Visiting Amsterdam

If you're a first-time traveller to Amsterdam then this article will give you useful information and help you plan a must-see itinerary.

Amsterdam is called by many people as the Venice of the North and they really aren't wrong.

You're sure to love the houses that look like something out of a fairy tale with their triangular roofs and if you go (not too) far out, you'll love the flower-filled courtyards of houses with all kinds of flowers.

I've said it before that Amsterdam brings our childhood fairy tales to life. The ones with houses made of marshmallows and walks through lush green meadows. And it's very easy to get around and see the sights.

Tip: Don't miss out on the Amsterdam City Card which gives you the opportunity to visit dozens of museums, discounts, free public transport and much more. For more information take a look here.

FROM THE AIRPORT TO THE CENTRE

There are three ways to get to and from the Amsterdam airport, by train, bus and taxi.

BY TRAIN

The easiest way is by train. In the Netherlands, trains are fast, clean and, most importantly, "on time".

The signs at the airport will direct you directly down to the arrivals hall where from platforms 1 and 2 you will take the train which will drop you off at Amsterdam Central Station. The journey takes about 20 minutes and the cost is 5.40 euros.

You'll take it right outside the main arrivals building at the airport. The ticket, essentially a card, costs 5 euros and you will get it from the special machines at the airport. In addition you can put in a larger amount so that you can also get one for your trips around town.

The journey, depending on the traffic on the roads, takes about 35 minutes.

Alternatively, you can get a card online that will cover your days for all transportation. To order it see here.

BY TAXI

If you are a family or group of at least four people a taxi will make it easier to get to the hotel. Just make sure it has the bright "TAKE" sign on the roof and the official blue license plates.

The ride from the airport to the centre with the official amsterdam airport taxi costs around 39 euros.

You can pre-book your transfer from the airport with a Welcome Pick-Ups car.

The driver will wait for you with an identification sign in the arrivals hall and offer you a bag with a bottle of water and a map of the city.

The cost from Schiphol airport to the centre is the same as a taxi i.e. around 39 euros.

Must See

ROYAL PALACE OF AMSTERDAM

Located in Dam Square, it is one of the four palaces in the country. It was built in the 17th century, more precisely in 1665. The palace was renovated and is open for tourists who want to visit it. For more information take a look at its website.

To skip the queue and enjoy an audio-guided tour of the palace, take a look here.

Open daily from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

VAN GOGH MUSEUM

Even if you're not a fan of art painting, you can't miss a visit to the Van Gogh Museum of the greatest painter of all time! The museum attracts more than a million visitors every year.

You can admire more than 200 paintings, 500 drawings and 750 letters of the Dutch painter. The museum also has a gift shop where you can buy various Van Gogh souvenirs.

I recommend buying your tickets in advance and even online in order to avoid queues and hassle.

Open daily from 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

RIJKSMUSEUM

Dedicated to the arts and history, the Rijksmuseum is housed in a magnificent 19th century Gothic and Renaissance building.

It is located on Stadhouderskade opposite the Van Gogh Museum. It is famous for its collection of 17th century paintings (Dutch Golden Age) and artists such as Vermeer, Rembrandt and Jan Steen.

To book a ticket and avoid the hassle of waiting take a look here.

Open daily from 09:00 am - 17:00 pm

THE HOUSE OF ANNA FRANK

Anne Frank's House is a museum that holds a whole life story inside. The history of the Frank family unfolds in its rooms and spaces.

You'll see the library that covered the entrance to the crypt where the family hid, the famous diary of little Anna and a whole lot more.

If you'd like to take part in a tour of the town that's all about Anne Frank's life, then take a look here.

Open daily from 09:00 am - 22:00 pm

WALK TO JORDAAN

The Jordaan district was built in the 17th century and was originally a mainly working class area. Today it is famous for its atmosphere and its beautiful streets connecting the three main canals.

It has very nice restaurants, shops, cafes and art galleries. It is located in the centre of Amsterdam and is well worth a walk there.

THE HOUSE OF REBRANDING

The Rembrandt House Museum is located at 4-6 Jodenbreestraa Street and it was in this house that the great painter lived and worked between 1639 to 1658. Rembrandt bought the house in 1639 and lived in it with his wife Saskia van Uhlenburh who died prematurely of tuberculosis.

In 1658 Rembrandt went bankrupt, auctioned off the house and art collections and moved to a rented small house in Rozengracht, where he lived until his death.

Book your ticket here without waiting in line and enjoy an audio-guided tour of the museum.

Open daily from 09:00 am - 18:00 pm

VONDELPARK

Vonderpark opened in 1865 and was named after the 17th century writer Joost van den Vondel whose statue you'll find inside the park.

There are also several cafés, restaurants as well as a film museum and an open-air theatre. It has several entrances and you can get there by tram by getting off at Stadhouderskade from line 1 and at Leidseplein for lines 1, 2, 5, 7, 10.

You can also have a little picnic as the park is gorgeous full of ponds, bridges and lots of flowers.

If you find yourself in Amsterdam in spring don't miss the Keukenhof Park, located outside the city, it's a paradise on earth not to be missed!

More details on how to get to Keukenhof and photos in this article.

NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM

It is only a 15-minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station. You'll spot it from afar as right in front of it is a replica of an 18th century Dutch merchant ship.

As the Netherlands is a maritime country par excellence, a visit to this museum is a must and helps you to gain a deeper understanding of the country's history.

To book your tickets online and avoid the hassle, take a look here.

Open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

MADAME TUSSAUDS MUSEUM

If you're a fan of waxworks then the Madame Tussauds Museum in Dam Square is one of the must-see attractions. It's frequently updated according to people in the news and is a fun experience for young and old alike.

Inside you are greeted by photographers who take photos which, if you want, you can buy at the end. But you can also take your own photos without any problem.