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WikipediaAmsterdamTravel Guide Blog
Amsterdam is the most
beautiful destination in Europe and the capital of Netherland. It is the most loved tourist destination and famous for pretty canals, narrow houses, cute bridges, plenty of bicycles, flowers everywhere and extremely liberal culture. Tourists love this famous European destination because of its fascinating history and so traveling Amsterdam would be an incredible experience for the travelers. It is a city of tolerance and diversity. Amsterdam derives its name from the citys origin as Dam of river Amstel. In the past,
the name was "Amstelredamme" which later changed as Amsterdam. Amsterdam is known as the Venice of the North of its lovely canals that criss-cross the city, its impressive architecture and more than 1,500 bridges. Amsterdam offers something special to every tourist, whether one prefer culture and history, serious partying, or just the relaxing charm of an old
European city. It is estimated that annually it attracts 7 million international travelers.
Official language and currency
The official language is Dutch but in Amsterdam English can be considered as Second language as most the people speak and write in English. The official currency of Amsterdam is Euro ().
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Colorful, quirky and charming Amsterdam is full year crowded with tourists. Tourists can have a great experience traveling to Amsterdam throughout the year. But during
winters due to freezing temperatures, it would be difficult for walking and bicycling around the city. August is the hottest month, with an
average high of 63F (17C), and the coldest is January, with an
average high of 37F (17C). So the best time to visit Amsterdam is from June to September, as these months are warmest. The other top time for a trip to Amsterdam is tulip season: The city bursts into bloom as early as March, and extend to May. Rain is possible year-round, and winter can bring occasional snow and slush, so tourists need to be ready with warm clothes. Overall, its generally mild but often wet, so bring an umbrella and suitable clothing at any time of year.
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By Air- Schiphol International Airport is one of the busiest in the world and it is located 15 kilometers South West of the main city. This airport is well connected with other cities too. Once you reach the airport, you can book a cab or you can get a public bus to reach your nearest destination.
By Bus- The public transportation system ((trams, metros, and buses) in Amsterdam is excellent. Buy a chip card at a ticket vending machine or counter, or ask the driver for a tourist pass (
there are one- to seven-day cards starting at $8).By Train- Amsterdam is connected to all major European cities with rail routes. So reaching Amsterdam by railway is another good option. High-speed trains to Amsterdam operate from London, Brussels, Paris, Frankfurt, and Berlin. A train journey has additional benefits that it will bring scenic beauty face to face to the travelers. It is recommended that you take the Eurostar from
London (and change at Brussels) which can make you reach Amsterdam in less than 7 hoursIf you arrive at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol by air, you have the option of direct trains direct train from Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal Station to get to the city.
By Water-Amsterdam is an important maritime port of Europe. Taking a cruise is a unique and luxurious way to reach Amsterdam. The maritime Passenger Terminal Amsterdam is close to the city center but is only for cruise ships. The nearest ferry port is Ijmuiden.
Accommodation in Amsterdam
Banks Mansion- this hotel is located in a prime location. This hotel is equipped with all modern amenities. The charges are inclusive of
breakfast. 24 hours of complimentary drinks, snacks.Location-City CentreAccommodation-4-star hotel
Room Mate Aitana- this is a modern boutique hotel. This hotel offers all modern facilities and excellent amenities. It is located nearby Amsterdam Central Station and all the main attractions are located at walkable distance.
Location- WesternparkAccommodation-4-Star hotel
The Dylan Amsterdam This is a charming and luxurious boutique hotel in Amsterdam. It is located West of City Centres. it offers great food, cooperative staff, and prime location.
Location-City CentreAccommodation-Luxury
Backstage Hotel Amsterdam- This unique hotel of Amsterdam is based on music concept. It is a budget hotel option in City Centre. This hotel is equipped with modern amenities. Free Wi-Fi and a complimentary full bar is a prime attraction.
Location- City CentreAccommodation- Budget Hotel
Mauro Mansion it is located in the heart of Old Downtown, it is a quiet hotel situated on the edge of the Red Light area of Amsterdam. The vintage funky architecture with charming modern equipment offers guests a comfortable stay in Amsterdam.
Location-City CentreAccommodation-Boutique Hotel
Hotel Hermitage Amsterdam it is another option of Boutique hotels in Amsterdam. This hotel offers 22 rooms all are equipped with modern designs and facing garden or canals. As this hotel is an 18th century Canal house, so you will have experience of a comfortable stay with a touch of true Amsterdam culture. They offer rooms with multiple beds for extra person. They serve continental breakfast.
Location-City CentreAccommodation-Boutique Hotel
Flying Pin Down Hostel-This is a budget accommodation option in Amsterdam. This hostel offers dormitory and private rooms. The amenities include free Wi-Fi, a bar and a kitchen.
The price starts from Euro 49. The vibe and atmosphere are quite good to stay for tourists.
Also read:-Top Things To Check Before Booking a HotelThe prime attraction of Amsterdam
Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam
It is one of the worlds greatest museums which showcase almost 8000 works. The Rijksmuseum collection is constantly enriched and this state-owned museum was the only a couple of years ago thoroughly modernized. The freely accessible area of the museum includes bookshop and a small sculpture garden. Tourists can enjoy warm winters at the terrace located in the back of the museum. In winters the adjoining square of the museum becomes the best place for skating. Rijksmuseum boasts a well-stocked library of more than
35,000 books and manuscripts, as well as numerous fascinating displays dealing with the development of art and culture in the Netherlands.
Address: Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX AmsterdamThe Van Gogh Museum
Since its inception in 1972, Van Gogh museum has been one of Amsterdam's top attractions.
This museum has a collection of an impressive 200 paintings, 500 etchings, and drawings, as well as 700 letters written to (and by) friends and family, the collection is split into key periods of the artist's life: his realistic works (1880 to 1887), including the famous
The Potato Eaters, and his Impressionist period from 1887 to 1890, which saw the creation of perhaps his best-known work, Vase with Sunflowers.
Address: Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ, AmsterdamAlso read:-Worlds Best Open-Air Markets | Best Local Markets in the WorldVondelpark
It is a 110-acre park that attracts a million tourists. This park is very beautiful and the prime attraction of the park is a green lush view that mesmerizes the tourists. Its the best place for relaxing and picnic. In addition to expenses of green space dotted by peaceful ponds and traversed by ample paths, the park is home to a rose garden featuring more than
70 types of the flower. It also has a variety of sculptures and statues, playgrounds, and other recreational facilities. The Vondel Open Theatre is another tourist attraction, especially for music lovers.
Dam Square
This is the most tourist loved destination of Amsterdam. The most prominent feature includes the Royal Palace, which is a home for former Dutch Royal Families. The name of the palace is Koninklijk Palace. The New Church, Madame Tussauds, wax museum, and National Memorial Statue are other attractions explored by the tourists in Dam Square. Tourists will also find a Ferris wheel, perfect for getting a different perspective, as well as plenty of entertainment, which ranges from street performers to annual music festivals.
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It is the most popular neighborhood in Amsterdam. It is famous for residential areas with garden courtyards, lively markets, and upscale boutiques and eateries. Tourists can enjoy wandering to picturesque streets. The other loved tourist's destination will include the Anne Frank Museum, Woonboots Museum. Jordaan's restaurants and cafes have become a trendy place to sit and people-watch while enjoying traditional Dutch folk music.
The Royal Palace
Its construction was a monumental task when started in 1648 and required the sinking of 13,659 piles to support the mammoth structure. The exterior of the palace is classy with a reflection of Rome architecture. The wealth of reliefs, ornamentation, marble sculptures, and friezes, along with ceiling-paintings by Ferdinand Bol and Govert Flinck, pupils of Rembrandt are the prominent feature of the Palace. The largest and the most important room is the Council Hall is beautifully decorated and one of the most beautiful staterooms in Europe.
For the ease of tourists, English Language guides are available.Location: Dam, AmsterdamThe Botanical Gardens & the Zoo
The Amsterdam offers the worlds most beautiful and the oldest botanical garden (Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam), located in the heart of the city. It was begun as a humble herb garden for doctors and apothecaries in 1938. But today it features the rare plants and flowers. Amsterdam's excellent zoo (Natura Artis Magistra), spotlights creatures from around the world in a shady garden setting dotted with historical buildings. The coral reef system of the aquarium will leave you wide-eyed. The other highlights for tourists in the Zoo are the nocturnal animal house, butterfly, planetarium etc. the botanical garden and zoo can be considered as a double dose for nature lovers traveling to Amsterdam.
Hortus Botanicus Location-Plantage Middenlaan 2a Amsterdam Natura Artis Magistra Location-Plantage Kerklaan 38-40 AmsterdamThe Old Church (Oude Kerk)
The first hall Church in North Holland, which later became the model for many Churches (Old Church) was built in the year 1306. The interior of the church has features dating from before the Reformation, including three magnificent windows from 1555 from the Dutch High Renaissance, and finely-carved wooden choir stalls. After exploring the Old Church, the tourists can stroll to the oldest street of Amsterdam (Zeedijk). any houses along here lean at an angle from the vertical, and the 15th-century house at No. 1 is thought to be the oldest surviving building in the city.
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Albert Cuypmarket-The largest market of Europe is situated in Amsterdam, the Albert Cuypmarket is located in the Pijo Neighborhood. This market offers everything a tourist wants to buy. From food and clothes to trinkets and arts. It is opened six days a week (
Monday to Saturday-from 9:00 AM-5:00 PM)
Noordemarket This market is located in Jordan. The specialty of this market is its freshness. It only sells fresh food and products too.
It is open only on Saturday (9:AM-3:00 PM).Marqt- The special feature of this market is that its truly dedicated to the Dutch Population. They only sell most things produced and grown by Dutch framers.
The Amsterdam Flower Market (open Mon-Fri 8:30 to 19:00 & Sat-Sun 8:30 to 19:30) is the only floating flower market in the world. It has flowers all year, and its a great place to see Amsterdams famous tulips (and other flowers).
Cheap Eats and Drinks in Amsterdam
Amsterdam offers a solid option for foodies, those are not so expensive. The tourists need to move away from the city center to find better deals and quality. Takeaway meals like Turkish kebabs with fries or similar dishes from a takeaway shop will cost about 5. A cheap pizza will cost about 5. The tourists can also check out a unique restaurant called FEBO. Its basically a vending machine restaurant that serves mostly fried food for cheap. Febo, Walk to Wok, Maoz is all cheap places to get food. Moreover, cafes in the city for many prix-fixe lunch specials for between 10-15 EUR.
Cost saving tips for Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a little on the expensive side compared to other cities. Accommodation and attractions both tend to be pricey, so you may want to spend only a few days here if youre on a tight budget.
I recommend budgeting 40-80/day if youre on a backpackers budget. You can easily spend more, and you might be able to spend less, but this is a good range for planning purposes.
Avoid weekendsAmsterdam is the most loved tourist destination in Europe is always crowded. It has been estimated that over 7 million international travelers travel to Amsterdam in a year. The cost of the doremetry bed which is $20 during weekdays, gets elevated to $70 during weekends. you can save some serious money by just making sure you visit Amsterdam on any of the weekdays. Moreover, you will save a lot of time when you dont have to stand in long queues and can ultimately explore more.
Amsterdam Cards
Amsterdam Card can be a blessing for tourists. The best part is that the transport parts and museum parts of these cards get activated separately. The museums part is automatically activated when you visit a museum the first time and stays active until the duration of your card.
The card is valid for 1-4 days. A 24-hour card is for 59 euros and a 4-day card is for 98 euros. This card includes free entry to most of the top museums in Amsterdam, unlimited use of public transport (trams, buses, and metros), free canal cruise, and discounts in many restaurants. The public transportation part of the card is activated automatically, at the time tourists first time use a tram, bus or metro in Amsterdam.
No photography in Red light Areas
Prostitution is legal in Amsterdam. The tourists love to stroll the streets with their gangs. But its friendly advice, dont try to capture any beautiful face with cameras as it is strictly prohibited and your cameras may be destroyed by the cops or you can be charged more than you imagine.
Carry a bottle and prefer Tap Wate
The quality of tap water is regulated and it is safe to drink, so when you are traveling to Amsterdam you can save on drinking water too. As the water bottle can cost around 2 euros and you can save some money by filling your bottle with tap water.
Dont buy drugs on roads
Sometimes the tourists have pre-assumption regarding the drug-free policy of Amsterdam. So they think they can party anywhere. The sale and purchase of marijuana are legal in Amsterdam. But being a tourist you should be vigilant while having a drug purchase on roads. Cops roaming around may take legal actions.
Safe Parking
Parking in Amsterdam is expensive and can be as high as 10 euro per hour. If youre reaching Amsterdam by driving, then you need to park your car outside to save money.
Beware of Pickpocket
When you are in Amsterdam, beware of pickpockets. In the crowded place, even you will not notice when your pocket gets empty. So be vigilant in a crowded area and public transport too.
Try Drinks in Hostel
Drinking in hostels is preferably cheap than other places in Amsterdam. If you are not staying in the hostel you can get the best drink deals as many of them are open to the public. It will cost you approx 2 euros for a beer.
Rent a bicycle
Bikes are a big part of Dutch culture and most people use them to get around.
You can rent a bike from around 10-20 EUR for a full-day. Cities are small so being a tourist in order to save money one can enjoy walking too.
Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket
Tourists can enjoy the amazing nightlife in Amsterdam after paying 10 Euros for nightlife ticket and it is valid for 7 days. It gets you unlimited access to eight clubs, a welcome drink at five of the clubs, access to the Holland Casino, discounts on your Uber ride, and more. This ticket is cost-effective for party lovers.
Cost analysis of Amsterdam Vacation
When your vacation is cost effective then it is more pleasurable for money saver tourists. For extravagant it does not matter most.
Hostel prices- Always try to choose cost-effective hostels. 10-bed dorms are charged 12-14 Euros. But in a prime location then you need to pay more for the same dorm beds. The beds are available at 20-40 Euros. Private rooms which can have two adult occupancy costs 70-90 Euros, so this can be a great deal for a money-saving viewpoint. Suggested hostels are The Flying Pig, the meeting point etc.
Average food costs-Amsterdam offers budget restaurants too. The food options range from McDonalds to Maoz to Wok to Walk and you can get good food at only 5-15 Euros. Restaurant meals average around 20-25 EUR for a main dish with a drink.
Transportation costs- Amazing transportation system of Amsterdam is always eased to tourists. A tram or bus will cost 2.90 EUR for a one-hour ticket. Travelers looking to use public transport for just a day or two might find the most affordable and easiest option day tickets valid for 24, 48, 72 or 96 hours. Prices range from 7.50-21 EUR.So I feel these tips may give you a pleasure of a cost-effective trip to Amsterdam. The incredible trip to Amsterdam will always have a memorable love for every tourist.
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