City guides / Amsterdam
Amsterdam travel guide
A city best seen from a bike saddle or a canal boat.
North Holland, Netherlands · Local currency EUR · Time zone Europe/Amsterdam
Best time to visit Amsterdam
Flights and hotels are cheapest in January, February, November. Expect to pay the most in April, May, July, August, December.
Post-holiday lull.
Cold winter month, fewer tourists.
Spring begins; tulip season starts.
King's Day celebrations and tulip blooms attract many visitors.
Spring festivals and outdoor events increase tourism.
Early summer; good weather begins.
Peak summer tourist season.
Tourist activities are at their peak.
Early autumn; good weather continues.
Gradual drop in tourists; autumn colors begin.
Proximity to winter, fewer visitors.
Festive city decorations attract holiday tourists.
Getting around Amsterdam
Public transport
Public transport is very efficient, with trains, trams, and buses running frequently. The OV-chipkaart system allows for easy payment across different transport modes.
Driving and parking (9/10 difficulty)
Parking in Amsterdam can be quite difficult and expensive. It's recommended to use public transport or park in designated areas outside the city center and use trams.
How locals get around
Most locals prefer cycling as their primary mode of transport, followed by trams and buses. Always yield to cyclists and be cautious at bike lanes.
Local customs in Amsterdam
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory in Amsterdam, but rounding up the bill or leaving about 5-10% for good service is appreciated.
What to wear
Casual attire is acceptable for most places; however, modest clothing is required when visiting religious sites such as churches and mosques.
Cards and cash
Both cash (EUR) and cards are widely accepted, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments. Contactless payments are popular as well.
Phrases worth knowing
- Dank je wel
- — Thank you - use this to express gratitude.
- Alsjeblieft
- — Please - a polite way to ask for something.
- Waar is…?
- — Where is…? - use this to ask for directions.
- Hoeveel kost dit?
- — How much does this cost? - great when shopping.
- Ik spreek geen Nederlands
- — I do not speak Dutch - use if you need to highlight your language barrier.
Plan a Amsterdam trip in a couple of minutes
Journi builds a day-by-day Amsterdam itinerary around how you travel — stays, food near each day's activities, hidden gems and a packing list, with costs as you go.
Plan a trip to Amsterdam