Peak tulip season! Visit Keukenhof Gardens (open mid-March to mid-May). Weather: 10-17°C. Expect crowds but stunning blooms throughout the city.

Pro tip: Book accommodations early as this is the busiest season.

Warmest weather with temperatures 15-22°C. Perfect for canal cruises and outdoor dining. Longest daylight hours (up to 17 hours in June).

Note: Most expensive season with highest tourist numbers.

Best value season! Fewer crowds, mild weather (8-15°C), and beautiful fall colors in Vondelpark. Museum queues are shorter.

Bonus: Amsterdam Dance Event in October for electronic music fans.

Cozy atmosphere with Christmas markets and ice skating. Weather: 2-8°C. If canals freeze (rare), you can ice skate on them!

Perfect for: Museum hopping, brown cafés, and festive markets.

880,000 bikes in the city! Rent from MacBike, Yellow Bike, or local shops (€10-15/day).

• Always lock your bike (bike theft is common)
• Use bike lanes (red-colored paths)
• Watch for trams and pedestrians
• Ring your bell to signal

GVB day pass: €8.50 for unlimited trams, buses, and metro.

• Trams run every 5-10 minutes
• Use OV-chipkaart or contactless payment
• Night buses run after midnight
• Metro connects to suburbs and airport

City center is compact - most attractions within 30-minute walk.

• Wear comfortable shoes (cobblestones!)
• Watch for cyclists in bike lanes
• Use canal bridges for scenic routes
• Download offline maps

Canal Bus day pass: €25 - hop-on, hop-off service to major attractions.

• 14 stops including museums
• Runs every 30 minutes
• Audio guide included
• Great for sightseeing

• Stroopwafel: Fresh from Albert Cuyp Market
• Dutch Cheese: Try aged Gouda at Reypenaer Cheese Tasting
• Herring: Raw with onions from street vendors
• Bitterballen: Deep-fried meat balls with mustard
• Poffertjes: Mini pancakes with butter and sugar

Traditional Dutch pubs with centuries of history and tobacco-stained walls.

• Café Hoppe (1670): Oldest in city center
• In 't Aepjen: 15th-century wooden house
• Café de Reiger: Local neighborhood favorite
• Try local Heineken, Amstel, or craft beers

• Rijksmuseum: Dutch Golden Age art (€20)
• Van Gogh Museum: World's largest collection (€19)
• Anne Frank House: Book online in advance (€14)
• Jordaan District: Charming narrow streets and galleries
• Red Light District: Historic area, respectful visiting

• Albert Cuyp Market: Daily except Sunday, local foods
• Bloemenmarkt: Floating flower market since 1862
• Nine Streets: Boutique shopping in historic area
• Waterlooplein: Flea market, vintage finds
• De Bijenkorf: Upscale department store

Amsterdam is very safe but stay alert in tourist areas.

• Watch for pickpockets on trams and busy squares
• Be cautious of bike theft - always lock up
• Avoid unlicensed taxis, use Uber or official cabs
• Emergency number: 112 (police, fire, ambulance)
• Tourist police at Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 104

Cashless society! Most places prefer cards or mobile payments.

• Euro (€) is the currency
• Contactless payments widely accepted
• Some small vendors still prefer cash
• Tipping: 10% in restaurants if satisfied
• ATMs available but may charge fees

• Free WiFi: Most cafés, hotels, and public spaces
• 9292 App: Public transport planning
• Citymapper: Navigation and transport
• I amsterdam City Card: Museum discounts
• Too Good To Go: Discounted food from restaurants

• Pharmacies (Apotheek): Green cross signs
• Tap water: Safe to drink, excellent quality
• EHIC card: EU citizens get healthcare coverage
• Tourist Doctor: +31 20 592 3434
• Dental emergency: +31 20 570 9595