Why go to Amsterdam? The 10 good reasons to go Amsterdam
Amsterdam, the city of four seasons
Amsterdam reveals different and typical faces depending on the season.
Quality museums galore
The city boasts many world-class museums and prestigious galleries.
A varied and unique architecture
Ancient and modern rub shoulders here in a unique photogenic setting.
The Dutch "gezellig" welcome
Amsterdam's inhabitants are friendly, multilingual and approachable.
Amsterdam, so far and so near!
Amsterdam is very close to France, accessible and yet unique and different!
The Venice of the North
Amsterdam's historic canals give the city its unique character and photogenic appeal.
Amsterdam or the village capital
The town's human scale makes it easy to get to, whether by bike or on foot.
Amsterdam, a cycling paradise
Two wheels embody the city's identity. You have to discover the city by pedaling.
Let's party in Amsterdam !
The capital's nightlife is rich and diverse, with cafés, concerts, discos, clubs and more.
A city that is constantly changing
Amsterdam is evolving while keeping its historical character: here, novelty is constant.
What to visit Amsterdam?
Interview: My Amsterdam
with Hélène Degryse, author of the guide.
Originally from Hauts-de-France, Hélène Degryse emigrated to the Netherlands for the love of a Dutchman. A native of Amsterdam, she enjoys the varied treasures of this enchanting city. Binational and trilingual, she is an interpreter, translator and journalist... and also the mother of two adorable French-Dutch children. Often on her bike, you may come across her with headphones on and a notebook in her hand.
See the video of the interviewGood to know to visit Amsterdam
Timetable
State museums usually open from 10am to 5pm and sometimes have Friday night openings. The other museums have freer hours. Museums are usually open every day and close just for Christmas and King's Day, and more ..
To be booked
In general, we advise you to book your visits as far in advance as possible, as the attractions have very well-designed websites, always in English, sometimes even in French. You'll even need to reserve a time slot for the most popular exhibitions.
Budget & Tips
Online reservations often save €1 per ticket. Major museums often cost around €18 to €20.
The Iamsterdam City Card is worthwhile if you want to visit many museums and attractions. Discounts are available for students and senior citizens, and minors are often admitted free of charge. This card, which gives access to many attractions and museums, also includes access to public transport (€60 per 24h, €85 per 48h, etc.).
Main events
Amsterdam is a city of events and festivals. Music, sports, food, almost every weekend has a varied cultural program. For most of the events, you can be surprised by what you see. For the more popular events (Formula 1 in Zandvoort, ADE, Holland Festival and other music festivals); it is advisable to plan months in advance.
Guided tours
Various kinds of guided tours, sometimes thematic, are offered in Amsterdam, sometimes organized by museums, even through the city. You can discover the city with an artistic theme, discover the brown and white bars, discover the secrets of the red light district, etc. The official register of licensed guides in the Netherlands is Guidor (www.guidor.nl/en).
Smokers
Smoking is prohibited in cafés, restaurants and in public or open areas (airports, hospitals and concert halls). Smoking areas in the semi-public sector will disappear in the summer of 2021.
Tourist traps
The horse-drawn carriage rides are a real aberration, while the city bus tours are also nonsense.
