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 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…

  • Anne Frank house tickets: how to book before they sell out

    Anne Frank house tickets: how to book before they sell out

    Anne Frank House tickets must be booked online in advance, since they’re never sold at the door. Tickets go on sale every Tuesday at 10:00 AM (Amsterdam time) for the entire week six weeks later, and they sell out fast.…

  • Is pre-booking required for Amsterdam museums?

    Is pre-booking required for Amsterdam museums?

    Are there any museums in Amsterdam that would you recommend pre-booking tickets for? We hear this question a lot from travelers. While most of us want to keep our plans flexible, the answer is yes, many of Amsterdam’s most popular…

  • 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…

  • Where to eat herring in Amsterdam?

    Where to eat herring in Amsterdam?

    Did you know that herring isn’t typically served in restaurants in the Netherlands? This often surprises travelers who aren’t sure where to find it. In fact, herring is a popular street food here, and these are the best spots to…

  • Eurostar Amsterdam to Paris 2026: time, tickets & fares

    Eurostar Amsterdam to Paris 2026: time, tickets & fares

    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…

  • 2-day Amsterdam itinerary for first-time visitors

    2-day Amsterdam itinerary for first-time visitors

    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…

  • Rooftop restaurants in Amsterdam

    Rooftop restaurants in Amsterdam

    We have selected five cafés and rooftop restaurants in Amsterdam where you can drink coffee, have lunch and enjoy a great view of Amsterdam in 2026. Photos: Kristina Kutena 🚤 Popular with our readers Not sure which Amsterdam canal cruise…

  • Giethoorn day trip from Amsterdam: tours & prices (2026)

    Giethoorn day trip from Amsterdam: tours & prices (2026)

    Giethoorn, often called the Dutch Venice, is located 121 kilometers away from Amsterdam. In 2026, travelling from Amsterdam to Giethoorn by public transport takes about 2 to 2,5 hours one way. For a day trip, we recommend booking a group…

  • Amsterdam canal cruise prices 2026: which one to book?

    Amsterdam canal cruise prices 2026: which one to book?

    Most Amsterdam canal cruises cost €15,50 – €25 per person. Special cruises with food, drinks or private boats range from €30 to €150+. In this guide, I’ll compare prices, explain which cruises are worth the extra money, and share my…