This Amsterdam travel review highlights what an amazing city Amsterdam is. In terms of ease, the city is easy to transition to from the US. I could easily live in Amsterdam.
Not only could I live in Amsterdam, London, Paris, and Barcelona also feel like home to me. Each is unique in its own way. From the food to the people to the way of life, it all comes down to personal preference as you can see in the vlog below.
For more Points With Q articles delivered to your inbox, sign up for my travel newsletter.
Best Credit Cards to Use in Amsterdam
Not only does Amsterdam have plenty to do, but its food scene is worth a trip in and of itself. For this reason, cards with high earn rates on dining are ones to bring with you to Amsterdam. With that said, the Amex Gold, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and Citi Premier are cards that check the box for me.
You earn 4x points at restaurants with the Amex Gold. The Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 3x points on travel and at restaurants. Citi Premier cardmembers earn 3x points at restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations, and on airfare and hotels.
How to Fly to Amsterdam
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is the primary airport serving Amsterdam. It’s also the main hub for KLM. With that said, you can fly nonstop from Amsterdam to Atlanta, Boston, Chicago–O’Hare, Houston–Intercontinental, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York–JFK, San Francisco, and Washington–Dulles.
US-based airlines that offer nonstop include American Airlines from Philadelphia; Delta Air Lines from Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York–JFK, Orlando, Portland (OR), Salt Lake City, Seattle/Tacoma; United Airlines from Chicago–O’Hare, Houston–Intercontinental, Newark, Washington–Dulles.
Where to Stay When Visiting During Your Amsterdam Travel
Stayed tuned for a Top 5 Best Amsterdam Hotels to Book With Points. In the meantime, the Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht and The Dylan Amsterdam are two Hyatt properties that top my list.
Airbnb and Google Hotels are also an option. In fact, we stayed at this Airbnb during our last visit. It’s located in the Joordan neighborhood and is an area I recommend staying in.
Where to Eat and Drink During Your Amsterdam Travel
Toki, Bagels and Beans, The Pancake Bakery, De laatste Kruimel, and Back to Black cover all of your breakfast needs. For lunch, try Cafe Nobo
Harlem Soul Food. De Pizzabakkers Haarlemmerdijk and La Perla Pizzeria are easy dinner spots. Cafe P96 and Spanjer en van twist are ideal places for a drink along the canals. Brouwerij’tij Brewery is the place to visit for craft beer.
There’s no shortage of Michelin-starred restaurants in Amsterdam. With that said, The White Room, 212, Lastage, Vinkeles, THE DUCHESS, Bougainville, Spectrum, Vermeer, and Bord’Eau are all on my list to check out on my visit to the city.
Things to Do on Your Amsterdam Travel
Ashlee’s guide goes into detail about all the things to do in Amsterdam. The city is surrounded by water and biking is a huge part of the culture. This combo makes the city that much more charming. Whether you decide to bike around the city or not, start your first day on Haarlemmerdijk Street. After leisurely walking around the city, grab afternoon cocktails on the canal. Follow afternoon cocktails with dinner at one of the restaurants mentioned above.
For day two, head to the I AMSTERDAM sign (note the sign’s original location may have moved) early. Next, walk through the Red Light District followed by a canal cruise (I recommend Leemstar Canal Cruises). After your cruise, head over to a local brewery, Brouwerij’tij. Close out your day with dinner. For more ideas on an Amsterdam itinerary, check out this guide and this guide.
You may have noticed that I didn’t add in the Anne Frank house and here’s why. We tried to buy tickets online about a month before we wanted to visit, and the tickets were already sold out. You can wait in line, however, the line was insane with an hours-long wait. If you want to visit, buy the tickets online as far out as possible.
Common Amsterdam Travel Questions
Is Amsterdam expensive to travel?
The current exchange rate is 0.85:1 EUR to USD. In terms of cost, Amsterdam is the cost of a US city like Austin, Philadelphia, or Seattle.
Is it safe to travel in Amsterdam?
The Netherlands is currently under a Level 3: Reconsider Travel by the US state department. Head to the state department website for all of the Amsterdam travel restrictions. In a non-COVID environment, we always felt safe walking around Amsterdam.
What is the best month to go to Amsterdam?
June to September has the combination of average highs between 66-71 and lows between 49-50 degrees per weather.com. We visited during a heatwave in May with no rain and it was perfect.
How much is the average trip to Amsterdam?
You can expect to spend what you would spend in US cities like Austin, Philadelphia, or Seattle.
Conclusion on this Amsterdam Travel Guide
Putting this Amsterdam travel guide together brought me back in time to one of my favorite European cities. The charm of Amsterdam is unbeatable. The bikes, canals, food, and friendly locals. You have it all in Amsterdam.
What do you think of this Amsterdam Travel travel review? What Amsterdam restaurants do you recommend visiting? Please let me know in the comments below or by sending me an email on my contact page.
Disclaimer: If you click and/or sign up for a credit card through certain links on this site or any of my related social media platforms, I may make a commission from that click-through. The editorial content on this page and the user comments are not provided by any of the companies mentioned and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. The opinions expressed here are mine alone.
