Why I love Amsterdam

“I love walking around Prinsengracht in the morning. Houseboats bob, bike bells cling cling, flower sellers lay out their wares. The old merchants houses tilt at impossible angles, and it's easy to imagine an era when boats unloaded spices out the...” Read More

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Karla Zimmerman
Writer

Top experiences in Amsterdam

Amazing hotels and hostels

We've pre-picked the best hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.

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Food and drink

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  1. De Kas in Oosterpark & South Amsterdam
    International
  2. Balthazar's Keuken in Jordaan & the West
    Mediterranean
  3. Greetje in Nieuwmarkt, Plantage & the Eastern Islands
    Modern Dutch
  4. Marius in Jordaan & the West
    International
  5. Blue Pepper in Vondelpark & the Old South
    Indonesian
  6. Hemelse Modder in Nieuwmarkt, Plantage & the Eastern Islands
    Modern Dutch
  7. La Oliva in Jordaan & the West
    Basque
  8. Paloma Blanca in
    Moroccan
  9. Roopram Roti in Oosterpark & South Amsterdam
    Surinamese
  10. La Falote in Vondelpark & the Old South
    Dutch
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Recent articles

A weekend for food lovers in Amsterdam

The city has worked hard in recent years to shake off its potatoes and pancakes reputation, and to unleash its inner chowhound. Cue the Michelin-starred Dutch tapas, Bloody Mary brunches and organic microbrews, all served with a dose of Amsterdam ingenuity and conviviality. Loosen the belt for an indulgent 48 hours in the Netherlands' capital.

Experience Amsterdam's food revolution at Hotel de Goudfazant. Image by currystrumpet/CC BY-SA 2.0
Karla Zimmerman
Lonely Planet Writer

Tiptoe through the tulips: how to experience Amsterdam in bloom

While rainbow-carpeted flower fields and bright bunches of tulips may be the definitive symbol of the Netherlands, Amsterdam itself is better known for its scenic canals, charming buildings and, of course, scantily-clad ladies beckoning from windows to late night revellers. But you don’t have to venture far from the city into rolling hillsides to be knocked out by the beauty of the Dutch floral show; you can have a bloomin’ good time close to the heart of Amsterdam.

Dutch tulips, one of Europe's most famous floral sights. Image by Kate Morgan / Lonely Planet.
Kate Morgan
Lonely Planet Writer
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Travel guides

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Amsterdam adventures

$62.88 Sightseeing tours

I amsterdam Card - City Pass for Amsterdam

Simplify your trip to Amsterdam with the I amsterdam City Card, a pass that gives you free admission to museums and public transport throughout the city. Gain free entry to 38 museums including the Van Gogh Museum, Rembrandthuis Museum and Hermitage Amsterdam. Enjoy unlimited free public transport, a free canal cruise and discounts on attractions and restaurants. This pass is the perfect way for independent travelers to make the most of their time in Amsterdam and save money too!
$27.44 Boating & cruises

Amsterdam Canal Bus Hop-On Hop-Off

Getting around Amsterdam is a breeze with a hop-on hop-off Canal Bus Day Pass. The boats operate a regular service along Amsterdam's canals, following tour routes: the Green Line and the Orange Line. While you cruise, an on-board commentary provides interesting information about Amsterdam.
$48.02 Boating & cruises

Amsterdam Canal Bus Hop On Hop Off Day Pass and Heineken Experience

Go for the combo: a 24 or 48-hour Amsterdam Canal Bus Pass and admission to the Heineken Experience. You'll find getting around Amsterdam's a breeze with your hop-on hop-off Canal Bus Day Pass, and your visit to the Heineken Experience will reveal the tradition and craft behind one of the most famous names in brewing history!
$46.88 Sightseeing tours

Skip the Line: Van Gogh Museum and Amsterdam Canal Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Day Pass

Combine admission to the Van Gogh Museum with a 24- or 48-hour Canal Bus hop-on hop-off pass, and you've got the best of Amsterdam covered. Explore the extensive collection of famous works such as ‘Sunflowers’ at the Van Gogh Museum, and see major landmarks including the Rijksmuseum and the Anne Frank House as you cruise Amsterdam’s scenic waterways with your hop-on hop-off Canal Bus day pass. Get off at any of the 7 to 9 stops (depending on the season) to explore further.
$46.88 Sightseeing tours

Amsterdam Shore Excursion: Van Gogh Museum and Amsterdam Canal Hop-On Hop-Off Day Pass

See the best of Amsterdam while you’re in port with a day pass for the city’s hop-on hop-off canal tour, which includes skip-the-line access to one of Amsterdam's top attractions -- the Van Gogh Museum! The perfect do-it-yourself shore excursion in Amsterdam, the hop-on hop-off day pass allows you to travel around the city on a comfortable sightseeing boat, known as a ‘canal bus.’ Stop at Amsterdam’s top attractions like the Rijksmuseum and the Anne Frank House and explore the city at your own pace. Then, jump the long queues at the Van Gogh Museum, always high on the 'must-do list' for visitors to Amsterdam. See the world's largest collection of paintings by Vincent van Gogh, including such famous works as “Sunflowers".
$47.45 Sightseeing tours

Amsterdam Canal Hop-On Hop-Off Pass including Hermitage Museum Admission

Combine a sightseeing tour of Amsterdam with a visit to the impressive Hermitage Museum with this special combo tour! Choose a 24-hour or 48-hour Canal Bus Pass and enjoy a unique sightseeing overview of Amsterdam’s best sites such as the Rembrandt House, the Rijksmuseum and the Anne Frank House. Enjoy informative onboard commentary and get off at any of the 7 to 9 stops (depending on the season) around the city to explore on your own. In addition, visit the Hermitage Museum and admire masterpieces from world-famous painters such as Claude Monet, Camille Pissaro and Eugene Delacroix.
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