Visiting Amsterdam: Tips From a Local

In this article I want to share with you some of my local tips for visiting Amsterdam.

Yes, Amsterdam is famous for its Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, Red Light District, and coffee shops… But I want to give you some other Amsterdam tips. Places to visit and things to do that you won’t find in every guidebook.

With a population of just over 1 million, Mokum (as Amsterdam is lovingly referred to by its locals) is often described as a “large village,” with more than 160 canals dividing the city into 90 islands.

Despite its relatively small size, visiting Amsterdam is about much more than weed, sex tourism, and late-night raves on the main tourist squares.

Tip: if you do want tips for the main sights to see and how to plan your trip, check out Planning a Perfect Weekend in Amsterdam – even if you’re not visiting Amsterdam on the weekend.

From canal tours to rooftop views, let me help you discover the other side of Amsterdam and make your trip an unforgettable experience!

Amsterdam Quick Tips at a Glance:

Getting around: Use trams, buses, and bikes (OV-chip or contactless payment).
Currency: Euros only; most places accept cards.
Language: English is widely spoken.
Time to visit: Spring & early fall for mild weather; summer for events.
Accommodation: Book early to secure the best options.
Must-pack: Comfortable walking shoes, light rain jacket, reusable water bottle.

Tips for Visiting Amsterdam

1. Explore Amsterdam’s Canals by Boat

Ok, this might be a popular thing to do for tourists in Amsterdam, but as a local, I still love it and highly recommend it! The Dutch love their canals, and on a sunny day you’ll see many out on boats just enjoying the city, their friends, and generally a drink or a picnic.

If you’re visiting Amsterdam you have a few different canal cruises to choose from:

Pannenkoekenboot

After you’ve gotten lost for hours on end walking (or cycling) through the wonderful maze that is the narrow streets of the Canal Ring (which are on the UNESCO World Heritage List, by the way), why not explore the city by boat?

Hop aboard the Pannenkoekenboot (Pancake Boat, literally) and travel down the iconic IJ river for 75 minutes. For €22.50 a person (and just €17.50 for kids), you can eat unlimited traditional Dutch pancakes while you cruise along the river.

Visiting Amsterdam with kids? Then this is the boat tour for you! There’s a playroom on the boat to keep the kids entertained so that you can enjoy the view!

Canal Ring Tours

The reason I started this list of Amsterdam tips with canal tours is because the canal rings (Grachtengordel in Dutch) are something that makes our city unique, and a sight not to miss.

And, there’s no better way to explore the canals, such as the Singel, Prinsengracht, or Keizersgracht, than via a boat tour.

You can book a canal tour here.

Float past our iconic 17th-century canal houses, and pass by the Anne Frank House from the comfort of your boat seat.

If the weather’s a bit fickle, bundle up and have some hot drinks. But if you’re traveling during the summer, enjoy Amsterdam at its best and watch how the Dutch soak up the sun on boats, on the side of the canal, and on lively terraces.

Tip: If you love trying local food check out this Amsterdam canal cruise and food tour!

2. Admire Amsterdam’s Rooftop Views

While we may not have enormous skyscrapers like other metropolitan capitals, Amsterdam still has a fairly impressive selection of rooftops allowing you to gaze over the city skyline and relax after a long day of exploring our city.

Volkshotel

checking the view from a rooftop while visiting Amsterdam — Credit: Volkshotel – Amsterdam tips from a local

Located in the east of the city, Volkshotel is a trendy boutique hotel with rooms designed by local artists.

The hotel is a popular meeting spot where both tourists and locals mingle, at the rooftop restaurant and bar called Canvas.

Catch some rays while sipping on their own house beer (the Volkspils, a delicious white ale), have a romantic dinner while the sun sets, or stop by for a late cocktail before the restaurant transforms into a club where you can dance the night away with glamorous views of the city.

Also Read: 10 of the Coolest Hotels in Amsterdam

OBA Oosterdok (Central Library)

Best views of Amsterdam - the library — Picture taken by @superpre – visiting Amsterdam

That’s right, the library.

More than just your everyday library though, Amsterdam’s Central Library is spread out over 10 floors and features exhibition rooms, auditoriums, radio stations, and much more.

Take the elevator all the way to the top for delicious refreshments at their Babel restaurant while enjoying stunning views of the city.

This, by the way, is also listed as one of the best places in Amsterdam to work from.

NEMO Science Museum

The NEMO Science Museum is the largest science museum in the Netherlands. If you’re visiting Amsterdam with kids, this is the perfect place for them to discover the intricacies of science and technology.

But in addition to that, there’s a freely accessible rooftop providing gorgeous views of the city center.

Along with an outdoor cafe, the summer months provide free concerts for those who are looking for an unforgettable panoramic vista of the city.

3. Must-Visit Neighborhoods in Amsterdam

Several parked bicycles in front of typical Amsterdam houses made of brown bricks and white windows — The Jordaan neighborhood

Amsterdam is so much more than the city center (binnenstad in Dutch). If you ask me, you get a much better feel of what Amsterdam is really like by visiting these neighborhoods:

Jordaan: Narrow streets, boutique shops, hidden courtyards, and cozy cafés.
De Pijp: Trendy, multicultural, home to street markets, coffee shops, and hip restaurants.
Amsterdam-Noord: Industrial-chic vibe with art spaces, NDSM Wharf, and quiet canals.
Museum Quarter (Museumkwartier): Ideal for Van Gogh, Rijksmuseum, and cultural strolls without losing charm.

4. The Best Places to Eat in Amsterdam

While I could write a dozen articles on the amazing cuisine Amsterdam has to offer, the following are some of my top picks you shouldn’t miss when you’re in town!

Coffee & Coconuts

Located in the bustling hipster area of De Pijp, a visit to Coffee & Coconuts is an absolute must.

Once a cinema back in the 1920s, this popular restaurant rocks a beachy vibe with bean bags, and also features fresh, healthy food (much of which incorporates coconuts, of course!).

With plenty of vegan and gluten-free options, there are plenty of exciting combinations of food for anyone to enjoy!

Also Read: The Best Cafés With Good Wifi in Amsterdam

Moak Pancakes

No trip to Amsterdam (or The Netherlands in general) is complete without pancakes. And if you’re looking for pancake heaven, you’ll find it at Moak Pancakes.

An absolute favorite among Amsterdammers, MOAK has three locations in the city where you can sink your teeth into delicious, fluffy goodness with loads of amazing toppings to choose from!

Note: Moak focuses on American pancakes, not the traditional Dutch pancakes.

Cafe ’t Gasthuys

Best cheap restaurant in Amsterdam: ’t Gasthuys — Credit: ’t Gasthuys – Amsterdam travel tips

For over 40 years, ’t Gasthuys has provided the denizens and tourists of Amsterdam with hearty (and extremely affordable!) homemade food.

Get a bottle of the monthly wine and two dishes of the day for under €40, right in the city center—it’s a deal you’ll be hard-pressed to match!

While the service may be a bit slow, it’s one of my go-to favorites for quality, filling food, and I’m sure you’ll like it as well!

5. Events and Festivals in Amsterdam

One of the things I love about Amsterdam is the large number of events happening all over town, any time of year.

From intimate Jazz concerts to the large and internationally famous King’s Day celebrations.

If you can plan your visit to Amsterdam around one of the main festivals and events, then I highly recommend that. You can find a list of the largest events in Amsterdam here.

And if you’re not into big events, then it might be worth checking the dates of the biggest events and avoiding those. Because yes, around the largest festivals such as Gay Pride and King’s Day, the city will be absolutely packed with people.

6. Getting Around Amsterdam

Amsterdam has an extensive public transportation system comprised of trains, metros, trams, (free) ferries, and buses.

Use Google Maps or do as the Dutch and download the free 9292 public transport app to work out Amsterdam’s public transport.

That said, since Amsterdam is a very compact city, I recommend renting a bike once you’re in town to explore the city as the locals do. Or sign up for a fun bike tour to immerse yourself in Dutch culture!

Getting to Amsterdam From Schiphol Airport

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is very well connected to the city, so getting into Amsterdam is quick and easy.

The most convenient option for most travelers is the train. There’s a station directly below the airport, with frequent trains running to Amsterdam Central Station. The journey takes around 15–20 minutes and is usually the fastest and most affordable way to reach the city.

If your accommodation isn’t near Central Station, you can continue your journey by tram, metro, or bus, all of which are well integrated into the public transport system. Again, just use the 9292 app to plan your route.

Taxis and ride-hailing services (Uber and Bolt) are also available just outside the arrivals hall. They can be a good option if you’re traveling with a lot of luggage, arriving late at night, or heading directly to a specific address. The journey typically takes around 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic.

But, most Dutch people will agree that taxis and Uber are quite expensive in the Netherlands. Much more so than in other countries, so we tend to stick with public transport whenever we can.

Overall, public transport is efficient and easy to use, so most visitors won’t have any trouble getting from Schiphol to their accommodation.

7. Safety & Etiquette in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is generally safe, but like any busy tourist city, a few rules make your trip smoother:

Watch the bike lanes! Dutch cyclists are fast and don’t slow down. Stay on sidewalks or designated paths.
Pickpockets: Keep an eye on your belongings in busy areas like Dam Square, inside trams, and at markets.
Mind local manners: The Dutch are direct, please don’t see that as rude. A polite nod or “dank je wel” (thank you) is always appreciated.
Tipping: Rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% is customary, but not mandatory.
Be prepared for the weather: always be ready for rain; Dutch weather is unpredictable.

8. Seasonal Tips

Plan your visit according to weather, crowds, and local events:

Spring (March–May): Tulips and mild weather; expect more tourists in April.
Summer (June–August): Warm, lively, perfect for canal-side dining; busy in tourist areas.
Autumn (September–November): Fewer crowds, beautiful foliage along canals, but it can be rainy.
Winter (December–February): Cold, quiet, with cozy cafés and festive lights.

If you ask me what time of year I like best, it’s late spring and early summer. And if you want to see the tulip fields around Amsterdam, you want to visit around April.

I hope you found my Amsterdam travel tips useful and enjoy visiting Amsterdam!

One final tip for visiting Amsterdam: book your accommodation early.

Whether you want to stay in a hotel, hostel, or Airbnb, accommodation isn’t cheap in Amsterdam, and places do fill up. So if you want a good deal and a lot of options, start looking for a place to stay early.

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