waterloo Square lie just around the corner. Being one of the oldest parts of Amsterdam, it has a lot to offer for tourists, beautiful architecture, like the gothic Old Church. Vibrant Chinatown with chinees restaurants, shops and a beautiful temple, a fresh produce market on Nieuwmarkt Square every sunday.
- More information Red LIght District

Hotel ibis Schiphol Airport Amsterdam

Hotel ibis Schiphol Airport Amsterdam is ideally located for travellers, economic hotel with 644 rooms, restaurants, bar, modern fitness center, buffet breakfast, free WiFi, meeting rooms, TV with international channels and much more.



Hotel shuttle services

There are a number of hotels located in and around Amsterdam Airport Schiphol that offer shuttle services to and from the airport.
Hotel Ibis Amsterdam Airport Schiphol: daily service every 30 minutes; every 20 minutes during rush hours. The ride takes about 15 minutes. Hotel’s own shuttle service, free for guests of the hotel. 

Ibis Schiphol Amsterdam Airport

Prices and Availability

More information about Amsterdam:

- The best time to visit Amsterdam
- Amsterdam, the perfect city break destination
- More than 1100 hotels in Amsterdam, the best value deals