You don’t have to travel to Amsterdam in order to enjoy its sights and sounds. These photos and videos will take you there.
In our latest update we have added a superb drone video of our magnificent city.
The Coat of Arms of the city of Amsterdam is somewhat of an enigma: not much is known about its origins or its precise meaning.
However, we do know that the three X’s don’t stand for anything untoward.
Also: we’ll tell you why a vexillologist really likes the Amsterdam City Flag
Where is Amsterdam? How many people live there? What is Mokum? How many canals and bridges are there? Why do so many buildings tilt forward?
These and many more frequently asked questions about Amsterdam are answered right here.
The I amsterdam City Card provides lots of free and discounted goodies.
See Amsterdam museums for free, use public transport for free, get a free canal cruise
Customers overwhelmingly agree that the pass provides good value for the money.
The top 5 museums in the Netherlands, as measured by visitor numbers, are all located in Amsterdam.
Mind you, we quote pre-pandemic, pre-lockdown statistics.
But there’s no reason to assume this list we change any time soon.
Whether you want to splurge on a 3, 4, or 5 star hotel — or you prefer an ‘Amsterdam on a budget’ hostel — we’ve got this handy hotel guide for you
Founded in 1838, ARTIS is the oldest zoo in the Netherlands, and one of the oldest zoos of mainland Europe.
Guidebooks rightly refer to it one of the most pleasant city zoos around. The whole place breathes a 19th-century garden atmosphere with winding paths, majestic trees, fascinating sculptures and monumental historical buildings.
As much as possible the over 500 species of animals live in landscaping that resembles their natural habitat.
Criminals actively target the Amsterdam housing market. They use online advertising- and auction websites to defraud people looking for rooms, apartments or houses.
The apartments on offer either do not exist or are already occupied by legitimate renters or owners.
Here’s how you can avoid Amsterdam rental scams.
Without a doubt, the Dutch street food most frowned upon by tourists, expats, and immigrants, is herring. Squeamish tourists often assume the fish is eaten raw, but that is not the case.
Herring is the Netherland’s national snack: If you’ve never tasted fresh herring you don’t know what you’re missing.
You’ll have plenty of opportunity to eat this Amsterdam street food delicacy. The 2021 Hollandse Nieuwe — ‘New Herring’ — season starts on June 16. Hollandse Nieuwe is sold until September 30. But herring is enjoyed all year long.
Hot weather this week (and the next)
Want to cool off in the water? There are plenty of places to swim in Amsterdam — from official swimming pools and nature areas to wild swimming holes.
Plus: a look at the legality (and dangers) of swimming in the canals, rivers and channels.
Note that while swimming pools are open again, some COVID-19 restrictions are still in force.