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.

  • Van Gogh tickets are sold out: how to visit museum?

    Van Gogh tickets are sold out: how to visit museum?

    The Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam attracts millions of visitors every year. Demand for tickets exceeds capacity, and a few years ago the decision was taken to only sell tickets online. In 2026, you need to pre-book them in advance,…

  • Parking in Amsterdam: rates, zones and rules

    Parking in Amsterdam: rates, zones and rules

    Here is all you need to know about parking in Amsterdam in 2026. Street parking, car parks, Park + Ride, parking tariffs, where to find free or cheap parking in Amsterdam, and how to pay for it. Plan your visit…

  • Bus 316 from Amsterdam to Volendam

    Bus 316 from Amsterdam to Volendam

    If you’d like to explore Volendam at your own pace, take public bus line 316 from Amsterdam. The journey takes about 30-35 minutes. Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about bus 316 tickets, timetables, and departure points in…

  • Trains in Amsterdam: tickets, prices, timetable

    Trains in Amsterdam: tickets, prices, timetable

    How to use trains in Amsterdam and the Netherlands? Where to buy tickets for the Dutch trains, check departures and how to travel by train with children in 2026? We have all answers! You will probably start your visit to…

  • Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket: 1-3 days travel pass (2026)

    Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket: 1-3 days travel pass (2026)

    Use the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket (ARTT) to explore Amsterdam and the area (Zaanse Schans, Volendam, Edam, Haarlem, the beach in Zandvoort, Keukenhof and much more). In this guide I’ll explain how ARTT works and where you can use it.…

  • I amsterdam City Card review: is it worth it + savings calculator

    I amsterdam City Card review: is it worth it + savings calculator

    The I amsterdam City Card is worth buying if you plan to visit 4+ museums and use public transport in Amsterdam. A 72-hour card costs €115 and can save you up to €274 compared to buying tickets separately. Use our…

  • Day trip to Haarlem from Amsterdam: things to do, eat & stay

    Day trip to Haarlem from Amsterdam: things to do, eat & stay

    Visit the beautiful city of Haarlem, located just 15 minutes from Amsterdam. It’s a must-see if you like art, history, culture and shopping. In our guide we’ve selected the best things to do in Haarlem in 2026. Haarlem is also…

  • Light Festival 2026/2027 in Amsterdam

    Light Festival 2026/2027 in Amsterdam

    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…

  • Day trip to Efteling from Amsterdam

    Day trip to Efteling from Amsterdam

    Efteling is the most visited attraction in the Netherlands – and one of the best day trips you can do from Amsterdam with kids. The park is 110 km away, about 2 hours by public transport or 1 hour 15…

  • From Amsterdam to Zandvoort beach: travel by train, bus, car

    From Amsterdam to Zandvoort beach: travel by train, bus, car

    Zandvoort aan Zee is a beach town on the North Sea coast, 40 km from Amsterdam. It is often called Amsterdam’s beach. Despite the distance, you can reach it in just 30 minutes by direct train from Amsterdam Centraal. 🚆…