About us
Welcome to the Amsterdam Explorer guide! My name is Anastasia Dudina, and I’m the person behind the project. Since moving to the Netherlands almost 12 years ago, I have contuniously explored the country. I share my tips and travel advice on my websites Holland Explorer and Amsterdam Explorer.
I visited more than 25 countries before I first came to the Netherlands, but the moment I saw all those fairytale houses from the canal boat in Amsterdam, I knew this is the place I wanted to stay. Now, a decade later, this place keeps surprising me.
Here you can go to see contemporary art by Banksy at the Moco Museum, masterpieces by Rembrandt and Van Gogh, go partying, and chill at the 17th-century canal house gardens (some of them, like Museum Willet-Holthuysen, are open to the public). In Amsterdam, no day is boring, and no day is the same.
All the articles in this guide are written by me. I do my best to keep them regularly updated so you always have the most current information. If you find Amsterdam Explorer helpful, you can support the project by spreading the word. Tell your friends and fellow travelers, or share a link on travel forums, your website, or social media. The only way I can compete with the big commercial websites is with your help. Thank you!
I hope you’ll fall in love with Amsterdam, same as I did! And I hope you will enjoy reading my guide. Here I’ve collected many practical tips, as well as inspirational ideas and day itineraries. And if you have any questions, please feel free to ask them in comments!
My favourite hotels in Amsterdam are:
A charming boutique hotel located along the Herengracht canal in the heart of Amsterdam’s historic district. Ambassade hotel is known for its elegant decor and extensive art and books collection.
A beautifully decorated boutique hotel on the Singel canal in the center of Amsterdam. Hotel Estheréa is in fact a row of historic 17th-century buildings. It’s known for its romantic interiors, luxurious details, and warm atmosphere.
Andaz Prinsengracht is a five-star hotel located on Amsterdam’s Prinsengracht canal. Designed by Dutch designer Marcel Wanders, it features contemporary art and distinctive interiors, and offers a modern stay with a clear Amsterdam character.
Banks Mansion is an elegant, the Art Deco style, boutique hotel located on Amsterdam’s Herengracht canal. It offers an all-inclusive concept with complimentary drinks and snacks.
The Pulitzer hotel, featured in Ocean’s Twelve movie, is a luxury hotel spanning 25 restored 17th- and 18th-century canal houses along the Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht in Amsterdam.
My favourite museums in Amsterdam:
Tip: all these museums are free with the I amsterdam Card, which gives free access to 70+ attractions in Amsterdam. See what is included in the card and order it online.
And my favourite areas in Amsterdam are:
- Nine streets (De 9 Straatjes)
- Zeedijk (Amsterdam’s Chinatown). Check more photos on my Instagram >>
- IJ promenade near the EYE film museum
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