Is Amsterdam worth visiting? If Amsterdam is on your maybe travel list for 2024 and you are asking yourself if “is Amsterdam a good place to visit” you’ve landed on the right page.
To be honest, Amsterdam was low on my travel list. I always viewed it as a good-time city, with its liberal views on drugs and prostitution, and I just didn’t think it would ever appeal to me. Boy, was I ever wrong!
I spent 10 days in Amsterdam and fell in love with this city. What’s there not to love about a city of canals, bikes, and well-preserved 17th to 18th-century architecture? But, I found out there’s way more to this city than meets the eye.
It’s chock-full of amazing museums and art galleries, stylish boutique shops, design-savvy hotels, and trendy restaurants that will satisfy any foodie. But like any great city, it is not perfect.
In this article, I share reasons to visit Amsterdam and not-so-favourable reasons to visit Amsterdam (unless you love rainy days). I also share the best time to visit Amsterdam and what type of traveller based on your interests will love visiting here.
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What is Amsterdam Famous For?
The capital city of the Netherlands, Amsterdam captivates travellers with its Dutch charm and a myriad of “C” elements that contribute to its uniqueness. Without sounding too cheeky…
Amsterdam is known for:
- canals
- cute canal houses
- cultural hub of art and museums
- cyclists and bike-friendly culture
- coffee shops (yes, dedicated to cannabis)
- countless tulips and celebrated tulip fields
- culinary delights
- cool, hip cafe culture
Now, let’s dive into the 13 reasons to go to Amsterdam.
Is Amsterdam Worth Visiting?
1. Canal System in Amsterdam
Did you know that Amsterdam’s intricate network of 165 canals is often referred to as the “Venice of the North?”
Built during the Dutch Golden Age of the 17th century, these waterways wind gracefully through the city, flanked by historic canal houses adorned with ornate gables. It’s so darn picturesque that you’ll be forever chasing those water reflection captures with your camera.
Opt for a canal cruise, yes it’s a little touristy thing to do in Amsterdam, but you’ll fall in love with that gorgeous perspective as you pass under iconic bridges and glide past centuries-old architecture.
2. Amsterdam’s Architecture
I instantly fell in love with Amsteram’s architecture. The unique architecture of the tall, thin, large-windowed, gabled century canal house is unlike anything else you will find in Europe.
It is required that each townhome be personalized and distinct from its neighbour while complimenting it. That’s why you see such elaborate details in the gables, brick details, plaster crests, scrolls, or masks. My best advice is don’t rush it, and take your time to notice every little detail. Such care is taken and at first glance, you might miss those unique architectural details.
Situated on Dam Square is the 17th-century Royal Palace of Amsterdam. It was originally built as the city hall, and today as one of the three Palaces used for Royal events as it’s considered one of the city’s most prestigious buildings that you can visit too! The Oude Kerk, or Old Church is the oldest building in Amsterdam, dating back to 1306. Unlike most churches in Europe, this is not free due to its museum status.
3. UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Netherlands
Amsterdam is such a beautiful city with its 200-year-old canals lined with picturesque townhouses. So much so that the entire canal ring in the historic center was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2010.
With canals come bridges, and Amsterdam has over 1500 bridges! So many of them that you almost become immune to them. The prettiest ones will be adorned with colourful flower boxes and bikes leaning against them, begging for a photo to be taken!
4. The Must-Visit Museums in Amsterdam
Brace yourself as Amsterdam is chock-full of museums – around 75 in total. Who knew?! There are two that I recommend are musts for first-timers to Amsterdam.
The Anne Frank House
I can remember the exact moment in time when I first read the Diary of Anne Frank. I just knew I needed to see the secret annex, tucked behind a bookcase where Anne and her family hid for 2 years before they were eventually discovered.
The Museum tells the story of the Frank family as well as a quiet memorial to all the lives lost during the Holocaust.
Insiders tip: tickets must be pre-booked in advance, and if they are sold out (chances are very high), there is a daily lottery of getting tickets by calling as soon as they open in the morning based on first come, first served.
Rijksmuseum
This is the most-visited museum in the Netherlands with over two million people a year. It offers a rotating display of artwork and objects that tell the Dutch 800-year story.
The Rijksmuseum, a masterpiece in itself, houses Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch,” and when I visited, I was fortunate enough to see the world’s largest research and live conservation of this most famous piece.
5. World-Class Art in Amsterdam
The world’s largest collection of Vincent Van Gogh’s work, with around 200 paintings and over 1,000 letters and drawings, tells the story of his life.
You gain real insight into his life, his relationships, and his mental health. Each room highlights a certain time period in his life and you can see how this has influenced his work.
The real highlight is seeing his most famous work – the Sunflowers, Almond Blossom, and The Potato Eaters were among my favourites.
Insider’s tip: all museums require booking your ticket in advance.
6. The 9 Streets
Time for one of the top things to do in Amsterdam, getting lost in its streets. My favourite area to roam was referred to as The Nine Streets in the Jordaan neighbourhood.
This picturesque area is literally made up of nine streets (3 x 3). They sit right in the middle of the canal belt running between Singel, Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht. It’s an area brimming with unique shops and charming eateries.
The nine streets include:
- Gasthuismolensteeg, Hartenstraat, Reestraat,
- Oude Spielgelstraat, Wolvenstraat, Berenstraat,
- Wijde Heistreeg, Huidenstraat, Runstraat
Beyond the 9 Streets, I also found some more nearby favourite streets:
- Browersgracht
- Herengracht
- Keizersgracht
- Palmdwarsstraat
- Prinsengracht
- Willemstraat
- Lindenstraat
7. Food
Amsterdam’s food scene mirrors its cosmopolitan character. From traditional Dutch stroopwafels, frites and poffertjes to exotic Surinamese cuisine, the city caters to every palate and some of the best dining experiences I’ve had.
If you are a foodie like me, you’re going to want to visit the Albert Cuyp Market, the city’s largest and busiest market offering 260 stalls of flowers, produce and cheese. Not to mention the surrounding area is full of cozy cafés and restaurants.
Another fun place for a foodie activity is the Heineken Experience. Located in the original Heineken Brewery you are told the story of Gerard Adriaan Heineken buying the building back in 1863 when it was the ‘De Hooiberg’ brewery, and how it was turned into the largest producer of beer in the country. I found it fun, interactive and entertaining and you get three beer tickets at the end of the tour.
Oh, and for first-timers to Amsterdam don’t mistake a coffee shop for where you get your latte or espresso, for that you will have to find a café. A coffee shop in Amsterdam is where you are able to consume a small amount of marijuana.
8. Cyclists and Bike-Friendly Culture
Pedal your way through Amsterdam, a city where bikes outnumber cars. Join the locals on dedicated bike lanes that crisscross the city, exploring landmarks like the iconic Skinny Bridge or the historic Westerkerk.
Join a bike tour and embrace the leisurely pace of cycling, uncovering hidden gems at every turn.
9. Parks and Green Spaces in Amsterdam
VondelPark, Amsterdam’s largest park, is lively and well-visited by locals and tourists alike, a real gem of the city.
It includes cycle paths, winding footpaths, pristine lawns, ponds with swans, and tiny cafes. With its proximity to the main museums, it’s a great addition to your itinerary and one of the best things to do in Amsterdam (that’s free!).
10. Tulips in Amsterdam
Visiting Amsterdam in springtime promises you a kaleidoscope of colours in Amsterdam, especially at the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens. Roam through meticulously landscaped gardens showcasing millions of tulips in full bloom, earning it Netherlands’ reputation as the tulip capital of the world.
If you’re like me and visiting Amsterdam outside of tulip season go to the amazing Floating Flower Market. It’s a unique and bustling market located along the Singel Canal that includes tulip bulbs, available year-round. Chat with the local vendors and they will tell you about the longlasting horticultural tradition.
11. Day Trips from Amsterdam
After you’re done seeing the sights in Amsterdam, why not take a day trip or two? From the central station, many beautiful places are a short train ride away. Here are the ones I did that I highly recommend:
- the medieval charm of Haarlem from Amsterdam (15 minutes by train)
- stroll along the canals of Utrecht from Amsterdam (25 minutes by train)
- escape to the serene Dutch countryside with these four quaint Dutch places Voldem, Edam, Marken, and Zaanse Schans
12. Amsterdam’s Fascinating Red Light District
De Wallen is best known as the red light district where there are approximately 300 one-room spaces rented by prostitutes. They are interspersed through a network of alleyways where you will find a high concentration of coffee shops, bars, chain restaurants, and stores.
It’s not an area to avoid all together as you will also find some beautiful churches and historic buildings. And, soon the red light district will be moved elsewhere in the city as further way to move away from its “sin city” reputation.
13. Nightlife
As the sun sets, Amsterdam transforms into a vibrant late night city. dynamic nocturnal playground. Dive into the city’s nightlife, where trendy bars in the Red Light District coexist with traditional brown cafes. From live music venues to chic nightclubs, Amsterdam offers an electrifying array of options, ensuring unforgettable evenings for every taste.
It’s no secret that Amsterdam is known for its great nightlife. But it’s not just for the young. Amsterdam offers sophisticated cocktail bars and live music venues. For me, I’m well passed my partying days and I enjoyed lots of late night dinners and grabbing a delicous cocktail at the many uber cool cocktail bars.
Reasons NOT to go to Amsterdam
Amsterdam has cleaned up its act and is no longer just the stag-doe party scene it used to be known for. Don’t get me wrong, it still is a very popular weekend-only kind of city with lots of young people coming into the city on a Friday and leaving on a Sunday.
Amsterdam is an incredibly popular European destination and the high volume of tourists is seen and felt maybe a bit more than other cities due to its small size. That’s why Amsterdam has been practicing the required pre-booking of timed museum entrance tickets well before Covid. Now, it’s just customary anywhere you are travelling in Europe.
Amsterdam might not be everyone’s perfect pick of travel destination due to the weather. The weather can be a bit gloomy with lots of rain, especially in the spring, fall and winter. There wasn’t a day where I didn’t have to bring out my umbrella at some point.
Money-wise, it can be expensive. I noticeably had to pay more for my accommodations, and that is an expense I don’t like to skimp out on. Add in dining and museums and your trip will add up. All of those reasons were not enough to hold me back from visiting Amsterdam.
Is Amsterdam a Good Place to Visit…(Type of Traveller)
For a tailored Amsterdam experience, consider how the city stacks up against the type of traveller you are and your interests.
When to Go to Amsterdam
Amsterdam celebrates four distinct seasons with three travel seasons.
- High Season: April to September offers mild weather and vibrant outdoor activities with the highest number of tourists
- Shoulder Season: October to December and March provides a balance between fewer crowds and reasonable weather
- Low Season: January and February brings almost zero tourists and a much quieter atmosphere
For flower enthusiasts, the best times to visit Amsterdam for flowers align with the spring months, especially during the blooming season of tulips, typically from late March to early May.
As a Holidaymaker
As you can see this culturally rich city is chockfull of Amsterdam things to do. Hopefully, I’ve convinced you that Amsterdam is worth visiting. If you decide to go, the best area to stay in is The 9 Streets. Not only is it picturesque, but it’s close to the best boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants. Everything is right at your doorstep. Be sure to use my trip planning resources to access the best deals on flights, accommodations and tours.
If you want to visit another city near the Belgium border, I highly recommend the charming Dutch town of Maastricht. Enjoyed this article? Why not become a subscriber where you get free access to exclusive travel news and stories?