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Tours in Amsterdam |
Sightseeing Overview
Amsterdam is perfect for sightseeing as it is flat and compact, making it easy to walk around. The best way for visitors to get a real feel for the city is to head straight out on a canal tour, something that many locals have never done, or enjoy a cycle, though beware cycling here can be a frightening experience if you are not used to city cycling.
Most of the main attractions are located within the historical core, usually within walking distance of each other, although the efficient tram and bus networks are close at hand for attractions further afield.
The most visited sites in the city are the many excellent museums, such as the Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank Museum, Amsterdams Historisch Museum, Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art, Van Gogh Museum, the NEMO Museum and the Scheepvaartmuseum.
Less cerebral pursuits are on offer among the grand facades and elegant museums, with brown cafés and prostitutes adorning windows all day and night in the red light districts.
Away from these busy places, the city is also blessed with quiet canals and leafy parks, which provide an escape all year round, especially Vondelpark, with its open-air, free concerts during summer.
Breaking away from the main tourist throng is the best way for one to discover the ‘real' Amsterdam of grand old canal-side merchants' houses where modern Amsterdammers still live, in an almost bucolic setting.
As well as being the transport hub for the city, Amsterdam's grand Centraal Station is also the gateway to myriad half- and full-day trips, with regular and inexpensive train services all over the Netherlands.
Most of the main attractions are located within the historical core, usually within walking distance of each other, although the efficient tram and bus networks are close at hand for attractions further afield.
The most visited sites in the city are the many excellent museums, such as the Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank Museum, Amsterdams Historisch Museum, Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art, Van Gogh Museum, the NEMO Museum and the Scheepvaartmuseum.
Less cerebral pursuits are on offer among the grand facades and elegant museums, with brown cafés and prostitutes adorning windows all day and night in the red light districts.
Away from these busy places, the city is also blessed with quiet canals and leafy parks, which provide an escape all year round, especially Vondelpark, with its open-air, free concerts during summer.
Breaking away from the main tourist throng is the best way for one to discover the ‘real' Amsterdam of grand old canal-side merchants' houses where modern Amsterdammers still live, in an almost bucolic setting.
As well as being the transport hub for the city, Amsterdam's grand Centraal Station is also the gateway to myriad half- and full-day trips, with regular and inexpensive train services all over the Netherlands.
Tourist Information
VVV Amsterdam Tourist Office
Stationsplein 10 (opposite Centraal Station)
Tel: (020) 551 2525.
Website: www.visitamsterdam.nl; www.iamsterdam.com (tourist office's dedicated English language portal).
Opening hours: Daily 0900-1700.
In total there are six VVV offices, including this location, Leidseplein/Leidsestraat and the airport. Services provided include general tourist information, hotel and package reservations, excursions and canal cruises, maps and guidebooks, walking tours, public transport tickets, theatre, concert and museum tickets, souvenirs and posters, telephone cards, VVV gift vouchers and currency exchange.
Stationsplein 10 (opposite Centraal Station)
Tel: (020) 551 2525.
Website: www.visitamsterdam.nl; www.iamsterdam.com (tourist office's dedicated English language portal).
Opening hours: Daily 0900-1700.
In total there are six VVV offices, including this location, Leidseplein/Leidsestraat and the airport. Services provided include general tourist information, hotel and package reservations, excursions and canal cruises, maps and guidebooks, walking tours, public transport tickets, theatre, concert and museum tickets, souvenirs and posters, telephone cards, VVV gift vouchers and currency exchange.
Passes
The I Amsterdam Card offers tourists the use of public transport (tram, bus and underground), free or reduced admission to many museums, a voucher booklet for 25% discount on several attractions and restaurants, a full-colour pass guide and a free canal boat trip. Attractions offering free entrance to card holders include the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum, Rembrandthuis, Amsterdams Historisch Museum and Hortus Botanicus.
Valid for one, two or three days, the card is available for purchase from VVV Amsterdam tourist offices, as well as a number of hotels.
Valid for one, two or three days, the card is available for purchase from VVV Amsterdam tourist offices, as well as a number of hotels.
View Our Airport Guides for Amsterdam:
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
