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.

  • Bus 300 from Schiphol airport to Haarlem

    Bus 300 from Schiphol airport to Haarlem

    Get from Schiphol to Haarlem in just 45 minutes on direct bus 300. Here’s everything you need to know about tickets, prices, and the timetable for 2026. Taking bus 300 to Haarlem is one of the most comfortable ways to…

  • How to use trams in Amsterdam: tickets, routes & tips

    How to use trams in Amsterdam: tickets, routes & tips

    Trams are the most popular form of public transport in Amsterdam. The tram network covers almost the entire city, except for the northern district of Amsterdam Noord. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about trams in…

  • Amsterdam to Giethoorn: train, bus & day trip guide (2026)

    Amsterdam to Giethoorn: train, bus & day trip guide (2026)

    Giethoorn is a village in the Dutch countryside, often called the “Venice of the Netherlands” for its network of canals and traditional farmhouses. The historic centre has no roads — the only way to get around is by boat, bike,…

  • 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…

  • 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.…

  • 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.…

  • 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…

  • 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. Written by a…

  • Amsterdam evening canal cruise: prices and best options

    Amsterdam evening canal cruise: prices and best options

    What is the best time for a sunset cruise in Amsterdam? And which evening canal cruise offers the best experience? In this guide, we compare the most popular options – from budget-friendly cruises to luxury dinner experiences – so you…

  • 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…