About Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands. It is known for the canals that cross the city, its impressive architecture, museums and art galleries, its notorious red light district, and more than 1,500 bridges. The city has earned the title of Venice of the North for a good reason: few other cities have intricate web of canals, exquisite architecture, and a staggering collection of over 1500 bridges weave an undeniable charm. Whether you're here for the rich cultural heritage, the vibrant nightlife, or the serene alleyways, Amsterdam's magnetic pull is universal. Although once an innocuous and humble fishing village during the late 12th century, Amsterdam catapulted into global prominence during the 17th century as a bustling trading hub. The city's evolution birthed iconic districts like Jordaan and the Canal Belt, the latter earning UNESCO World Heritage status in 2010. The 19th and 20th centuries ushered in expansion, punctuated by modernist districts.

Source: Wikipedia

Essential Information

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Symbol: €

Language

Dutch

Phone Code

+31

International dialing code for Netherlands

Driving

Drive on the right

Standard for Netherlands

Region

Europe

Western Europe

Connectivity

The first Internet cafes in the country opened in Amsterdam, but they vanished as quickly as they appeared. Only a few smaller Internet cafes remain in theBinnenstad. Outside of it, you might want to try your luck at one of the phone shops (belwinkels) that cater to immigrant communities, but they usually have only one or two terminals.

How to Get to Amsterdam

Transportation options and arrival information

52.30814.7641691Amsterdam Airport Schiphol(AMSIATA) (15 km (9.3 mi) southwest of the city.).This airport is among the five busiest in Europe for passenger traffic, serving over 66 million passengers in 2024.KLMis the largest carrier operating at Schiphol and offers flights to many major cities around the world.British Airwaysoffers up to 16 flights per day to 2 London Airports; Heathrow and London City.Transavia,Vueling,TUIfly,Easyjet, and other low-cost carriers serve Schiphol, offering service

Getting Around Amsterdam

Local transportation and navigation tips

Amsterdam's city centre is quite compact, and pretty flat, so you can easily get to most tourist destinationson foot. From Amsterdam Centraal, most areas in the city centre can be reached within half an hour.

Safety in Amsterdam

High Safety (Global Peace Index: 1.522)

About the Global Peace Index: Global Peace Index measures peacefulness on a scale of 1 (most peaceful) to 5 (least peaceful)

It might surprise some visitors, but Amsterdam is one of Europe's safest cities. It has an overall easy-going, laid-back feel and crime is not common. Amsterdam is female friendly, women can easily travel alone here and feel comfortable and safe. Gay and lesbian travellers also have little to worry about. However, you should take normal precautions against scams, pickpockets and baggage theft, especially in the main shopping streets, in trams and trains, at stations, and anywhere where tourists

Source: Institute for Economics & Peace (2022)

Where to Stay in Amsterdam

Accommodation tips and recommendations

Amsterdam has over 400 registered hotels of varying standards from budget facilities to some of the most expensive hotels in Europe. Advance booking is recommended, especially for weekends and holidays. Don't expect you'll find an affordable bed once you're here. Most hotels and hostels can be found in theBinnenstad, notably south of Centraal Station, and inZuidaround the Museum Quarter. Charming boutique accommodation can be found in the wealthy residentialCanal District, home to the rich and f