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.

  • What to see in Amsterdam in 2 days: a first-timer’s itinerary

    What to see in Amsterdam in 2 days: a first-timer’s itinerary

    What can you see in Amsterdam in 2 days? This Amsterdam itinerary for first-time visitors shows you how to maximize your time and visit top museums, famous neighbourhoods, and hidden gems. I’ve also added some personal dos and don’ts to…

  • Amsterdam prices & travel budget 2026: is it expensive?

    Amsterdam prices & travel budget 2026: is it expensive?

    Amsterdam is one of the most expensive cities in Europe. But the actual cost depends heavily on where you stay, eat, and what attractions you visit. In this guide, you’ll find up-to-date 2026 prices for hotels, restaurants, public transport, museums,…

  • Is it allowed to smoke at Schiphol airport?

    Is it allowed to smoke at Schiphol airport?

    It’s not allowed to smoke inside Schiphol airport and in parking garages nearby. From 1 April 2020 Schiphol airport is completely non-smoking. This also applies to e-cigarettes. There is only one smoking zone at Schiphol, before security, at Jan Dellaertplein.…

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

    Amsterdam tourist tax in 2026: rates, calculator & tips

    If you stay in a hotel in Amsterdam in 2026, you will pay a tourist tax of 12,5% of the room price (excluding VAT). Tourist tax is a municipal tax that applies to hotels, apartments, hostels, B&Bs and other accommodations.…

  • Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam: tickets, prices and tips

    Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam: tickets, prices and tips

    The Rijksmuseum is the most famous museum in Amsterdam, and one of the most important art museums in the world. If you want to understand Dutch history, culture, and art, this is a good place to start. In this article…

  • Amsterdam public transport: tickets, cards & prices in 2026

    Amsterdam public transport: tickets, cards & prices in 2026

    Paying for public transport in Amsterdam has never been easier: simply tap in and out with your bank card – and you’re ready to go. However, while OV-pay is very convenient, it’s not always the cheapest option. If you plan…

  • Lovers canal cruise Amsterdam: is it worth it?

    Lovers canal cruise Amsterdam: is it worth it?

    There are dozens of boat companies that organize canal cruises in Amsterdam, but Lovers is my favourite. I like their colourful and comfortable boats, affordable tickets and the option to buy combi-tickets with an extra discount. In this guide I…

  • I amsterdam City Card 2026: prices, what’s included & is it worth it

    I amsterdam City Card 2026: prices, what’s included & is it worth it

    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…

  • King’s day 2027 in Amsterdam: things to do

    King’s day 2027 in Amsterdam: things to do

    In 2027, King’s Day in Amsterdam falls on Tuesday, 27 April 2027. Here is everything you need to know about celebrating King’s Day (Koningsdag in Dutch) in Amsterdam in 2027. In this guide 1 Book a King’s Day cruise 2…

  • Metro in Amsterdam: opening times, map, tickets

    Metro in Amsterdam: opening times, map, tickets

    Amsterdam metro includes 5 lines and 39 stations. You can pay for your metro rides with your bank pass (OV-pay) or buy a local transport ticket. Here is all you need to know about riding metro in Amsterdam. For a…