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Amsterdam

Canal-side bikes, brown cafes & weekend markets

Browse Amsterdam

Amsterdam is one of the most rewarding places to explore, and this local guide brings together the best things to do, where to eat and where to stay in one place. Highlights include Blijburg aan Zee, Sunday Market Amsterdam and Rijksmuseum. Food lovers should not miss Moeders and La Perla. Below you will find 45 hand-picked local recommendations across sights, restaurants, hotels and tours, which you can filter by category and budget to plan the perfect trip, whether you have a weekend or a week.

Amsterdam at a glance

  • Ideal stay: 2 to 3 days
  • Best time to visit: spring and autumn
  • Highlights: Blijburg aan Zee and Sunday Market Amsterdam
  • Where to stay: Keizersgracht and Eastern Docklands
  • Local picks: 45 hand-chosen recommendations
  • Getting around: walkable, plus easy public transport

Local tips for Amsterdam

Stories and neighbourhood know-how from our local guides.

Where to stay in Amsterdam

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De Pijp

Albert Cuyp Market

The Netherlands’ biggest street market, running the length of De Pijp – stalls of cheese, fish, flowers, clothes and, crucially, fresh stroopwafels and herring. A great local browse and graze.
★ 4.5
$
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Centrum

Begijnhof

A hushed medieval courtyard hidden in the middle of the city, once home to a lay sisterhood and holding one of Amsterdam’s oldest wooden houses. A pocket of calm – enter quietly; people still live here.
★ 4.6
$
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IJburg

Blijburg aan Zee (Permanently Closed)

Amsterdam’s own city beach, on the man-made island of IJburg, where the whole city rushes out the moment the sun appears to swim, sunbathe and hang out. The beach bar does surprisingly good food, and the fun rolls on into the evening with parties on the sand and inside.
★ 4.3
$
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Canal Belt

Bloemenmarkt (Flower Market)

The world’s only floating flower market, its stalls set on barges along the Singel canal, heaped with tulips, bulbs and souvenirs. Touristy but a cheerful, colourful stroll.
★ 4.1
$
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Grachtengordel

Canal Belt (Prinsengracht)

The UNESCO-listed ring of 17th-century canals that defines Amsterdam – gabled merchant houses, humpback bridges and houseboats. Simply walking the Prinsengracht or Brouwersgracht is one of the city’s great free pleasures.
★ 4.8
$
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Amsterdam-Noord

NDSM Wharf

A former shipyard across the IJ reborn as a gritty creative hub – vast street-art murals, studios, festivals and the monthly IJ-Hallen flea market. Take the free ferry for Amsterdam’s alternative side.
★ 4.4
$
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Westergasfabriek

Sunday Market Amsterdam

On the first Sunday of the month the old Westergasfabriek gasworks turns into a hip market of food, art, fashion and design – free tastings of Greek wine, Lebanese falafel and Spanish ham alongside second-hand clothes and handmade crafts. It feels like a little town-within-the-city, and it’s the place for a truly one-off souvenir.
★ 4.3
$
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Jordaan

The Jordaan

Amsterdam’s most charming quarter – narrow canals, leaning gables, brown cafes and courtyard gardens, plus the city’s densest cluster of local restaurants. Made for an aimless wander.
★ 4.7
$
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Canal Belt

The Nine Streets (De 9 Straatjes)

A grid of nine pretty little streets crisscrossing the canals, packed with independent boutiques, vintage shops, design stores and cosy cafes. The nicest area in the centre for a browse.
★ 4.6
$
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Museum Quarter

Vondelpark

The city’s beloved green heart just behind the museums – ponds, lawns and cycle paths where all of Amsterdam comes to jog, picnic and hang out. Free open-air performances in summer.
★ 4.7
$
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Before you go

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Book your trip to Amsterdam

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Amsterdam travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Amsterdam?

Two to three days is enough to enjoy the highlights of Amsterdam at a relaxed pace. See our Amsterdam itinerary guide for a day-by-day plan.

Where is the best area to stay in Amsterdam?

Stay central and walkable to the main sights for a first visit. Our where to stay in Amsterdam guide breaks down the best neighbourhoods.

What are the best things to do in Amsterdam?

Browse the local picks above, from top sights and museums to where to eat and stay.

What is the best time to visit Amsterdam?

Spring and autumn usually bring the most comfortable weather and thinner crowds, though Amsterdam is worth visiting year-round.

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