Amsterdam celebrates its 750th anniversary in 2025, making it the perfect time to explore this vibrant city.
To mark this milestone, we’ve curated the ultimate Amsterdam travel guide packed with the top attractions, must-see landmarks and memorable experiences in Amsterdam.
Whether you’re interested in history, culture or unique local experiences, this guide will help you make the most of your visit to one of Europe’s most exciting cities. Don’t miss your chance to celebrate Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary with an adventure you’ll remember forever!
- Tulip season in Amsterdam: the magic of flowers and heritage
- Amsterdam 750: a year-long celebration of history and culture
- Amsterdam’s canals: exploring the city’s iconic waterways
- World-class museums: must-see exhibitions in Amsterdam
- Cycling in Amsterdam: see the city like a local
- Amsterdam’s food scene: must-try dining experiences
- Amsterdam’s neighbourhoods: thriving places not to be missed
- Shopping in Amsterdam: from luxury to local finds
- Amsterdam’s nightlife: from lively clubs to elegant lounges
- Hidden gems in Amsterdam: the city’s secret treasures
- Nature near Amsterdam: exploring the great outdoors
- Sleep in Amsterdam: charming hotels for ultimate comfort
From world-famous Amsterdam attractions such as the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, to the charming canals and trendy neighbourhoods of Amsterdam, there’s something for everyone.
Spring in Amsterdam is particularly magical, when tulip season brings vibrant colours to the country’s fields as well as to the iconic Keukenhof flower gardens, which showcase millions of blooms.
Whether you’re visiting during this stunning season or planning a trip later in the year, our guide covers everything from hidden gems to some of the best budget travel tips for Amsterdam. Explore local flavours with our Amsterdam food guide, see the city like a local by renting a bike, and get around effortlessly with the city’s excellent public transport.
We’ve also compiled a list of some of the best hotels in Amsterdam and tips on where to stay for an unforgettable trip.
Tulip season in Amsterdam: the magic of flowers and heritage
The deep-rooted connection between tulips and the Netherlands dates back to the 15th century, when these vibrant flowers were first imported from the Ottoman Empire.
Since then, tulips have become a national symbol, adorning homes across the country during the tulip season – and nowhere more so than in Amsterdam. Even legendary artists such as Vincent van Gogh and Claude Monet captured the beauty of these flowers in their masterpieces.
Photo source: Unsplash
For the ultimate tulip experience, visit Keukenhof, the world’s largest flower park. From mid-March to May, this stunning garden showcases more than 800 varieties of tulips, as well as special exhibitions and themed gardens that celebrate the Netherlands’ horticultural heritage.
Spring also brings the lively Tulip Festival Amsterdam, which marks the season with exciting events. Take a guided bike tour through the famous Dutch tulip fields or experience the spectacular Flower Parade in April, in which artistically dazzling parade floats are made from thousands of tulips, hyacinths and daffodils.
Even within the city of Amsterdam, spring is the perfect time to explore the city’s iconic flower markets. Pick up a fresh bouquet at Amstelveld on Mondays, or browse a wide variety of tulips and seasonal flowers at the bustling Noordermarkt on Saturdays.
From world-famous gardens to colourful markets, Amsterdam in spring is a must for flower lovers and travellers alike!
Amsterdam 750: a year-long celebration of history and culture
Amsterdam will be 750 years old in 2025, and the city is pulling out all the stops with a year-long celebration of its rich heritage. From large-scale events to neighbourhood festivals, this milestone is the perfect time to experience Amsterdam’s vibrant culture.
Photo source: Amsterdam 750
One of the most anticipated events is a 15-kilometre-long celebration along the A10 Ring, one of the busiest motorways in the Netherlands. On June 21, the road will be completely car-free for the day as it is transformed into a giant festival space with concerts, sports, theatre, dance performances, and even 20 wedding ceremonies!
Throughout this anniversary year, Amsterdam’s seven neighbourhoods will also join in the festivities with 24-hour events, a unique initiative in which local businesses and communities open their doors to offer visitors an immersive experience of each neighbourhood’s culture, food and history.
As a city shaped by its waterways, Amsterdam will also host SAIL 2025, a world-famous maritime event held every five years. Now in its 10th year, the event brings a spectacular fleet of historic, modern, and tall ships to the city’s docks in August – a must-see for maritime enthusiasts and visitors alike.
The grand finale of the Amsterdam 750 celebrations will take place on October 27, the city’s official founding date. The event will conclude with the symbolic lighting of 750 candles, a powerful tribute to Amsterdam’s enduring heritage.
Photo source: Amsterdam 750
With an unforgettable line-up of events, 2025 is the ultimate year to visit Amsterdam and be part of its extraordinary history!
Amsterdam’s canals: exploring the city’s iconic waterways
With 165 canals stretching over 75km, Amsterdam’s canal network is one of the city’s most breathtaking sights and a must-see for any visitor.
These UNESCO-listed waterways offer endless opportunities to explore Amsterdam from a unique perspective.
One of the best ways to experience the Amsterdam canals is to take a canal cruise. Several companies offer options ranging from luxury dinner cruises to classic sightseeing tours.
For a more adventurous experience, try stand-up paddleboarding in Amsterdam, a fun and active way to see the city from the water.
Photo source: Pixabay
Rather stay on dry land? Relax at Café de Jaren or Café van Zuylen, both of which offer scenic water views. These charming spots are perfect for enjoying a local Dutch beer while munching on bitterballen, a popular traditional snack.
For a picturesque Amsterdam postcard, head to Staalmeestersbrug, a picturesque bridge with a stunning view of the Zuiderkerk church in the background – one of the city’s most iconic photo spots.
Whether cruising, paddling or enjoying a café on the water, Amsterdam’s canals are an unforgettable part of any visit!
World-class museums: must-see exhibitions in Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s renowned museums are celebrating the city’s 750th anniversary with special exhibitions that make 2025 an incredible time to visit.
At the iconic Rijksmuseum, explore a collection of over 500,000 prints and drawings, one of the largest in the world.
To mark the occasion, the museum’s print cabinets will display artworks highlighting Amsterdam’s history, including a rare city map from 1544, a topographical atlas, and detailed drawings of Nieuwe Kerk and the famous Dam Square.
Photo by Erik Smits on Rijksmuseum
Fashion lovers shouldn’t miss the Suit Yourself exhibition, a fascinating look at 100 years of men’s fashion (1750–1850), with extravagant styles, intricate tailoring, and luxurious fabrics.
For contemporary art lovers, the Moco Museum presents the must-see Banksy exhibition, featuring original works by the legendary street artist, including his iconic pieces Girl with Balloon and Flower Thrower.
Photo source: Tripadvisor
With exclusive exhibitions throughout the city, Amsterdam’s museums are offering a truly unmissable deep dive into art, history and culture in 2025!
Cycling in Amsterdam: see the city like a local
With almost 900,000 bicycles – more than the city’s population – Amsterdam is the ultimate bike-friendly city. Cycling is a way of life here, making it the best and most authentic way to explore.
On a sunny day, a top recommendation is to rent a bike in Amsterdam and ride through the city’s charming streets and iconic canals.
For those who prefer a more guided experience, joining a daily city bike tour is a great way to discover overlooked nooks and niches and learn about Amsterdam’s rich history.
One of the most unique cycling experiences is to ride through The Passage, the tunnel under the Rijksmuseum. This historic passageway, now with large glass panels offering views of the museum’s interior, makes the Rijksmuseum one of the few museums in the world you can cycle through.
Whether you’re pedalling through scenic parks, crossing historic bridges or cycling past world-famous landmarks, experiencing Amsterdam by bike is an absolute must!
Amsterdam’s food scene: must-try dining experiences
Amsterdam’s restaurant scene offers an impressive range of dining experiences, from Michelin-starred fine dining to charming neighbourhood eateries.
At Ron Gastrobar, chef Ron Blaauw delivers a Michelin-starred dining experience during which all dishes are designed to be shared. A standout on the menu are the signature spareribs – ‘The Original’ – with sambal manis, a sweet chilli salsa that has become a classic favourite.
Photo source: Tripadvisor
For a taste of local flavour, head to Jansz, a canal-side neighbourhood restaurant named after the 17th-century Dutch craftsman Volkert Jansz.
Open throughout the afternoon and up until midnight, Jansz offers a fixed lunch menu and a rotating selection of seasonal à la carte dishes for dinner, which makes it perfect for almost any time of day.
Photo source: Tripadvisor
At Bar Gui, chef Guillaume de Beer takes guests on a culinary journey through France’s Brittany with a menu that highlights coastal flavours. The carte blanche menu offers a selection of seasonal dishes hand-picked by the chef, ideal for those who want to experience a variety of flavours.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to innovative local cuisine, Amsterdam’s restaurants cater for every palate and offer an unforgettable dining experience!
Amsterdam’s neighbourhoods: thriving places not to be missed
Amsterdam’s neighbourhoods are as diverse as the city itself, each offering unique experiences and attractions.
Once an industrial area, Noord has undergone a stunning transformation into a vibrant waterfront neighbourhood.
Photo source: I Amsterdam
Home to a thriving community of entrepreneurs, Noord is now also home to the city’s first urban winery – Chateau Amsterdam. This innovative winery sources grape varieties from all over Europe to create premium ‘Made in Amsterdam’ wines.
Visitors can enjoy weekend tours and tastings, as well as a candlelit dinner (paired with the winery’s latest wine releases) at the on-site Mediterranean restaurant nestled into the stylish industrial setting.
Photo source: I Amsterdam
Houthavens, once one of the world’s most important wood trading ports, has been transformed into a dynamic and eco-friendly district spread over seven man-made islands. This modern neighbourhood offers a blend of sustainable architecture and vibrant cultural spaces.
Just a short distance away is the NDSM shipyard, now a bustling arts hub filled with creative studios, vibrant street art, and a new generation of bars and restaurants.
Photo source: Tripadvisor
From urban wineries to artistic enclaves, Amsterdam’s diverse neighbourhoods are full of surprises, perfect for locals and visitors alike to explore.
Shopping in Amsterdam: from luxury to local finds
Amsterdam offers a diverse shopping scene that caters for all tastes, from high-end fashion to unique locally-made treasures.
P.C. Hooftstraat is the city’s most exclusive shopping street, home to luxury boutiques and high-end designer stores. However, Amsterdam is also renowned for its alternative shopping scene, offering a more eclectic experience for those looking for something different.
Photo source: Unsplash
IJ-Hallen is Europe’s largest flea market, where visitors can find a wide range of second-hand goods, antiques and vintage items at great prices.
Meanwhile, the 9 Streets (De 9 Straatjes) offer a charming shopping experience with small, independent boutiques featuring local designers and unique brands. Nestled alongside the city’s iconic canals, these streets offer an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the world.
Photo source: Unsplash
For handmade and one-of-a-kind creations, head to The Maker Market, where Amsterdam-based designers and artisans gather to showcase their work. Whether you’re looking for handmade jewellery, art or unique home goods, this weekend market is the place to find something special.
Photo source: Tripadvisor
If you’re a fan of Dutch design, visit X BANK, a stylish concept store in a historic bank building near Dam Square. X BANK is a celebration of ‘Made in Holland’ fashion, accessories and exclusive home décor, with pieces you won’t find anywhere else.
From luxury shopping to unique finds, Amsterdam’s shopping scene has something for every style and budget!
Amsterdam’s nightlife: from lively clubs to elegant lounges
As the sun sets over the canals, Amsterdam’s nightlife scene awakes, offering something for everyone – from lively clubs to chic cocktail bars and laid-back spots to relax in with a drink.
For music lovers, Paradiso, a former church turned iconic music venue, hosts an impressive line-up of concerts, club nights and live performances every week. Similarly, Melkweg, a converted dairy, is a legendary cultural hotspot with DJ sessions, concerts and live music performances in a vibrant setting.
Photo source: Tripadvisor
If you’re looking for a stylish night out, head to the Ventuno Skylounge. Located on the 21st floor, this all-night venue offers Italian-inspired dishes followed by cocktails and wine by the glass, all to be enjoyed whilst taking in breathtaking views of the city skyline.
For a more relaxed atmosphere, Pulitzer’s Bar, with its stunning floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Prinsengracht canal, is the perfect place to sip cocktails in a refined art deco setting.
Photo source: Tripadvisor
Beer lovers won’t want to miss Proeflokaal Arendsnest, where you can sample over 50 Dutch beers on tap. A true beer lover’s paradise – Proost!
From energetic dance floors to elegant cocktail lounges, Amsterdam’s nightlife offers endless possibilities for an unforgettable evening!
Hidden gems in Amsterdam: the city’s secret treasures
Venture off the beaten track and discover Amsterdam’s hidden gems – unique places that offer a special insight into the city’s charm, but which many visitors tend to overlook.
De Drie Fleschjes, founded in 1650, is home to the oldest tasting room for jenever – a traditional Dutch juniper-flavoured spirit. This historic bar boasts the only drinking organ in the city, consisting of 50 barrels – and yes, it’s still working! – a truly lucky find for those who want to experience Amsterdam’s rich drinking culture.
Photo source: Tripadvisor
For cat lovers, the Cat Cabinet (Kattenkabinet) is a must. This quirky museum showcases paintings, sculptures and artworks in which cats are the main protagonists.
Celebrating its 35th anniversary, the museum features works by some of the best artists who have captured the beloved feline in their art.
Photo source: Tripadvisor
Located in the heart of Chinatown, Henk Comics is a hidden haven for comic and manga enthusiasts. Specialising in both new and used English and Japanese comics, it’s the perfect place to discover rare finds or immerse yourself in the world of graphic novels.
From historic bars to unique art collections, Amsterdam’s hidden gems offer a special experience beyond the usual attractions!
Nature near Amsterdam: exploring the great outdoors
Just a short bike ride from Amsterdam city centre, the newly revitalised Over-Amstel Boerderij has transformed a historic 1894 farm into an inspiring destination in the Amstelland Green Area. This peaceful retreat brings nature back to life as cows, sheep and chickens roam the grounds.
Photo source: Tripadvisor
Visitors can enjoy fresh, locally produced goods on-site, since the farm has its own cheese factory and grows its own vegetables for use in their farm-to-fork restaurant.
For a truly immersive experience, stay in one of the farm rooms with stunning views over Duivendrechtse Polder and the Amstel River.
Photo source: Tripadvisor
Located just north of Amsterdam, the Ilperveld Nature Reserve offers a tranquil escape with its 1,000 little islands nestled among winding waterways. This tranquil spot is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities for walking, cycling and boating.
Whether you’re looking for a farm holiday or a peaceful retreat in the heart of nature, Amsterdam’s surroundings offer the perfect places to get in touch with nature.
Sleep in Amsterdam: charming hotels for ultimate comfort
For a perfect night’s sleep with a touch of historic charm and modern design, the W Amsterdam is an outstanding option.
Housed in a former telephone exchange and bank, this stylish hotel is just steps from Dam Square and the Royal Palace. The blend of Dutch architectural heritage and sleek, contemporary interiors creates a comfortable and vibrant atmosphere.
Photo source: Tripadvisor
For a restful night’s sleep, De Durgerdam offers a peaceful, eco-friendly lakeside retreat just 15 minutes from the city centre. With only 14 rooms, it offers an intimate and tranquil environment surrounded by nature. Each room is decorated with Dutch artwork and handmade ceramics, offering a cosy and unique atmosphere in which to unwind.
Photo source: Tripadvisor
One of the most anticipated hotel openings is Rosewood Amsterdam, located on the picturesque Herengracht canal. Housed in the historic Palace of Justice, this luxury hotel promises a secluded, luxurious sleep in the UNESCO-listed canal district, making it an ideal choice for those seeking both opulence and serenity.
Photo source: Tripadvisor
Whether you prefer a vibrant stay or a peaceful retreat, Amsterdam’s hotels offer a plethora of superb spots for a soothing and rejuvenating night’s sleep.