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Netherlands Netherlands

Amsterdam

Amsterdam began as a dam built at the mouth of the Amstel River and has grown into the capital and largest city of the Netherlands. Traces of its 16th-century heyday as a trading port remain throughout the city, making it a pleasure to explore on foot.

Updated August 15, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Amsterdam
Gateway airport
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)
Best season
May–Oct
Time zone
Europe/Amsterdam
Sights covered
44 places

Sights worth seeing

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Van Gogh Museum

Museums & galleries

Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum is located on Museumplein in Amsterdam and features works by Van Gogh and his contemporaries. It sits in an arts district worth exploring alongside the nearby Rijksmuseum and Stedelijk Museum.

Defence Line of Amsterdam

Castles & palaces

Defence Line of Amsterdam

The Defence Line of Amsterdam is a ring of fortifications about 20 km around the city, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking along the old defenses offers a different view of the city's outskirts.

Concertgebouw

Culture & venues

Concertgebouw

The Concertgebouw is a concert hall in Amsterdam. It's a great place to catch a live performance.

Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam

Museums & galleries

Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam

The Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam holds a collection centered on modern and contemporary art. It's worth a visit for any traveler interested in contemporary art.

De Wallen

Shopping & districts

De Wallen

De Wallen is Amsterdam's red-light district, a place where you can feel the city's uniquely free-spirited atmosphere. It's a favorite spot for travelers seeking something out of the ordinary.

Dam Square

Parks & gardens

Dam Square

Dam Square sits at the heart of Amsterdam, ringed by striking buildings that catch the eye. Frequent events large and small make it one of the city's liveliest spots.

Natura Artis Magistra

Zoos & aquariums

Natura Artis Magistra

Artis is an attraction in central Amsterdam that combines a zoo and a botanical garden. It's the oldest of its kind in the Netherlands and ranks among the most historic in the world.

Wereldmuseum Amsterdam

Museums & galleries

Wereldmuseum Amsterdam

The Wereldmuseum Amsterdam is an ethnographic museum whose collection reflects cultures and everyday life from around the world. Its history, marked by several name changes over the years, is part of the experience too.

How many days do you need?

Routes grouped by travel distance so each day stays comfortable.

Average temperature by month

5-year average

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
13° May
17° Jun
18° Jul
19° Aug
16° Sep
13° Oct
Nov
Dec

Getting there

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Getting around the city

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Amsterdam Tours & Experiences Booking

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Local data

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Where to stay

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