The Ultimate Amsterdam Guide for First-Timers

So you are coming to Amsterdam for the first time. Nice. My friend Jake texted me the same thing last year, and I ended up sending him a novel-length WhatsApp message. This is basically that message, cleaned up and with fewer typos.

Getting Here and Getting Around

Fly into Schiphol. From there, grab a train to Amsterdam Centraal — it takes about 15 minutes and costs around 5 euros. Do not take a taxi unless you enjoy spending 50 euros to sit in traffic. My coworker made that mistake and still brings it up.

Once you are in the city, walk. Seriously. Amsterdam is tiny compared to most American cities. My friend Sara walks from her place in the Jordaan to De Pijp in 25 minutes and calls it her "commute." If walking is not your thing, rent a bike — but be warned, Amsterdam cyclists are not messing around. My roommate almost got taken out by a grandma on an omafiets her first week here.

For longer distances, get an OV-chipkaart (public transit card) at any station. Trams are your best friend. The metro is useful for getting to Noord. Buses exist but you probably will not need them.

Where to Stay

This is the number one question I get. Short answer: stay in the Jordaan, De Pijp, or Oud-West. These are the neighborhoods where locals actually live and hang out.

Do not stay right on the Damrak or in the Red Light District area unless you want to hear drunk tourists singing at 3 AM. My neighbor made that mistake on his first visit (before he moved here) and he still shudders about it.

For hotels, I always send people to The Hoxton — friends of mine stayed there last spring and literally tried to extend their trip. Canal view, great lobby, right in the Jordaan.

Budget tip: if you are trying to save money, look at hotels in Oud-West or Noord. They are slightly less central but way more affordable, and both neighborhoods are awesome in their own right.

What to Actually Do

Here is my honest take on the big tourist attractions:

Anne Frank House — Yes, go. But book tickets online way in advance. They release them about 6 weeks ahead. My friend showed up without tickets and could not get in. It is one of the most powerful museum experiences you will ever have.

Rijksmuseum — Also yes. Even if you are not a museum person, the building itself is worth seeing. Pro tip: go on a weekday morning. By 2 PM it is packed.

Van Gogh Museum — Great if you are into art. Skip if you are not — no judgment. My friend Max went because he "felt like he should" and spent the whole time on his phone.

Canal cruise — Do it once. The daytime ones are touristy but you learn a lot about the city. The evening ones with wine are more fun. My buddy books through these guys because you can cancel last-minute.

Red Light District — Walk through once if you are curious, but do not make it your whole trip. The area around Zeedijk and Nieuwmarkt is actually really cool for food and bars.

Skip: Madame Tussauds, the Amsterdam Dungeon, and any "Amsterdam by Night" pub crawl. These are tourist traps and my friends would genuinely disown me if I recommended them.

Where to Eat

Amsterdam food has gotten incredibly good in the last few years. Here are my rules:

1. If there is a menu in 6 languages outside, keep walking
2. If it is on the Leidseplein, it is probably overpriced
3. If there is a line of locals, get in that line

For a proper Amsterdam meal, try Cafe de Klos — my coworker Thomas has been going every Friday for three years. The spare ribs are unreal.

For brunch, head to De Pijp. Scandinavian Embassy and Bakers & Roasters are both solid. Get there before 10 AM on weekends or you are waiting 45 minutes.

For cheap eats: falafel from Maoz, herring from any haringhandel (the fish stands — trust me), and a tosti (Dutch grilled cheese) from any brown cafe.

Going Out

Amsterdam nightlife is more than the Red Light District. Way more.

For cocktails, Bar Oldenhof is my go-to for special occasions. It feels like drinking in a 19th-century living room. My neighbor took me there for my birthday and I genuinely did not want to leave.

For a more casual vibe, hit up the bars around Leidseplein or Rembrandtplein — but the real spots are in the Jordaan and De Pijp. Cafe Papeneiland (oldest brown cafe in Amsterdam), Cafe Chris, and Brouwerij 't IJ (brewery in a windmill — yes, really).

Clubs: Shelter (in the basement of A'DAM Tower), Paradiso (in a church), and De School if it is still open when you visit.

Practical Tips

• Weather: Pack layers. It can be sunny and rainy in the same hour. My friend from Texas brought only shorts and a t-shirt in April. She was miserable.
• Cash: Some places (especially the smaller ones) are cash only. Always have some on you. Cafe de Klos is cash only and it has burned more than one friend.
• Tipping: Not required like in the US. Round up or add 5-10% if service was great.
• English: Everyone speaks it. You do not need to learn Dutch, though locals appreciate a "dankjewel" (thank you).
• Bikes: They have the right of way. Always. Look both ways on bike paths. My roommate learned this the hard way.
• King's Day (April 27): If you are here for this, book your hotel NOW. The whole city turns into a street party. My coworker's mom could not find a room last year.
• Drugs: Coffee shops sell weed, not coffee. Regular cafes sell coffee. This confuses every first-timer I know.

How Many Days Do You Need?

Three to four days is the sweet spot. You can see the main museums, explore a few neighborhoods, eat well, and go out without feeling rushed.

If you only have two days, pick two neighborhoods and go deep rather than trying to see everything. My recommendation: Jordaan + De Pijp. You will hit most of the best food, bars, and canal views.

If you have a week, do a day trip to Haarlem or Zaanse Schans. Both are gorgeous and way less crowded than Amsterdam.

That is the guide. This is literally what I tell every friend who visits. If you want more specific recommendations, check out the rest of this site — I have written up all my favorite places to stay, restaurants, bars, and things to do.

Welcome to Amsterdam. You are going to love it.