Is Amsterdam worth visiting? Is Amsterdam expensive? And everything else you need to know

Are you planning a trip to Europe and want to know is Amsterdam worth visiting? In this guide we go through absolutely everything you need to know before you visit including answering the questions, is Amsterdam safe, is Amsterdam expensive, and much more.

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Before we answer the question ‘Is Amsterdam worth visiting’ here is some background

Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands, and is famous for its canals, narrow houses and museums. There are about 821,000 people living in the city, but 1.2 million bikes! In fact bikes definitely rule when it comes to transport in Amsterdam. They have right of way over both pedestrians and cars.

Is Amsterdam expensive?

Amsterdam is a pretty expensive city to visit. Maybe not in the same realms as London or Oslo, but it’s definitely not super cheap.

One of the most expensive bits is accommodation. You are generally looking at paying a minimum of €130 per night for a 4 star hotel. Space is at a premium in the city, and this is very much reflected in hotel costs.

We recommend budgeting about €150 per person per day for things like attractions, food, drink, and transport. You can do things a lot cheaper if you are careful where you and eat and drink though, which is good if you are travelling on a budget.

Do I need cash in Amsterdam?

We do recommend having some cash when visiting Amsterdam. A lot of places will allow you to pay by card, but there are still places that only accept cash. It’s easy to get cash out at the many ATMs dotted around the city.

What language do they speak in Amsterdam?

The majority of people in Amsterdam speak Dutch. That being said English is incredibly common and you will be able to get by with only English.

Is Amsterdam easy to get to?

The easiest way to get into Amsterdam is via the airport. The cities main airport is Schiphol Amsterdam Airport. There are several European and international flights that arrive here, and this is the hub for dutch airline KLM.

Getting from the airport to the centre of Amsterdam is also quite easy. You can get a taxi, which will set you back about €40. Or get a train for €6.

There are also several options to get to Amsterdam by train. These arrive from all over the country, and Europe, at Amsterdam Centraal Station. The station is centrally located and easy to get to other parts of the city from.

Finally you can also get a boat into Amsterdam, boats arrive at the port of Ijmuiden. You will need to get a bus from here into Amsterdam. This is around 40 minutes.

You can even get a boat from Newcastle to Amsterdam and we have written a full review on this.

How long should I spend in Amsterdam?

Four days is generally a good amount of time to explore Amsterdam. This gives you a good amount of time to explore the tourist spots, enjoy some food and drinks, and have a little wander by the canals.

It is possible to see Amsterdam in a day. I mean we did it on a cruise, but we didn’t get to explore in depth, and would really of liked to see a lot more. Realistically you need a minimum of 3 days to really get to grips with the city.

Is Amsterdam safe?

Despite it’s party reputation Amsterdam is actually one of the safer capitals in Europe. Like anywhere there are parts of the city you should avoid, but the main tourist areas are generally fine.

The Red Light District is also relatively safe, but definitely somewhere you should remain a bit more vigilant as tourists can be targeted for muggings or petty theft.

The other thing to keep in mind is that a lot of people visit Amsterdam to have a good time. So there can be drinking and drug taking going on, and this can make you a little more vulnerable to having things stolen, so again just keep this in mind.

Is Amsterdam worth visiting compared to other European cities?

Amsterdam is very much worth visiting compared to other European cities. It’s a very laid back and open city which is something you don’t always find in Europe. It’s beautiful canals, and stunning architecture also make it a very unique place to visit. And let’s not forget about the food. I mean it’s literally worth visiting for Dutch Pancakes alone!

If you are trying to decide between London or Amsterdam or Amsterdam and Copenhagen here are some helpful guides.

Can I use public transport in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has some excellent public transport options which we will get to in a moment. But if you really want to blend in with the locals we suggest you get around by bike. There are a number of different companies you can use to rent a bike with, and the prices do vary. It’s definitely an authentic way to get around the city.

But if you aren’t brave enough to bike your way around, then there are other options. For one thing Amsterdam is pretty walkable, although you will probably need to use public transport at some point on your trip.

Trams are the easiest way to get around. There are 15 routes that go through the city, and you can buy day tickets at the stations.

What is there to do in Amsterdam

Wondering is Amsterdam worth visiting for attractions alone? Here are some of the best things to do in city. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but some of the highlights to give you inspiration on your next trip.

DO A CANAL CRUISE

Considering Amsterdam is famous for its canals, a great way to see the city is from the water. We really do recommend going on a cruise to orient yourself with the city. Tours take about an hour and you can book these online in advance.

WALK THE CANALS

We spent a lot of time exploring the city on foot. We loved the beautiful canals and discovering the leafy atmospheric streets. Amsterdam is one of those places that is fantastic to just get lost in and see what you find. Just watch out for the bikes!

RIJKSMUSEUM

The Rijksmuseum or the National Museum of the Netherlands is a great place to visit to learn all about the arts and history of the country. You can buy tickets on the day but if you are super keen then you can book your tickets here in advance.

ANNE FRANK HOUSE

This is probably one of the most well-known museums in Amsterdam. It’s a very sombre reminder of the horrors inflicted during WW2, and if you do get a chance to visit then do. You will learn all about Anne and her family, and you can tour the place they called home for 2 years whilst hiding from the Nazi’s.

VISIT A MUSEUM

There are so many amazing museums to visit in Amsterdam, not just the Anne Frank House or the Rijksmuseum. In fact there are several smaller hidden gems dotted across the city. One of our recommendations is the Straat Museum which is dedicated to street art.

EXPLORE THE EDGIER SIDE OF AMSTERDAM

Amsterdam is of course a very edgy city with several coffeeshops. These are shops that essentially sell marijuana, either to smoke or eat in baked goods.

Interestingly there are strict rules when it comes to drug use in the city. It’s fascinating walking through the edgier parts of Amsterdam which gives you insight into something we normally wouldn’t see back home.

RED LIGHT DISTRICT

Admittedly the Red Light District in Amsterdam isn’t going to be for everyone. But walking through is certainly an eye opening experience to say the least. It’s not as graphic or dangerous as you might think. You will see red-lit windows, sex shops, and strip clubs in the area, which might be out there for some but it’s a testament to the open attitude towards sex the Dutch hold. Also it is the oldest part of the city, and one of the oldest trades, so it is worth a visit.

FLOATING FLOWER MARKET

The Amsterdam Flower Market is the only floating Flower Market in the world. The shops are located inside a row of barges, and is a homage to the days when flowers arrived here by boat from the countryside.

Is Amsterdam worth visiting for solo travellers

Because Amsterdam is such a safe place to visit, we think it is very much worth visiting for solo travellers. There is also a lot to see and do, making it easy to pass the time.

Another cool thing is that there are so many group tours you can book including pub crawls, so if you are travelling alone these are a great way to meet people.

Is Amsterdam worth visiting for couples

The quaint streets, stunning canals, and quirky bars in Amsterdam are the perfect backdrop for a couples holiday in Amsterdam. Even just walking around or taking a boat trip is incredibly romantic in this fairy tale place.

Is Amsterdam worth visiting for families

You might think that Amsterdam is all parties, and adult activity, but this could not be further from the truth. There are so many interesting things to do with kids. You can do canal cruises, go on a bike ride, and even visit the many museums and learn about the history of the city.

Is Amsterdam worth visiting for foodies?

If you are wondering is Amsterdam worth visiting for foodies, then our answer is yes! It’s a very multicultural places and you can see this in the cuisine available in the city.

If you are after more traditional Dutch foods, we recommend things like dutch cheese, pancakes, and herring. Although the herring is definitely more of an acquired taste.

A food tour is a great way to experience what the city has to offer when it comes to culinary delights, and we have included a few examples below.

Is Amsterdam worth visiting for the nightlife?

Amsterdam is a popular destination for a wild night out. I mean you just have to look at the number of people heading here for stag or hen parties to see that.

The good news though, is that the city has all kinds of nightlife to suit every taste. You have speakeasy style bars serving cocktails, chilled out dive bars serving beers, and places serving wine and dutch cheese.

Clubbing is also a big deal in Amsterdam so you will find a lot to keep you entertained if this is your thing.

Is Amsterdam worth visiting for nature lovers?

Amsterdam is actually a pretty green city with a number of parks and waterways to explore in the city itself. If you want to get a little bit closer to nature though you will need to head out into the greater Amsterdam area.

There are quite a few beautiful national parks like Amstelland Green Area and National Park Zuid-Kennemerland which are under an hours drive from Amsterdam.

Is Amsterdam worth visiting for culture lovers?

Amsterdam is another fantastic choice for culture lovers. For starters you have the museum quarter where you can indulge in art and history. You also have several music festivals including the Red Light Jazz Festival, or catch a classical music performance by the canals at Grachtenfestival.

Is Amsterdam worth visiting in the summer

Summer is one of the most popular times to visit Amsterdam. The city comes alive with festivals, and you can sip drinks in the sunshine by the canals. You will also see people sailing along the canals, sipping cocktails on boats.

Temperatures range from 11-25 degrees Celsius, which is quite mild compared to other parts of Europe.

Summer is peak season which does have a negative side. For instance, the city can become overrun with tourists. On top of that accommodation prices increase substantially. You need to book well in advance to get the best prices.

Is Amsterdam worth visiting in the winter

Amsterdam is also a good place to visit in the winter. The city almost becomes this magical winter wonderland. You can ice skate on the canals (obviously if it is cold enough!), visit the Christmas Markets, and just enjoy the atmosphere.

It’s also a great time of year to sip mulled wine in a pub and watch the world go by.

What to pack when visiting Amsterdam?

Apart from your usual packing list here are some suggestions for things to pack when visiting Amsterdam.

• Comfortable walking shoes – you will do a lot of walking
• A warm jacket depending on the season
• Portable charger – you will take a lot of photos
• Layered clothing – temperatures are mild in Amsterdam so bring layers to warm up or cool down quickly
• Casual clothes – the vibe in the city is pretty relaxed so you won’t need to bring over the top outfits

What should I know before visiting Amsterdam?

Here are some final tips for visiting Amsterdam that will hopefully help you on your trip.

• Bikes rule when it comes to exploring Amsterdam so be careful and don’t walk in bike lanes.
• You need to carry ID with you at all times in Amsterdam, as if the police stop you, you can be fined for not carrying it.
• Hard drugs are not tolerated, and honestly be careful with marijuana – don’t be that stupid tourists that has too much and freaks out.
• Be prepared for all kinds of weather – it can be very unpredictable.
• Do not photograph the workers in the Red Light District – It’s illegal and just gross and rude.

So Is Amsterdam worth visiting?

Hopefully this article has helped you answer the question is Amsterdam worth visiting. In our opinion Amsterdam is very much worth a visit. It’s such a unique and picturesque city, and you will find so much to see and do here.

Yes it can be expensive, and yes there are problems with mass tourism, but if you try and visit during the off season, and plan things in advance you can have an amazing trip.

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Happy Travels!