The Netherlands

Amsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands, a country located in northwestern Europe, known for its canals, art, and liberal culture, though its government is seated in The Hague. 

• Country: The Netherlands (or Holland).

• Location: Northwestern Europe, part of the European Union.

Language: While the official language is Dutch, English is widely spoken by more than 90% of the population.

Currency: Euro. Credit cards are widely accepted and preferred, but using cash is recommended for smaller purchases.

Entry Requirements: 

• Passport (that doesn't expire for for at least 3 months); with at least 2 blank pages for stamps

• ETIAS / Visa - While a visa is not required for tourism stays up to 90 days; US citizens will need an approved Electronic Travel Authoriazation (ETIAS) for short stays

• Proof of Funds to show that you have enough money for youjr stay

• Return/Onward ticket - showing proof that you have a ticket to leave the Netherlands/Schengen area

• Digital Collection of biometrics upon arrival. To get through immigration they will collect your fingerprints and facial images at entry into the country.

Pros (The Good)

• Stunning Scenery: Iconic canals, historic architecture, and charming narrow streets make for beautiful views. 

• World-Class Museums: Home to the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and the essential Anne Frank House. 

• Biking & Transit: Excellent, integrated public transport and extensive, well-marked bike lanes make getting around easy and fun (just watch for bikes!). 

• Liberal & Welcoming: Progressive culture, excellent English spoken by locals, and a generally safe, inclusive atmosphere. 

• Day Trips: Easy access to the Dutch countryside and other cities like Utrecht or Haarlem. 

• Vibrant Culture: A mix of international cultures, small shops, and lively nightlife. 

Cons (The Bad)

• Overtourism: Extremely crowded, especially in the center and canal belt, leading to long lines and difficulty finding quiet spots. 

• Crowded Canals: The beautiful canals get packed with tourists on boats, making the area noisy and less peaceful. 

• Cost: More expensive for accommodation, dining, and attractions compared to other Dutch cities like (Utrecht, Haarlem, Rotterdam, Leiden, or The Hague (Den Haag). 

• Bicycle Chaos: While great, the sheer volume of fast bikes can be intimidating and dangerous for inattentive pedestrians. 

• Homogenization: The tourist influx can make the city center feel less authentically local in some areas. 

Amsterdam's top attractions include iconic museums like the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum, poignant history at the Anne Frank House, charming canal cruises, exploring the Jordaan district & Nine Streets, biking through Vondelpark, experiencing the Heineken Experience, and sampling Dutch treats like stroopwafels, all while soaking in the unique canal-lined atmosphere. 

Must-See Museums & History

• Van Gogh Museum: World's largest collection of Van Gogh's art.

• Rijksmuseum: Dutch Golden Age masterpieces, including Rembrandt's "The Night Watch".

• Anne Frank House: Poignant museum in the Secret Annex where Anne Frank hid. 

Iconic Experiences

• Canal Cruise: A quintessential way to see the gabled houses and bridges.

• Biking: Rent a bike to explore neighborhoods like locals.

• Vondelpark: Amsterdam's largest park, perfect for relaxing or people-watching.

• Heineken Experience: Interactive brewery tour for beer lovers.

• The Dam Square: The city's central square, home to the Royal Palace. 

Neighborhoods & Markets

• The Jordaan: Picturesque area with narrow streets, boutiques, and cozy pubs.

• De 9 Straatjes (The Nine Streets): Charming shopping streets within the canal belt.

• Albert Cuyp Market: Bustling street market for food and goods. 

Food & Drink

• Stroopwafels: Warm, caramel-filled waffle cookies.

• Dutch Fries (Friet): Enjoy with various toppings.

• Indonesian Rijsttafel: A colonial legacy, a feast of small dishes. 

Unique & Evening Activities

• Red Light District (De Wallen): A historic area with unique sights (visit with an open mind).

• Flower Market (Bloemenmarkt): Floating market for flowers and bulbs.

• Concertgebouw: World-class classical music venue. 

• The best neighborhoods in Amsterdam depend on your priorities: Centrum (Jordaan, Canal Belt) is ideal for first-time visitors wanting to be near major attractions, while De Pijp offers a vibrant, bohemian atmosphere with a famous market. For a quieter, more residential feel, consider Oud-West or the Museumplein, which is close to major museums. 

• Check out Trip Advisors top places to Eat in Amsterdam for a list of restaurants to try: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g188590-Amsterdam_North_Holland_Province.html

EXCURSIONS

Amsterdam Itinerary

🇳🇱 2-Day Amsterdam Itinerary (First-Timer Friendly)

🗓️ Day 1: Historic Amsterdam + Canals

Morning

• Breakfast in Jordaan

  • Grab coffee & pastries at a local café (Jordaan is charming and walkable).

• Walk and Explore Jordaan Neighborhood

  • Browse boutiques, art galleries, and hidden courtyards.

• Anne Frank House

  • One of the most important historical sites in Europe.

  • Book tickets online in advance.

Midday

• Lunch near the Nine Streets (De 9 Straatjes)

  • Trendy shopping streets with great cafés.

• Nine Streets Shopping

  • Vintage shops, Dutch designers, and unique souvenirs.

Afternoon

• Canal Cruise

  • Best way to see Amsterdam’s iconic canals and architecture.

  • Choose a classic cruise or an open-air boat if the weather is nice.

Evening

• Dinner by the Canals

  • Try Dutch or international cuisine along the water.

• Red Light District (De Wallen)

  • Go early evening for history and architecture.

  • Visit Oude Kerk, Amsterdam’s oldest church.
    
    

🗓️ Day 2: Museums, Parks & Local Life

Morning

• Museum Quarter

  • Choose 1–2 museums (as there are so many to explore and you want to make sure to have time to fully explore each)

    • Rijksmuseum – Dutch history & Rembrandt

    • Van Gogh Museum – Iconic artworks

    • Stedelijk Museum – Modern art & design

• Stroll Vondelpark

  • Relax, people-watch, or grab a snack.

Midday

• Lunch

  • Try Dutch pancakes or a casual café near Museumplein.

Afternoon

• Heineken Experience (optional)

  • Learn the history of the famous beer.

• 🚲 Bike Ride Through the City - 10 - 30 Euros a day

  • Rent a bike and explore like a local.

• Albert Cuyp Market

  • Street food, stroopwafels, souvenirs, and local culture.

Evening

• Dinner in De Pijp or Jordaan

• 🎶 Live Music or Jazz Bar

  • End your night with live entertainment or a cozy pub.
    
    

🌍 Bonus Day 3: Best Day Trips from Amsterdam

If you have an extra day, here are the top day trips (30–60 minutes away):

🌸 Zaanse Schans

• Iconic Dutch windmills

• Traditional cheese & wooden shoe making

• ~20 minutes by train
  
  

🌷 Keukenhof Gardens (Seasonal: Mar–May)

• World-famous tulip gardens

• One of the most beautiful flower displays in the world
  
  

🧀 Volendam & Marken

• Traditional fishing villages

• Colorful houses & fresh seafood

• Great cultural photo ops
  
  

🏰 Haarlem

• Charming historic city

• Great shopping, museums, and less crowded than Amsterdam
  
  

🧑🏾‍🎨 Utrecht

• Medieval city center

• Unique canals with cafés below street level

Budget

• Flights from US: $400 - $1000+

• Daily budget 

  • Budget Traveler: Around $130 - $150/day (e.g., hostels, supermarket meals, free activities).

    • Hostels: The Bulldog, Flying Pig downtown, Stayokay Amsterdam

  • Mid-Range Traveler: Around $300 - $400/day (e.g., decent hotels, mix of cafes/restaurants, paid attractions).

    • Boutique Hotels

  • Luxury Traveler: $800+/day (e.g., high-end hotels, fine dining, extensive entertainment). 

    • High End Hotels

• Average Taxi Cost
  • Amsterdam taxi costs involve a starting fare (around €3-€4) plus per-kilometer/minute rates, making short city trips €10-€20, while trips to/from Schiphol Airport typically cost €40-€60, with fixed-rate companies like Staxi and Uber offering alternatives to traditional metered cabs. 
  • Public Transit (GVP), walking, and bicycling are better options

• Restaurants 

  • In Amsterdam, budget meals are €10-€15 (street food/local cafes), mid-range is €20-€35 (bistros), and luxury starts at €50+ for fine dining or tasting menus, with high-end meals reaching €100+ per person, reflecting a moderate to expensive dining scene with costs depending on location (touristy vs. local) and type of cuisine. 

• Tip 

  • Tipping in Amsterdam is optional but appreciated, not mandatory, as service staff earn fair wages; the custom is to round up the bill or leave 5-10% for good service, especially in restaurants, hotels, and taxis, but always check for included service charges first. The Dutch culture is generally more modest with tipping compared to the US, focusing on rewarding excellent service rather than expecting it.