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.

  • I amsterdam City Card Explorer 2026: Pick 3, 5 or 7 Attractions

    I amsterdam City Card Explorer 2026: Pick 3, 5 or 7 Attractions

    The I amsterdam City Card Explorer: Special Edition, launched in May 2026, is a “pick and mix” alternative to the traditional I amsterdam City Card. Instead of paying for unlimited access over a fixed number of hours, you choose 3,…

  • Keukenhof in 2027: the ultimate guide

    Keukenhof in 2027: the ultimate guide

    🌷 Keukenhof is closed for the season β€” reopens 18 March 2027 Plan your 2027 visit now Book early to lock in the best hotel rooms and avoid sold-out entrance tickets β€” Flower Parade and Easter weekends sell out months…

  • 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…

  • List of museums included in I amsterdam card with 2026 prices

    List of museums included in I amsterdam card with 2026 prices

    How much can you save with the I amsterdam City Card? Check the list below of free museums and attractions, add up the places you want to visit, and compare the total ticket costs with the price of the card.…

  • Museum Our Lord in the Attic: a hidden church in Amsterdam

    Museum Our Lord in the Attic: a hidden church in Amsterdam

    The canal house at Oudezijds Voorburgwal 40 looks much like its neighbors in the Red Light District. Take a look at the photo below, it’s the one with white window frames, just to the left of the tree. But if…

  • 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…