Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands. Known for its charming canals, historic buildings, and vibrant nightlife, Amsterdam is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. The city has a rich cultural heritage, with world-class museums such as the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, and is famous for its beautiful parks and outdoor spaces. Amsterdam is also a centre of innovation and entrepreneurship, with a thriving tech industry and a strong focus on sustainability and social responsibility. With a population of over 800,000 people, Amsterdam is one of the most cosmopolitan and multicultural cities in Europe.

Interesting Facts

Bikes rule the city!

There are around 1.2 million bikes in Amsterdam, but only around 1.1 million inhabitants. Amsterdam has over 400 km of bike lanes and several storage facilities. It’s believed that 25,000 bikes are thrown or disappear into the Amsterdam canals every year. Yearly, around 100,000 bikes get stolen. Bikes have the right of way over both cars and pedestrians, so make sure to stay out of the bike lanes and be careful when crossing!

More canals than Venice and more bridges than Paris...

With over 165 canals, it’s possible to travel 100 kilometres on the water in the city limits. There are 1281 bridges in Amsterdam, the most famous being the Magere Brug (also known as the Skinny Bridge).

The most museums per square metre...

The Dutch capital has the highest concentration of museums per square metre of all cities in the world.

Van Gogh, Rijksmuseum, and Stedelijk Museums are some of the most famous museums you can visit in the city.

Population

As of 2023, the metropolitan area population of Amsterdam is 1,174,000. Of course, this number is constantly changing.

Local Attractions

Rijksmuseum - Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam | within city centre

The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands, dedicated to Dutch arts and history. The museum is located at the Museum Square in the borough of Amsterdam South, close to the Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, and the Concertgebouw.

Heineken Experience - Stadhouderskade 78, 1072 AE Amsterdam | 4.4km from city centre

Housed inside Heineken’s historic brewery in the centre of Amsterdam, this interactive museum will take you on an exciting, behind-the-scenes journey through the wild world of one of Europe’s most popular pilsners.

It’s among the city’s most visited attractions, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.

Koninklijk Paleis - Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 147, 1012 RJ Amsterdam | within city centre

The Royal Palace is one of three palaces used by the royal family. The family uses the Palace during state visits, award ceremonies and other official receptions.

Air and Rail Connections

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, known informally as Schiphol Airport, is the main international airport of the Netherlands. It is located 9 kilometres southwest of Amsterdam, in the municipality of Haarlemmermeer in the province of North Holland.

Amsterdam Centraal – Stationsplein, 1012 AB Amsterdam

Amsterdam Centraal station is the largest railway station in Amsterdam. A major international railway hub, it is used by 192,000 passengers a day, making it the second busiest railway station in the country after Utrecht Centraal, and the most visited Rijksmonument of the Netherlands.

Housing and living costs

Monthly average rental costs are calculated based on apartments both inside and out of the city centre.

  • 1 bedroom – 1,200 euros
  • 2 bedroom – 1,500 euros
  • 3 bedroom – 2,000 euros

For further information, click here.

To calculate Dutch tax click here.

For information about the Dutch tax system click here.

International Education

International School of Amsterdam

ISA was the first school in the world to offer a complete International Baccalaureate curriculum from Pre-School to Grade 12. Today, ISA has close to 1,300 enrolled students, representing over 60 different nationalities who are dedicated to the mission ‘To Educate for International Understanding’. As an independent, non-profit foundation, all efforts are focused on creating a vibrant, global community of lifelong learners.

Amsterdam International Community School

The Amsterdam International Community School is a Dutch International Primary and Secondary School offering international education in English. The AICS caters for the needs of students of all nationalities who are temporarily living in the Netherlands and require high-quality, accessible, community-based international learning.

Activities

Vondelpark - Vondelpark, 1071 AA Amsterdam | 3.2km from city centre

Opened to the public in 1865 this park hosts play areas, concerts at the open-air theatre, performances at the bandstand, and is an excellent location for walking, skating or simply relaxing in the sunshine.

Canal Tours - various locations

Lots of companies offer cruises along the canals, where you’ll get to see the highlights of the city. The prices and durations of these tours varies, and some come with snacks, or drinks. In the evening there are dinner and cocktail cruises.

Van Gogh Museum - Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam | 2.8km from city centre

In addition to paintings you’ll find Van Gogh’s drawings and letters, plus works by artists inspired by Van Gogh. There is a permanent exhibition of his work, plus temporary themed exhibitions.

Events, Festivals and Holidays

Koningsdag

King’s Day celebrates the birthday of the King (April 27th). The city centre is closed to car traffic, and the streets are filled with music, food vendors and parties.

National Tulip Day

Held in January this celebrates the start of the new cut tulip season. In a specially constructed picking garden, everyone can pick a bunch of tulips for free!

Amsterdam Light Festival

Running from November to January, light sculptures, art pieces and projections are installed, mostly along the canals. You can take a boat ride along the canals, or follow a walking route called the Illuminade.

Food & Drink Options

Albert Cuyp Market - Albert Cuypstraat, 1073 BD Amsterdam | 2.3km from city centre

The Albert Cuyp Market has been around since 1905 and it is Amsterdam’s most famous market for a reason – it’s Europe’s biggest day market and it has everything . From clothing to cookware, flowers to furniture, it’s got everything you need at very affordable prices.

Noorder Markt - Noordermarkt 42B, 1015 NA Amsterdam | 2.2km from city centre

Love organic produce and all-things homegrown and homemade? Then Noordermarkt is for you. This farmers market takes place every Saturday, and it’s one of our favourite food markets in Amsterdam.

It’s a heaven for foodies, and it’s situated on a beautiful square in the middle of Amsterdam’s most beautiful district, the Jordaan.

Leidseplein District - 1017 PT Amsterdam | 1.7km from city centre

Immerse yourself in Leidseplein, Amsterdam’s bustling hub of entertainment and nightlife. This lively district is a playground for nocturnal adventurers, hosting an array of popular clubs, bars, and novel nightlife experiences.

Hotels

Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam | 5-star hotel within city centre

Address: Oudezijds Voorburgwal 197, 1012 EX Amsterdam
Phone: +31 20 555 3111

Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam | 4-star hotel within city centre

Address: Damrak 1-5, 1012 LG Amsterdam
Phone: +31 20 623 4255

Met Hotel Amsterdam | 3-star hotel 4.6km from city centre

Address: Marius Bauerstraat 401, Slotervaart, 1062 AP Amsterdam
Phone: +31 20 218 4244

Getting Around The City

Public Transport

Amsterdam has an extensive public transport system, comprised of buses, ferries, trams and trains.

Click this link for maps, timetables and journey planners.

Taxi Companies

Taxi Amsterdam Airport | +31 6 44 444 566
Amsterdam Taxi Centrale | +31 6 85 672 263

Shopping Malls

Magna Plaza - Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 182I, 1012 SJ Amsterdam | within city centre

The Former Amsterdam Main Post Office, now the Magna Plaza shopping centre, is a monumental building located at Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 182. It was built in 1895–1899 in neo-Gothic and neo-Renaissance style.

Kalverpassage - Kalverstraat 212-220, 1012 PD Amsterdam | within city centre

The Kalvertoren shopping centre is located on Kalverstraat, Amsterdam’s busiest shopping street. The project was developed by Multi Corporation.

Local Football Teams

Ajax Amsterdam FC

Ajax Amsterdam, or simply Ajax, is a Dutch professional football club based in Amsterdam, that plays in the Eredivisie, the top tier in Dutch football.

Ajax are the originators and purveyors of ‘Total Football’.

Amsterdamsche FC

Amsterdamsche Football Club, known as AFC, is a football club from Amsterdam, Netherlands. It is currently playing in the Tweede Divisie, the third tier of football in the Netherlands.

Pharmacies

Amsterdam Central Pharmacy

Address: De Ruijterkade 24, A, 1012 AA Amsterdam
Phone: +31 20 235 7822

Leidsestraat Pharmacy

Address: Leidsestraat 74-76, 1017 PD Amsterdam
Phone: +31 20 422 0210

Amsterdam Staring Apotheek VOF

Address: Overtoom 392, 1054 JS Amsterdam
Phone: +31 20 618 3772