Amsterdam Information - a small travelguide

Amsterdam Information

Are you visiting Amsterdam and you've got only one day to see a bit of the city? No problem, because of its relatively small size and diversity Amsterdam is a great city to explore even if you haven't got much time. In other words; the perfect destination for a city trip!

Amsterdam is above all a very beautiful and picturesque city, diverse and iconic. Also it's not too big, so even if you are in Amsterdam for just one or a few days you'll find that there are many things that you can do and see without feeling lost. You'll love it, whether you are a business group, a group of friends or a family with young and older people.

However, organizing a (day) trip to Amsterdam can be time consuming. What are the main attractions? How about transport, hotels and restaurants?

Read our small travel guide full of useful local tips!

Budget & Accomodation

• Start with the cost of accommodation and then see what you've got left to spend on other activities. Would you like to save money on your accommodation? In recent years, some new hotels have opened just outside the city centre. These are often a good alternative to hotels in the city centre. In general public transport is excellent, which will make it easy to get to the centre without taking ages.
• Many hotels have a check-in time of 15.00 hrs (3 pm).
• Ask your hotel if it is possible to buy (multi-day) tickets for public transport at the reception. Many hotels offer this service. Public transport runs until about 24.00 hrs, after that there are often night connections.

Transport

• Try to avoid coming with your own car or bus to the city centre. Important information for groups coming to Amsterdam by bus can be found in the app tourbuzz.nl.
• A tourist tour by coach is also not recommended. Coaches are only to a very limited extent allowed to drive in the city centre. A much better alternative and also much more fun is to take a canal cruise through Amsterdam's canals.
• Read more: Information about parking in Amsterdam
• Here you will find: Information about public transport in Amsterdam.
• Find out about our Amsterdam canal cruises for groups.
• Practical information for wheelchair users: Able Amsterdam

Luggage

• For your planning of the day it might sometimes be useful to store your luggage near Amsterdam Central Station. There are lockers in Central Station, but these are often full and not available. Good alternatives are the lockers of Drop & Go and the 'Lockerpoints'.
• Here you'll find more information about:
  - Lockers at Central Station
  - Drop and Go
  - Locker points

Restaurants and snackbars

With about 180 nationalities living in Amsterdam you'll find restaurants offering dishes inspired by kitchens and tastes from all over the world. Sorry..... if you like to try them all, one day in Amsterdam might not be enough ;-))
Of course where you want to eat mostly depends on which kind of group you're with, the group size, your budget and your taste preferences.

• On our website with tips on Amsterdam restaurants you find an overview of restaurants that received good reviews from Amsterdam culinary journalists.
• If you book a city walk, a bicycle tour or any other arrangement with us and you would like a few tips for nice restaurants? Just ask us!
• Would you like to try some typical Dutch snacks? Then go to the Febo for: 'Kroketten', 'Bitterballen', 'Frikandel Speciaal' or 'Patatje Oorlog'.
• Or try the delicious Surinamese snacks and rolls(which we secretly count them among our local cuisine). You can get these delicacies at Tokoman or Kam-Yin, among others.
• Lots and lots of options for vegan and vegetarian food you can find on RestauPlant

Museums

• The most famous museums in Amsterdam are often very busy. If you would like to visit the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum or the Stedelijk Museum, buy your tickets in advance online. And try to be there early, after 11.00 hrs it gets rather crowded.
• Or maybe consider visiting an alternative museum!
  Our favourites? Visit one of the old merchant houses like Willet-Holhuizen or the museum Van Loon. Visit the Portuguese Synagogue or the hidden Catholic church 'Our Lord in the Attic'. The permanent 17th century portrait galery in the Hermitage is also a recommendation!

Away from the crowds

You might think that nowadays Amsterdam is so over crowded that it's just no fun anymore. This might be true mainly for the heart of the city centre, the red light district and the museum area and only at certain times. Would you like to avoid the crowds? Nothing is easier than that!

• Take a free ferry and visit the north of Amsterdam including the NDSM – wharf with its lively artist community and a variety of bars and restaurants. Vintage lovers will have a great time at the IJ-Hallen: the largest monthly flea market in Europe.
• In 'De Pijp' district you'll find a colourful mixture of cultures, shops from all over the world and the 'Albert Cuypmarket' (daily, except Sundays).
• The Eastern Harbour area and waterfront of Amsterdam are only a stone's throw away from the city centre and great to visit by bike or on foot. Especially recommended if you're interested in modern architecture, former harbour areas and new lively urban districts with industrial heritage, old warehouses and beautiful views of the water.
• We also recommend our cycling tour Amsterdam – Off-Track. With this bike tour we take you to beautiful and interesting districts outside the city centre of Amsterdam.
  
  

Walking tours and bike tours

Don't hesitate to book an Amsterdam walkingtour, bike tour or boat trips if you would you like to see and hear a lot of Amsterdam in a short period of time and get local tips for your group from professional local Amsterdam city guides. We promise you won't regret it!