2025 Amsterdam Travel Guide – Tips

Hello everyone! After a long break, I’m back with my travel posts. This time, my return is with the “2025 Amsterdam Travel Guide”! I’m as excited as the first day I started writing. If you’re ready, let’s hit the road again, explore, and travel a lot together!

If you’re planning a trip to Amsterdam in 2025, you’re in the right place. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find everything you need, from transportation tips to accommodation recommendations, from hidden neighborhoods to the most popular tourist routes.

Whether you’re going for the first time or have been there before, this post will show you not only the city’s classic spots but also special corners that reflect the local way of life. This way, you’ll be able to make the most of your time in Amsterdam and create a travel plan that suits your own rhythm.

We’ll turn Amsterdam upside down together! Plus, at the end of the post, you won’t have to spend hours researching to create your travel plan. Everything shared here comes from my own experience.

So, let’s get started! 🌍✈️

General Information:

Where is Amsterdam? Which Country Does It Belong To?
Amsterdam is the capital and the most tourist-attracting city of the Netherlands, located in Western Europe. The Netherlands is a country situated on the coast of the North Sea. It is famous for its windmills, bicycles, tulips, and world-renowned cheeses. Especially the cheeses are legen-dary!

How Can I Reach Amsterdam?

You can easily reach Amsterdam in just 3 hours and 25 minutes with direct flights from Istanbul. Additionally, by following campaigns, it’s possible to find affordable round-trip tickets. If you plan to travel during the winter months, you can find flights at reasonable prices, such as 100 EUR.

All flights departing from Istanbul land at Schiphol Airport (AMS). Schiphol Airport is located only 17 km from the city center of Amsterdam. Moreover, it is not only Amsterdam’s but also the Netherlands’ largest and busiest airport.

How Can I Get From Amsterdam Airport to the City Center?

Transportation from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to the city center is quite easy and fast. The most convenient option is to take the NS trains from the train station inside the airport, which will take you to Amsterdam Centraal Station. This journey takes only 15-20 minutes, and trains usually run every 5-10 minutes.

Alternatively, you can take bus number 397 from the bus stops at the airport exit to reach central areas such as Museumplein or Leidseplein.

Other options include:

Taxi or Uber:

It takes about 30-40 minutes, and prices typically range between 40-60 Euros. We usually try not to use taxis on our trips unless absolutely necessary. Exploring the city via public transport is more enjoyable, and the money saved can be used to experience many other things during the trip.

Car rental:

There are many international and local car rental companies at the airport. However, I don’t recommend renting a car for the city center of Amsterdam. There’s a significant parking problem, and you can easily walk everywhere.

For bike lovers:

There are even bike paths extending all the way to the city center! But be careful while riding a bike. It’s not the same as we know it. ⁠

ransportation from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to the city center is quite easy and varied. This allows you to easily find the best option that suits your needs and budget. The most affordable option is, of course, the slowest one: the bus. Taxis and Uber are usually the most expensive options. That’s why we often prefer the train. The train station is very close to the city center, making it easy to reach everywhere.

To reach the city center by train, if you buy a ticket during off-peak hours, you only need to pay 3.12 EUR. However, if you choose to travel during peak hours on weekdays, the ticket price can rise up to 5.20 EUR, so be careful!

The ideal time frame for off-peak (non-busy hours) ticket prices is:

Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM and 6:30 PM – 6:30 AM

Weekends are also considered off-peak hours, so you can purchase tickets at a lower price.

Click here to check train tickets and schedules.

When is the Best Time to Visit Amsterdam?

The ideal time to visit Amsterdam is between April and September. During this period, the weather is generally mild, and the city is adorned with colorful flowers, especially during the tulip season. Additionally, outdoor events increase. April is a perfect time to see the famous tulip fields and participate in tulip festival like King’s Day.

In the summer months (June–August), the days are long, and the city is very lively. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so it may not be ideal for those who want to avoid crowds. Long lines can take up time and can be a bit tedious. Also, hotel prices tend to rise during this period.

If you’re planning a more budget-friendly trip, the winter months (November–February) could be an ideal option. We visited Amsterdam in February, and the weather was 15°C, almost like experiencing spring! This allowed us to have a more affordable travel experience.

Also, in my opinion, there’s no “right season” for traveling in Europe. Of course, that’s just my view, but nowadays, you can visit anywhere in any season. As long as you have the curiosity in your heart and the energy in your body. 😊

Now, let’s get to the real topic… Amsterdam travel tips! 😄

Accommodation Options in Amsterdam

Accommodation in Amsterdam generally makes up the largest part of your travel budget. This is because Amsterdam is one of the more expensive cities in Europe. Therefore, it can sometimes be difficult to get your money’s worth.

When choosing your accommodation, don’t forget to ask yourself: “What is my priority?” Everyone’s travel priorities are different. For example, some people prioritize comfort, while others prefer to be close to the city center. Others may simply be looking for a safe place to sleep.

For me, my priorities change depending on the type of trip and the city. In Amsterdam, my priority was to stay close to the city center and in comfort. During my previous trip in Rotterdam, I sprained my ankle, so being able to easily return to the hotel was very important for me.

Hotel Die Port Van Cleve

That’s why we stayed at Hotel Die Port Van Cleve for 3 days in Amsterdam. This hotel was one of the best accommodation experiences I’ve had in the city. Thanks to its location and the helpfulness of the staff, it provided a wonderful experience. Additionally, staying in a historic building and feeling the traces of its history was truly a special experience.

The hotel began operating as a hotel in 1960, but the place Die Port Van Cleve started in 1870. They are celebrating their 155 year anniversary. Just think about it—who has stayed here, who has walked through its corridors. I absolutely love places with such a historic past, ones that hold memories and are full of life. It’s the kind of place where you’d wish the walls could talk.

Since it’s only a 2-minute walk from Dam Square, the location is very central. We paid 155 EUR per night (because of their 155 year anniversary), which included breakfast and a welcome drink. The hotel with that location and comfort, the price was quite good. If you go, say hello from me! 😊 I’m sure we’ll stay here again on our next trip to Amsterdam.

However, if you don’t plan to spend much time at the hotel and are only looking for a place to sleep at night, you can consider hostel options or more budget-friendly accommodations located a bit farther from the city center. This can help you make more efficient use of your budget.

Places to Visit in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a city full of charm with its mesmerizing canals, historical texture, cultural richness, festivals, and vibrant nightlife. Although the city may seem small, it is extremely rich in places to visit. Therefore, to make the most of your visit to Amsterdam, there are some must-see places. Here are the most important places to visit in Amsterdam from Kesinbiryerlerde’s perspective:

• Dam Square:

Dam Square is considered the heart of Amsterdam and is a very famous square. I highly recommend starting your visit here because it feels like everything revolves around this square. Since it was only a 2-minute walk from our hotel, it became our first stop.

The square is surrounded by fascinating canals, trams, and streets full of bicycles. I’m sure as soon as you step into Amsterdam, you’ll be embraced by this vibrant atmosphere.

Important landmarks such as the Royal Palace, Nieuwe Kerk, and Madame Tussauds are located in this square. We didn’t visit Madame Tussauds as we preferred to get lost in the streets more, but if you’d like to visit, you can buy tickets here.

• Nieuwe Kerk:

(New Church) is a famous church located on Dam Square. Unfortunately, we couldn’t explore the inside as it was under renovation, but we took plenty of photos from the outside. This church is mainly used for worship, but it also hosts cultural events like exhibitions and galleries. Additionally, important events such as the Dutch royal coronations take place here.

Despite its name meaning “New Church,” it was actually built in the 15th century, in the 1400s, and is truly an impressive structure. As soon as you step onto Dam Square, the remarkable silhouette of this grand building will immediately catch your eye.

• Royal Palace:

It was originally built as a city hall but eventually became the official palace of the Dutch Royal Family. Today, although King Willem-Alexander and his family do not live here, official state ceremonies, international visits, and royal events are still held in this magnificent palace.

The palace is open to the public, and you can explore its interiors through guided tours. If you are interested in the royal history of Amsterdam, I highly recommend visiting it. You can purchase tickets here.

• Amsterdam Central Station:

Amsterdam Central Station is the city’s main train station and is at the heart of transportation in Amsterdam. Built in 1889, this impressive building is one of the city’s iconic landmarks, both for its architecture and functionality. It is an essential part of daily life for both locals and tourists.

If you’re coming from Schiphol Airport by train, you’ll arrive directly at Amsterdam Central Station. This station will be the first place you’ll step into the city. You can immediately take a photo in front of it, immortalizing the moment you arrived in the city. Plus, you can tick off one of the must-see places from your list right away.

• Van Gogh Museum:

The Van Gogh Museum is one of the most famous places to visit in Amsterdam, and you’ve probably heard of it before. If you plan to visit this museum, be sure to buy your ticket in advance because they sell out quickly, and it can be quite difficult to find tickets for the dates you want.

The Van Gogh Museum is dedicated to the life and works of the world-renowned painter Vincent van Gogh. Opened in 1973, this museum stands out as the place with the largest collection of the artist’s works. Here, you can see some of Van Gogh’s most valuable paintings and drawings. If you’re interested in art, this museum is definitely a must-visit.

Tip 1: Photography is generally prohibited in the exhibition areas, but there is a fantastic Van Gogh wall at the entrance! You can take a photo here as a souvenir.

Tip 2: To avoid the crowds, it’s best to go early in the morning! Also, don’t forget to buy your tickets in advance. You can get tickets for the Van Gogh Museum here.

• Rijksmuseum:

Another place that is a must-visit for art enthusiasts in Amsterdam is the Rijksmuseum. The artworks here are quite famous, although pronouncing its name might be a bit challenging! 😄 Inside, you can see works by renowned artists like Rembrandt and Vermeer. If you’re an art lover, this museum is definitely worth a visit.

Unfortunately, we couldn’t include it in our travel plan this time; we passed it by saying “Maybe next time.” I think we’re more the type of travelers who love the streets. 😄 We usually enjoy wandering around the streets and spending time in local pubs and cafes. Well, maybe another time…

• Anne Frank House:

I visited this place 10 years ago, so it wasn’t on our list this time. To be honest, during this trip to Amsterdam, we didn’t visit many museums. We simply enjoyed the beautiful weather, the city, and the streets.

When I went 10 years ago, I was deeply affected by a book I had read about Anne Frank’s life, and I thought I must visit the museum. I went with great enthusiasm, but honestly, I was a bit disappointed. The place isn’t really a museum; it’s a house. During World War II, a Jewish family who was fleeing from the Nazis hid in this tiny house for years. Anne Frank was the little girl of the family, and her diary bears witness to the suffering of that time. I had read her diary before visiting, and I highly recommend it—definitely a book you should read.

However, the museum was a bit of a letdown. I guess my expectation was that the rooms would be recreated in a way that reflected those days, but it wasn’t quite like that. I also found the informational displays to be lacking. Perhaps I had too many expectations since I had read the book beforehand, I’m not sure. Still, it’s a place that should definitely be on your must-see list when visiting Amsterdam.

• Canal Tour:

One of the most enjoyable activities you can do in Amsterdam is a canal tour. We joined the Flagship Tour, which departs from the Anne Frank House, and it was truly a wonderful experience. I definitely recommend this tour because it felt almost like a private experience.

During the tour, there was unlimited service for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and the staff was so sweet. Both the captain and the lady guiding us made sure the tour went perfectly. We enjoyed a delightful journey through Amsterdam’s famous canals, accompanied by wine, for an hour.

I don’t usually praise things too much, but this canal tour definitely lived up to its reputation. We bought our tickets through Get Your Guide, but you can also purchase them directly from their website.

Of course, there are cheaper options as well, but since I haven’t tried those, I can’t really recommend them.

• Red Light District:

One of the must-see places in Amsterdam is undoubtedly the Red Light District. This area is one of the most famous and intriguing spots in the city, transforming into a completely different atmosphere in the morning and evening. Many people have heard of it and seen it; it’s one of Amsterdam’s landmarks. We passed through this street every evening.

In the morning, the street is calm and innocent, but in the evening, it transforms into a whole new world. During the day, people relax and have their coffee on this street, but once evening comes, it turns into the heart of the city’s nightlife.

Long lines form in front of erotic shows and other nighttime events. People wait in line for hours to get inside. What’s interesting is that not only men, but women also want to participate in these events. It’s quite surprising to see more women than men waiting in line.

In short, if you want to experience a different side of Amsterdam’s nightlife, you should definitely visit the Red Light District.

• Amsterdam Street:

My favorite thing in Amsterdam is definitely getting lost in its streets! I think it offers a much more fun experience than all the museums and events. So, walk around a lot, dive into the alleyways, sit in local cafes, and take photos while enjoying the canals. In fact, this was exactly the summary of our Amsterdam trip.

Tip – 3: If you want to capture the most photogenic shots, make sure to visit the Jordaan district. This area is like a photographer’s paradise, with narrow streets surrounded by classic Amsterdam architecture and canal views. Wander through the streets, stop at the corners, and take plenty of photos — it’ll make for great content on Instagram!

• Bloemenmarkt:

This place is quite famous, but honestly, I think it’s a bit overrated. Before going, I had imagined a flower market filled with tulips everywhere. Unfortunately, I only encountered a market selling seeds. Of course, this may be because the tulip season hadn’t arrived yet. Typically, the tulip season falls around April-May. So, if your trip coincides with these months, this flower market could offer a much more enjoyable experience.

• Begijnhof:

Hidden just a few steps away from the noisy streets in the heart of Amsterdam is a peaceful corner: Begijnhof. This historical courtyard dates back to the 14th century and is one of Amsterdam’s oldest residential areas. With its Gothic architecture, well-maintained gardens, and quiet atmosphere, Begijnhof makes visitors feel like they’re traveling back in time. Entrance to the courtyard is free. There’s a security guard at the entrance, and they let people in one by one. This is because all the buildings opening onto the courtyard are still actively inhabited, so the security guard explains the rules as you enter. There are two main rules: be quiet and not to linger.

Once home to religious single women known as Beguines, this place has now become a spot for both architecture enthusiasts and travelers looking for a quiet moment in the city. There’s also a small church in the courtyard that you can visit for free.

• Vondelpark:

One of the city’s largest and most beautiful parks, this area is a perfect escape for those who want to be close to nature. If you get overwhelmed by the crowds, you can take a short break here to relax and recharge.

• Zaanse Schans and Zaandam:

This place is truly amazing! The windmills remind you of a fairy tale world. Whatever you do, make sure to spend at least half a day here — this is the best advice I can give you. Plus, being only 20 minutes away from central Amsterdam is a huge advantage.

We woke up early in the morning and took the Sprinter train from Amsterdam Central (train station) to Zaandam. The journey only took 15 minutes. We bought our train tickets online, and the price for a one-way, one-person ticket was 3.30 EUR. You can find more detailed information here.

Zaandam is a charming town with about 76,000 residents. When you get off the train, you can see the famous ‘Lego Hotel’ just a 5-minute walk away. Its real name is ‘Inntel Hotel,’ but it’s commonly referred to by this name due to its colorful design. It has a truly unique architecture, and if you’re here, make sure to see it.

Around the hotel, there’s an open-air shopping center. It’s a pleasant area for shopping and grabbing a drink. However, since we went early, it wasn’t open yet. So, we decided to move on to our next stop without wasting too much time. We’re glad we did because the crowd was getting bigger and bigger.

Zaanse Schans;

We took bus number 69 from the ‘Zaandam Vinkenstraat’ stop and enjoyed a pleasant 30-minute ride to Zaanse Schans. Since Zaanse Schans is the final stop on the route, getting there was super easy. After getting off the bus, it’s just a 5-minute walk to the main area. The whole journey is very simple and comfortable.

Tip – 4: You can easily travel on all public transportation in the Netherlands using your credit card. There’s no need to waste time buying tickets. For example, I added my credit card to Apple Pay and just tapped my phone to get on the bus. This system is especially convenient for tourists. You can also use this method on trams within Amsterdam.

As for Zaanse Schans — if you’re wondering what kind of place it is — the entrance is completely free. It’s a small but enchanting village known for its iconic windmills. Especially on sunny days, the atmosphere is truly magical. The air and scenery feel so surreal, it’s like walking through a movie set. In short, it’s an absolute must-visit!

For our return journey, we again used the bus. We went back to the same stop we arrived at and took bus number 801. About 40 minutes later, we were back in central Amsterdam. In my opinion, this bus route is definitely the most practical way to get to Zaanse Schans.

 

In conclusion — we explored, we discovered, we had fun… And now, it’s time for the tastiest part: What did we eat?

What to Eat in Amsterdam? The Best Food & Drink Experiences in the City