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There is something for everyone who travels to Lisbon. This Portuguese city will dazzle you with its charming streets, traditional yellow trams, tiled architecture, balconies & vistas. Lisbon has become a favorite European destination, which means it has become busier over the last few years, but fear not, as it’s still a budget friendly destination. You will need at least three days to visit Lisbon, as it has so much to offer.

This travel guide to Lisbon, Portugal includes both well known & more obscure things to do in and around the city. And provides greater insight into the culture and foods to try while in Portugal.

If you need assistance with planning your trip to Lisbon, you’re covered with this post:

Defining History of Lisbon & Lisbon Culture

Europe has done a fairly great job at preserving its history within the streets of their main cities, and Lisbon is no exception. Learning about these defining historic moments in Lisbon’s history and a few of their staple cultural aspects will make your travel that much more fun. This way you can better understand & immerse yourself within the culture of the city.

• Lisbon is the 2nd oldest capital city in Europe (after Athens, Greece) which means that their history goes way back. The city is perfect for those who love historic tales of classic ‘days gone by’.

• The 1755 earthquake was the most impactful natural disaster Portugal has seen to date:

This earthquake is mentioned a lot throughout this post & you will hear about it when in Lisbon because it was so impactful – not only was the earthquake devastating but the quake lasted for over ten minutes, and was followed by a tsunami in the Tagus River, AND fires broke out throughout the city that lasted for days.

• Fado music is cherished- Fado is a traditional form of music in Portugal. The word translates to mean ‘destiny’ or ‘fate’ in Portuguese. It’s a soulful & melancholy blend of music played with mandolins & guitars, typically with a singer performing poetic lyrics. Fado performances are fairly easy to find in the Alfama neighborhood of Lisbon in the evenings.

• Saudade – Saudade is a feeling of melancholy & nostalgia, and is a characteristic of the Portugese temperament.

• The ‘Age of Discovery’ began in Portugal – the ‘Age of Discovery’ was a time in Europe’s history where exploratory voyages departed to India and beyond. They brought back spices & foods from across the ocean into Europe. This all started in Lisbon and many of its main attractions are mementos to that time.

• Lisbon really started being internationally noticed as a tourist destination when it hosted the World’s Fair in 1998.

Portuguese Words to know when visiting Lisbon

These are just a few Portuguese words that will come in handy when you travel to Lisbon. Some of which you’ll see throughout this post as well.

• Miradouro – viewpoint – there are over 30 miradouros in Lisbon, with beautifully dramatic views of the entire city
• Por Favor/Obrigado – Please/Thank you – the language spoken in Lisbon is Portuguese. While there are a few similarities to the Spanish language, it’s important to know that ‘thank you’ is not the same in Spanish as it is in Portuguese.

You can find more useful words and Phrases for Getting Around Lisbon here.

How much does Lisbon cost (to travel)?

As with any destination, the cost to travel there & within the city will vary on your travel preferences. Here is an average of the travel costs for Lisbon, Portugal:

• Hotel: $50-$100/night
• AirBnB: $100/night
• Food: $20-$60/day
• Cafe’s: 1-2 euros
• Activities/Entertainment: $40/day

Getting to & around the city of Lisbon

Lisbon Public Transportation

Getting to Lisbon

Travelers can get to Lisbon by direct flight into the capital city. There are also bus connections that typically drop off at the Lisboa Oriente bus station.

You can get to Lisbon city from the Lisbon airport via their subway system. It’s easy to navigate and it is only a 25 minutes ride to the center.

Getting around Lisbon

One of the many reasons Lisbon is such a great European city to visit is that it’s fairly easy to navigate around. The city is said to be spread over seven major hills (there are many more than seven hills, but ‘seven’ is the main number that the city officially references)

• Getting around Lisbon by Foot: you can easily walk around the city, but parts of Lisbon are steep/hilly. If you’re willing to get a good workout in, walking around Lisbon is a great way to take in the city’s charm
• Public transportation: visitors to Lisbon can safely take the city’s public transportation. There are buses, a metro system, and trams. Purchase a VivaViagem card at a metro station to use throughout the city. You can find a downloadable pdf map of the Lisbon metro on the Metro Lisboa website

• Tuk Tuks: a newer addition to Lisbon’s transportation are tuk tuks. Tuk tuks are smaller than cars & taxis, so they can more easily navigate the narrow streets of the Alfama & Bairro Alto neighborhoods. You can find more popular tuk tuk companies in Lisbon here.

Best Food(s) to try in Lison

• Pastel de nata – Pastel de Nata has become a staple for visitors to enjoy when they travel to Lisbon. They are lightly sweet, custard tarts often topped with cinnamon. The pastry became world famous thanks to the Pasteis de Belem shop, but you can purchase the treat from any bakery in Lisbon.

• Bacalhau – Bacalhau is codfish, it’s very popular in Lisbon. On any given menu you will most likely see codfish cakes, fried cod, grilled cod, etc. There is also an entire store in Lisbon that sells tinned sardines. As a coastal city, they enjoy a plethora of seafood.

• Ginja – Ginja is a delicious red cherry liqueur. You can typically find Ginja in small hole-in-the-wall bars & kiosks that will sell shots (sometimes in chocolate shots!).

Things to know about eating out in Lisbon, Portugal

• Dinner is eaten late at night, around 9/10pm
• Here are 10 tips for dining out in Portugal
• Lisbon is surprisingly vegetarian & vegan friendly. Here is an updated list of Lisbon’s plant based friendly places to eat.

Top things to do & see in Lisbon, Portugal

This section is organized by areas within the city of Lisbon

Alfama

• Explore the Alfama neighborhood

The Alfama neighborhood in Lisbon has become quintessential for a quiet life in Lisbon. The area is ancient, colorful & hilly. You can reach the neighborhood by getting off at the Santa Apolonia station. Then meander through the labyrinth of cobblestone streets, colorful homes & beautiful architecture. Almost everyone falls in love with this neighborhood of Lisbon.

• Sé Cathedral/Lisbon’s cathedral

Cost of entry: Free
Hours: 9am-7pm to enter the church, to visit the cloister & treasury are different times

Lisbon’s Cathedral is the city’s oldest church. In fact, it survived the damaging 1755 earthquake – it was technically in ruins after the earthquake but it’s bone structure remained and has been rebuilt many times over. The cathedral boasts Romanesque, Gothic, Neoclassical & Rococo styles.

• Miradouro das Porto do Sol

This miradouro looks over the Alfama neighborhood. It’s a great place to catch sunrise. Miradouro das Porto do Sol has a spectacular view of the colorful rooftops of Lisbon’s Alfama neighborhood.

• Castelo de Sao Jorge

Cost of entry: €10

Hours: 10am-9pm

This castle is located on the highest hill in the city. It’s a must see in Lisbon. Many suggest visiting Castelo de Sao Jorge at dusk so that you can catch the sunset view over the city with an uninterrupted 360 degree view. Frankly, any time of day is great to visit this castle, as the views are always beautiful and the castle itself is fascinating to walk through.

• Sao Vicente de Fora Church & Monastery

Cost of entry: free to enter the church, €5 to enter the monastery

Hours: 10am-5pm, closed on Mondays

Sao Vicente de Fora Church & Monastery is an extraordinary church & monastery. With over 100,000+ tiles and a terrace area with great views, it’s worth a visit for travelers. There is also a local flea market (Feira da Ladra) that is hosted next to the church. However the flea market may not be something that travelers will find much value in. (I still remember the random doll heads being sold here, but I’m not an avid flea market shopper, so it may be your thing – it’s up to you to decide).

• National Pantheon/Panteão Nacional –

Cost of entry: €4

Hours: 10am-5pm, Tuesday-Sunday

Lisbon’s National Pantheon is the resting place of many of Portugal’s most important figures. The building showcases a beautiful white dome that stands out among the Alfama neighborhood skyline. Visitors can climb to the top of the dome for another view of Alfama.

• Miradouro de Santa Luzia

The Santa Luzia miradouro has a romantic terrace with gorgeous florals and a cafe, so you can enjoy a beverage with your view.

• Miradouro da Graça

Miradouro da Graça stands out because you can see the Alfama neighborhood on the left & the Bairro Alto neighborhood on the right, as well as St. George’s castle & all of central Lisbon.

Belem

• Mosteiro dos Jerónimos –

Cost of entry: €10, first Sunday of the month is free entry for Lisbon residents. purchase with Archeology Museum ticket for combo price of €12

Hours: 10am-5pm (May-September closes at 6:30pm), last entry 30 minutes before closing time. Sundays 2-5pm, closed on Mondays & major holidays

Mosteiro dos Jerónimos is a UNESCO World Heritage site & monastery. The Belem district of Lisbon is best known for this monastery (and pastries). The monastery is breathtaking, and definitely a place that every visitor to Lisbon should witness firsthand. It was built in 1501 and the building’s structure took over 100 years to build!

To this day, it is still a perfectly preserved masterpiece. Both the church and the monastery cloisters showcase the Late Gothic & Manueline style (named for King Manuel I). The cloisters are mesmerizing as they are two levels of identical stone craftsmanship – fun fact, the cloisters were built as a tribute to Vasco de Gama (a famous explorer), who prayed at the Church of Santa Maria prior to his explorations. The Church of Santa Maria stands out with its epically high ceilings & sculptured columns that lead to one single nave.

This monastery is significant to Lisbon’s history thanks to the Age of Discovery. Ships departing left from Belem, so many sailors would come to this church to pray before they set out to sea.

There is also an archeology museum located adjacent to the monastery – see the next item!

• Archeology Museum –

Cost of entry: €5, purchase with Mosteiro dos Jerónimos ticket for combo price of €12

Hours: 10am-6pm Tuesday-Sunday, closed on Mondays

Lisbon’s Archeology Museum, located adjacent to the Jeronimos Monastery, has the most impressive collection of archaeological items in all of Portugal; from Egyptian times to the Middle Ages, Moorish to Roman artifacts. It is located in the west wing of the monastery.

• Belem Tower –

Cost of entry: €6

Hours: 10am-5:30pm (May-September closes at 6:30pm), last entry 30 minutes before closing time. Closed on Mondays & major holidays

The Belem Tower used to be a defense mechanism for the city of Lisbon. It was able to see if intruders were coming into the Tagus River & then notify the city in time to defend itself. The tower also housed prisoners, who may have gotten the best view from a prison. It’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site & is a tall standing reminder about Portugal’s historic successes.

I would suggest that you visit the Belem Tower early in the day as the queue can be over an hour long later in the day. To get to the Belem Tower requires a ten minute walk from the public transport station. As it’s across the road from the Jeronimos Monastery, the Belem Tower is worth a visit to truly experience the architecture that speaks to Portugal’s Age of Discovery. Afterwards, go to Pasteis de Belem if you’d like a few famous pastries afterwards.

• Padrã dos Descobrimentos

Cost of Entry: €3-€6

Hours: 11am-5pm, Monday-Friday

The Padrã dos Descobrimentos is a monument dedicated to the explorers who allowed Portugal to transform into a superpower in the 14th & 15th century – the Age of Discovery truly was impactful for Portugal, and really all of Europe. There is a viewing platform at the top of the monument that visitors can pay to go up to the top of & see the views.

• Pasteis de Belem

Cost of entry: none

Hours: 8am-11pm

This pastry shop was created by a member of the monastery back in the 1830’s, after the members of the clergy were expelled from their monastery. They sold the sweet pastries that visitors grew used to enjoying at the monastery, and thus this shop became a landmark in the Belem district of Lisbon for traveling visitors. You can either wait in a long line to purchase the custard tart pastries to eat in the shop, or save yourself time and instead go to the to-go line to purchase a box for take away.

Bairro Alto

• Experiente Bairro Alto nightlife –

The Bairro Alto neighborhood of Lisbon is best known for its nightlife scene. During the day, the area is serene and vibrantly transforms in the evening.

• Church of Sao Roque –

Cost of entry: none

Hours: 8:30am-5pm

Previously a Jesuit church (in the 1500’s), this church maintains its Jesuit style exterior, however the interior of the Sao Roque church is what makes this a must-see place in Lisbon. Be sure to check out the Chapel of St John inside. It’s made entirely of gold & it was the most expensive chapel in all of Europe at the time it was commissioned.

• Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara

Cost of entry: none

Hours: n/a

This miradouro has a beautiful garden that has become a popular meeting point. It can be especially crowded at dusk when the view from the miradouro is at its most beautiful, so be sure to arrive early enough to grab a good resting place.

• Church of Santa Catarina –

Cost of entry: free

Hours: depends on services

The Church of Santa Catarina can easily be missed as it has a bland exterior. But inside, the church is home to a gorgeous golden baroque decor and rococo stucco ceiling. The entire place is a masterpiece of craftsmanship.

Baixa

• Rossio Square / Praça de D. Pedro IV

The Rossio Square, which was created during the Middle Age, is located in the very center of Lisbon, and is the liveliest part of the city. The square is teeming with monuments, cafes & restaurants and shops to explore. It’s a perfect spot to hang out with friends and people watch.

• Elevador de Santa Justa (Santa Justa Lift) –

Cost of Entry: €5.15-€6.65

Hours: 7am-10pm

This 45 meter high famous elevator in the city of Lisbon was originally created to connect two neighborhoods to one another (lower streets of Baixa to Bairro Alto) so that pedestrians didn’t have to walk up and down the steep hills multiple times each day. The Elevador de Santa Justa is a drastic dark color, compared to Lisbon’s colorful buildings. This is because the design was inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The Elevador de Santa Justa is also known as the Carmo Lift.

• Praça do Comércio – Town Hall Square

Praça do Comércio is Lisbon’s main square next to the Tagus River. It was formerly used to unload goods from ships in the river. The square is surrounded by what was previously a royal palace (which was destroyed after the 1755 earthquake & subsequent environmental destruction), it now houses restaurants & shops below.

Praça do Comércio is a symbol of Portugal’s wealth & ambitions. The statues surrounding the square are notable figures in Portugal’s history, and the square itself is seen as the symbolic entrance to the city via the Arco da Rua Augusta; also known as the Door to Lisbon’ (see next item)

• Arco da Rua Augusta

Cost of Entry: to climb to the top €3

Hours: to climb to the top, 9am-7pm

This arch leads from the Praco do Commercio to the main shopping boulevard of the city & heart of Lisbon. The arch was a part of the recovery from the 1755 earthquake & commemorates the city’s loss. Visitors can pay to climb to the top of the arch.

Chiado

• Carmo Convent –

Cost of entry: €5

Hours: 10am-6pm Monday-Saturday

One of the best places we visited in Lisbon was the Carmo Convent. It’s a medieval convent that was destroyed during the 1755 earthquake (are you seeing a pattern of how the earthquake shattered the city?) What makes the Carmo Convent incredible is how stable the remnants of the convent are. You are able to walk through what still stands of this religious building. It’s so quiet within that you can easily forget you are in the heart of a bustling city.

• Largo do Chiado –

Largo do Chiado is a quaint & quiet square that was recommended for us to visit by our hosts. It’s near the Carmo Convent with great shops to explore in the area. A perfect place to catch your breath from walking the hills of Lisbon.

• Rua Nova do Carvalho –

Rua Nova do Carvalho is a street that is known as“Pink Street”. It’s an internationally known nightlife hotspot. The street & surrounding area used to be considered Lisbon’s Red Light District. While great to experience for nightlife, I would not recommend staying near here as it’s noisy well into the morning.

• Miradouro de Santa Catarina –

Miradouro de Santa Catarina is great as it’s not often visited by tourists. There are many cafes & restaurants nearby with views too.

• Timeout Market

Cost of entry: free

Hours: 10am-12am

Timeout Market is a massive food market and music venue. It also has multiple bars. A perfect place to enjoy a nice meal & experience local cuisine in Lisbon.

Outskirts of Lisbon

• Miradouro da Nossa Senhora do Monte –

I dare you to say the name of this miradouro five times fast – what a mouthful! If you travel outside of the main part of Lisbon, make time to ascend Miradouro da Nossa Senhora do Monte for the best view of Lisbon. From here you’ll have a panoramic view of the city & Castelo Sao Jorge. It’s great at sunrise to see the soft morning glow over Lisbon.

• Oceanário de Lisboa/Lisbon’s Oceanarium –

Cost of entry: €19

Hours: 10am-6pm, last entry at 5pm

Lisbon’s Oceanarium is one of the largest aquariums in the world, and the largest indoor aquarium in Europe. If you’re traveling with children, it would be a great place to spend a day.

• Museu Nacional do Azulejo/National Tile Museum –

Cost of entry: €5

Hours: 10am-6pm, Tuesday-Sunday

Lisbon is known for its beautiful tile work throughout the city so it’s no wonder there is an entire museum dedicated to it. The Museu Nacional do Azulejo is located within a Baroque style 16th century convent (Madre de Deus). Every inch of the inside of this museum is covered with azulejos (tiles), and the museum goes through different types of tiles throughout the ages You can download their mobile app & use it like an audio guide while there (just bring your own headphones).

• Basilica da Estrela –

Located in the Rato neighborhood, the Basilica da Estrela is a Neoclassical church. It’s known for its interior that has pink, grey, yellow & black marble. If you’re in the area it’s worth a stop to check out.

• Mercado de Campo de Ourique

Cost of entry: free

Hours: 10am-11pm

Mercado de Campo de Ourique is slightly smaller than the Timeout market. It’s less crowded than Timeout too. I’d suggest stopping here for lunch. The market offers fresh food outside and prepared foods inside- from portugese tapas, to sushi. Note – Some places/stands are closed on Sundays.

Where to stay in Lisbon

Lisbon Neighborhoods

Here are the best neighborhoods in Lisbon that you should stay in when you travel here:

• Alfama– known for its picturesque streets
• Chiado – an enchanting area with cute cafes & tiny boutiques
• Baixa– located in downtown Lisbon, and has plenty of shopping available
• Bairro Alto– known for its vibrant nightlife scene. The area literally transforms from a quiet area in the day to a party hub at night
• Lapa & Madragoa– Lapa & Madragoa are both much quieter areas compared to much of Lisbon

Day Trips outside of Lisbon

including Sintra!

Lisbon is wonderfully close to many other beautiful destinations that can easily be reached for day trip excursions. Here are the best places to visit outside of Lisbon:

We spent one full day with Lisbon Riders, a local tour company, and absolutely loved it! We took their Sinta & Cascais full day tour. I would highly recommend using them as your tour guide if you would prefer to sit back, relax & enjoy the scenery while someone else drives you around.

Sintra, Portugal:

Sintra is only 18 miles from Lisbon, about a one hour car ride, and even shorter train ride, from Lisbon. There are three main royal palaces and castles to explore, each of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Throughout Sintra there are extensive gardens & colorful architecture.

It should be noted that there are many smaller palaces to check out in Sintra. However, they are more easily accessed by car.

While in Sintra, be sure to stop in to Piriquita. It’s a famous bakery in the area, and has the original custard tarts that true Lisboans know of.

*Note – The main palaces are closed on Christmas Day & New Years Eve

Cascais, Portugal

Cascais is a charming fishing village with soft sand beaches that’s only a 40 minute train ride from Lisbon. It is home to the wealthy, but still maintains its small town charm

Azenhas do Mar

Azenhas do Mar is another gorgeous little seaside town in Portugal.

Cabo da Roca

Cabo da Roca is Europe’s most Western point. It’s fun to drive to and stand out near the edge for pictures.

Boca de Inferno

Boca de Inferno translates to the “Devils Mouth”. If you are already visiting Cascais, this is a quick stop to see this stunning Tacliffside. Waves crash into the cliffs and form a spectacular view of the coastline.

This page contains affiliate links to products and tours that I have used for my own travels, purchased & enjoyed. Clicking these links does not cost you anything, however doing so will support Blue Eyed Compass and allow the site to continue. THANK YOU! You can view our disclosure page for additional details

Amsterdam is a wonderful mix of modernity, history, quirkiness and cozy comfort. This picturesque city maintains its popularity with visitors from around the world for good reason – it’s beautiful streets, is easy to navigate around and never short on exciting things to do and see. Known for its canals, heavy bicycle ‘traffic’, colorful homes and delicious cafes, read on for an in-depth travel guide to Amsterdam.

How to get from the Amsterdam airport to the city center:

The Amsterdam airport is located southwest from the city, and takes about 20 minutes to get to via their direct train. Once you land in the Amsterdam airport, travelers can take the direct train to the center of the city. The train is easily found at the center of the airport past the security area.

Purchase your ticket(s) for the direct train at either a ticket booth or one of the easily spotted yellow machines with a credit card that has a chip reader. Tickets are only 5 euros for the direct train from the airport to the main Amsterdam train station. And for only a 20 minute ride, I would definitely recommend this form of transport.

If the direct train is not running due to construction (an issue sometimes found late at night), you can also take a bus into the city. Take one that is going in the direction of Leidseplein. You can pay in cash on the bus, and when you get off at Leidseplein you will be in the city center.

If you prefer to take a taxi, you will find the official taxi line outside of the airport. The largest cab company in Amsterdam is Taxicentrale Amsterdam. They accept credit cards and are available 24 hours a day. Here is their number: +31 020 777 77 77.

*Do NOT go with anyone who approaches you in the Schipol Airport about a taxi. In case you need it, the number to dial the police is 112.

Where to stay in Amsterdam

Amsterdam, like any other city, has plenty of unique neighborhoods, each offering its own charm. The city has no shortage of cute cafes, delicious restaurants and plenty of historic sites to explore. So, where you choose to stay will depend on affordability and what you prefer to be within close proximity to.

There are eight districts within Amsterdam, and each district has neighborhoods nestled within. For travelers looking to get the most out of their stay and be close to the main sights you will want to stay in the Centrum district.

Image Credit : Amsterdam Insights

Of course, this will also be one of the more expensive districts to stay in, but you should consider how much time you will be spending in Amsterdam and the convenience of staying close to public transportation and the main sites.

Within the Centrum district are the following neighborhoods:

• Nieuwmarkt : home to the oldest part of the city, Nieuwmarkt is oozing with local culture & history.

• Spui : Spui is the heart of the old city and is a great central point to explore all of Amsterdam

• Jewish Quarter (Jodenbuurt) : The Old Jewish Quarter is home to many popular sites to see; including the Hortus Botanicus. This neighborhood has done a great job preserving its history and architecture too.

• Dam Square : Dam Square is the heart of the city of Amsterdam, so if you stay here you’ll be conveniently close to almost everything, however it will also be crowded anytime of day.

• Canal belt/the 9 Streets : The Canal belt area, also known as the 9 Streets, is fairly self explanatory. It’s the area where the semicircular canals breathe the charm of Amsterdam to life. This area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well.

• Jordaan : west of the Canal belt area lies Jordaan. Jordaan consists of tightly packed streets and has been completely renovated to become a very popular area for young artists, entrepreneurs and travelers looking to immerse themselves in the community.

• De Wallen/Red Light District : the infamous Red Light District is home to one of Amsterdam’s top places to visit. The draw for this area is that it’s an officially desginated area for legal prostitution. The name ‘Red Light’ comes from the red lights surrounding the doorways of the individuals ‘ready for business’ as someone so lovingly phrased it to me. It’s a unique area, and one you should definitely explore, but it is loud in the evenings, so if you prefer quiet, I’d suggest staying in a different neighborhood.

• Leidseplein : Leidseplein is known for its nightlife, and has plenty of great hotels and restaurants.

• Rembrandtplein : Rembrandtplein is another nightlife square, however it is closer to the city center than Leidseplein. There are well known outdoor cafes and restaurants in this area. If you stay just slightly off of the square you can enjoy a quiet evening and be within close proximity to plenty Amsterdam has to offer.

• Spiegelkwartier : this area is home to the facades that you’d expect & hope to see in Amsterdam. If you enjoy art and antiques this area will be your haven – it’s home to over 70 art & antique shops!

• IJ Waterfront : located north of Amsterdam Centraal station, the IJ Waterfront area is further removed from the Centrum district than the other neighborhoods (as it’s separated by the train station), however if you prefer more modern and industrial designs you may really enjoy IJ Waterfront. The area is quickly developing, and home to a few popular museums.

I would personally suggest that staying anywhere on the outer semicircles of the Centrum District. It will be the most ideal if you are looking to be comfortably close to the main sites, but not within a high tourist traffic area.

We stayed at the Amsterdam Canal Residence hotel, and could not recommend enough – we LOVED it here. The location was ideal as it’s only a five minute walk from a metro station, ten minutes from the Museum Quarter and had the cutest view of the canals. Each staff member we encountered was very cordial, friendly and helpful.

The room itself was very modern, with a luxurious bathtub and great amenity kit for each of us. The bed and linens were very comfortable, and of course, I can’t say this enough – the canal view! We also really enjoyed the free snacks and drinks they offered to all guests from 4-10pm daily. I repeat, free drinks and snacks daily for four hours daily! *jaw has dropped, this is an unheard of deal. I would absolutely recommend the Amsterdam Canal Residence hotel to anyone traveling to Amsterdam. And yes, you can totally book your stay through booking.com, which is what I did.

Best Time of Year to Visit Amsterdam

When deciding when to visit Amsterdam, you really can’t go wrong, as there is no ONE best time of the year to visit. The city is beautiful year-round. Of course the summer season will be hot and more crowded as it’s a high tourist season. With spring having the infamous Dutch tulips in full bloom, fall boasting an array of autumn colors, and winter with the city lit up for the holidays.

How many days/how long should you stay in Amsterdam?

You could spend anywhere from a minimum of three days to two weeks (or more!) in Amsterdam. I may be slightly biased with this response, as I could move to Amsterdam in a heartbeat, however you will need at least three full days in the city. There are many historic sites and museums that you should check out, and the food scene is incredible too. Plus you’ll want to make sure you take time to enjoy wandering the canals and hidden cobblestone streets.

How to get around Amsterdam (Public Transportation)

Amsterdam has excellent public transportation. If you take the direct train from the airport to the main Amsterdam train station, Amsterdam Centraal, then you’ll have a peak at its efficiency and convenience.

There are buses, trams and ferry’s within Amsterdam’s Public Transportation system, but if you are staying within the centre of Amsterdam then you will most likely be utilizing the tram and metro systems.

For the tram and metro you can purchase day passes for 7.50 euro for one day ; prices decrease with 2-4 day passes. Tickets can be purchased online in advance, or you can get single ride passes on the trams; either at the front or sometimes at a desk area towards the rear of the tram.

Amsterdam is very walkable, so you could take one tram line to get across town and then walk to wherever you may want to explore. You can find everything you need to know about public transportation in Amsterdam at GBV.com.

Of course, there is also biking. Amsterdam is known for its commuters favoring bikes (the city is not able to accommodate cars and is focused on having clean air quality). If you are a visiting tourist, riding a bicycle in Amsterdam may seem like a bucket list item to cross off. However, be understanding that the majority of locals commute to and from work via bicycle. If you aren’t a great cyclist, I would avoid doing it. At least avoid it in busy areas.

Imagine someone visiting your city and trying to drive a car on the highway with little experience. They’d probably get in your way and potentially cause accidents.

Top things to do & See in Amsterdam

Don’t worry this list of things to do & see in Amsterdam goes beyond the typical museums and historic sites. You can find that list anywhere, so instead of things that you wouldn’t normally hear or read about for what to do in Amsterdam (…mixed in with only a few of those typical places).

Enjoy a sandwich and gourmet cheeses at Tromp :

Tromp is an amazing cheese shop in Amsterdam. In fact, they have a few locations throughout the city. They are small and chock full of the best, most delicious cheeses you could find. You can of course purchase blocks to bring home, but the best part of Tromp is their fresh sandwiches. Choose bread from their freshly baked selection for your sandwich, and within minutes you’ll have a warm, delicious meal that’s under 10 euro!

Select your ideal museum :

Amsterdam has a ton of amazing museums. And I don’t say that lightly, as I’ve been to way too many museums over the years (I love history!) There is no possible way that you could or even should visit every museum that Amsterdam has to offer, so research the ones available and decide on one to two to visit during your trip.

I personally loved the Van Gogh museum and the Rijksmuseum.

Riijksmuseum : the Dutch National museum that is dedicated to art and history. It’s the most famous museum in Amsterdam, and it does not disappoint. There are over 8,000 pieces in its permanent collection, including multiple pieces by Rembrandt. *If you know when you want to go, purchase your ticket in advance online. If you purchase ticket(s) in person go to the entrance on the right side (facing away from the I Amsterdam sign), and go downstairs to the left. Set aside at least half a day here as the museum is massive.

Van Gogh Museum : fairly self-explanatory, this museum features pieces by Vincent Van Gogh. They do a marvelous job not only showcasing his work, but also painting a picture of what his life was like and how his artwork come to life.

Here are other unique museums that are worth a visit.

-Museum Van Loon : museum of a traditional canal home from the 19th century. The name Van Loon is actually the family name. William van Loon was a co-founder of the Dutch East India Company (1602) and the family opens their home for visitors seven days a week.

-Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder : means ‘Lady in the Attic’ and is a museum that’s actually composed of three canal houses that were connected (in secret) by a Catholic businessmen at a time when Catholics were not allowed to practice publicly.

Enjoy a peaceful canal ride :

While it may be a little cliche’ to go on a large ferry through the canals, you can experience the serenity and beauty of Amsterdam from the canals on a smaller boat. *The hotel I recommended above offers FREE canal rides to its guests!! Find other canal tour companies & link

Enjoy traditional Dutch dishes :

Such as gouda cheese, stroopwafels and oliebollen (typically served around New Years)

Sip sweet liquors from a 300 year old distillery :

This is by far one of my favorite hidden gems of Amsterdam is the Wynand Fockink Proeflokaal Distillery (geez that’s a mouthful to say & type!). This distillery is tucked away in an alley off of a main, busy pedestrian road but remained relatively calm throughout our time there. The bartenders do a wonderful time explaining their products so well that you may be like us and easily be convinced that you have to check your carry on luggage in order to bring home a few bottles with you. Everything is distilled there and they only produce 400 bottles per week! You can ONLY purchase their products there so stock up on their ginger bitters, fruit flavored liquors and barrel aged treats. Tastings are free too!

Visit the stunning Hortus Botanicus :

What was once a medicinal herb garden to help fight against the Black Death in the mid-1600’s, is now a plant nerd labyrinth of blooms & flora.

Day Trips from Amsterdam

-Zaans Schaans- Zaans Schaans is known for its beautifully preserved windmills and has a precious historic town center where visitors can walk around and dive into the history of the Netherlands.

-Keukenhof Garden- visit this beauty during the tulip blooming season for out-of-this-world Alice in Wonderland experience.

-Rotterdam- the Netherlands second largest city and home to some very unique architecture

-Giethoorn- Giethoorn is a classic Netherlands village that can be explored by gondola!

-The Hague- visit the International City of Peace and Justice, The Hague. It’s home to so much modern and historic cultural significance to the Dutch.

-Utrecht- a university city with plenty of 14th-century Gothic architecture and a medieval castle.