Is Amsterdam worth visiting?
Yes, Amsterdam is worth visiting for a number of reasons. This is a city that everyone should explore, and we loved our time here. We first visited in 2011 and have returned several times. During our time here, we fell in love with the beautiful historical canals, world class art museums, and the large and colorful flower market.
Whether you're a a couple or a backpacker, this city has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the spectacular nightlife and terrific music.
It's often mentioned as one of the best places to visit in major publications, such as in U.S. News Worlds Best Places to Go in 2023.
Amsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands and it is filled with canals and narrow row houses. The city is famous for its party-hard atmosphere, but it's also rich in history and culture. There are many famous museums, including the world renowned Rijksmuseum. Cycling is a huge part of the Dutch culture and you'll see bikers commuting everywhere in the city.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
5 Reasons to Visit Amsterdam
1. Nightlife
The city has some of the best nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of bars, dance clubs, and other activities that you can enjoy throughout the night.
2. Music
The city attracts its share of world renowned DJs and musicians. Popular music venues include Paradiso, De Melkweg, and Chicago Social Club.
3. Museums and Attractions
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.
The Anne Frank House is known for showcasing the life of Anne Frank as she and her family hid during the second world war. (€16)
The Van Gogh Museum is known for its exhibits of the famous artist's work and life. (€20)
The Rijksmuseum is known for its huge collection of artwork by famous European artists such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, Van Gogh, and others. (€22.50)
The Heineken Experience is known for its interactive exhibits surrounding the production of beer. (€35)
ARTIS Micropia is known for its fascinating display of microbes and hands-on science exhibits. (€6)
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum is known for its wax figures of famous celebrities. (€23)
Ripley's Believe It or Not is known for its strange collections of oddities and fun interactive exhibits. (€22.50)
The Amsterdam Dungeon is known for its spooky and interactive historical experience. (€23)
The National Maritime Museum is known for showcasing Dutch maritime history with hands-on exhibits and historical ships. (€17.50)
The NEMO Science Museum is known for its hands-on science exhibits which are great for kids and adults alike. (€17.50)
Body Worlds is known for its biological displays of human bodies and other scientific exhibits. (€22.50)
The Amsterdam Museum is known for showcasing the city's dynamic history with interesting exhibits. (€18)
The Houseboat Museum is known for showcasing the daily life of those who live on the canals. (€5)
The Eye Film Museum is known for its massive collection of films and interactive film exhibits. (€15)
The Rembrandt House Museum is known for its restored studio and collections of the famous artist. (€17.50)
The Jewish Historical Museum is known for showcasing Jewish history and culture in the Netherlands with exhibits surrounding the second world war. (€17)
The Stedelijk Museum is known for its wide array of modern art. (€22.50)
FOAM is known for its engaging photography exhibits. (€15)
The Allard Pierson Museum is known for its historical collections of antiquities. (€19.50)
The Museum van Loon is known for its beautiful historic museum-house and well-kept gardens. (€13.50)
The Wereld Museum is known for its cultural exhibits on people and places from around the globe. (€16)
AMAZE Amsterdam is known for its immersive audio-visual exhibits. (€27)
The NXT Museum is known for its modern exhibits featuring lights and sounds. (€20)
The Grachten Museum (Canal Museum) is known for its historic exhibits about the canals of the city. (€16.50)
The Our Lord in the Attic Museum is known for showcasing a secret historical church. (€16.50)
The Amsterdam City Archives is known for its historical exhibits about the city's rich past. (€10)
The Torture Museum is known for its macabre exhibits of historical torture devices. (€9.50)
The Royal Palace of Amsterdam is known for its glamorous interior, historical architecture, and royal splendor. (€13)
4. Historical Sights
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.
Dam Square is known for its historic architecture and famous buildings such as the Nieuwe Kerk and Royal Palace. (Free)
The Flower Market is known for its wide range of Dutch tulips and other flowers sold in small shops along the canal. (Free)
5. Shopping
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.
The Flower Market is known for its wide range of Dutch tulips and other flowers sold in small shops along the canal. (Free)
Dam Square is known for its historic architecture and famous buildings such as the Nieuwe Kerk and Royal Palace. (Free)
Is Amsterdam worth visiting in the Summer?
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during summer with average temperatures around 17°C (62°F).
The peak season for travel is summer in Amsterdam, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is very popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect tourist crowds to be very large, and prices to be higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too.
The activities of the city are numerous, and this is a great time of year to explore all of them. From family-friendly attractions to romantic getaways, as well as budget-friendly things to do, there's something for everyone. Famous landmarks, museums, tours, and more are all available. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable city, especially in the nice weather. This is a great time of year to wander through the museums, enjoy the city's energy, and admire the historic sights. Also, you'll be able to dance the night away.
Summer Weather in Amsterdam
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| August | 17°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| September | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
Is Amsterdam worth visiting in the Autumn?
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Amsterdam. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the shoulder season you'll still see plenty of other tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found on hotels and tours.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 11°C (51°F).
Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. Soaking up that old town charm in the autumn is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to admire the wonderful scenery, browse around the old town, and browse through museums. Also, you can experience the big city activities and the live music.
Autumn Weather in Amsterdam
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 11°C (51°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| November | 6°C (43°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| December | 3°C (38°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
Is Amsterdam worth visiting in the Winter?
This is the low season for travel in Amsterdam. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the low season you'll still see plenty of other travelers when you visit, but less than other times of the year. Good deals are to be found on hotels and tours because it's not the best time of year to visit.
The weather in Amsterdam can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 2°C (36°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
You'll like that you can take public transit easily in the winter, too. You can get around quickly while avoiding bad weather if needed. During this season it's fun to experience the famous sights and museums, the historic old town, and the nightlife scene. Also, you can listen to some live music and soak up the big city atmosphere.
Winter Weather in Amsterdam
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 2°C (36°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| February | 3°C (37°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| March | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
Is Amsterdam worth visiting in the Spring?
The weather in Amsterdam can be quite cold during spring, and averages around 8°C (46°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Amsterdam, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the shoulder season you'll still see plenty of other tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found on hotels and tours.
The city this time of year is absolutely beautiful. Admire the gardens, parks, and fantastic architecture, too. Soaking up that old town charm in the spring is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. This is a great time of year to browse the shops, browse the museums, and admire the wonderful scenery. Also, you can check out the historic old town, the live music scene, and the nightlife.
Spring Weather in Amsterdam
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 8°C (46°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| May | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| June | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Amsterdam
Food: Amsterdam doesn't top the list for most foodies. Food is expensive in this city, particularly in the touristy areas. There are some markets that sell great local items and the dessert cafes are awesome!
Lots of Tourists
Amsterdam sees a high number of visitors every year, which means you might have to wait in line and deal with large crowds during your visit.
Not As Family-Friendly
While there are some family activities, it's not as child-friendly as other destinations.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Amsterdam might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Amsterdam here or see if Amsterdam is expensive here.
Related
What is Amsterdam most famous for?
Amsterdam is most famous for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. The city is very popular for its nightlife and music. It's also known for museums and attractions, historical sights, and shopping. It is often described as party-oriented, laid-back, scenic, historic, and canal-lined.
What is the most famous sight in Amsterdam?
The most popular sight in Amsterdam is The Rijksmuseum. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Amsterdam on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Rijksmuseum and other attractions here.
How touristy is Amsterdam? Is it a popular city to visit?
Amsterdam is a very touristy city that attracts travelers from around the globe. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Small Group Walking Tour in Amsterdam with Friendly and Fun Guide: $39
- Amsterdam Highlights: 60-Minute Canal Cruise: $95
- Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Private Guided Tour: $198
- Amsterdam countryside tour by car: $161
- Amsterdam Sightseeing Tour + Hidden Gems + Tastings + PDF guide: $24
- Bill's Bike Tour Amsterdam - Culture, Liberalism & Tolerance: $68
- City Highlights Bike Tour: $111
- Amsterdam Light Festival Private Cruise With Welcome Drink: $275
How long should I spend in Amsterdam?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Amsterdam is two to seven days. Since Amsterdam has a variety of activities such as nightlife and music, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Amsterdam?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Amsterdam?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Amsterdam?.
More Things to Do in Amsterdam
- Is The Anne Frank House Worth Visiting?
- Is The Van Gogh Museum Worth Visiting?
- Is The Rijksmuseum Worth Visiting?
- Is The Flower Market Worth Visiting?
- Is Dam Square Worth Seeing?
For guided and organized tour options, check out The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Netherlands and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Netherlands.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
Expert Advice from Local Travelers
We're asking our community members and registered users to contribute their experiences about Amsterdam.
What makes Amsterdam a budget-friendly destination? Or not?
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.
How can you save money during your time in Amsterdam?
Almost all of the restaurants charge for water, so carry a water bottle with you everywhere. Many restaurants are also overpriced, so try to get outside of the touristy areas so you don't have to pay too much.
Amsterdam is crazy expensive in so many ways. The restaurants are expensive and hotels are also at a premium. The best way to save a bit of cash is to visit during the low season.
Food and restaurants were expensive so I ended up eating at a lot of street food and fast food type of places away from the main tourist areas. I went into the residential areas around Westerpark for more of the local restaurants.