Ah, Amsterdam. Our love affair with this city never ends, from its innovative food scene to its most well-known attractions. Perhaps most famous for its art galleries and museums, from the Van Gogh Museum to the Anne Frank House, Amsterdam stands proudly as one of the most culturally significant cities in Europe (and it’s got a poppin’ nightlife scene too). In fact, the capital’s ‘fun’ side has historically lent itself to swathes of tourist stag dos, desperate to try out Amsterdam’s notorious coffee shops and canal cruises – something its government is trying to crack down on. But as it stands, there’s no escaping its reputation as a Seriously Fun Place To Be. Whatever you’re in Amsterdam for, there are some things you simply have to do. With the help of our experts and contributors on the ground in ‘Dam, we’ve rounded up the most essential things to tick off. Happy travels! RECOMMENDED:🥨 The best restaurants in Amsterdam🕺 The best clubs in Amsterdam⛵ The best day trips from Amsterdam 🏠 The best Airbnbs in Amsterdam📍 An Amsterdam weekend itinerary This guide was updated by Callum Booth, a writer based in Amsterdam. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.
One of the biggest questions confronting us when we plan a trip to Amsterdam is ‘How on earth do I choose which museum to go to first?’. This city has an abundance of great museums, from Van Gogh to Anne Frank Huis (which both require a bit of forward planning, as they sometimes book up months in advance), and plenty more you've probably never heard of. But if you're wondering about which museums to prioritise, rest assured that our local writer has been to them all. Small ones, big ones, ones floating on the water, you name it. Simply read on for everything you need to know about the best museums in Amsterdam (oh, and if you're more of an exclusively art person, try our list of the best galleries in Amsterdam on for size). RECOMMENDED:🖼️ The best things to do in Amsterdam🌿 The best coffeeshops in Amsterdam🍝 The best restaurants in Amsterdam🏠 Where to stay in Amsterdam This guide was updated by Callum Booth, a writer based in Amsterdam. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.
Unlike some cities, visitors to Amsterdam often find themselves wanting to go again and again and again. This city is known for its innovative food scene and great attractions, but the thing that will forever linger in your mind? Amsterdam’s bars. The nightlife scene here is second to none, and there’s a bar for (literally) every mood. So whether you’re looking to sip cocktails with a view or boogie on down ‘till the early hours, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for in this party capital. Think hotel bars, glitzy wine bars, trendy craft breweries and everything in between. Just try not to miss your flight home the next day. Here are the best bars in Amsterdam right now. RECOMMENDED:🪩 The best clubs in Amsterdam🌿 The best coffeeshops in Amsterdam📍 The best things to do in Amsterdam🍴 The best restaurants in Amsterdam This guide was last updated by Amsterdam-based writer Derek Robertson. Photos are by Amsterdam-based photographer Joao Costa. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.
What makes a city great? Some would say it’s all about buzzing neighbourhoods, affordable food and drink and a mighty selection of things to do, from art galleries and museums to live music and theatre. Others might highlight things like the happiness of its locals, access to green space and strong community vibes. We factor in all that and more in our annual survey, which asks city-dwellers around the world to tell us what it’s like to live, work and play in their hometowns right now. Thanks to the opinions and insights of locals on the ground and our global network of city experts, we’re able to create a global ranking of the world’s best cities – and the 2024 results are in. As in previous years, the basis of the ranking remains our global survey of the people who know their city best: the locals. Working with research company Potentia Insight, we surveyed thousands of city-dwellers about the quality and affordability of food, culture and nightlife in their city. We also asked locals how their city makes them feel: are they happy there? Is it a beautiful place? Is it easy to make social connections? Their thousands of responses gave us a unique insight into the reality of living in the world’s greatest cities right now. Now that international travel is forecast to bounce back to the highest levels since 2019, many travellers will be planning a city break this year – so in 2024, we added a little extra weight to a city’s global appeal. Each survey respondent was asked which
It’s that time again. Every year, we ask thousands of city-dwellers to tell us the coolest spots in their cities. What are the places locals love and visitors flock to? Where are the exciting new openings across food, drink and culture? Where are people going out, hanging out and having fun? For the sixth year running, the results are in. Over 12,000 people had their say in this year’s shortlist, naming the neighbourhoods in their hometowns where everyone wants to be right now. Then, we narrowed down the selection with the insight and expertise of city editors and local experts who know their cities better than anyone else. To create and rank the final list, we considered factors including community and social ventures, access to open and green space, and thriving street life. In 2023, our neighbourhoods are more global than ever before. The rise and rise in post-pandemic digital nomadism has led to an explosion of brand-new community spaces, multi-purpose culture centres and more cafés than we can count on two hands. But while most of these neighbourhoods have experienced a transformation over recent years, they remain resolutely local at heart. Slick new developments and cool cafés might bring in new crowds, but neighbourhood stalwarts – from old pubs to family greengrocers – keep it real. The world’s coolest neighbourhoods this year are, therefore, places with big personalities. Each area’s diversity is reflected in its food, culture and festivals. Community is key: local
Though Amsterdam is trying to move away from being a tourist party destination, it’s still known for being very, very fun. From hen dos and party boats to the red light district and those infamous coffee shops, Amsterdam is a seriously good time, and one you’ve likely had on your bucket list for a while. So if you’re ready for a night out that never has to end, you’ve come to the right place. Dam has a diverse nightlife scene to suit all tastes, from DJ sets at 24-hour thumping clubs to live music at a trendy 1940s bunker. Like Berlin? You’ll find the influence of its gritty nightlife scene right here. Budapest? Find ruin bar equivalents a-plenty. Read on for the best clubs in Amsterdam right now. RECOMMENDED:🍷 The best bars in Amsterdam🌿 The best coffeeshops in Amsterdam📍 The best things to do in Amsterdam🍴 The best restaurants in Amsterdam This guide was updated by Callum Booth, a writer based in Amsterdam. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.
There’s no one word to describe Amsterdam. And that’s because it’s a city of dualities. Postcard-perfect canals coexist with renovated industrial parks; innovative international cuisine is served alongside local classics like stamppot; and centuries-old buildings contain smoke-filled marijuana stores. But while the Dutch capital is known to many visitors as either ‘the Venice of the North’ or ‘the City of Sin,’ the reality is altogether different. Take a step away from the traditional tourist beat and you’ll discover a place that exudes both a stylish modernity and a sense of cosiness the locals call gezellig. Here’s how to do a weekend in Amsterdam properly. RECOMMENDED:🍽 The best restaurants in Amsterdam📍 The best things to do in Amsterdam🪩 The best clubs in Amsterdam🖼 The best galleries and museums in Amsterdam🍸 The best bars in Amsterdam This guide was updated by Callum Booth, a writer based in Amsterdam. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.
Amsterdam is well-loved for its great food, scenic cycles and poppin’ nightlife, but often, its USP is its uber-cool, uber-chill and completely unique coffeeshops. And for those who aren’t yet familiar, we’re not talking about trendy croissants and latté art in the shape of little seahorses. Sure, they’ve got coffee in Amsterdam. But when we talk about coffeeshops, we mean licenced cannabis cafés, where you can choose from extensive marijuana menus. And they’re more than that, too – these joints are social hubs, creative spaces, and they often have great food menus for your munchies too. One thing to note, though, is that a few of Amsterdam's coffeeshops are really famous, and it's to their own detriment... These spots are now inescapable tourist traps, and we wouldn't recommend them (you won't find Smokey and Bulldog the First on here, for example). But if you want to visit a proper good one? Read on, friends. These are the best coffeeshops in Amsterdam. RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Amsterdam🍷 The best bars in Amsterdam🍴 The best restaurants in Amsterdam☕ The best cafés in Amsterdam This guide was recently updated by Callum Booth, a writer based in Amsterdam. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.
What is it? Garage Noord is a club and restaurant in Amsterdam Noord. Situated in an old car repair shop, it’s open from Thursday to Saturday for food. But when it hits 10.30pm on those days? Garage Noord transforms into one of Amsterdam’s best clubs. Is it worth it? If you’re into eclectic club sounds, a progressive environment, and a welcoming crowd, then Garage Noord is for you. Alongside an excellent soundsystem and engaging lightwork, Garage Noord is an excellent place for night out that’s both intimate and exciting. Should I book tickets in advance? While there are sometimes tickets on the door, this is a gamble. If you want to go to Garage Noord, we suggest you buy tickets beforehand. Most nights cost about €16 if you pre-book or €18 on the night. Although, if you get to Garage Noord before midnight, entry on the door is often closer to €9 – but that’s your call. Where should I eat nearby? If you want a bite to eat before your big night out, Garage Noord serves some good food, but if you’re wanting to explore the area a bit more, head over to Europizza for a slice before you dance until the wee hours. The best restaurants in Amsterdam.
What is it? Nestled in Amsterdam’s Nieuw-West area, Radion is an industrial-looking rave venue inside a former dental centre. And, yes, before you ask, the pounding techno it plays will shake your teeth. Is it worth visiting? Like techno? Then Radion is the place to be. The genre is arguably the sound of Amsterdam, and Radion is the centre of this scene for many ravers. The club also has a 24-hour licence, so if you really fancy dancing until it’s almost time for lunch, you’re more than welcome. To sum it up: if you’re hunting for an intense, high-octane, techno-fuelled night out, Radion will be just what the doctor ordered. Should I get a ticket in advance? Get a ticket before you go. Radion often runs early bird offers, so it’s worth picking something up with plenty of time before the night. You can easily book these online. Accessibility-wise, Radion is a large venue with several stairwells, making it a tough place to move around for people in wheelchairs. Where’s good to eat near Radion? Between midday and 10pm from Tuesday to Friday, Radion has a vegan cafe where you can grab some green treats. Beyond that, the club sits in an out-of-the-way part of Amsterdam, meaning you’re better to eat something in town before heading out. One of the closer spots is Lokaal van de Stad, a beautiful canal-side café with a wide-ranging menu. 📍 The best bars in Amsterdam.
What is it? Meaning ‘Milky Way’ in Dutch, Melkweg is one of Amsterdam’s prime musical venues. It sits in the heart of the city, just off Leidseplein, and hosts gigs, club nights, and movie showings. With six different halls, something interesting is always happening. Is it worth visiting? Amsterdam is a techno-first city. If you’re going out clubbing at random, there’s a strong chance you’ll end up somewhere playing techno or techno-adjacent music. Of course Melkweg also hosts these sort of genre nights too, but it also has a whole load more; from DnB to hip hop, and heavy metal to Taylor Swift – you’re likely to find some music you like. Oh, and there‘s no dress code. Should I get tickets in advance and can I go for free? You can often get tickets on the door, but not only are they more expensive, they’re also liable to sell out if it’s a popular night. We advise you to sort out your tickets online beforehand. If you grab an Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket in advance, you can get free entry every Monday, Saturday and Sunday. Melkweg also has a variety of accessibility features, including seating options in the main hall, lifts, and a wheelchair-accessible toilet. Where’s good to eat near Melkweg? As you’re in the centre of town, you have a raft of options. If we had to pick one place with good food and a high likelihood of getting a seat, then we’d suggest Umaimon, a mouth-watering ramen spot about a two minute walk from Melkweg. The best restaurants in Amsterdam.
What are the Nine Streets? De Negen Straatjes (that’s the Nine Streets in English) is Amsterdam’s best shopping area. These beautiful Dutch streets are brimming with quirky boutiques, chic cafes, and trendy restaurants. Pretty much exactly what you imagined when you planned a trip to Amsterdam. Why go to the Nine Streets? Even if you aren’t looking to buy anything, the Nine Streets are a great place for a stroll and to soak up the city. The area is bustling and beautiful, overflowing with the sort of iconic Amsterdam buildings and canals you see on postcards the world over. There’s plenty of other things to do though. Whether it’s grabbing a coffee at Screaming Beans, trying on some vintage clothes at Bij Ons, or finding a new board game at the Gamekeeper, there’s something for everyone. Are the Nine Streets expensive? There’s no cost for visiting the Nine Streets as it’s simply a retail area, but be warned: you’re probably going to want to buy something, even if it’s just a cookie from Het Koekemannetje. Things can get pricey around here, but hey, you’re only in Amsterdam once. Sadly, the Nine Streets isn’t a particularly accessible area. The pavement is uneven, narrow, and often littered with bikes and random debris. Where’s good to eat on the Nine Streets? There are a gamut of places to grab a snack on the Nine Streets, but if you’re after something hearty try visiting Raïnaraï on the Prinsengracht. This cosy restaurant serves delicious Algerian food in a picturesque loc
What is the Rijksmuseum and why is it famous? The Rijksmuseum is the Netherlands’ national gallery, and as such features a huge range of Dutch historical artifacts, paintings, and sculptures. It’s so famous because it’s the country’s largest art museum, with over 8,000 objects on display, and the building is pretty incredible from the outside (and inside). Is the Rijksmuseum worth visiting? If you like art and history, definitely. There’s world-famous artwork by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh on display – including The Night Watch, a painting of magnificent scale – which makes the Rijksmuseum a holy site for art lovers. This collection is also housed in one of Amsterdam’s most stunningly beautiful buildings (which is saying something), so even if you don’t care about what’s inside, it’s worth having a look at all the same. Can I visit the Rijksmuseum without booking? Much like other museums in Amsterdam, make sure you book a slot before you arrive. It gets busy. While tickets are a rather pricey €22.50, the Rijksmuseum is massive (most people spend minimum two hours here), so you get your money’s worth. Accessibility wise, the Rijksmuseum has a gamut of elevators and plenty of wheelchair-accessible toilets. It also has a range of schemes and programs to help those with a range of disabilities and impairments. Where’s good to eat nearby? Are you a meat fan? Then hit up l'Entrecote et les Dames, a French restaurant that (basically) only sells steak and fries. But for some
What is it? The Van Gogh museum is an art gallery holding the largest collection of the painter’s work in the world. Alongside his art, the museum also houses paintings by his contemporaries and influences. Opened in 1973 and designed by Gerrit Rietveld and Kisho Kurokawa, it’s one of Europe’s most iconic museums. Is the Van Gogh Museum worth it? Undoubtedly. Few painters are as well-known as Van Gogh, so it’s amazing to actually see these pieces of art you know from school, books, and movies. The layout of the museum is also wonderful, as it follows his life chronologically, making it easily digestible in only an hour or two. Can I just turn up at the Van Gogh Museum? We wouldn’t advise it. Make sure to book ahead, this place gets busy. Tickets are €22, so it’s certainly not cheap, but trust us, it’s totally worth that price. There’s nothing in the world quite like it. The institution also has excellent accessibility, with broad wheelchair access, as well as facilities for people with visual, auditory, and sensory impairments. You can find out more about that here. Where’s good to eat nearby? A mere four minute walk away is l'Entrecote et les Dames, an elegant French steak restaurant that serves fries and, you guessed it, steak. If you’d prefer something greener, we suggest Yerba, a plant-forward restaurant serving creative and seasonal dishes. The best restaurants in Amsterdam.
What is it? In English, the Nederlands Scheepvaartmuseum translates to the National Maritime Museum – which is a good description of what it is. Situated a short walk away from Amsterdam Centraal in an old navy warehouse, this museum hosts a range of artifacts and exhibitions about the Netherlands’ sailing past. Is the Scheepvaartmuseum worth visiting? Dutch history is intrinsically linked with water: whether that’s its famous canal systems, reclaiming land from the ocean, or its seafaring history – and the National Maritime Museum is a reflection of that. The museum is not only a fascinating glimpse into the past, but also helps you understand how the Netherlands became what it is today. Also, there’s a full replica of an 18th-century ship outside. Who wouldn’t want to see that? Tickets, accessibility and booking Tickets cost €18.50 and there’s no need to book a specific time slot. It’s likely that you’ll be able to get tickets on the door at the National Maritime Museum, but we always advise to book ahead to be safe. The majority of the museum is accessible via wheelchair, although the pier is only partially so. You can find a more in-depth guide on how people with disabilities can access the venue here. Where’s good to eat nearby? A 15-minute walk will take you to one of Amsterdam’s coolest locations: Hannekes Boom. This restaurant and bar is nestled right on the waterfront and is a beautiful place to get a light bite, have a drink, and watch the sun go down. Check out mo
What is it? Foam is Amsterdam’s premier photography museum. It’s in the centre of the city (on the Keizersgracht) in a beautifully converted canal house. Foam constantly rotates its exhibitions, sharing the work of new artists alongside that of well-established photographers. Is it worth visiting? Definitely. The curation team at Foam are excellent, and even if you don’t enjoy an artist’s photos, it’s likely to make you feel something. Multiple exhibitions run at once – often showcasing startling different styles – and taking a slow, exploratory walk through them all is stunning. Tickets, accessibility and booking Getting tickets on the door at Foam is usually no problem at all. If you want to be safe, book ahead, but we’ve never heard of people not being able to get into a standard showing. Unfortunately, the nature of Foam’s historic home means the entire building isn’t wheelchair accessible. There are a range of other accessibility schemes available though, which you can read about here. Where’s good to eat near Foam? Just around the corner is Greenwoods, one of Amsterdam’s most delicious brunch spots. It’s a delightful place to fuel up either before or after you’ve visited Foam. Check out more of the best restaurants in Amsterdam.
What is it? The Stedelijk is one of the holy trinity of museums in Amsterdam (the other two being the Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum). What separates it from its compatriots is its focus: the Stedelijk is all about modern and contemporary art. Is the Stedelijk Museum worth visiting? Are you a fan of modern art? If yes, you should go. Hosted in a building that looks kinda like a bathtub, the Stedelijk displays work from an array of modern masters, including Picasso, Matisse, and Warhol. Tickets, accessibility and booking While the Stedelijk is less busy than the other two big hitters on Museumplein, it’s still not recommended to get tickets on the door. You can buy them online for €22.50, which is on par with other museums in the area. In regards to accessibility, the Stedelijk has lifts and disabled toilets, as well as a range of schemes for other people with impairments. Check its accessibility page for more. Where’s good to eat near the Stedelijk museum? A ten minute walk away is The Bab, a no-frills Korean spot at the heart of Amsterdam with good portion sizes and reasonable prices. Check out the best restaurants in Amsterdam.
What is the Plug (Utopia)? The Plug is a new(ish) chain of coffeeshops in Amsterdam, which now has three locations across the city. The first – known as Plug Utopia – is on the Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal right in the heart of Amsterdam. This coffeeshop chain is known for one key thing: high quality weed. Is it worth visiting? If you’re a fan of the strongest strains from across the world, then The Plug is for you. It’s not a particularly cheap coffeeshop, nor does it have the aesthetics of somewhere like Abraxas, but it does stock an unbelievable array of top class marijuana that’ll impress even the most experienced stoner. Prices and booking No booking required here. It’s unlikely you’ll want to spend a huge amount of time in the coffeeshop, but there are a few seats and tables available for relaxing. The shop should be accessible to most wheelchair users as there is a ramp heading inside. Where’s good to eat near the Plug (Utopia)? While you’re in Amsterdam, you have to go to Febo. This fast food chain serves typical Dutch snack fare out of self-service windows, like a huge, human-sized vending machine. A five minute walk up the Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal will get you there – and then you can snack to your heart’s content. Check out more of the best restaurants in Amsterdam.
What is Grey Area? Grey Area may well be Amsterdam’s most famous coffeeshop. Situated in the centre of the Dutch capital’s canal belt, Grey Area has attracted an array of world-famous celebrities over its tenure, with everyone from Snoop Dogg to Woody Harrelson popping in. Is it worth visiting? While it attracts a lot of tourists and doesn’t have a huge amount of seating available, it is somewhere all Amsterdam-bound potheads should visit at least once. Grey Area has won multiple awards for its weed and continues to stock some excellent (and classic) flavours. Beyond that, it’s an iconic part of Amsterdam’s coffeeshop culture – and if that’s something you’re interested in, it’s well worth your time. Prices and booking There’s no need to get a ticket for Grey Area, but if you’d like to sit down inside, it’s best to get there early, as it’s small inside and gets busy fast. Unfortunately there’s no ramp access into Grey Area and the doorway has a step that could be tough for wheelchair users to navigate. Where should I eat near Grey Area? An eight minute walk down the Singel and you’ll find yourself at Broodje Bert. This is one of the best sandwich shops in the city, offering bulging plates for very reasonable prices, making it an ideal stop for the snacky stoner. Check out more of the best restaurants in Amsterdam.
What is Katsu coffeeshop? Katsu is a vibrant coffeeshop in the middle of Amsterdam’s bustling De Pijp. But don’t let the luminous and cacophonous blue and green streaks of its shopfront fool you, this is one of the city’s chillest places to have a smoke and unwind. Is it worth visiting? While Katsu doesn’t have the best weed in Amsterdam, it’s one of the best places to kick back for a few hours, whether that’s in the cosy indoors during winter, or soaking up the sun on its terrace in the warmer months. Really though, Katsu is worth visiting because it’s an old-school stoner throwback: it has a relaxed vibe, is music-focused, and attracts a friendly clientele. Simply put, it’s lovely. Prices and booking You can turn up to Katsu during its opening hours and there’s often space to sit down, whether that’s indoors or outside. Booking isn’t required. Katsu is quite cramped inside so may be tricky for wheelchair users, but the outside area is easily accessible from the street. Where’s good to eat near Katsu? De Pijp is one of the best places in Amsterdam for food, so a short walk in any direction will get you something tasty. If I had to pick one palace to recommend though, I’d suggest SORA Sapporo, a ramen restaurant that’ll have your tastebuds tingling. Check out more of the best restaurants in Amsterdam.
