Is Amsterdam Worth Visiting: Top Reasons to Visit 2023

Is Amsterdam worth visiting?

If you are wondering if Amsterdam is the destination for you, then you have come to the right place. Charlotte from The Geo Room is the perfect person to answer this question. She is currently traveling around Europe and is sharing everything you need to know when trying to decide if Amsterdam is worth visiting.

Amsterdam is at the top of many travelers’ bucket lists as it is known for being an exciting and beautiful city to visit. And it is! Amsterdam is a great destination for a city break and you can easily spend anywhere from a day to a week there without running out of things to do.

There are many reasons to visit the city and everyone will be looking for something different from their trip. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing break from reality or want a jam-packed itinerary, there is something for everyone in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam often gets mixed reviews. Some people love the city while others find it’s just not for them. Everyone’s opinions can often leave you wondering, “Is Amsterdam worth visiting?”

In this post, you will discover all the details you need to help you decide whether you should visit the Netherlands’ capital city and provide all the reasons why your trip to Amsterdam should be soon!

Is Amsterdam Worth Visiting

Amsterdam is absolutely worth visiting and a must visit destination even if it’s only for a day trip. There really is something for everyone in Amsterdam and you’ll easily fill up to a week’s itinerary without getting bored!

There are a lot of common misconceptions about Amsterdam and many people avoid it based on other people’s bad experiences. But please don’t be one of those people. The only way to find out if you like something is by trying it yourself!

The city is just beautiful and the Dutch people are so kind and welcoming. Dutch culture is still so alive in the city despite it being modernized and there is a huge celebration of all things Dutch throughout the streets.

The locals are proud of the things that make their city famous such as the canals, tulips, and windmills and there are so many experiences that keep the culture alive in Amsterdam and beyond.

There are many things to admire in the city including the huge network of canals and wonderful mix of old and modern architecture. The traditional houses along the canal side are so idyllic and it is great to see that many locals still use the canals as their main route to and from their homes.

The city is full of delicious eateries from every country imaginable so you’ll never be hungry! While many travelers tend to pass on most authentic Dutch main dishes due to their acquired tastes you’re sure to find a treat that you’ll love in the city of Amsterdam.

In terms of activities, Amsterdam really has a very broad spectrum. There are museums for pretty much everything, art galleries, boat rides, bike tours, hundreds of day trip tour options and beautiful parks and churches to explore.

Why Amsterdam May Not Be Worth Visiting

Amsterdam has earned itself a bit of a reputation for being dirty, full of young, rowdy teens, and a city that ‘encourages’ activities that the rest of Europe won’t allow at all. 

If you visit in the peak season of July and the start of August then you likely will encounter groups of teenagers or lots of stag and hen do attendees but at other times of the year, you’re more unlikely to be hassled.

Visiting at the end of August or September is a great time of year as the city begins to quiet down after its peak season but the warm weather still gives you lots of time in the sun to explore the city.

The Red Light District & “Coffee Shops”

When many people hear Amsterdam their mind immediately jumps to drugs and prostitution. Unfortunately, these are just things you’ll have to get used to about Amsterdam. The locals see no issue with either drugs or sex work and so they are likely to stay.

The good news is though that you can absolutely avoid areas of the city where prostitution and marijuana are used if it’s not something you’d like to be involved in.

The Red Light District is very well sectioned off – you don’t need to pass through it in any route you might need to take through the city. The Red Light District is also a historic center in Amsterdam and offers many other things to do as well.

Marijuana, like prostitution, is actually illegal in the Netherlands but is tolerated by the government as they believe that they can’t stop it.

Smoking marijuana is allowed anywhere in Amsterdam except the Red Light District. You’ll mainly find people purchasing and using it in ‘coffee shops’.

If you’re looking to avoid areas where people will be using the drug then opt for ‘cafes’ rather than an eatery with ‘coffee shop’ in its name.

Is Amsterdam Expensive

Other travelers think that a visit to Amsterdam is just not worth the expense. Amsterdam is quite an expensive city to visit and activities can be a lot more pricey than what you’d expect.

However, in comparison to other cities like Paris or London, Amsterdam is on the same end of the price scale. Finding affordable and good-quality accommodation in the city typically only happens when you book months in advance. 

To get around high prices make sure to book things in advance before your trip – mainly your flights and accommodation.

Having a day-by-day itinerary organized before your visit also helps to cut expenses and using Google Maps allows you to opt for cheaper restaurants and cafes. Purchasing an I Amsterdam Card is also a fabulous way of saving money by giving discounts on top attractions.

Top 10 Reasons to Visit Amsterdam

If you’re on the fence about if Amsterdam is worth visiting and still aren’t convinced that you should go then here are all of the top reasons that you should!

1. Amsterdam’s Beautiful Canals

Amsterdam is infamous for its canal network. There are hundreds of waterways throughout the city and it is great to see that they are still so well used.

Taking a canal tour while on a trip to Amsterdam is a must as they give great views of the architecture. The ride down the canals is very calm and relaxing, listening to your skipper tell you all about Amsterdam’s history and nicest spots.

Best Canal Cruise in Amsterdam

⭐ RATING: 4.6 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1 hour | ✅ BOOK NOW

What makes this tour unique:

• Offers open boat from March to October
• 4,000 outstanding reviews
• Well-rounded tour of the canals
• 1-hour canal cruise
• Budget friendly

The Amsterdam: Open Boat Canal Cruise is one of the best tours of the canals and is budget-friendly. The tour is 60 minutes, which is the perfect amount of time to cruise along the iconic canals and learn about the historic buildings that line the famous waterfront.

“Loved loved loved it! We went right around sunset and it was perfect. Dusk with the city lights coming on! Definitely recommend and also the open boat. I had thought about the closed one in case it was cold but it would have taken away from the experience. The boat had blankets so those worked great.” -GetYourGuide traveler (see more reviews)

Between the months of March to October, the tour is on an open boat, which allows for better views of the surrounding canals and buildings.

Another perk is that it’s a smaller boat, so the experience and the atmosphere felt more intimate, where you can ask questions and be involved in the conversation.

✅ Check rates & availability for the Open Boat Canal Cruise here

2. Laid Back Atmosphere

The atmosphere in Amsterdam is just great. Everyone is so relaxed and really seems to be enjoying their lives.

Residents in Amsterdam share a common idea of tolerance. They are respectful of everyone, regardless of if they agree with their beliefs or identities, and are open to new things.

3. Great Starting Point for Day Trips 

Amsterdam is a fabulous starting point for day trips around the Netherlands and beyond. There are a number of great destinations that are less than a few hours from the Dutch capital. You can even cross borders into France, Belgium, or Germany for a day trip.

One of the best day trips is from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans, which is a traditionally decorated town just 30 minutes from Amsterdam with some of the country’s only working windmills.

4. The Anne Frank House

While Amsterdam has many interesting attractions, The Anne Frank House is a reason in itself to visit the city. The Anne Frank house is one of the most visited places in Amsterdam and it is easy to see why.

The Franks’ hiding place has been so carefully preserved and has been made into a fabulous exhibition. The museum is very informative about the persecution of Jewish people during the war and gives an incredible insight into the life of Anne Frank and her family.

The museum is a must-visit destination when visiting Amsterdam.

Tickets for the Anne Frank House

Tickets for the Anne Frank House can only be purchased on the official website. I highly suggest you book your tickets in advance.

Every first Tuesday of the month, all tickets for the following month become available. Once they sell out, there is no waiting list for tickets.

You can also add on an additional guided tour to the Anne Frank House. Your tour guide will walk you through the Jewish Quarter and the historical city center of Amsterdam while sharing Amsterdam’s WWII history and stories of Anne Frank.

“Wonderful walk and informative Tour. Totally recommend.” – GetYourGuide Traveler (read more reviews)

✅ Check rates & availability for the Life of Anne Frank and World War II walking tour here

5. Great Public Transport

It is very easy to get around in Amsterdam, the public transport is excellent. The ticket prices are fair, with good deals available for multi-day travel and the number of services is faultless.

The metro in particular is extremely useful for getting around the city and trains run north and south every few minutes. You never need to look at a timetable for the metro because there is guaranteed to be one in front of you on the platform within a mere five minutes.

The tram services are also really good, servicing the majority of the city of Amsterdam and stopping at many top attractions.

Transportation Passes Tips

There are two travel passes offered in Amsterdam that are great for saving money while using public transportation.

One is the GVB and the other is the Amsterdam Travel Ticket. They both offer unlimited travel in Amsterdam (bus, tram, metro, ferry) for the designated time frame you select.

However, the main difference is that the Amsterdam Travel Ticket also includes transportation (by metro or Amsterdam Airport Express bus 397) to the Schiphol Airport. The GVB does not.

The train ride to Amsterdam Central Station is only 14 to 17 minutes and it is also the fastest way to get into the city. So unless you plan on only taking Ubers and Taxis in Amsterdam, this pass easily pays for itself after a day of exploring the city.

✅ Check rates & availability for the Amsterdam Travel Ticket here

6. The City is Just Beautiful

Amsterdam is a very, very pretty city. There are photo opportunities at every corner and the bridges over the canals make perfect locations for views along the canals.

The city’s council clearly invests lots of money into keeping the city looking lovely with beautiful flower boxes and hanging baskets dotted all over Amsterdam and there is very little litter on the streets. 

7. Amsterdam Has Dozens of Museums

You can’t leave Amsterdam without picking up a few facts that you never knew before. The city is full of museums about pretty much anything you could be interested in.

The Tulip Museum is a favorite among visitors due to its huge selection of bulbs available in the store to take home and the Heineken Experience is raved about.

Whether you’re looking to visit a museum about cannabis, prostitution, the human body, or medieval torture you can find them all in Amsterdam!

8. The Crooked Houses

All travelers coming back from Amsterdam will tell you that the architecture in the city is stunning and it is!

But there is something very unique about the buildings on the canal sides – most of them are leaning! Whether it be forwards, backwards, or side to side, most houses in Amsterdam are tilted, and some far more than others.

The reasoning was originally intentional with many residents wanting their house to lean forward so that it could be seen from down the street, but now with the ground sinking in the city with sea level change, most buildings are starting to go a bit askew.

Don’t worry though, engineers in Amsterdam have it all covered and are able to support the houses with many different techniques. Looking around the city for the most crooked house you can find is a fun task and you get some great photos to show family and friends.

9. Amsterdam is Home to Some Delicious Sweet Treats

Amsterdam’s main dish cuisine may be a bit of a downer but they make up for it in scrumptious desserts.

Stroopwafel is the most popular snack and dessert in the city and they are absolutely delicious; it is easy to see why locals are obsessed with stroopwafels.

Another sweet treat that is worth trying in the city are poffertjes (or mini Dutch pancakes) which can be topped with a variety of toppings and are super light and fluffy.

10. The Huge Range of Parks and Gardens

While Amsterdam is a hectic and busy city no matter the time of year, there is always somewhere to relax and unwind away from the hustle and bustle.

The city has over 30 parks and gardens to enjoy, the most popular being Vondelpark. If you’re not keen on big cities then knowing that there are lots of quiet spaces is a great help.

There are often free concerts and other events in parks across the city – perfect for visiting on a budget.

Is Amsterdam Worth Visiting FAQs

Is it Worth it to Go to Amsterdam For 2 Days?

Spending two days in Amsterdam is enough to see all of the top sights and visit some of the top attractions.

With three days in the city, you would also be able to fit in a half-day trip to nearby towns like Zaasne Schans which gives an even greater insight into Dutch culture so if you have time to extend your trip then it would be beneficial.

What is So Special About Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is so special as it is a city with a fascinating history and beautiful scenery. Unlike many other European cities, Amsterdam still retains the authentic Dutch culture with many traditional celebrations and events taking place all year round.

The canal waterways are unlike any other city in eastern Europe and set Amsterdam apart. The perspective you get of the beautiful architecture from the canals should not be missed.

Conclusion: So Is Amsterdam Worth Visiting

Amsterdam is definitely a city worth visiting. Careful planning of your trip will be needed to make sure that you have an enjoyable time and aren’t surrounded by rowdy groups.

The best time to visit Amsterdam is April to May and late August to September. The city is full of things to see and experiences to do so you’ll be able to pack lots into just a few days. A short trip to Amsterdam is enough to see the whole city and get a real feel for Dutch culture.

If you find a good deal on flights or accommodation in Amsterdam then you should absolutely book to go and see the city for yourself!