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Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital and largest city of the Netherlands, famous for its extensive network of canals that have earned it the nickname 'Venice of the North' and UNESCO World Heritage status. Located in the Dutch province of North Holland, this vibrant city attracts visitors from around the world to experience its unique culture, architecture, and world-class events.

Quick facts

Population
881,933 (city, 2022)
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Language
Dutch
Timezone
CET (UTC+1)
Local time now
18:26:12

Hotels in Amsterdam

Amsterdam offers a diverse range of hotels to suit every traveler's needs. Whether you're looking for luxury options like Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky or charming boutique accommodations such as Hotel Twenty Seven and De Roode Leeuw, you'll find quality lodging throughout the city to make your visit memorable. See all hotels →

Airports in Amsterdam

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

Car Hire in Amsterdam

Amsterdam offers several car hire options including SIXT, Enterprise, Avis, and Alamo, making it easy to rent a vehicle for exploring the Netherlands. Whether you need a car for a day trip or longer journey, these established rental companies provide convenient booking and flexible rates. See all car hire →

Things to Do in Amsterdam

Amsterdam offers a wealth of attractions to explore, from the iconic Dam square and the grand Koninklijk Paleis to popular museums like Madame Tussauds Amsterdam. Whether you're interested in historic landmarks or world-class entertainment, the city has something for every visitor. See all things to do →

Restaurants in Amsterdam

Amsterdam offers a diverse culinary scene with restaurants ranging from traditional Dutch cuisine to international flavors. Whether you're looking for fine dining or casual meals, the city features establishments like Royal98, La Piazza, Bougainville, La Boca, and De Roode Leeuw to suit various tastes and preferences. See all restaurants →

Swimming Pools in Amsterdam

Amsterdam offers several swimming pools for residents and visitors, including popular facilities such as Zuiderbad, Swimgym, Sportfondsenbad Oost, Sportplaza Mercator, and Doelgroepenbad. Whether you're looking for recreational swimming or fitness activities, these venues provide access to aquatic amenities throughout the city. 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 offers a diverse and energetic nightlife scene with venues ranging from intimate bars to large dance clubs. Popular spots include ClubNL, Winston, Casa Rosso, Drake's Cruising, and Theater 97, each offering their own unique atmosphere and entertainment. See all nightlife →

Bars in Amsterdam

Amsterdam's vibrant bar scene offers something for every taste, from traditional Dutch establishments to modern cocktail lounges. Whether you're looking for a cosy neighbourhood spot like Café Zwart or a unique venue such as De Drie Fleschjes, the city's bars provide the perfect setting to experience local culture and hospitality. See all bars →

Cafes in Amsterdam

Amsterdam offers a vibrant cafe culture with a variety of spots to enjoy coffee, drinks, and local atmosphere. From Dam Good Coffee to 't Nieuwe Kafé, Lucy's, Vascobelo V-bar, and De Drie Graefjes, there are plenty of welcoming venues to explore throughout the city. See all cafes →

Shopping in Amsterdam

Amsterdam offers diverse shopping experiences across the city, from flagship department stores like De Bijenkorf and Magna Plaza to high-street retailers such as HEMA and TK Maxx. Whether you're browsing local boutiques or exploring covered shopping passages like Kalverpassage, the Dutch capital caters to all shopping preferences. See all shopping →

Nature & Wildlife in Amsterdam

See all nature & wildlife →

Postzegelpark
255 m from centre
Rijpenhofje
914 m from centre
Constantiahofje
1.1 km from centre
Tweede Marnixplantsoen
1.1 km from centre
Hoftuin
1.2 km from centre
Deutzenhofje
1.2 km from centre

Climate snapshot

Amsterdam experiences a temperate maritime climate with mild winters and cool summers. The city sees frequent rainfall throughout the year, with spring and autumn offering pleasant weather ideal for exploring the canals and cycling around the city.

Interesting Facts About Amsterdam — Weird & Wonderful

  • Amsterdam's extensive canal system is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, earning the city its famous nickname 'Venice of the North'.
  • In 2008, Amsterdam hosted 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 visitors to Amsterdam each year to celebrate with residents.
  • Amsterdam Gay Pride is held annually on the first Saturday in August as a colourful LGBT boat parade through the city's canals.

Events & Festivals Not to Miss in Amsterdam

27 April
Koningsdag (King's Day)
A major national celebration where hundreds of thousands of people travel to Amsterdam. The entire city becomes filled with free markets and music concerts as residents and visitors celebrate together.
March
Stille Omgang
A silent Roman Catholic evening procession held yearly in March.
Holland Festival
A yearly performing arts festival that attracts international artists and visitors from all over Europe.
August
Prinsengrachtconcert
A yearly classical concerto performed on the Prinsen canal.
first Saturday in August
Amsterdam Gay Pride
A yearly local LGBT parade of boats held on Amsterdam's canals.
late August
Uitmarkt
A three-day cultural event marking the start of the cultural season, featuring previews from artists including musicians and poets performing on podia.

Frequently Asked Questions About Amsterdam

What currency is used in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam uses the Euro (EUR) as the official currency of the Netherlands.

What language is spoken in Amsterdam?

The primary language spoken in Amsterdam is Dutch, though English is widely understood and spoken by residents.

What region of the Netherlands is Amsterdam located in?

Amsterdam is located in the Dutch province of North Holland in the northern Netherlands.

How many people live in Amsterdam?

As of January 2026, Amsterdam had a population of 941,873 within the city proper, with over 2.4 million in the metropolitan area.

What makes Amsterdam famous?

Amsterdam is renowned for its picturesque canal system (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), vibrant cultural scene with over 140 annual festivals, and its status as a major European cultural hub for the performing arts and celebrations.

Map of Amsterdam

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