Travel to Amsterdam | Keytours Vacations

Discover Amsterdam's Wonders

Travel to the capital of the Netherlands and experience Amsterdam's renowned museums, musical events and unique merchants. Amsterdam is a lively city surrounded by beautiful cobbled streets and spacious parks, world famous for its museums, canals, and friendly and tolerant atmosphere. This destination draws millions of international vacationers to its famous attractions, including its historic architecture, the Van Gogh Museum, the Anne Frank House and the Red Light District. Amsterdam is a true metropolis. You will find a great mixture of culture, shopping, cuisine, nightlife and architecture to anyone’s liking.

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Trips

Hotels

Activities

Transfers

Useful information

Population:

Metro area: 1,189,000 (2025) City: 741,636 (2025)

Currency:

Euro (EUR)

Emergency Info:

112

Opening Hours:

Shops in Amsterdam are usually open every day of the week, but opening times may differ slightly per shop and district. In general, stores are open 9am–6pm from Monday to Wednesday and on Fridays, 9am–9pm on Thursdays, 9am–5pm on Saturdays and noon–5pm on Sundays.

Do & See

A'dam Tower

A'dam is the iconic and controversial tall building next to the Eye Film Institute and opposite Central Station. It calls itself "a tower of many talents": you can grab a bite, work in a coworking space, rave at the club and spend the night at the hotel here. The tower hosts some major creative labels, so the crowd is always interesting. For some adrenaline, check out the A'dam Lookout — an observation deck with a panoramic view of Amsterdam, an interactive exhibition and free audio tour about Amsterdam’s history and culture. A swing that lets you dangle your feet off the edge of the building is the cherry on top.

Allard Pierson Museum

Allard Pierson Museum narrates stories of ancient civilisations via informative displays which include artefacts from the Great Roman Empire, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, Etruria, and Near East. This archaeological museum is sponsored by the University of Amsterdam.

Amsterdam Dungeon

The Amsterdam Dungeon brings 500 years of dark history to life with 12 shows, 7 actors and 1 terrifying experience. Can you survive the horrific plague during the 80 minute tour? Make sure you don’t get tortured by the executioner Peter Titelmann from the Spanish Inquisition or get lost in the mirror labyrinth. There is also a roller coaster for the really brave visitors.

Amsterdam Exchange Experience

The famous Amsterdam Exchange index (AEX) throws open its doors to the public with this new attraction taking visitors on an exciting interactive journey from the beginnings of the Dutch East India Company right through to today's modern electronic trading floor.

Amsterdam Museum

The Amsterdam Museum tells the compelling story of the growth and heyday of the Dutch capital. Discover seven centuries of the city's history — once a small settlement on the banks of the Amstel, and now a bustling, diverse metropolis. The rich collection of works of art, objects and archaeological finds brings to life the fortunes of the Amsterdammers of days gone by.

Amsterdam Noord’s Renovated Shipyard (NDSM)

NDSM, the renovated shipyard in Amsterdam Noord is a live music performance space with a strong industrial vibe. The complex houses creative businesses, small workshops, clubs, bars and eateries. Take one of Amsterdam's free ferries and come here for hip waterside hangouts, frequent festivals and events. The famed Botel and Crane Hotel Faralda are located nearby, so consider spending the night in the neighbourhood.

Amsterdam Open Boat Canal Cruise

Admire the sights along Amsterdam's UNESCO World Heritage canals on a 1-hour luxury boat ride. Get comfortable in your seat, grab a drink from the cash bar, and enjoy the scenic ride through several of the city's landmarks like the Museum Quarter and the infamous Red Light District.

Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House is the hiding place where Anne Frank wrote her famous diary during World War II. Now a museum, it recreates the war and holocaust years. Quotations from the diary, photographs, films and original objects belonging to the people in hiding and those who helped them all serve to illustrate the events which occurred at this location. Anne's original diary is on display in the museum as well.

Dining

Ciel Bleu

Chef Arjan Speelman and his team will serve you daring original dishes inspired by French cuisine while you take in the panoramic view of Amsterdam. A selection of classic and innovative wines completes this unparalleled culinary experience. The restaurant is the proud holder of two Michelin stars.

De Kas

De Kas is a chic garden conservatory serving Mediterranean dishes. This restaurant housed in a collection of greenhouses that date to 1926 serves a fixed daily menu prepared with vegetables and herbs grown in their own nursery. Their motto is "Harvested in the morning, on your plate in the afternoon".

Foodhallen

The impressive food court housed inside De Hallen contains 30+ international restaurants, with offerings ranging from dim sum to steaks to tacos. Some reputable local restaurants have branches here. The common dining area is always buzzing, and live DJ sets are hosted Friday and Saturday nights.

IJ-kantine

The IJ-Kantine is more than just a canteen on the IJ. This striking and transparent brasserie with its fabulous terrace on the NDSM harbour has just about everything: in the morning you can go there for coffee, during the day you can have a royal lunch, in the evening enjoy a cocktail next to the fireplace in the lounge and at dinner time, eat dishes such as wild sea bass, potato cannelloni and half lobster.

Kaagman & Kortekaas

Kaagman & Kortekaas elevates the Parisian-style bistro with an open kitchen theatre and rigorously seasonal menu. Chefs Giel Kaagman and Bram Kortekaas craft dishes like venison with smoked beetroot or duck paired with unexpected ferments, all served in a renovated space that marries rustic charm with sleek efficiency. Walk-ins can perch at the bar for oysters and natural wines (the cellar holds over 1,000 bottles, spotlighting lesser-known regions), while reservations secure the full tasting experience. Post-renovation, the addition of Basemen — their in-house bakery — means sourdough arrives still warm. The soul of the business remains unchanged: impeccable service, bold flavours and a 9:30pm kitchen curfew. It’s the sort of place where wild ingredients shine, and even the butter (house-churned, of course) feels revelatory.

Kitchen & Bar Van Rijn

Kitchen & Bar Van Rijn on the Rembrandtplein is inspired by the beauty and the masterpieces of Rembrandt van Rijn. In a cosmopolitan atmosphere with an open kitchen, you can enjoy authentic Dutch cuisine for lunch and dinner. At weekends, there is even live music and a DJ.

Moeders

Moeders is greets you with an informal atmosphere and friendly service, and is known for several Dutch specialities (beef stew, Flemish stew and stamppot), but there are plenty of other things to choose from the extensive international menu. The walls here are filled with hundreds of framed and unframed pictures along with antique pans, plates and biscuit tins, which will complete your culinary experience.

Momo

Located in the Park Hotel and not far from the Leidseplein, the ultracosmopolitan Momo has been decorated in such a way that Amsterdam’s in-crowd and visiting international beauties don’t look out of place. This cafe-restaurant boasts some of the best chefs and barmen from all over the world. Try their great cocktails and pan-Asian dishes.

Cafés

Café de Jaren

Café de Jaren is one of the largest cafes in Amsterdam. The building features a spacious cafe on the ground floor with an international press reading-table, a pleasant restaurant with a large salad bar on the first floor, as well as a superb terrace with a canal view.

Café de Prins

Across from the Westerkerk (Western Church) and the Anne Frank House, on the edge of the Jordaan, this cafe is surrounded by history. Although the Prins has retained its typical 'brown cafe' character, its kitchen has become one of its most important features in recent years. Stop by for beer, fondue and cheese plates, as well as sweet and cute mini-pancakes — poffertjes.

De Koffieschenkerij

Located in the Old Church, the oldest building of Amsterdam, this coffee bar serves daily breakfast, organic coffee, tea, hand-made pies and freshly baked cakes to be enjoyed in a relaxing and historical ambiance. For the ones who prefer other refreshments, homemade lemonade and fresh juices are also on the menu.

Loop 51

Loop 51 blends Amsterdam’s brunch culture with vinyl obsession. By day, sunlight floods this De Pijp corner as diners dig into buttermilk chicken waffles and spritzes, soundtracked by resident DJs spinning house and hip-hop. When the kitchen closes at 5pm, the space sheds its café vibe and tables make way for standing crowds, though the records keep playing. The menu walks the line between hearty (Nashville hot sliders) and fresh (shaved fennel salads), while the audiophile-grade sound system ensures music stays at the heart of the event. Come for pancakes, stay for the party.

Melly's Cookies Bar

If you would like to treat yourself, Melly's Cookies Bar pairs sweet recipes from Latin America with traditional Dutch specialities. Get yourself a Dutch stroopwafel with different toppings, a cookie, a piece of cake or try one of the Argentinian alfajores or some dulce de leche alongside a cup of coffee or traditional mate tea.

Proeflokaal 't Blauwe Theehuis

This unusual construction in the centre of the 19th century Vondelpark and its large surrounding terrace (fits 700 guests!) attracts crowds of creative Amsterdammers at the first ray of sunshine. You can even enjoy yourself here in the winter–thanks to the outdoor electric heaters. Proeflokaal 't Blauwe Theehuis offers craft beers, breakfasts, and pizza. And on Sundays, DJs spin laid-back music.

Screaming Beans

The Screaming Beans will make sure to find the best coffee blend in their assortment to match your individual taste. Relish one of the carefully sourced and roasted single origin coffees (or the cafe's own house blend), together with a croissant, on their terrace.

Vascobelo V-bar Stadionplein

Vascobelo brings a slice of Belgian café culture to Amsterdam, serving award-winning single-origin coffees and a compact menu of homestyle dishes (think croque-monsieurs and seasonal soups). The airy space, dotted with cookbooks from nearby Scheltema bookstore, strikes a balance between Instagrammable decor and genuine comfort. The terrace tables soak up sun, while the marble bar tempts with house-selected wines. Staff pride themselves on friendly, efficient service, and prices stay surprisingly gentle for the city centre. Though the food selection is small, it’s well-executed — perfect for a leisurely lunch or coffee break without the bustle of tourist traps.

Bars & Nightlife

24K Karaokebar

For a fun night out, especially with a group of people, the 24K Karaokebar is a location to uncover hidden talents or to simply enjoy singing along to one of your favourite songs. Fetch yourself a drink and choose one of more than 80,000 songs, available in several languages.

Boom Chicago

This American comedy troupe is famous for their English-language comedy, theatrical shows, improvisation, stand-up and burlesque. Improvisation comedy, good food and tasty cocktails have long been Boom Chicago’s recipe for success. This venue, which also features a bar and a restaurant, is regularly transformed into a nightclub with local electro and house DJs filling the dance floor until the small hours.

Bourbon Street

Bourbon Street Blues Club is hard to miss when strolling down Leidsekruisstraat — the Blues Brothers are dancing on the roof. The program here ranges from rock to soul and even reggae, with live music every night of the week. Over the years, this amazing venue has hosted many local and international artists, including some big names like Toto and B.B. King.

Cafe de Druif

Cafe de Druif — ‘The Grape’ — has been a local institution for at least 400 years. Wooden casks line the walls and plenty of earthenware jenever bottles can be found behind the bar. Virtually unknown to tourists, De Druif feels like a glimpse into Amsterdam’s past.

Canvas

Located on the 7th floor of the former office building of the Volkskrant newspaper, this club/cafe/restaurant is characterised by an easy-going vibe. Canvas is renowned for its affordable yet lush cocktails and a stunning view of Amsterdam which, in the summer can be taken in fully from the spacious roof terrace.

De Trut

De Trut is a queer disco that has been organised 100% by volunteers for more than 35 years. The profits from the parties go to LGBTQAI+ projects worldwide. The party is held every Sunday evening from 10pm. Expect a long line, but it's definitely worth the wait.

Escape

One of Amsterdam’s biggest and most popular nightclubs, situated on the lively Rembrandtplein, Escape is always teaming with pretty young things. Musically speaking, expect all popular styles of dance music: house, electro, techno and pop by both Amsterdam’s finest and world-famous DJs like Tiësto, Kevin Saunderson and Todd Terry.

Melkweg

Located in the beating heart of Amsterdam, the Melkweg is one of the city's leading entertainment venues with two halls, a cinema, a theatre and a cafe. The venue offers a varied live programme ranging from up-and-coming bands to established names, and seated concerts as well.

Shopping

Albert Cuyp Market

Situated in the heart of the 19th century Latin quarter De Pijp, the Albert Cuyp street market has fascinated visitors since 1905 with its laid back atmosphere. Everything can be found here: from exotic shops to local craft businesses, cafes and restaurants. Whether you are a bargain hunter or a foodie, here you will surely get what you are searching for.

De Bijenkorf

De Bijenkorf is an inspiring, trend-setting and dynamic department store at Dam square. The city’s largest department store offers international brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Burberry, Hugo Boss, Apple and Chanel. The surprising and creative decorations in de Bijenkorf’s unique shop windows make them one of Amsterdam’s real attractions. Live theatre, dance and music performances can be seen there on a regular basis.

Fashion & Museum District

The Fashion and Museum District is one of the most beautiful areas in Amsterdam, and many historical buildings, such as Amsterdam's famous museums and the Royal Concertgebouw, define its impressive character. Spend hours in the stylish boutiques of P.C. Hooftstraat and Van Baerlestraat; exclusive brands have their flagship stores in these beautiful shopping streets. The Fashion and Museum District's official website has several suggested walks based on your interests and the amount of time you have.

Kalverstraat & Leidsestraat

A good location to start your shopping are the main shopping streets Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat. Here you will find all the shops you would expect to find in a large European city like H&M and Zara, along with a few local stores and excellent boutiques.

Magna Plaza

Magna Plaza means indoor shopping pleasure in a historical building, right behind the Royal Palace. Built by the end of the 19th century, the former post office of Amsterdam is nowadays an exclusive shopping centre with more than 40 brand stores.

Negen Straatjes

The Negen Straatjes (nine little streets) intersect the main canals between the Leidsestraat and the Jordaan district, and are dotted with great restaurants, cafes, art galleries, jewellers, boutiques and vintage stores. With an exceptional array of styles, trends and prices, this area is truly a shopper’s paradise.

The Haarlemmerdijk

The Haarlemmerdijk is a long, trendy shopping street, stretching from east to west towards Central Station. It is a lively strip where you will find everything from shoes, independent labels and second-hand clothes to speciality food products, interior design items and Dutch collectables.

Waterlooplein Market

There are more than 300 unique stalls at the oldest flea market in the Netherlands, Waterlooplein — a beautiful place to walk, explore or shop. Haggle for books, clothing, art, jewellery, antiques or vinyls, or buy food and drinks from one of the available food trucks on the market.

Tourist Information

Best Time to Visit

Most tourists tend to plan their trip to Amsterdam for the summer, so if you want to avoid the crowds — come in April–May or September. You'll get mild temperatures, blooming flowers in spring and golden trees in autumn. Be ready for rain regardless of the season. April and May are considered part of peak tourist season. Locals use websites like buie.nl to predict when the weather down to minutes. Summer is high tourist season in Amsterdam, so be prepared to wait in long lines when visiting popular attractions. The summer months are also the most expensive when it comes to accommodation. Hotel prices and tourist population drop in autumn and winter months, as does the temperature. This is the best time to visit Amsterdam's many indoor attractions, such as museums and cafes. The city covered with a white blanket of snow is a marvellous sight. If the winter happens to be particularly cold, you can ice-skate on the frozen canals. Some cafes set tables and chairs straight on the ice.

Passport & Visa

Citizens of European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries do not need a visa to enter The Netherlands, only a valid ID. Many other countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Australia, and New Zealand, benefit from visa-free entry for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Visitors from visa-exempt countries must hold a valid passport and, starting in late 2025, will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorisation online before travelling. For those requiring a visa, such as travellers from some Middle-East, African or Asian nations, a Schengen visa must be obtained prior to arrival. All travellers should ensure their passport is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay.

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) is a modern, efficient and traveller-friendly airport. 90 airlines depart from Schiphol to over 250 destinations worldwide. The easiest and cheapest way to travel from the airport to Amsterdam is by train. This takes about 20 minutes to the Central Station and trains leave at least every 15 minutes during the daytime (less frequently at night). The train station at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is located directly below the airport. Tickets are for sale at the NS service desk or ticket machines. Taxis to the city centre cost significantly more and can take a while, depending on traffic conditions.

Public Transport

Public transport is the perfect way to visit all the attractions and to explore the city. Visitors arriving by car are advised to park the car at the Park and Ride sites at the city limits and to use public transport. In Amsterdam, 15 tram lines, 33 bus lines, 10 ferry connections and 5 metro lines take you to a wide range of destinations throughout the city. The most convenient transport ticket is the GVB day or multi-day ticket. These tickets entitle holders to transport on all GVB lines, including the night buses, and are available at GVB Tickets & Info and tourist offices. Drivers and conductors also sell 1-hour and 24-hour disposable OV chip cards on trams and buses. No cash is accepted on buses or trams.

Taxi

Taxis can be handy when travelling to and from the airport, late at night when the trams have stopped running or when you're running late. Depending on the traffic during peak times, however, public transport may get you there even quicker. Just hail a taxi, or catch one at the designated cab-stands near tourist hotspots such as Dam square, Leidseplein and the Rembrandtplein. Uber operates in Amsterdam.

Electricity

The Netherlands uses the Type F electrical plug with two round pins, same as in many countries in Continental Europe. The standard voltage is 230 volts, but some hotels have special plugs for 110 or 120-volt shavers.

Pharmacy

In the Netherlands, there is a distinction between drug stores (‘drogist’) and pharmacies (‘apotheek’). Dutch drug stores (‘drogist’) are consumer-focused shops that stock most of what you need for your health although you cannot get items with a prescription here, typically. Popular brands are Kruidvat, Etos, Hema, DA, DIO and Trekpleister. You won’t find prescription drugs here Pharmacies (‘apotheek’) are typically open during regular business hours. Dam Apotheek is centrally located on Dam Square and DA Apotheek on Leisestraat has one of the best opening hours. OLVG (Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis) hospital is good for emergencies and has a 24-hour pharmacy. There’s also a pharmacy within Amsterdam Central Station that’s open late. Call the central number for pharmacies to find out which ones are open in your area.

Post

At the main post office, you can phone, fax (retro!), buy maps and stamps, in addition to the usual services. Stamps can also be bought in most convenient stores. Post-office boxes are red or orange. There is a convenient service point at the Amsterdam Central Station.

Trips

Paris and Amsterdam Rail Escapade

Amsterdam Bruges and Paris Explorer

Amsterdam Pre or Post Cruise

London Paris and Amsterdam Rail Escapade

Tulip Time in the Netherlands

Paris and Amsterdam Rail Escapade

Amsterdam Bruges and Paris Explorer

Amsterdam Pre or Post Cruise

London Paris and Amsterdam Rail Escapade

Tulip Time in the Netherlands

Paris and Amsterdam Rail Escapade

Amsterdam Bruges and Paris Explorer

Amsterdam Pre or Post Cruise

London Paris and Amsterdam Rail Escapade

Tulip Time in the Netherlands

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