When most people hear ‘Amsterdam’ their first thoughts are of windmills, tulips, clogs, and Anne Frank. But this vibrant capital city boasts incredible art & architecture, a population of 1.3 million, impressive markets and parks, and a vibrant nightlife.
Getting there: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is the main airport in the Netherlands. From there you can catch a train, taxi, bus or shuttle to the city center. If you’re traveling by train you’ll likely arrive at Station which is appropriately located in the city’s center.
Getting around: Amsterdam is not a motor-friendly city. With its canals, bridges, and one-way streets, Amsterdam belongs to bikers and pedestrians. Cabs and shuttles are a great way to get from the airport to the city center but be aware taxis in Amsterdam are known for being overpriced. Also note that most cab drivers do not speak English so be sure to have the address of your destination written out to show them.
When in Amsterdam do like the Dutch do and rent a bike or ride the tram. Bikes can be rented from train stations or rental companies like Mike’s Bike Tour. Single 
fare tram tickets can be a bit costly (2 euro for a trip within the city center’s Zone 1) but with a Stippenkaart ticket, the tram is a great way to get around the city. You can purchase a Stippenkaart from most train stations, tourist information stands and supermarkets. The ticket gives you seven Zone 1 trips for 7 euro and some change.
If you’re looking to do some major site-seeing, Mike’s Bike Tours or the hop-on hop-off style Canal Bus boat are great options.
Looking for a less expensive way to see the city? You can conquer most of Amsterdam by foot, but just be aware of where the bike paths are and be sure to stay clear of them, unless you want to take your life in your hands.
Where to stay: The Leidseplein area is the ideal place to stay for young travelers. Its center square is lined with restaurants, bars, pubs and clubs and is within walking distance of most of Amsterdam’s museums and popular attractions.
Where to eat: When in Amsterdam you’ll find a wide variety of restaurants ranging from Dutch to Asian to American and everything in between.
For traditional Dutch cuisine, head to D’Vijff Vlieghen. It’s a popular spot with great food, just keep in mind that it’s slightly more expensive with the average meal costing around 25 euro.
If you’re looking for a great burger, check out De Burgermeester, known for its gourmet beef, lamb and duck burgers. Try all three by ordering a mini burger platter.
T Blauwe Teehuius is a great place to grab a bite to eat after spending the day in Vondelpark & if Dutch beer is what you’re after, stop by the Cracked Kettle.
What to do: Amsterdam is full of historic locals and great museums. If you’re trying to see it all, consider purchasing a Museumkaart or IAmsterdam card. Both offer discounts on museums and transportation.
Red Light District: The Dutch believe that most things are easier to control if they’re legal and thus Amsterdam has the Red Light District, a centralized location for prostitution within the city. While the area is well maintained it still has its fair share of shady characters and it’s recommend that you’re planning to visit the Red Light District that you travel in a group, and avoid going at night.
Anne Frank House: You can tour the annex where Anne Frank and her family hid out during the German occupation of Holland at this popular museum. Just keep in mind, that the museum is just that – popular! The Anne Frank House opens at 9 am but if you want to beat the crowds, it’s not a bad idea to get there around 8:45.
Coffee Shops: Coffee shops are a popular destination for tourists who are fascinated by the city’s tolerance for soft drugs. There are coffee shops located across the city but some notable ones include Dampkring, which was featured in the movie Ocean’s 12, Abraxas with its three floor bar and the Bulldog. Keep in mind that while you can purchase and smoke weed inside these coffee shops (for now – there’s a proposed law that may change that) it’s illegal to smoke it outdoors, and also illegal to
smoke tobacco indoors.
Museums: Amsterdam has an incredible collection of art stored at the Rijksmuseum. The museum has around 5,000 works, including pieces by Rembrant and Vermeer. And not far from the Rijksmuseum is the Van Gogh Museum which boasts over 200 paintings and 500 drawings from Van Gogh and his contemporaries.
Extras: Dam Square is located in the historical center of the city and is home to the National Monument, Royal Palace, and Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, and is just blocks from the Central Station. Vondelpark is a great place to escape the bustling city. This large park within the city has plenty of open space plus restaurants, cafes, and coffee shops throughout the park. Bloemenmarktis the city’s floating flower garden and the only garden of its kind in the world. It’s a great place to wander around and pick up some souvenirs.
Beth is a recent Butler University grad and travel writer. During her undergrad she had the opportunity to travel around Europe to many cities including Amsterdam.
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Amsterdam is a great city. I had a layover there this week & decided to make the most of it in a day. Here’s more on that http://www.goeatgive.com/amsterdam-in-eight/
Please note that the strippenkaart ticket does not exist anymore. You will have to buy a OV chip card. You can do that at the Central Station and at most supermarkets (Albert Heijn) or at literature or tobacco shops.
Thanks for the update Karen!