About Amsterdu
Amsterdu is a travel guide created by Du, a Brazilian who has visited Amsterdam multiple times, built friendships with locals, and plans to move permanently to the city. The guide focuses on practical information, real costs, and local secrets that actually matter to travelers.
Mission: Reduce risks and enhance experiences through curiosity, method, and honesty. No filter, no BS.
Important Changes in Amsterdam 2026
- Tourist Tax: 12.5% on accommodation (increased from 7%)
- VAT: 21% (increased from 9% on accommodation)
- Total hotel tax burden: ~33%
- Airbnb: Maximum 30 nights/year (soon 15 in city center)
- Cannabis on the street: Prohibited in historic center. Fine: €100
- Children's transport: Ages 4-11 travel free until January 2027
Trip Planning
Best Time to Visit
- Spring (Mar-May): Tulips, King's Day (April 27), terraces open. High season.
- Summer (Jun-Aug): Long days (sun until 10pm), festivals, most expensive and crowded.
- Autumn (Sep-Nov): Locals' favorite. Fewer tourists, museums without queues.
- Winter (Dec-Feb): Amsterdam Light Festival, Christmas markets, gezelligheid.
Entry Requirements
- Valid passport (3+ months validity after departure)
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Return ticket (90 days max in Schengen Area)
- Visa: Not required for most nationalities for tourism up to 90 days
Realistic Daily Budget (2026)
- Budget: €80-120/day (hostel, public transport, street food)
- Mid-range: €150-250/day (3★ hotel, mid-range restaurants, attractions)
- Comfortable: €300+/day (4★+ hotel, premium experiences)
Where to Stay in Amsterdam
Best Neighborhoods by Profile
Centrum (Historic Center)
Average price: €200-400/night
Best for: First visit, short stays, want to walk everywhere
Warning: Very touristy, noisy at night
Jordaan
Average price: €180-350/night
Best for: Charm, galleries, cafés, local vibe
Warning: Old buildings = steep stairs, small rooms
De Pijp
Average price: €150-280/night
Best for: Foodies, nightlife, Albert Cuyp Market
Tip: Oude Pijp (north) is more touristy; Nieuwe Pijp (south) is more residential
Amsterdam Noord
Average price: €100-200/night
Best for: Budget, alternative scene, NDSM, EYE Film Museum
Warning: Requires ferry (free, 24h) to cross to center
Oud-West
Average price: €130-250/night
Best for: Best value for money, 10 min bike to center
Highlight: Foodhallen, near Vondelpark
Transport in Amsterdam
From Airport (Schiphol) to Center
- NS Train: 17 minutes, €5.50 (best option)
- Bus 397: 30 minutes, €6.50
- Taxi: 20-40 minutes, €45-60
How to Pay for Transport
OVpay: Contactless card or phone. Check-in/check-out at terminals. Automatically charges best daily rate.
- Tram/Metro/Bus: ~€1.50 per trip
- GVB day pass: €10
- Ferry Central Station ↔ Noord: FREE
Traffic Hierarchy
Bike > Tram > Pedestrian > Car. Be careful crossing bike lanes!
Top Attractions
Museums (Booking Required)
- Anne Frank House: €16. Booking REQUIRED. Tickets released Tuesdays 10am (Amsterdam time) for 6 weeks ahead.
- Van Gogh Museum: €25. Booking recommended. NOT included in I amsterdam City Card.
- Rijksmuseum: €25. Booking recommended.
- Heineken Experience: €23. Includes 2 beers.
Free Activities
- Vondelpark
- Begijnhof
- Bloemenmarkt (Flower Market)
- NDSM Wharf
- EYE Film Museum (exterior)
- Ferries to Noord
Experiences
- This is Holland (flight simulation): €24
- Canal cruise: €15-25
- Bike rental: €10-15/day
- Albert Cuyp Market: free (eating ~€10-20)
Dutch Cuisine
What to Try
- Stroopwafel: Thin waffle with caramel. Best fresh at markets (~€2)
- Bitterballen: Fried ragout balls. Served with mustard (~€6-8 portion)
- Haring: Raw herring with onion. Local experience (~€4)
- Poffertjes: Mini pancakes with butter and sugar (~€5)
- Rijsttafel: Indonesian banquet with 12-20 dishes (~€30-50/person)
- Febo: Vending machine food. Kitsch experience (~€3-5)
Where to Eat (Value for Money)
- Foodhallen: Premium food court in Oud-West
- Albert Cuyp Market: Varied street food
- FEBO: Classic Dutch fast food
- Brown cafés: Traditional pubs with simple food
Tourist Traps to Avoid
- Restaurants in Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein (touristy, expensive)
- Any place with menu photos in the window
- Packaged souvenir stroopwafels (buy fresh)
Coffeeshops in Amsterdam
What Are They
Licensed establishments for cannabis sales. NOT regular cafés. Sales are tolerated under strict rules.
2026 Rules
- Minimum age: 18 (ID required)
- Maximum purchase: 5g per person/day
- Consumption: ONLY inside the establishment
- NEW: Smoking banned on streets in historic center. Fine: €100
- Alcohol: Prohibited in coffeeshops
- Tobacco: Cannot mix with cannabis indoors
Average Prices (2026)
- Hash: €8-15/g
- Weed: €10-18/g
- Pre-rolled joint: €5-8
- Space cake: €6-10
Well-Known Coffeeshops
- The Bulldog: Touristy, historic, multiple locations
- Dampkring: Artistic, featured in Ocean's Twelve
- Barney's: Cannabis Cup awards
- Boerejongens: Premium, professional service
- Grey Area: American-owned, unique strains
- Katsu: Local, intimate, De Pijp
Day Trips from Amsterdam
Zaanse Schans (Windmills)
Distance: 20 min by train
Cost: €5 train + €5-15 windmill entry
Tip: Go early to avoid crowds. Free to walk around.
Keukenhof (Tulips)
When: March 19 - May 10, 2026
Cost: €20 entry + transport (~€15)
Tip: Book in advance. Go on a weekday.
Haarlem
Distance: 15 min by train
Cost: €5 train
Why: Mini-Amsterdam without crowds. Grote Markt, Frans Hals Museum.
Rotterdam
Distance: 40 min by train
Cost: €17 train
Why: Modern architecture, Markthal, Cube Houses.
Utrecht
Distance: 30 min by train
Cost: €10 train
Why: Canals with underground terraces, Dom Tower.
Giethoorn (Dutch Venice)
Distance: 2h by car/bus
Cost: €30-50 transport + €15-20 boat
Tip: Worth a full day. Very touristy in summer.
Cost of Living in Amsterdam (For Residents)
Monthly Rent (2026)
- Room in shared apartment: €800-1,200
- Studio/Small apartment: €1,500-2,200
- 1-bedroom apartment: €1,800-2,500
- 2-bedroom apartment: €2,200-3,500
Monthly Fixed Expenses
- Health insurance (mandatory): €130-180
- Utilities (gas, electricity, water): €150-250
- Internet: €40-60
- Transport (OV-chipkaart): €100-150
- Groceries: €300-500
Estimated Total Budget
- Single (budget): €2,500-3,000/month
- Single (comfortable): €3,500-4,500/month
- Couple: €3,500-5,500/month
2026 Events Calendar
- Keukenhof: March 19 - May 10
- Koningsdag (King's Day): April 27 (Monday)
- WorldPride Amsterdam: July 25 - August 8 (Canal Parade: August 1)
- Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE): October 21-25
- Amsterdam Light Festival: November 26, 2026 - January 17, 2027
Warning: During these events, hotels are 2-3x more expensive and book out months in advance.
7 Mistakes That Catch Most Tourists
- Not booking Anne Frank House: Sells out in minutes every week
- Walking in bike lanes: Bikes have priority. You WILL get hit or yelled at.
- Exchanging money at airport: 15-20% fees. Use ATM or card.
- Eating in Leidseplein/Rembrandtplein: Touristy and expensive. Walk 10 min.
- Not bringing rain jacket: Rains year-round. Umbrellas don't work (wind).
- Buying tulips at flower market: Many are fake/won't bloom.
- Smoking cannabis on street: €100 fine in center in 2026.
About the Author
Du - Brazilian, multiple trips to Amsterdam, local friendships, future resident.
Website: amsterdu.com