Built on water and organised around bicycles: seventeenth-century canal houses, a handful of very good museums, and neighbourhoods that turn local one bridge out.
Free things to do
Free
See a free Concertgebouw performance
Free lunchtime concerts in one of the best-sounding halls in the world, Wednesdays at 12:30 from September to June. No booking — join the queue by noon.
Free
Walk the canal belt
Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht in one horseshoe, with the Nine Streets cutting across them. Walk it at dusk, when the bridge lights come on.
Free
Vondelpark on a warm evening
Half the city brings a picnic, and the open-air theatre is free on summer weekends.
Where to stay
from $73
City Trip Hostels Zaandam-Amsterdam
Dorm bed · per night
from $68
Hans Brinker Hostel Amsterdam
Dorm bed · per night · If you're seeking an unforgettable stay in Amsterdam, the Hans Brinker Hostel is the answer.
from $294
MEININGER Amsterdam City West
Private room · per night · The hotel is situated only two minutes from the Sloterdijk train station, and only a few minutes by train from the airport.
from $277
St Christopher's Amsterdam - The Winston
Private room · per night
Trips that take it in
Europe · 16 days · loop · 3 nights in Amsterdam
The Western Loop
London → Paris → Amsterdam → Berlin → Bruges → London