We visited Amsterdam in December 2024 on our 10-day European train trip while taking in the main purpose of our trip, which was to attend an André Rieu concert in Maastricht. Amsterdam is a fascinating city, easy to get to and easy to get around.
We’ve put together our experiences and what we discovered on our short stay in Amsterdam, and this Amsterdam Travel Guide brings together everything you need for a seamless trip in 2025.
We cover the best places to visit, practical advice on accommodation for every budget, smart reasons to stay near Amsterdam Central Station, and the most efficient ways to navigate the city. Hopefully, you will find this helpful if you are planning a visit to Amsterdam.
Best Places to Visit in Amsterdam
Anne Frank House
A meaningful place to begin is the Anne Frank House, a canal-side museum that preserves the secret annex where Anne and her family hid during the Nazi occupation. I’ve seen the movie ‘Anne Frank’s Diary’ and this place will send a chill down your spine when you appreciate the horrors of the Nazi occupation. Tickets are released online and typically sell out well in advance, so it is wise to book as early as possible.
Van Gogh Museum
If you are a lover of art like us, then make sure you pay a visit to the Van Gogh Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of the artist’s works, including masterworks like Sunflowers and The Bedroom. The chronological layout helps you follow his development and personal struggles. Booking a timed entry online will help you avoid queues. Tickets are not cheap at 24 euro each, but there are cheaper options if you plan on visiting other places in Amsterdam. The Amsterdam Digital Pass gives you free access to the museum plus a number of other attractions and may be worth considering.
Rijksmuseum
We also visited the Rijksmuseum. This is a national museum and provides a great overview of Dutch history, including artworks by Rembrandt. It’s nearby the Van Gogh Museum, so possible to do both in the same day. The museum’s library and landscaped gardens are highlights in their own right. Again, it’s best to buy your tickets online or use one of the Amsterdam city passes.
Jordaan District
If you are just looking for a stroll without spending money on museums, then wander into the Jordaan district close by the main train station. It’s full of cosy cafes, small eateries, restaurants, and shops and surrounded by canals.
De Negen Straatjes
Close by is De Negen Straatjes, or The Nine Streets. This is another treasure trove of speciality stores and boutique shops and no shortage of coffee and lunch shops. The great thing about Amsterdam was how close everything is and how easy it is to get around.
Red Light District
Like most tourists, we were curious about the famous red-light district of Amsterdam. Known locally as De Wallen it covers an area flanked by canals close to the main train station and hard to miss as most shopfronts will be lit up in some shade of red displaying their wares. This area is the oldest in Amsterdam and its history goes back hundreds of years. You’ll find the place is bustling with curious tourists like ourselves, but be respectful when taking any photos in this district.
The Amsterdam Canal Ring
A lot like Venice in Italy, you can see a lot of Amsterdam by taking to the water. The Amsterdam Canal Ring was purposely built several centuries ago and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a great way to see the city and there is no shortage of boat options to choose from, including self-drive or small escorted groups. Get Your Guide is a good starting place to look for river boat hire options. Prices will vary a lot depending on the length of hire and number of people. Many also include light refreshments or lunch packages.
Best Accommodation Options in Amsterdam
ClinkNOORD
If you are budget conscious or in the backpacker group, then we were told the ClinkNOORD hostel close to the train station is one of the best options and offers both dorm and private room accommodation.
IBIS Styles Amsterdam Central
We opted for the IBIS Styles Amsterdam Central which is a short 5-minute walk from the train station. It’s a mid-range hotel with comfortable and clean rooms although on the small size, but that is normal for most older style hotels throughout Europe. There is a restaurant on the ground floor which makes it convenient for breakfast or late night meals.
Pulitzer Amsterdam
If you are looking for something more up-market, then the Pulitzer Amsterdam may be an option. We had a look inside, and it has a total luxury vibe but comes with a hefty price tag, starting at around 400 euro a night off season. It’s walking distance from Central Station, so convenient if this fits your budget.
If you are travelling by train like we were, then the most important consideration when looking at accommodation options is how far you are from the station.
Other Places To Stay In Amsterdam
Free Walking Tours
If you are on a tight time frame, then a great way to see Amsterdam is by taking a Free Walking Tour. These are guided walks, normally lasting around 2 hours and will give you the opportunity to focus on seeing the main historical places around Amsterdam. There are several companies which conduct these tours and have connections all across Europe. We primarily used Free Walking Tours for all of our walking tours across Europe and found them reliable with knowledgeable and local tour guides. Don’t let the name fool you though, as all tour guides will expect you to tip them. While there is no initial upfront cost to book a ticket for a tour, they will all make it very clear at the start of their preamble that they will appreciate a tip at the end of the tour. The going rate is around 10 euro each, so budget for this if you take a walking tour.
Best Times to Visit Amsterdam
The sweet spots for an Amsterdam trip are spring and autumn. From April to May, the city and surrounding region celebrate tulip season and the days are long with plenty of sunlight hours. Summer can be hot, and you will experience the busiest tourist season making it more challenging to book any attractions you wish to see. We travelled in December and there were still a lot of tourists, but the atmosphere of the Christmas period and markets is something not to be missed.
Getting Around Amsterdam
Public transport is efficient and integrates trams, buses, and ferries under the GVB network. You will find that trams are the most convenient way to move around the central neighbourhoods. Regional and national trains connect through Amsterdam Central Station, which also makes day trips seamless via the Dutch Railways.
Currency, Costs, and What to Budget
Amsterdam uses the Euro. Prices are moderate compared to other major European capitals, but costs can add up if you are not planning ahead. A coffee typically ranges from three to five euros, a casual meal sits in the ten to twenty euro brackets, mid-range dining often lands between thirty and fifty euros, and special-occasion tasting menus can exceed one hundred euros. Beer prices commonly fall between five and eight euros, depending on the venue and neighbourhood.
Where to Eat in Amsterdam
On a tight schedule or budget, FEBO’s automats are a quirky local staple where you can try kroket and other Dutch snacks. For a memorable mid-range meal, De Kas serves a seasonal, greenhouse-to-table menu in a striking glasshouse setting. If you are celebrating, Ciel Bleu’s two Michelin stars and sweeping views pair refined technique with an elevated tasting experience. As always, book ahead for popular dinner slots, especially on weekends and during peak seasons.
This Amsterdam Travel Guide has gathered the essential places, the smartest logistics, and the timely tips you need to craft an itinerary that balances blockbuster sights with slow, satisfying wanderings. Plan ahead for timed entries, stay near the station if you favour day trips, build in time for Jordaan cafés and Vondelpark picnics, and let the water and light set the pace. When you return home, you will understand why so many travellers fall in love with the Venice of the North and start planning their next visit before the first one ends.
