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Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam, Netherlands | A Comprehensive Guide

One of Europe's most iconic and frequently visited cities, in the quaint country of Nederland. With plenty of hidden gems, experience this city like a local. Below, you will find a list of places to visit while in Amsterdam.

According to the locals I spoke with, the months of April-May and September-October are the best times to be here. If you wait too long and stay in July-August, you will be experiencing the Dutch heat and overcrowded chaos of Amsterdam, and if you go between November-February, then be sure to pack layers, rain jackets, and umbrellas because it will be cold and rainy.

To get the most out of Amsterdam and surrounding areas, I would recommend a stay of at least 4 days. That will allow you to experience this city fully and slowly. 

Europe is known for its public transportation, and Amsterdam is no different. The upside to this city is that public transportation is fairly reliable and on time. But you have options, and I think you'll find the free one is best.

- 👣 Walking: The cheapest, and often most rewarding, form of transportation out there! Unless you're going to the outermost regions of metropolitan Amsterdam, this is a great option. It's easy to hit that 10,000-step goal here!

- 🚲 Bicycle / Scooter Rental: Perhaps you want to take in all the sights, but walking isn't the answer. MacBike and Rent-A-Bike Damstraat are some great rental service options.

- 🚇 GVB Metro: The public transport company operates a number of metros, buses, and trams in the city. This is ideal for reaching the outer parts of the city. Buy a day pass for 24-hours of unlimited travel on any transportation of the system for less than 10€. Alternatively, tap your card to enter and leave the stations and get charged for each leg.

- 🚍 GVB Bus: Part of the same system as the metro and tram, you can use the same pass for travel. Otherwise, tap on and off just as with the metro.

- 🚤 Canal Boat: Hop-on, hop-off boat tours are a very unique way to tour the city on the water, stopping at the major attractions of the area. Pay around 20-25€ for a day pass and see Amsterdam from a different view.

- ⛴️ Ferry: Free ferries will also run you across the IJ River, connecting further areas of Amsterdam together.

- 🚊 Train: Amsterdam Centraal Station is ready for you to travel to surrounding areas whenever you like. With a digital QR-code of your ticket, a paper ticket from the machine, or with a tap of your card, you will go through the gates and to the platform. NS is the company found throughout Nederland and at this station.

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- 🚋 GVB Tram: Exactly the same as the metro and bus, use a day pass or tap your card to travel on the trams.

- 🚕 Taxi: The most expensive type of transportation, but still an option. Typically, Uber is used, although you can hail some down in the street as well.

The Flying Pig Downtown Hostel

Stayokay Hostel Amsterdam Vondelpark

ClinkNOORD

Vondelpark

Canals of Amsterdam

Anne Frank House

Van Gogh Museum

Rijksmuseum

Flower Market

Royal Concertgebouw

Amsterdam, Netherlands | A Comprehensive Guide

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