Amsterdam is a city that has long captured the imaginations of travellers from around the world. Known for its winding canals, vibrant culture, and liberal attitudes, it’s a place that has something for everyone.
But with all this hype, you might be wondering: is Amsterdam worth visiting?
Today I’ll explore 5 reasons why you should visit Amsterdam. Having travelled to Amsterdam last year, I was lucky enough to see Amsterdam for myself and experience its vibrant and bustling atmosphere. I believe Amsterdam is still a great place to travel, whether you’re visiting Amsterdam on your own or simply looking for a quick weekend getaway.
Today, I’ll delve into the city’s top attractions, explore its history and culture, and offer some insider tips to help plan your trip. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, we’re confident that by the end of this post, you’ll be convinced that Amsterdam is well worth a visit.
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How Long Should You Spend in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam can be the perfect trip for a long weekend, a full week, or even 10 days. There’s plenty to do in this city so you won’t be struggling to fill your days. However, depending on what you want to see and do will change how much time you spend in the city.
If you want to see many of the incredible museums Amsterdam has to offer, you’ll want at least a week to see them all. If you’re after a more chilled holiday where drinking and realizing is your priority, a few evenings will be enough. You’ll be able to get a feel for Amsterdam’s relaxed atmosphere whilst still fitting in a few activities along the way.
There are also plenty of places to visit just outside of Amsterdam. If you want to take a few day trips to the Keukenhof Garden, Zaanse Schans or the magical village of Giethoorn, a 10-day trip will better suit you.
Most importantly, you want to make your visit to Amsterdam worth it. You don’t want to feel rushed, or like you’ve missed out. Make sure you really think about what you want to get out of this vacation and plan for enough time to enjoy it.
Is Amsterdam Expensive?
There are many reasons to visit Amsterdam, but I’ll be honest, a cheap getaway is not one of them. Amsterdam was rated the 10th most expensive city in Europe, and it has the highest cost of living in the Netherlands.
On average, cocktails and spirits were about 10+ €, a meal out 15+ €, and most paid-for activities, such as museums, were around 20-30€.
It is entirely possible to do this on a budget, but you’ll have to be conscious of where you’re spending your money. Staying in a hostel such as St Christopher’s at the Winston will help a lot. Rooms start from around 60 € and you get a discount on food and drink whilst staying here. We found this made the hostel the cheapest place to both drink and eat!
Looking for where to stay in Amsterdam? I use booking.com and hostelworld.com to find the best places for the best deals.
How to Get to Amsterdam
One of the reasons Amsterdam is a popular place to visit from the UK is because it is so easy to get to.
When living outside of London, my personal preference is to travel there by plane. Amsterdam has two airports, Schiphol being the main airport for international flights. A 15-minute train connects the airport to the main city station. You can get your ticket in advance through Omio.
To find the best deal on flights, I like to use Skyscanner. The site is easy to use, and you can search by both month and specific dates to get the best deal on the best airlines.
If you live in the North-East of the UK, you can get a ferry from Newcastle or Hull. Check out this website to see times and prices for when you want to visit the city.
If you’re living in or near London, I would recommend getting the Eurostar. This will take you directly from London to Amsterdam in just over 4 hours and is an easy way to travel. I like to use Trainline to book tickets as you can easily find the best deals on the dates that suit you.
Here are 5 Reasons Why You Should Visit Amsterdam in 2023
1. Timeless Beauty
One of the most obvious and delightful reasons to visit Amsterdam is its architecture. Amsterdam’s architecture is a perfect blend of old and new styles, and the city is known for its stunning 17th-century buildings that are still standing tall today.
When visiting Amsterdam, the gorgeous canal houses that line the streets will be high on your to-see list. These narrow homes were built in the 17th and 18th centuries and are a unique sight to see. They are a testament to the city’s beauty and heritage. These iconic waterways have stood for hundreds of years and are celebrated as Dutch engineering marvels. When you see them for yourself, it is easy to see why their beauty has inspired countless artists over many generations.
As well as the canal houses, be sure to visit the Royal Palace of Amsterdam. The building dates back to the 17th century and boasts beautiful architecture, roman Roman-inspired artwork, and your entry ticket includes a free audio guide. Get your ticket in advance here.
2. Rich Culture and History
A huge draw to Amsterdam is its culture. One can truly immerse oneself in the freedom and rich appreciation for life when exploring the city’s various neighbourhoods. Each has a unique character and artistic expression.
De Pijp, for example, is filled with quaint cafes, shops, and a bustling market. This lively neighbourhood is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat or people-watch while sipping on a cup of coffee.
Another must-visit area is the Canal Belt. Here, visitors can take a boat tour and admire the stunning architecture of the city’s canal houses. The Jordaan neighbourhood is known for its narrow streets and picturesque buildings. It’s an excellent place to wander through local markets and boutiques.
Amsterdam boasts a rich cultural history, with its well-preserved 17th-century architecture and world-renowned museums like the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum. The Rijksmuseum is one of the city’s most famous museums and the perfect place to explore the country’s impressive art collection. Visitors can admire the works of Dutch Masters such as Rembrandt and Vermeer, and immerse themselves in the beauty of the Golden Age’s art. Get your tickets in advance here.
The Van Gogh Museum is another must-visit spot in Amsterdam, with an impressive collection of the genius’s masterpieces. The city has countless other museums and galleries, each with its unique collection of works that highlight Amsterdam’s artistic heritage. Tickets sell out quickly, so make sure to get your ticket in advance here.
A must-visit destination for those interested in history and culture is the Anne Frank House. This iconic building is where Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazis during World War II. A visit provides a sobering look into the lives of those who were forced to live in hiding during the war.
3. Abundant Entertainment
Amsterdam offers an abundance of entertainment options to suit all tastes and preferences.
No trip to Amsterdam is complete without a bicycle ride through the city’s charming streets and along its picturesque canals—after all, Amsterdam is famous for being one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world!
There are many bicycle tours available to you, and it’s a great way to see the city. For example, see the beautiful flowers of Amsterdam and the Keukenhof with this half day tour. Or perhaps you’d prefer to head to Zaanse Schans and see some beautiful Dutch windmills with this tour here. If you’d like to stay in the city and truly get to grips with its classic architecture, spend the day exploring with this tour instead.
If it takes your fancy, make sure to check out some of the city’s famous coffee shops. Here, you can sample some of the local delicacies and enjoy legalised marijuana.
In the evening, you’ll find the streets bustling with people out to have a good time. Head towards Leidseplein to find bars with outdoor seating and a good atmosphere. Alternatively, you could spend the evening at the Concertgebouw, Amsterdam’s Royal Concert Hall. Known for its incredible acoustics, the Concertgebouw is one of the world’s finest concert halls. Check out their website here to see what’s on during your stay.
And, of course, there is the famous Red Light District. Famous for its brothels and sex shops, Amsterdam’s Red Light District has a lot to see. It gets busy at around 11 pm and is mainly filled with other tourists having a look.
From its many theatres and music venues to its delicious local cuisine and boat tours of the canals, there is something to do for every type of traveller in this incredible Dutch city.
4. Delicious Cuisine
Amsterdam is a food lover’s paradise, with plenty of delicious cuisines to try out. Bitterballen are balls of deep-fried meat strew that remind me of the texture and taste of croquettes. These are usually served and enjoyed as bar snacks to have alongside your drinks, as the bitter would suggest. However, I also saw them on food menus as starters if you want to try them with your main meal.
You can’t go to the Netherlands without getting some stroopwafels. The Dutch waffle is made up of a thick caramel sandwiched between two, thin layers of sweet dough, cooked until crisp. Enjoy a stroopwafel from the local supermarket, or head to Rudi’s Original Stroopwafels to have an authentic experience.
Throughout the streets of Amsterdam, you’ll find many cheese shops filled with incredible and imaginative flavours. The Netherlands is, after all, the home of Gouda and Edam. Head to Kaasspeciaalzaak to be overrun by tasters of the most delicious cheese, and find yourself the best souvenirs to take home.
If you’re a beer person, there’s a lot for you in Amsterdam. Heineken originates from the city, so take advantage and head to the brewery and learn everything you need to about the beer and its history. With this premium tour, you get the chance to taste 5 premium beers as you go along and get access to a hidden bar.
Wondering how to save money whilst travelling? Check out this post on how to save money on food while backpacking Europe!
5. Fun Shopping Experiences
The final reason to visit Amsterdam is its sheer volume of places to shop.
Exploring The Nine Streets has become a must-do activity. The quaint cobblestone streets are packed full of unique shops, trendy boutiques, and stylish cafes. And for book lovers, you’ll find plenty of bookshops in Amsterdam to browse. Here, you’ll find everything from handmade jewellery to vintage clothing and designer furniture. Beautiful historic buildings line the streets, which only add to the charm of the area. If you’re a foodie, you’ll love the variety of restaurants, cafes and bakeries serving up local and international cuisine.
You’ll also have to check out Amsterfam’s local markets. Amsterdam’s open-air markets are great places to find everything from food to vintage clothing and antiques.
For a truly unique shopping experience, head to the Albert Cuyp Market, which has been around since 1905. Located in the De Pijp neighbourhood, this market is open six days a week and features over 300 stalls. You’ll find all kinds of goods here, from fresh produce to handmade crafts. Be sure to try some traditional Dutch treats like stroopwafels or poffertjes while you’re there. And don’t forget to bargain with the vendors – it’s all part of the fun!
Other popular markets in Amsterdam include the Noodermarkt, which specializes in organic foods, and the Waterlooplein Flea Market, which has been around since the 19th century and is a great spot to find unique vintage finds.
If you’re after more of a splurge, Amsterdam is the perfect destination for anyone searching some designer fashion. Whether you want to shop at De Bijenkorf or visit the Van den Assem boutiques, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to high-end stores in Amsterdam, and you can find everything from designer shoes and handbags to timeless apparel.
So, is Amsterdam worth visiting?
If you are at the end of this post and are still unsure of this question, then I’ve clearly not done my job. Amsterdam is a vibrant place filled with art, excitement, and delicious food. I’ve only listed 5 reasons why you should visit Amsterdam, but you only have to visit the city once to see there are a lot more.
Yes, it’s slightly more expensive than other European cities, and it might be a touristy destination, but it is entirely worth it. There’s nothing quite like wandering down the many canals, seeing all those beautiful buildings before relaxing with a pint of beer and some bitterballen. Take a chance on Amsterdam, you won’t be left disappointed.
