Best things to do in Amsterdam
About Amsterdam
The capital of the Netherlands stands tall on 11 million poles because while half of the Netherlands sits 3 feet above sea level, Amsterdam itself is built on clay, making the foundation of Amsterdam a major achievement of engineering.
Amsterdam was founded at the Amstel, which was dammed to control flooding, and the city’s name derives from the Amstel dam.
It’s known as the “Venice of the North” attributed by the large number of canals that form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guests can take advantage of all the outdoor activities that surround the canals, and even take a look at one of the most famous features of the city, windmills.
Along with the Zaanse Schans open-air museum that shows a collection of historical windmills, you can also visit the Amsterdam Museum- 11 million wooden poles support the buildings from sinking
Amsterdam is also famous for its beautiful houses, “coffee shops” and the Red-Light District, so it’s recommended to visit all Amsterdam has to offer.
What You Need to Know
Beer (Amstel and Heineken)
Bitterballen
Pancakes
Urban areas – 50 km/h
Rural roads – 80 km/h
Highway – 130/120 km/h
How to Get There
By plane
Schiphol International Airport – 15 km away from the city center, flights from major European cities and overseas
By train/bus
Amsterdam Central Station – direct trains and buses from UK, Germany, and other European cities
When is the Best Time to Visit
There are two ideal times to plan a getaway to Amsterdam. The first is from April through May, and the next is September through November. This is because it’s right before or directly after the summertime high tourist season. Both these times of the year in Amsterdam consist of somewhat mild temperatures (although the city’s weather is notoriously finicky), and you’ll enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.
The temperatures in April and May range between 12°C (54 °F) to 17°C (62 °F), and then in September through November range from 18°C (65 °F) to 9°C (48 °F). No matter the temperature, you’ll find the city offers plenty of social events and you’ll never be bored.