Tips for Visiting Amsterdam for First-Timers

Last Updated on November 22, 2025 by Lauren Allen

Heading to the Dutch capital for the first time? These tips for visiting Amsterdam will ensure you make the most of your trip! 

Amsterdam is a dream location for many travellers and it’s not hard to see why. With countless museums, quirky attractions and cultural hotspots, there’s plenty to keep you busy. However, this can get overwhelming for first-time visitors. 

I made my fair share of mistakes on my first trip to the city in 2015. From walking in bike lanes (oops) and dining at tourist trap restaurants to skipping hidden gems in favour of the top attractions. 

These days, I visit Amsterdam several times a year and it feels like my second home. I’ve done things that most tourists are unaware of and got off the beaten path to discover nearby towns, cities and villages. 

In this guide, I’ll share expert advice to help you have an authentic and fun-filled getaway to this well-loved European destination.

Best time to visit Amsterdam

The best time of year to visit Amsterdam is usually between spring and summer. If you want to experience tulip season in the Netherlands, I highly recommend going in April!

If you don’t mind crowds and want the best chance of sun, go between June and August. It’s a busy time of year, but there are countless events worth checking out.

If you’re on a budget, you can save money by visiting in autumn or winter. You’ll also find that there are much fewer people around.

Ultimately, you can enjoy a trip to Amsterdam at any time of year as each season offers a unique vibe. I’ve been in all seasons and I always have an amazing time no matter what. 

Spring is my favourite time to visit Amsterdam – it’s a lovely time to admire the tulip fields, cruise along the canals and partake in events like King’s Day.

How long do I need in Amsterdam?

There are so many things to do in Amsterdam, but how long you need to spend there depends on your interests and travel style. While most people can see the tourist hotspots in one day, there are also hidden gems, cultural activities and day trip opportunities.

I personally like to cram in as much as possible, but after several trips to the city, I still haven’t ticked everything off my Amsterdam bucket list. If you prefer sightseeing at a more relaxed pace, it will also take you longer. 

As a guideline, I recommend spending at least three days in the Dutch capital, but you could easily entertain yourself for a week or more. This is especially true if you fancy doing some day trips to Zaanse Schans, Haarlem or Keukenhof Gardens. 

And remember, you don’t need to see it all on your first trip. If you’re anything like me, you’ll return to Amsterdam again and again. 

If you’ve already seen the top attractions, consider visiting these unique museums in the Dutch capital.

What to pack 

Packing smart for Amsterdam ensures you’re prepared for all types of weather and trust me, you need to be! Regular downpours are not unheard of, even in spring or summer. In fact, I once spent two weeks in the Netherlands in August and it rained almost every day. 

No matter what time of year it is, I recommend packing: 

• Travel essentials: Don’t forget your passport, ID, purse, travel adapter, portable charger and water bottle. 
• Layers: Packing plenty of layers allows you to dress for the weather each day. Even if it looks super sunny, consider carrying a light jumper just in case. 
• A raincoat and umbrella: Yes, even in summer… 
• A small crossbody bag: Most museums and attractions won’t allow you to enter with large bags or rucksacks. When you’re out and about, try to carry as little as possible. I also use tote bags sometimes. 
• Comfortable shoes: You’ll be walking a lot so this is a must. I almost exclusively wear UIN travel shoes on my global adventures. 

Heading to Amsterdam at a certain time of year? I share more packing tips in my monthly city guides. Just type ‘Amsterdam in [x]’ into the search function on my website (x being the month you’re visiting). Or, join my Netherlands Facebook group for personalised advice from an expert.

Attractions to book in advance

Although it’s fun to be spontaneous on holiday, it’s not always possible. Some activities are so popular that you need to book in advance. You may get lucky with last-minute tickets, but you could end up missing out. If you’ve got your heart set on something, being prepared can save a whole lot of hassle. 

Here are the attractions you need to book in advance before visiting Amsterdam: 

• Anne Frank House: Tickets go on sale every Tuesday at 10am EST for the following six weeks. This means you’ll need to book several weeks before. However, it will be easier to get tickets if you’re visiting Amsterdam in winter (and even in autumn). 
• Van Gogh Museum: Tickets sell out most days so it’s wise to book about 3-7 days in advance.
• Rijksmuseum: This isn’t always a must, but it’s worth looking into during peak season.

Not booking tickets in advance is one of tourists’ biggest mistakes in the Netherlands.

Where to stay in Amsterdam

Wondering where to base yourself on a trip to Amsterdam? If you’re a first-time visitor, consider staying in Centrum. This will make it easy to hit up places like Dam Square and the Royal Palace. 

For a more local experience (or if you’re a bit of a foodie), stay in De Pijp. This part of the city is full of funky vintage shops and restaurants serving a range of cuisines. If you’re on a budget, Noord is more affordable and home to unique spots like NDSM Wharf. 

Regardless, staying in Amsterdam can be pricey at certain times of the year. Hotels and hostels typically hike their prices between March and August. This is due to the tulip season and summer events like Pride.

In the past, I’ve seen a bed in a hostel dorm going for almost €100 for ONE night. I was looking last-minute, but I refuse to spend that much money on one night in a shared room.

If you’re in a similar situation, you may want to stay in a nearby city instead. Hotels in Haarlem are usually much cheaper and it’s just a short train ride from Amsterdam. It might mean using more public transport, but I’ve previously saved €100s by staying in Haarlem in peak season. 

Basically, widen your search if you’re struggling to find hotels in Amsterdam that fit your budget. 

How to get to Amsterdam from Schiphol Airport

If you’re flying into Schiphol Airport, you’ll need to figure out how to get from the airport to wherever you’re staying in Amsterdam.

Travelling by train is the easiest way to get from Amsterdam Airport to the city centre. Trains run regularly during the day so it’s a convenient way to get from A to B. The journey to Amsterdam Centraal takes just over 15 minutes and costs €6.20.

If you’re arriving late at night, the trains still run, but not as often. In these instances, you may want to consider booking a taxi in advance or jumping in an Uber. You can expect to pay €25 – €40 depending on the time of day and where you’re staying.

Whatever you do, don’t get a taxi from outside the airport unless you’ve pre-booked as prices are typically inflated and you’ll end up out of pocket. I almost always get the train because it’s so convenient (and much more affordable).

How to get around in Amsterdam 

Thanks to the extensive public transport network, it’s super easy to get around in Amsterdam. Plus, many tourist attractions are within walking distance of each other. For example, some of the most popular galleries like the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum are both located in Musemplein.

If you don’t mind wracking up thousands of steps, you’ll barely need to use public transport (depending on your itinerary). 

When you’re going further afield, you can use trains, trams, buses or the metro. While you could also use taxis, I advise against it as it’s much more expensive. 

Wanna explore the wider regions of the Netherlands? You could save money with an Amsterdam and Region Travel Ticket. Check out my guide for more information. 

How much money do I need to visit Amsterdam?

Honestly, this all comes down to personal preferences and budget. Compared to other European cities like Riga, Lisbon and Bucharest, I know from experience that Amsterdam is on the pricier side. However, I’d say it’s cheaper than places like Copenhagen where I’ve previously spent over €20 on one cocktail (it was my birthday, don’t judge). 

Ultimately, here’s a daily guideline based on different travel styles: 

• Budget – €50 – €75: This covers staying in a hostel in low season and grabbing food on the go. You can visit one or two paid attractions per day (depending on ticket prices), but you should stick to free activities as much as possible. 
• Mid-range – €150 – €200: A mid-range budget allows you to stay in a hotel, eat out and visit multiple paid attractions.
• Luxury – €300 – €500 (or more): On a luxury budget, you can stay in a fancy hotel, dine at highly-rated restaurants and do as many activities as you wish.

If you’re on an ultra-low budget, you could also try Couchsurfing or volunteering through Worldpackers for free accommodation. If you’d rather not do this, travelling outside of peak times will also save money. 

Read this guide for a complete comparison between Copenhagen and Amsterdam.

Tips for saving money in Amsterdam

There’s no denying that Amsterdam can be pricey, but there are many ways to save money. In fact, I’d say you can get by on about €50 – €75 per day if you’re willing to cut costs. Here’s how: 

• Go outside of peak times: Spring and summer are popular times to visit the Dutch capital, but it’s also more expensive. Consider going in autumn or winter instead. 
• Book low-cost accommodation: You can literally save hundreds by staying in a hostel. Trust me.
• Save a small fortune on food: Grab affordable meals while you’re out and about or stock up at a supermarket and cook at your hostel. 
• Buy an Iamsterdam City Card or a Netherlands Museumkaart: If you love museums and art galleries, these cards are great money savers. 
• Take advantage of Amsterdam’s free attractions: Believe it or not, there’s so much you can do without spending a penny. 
• Consider buying an Amsterdam and Region Travel Ticket: As I mentioned earlier, this card could save you money if you want to see the wider regions. 

Here’s my complete guide to visiting Amsterdam on a budget.

Avoid foreign transaction fees 

Spending overseas can come with fees, but it doesn’t need to! As a frequent traveller, I avoid additional fees with my Monzo card and after visiting nearly 30 countries, I’m yet to have any issues. 

Every time I visit Amsterdam, I transfer any spending money to my Monzo account and use that card to make payments. Most places accept cards, but you may need a bit of cash for things like (optional) tips and souvenirs at markets. 

Another thing I love about Monzo is that it gives a complete rundown of what you spent during your time abroad. 

Use my referral code for a £10 bonus when you make your first card payment (I’ll also get £10).

Try authentic Dutch food

In my opinion, trying traditional food is a big part of experiencing new cultures. It’s also one of my favourite parts of travelling the world. In the Netherlands, there are so many delicious dishes to try (and some that are not so tasty).

Regardless, here are some foods and drinks to try on your Dutch adventure:

• Bitterballen 
• Stamppot 
• Cheese
• Dutch fries 
• Herring 
• Pancakes 
• Stroopwafels 
• Oliebolen 
• Apple Pie 
• Jenever 
• Advocaat 
• Oranjebitter

This list is not exhaustive, there are countless dishes to try in the Netherlands. 

If you’re searching for Dutch restaurants in the capital, book a table at The Pantry, Moeders or Restaurant ‘t Zwaantje (or all three). Each one offers incredible service, great food and a friendly atmosphere. Here’s a list of the top restaurants in Amsterdam.

Take your ID out with you

By law, you should always carry your ID if you’re over 14 in the Netherlands. You may need to present it to the police or any other official staff when asked. You might not want to, but you risk being fined if you’re found without your ID.

At the time of writing, I’ve been to the country 11 times (sometimes for up to two weeks at a time). I haven’t been asked, not even once. However, it’s not really something I’d like to risk. Don’t say I didn’t warn you…

Things to know before visiting Amsterdam

Here are some things to know before you land:

It’s a photogenic city

If you’re looking for charming photo spots and quirky backdrops, you’re in luck! With many Instagram locations in Amsterdam, they’ll stand out on your feed. From the grand exterior of the Rijksmuseum to the colourful street art of NDSM Wharf, you really are spoilt for choice. 

As someone who loves photography, I always travel with my Samsung S23, iPhone 16 Pro Max and Olympus camera (with plenty of different lenses). But, you don’t always need fancy equipment to take nice holiday snaps. Whatever phone you have will do!

It has a reputation 

Amsterdam is known for its nightlife and it’s always been popular with stag and hen parties, especially in places like the Red Light District. But, there’s so much more to do beyond partying.

In recent years, the tourism board has encouraged tourists to renew their view of Amsterdam. They want you to visit museums, learn more about Dutch culture and explore the wider regions. Simply put, they aim to manage over-tourism and inspire people to get off the beaten path. 

Find out more about this incredible country in my ultimate Netherlands travel guide.

It’s a city of canals 

Dubbed the Venice of the North, Amsterdam is home to many canals. In fact, going on a canal tour is one of the top things to do in the city. It’s a fab way to discover interesting facts about this well-loved European destination.

There isn’t a strong tipping culture

Unlike some places worldwide, you are not expected to tip in Amsterdam (or the rest of the Netherlands). Although you’re free to tip if you’re happy with the service, staff are paid a fair living wage which means they don’t rely on tips. 

FAQs about visiting Amsterdam

Final thoughts 

By planning ahead and taking note of these Amsterdam travel tips, you can enjoy a stress-free getaway. While booking things in advance will help you make the most of your time, you should also leave room for spontaneity. Go for a wander, get lost and see where the day takes you. 

Some of my favourite memories from Amsterdam have been unexpected – chatting with locals and watching the world go by at canal-side cafes. You don’t need to fill every waking moment with bucket list experiences.

No matter what you do, I hope this insider information helps you have the time of your life. Have fun!

Looking for cool things to do? Check out this guide for a list of unusual attractions in Amsterdam.