Amsterdam is famous for its world-class museums and historic sites. The city has a number of sights and museums including the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Royal Palace. The world renowned Rijksmuseum is a must see for any art enthusiast. There are also many smaller, lesser known museums that are well worth a visit.
Many people come to experience the charm of the historic old town. The old city center is one of the best preserved in Europe. It's enclosed by canals and has many historic churches, plazas, and buildings.
Experiencing the shopping here is an opportunity you shouldn't pass by. For the best shopping in town, head to the Nine Streets area in the historic district and the two main shopping streets of The Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat.
Traveling in Amsterdam
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the capital and most popular tourist destination in the Netherlands. While it is most famous for its canals that cross and weave around the city, it also has a rich history, interesting culture, and liberal vibe that appeal to all types of travelers. The historical architecture, scenic bridges, and energetic cycling culture help this metropolitan area maintain its small town vibe, despite being the largest city in the country as well as the financial center.
A visit to Amsterdam often includes at least one side trip into the countryside. A visit to a small town outside of the city will let travelers see the tulips (when in season), visit the windmills so popular in the Netherlands, and explore the local communities that are also friendly and welcoming. These small towns are a great way to see more of the Netherlands than just Amsterdam.
Neighborhoods & Around
Visitors to Amsterdam most often come to see the city's Old Centre. This medieval center has the most interesting and traditional architecture, the largest number of canals, plenty of shopping opportunities, and a good number of Amsterdam's infamous coffeeshops. The very center of this neighborhood is Dam Square, but other interesting parts are Nieuwmarkt, Spui, and, of course, the Red Light District.
Another interesting neighborhood is the wealthy Canal Ring. This neighborhood is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has several celebrity residents. This is also a neighborhood to visit if you're looking for good nightlife.
Other interesting, but less visited neighborhoods include Jordaan, where there are many local art galleries, restaurants, and boutiques, Plantage, where you'll find the highest concentration of museums, and in the South you'll find museums, the Albert Cuyp Market, and affordable accommodation.
Related
Looking for a party? Find a party hostel in Amsterdam.Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
When planning your trip to Amsterdam, it's important to have realistic expectations about your budget. Many believe they can travel on a shoestring, but that often leads to either uncomfortable travel experiences or some surprisingly high expenses. Consider your vacation style. Do you enjoy staying in hostels, resorts, regular hotels, or vacation rentals? Are attractions and dining experiences a priority? These factors will affect how much you spend and your itinerary.
What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $96 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Luckily, there are plenty of hostels in Amsterdam, such as St Christopher's Amsterdam - The Winston, ClinkNOORD, and Flying Pig Downtown. Staying at these hostels means you can score affordable dorm lodging and a lively social vibe, but be prepared for basic amenities. Additionally, the city boasts excellent public transit, allowing budget travelers to evade costly taxi or Uber trips.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
Couples and families on a fun trip will likely choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at popular dining spots, and visit significant museums and attractions that have entry fees. Most visitors to Amsterdam will want to visit the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, or the Rijksmuseum. After all, most activities are not free. So, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be about $244 per person, per day.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If you're looking for a complete getaway that features every luxury and a high level of service, plan on a cost of about $624 daily. To enjoy nicer hotels, dine at award-winning venues, indulge in extravagant experiences, and travel around the city with taxis or private drivers, you'll need to set aside a luxury budget. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Private Amsterdam Walking Tour: Customized Just for You - offered by Viator.
We have a hard time saving money in Amsterdam because many of the hostels aren't really our style and the restaurants are very expensive.