Skip to content

AMS · 52.37° N · 4.89° E · Netherlands

Amsterdam

Canals, Rembrandt and Van Gogh, and cycling past gabled houses.

Find flights to Amsterdam

Trip type
More options

About Amsterdam

In short

  • Canal cruise
  • Rijksmuseum
  • Van Gogh Museum
  • Anne Frank House
  • The Jordaan

At a glance

Country
Netherlands
Region
Europe
Local time
GMT+2
Time difference
4 hours behind Dhaka5 hours behind in January
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Languages
Dutch
Main airport
  • AMSAmsterdam Airport Schiphol
Flight time
About 1.5 hoursFrom London
Best time to visit
April to June and September
Deals
4 deals

Amsterdam's ring of 17th century canals, lined with tall gabled houses, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a canal cruise is an easy way to get your bearings. Like the locals, you can also see the city by bike.

The Museumplein brings together the Rijksmuseum, home of Rembrandt's Night Watch, and the Van Gogh Museum. The Anne Frank House is a moving visit; tickets are sold online only, so book well ahead.

The Jordaan district has independent shops and cafés, and in spring the Keukenhof gardens near Lisse bloom with millions of tulips.

Before you go

Entry and visas

Entry rules depend on your passport and the purpose of your trip, and they can change, so check the official sources below before you book. The Netherlands uses the EU's Entry/Exit System for short stay visitors who are not EU nationals. The EU's official Travel to Europe site explains it, along with the ETIAS travel authorisation.

Health

Read TravelHealthPro's Netherlands page and book a travel health appointment well before your trip if you have any health questions. Take care around cycle lanes and tram tracks: stay on the pavement and check for bikes before you cross. Travel insurance that covers medical care is sensible.

Money

The currency is the euro (EUR). Carry some cash for small purchases and markets, tell your bank before you travel, and check what your card charges for payments abroad.

General information only, not legal or medical advice. Rules change, so check the official source before you travel.

Checked on 14 October 2026

When to go

  1. January
  2. February
  3. March
  4. AprilBest
  5. MayBest
  6. JuneBest
  7. July
  8. August
  9. SeptemberBest
  10. October
  11. November
  12. December

May to August usually bring the mildest and sunniest weather. Spring tends to be drier than late summer and autumn, and November to February are cold and grey. Rain is possible in every month, so pack a light waterproof.

Deals to Amsterdam

See all deals
  • Hotel

    InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam

    On the bank of the Amstel since 1867, this hotel has 79 rooms and suites and a health club with an indoor pool.

    Live prices

    Price checked when you search

  • Flight · Return

    Amsterdam

    Search live prices from

Questions about Amsterdam

See all questions
Do I need a visa to visit Amsterdam?

It depends on your passport and the purpose of your trip. Rules change, so check the official entry requirements for the Netherlands before you book. If you are not an EU national, the EU's official Travel to Europe site explains the Entry/Exit System and the ETIAS travel authorisation.

Checked on 14 October 2026

What should I know about bikes in Amsterdam?

Cycling is key to city life, so check for bikes as well as cars before you cross a street. When you walk, stay on the pavement and keep out of cycle lanes and tram tracks.

How do I get around Amsterdam?

Trams, the Metro, buses and ferries are all run by the city's public transport company. If you hire a bike, use the cycle lanes on the right side of the road and switch on front and back lights after dark.

How do I get from Schiphol Airport into Amsterdam?

Take the train: Schiphol Airport (AMS) has a railway station directly beneath the terminal, with intercity trains to Amsterdam Centraal. The airport is about 9 km southwest of the city.

When is the best time to visit Amsterdam?

May to August usually bring the mildest and sunniest weather. Spring tends to be drier than late summer and autumn, and November to February are cold and grey. Rain is possible in any month.