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Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital and largest city of the Netherlands, famous for its extensive canal system now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known colloquially as the "Venice of the North," this vibrant city welcomes millions of visitors each year to experience its unique blend of history, culture, and world-class attractions.

Quick facts

Population
881,933 (city, 2022)
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Language
Dutch
Timezone
CEST (UTC+2)
Local time now
16:23:35

Hotels in Amsterdam

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Airports in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is served by Luchthaven Schiphol, the city's primary airport. The region also features several smaller aviation facilities including Eerste Zaanse Zweefvlieg Club, Vliegveld Hilversum, Zweefvliegveld Langeveld, and Zweefvliegterrein Soesterberg, catering to general aviation and gliding enthusiasts. See all airports →

Car Hire in Amsterdam

Amsterdam offers several car rental options including SIXT, Enterprise, Avis, and Alamo, making it convenient to arrange vehicle hire for exploring the Netherlands. Whether you need a car for a day trip or longer stay, these rental services provide flexible solutions for visitors. See all car hire →

Things to Do in Amsterdam

Amsterdam offers a diverse range of attractions for every traveler. From historic landmarks like Dam Square and the Koninklijk Paleis to world-famous wax museums like Madame Tussauds Amsterdam, there's something to captivate every visitor to the Dutch capital. See all things to do →

Restaurants in Amsterdam

Amsterdam offers a diverse culinary landscape with restaurants catering to various tastes and cuisines. From established venues like De Roode Leeuw to contemporary spots such as Royal98, La Piazza, Bougainville, and La Boca, the city provides plenty of dining choices for visitors and locals alike. See all restaurants →

Swimming Pools in Amsterdam

Amsterdam offers several swimming pools and aquatic facilities for residents and visitors. Popular options include Zuiderbad, Swimgym, Sportfondsenbad Oost, Sportplaza Mercator, and Doelgroepenbad, providing swimming and fitness amenities across different neighborhoods. See all swimming pools →

Zuiderbad
1.7 km from centre
Swimgym
2.5 km from centre
Sportfondsenbad Oost
3.0 km from centre

Spas in Amsterdam

We're still gathering spas listings for Amsterdam — check back soon.

Nightlife in Amsterdam

Amsterdam's nightlife is as dynamic and diverse as the city itself, with venues ranging from energetic dance clubs like ClubNL and Winston to unique entertainment experiences. Whether you're looking for late-night dancing, live music, or distinctive bars, Amsterdam's nightlife scene offers something for every taste and mood. See all nightlife →

Bars in Amsterdam

Amsterdam offers a diverse bar scene ranging from traditional Dutch cafés to modern cocktail lounges. Whether you're looking for a cosy spot like Café Zwart, a classic experience at De Drie Fleschjes, or contemporary venues such as Bar 4, The Tailor, and De Blauwe Parade, the city's bar culture has something for every taste. See all bars →

Cafes in Amsterdam

Amsterdam offers a vibrant cafe culture with welcoming spots perfect for coffee, casual meals, and people-watching. From Dam Good Coffee to intimate venues like 't Nieuwe Kafé and De Drie Graefjes, the city's cafes reflect its relaxed, social atmosphere. See all cafes →

Shopping in Amsterdam

Amsterdam offers diverse shopping experiences across the city, from department stores like De Bijenkorf and HEMA to shopping centres such as Magna Plaza and Kalverpassage. Whether you're looking for international brands, local Dutch products, or high street fashion at TK Maxx, the city has retail options to suit all tastes and budgets. See all shopping →

Nature & Wildlife in Amsterdam

We're still gathering nature & wildlife listings for Amsterdam — check back soon.

Climate snapshot

Amsterdam experiences a temperate maritime climate with mild winters and cool summers. The city sees regular rainfall throughout the year, with autumn and winter being the wetter seasons. Spring and summer offer the most pleasant weather for exploring the city's famous canals and outdoor spaces.

Interesting Facts About Amsterdam — Weird & Wonderful

  • Amsterdam is colloquially known as the 'Venice of the North' due to its large number of canals, which are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • In 2008, Amsterdam had 140 festivals and events, and was designated as the World Book Capital by UNESCO for that year.
  • Koningsdag (King's Day) on 27 April draws hundreds of thousands of people to Amsterdam to celebrate with the city's residents.
  • Amsterdam Gay Pride is held annually on the first Saturday in August and features a unique parade of boats through the city's canals.
  • The Prinsengrachtconcert is a yearly classical concert performed directly on the Prinsen canal in August.

Events & Festivals Not to Miss in Amsterdam

27 April
Koningsdag (King's Day)
Hundreds of thousands of people travel to Amsterdam to celebrate with the city's residents. The entire city becomes overcrowded with people buying products from the free market and visiting music concerts.
held every March
Stille Omgang
A silent Roman Catholic evening procession held in Amsterdam.
August
Prinsengrachtconcert
A yearly classical concert performed on the Prinsen canal.
first Saturday in August
Amsterdam Gay Pride
A yearly local LGBT parade of boats through Amsterdam's canals.
Holland Festival
An annual festival for the performing arts that attracts international artists and visitors from all over Europe.
late August
Uitmarkt
A three-day cultural event at the start of the cultural season offering previews of many different artists including musicians and poets who perform on podia.

Frequently Asked Questions About Amsterdam

What is the population of Amsterdam?

As of 2024, Amsterdam has a population of 933,680 within the city proper, with 1,457,018 in the urban area and 2,480,394 in the metropolitan area.

What language is spoken in Amsterdam?

Dutch is the official language spoken in Amsterdam, though English is widely spoken by residents and in tourist areas.

What is the currency used in Amsterdam?

The Euro (€) is the currency used in Amsterdam and throughout the Netherlands.

What region of the Netherlands is Amsterdam in?

Amsterdam is located in the Dutch province of North Holland.

What is Amsterdam known for?

Amsterdam is famous for its extensive canal system (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), earning it the nickname 'Venice of the North,' and for hosting numerous festivals, museums, and cultural attractions year-round.

Map of Amsterdam

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