Traveling To Amsterdam: 20 Things You Need To Know

Are you traveling to Amsterdam soon? If yes, then you have come to the right place.

Since I have spent some time in Amsterdam, I can help you with my top tips for visiting Amsterdam.

Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.

Due to the numerous canals here, Amsterdam is known as the “Venice of the North.”

An interesting fact about Amsterdam is that it is 2 meters below sea level. This is why there are so many beautiful canals here.

Trust me, there is no shortage of fun things to see in Amsterdam.

If you are interested in history, beautiful architecture, and delicious food, plan a visit to Amsterdam.

Still confused about how to plan your visit to Amsterdam? Then keep reading my list of 20 Things You Need to Know When Traveling to Amsterdam!

Traveling To Amsterdam: 20 Things You Need To Know

Check On Your Country’s Netherlands Visa Entry/Exit Requirements

Whether traveling to Amsterdam for 2 days or one week, the first thing to do is to check the visa requirements.

Americans don’t need a visa to travel to Amsterdam as long as we are not planning to visit Amsterdam for more than 90 days.

For those not U.S. citizens, check the visa requirement for your country/nationality before planning your Amsterdam trip.

Check Prices: Travel Ticket for 1-3 Days with Airport Transfer

Check Prices: Amsterdam: Airport Express Bus Transfer to/from City Center

Verify Your Passport Before Traveling To Amsterdam

One of the most important tips for visiting Amsterdam is to make sure you have a valid, current passport.

Before you book a long-haul haul international flight, check if the expiry date of your passport is three months longer than the intended departure date from the Netherlands.

Also, when visiting Amsterdam, you need TWO full empty blank pages for entry stamps.

This is why I suggest you check your passport well in advance to have time to apply for a new passport if needed.

Check Prices: Amsterdam: Train Transfer Schiphol Airport To/From Amsterdam

Check Prices: Amsterdam: Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket for 1-3 Days

Purchase A SIM Card For Your Phone

When traveling to Amsterdam, one of the tips to remember is to purchase a SIM card for your smartphone before you leave the airport.

You can buy a physical SIM card from the airport or an e-SIM from home compatible with the newer smartphones.

This will allow you to use WiFi and local networks to stay connected with your family and friends at home through WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.

There are a few kiosks at the airport in Amsterdam where you can buy or get it from a store in the city.

Check Prices: Amsterdam: Unlimited EU Internet with eSIM Mobile Data

Check Prices: Amsterdam:eSIM Mobile Data with Unlimited EU Internet Access

Cash or Credit Cards? What Is Best To Have?

Credit cards are widely accepted throughout Amsterdam and are quite convenient to use.

However, if you are using cash, only the euro is accepted. For the best exchange rate, withdraw euros from an ATM at the airport.

ATM fees are levied on your withdrawals so, take out a large sum of money at a time.

You can also check with your bank about the free in-network bank ATMs when traveling to Amsterdam to save on the ATM fees.

If you need to exchange your currency for Euros, you should head to a local bank in Amsterdam.

Check Prices: Classic Boat Cruise with Cheese & Wine Option

Check Prices: Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Marken Day Trip

Plan Your Trip in the Non-Peak Season

When visiting Amsterdam, remember that it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

As a result, you will find tourists everywhere and some places can be crowded.

This is why I recommend you avoid Amsterdam travel during the peak season such as summer, late fall, or early spring.

Of course, if you want to attend a festival, you can’t help it but in that case, avoid planning your Amsterdam trip on the weekends.

I suggest you visit Amsterdam during the low season such as winter, late spring, and early fall.

The attractions are less crowded and you can enjoy the weather here.

Check Prices: Tour to Keukenhof Gardens with Windmill Cruise

Check Prices: Amsterdam: City Canal Cruise and Heineken Experience Ticket

Pack Clothes for All Kinds of Weather When Traveling To Amsterdam

One thing to know when traveling to Amsterdam is that you cannot predict the weather here.

Although May to September is the best time to visit Amsterdam, weather-wise, it can get chilly or rainy suddenly.

Due to this reason, I suggest you check the weather forecast before your trip to Amsterdam and pack for all kinds of weather.

Keep several clothing layers so you can layer up or down, depending on the weather.

Check Prices: Hidden Gems & Highlights Guided Bike Tour

Check Prices: Amsterdam Red Light District & Coffee Shop Tour

You Will Feel Safe As In Any European City While In Amsterdam

Okay, I know that safety is the biggest concern for most people visiting Amsterdam.

But thankfully, Amsterdam is quite safe and I didn’t feel uneasy while walking alone on the streets here.

I had quite a different experience in Paris where my family and I were robbed in broad daylight. So I am aware of unsafe circumstances.

Of course, remain vigilant with your personal space and belongings when traveling to Amsterdam.

Check Prices: Amsterdam: Roller Dreams ’80s Roller Skating Rink Ticket

Check Prices: Rembrandts Experience Admission Ticket

Bring Along A Travel Adapter When Traveling To Amsterdam

Since the sockets in Europe and the USA are quite different, don’t forget to keep electrical power adapters to charge all your gadgets.

Many hotels and AirBnbs don’t have it so don’t rely on them to provide you with them.

If you have multiple devices to charge every night, as we did, you will want to bring along several adapters just in case, to fit into the 230V Netherland outlets.

Should You Tip When In Amsterdam?

Now, one of the most burning questions I often receive is, do you tip in Amsterdam?

Well, tipping in Amsterdam is not mandatory. You can always tip for an exceptional service but are not obliged to.

The standard tip is 5%. Another suggestion is to round up the bill. For exceptional service, you can leave 10%. All tips are up to you.

Check Prices: Amsterdam: City Centre Canal Cruise

Check Prices: Icebar Entry Ticket with 3 Drinks

Book Attraction Tickets Online Before Traveling To Amsterdam To Save Money And Skip The Lines

One of the best things to see in Amsterdam is the Van Gogh Museum.

There are other amazing attractions and experiences to enjoy here such as the Rijksmuseum, and the Heineken Experience.

As these experiences are quite popular in Amsterdam, it is smart to purchase online tickets before traveling to Amsterdam.

This saves you a lot of time as you don’t have to stand in long queues for the tickets and you may receive discounts as well.

It is a great idea if you have only 1 day in Amsterdam.

Check Tickets: Amsterdam: Van Gogh Museum Ticket

Check Tickets: Amsterdam: Heineken Experience Ticket

Save Money By Getting Snacks And Convenience Foods At Local Grocery Stores

Eating out can be a lot of fun but it is a little expensive in Amsterdam.

This is why one of my top Amsterdam tips for tourists is to buy snacks and groceries from the local stores to prepare your meals.

You can get bread, butter, biscuits, fresh fruits, and more from the local markets.

Cheese is quite popular in the Netherlands and can make for a good snack so you can take advantage of that.

Trust me, if you purchase food and ingredients from the local grocery store when traveling to Amsterdam, you can save a lot of money.

Check Prices: Amsterdam: Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood

Check Prices: Amsterdam: Food Lovers Walking Tour with Tastings

There Will Not Be A Language Barrier When Traveling To Amsterdam

Are you wondering, what language they speak in Amsterdam?

Well, the national language of the Netherlands is Dutch but most locals can speak fluent English here.

In addition, most residents are knowledgeable in several other languages as well.

So, you will not have any difficulties traveling to Amsterdam even if you do not know a word of Dutch!

Can You Drink The Water In Amsterdam?

The answer is yes you can.

The Netherlands in general, and Amsterdam specifically, has some of the cleanest tap water in Europe.

You can even ask for a glass of tap water in a restaurant. It will be both safe and free to drink.

Public Transportation In Amsterdam Is Easy and Inexpensive

I find it best to explore the city using public transport and Amsterdam has a good transportation system.

There are a lot of options available such as the metro, buses, trains, ferries, or the train.

If you are looking for convenience, you can also get a taxi or call an Uber here. So, you are not short of options and can choose the right one depending on your destination.

Check Prices: Amsterdam: 1, 2, 3, or 5-Day Go City All-Inclusive Pass

Check Price: Amsterdam: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour and Heineken Experience

Walking Is A Wonderful Way To Discover Amsterdam

When you are traveling to Amsterdam, plan on walking a lot!

Walking is a great way to explore Amsterdam and experience the local culture and lifestyle.

Everyone walks about in Amsterdam.

You can meander the neighborhoods, look at the lovely cafes, or people-watch.

Check Prices: Life of Anne Frank and World War II Walking Tour

Check Prices: Amsterdam Small-Group Walking Tour

Yesssss! There Are A Lot Of Bikes In Amsterdam

Do you know what Amsterdam is known for? Well, cycling!!!!

Most residents use their bikes as their primary form of transportation. It is said there are more bikes than cars in the Netherlands, and Amsterdam is no exception.

That said, be extremely cautious in Amsterdam because of the sheer volume of bike riders.

There are separate lanes for bike riders. Separate signals and stop signs for bike riders.

Look both ways and again when attempting to cross the street, as bike riders often have the right of way!

You can get a bike to explore around the city for a truly memorable experience.

Check Prices: Amsterdam: 2.5-Hour Bike Tour

Check Prices: City Bike Tour with Local Guide

Eating Out Is A Pleasure Even With Dietary Restrictions

Do not worry when traveling to Amsterdam if you have specific dietary requirements.

Amsterdam is a major cosmopolitan city and offers all the diet options.

As a vegan, I had delicious meals, especially breakfast in Amsterdam with no difficulty. Gluten-free? No problem!

Try the stroopwafel, (Dutch pancakes), Dutch cheese, and the kibbeling here.

But if you cannot due to your food preferences, you can still find delicious food in Amsterdam.

Check Prices: Amsterdam: Cultural Food Tour

Check Prices: Amsterdam: Jordaan District Local Food Walking Tour

Notify Your Credit Card Company Before Traveling To Amsterdam

One of the most important things to do when traveling to Amsterdam is to call your credit card company to notify them of your travel dates.

This is to ensure that they don’t block your card suspecting fraudulent charges when you are visiting Amsterdam.

Also, check if there are high foreign transaction fees on using your credit card in a foreign destination.

If yes, inquire about applying for a credit card that does NOT charge such fees.

Pick The Location That Is Best For You When Traveling To Amsterdam

I suggest you choose a hotel in the right neighborhood for an amazing visit to Amsterdam.

If you want to be where the attractions and museums are, look into staying in the Historic Center.

If on a budget, then Oud-Zuid may work best for you. There are lots of budget hotels and hostels available here.

For those who wish to stay in the non-touristy location, Oud-West is a good choice.

Whatever you require, you can easily find it in one of Amsterdam’s varied neighborhoods so choose carefully.

Check Prices: Amsterdam: Canal Booze Cruise with Unlimited Drinks

Check Prices: WONDR Immersive Playground Experience Ticket

Where to Stay in Amsterdam

Hotel Estheréa – Located 300m from Dam Square, Hotel Estherea is a beautiful boutique hotel in Amsterdam.

There is a lounge with a canal view and you can enjoy tea/coffee. Perfect for families, the hotel also has a small library and offers coloring books for small children.

Check Prices Here

Postillion Hotel Amsterdam -The hotel is within walking distance of several tourist attractions in Amsterdam such as Amsterdam RAI, and Heineken Experience.

Check Prices Here

ClinkNOORD Hostel – One of the best hostels in Amsterdam is ClinkNOORD Hostel.

It is 10 minutes from the Amsterdam Central Station and the ferry ride is free 24/7 to reach.

You can get private rooms, family rooms, and dormitories with beautiful river and city views.

Check Prices Here

Packing Tips For Traveling To Amsterdam

Looking for specific packing recommendations? Read this next: How To Pack Lightly Using Only Carry-On Luggage. 

.This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.

 These RFID sleeves would be handy in preventing identity theft.

This world traveler adapter kit can charge several devices at the same time.

This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips. It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone like I have.

My daughter gifted me this FugeTek Selfie Stick and Tripod for my birthday. It has Bloothtooth connectivity so it is easy to use.

These Bagail packing cubes are the exact ones I use whenever I travel. I cannot believe how much more organized I am now!

I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for travel and it will fit nicely in the pocket of a backpack or your purse.

You can find replaceable carbon filter replacements here. 

You will want to bring a backpack or daypack to store snacks, water bottles, phone, extra clothes, etc… This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great.

Skechers GoWallk Joy fashion sneakers come in colors to match your outfits and are affordable.

I highly recommend these Vionics adjustable strap orthotic sandals.

I also sometimes bring along my Vionic Tides flip-flops. T

These unisex polarized sunglasses come in lots of lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable.

If you are fond of aviator-style sunglasses these polarized aviators may interest you.

If you need new luggage, this expandable soft-side spinner luggage is affordable.

If you like hard-sided better, you may favor this hard-sided luggage set better.

Both sets come with TSA-approved zipper locks and 8 wheels per piece.

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