Welcome to Amsterdam, Capital of the Netherlands!

The best way to explore Amsterdam is by walking or riding a bicycle. However, if you are in a hurry, hop on to a tram. Take lines 1, 2 or 5 at the Central Station to go through the dam, up the Leidsestraat and onwards to the bustling Leidseplein (square), a great place to people watch. Grab a bite at one of the lovely cafes at Rembrandtplein. Spend a relaxing afternoon at the lively Vondelpark and catch a free outdoor concert near the water. Stroll around the Museumplein and gawk at the city's rich display of history and art or take a fascinating cultural tour of Amsterdam.

Being one of the most popular cities in Europe to visit, you will find a huge variety of Amsterdam accommodation, from budget hostels and cheap hotels, through to luxury Amsterdam hotels. You can use our Amsterdam map to choose a hotel in Amsterdam based on its location, and ensure you are close to what you wish to see and do.

Shopping is a pleasure here. Clusters of small quaint shops are located all along pedestrian paths and even the old post office behind the central Dam Square has been turned into a shopping centre. The Cornelis Schuystraat and Pieter Cornelisz Hooftstraat near Vondelpark are the high end shopping streets, while the medieval Kalverstraat is all about high street shopping. You can potter around the city's many open-air markets and look for unique treasures too.

You cannot visit Amsterdam and not hear about its infamous, or famous, depending on your perspective, red light district. The area consists of many canals known as "de wallen" or "the walls", with side streets between them. The canals were once a part of the city's defences. The area is still thick with security but for completely different reasons! Being the oldest part of the city, historic buildings and monuments abound. The city's oldest church, the gothic Oude Kerk on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal is right here. The area is also a residential district besides being a popular eating and drinking place. Many of the old brothels have now been turned into ateliers for young experimenting fashion designers. Speaking of fashion, Amsterdam is quite the fashion capital and is home to several international brands and designers.

The Leidseplein and the Rembrandtplein form the core of the city's happening nightlife. Theatre, dance, classical and modern music, comedy, and cabaret all make up the rich cultural fabric of the city.

Now for the historically inclined - Amsterdam became the world's wealthiest city during its Golden Age in the 17th century. Trading ships sailed from the city to different parts of the world, acquired possessions and ultimately established rich Dutch colonies. Amsterdam is still the financial capital of the nation. A large number of the nation's business organizations, and seven of the world's top 500, are based out of the city.

Our local travel portal offers a range of Amsterdam hotels and tours in Amsterdam, offering interesting experiences for anyone travelling to Amsterdam!