Van Gogh Museum
The largest collection of Van Gogh's work in the world, in a purpose-built museum. Tickets are timed-entry only — book ahead.
About Amsterdam
Amsterdam packs more art, history and atmosphere into its narrow concentric canals than just about any city its size. It rewards aimless walking — and a rental bike is the closest thing the city has to a key to itself.
Map of Amsterdam
Explore Amsterdam by interest
Museums & Culture
Rijksmuseum
Vermeer, Rembrandt and four centuries of Dutch art across 80 galleries. Allow at least three hours.
Anne Frank House
The secret annex where the Frank family hid for two years. Tickets sell out weeks ahead and are released in two waves online.
Stedelijk Museum
Modern and contemporary art — Picasso, Mondrian, Warhol and a strong design collection.
Theatres & Concert Halls
Stadsschouwburg Amsterdam
The municipal theatre on the Leidseplein, built in 1894 in neo-Renaissance style, which was once home to the National Ballet and Opera.
Royal Concertgebouw
A concert hall whose superb acoustics place it among the finest in the world, alongside Carnegie Hall, Boston's Symphony Hall and the Vienna Musikverein.
Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ
The main concert hall for contemporary classical music in Amsterdam, opened in 2005 above the IJtunnel, about ten minutes' walk from Amsterdam Centraal station.
Royal Theater Carré
A neo-Renaissance theatre beside the Amstel river, founded in 1887 as a permanent circus building and now used mainly for musicals, cabaret and pop concerts.
Popular Tours & Day Trips
Evening Canal Cruise with Wine & Cheese
Two hours on the water at golden hour with Dutch cheese tasting on board. Especially good in summer.
Day Trip to Keukenhof (in season)
March–May only. The world's largest flower garden, less than an hour from Amsterdam by coach.
Zaanse Schans Windmills Half-Day
Working historic windmills, cheese-making demos and clog workshops — touristy but charming in a uniquely Dutch way.
Where to Stay
See full Amsterdam hotel guide →Jordaan
Low-rise, full of brown cafés and independent shops. Walking distance to the Anne Frank House and the western canals.
De Pijp
Food-led neighbourhood south of the centre with the Albert Cuyp market on the doorstep. Hipper, slightly better value.
Centrum (Canal Belt)
Right in the middle of everything — pricier, but you can walk to every major sight.
Practical Info
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Getting There
Fly into Schiphol (AMS). Trains to Amsterdam Centraal run every few minutes and reach the city in about 15 minutes.
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Best Time to Visit
Late April to early June, September to early October
