Discover Amsterdam

With its amazing bike culture, huge parks, and unique architecture overlooking the canals, visiting Amsterdam is a trip that must be at the top of everybody's bucket list.

Amsterdam is a compact, charming and cosmopolitan city that invites you to explore. Known as the "Venice of the North" for its more than 100 canals, the capital of the Netherlands offers easy sightseeing adventures by foot, bike and boat.

Amsterdam's well-preserved and appealing 17th-century architecture provides a quaint backdrop for a city famous for its modern, progressive attitudes. From the city's fine art museums to its colorful flower markets, from the world-famous coffeeshop culture to the red light district, there is something exciting and unique to discover in Amsterdam at every turn.

Although the main attractions of the city are worth visiting, seeing the non-touristy side of Amsterdam is even more exciting. There are other areas across the city that are not jam-packed with tourists and are enjoyable to hang around at. Amsterdam actually has some exceptional local secrets that are off the beaten path.

There are endless things to do in Amsterdam and many of the most rewarding experiences lie beyond the well-trodden tourist paths of the city center.

1. Check out the museums & majestic buildings in Museumplein
2. See how Anne Frank lived
3. Hire a Bike
4. Vondelpark
5. Get lost in the Jordaan neighbourhood
6. See windmills, countryside and beaches
7. Culture trip at Westergas
8. Floating along the canals
9. Visit Europe's biggest flea market
10. Red Light District

Where is Amsterdam located, you might be wondering? Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands. The Netherlands are located in North-West Europe between Germany in the east, Belgium in the south, and the North Sea in the north and west.

In the 13th century, Amsterdam was founded by two fishermen on a dam along the river Amstel. This explains the name of the city.

Amsterdam is a safe city to visit, ranked on the fifth position in the list of the safest cities in the world.

Though you can buy marihuana in coffee shops, 'smart drugs' in smartshops and prostitution is legal, Amsterdam is not a dangerous city.

The city does especially well in regards to traffic. Because everyone travels by bike there are not many traffic accidents and the air in Amsterdam is not (much) polluted.

Regarding crime Amsterdam is also safe. The risk of violent assault in Amsterdam is pretty much absent, in all parts of the city. Still, most of the crimes such as robbing and pick-pocketing in Amsterdam happen to tourists. Visitors need to be careful of pickpockets and be attentive of their belongings.

The Netherlands is one of the most sophisticated countries in Europe. Its capital city Amsterdam is, by far, the most popular travel destination in the Netherlands and surerely has become one of the most expensive cities in Europe.
History:
The whole city center is historical, the city of Amsterdam itself is an open-air museum worth visiting. The construction and development of public transportation, roads and modern-life features, ended up being a very expensive and difficult task due to the way Amsterdam was built.
Popularity:
Amsterdam is a very popular city. Its art, architecture, history and special location make it interesting for almost anyone. A city so popular creates attraction, demand and increasing prices.
Expensive for visitors, but not so much for locals:
For locals, Amsterdam is quite fairly priced. Of course, locals are not doing all the activities you undertake as a visitor, eating out every day and so on, but in general Dutch people have a fairly high standard of life.

5 Must-try Dutch specialities when in Amsterdam:

Stroopwafels
Bitterballen
Gouda
Herring
Indonesian rijsttafel

You have probably heard the name 'Venice of the North' many times. It is a popular name for Amsterdam, mainly used in guides. It was introduced because of the city's dozens of canals with a total length of more than 100 kilometers.

However, is it true that Amsterdam was built on water? Is it possible at all? Yes, Amsterdam was built on water. More substantively, the city was built on piles - large wooden stakes that are driven into the ground. The piles were driven in the clay and water until they reach the first layer of solid sand. They are literally a foundation for all of Amsterdam's buildings.

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) is by far the largest airport in the Netherlands and is also one of the largest in the world. It handles tens of millions of passengers every year and serves Amsterdam and the Netherlands. For flights to Amsterdam, there is no better option than flying to Schiphol.

There is a variety of passes to choose from. So, it is important to pick a tourist pass that fits your plans best while in Amsterdam.

All-inclusive - I Amsterdam City Card / Amsterdam Pass
An all-inclusive tourist pass will typically provide admission to a lot of different locations for free, as well as several tours and transportation around the city.

Build Your Own - Holland Pass
A build-your-own-pass will allow you to pick a specific number of attractions to visit for one price. If you do not feel like paying for a bunch of activities that you might not have time for, this may be a great way to select only the places you want to experience.

Preset Package - Amsterdam City Pass
You can also choose a preset-package which includes access to a few specific locations. These attractions are usually some of the most popular places to visit. An all-inclusive pass may be a better option if you want to see more while in Amsterdam.

Museum Pass - Museumkaart
Finally, there is also a museum pass which focuses primarily on museums. If you're more interested in the art and culture of Amsterdam, this is going to be your best bet.

Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket
If you are a fan of clubs and late nights, then the Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket is for you. With this ticket, you get two days of unlimited access to over 25 clubs plus more nightlife experiences and drink deals.