Amsterdam travel guide

Your local guide to Amsterdam

13 years living here. Real tips, not tourist traps.

My name is Anastasia, and I live in the Netherlands since 2013. In this guide, I’ll inspire you to visit Amsterdam, discover hidden gems, and help you plan your trip.

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Latest from the blog

Check my new articles, guides and tips for your trip to Amsterdam.

  • Do Rijksmuseum tickets ever sell out?

    Do Rijksmuseum tickets ever sell out?

    The Rijksmuseum is one of my favourite places in Amsterdam, and I get asked about its tickets all the time. Do they sell out? Do you have to book in advance, or can you just walk in when it suits…

  • Amsterdam tourist tax in 2026: rates, calculator & tips

    Amsterdam tourist tax in 2026: rates, calculator & tips

    Booking a hotel in Amsterdam and wondering what that extra line on your bill is? That’s the city tax, also called tourist tax. In 2026 it is 12,5% of your room price (excluding VAT), and you pay it on top…

  • Eurostar Amsterdam to Paris 2026: times & tickets

    Eurostar Amsterdam to Paris 2026: times & tickets

    Paris, the capital of France, is just a short train ride from Amsterdam. You could wake up in your Amsterdam hotel and be enjoying fresh croissants near the Eiffel Tower by afternoon. Here are some practical tips to help you…

  • Amsterdam Light Festival Cruises 2026/2027

    Amsterdam Light Festival Cruises 2026/2027

    Which Amsterdam Light festival cruises are the best? Amsterdam Light Festival is a famous winter festival of art, light and water in Amsterdam. Historical buildings, bridges and sculptures in the center of Amsterdam will be illuminated with colour in the…

  • Things to do in Amsterdam with kids in 2026

    Things to do in Amsterdam with kids in 2026

    Planning a trip to Amsterdam with kids? We believe that traveling with children should be comfortable, exciting, and enjoyable. The city offers a variety of fantastic family-friendly attractions and activities. Here are a local’s 13 favourite things to do with…

  • Antiekcentrum Amsterdam: best antique shops (my tips)

    Antiekcentrum Amsterdam: best antique shops (my tips)

    Looking for authentic antiques in Amsterdam instead of boring souvenirs? Antiekcentrum Amsterdam is one of the city’s best hidden gems for vintage furniture, jewelry, Delftware, silver and collectible Dutch pieces, all under one roof. Last updated: 30 October 2026 by…

  • I amsterdam City Card 2026: prices, calculator and is it worth it?

    I amsterdam City Card 2026: prices, calculator and is it worth it?

    🎫 I amsterdam City Card 2026 I amsterdam City Card 2026: prices, what’s included and is it worth it? The I amsterdam City Card costs € 67 for 24 hours, € 94 for 48 hours, € 115 for 72 hours,…

  • Day trips from Amsterdam: best places to visit

    Day trips from Amsterdam: best places to visit

    🇳🇱 Amsterdam day trips The best day trips from Amsterdam The Netherlands is small and well connected: in 20 to 40 minutes you are in a windmill village, a fishing harbour or on a North Sea beach, and in 2…

  • KLM houses walk in Amsterdam

    KLM houses walk in Amsterdam

    There are hunderds of popular walking routes and day itineraries in Amsterdam (we also have a few!). But how about a creative one? You have probably heard about the KLM Delft Blue houses. Each of them is a miniature replica…

  • Hortus Botanicus: my favourite green escape in Amsterdam

    Hortus Botanicus: my favourite green escape in Amsterdam

    Yesterday I had an unusual Monday morning. Instead of starting the week at my usual busy tempo, I went to the Hortus Botanicus, a green oasis in the heart of Amsterdam. Last updated: 27 October 2026 by Anastasia Dudina 🌿…