Things to do in Amsterdam

Planning your trip to Amsterdam

Best time to visit

April and May bring tulip season and pleasant weather, though it is also a busy period. June to August has the longest days; September is often calmer with good weather. Winter is cold, grey and short-daylight, but hotels are easier to find.

How many days you need

Two to three days covers the canal ring, the major museums and a relaxed neighborhood or two. Add a day for easy trips to nearby towns, windmills or the countryside.

Getting around

The center is compact and best explored on foot or by bike, and trams run frequently across the city. If you rent a bike, follow local traffic rules and stay out of the way on busy cycle paths. Book popular museums, especially the Anne Frank House, well ahead.

What to skip

When walking, watch for bike lanes: they are often red-paved and easy to step into by mistake, and cyclists move fast. The busiest streets around Dam Square and the station are the most crowded and least representative part of the city.