City breaks to Amsterdam are rich in museums and landmarks, cafés and restaurants, all built on a network of picturesque canals.
The city on the water
Thanks to its network of over 150 canals, its beautiful architecture and its wealth of history, Amsterdam is often called the Venice of the North. The city is easy to get around, whether on foot, by bike or on public transport. Wherever you are, you’ll find a bus, tram, metro or ferry to get you where you want to go.
In the historic centre, all the best bits are clustered along the famous canals. There are loads of boutiques, cafés and souvenir shops. Pretty much, no matter where you pick to stay for your holiday to Amsterdam, you won’t be more than a 15-minute walk away from the centre.
Historic and modern
Amsterdam’s a modern, forward-looking capital, famous for its inclusive values – it’s a popular pick for LGBTQ+ travel. Plus, it’s all about the historical attractions, too. The city’s most famous sights include the 17th-century Royal Palace, the residence of the King of the Netherlands, and the Anne Frank House where Anne and her family hid for two years during the Second World War. Rembrandt, Van Gogh and Vermeer all lived and worked here, too, and you can see lots of their work in Amsterdam’s museums.
Best time to go to Amsterdam
Summer weather in Amsterdam hovers around the 17˚C mark, with an average of seven hours of sunshine per day. Temperatures tend to be in the low teens in spring and autumn, and dip down to 3˚C in winter. You might need to pop your coat in your suitcase at this time of year, but the slightly cooler temperatures make it easier to explore the city.
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Amsterdam holiday FAQs
Visitors from most EU countries, the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and many others can enter the Netherlands visa-free for short stays of up to 90 days. Always check the latest entry requirements before you travel.
This information is correct at the time of writing. Please make sure you check the FCDO website for the most up-to-date information.
Amsterdam can be done on a range of budgets. You can find everything from luxury hotels to affordable hostels, fancy restaurants to street food stalls, and free or cheap activities like walking tours, markets and parks. A mid-range traveller might budget €100–150 per day, but you can probably do €60-80 if you’re looking to do it cheaper.
The fastest and most convenient option is the direct train from Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal, which takes about 15-20 minutes. Taxis are available but more expensive, while shuttle buses and rideshares can be a good shout depending on your luggage and group size.
Amsterdam has many family-friendly museums, like NEMO Science Museum and the Maritime Museum, parks, canal boat rides and bike tours. Many restaurants welcome children, and the city’s compact size makes it easy to navigate with kids.
You can easily avoid coffee shops and the Red Light District if they’re not your scene – they’re just a small part of the city. If you’re curious, both areas are generally safe, well-regulated and tourist-friendly, though visiting at night will usually mean bigger crowds and a rowdier vibe.
Yes! From late March to early May, you can visit the Keukenhof Gardens (about 40 minutes away) or the nearby flower fields. Join an organised tour, rent a bike in the area, or take a train and local bus for a DIY adventure.
Venture beyond the central canal belt! Explore neighbourhoods like De Pijp, Jordaan, or Amsterdam Noord for local cafés, markets and parks. Skip overpriced souvenir shops and seek out independent stores, local breweries and street markets for a more authentic vibe.
Think classic canals, the ‘Dancing Houses’ by the Amstel, cute cafés like Pluk or Polaberry, the Rijksmuseum’s tunnel arches, the A’DAM Lookout swing, and colourful street art in NDSM Wharf. Don’t miss sunrise shots at the canals to beat the crowds.
Amsterdam’s nightlife is super diverse – think everything from buzzy bars and canal-side cocktail spots to legendary clubs that go ‘til sunrise. Whether you’re into live music, rooftop views, or full-on techno raves, there’s a scene and neighbourhood for every vibe.
Amsterdam is like any big city, stay aware of your surroundings and if you’re heading back from a club or party, travel back with your friends or take an Uber or tram. But generally, it is considered a safe city by solo, female and LGBTQ+ travellers.
Amsterdam is super vegan-friendly! Check out Vegan Junk Food Bar, Meatless District, or Mr. & Mrs. Watson for creative plant-based dishes. Many cafés offer oat or soy milk, and there are plenty of vegan bakeries and street food spots, too.
Yes, most cafés, restaurants and public spaces offer free Wi-Fi, and many shops and hotels have reliable connections. For quick and easy mobile data, get an eSIM or local SIM card if your plan doesn’t cover EU roaming – check out our eSIM page for all the deets.
Amsterdam is one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the world. You’ll find inclusive spaces, bars and events all over, especially around Reguliersdwarsstraat. Pride Amsterdam in summer is huge, but the city is welcoming and safe for LGBTQ+ visitors all year round.
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Good to know
Passports & visas
British citizens don’t need a visa to enter the Netherlands but must have a valid passport. You can check your passport’s valid for the Netherlands using our handy tool. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/netherlands/entry-requirements.
Don’t forget to arrange your travel money and insurance before you go.
Health and safety
Healthcare – Amsterdam has excellent healthcare facilities, with hospitals, clinics and pharmacies (apotheken) easily available. Many pharmacists speak English and can help with minor issues or advice. Travel insurance that covers medical expenses is strongly recommended, as healthcare costs can be high for non-EU visitors.
Water – Good news! Tap water in Amsterdam is among the cleanest and safest in Europe, so you can refill your bottle straight from the tap. Bottled water is obviously widely available, but not necessary.
For the latest health and safety information, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/netherlands/health
Language
Dutch is the official language of the Netherlands, but don’t worry – English is widely spoken in Amsterdam, especially in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants and museums. You’ll also hear plenty of German and French, thanks to the city’s international vibe. In smaller shops or local markets, a few Dutch words can go a long way, and locals generally appreciate the effort.
Basic phrases
Here are some helpful Dutch phrases to use on your trip:
• Hello! How are you? – Hallo! Hoe gaat het?
• Thank you! – Dank je wel!
• Excuse me, do you speak English? – Pardon, spreekt u Engels?
• How much does this cost? – Hoeveel kost dit?
Social norms & etiquette
Tipping – Tipping in Amsterdam is not mandatory but definitely appreciated. In restaurants and cafés, rounding up the bill or leaving about 5-10% for good service is common. For taxi drivers and tour guides, small tips are welcome if you’re happy with the service, but it’s never obligatory.
Dress code – Amsterdam is very casual and laidback when it comes to fashion. Jeans, trainers and practical clothes work just fine for most outings. If you’re visiting fancy restaurants or the opera, a smart-casual look is a good idea. When visiting churches or religious sites, modest clothing (covered shoulders, no hats) is appreciated, but there are no strict rules.
Money
Currency – Amsterdam uses the Euro (€), making it easy if you’re already travelling through Europe.
Exchange – You’ll find banks, ATMs and currency exchange offices throughout the city, especially in tourist-heavy areas. ATMs generally offer good rates, and credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops.
Mobile payments – Apple Pay, Google Pay and contactless credit/debit cards are commonly accepted, especially by major shops, public transport and restaurants. However, some small local cafés, street vendors or market stalls may prefer cash or debit cards, so it’s smart to carry a bit of cash just in case.
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