Amsterdam
The coexistence of civic seriousness, cultural cachet and heady hedonism is what sets Amsterdam apart. Locals eat well, live in beautiful buildings, cycle everywhere and debate urban decisions with the seriousness of a PhD seminar. A city long synonymous with revelry, Amsterdam’s nightlife continues to attract partygoers, comedy lovers and music fans – but its museums, galleries and history are equally big drawcards. You’ll find one of the world’s finest collections of Old Master paintings and some of the greatest contemporary architecture in northern Europe (the new Amsterdam University Library is a punchy example).
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The Golden Age Canal Ring – a Unesco World Heritage Site that still feels like a neighbourhood despite its historical import – frames a metropolis that’s always changing, always modern. The creative class that populated the Jordaan a generation ago has moved north across the IJ waterfront, giving Amsterdam Noord a newfound energy. Meanwhile the Nine Streets, the city’s retail hotspot, deliver one of the region’s most enjoyable shopping experiences. There are also characterful hotels, an envelope-pushing restaurant scene and a brown-café culture – warm, amber-lit spots with plenty of beer on the table – whose traditional aesthetics belie a worldly open-mindedness. The Dutch capital, on balance, has it all.
Essential information
- Taxi from airport to the city: It takes 20 to 35 minutes depending on traffic and costs approximately €40 to €50 by metered taxi. The train to Amsterdam Centraal takes 17 minutes and costs about €5.50 – this is the best option for most visitors.
- How much to tip in restaurants: Tipping is not obligatory but is appreciated. Round up or add 10 per cent of the bill at sit-down restaurants and €1 to €2 per drink at a bar.
- The drink to seek out: Try genever (Dutch gin) in its jonge (young, lighter) and oude (aged, malty) forms. Head to a brown café and order it neat in a small glass. The correct accompaniment is a glass of Dutch lager. This combination is called a kopstoot, which literally means a “head butt”. Café Hoppe on the Spui is a legendary address.
- Fill up on stamppot: This humble dish comprises mashed potatoes with kale, endive or sauerkraut, and is topped with rookworst smoked sausage. It’s delicious in cold weather. The Pantry on Leidsekruisstraat is a reliable spot for this delicacy.
- Be aware of the tourist tax: Amsterdam levies Europe’s highest tourist tax at 12.5 per cent of the hotel-room rate. Since January 2026, Dutch VAT on accommodation also rose from 9 per cent to 21 per cent, bringing the total tax burden on a hotel stay to about 33.5 per cent.
This guide was published on 5 October 2026
