Flights to Amsterdam
Seventeenth-century canal houses, Rembrandt and Van Gogh masterpieces and a city best explored by bike: Amsterdam is compact, easygoing and just a short train ride from Schiphol.
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Language
- Dutch (English is widely spoken)
- Time zone
- CET (UTC+1), CEST (UTC+2) in summer
- Plug type
- Type C and F, 230 V
- Main airport
- Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
Overview
Amsterdam's center is defined by its ring of 17th-century canals, the Grachtengordel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where gabled merchant houses lean over the Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht. It is a small city by capital standards, so you can walk from Centraal station to the Museumplein in about 40 minutes, passing houseboats, hidden courtyards (hofjes) and brown cafés along the way.
Each district has its own feel. The Jordaan, once a working-class quarter, is now full of galleries, markets and cozy bars. De Pijp in the south centers on the Albert Cuyp Market and is the place for global food. The Museum Quarter is home to the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk, while Amsterdam-Noord, reached by a free ferry behind Centraal, offers converted shipyards and the A'DAM Lookout tower.
First-time visitors should respect the bike lanes: they are marked in red asphalt, bikes have priority and they move fast. Popular attractions such as the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum sell tickets online only or in timed slots, so plan ahead. The city also works well as a base for day trips by train to Haarlem, Utrecht, Delft or the windmills of Zaanse Schans.
Highlights of Amsterdam
Rijksmuseum
The national museum showcases Dutch Golden Age art, including Rembrandt's The Night Watch and several Vermeers.
Anne Frank House
The canal house on the Prinsengracht where Anne Frank hid during World War II is a moving, essential visit; tickets are sold online only.
Canal cruise or rental boat
See the UNESCO-listed canal ring from the water on a glass-topped cruise or a small electric boat you steer yourself.
Van Gogh Museum
The world's largest collection of Van Gogh's work, from his dark early paintings to Sunflowers and the vivid late canvases.
Amsterdam-Noord
Hop on the free ferry behind Centraal to reach the EYE Film Museum, the A'DAM Lookout and creative venues in former shipyards.
Where to stay
Canal Ring (Grachtengordel)
Postcard-perfect and central, close to the Nine Streets shopping area; ideal for first-timers and couples.
Jordaan
Picturesque lanes, independent shops and local bars with a village feel; great for travelers who want charm without the busiest nightlife.
De Pijp
Lively and multicultural around the Albert Cuyp Market, packed with restaurants and cafés; suits food lovers and younger travelers.
Museum Quarter and Oud-Zuid
Leafy, quieter streets beside the Vondelpark and major museums; a good choice for families and culture-focused trips.
Airports and getting into town
Schiphol has its own railway station directly below the arrivals hall, with frequent NS trains reaching Amsterdam Centraal in about 15–20 minutes; many trains also serve Amsterdam Zuid for the museum district. Bus 397 runs from Schiphol to the Museumplein and Leidseplein in around 30 minutes. Taxis from the official rank outside arrivals take about 25–35 minutes to the center.
Best time to visit
April and May are the classic months: tulips bloom in the bulb fields and at Keukenhof gardens, and King's Day on April 27 turns the city orange with street markets and canal parties. June to August brings long evenings for canal-side terraces but also peak crowds. September and early October are often calm and pleasant, while winter is chilly but lit up by the Amsterdam Light Festival along the canals.
Airlines flying to Amsterdam
Popular routes to Amsterdam
Travel tips from our desk
- Book Anne Frank House tickets online as early as possible; they are not sold at the door.
- You can tap in and out of trains, trams, buses and metro with a contactless bank card or phone, and must check out to avoid being charged the maximum fare.
- Keep off the red bike lanes when walking, and if you rent a bike, always lock it to a fixed rack with two locks.
- Take a train to Haarlem, Utrecht or Delft for an easy day trip with fewer crowds than central Amsterdam.
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Explore Rome →Flights to Amsterdam — frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from New York to Amsterdam?
A nonstop from New York JFK to Schiphol takes about 7 hours eastbound and roughly 8 to 8.5 hours on the return. From Los Angeles, the nonstop is around 10.5 hours.
Which airport should I fly into for Amsterdam?
Schiphol (AMS) is the only major international airport for Amsterdam and one of Europe's biggest hubs, with nonstop service from many US and Canadian cities.
When is the best time to visit Amsterdam?
Mid-April to May is ideal for tulip season and King's Day, while September offers pleasant weather with fewer visitors. Summer is lively but busy.
How do I get from Schiphol to the city center?
Direct trains leave from the station inside the terminal and reach Amsterdam Centraal in about 15–20 minutes. Bus 397 is a good option for hotels near Museumplein and Leidseplein.
Is it easy to visit other Dutch cities from Amsterdam?
Yes. Frequent trains reach Haarlem in about 15 minutes, Utrecht in about 30 minutes and The Hague and Rotterdam in under an hour, many of them also stopping at Schiphol.
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