Amsterdam
Amsterdam is smaller than you think — the canal ring is only about 3km across, so you can walk almost everywhere. Rent a bike on day one (about €10–12/day) and you'll instantly understand how the city works. The Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum are must-sees but book online in advance or you'll waste hours in line. The Jordaan neighborhood is where the real charm is: tiny cafes, vintage shops, and brown bars (bruine kroegen) where you can nurse a local beer for €5. Skip the tourist trap coffeeshops on the main streets and find quieter ones in the side streets instead.
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Amsterdam travel FAQ
How many days do I need in Amsterdam?
3 days is the sweet spot. Day 1: Rijksmuseum + Van Gogh Museum (get the Museumplein area done), walk through Vondelpark. Day 2: Anne Frank House (book exactly 6 weeks in advance — tickets release at a specific date and sell out in minutes), canal cruise, Jordaan exploration. Day 3: Albert Cuyp Market, De Pijp neighborhood, and whatever you missed. If you have a 4th day, take a train to Haarlem or the windmills at Zaanse Schans.
What are the best neighborhoods to stay in Amsterdam?
Jordaan is the best all-rounder — charming, central, quiet at night, great cafes. De Pijp is trendier with a younger vibe and the Albert Cuyp Market right there. Oud-West is slightly cheaper and still walkable to everything. Avoid staying right on the Red Light District (De Wallen) — it's loud and overcrowded at night. Budget tip: Amsterdam hotels are expensive (€150+ for anything decent), so consider Haarlem (15 min by train) where you'll pay half the price for twice the charm.
Any tips for cycling in Amsterdam?
Stay in the bike lanes (red-painted paths) — they're everywhere and cars know to respect them. Always signal with your hand before turning. Never, ever stop in a bike lane to check your phone — you will get yelled at (or worse, cause a pileup). Lock your bike with two locks through the frame AND wheel, not just the wheel. Bike theft is rampant so don't rent anything fancy. MacBike and Yellow Bike are the main tourist rental shops. The biggest danger honestly is tram tracks — your tire can get stuck in them and you'll go down hard. Cross them at an angle.