Amsterdam has been gaining popularity among tourists in recent years. It has increased more with the increase in social media usage. People worldwide travel, post pictures, and share their stories on how beautiful a particular city is; thus, they become their endorsers.
Likewise, more people are now learning about how this place has everything that any traveller would love to witness. You can experience centuries-old townships, flower-adorned bridges, iconic canals, and cobblestone lanes in this beautiful city. Planning your Amsterdam trip is exciting.
Interestingly, the city has something for everyone; be it a history lover visiting or youngsters seeking to explore the other ends of the town. Besides the cultural attractions, many engaging activities, such as bicycle tours, make it a must-visit place for everyone.
Like most people, do you also have Amsterdam on your 2023 travel bucket list? If yes, you’re on the right page. We mention all the essential information, such as:
- The right time to visit the place
- Weather
- Transportation
- Stay
- Things to do and more
You can get a fair idea of which time suits you best. If you have yet to plan the trip, you can take clues from this article and use them to make an excellent plan that helps you cover the most attractions in town.
Well, then, what’s the wait for? Let’s read and get your hands on all the exciting information about the delightful place.
What is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit the beautiful city depends on what kind of travel you are. Yes, if you love to experience cold weather and snow and spend time indoors visiting museums, you can choose the winter months. You should plan your travel from December through February.
However, if you’d like to explore the city, watch pretty sunrises and sunsets, and experience the charming landscapes of the city, you can choose April or May. Likewise, you can also plan in September for the same thing. The worst months, however, are June and July; they are extremely hot and, thus, a waste of time and money.
Currency: Euro
Language: Dutch (Major residents speak fluent English)
Transport Options Within the City
There are various options for travellers and locals alike to get around in the city. You can use the following:
- Buses
- Ferries
- Trams
- Rideshare
- Bicycles
- Metros
The different transport options are available to everyone. While some are expensive, they are pretty reasonable. Likewise, some options, such as metros and trams, are available only between 6 AM to 12.30 AM, the buses run throughout the night. In simple words, you can avail these services at your convenience.
Where to Stay?
Your stay options may vary depending on your itinerary. In simple words, there are great hotels, resorts, and hostels in this city that are available to tourists. However, to name one is challenging.
As per travel experts, instead of looking for the best property, you should look for an affordable and decent property in the town you visit. For instance, book hotels in different cities to explore the most neighborhood attractions with that single stay if you have a ten-day travel plan.
Things to do
There is not one but an impressive number of tourist attractions in this beautiful place, regardless of the weather. You will be pleased to know that there are endless things that you can do to get a rewarding experience beyond the well-lit tourist paths in the city centre. Instead, you can find the natural beauty by exploring like the locals. We’ve created a checklist of things you can consider doing in Amsterdam.
- Visit the Red Light District
Anyone who knows about Amsterdam knows how famous this area is among locals and travelers alike. However, visiting this area requires research. It is an adult area where adult activities are legalized and regulated. Interestingly, it is within walking distance of many tourist attractions, such as Central Station and The Old Church.
If you plan to visit this area, you should be well prepared because a lack of information runs you the risk of having a bad experience. You can check this guide on ‘things to do in Amsterdam Red Light District‘ to understand the rules for visiting this place. It enlightens on how a tourist can gain a good experience and save themselves from any mishaps in the adult area. But, you’ll be glad to visit this place, it is entertaining and also helps people gather information on specific topics as they wish.
- Windmills, Beaches, and Countryside
The people who come for a more extended stay in Amsterdam often plan a day trip to visit the diverse attractions in the surrounding areas. If you would love to spend time in nature and look at gorgeous landscapes, you must also plan this one-day trip in your itinerary for the Countryside.
You can view beautiful scenes in the Countryside, beautiful beaches, giant windmills, and historic towns. These picturesque places are within 20 minutes’ distance from the Central train station. You can find excellent restaurants and cafes in the Countryside. It is up to you to determine your day. If you have enough time, you can explore these attractions deeply. Or else, you may have to choose between them according to your style.
- Check Out Majestic Buildings and Museums
Now that you know that this beautiful city is rich in culture and heritage, you must wonder where you can experience it all. Well, you can visit the majestic monuments and museums in town. You’ll be happy to see Museumplein; it is the city’s heart. It has been recently renovated and turned into a world-class structure.
Likewise, you can visit the open square, where you can find a local market in the summer. The locals run exhibitions of their art & craft, so you can enjoy that and dip your toes in the paddling pool. This place is turned into an ice rink if you visit in winter. Interestingly, you can get free entry into more than 70 museums with a city card.
- The local beer at a Historic Brewery
The local beer, especially at the historic brewery, is one of the most beautiful things about this city. This brewery is under the great windmill, De Gooyer, on the Eastern Island. The landmark brewery is an award-winning microbrewery that offers a more extensive outdoor drinking terrace.
Interestingly, you also get a 30-minute guided tasting tour where the representatives share vital information about how the beer is prepared. In addition, it produces a wide range of seasonal and standard ales. You can also find these in other bars; however, this primary brewery sources it from them. Also, if you are a beer lover, you’ll love this city; it has excellent microbreweries to offer fantastic beer.
- Experience the Dutch Royalty
Everything in Dutch Royalty is unique. There are various castles and palaces in the city. Fortunately, now you can also experience the Dutch royalty in fortresses and get a window into the regal past of this historical city. You can visit the Royal Palace, the official palace of King Willem-Alexander, to witness the versatility of the royal culture.
Similarly, Muiderslot is a heavenly-looking 13th-century castle in the city’s southeast. If you look at it, you’ll easily resemble it with a Disney movie. It is also open for visitors for a few months in the year. You can check the official Amsterdam website to find the right time to visit these palaces and if there is any pass requirement.
- Explore the Independent Shopping Streets
Are you a shopping freak? If you want to explore the latest fashion, vintage fashion, and unique styles in clothing, then Independent Shopping Street is the place for you. Roaming the city’s streets, you will often hear The Nine Streets, which connects the central canal between small towns, namely Leidsegracht and Raadhuisstraat.
This finely cobbled street houses more than 200 retailers, including a wide variety of fashion collections. You can find everything from branded stuff to handmade cosmetics and accessories. Besides exploring and buying things in this great market, you can also get some extensive souvenirs to take home. For better quality and price, you must ditch the tourist trap and shop in the local goods store at the Central Station.
- Cruise Past Canal Houses and Bridges
Do you want to visit a UNESCO world secure site? If yes, Cruise Past Canal is your go-to place. It is an astonishingly pretty site. This place looks fantastic after the sunset because the bridges are lit with fairy lights. They make the area look like a fairyland.
You can visit this famous place and go on the canal’s floating guided tour. It will help you get under the town’s fabric and learn some interesting facts. If you have a city card, you can also get free canal tours.
Final Words
Amsterdam has something for everyone, whether you are a hot-weather person or a winter wonderland lover. You can explore the city in the summer months while visiting the museums and monuments in the winter seasons. We hope the above guide helps ease your plan for your 2023 travel itinerary to this beautiful place. Do share your experiences with us.
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