Amsterdam is known for its picturesque canals, which are part of the city’s canal ring and have earned it the nickname “Venice of the North.” The canal ring, along with the historic canal houses and charming bridges, reflects the city’s rich architectural heritage. The inner part of the city centre, the *Binnenstad, dates from medieval times. The oldest streets are the Warmoesstraat (map) and the Zeedijk (map).

 !  While cannabis is decriminalized in the Netherlands, it’s important to note that regulations and policies surrounding its use have evolved in recent years.

⇒ Also сheck оut мore info: Top attractions • What’s on • Amsterdam apps

Dam Square: Located in the heart of Amsterdam, Dam Square (map) is a bustling square surrounded by historical landmarks. It’s home to the Royal Palace (map), the National Monument (map), and numerous shops, restaurants, and street performers.

Canal Ring: Amsterdam’s canal ring is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a quintessential symbol of the city. Take a canal cruise or stroll along the canals to admire the charming canal houses and picturesque bridges.

The Albert Cuyp Market (map) is the largest in Amsterdam, and the best-known street market in the country. The Waterloopleinmarkt (map) is partly a flea market, partly an alternative and second hand clothing and accessories market. It is more oriented towards tourists than to locals.

If you’re looking for authenticity, visit the Dappermarkt (map) or the Ten Katemarkt (map) in West. Both have food, households, flowers and clothing, and have a multicultural flavor.

Gemeentelijk Vervoerbedrijf (GVB)

9292.nl – you can plan all your trips with the train, bus, metro, tram, and ferry.

All public transport in the Netherlands (buses, trams, metros and trains) use contactless smart cards called ⇒ OV-chipkaart

⇒ Also сheck оut мore info: Getting around Amsterdam (iamsterdam.com) • Traffic and transport (amsterdam.nl) • Public transport in the Netherlands (holland.com)

BUS: GVB • Connexxion • EBS // Flixbus • Connexxion• Arriva • Qbuzz

TRAIN: Amsterdam Centraal (map). Information about trains can be found at the Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS, Dutch Railways) + NS — International App, which includes a trip planner which uses the latest information about train delays and detours.

AIRPORT: Schiphol Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. It is 15 km (9.3 mi) southwest of Amsterdam. It’s a point of interest in itself, being 4 metres below mean sea level.

FERRY: Map of Amsterdam ferry routes. Waterbus Rotterdam & Dordrecht ⇒ waterbus.nl + AFerry.co.uk.

CYCLING: routiq.com – Route planner. The best online routeplanner for cyclists can be found at a wikiplanner made by volunteers of the Dutch cyclist union “Fietsersbond”.

There are many reasons to explore beyond the city borders, and these are the very best. Find shopping spots, restaurant recommendations and unmissable experiences that lie in the greater Amsterdam Area.

⇒ video source: I amsterdam / youtube.com /

If you are coming to the Netherlands you should always check if you need a visa and, if so, what type of visa. Applying for a visa.

A popular journey planner for public transport in the Netherlands. It provides real-time information on train, tram, bus, and metro schedules.

While primarily targeting expats living in the Netherlands, also provides articles and resources about Dutch culture, customs, traditions.