When to Visit Amsterdam
🌷 Spring (March - May)
Best for: Tulips, King's Day (April 27), pleasant weather
The city awakens. Tulips bloom, terraces open, and King's Day turns Amsterdam orange. Book Keukenhof tickets in advance!
☀️ Summer (June - August)
Best for: Festivals, outdoor activities, long days
Long days (sunset at 10pm!), outdoor festivals, packed terraces. Most expensive season - book 3-6 months ahead.
🍂 Autumn (September - November)
Best for: Fewer tourists, lower prices, beautiful colors
The locals' favorite. Fewer tourists, beautiful fall colors, museums without lines. Great value!
❄️ Winter (December - February)
Best for: Christmas markets, Light Festival, cozy atmosphere
Amsterdam Light Festival, Christmas markets, and Dutch coziness (gezelligheid). Cold but magical.
Documents Required
Good news for most travelers: No visa required for tourist stays up to 90 days for EU, US, UK, Brazilian, and many other nationalities.
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least 3 months AFTER your return date
- Accommodation Proof: Hotel booking, Airbnb confirmation, or invitation letter
- Financial Proof: Bank statement or credit card (they may ask at immigration)
- Return Ticket: Proof you're leaving the Schengen Area within 90 days
- Travel Insurance: Highly recommended, especially for healthcare
Getting There
✈️ Schiphol Airport
One of Europe's best airports. Train to Amsterdam Central: 20 min, €5.50. Runs 24/7 but less frequent at night.
🚄 International Trains
Thalys from Paris (3h), Eurostar from London (4h), ICE from Germany. Book early for best prices.
🚌 Bus (Budget)
FlixBus from major European cities. Cheap but long journeys.
🚗 By Car
Use Park & Ride lots outside the center. Parking in center: €7.50/hour (!)
Realistic Budget for 2026
Budget Traveler: €80-120/day
- Hostel: €35-50/night
- Street food & supermarkets: €20-30
- Free attractions & walking: €0-15
- Transport (bike or walking): €0-10
Mid-Range: €150-250/day
- 3-star hotel: €100-150/night
- Restaurants: €40-60
- Museums & attractions: €25-40
- GVB day pass: €9
Comfort/Luxury: €300+/day
- 4-5 star hotel: €200-400/night
- Fine dining: €80-150
- Private tours & canal cruises: €50-100
Sample Itineraries
3 Days (Weekend)
- Day 1: Anne Frank House, Jordaan neighborhood, canal cruise
- Day 2: Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Vondelpark
- Day 3: NDSM, A'DAM Lookout, Noord district
5-7 Days (Complete)
- Days 1-3: Main Amsterdam attractions
- Day 4: Day trip - Zaanse Schans or Keukenhof (spring)
- Day 5: De Pijp, Albert Cuyp market, Heineken Experience
- Days 6-7: Hidden gems, coffeeshops, local neighborhoods