Se hva du kan gjøre og oppleve i Amsterdam

Windmills spin in the breeze at Zaanse Schans, church bells ring out and cows wander around Old Holland’s farmhouses. The Waterland region and small town harbours such as Marken and Volendam are packed with industrial heritage, showcasing traditional skills like shipbuilding, fishing and cheese making.

Come tip-toe through the tulips, admire the amaryllis and cruise past the crocuses at the Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse, the world’s largest flower gardens. Each year, the Keukenhof Gardens burst into a kaleidoscope of colours as the rolling grounds are carpeted with blooming flowers from the end of March to May.

Enjoy a perfect trip to Haarlem, an authentic city of remarkable history and culture right at Amsterdam’s doorstep. Its beauty provided inspiration for many of the Golden Age painters. Fill your day with excellent shopping, spectacular museums and sunny terraces amongst monumental buildings.

The Amsterdam Metropolitan Area owes everything to innovation and it is still evolving. New Land locations such as Lelystad and Almere offer fascinating examples of interesting architecture and creative developments. Located to the east of Amsterdam, Almere is a so-called new town which was planned and built entirely from scratch; come and enjoy both its architecture and the natural landscape surrounding the urban areas.

Retreat to the Amstel River countryside and discover the maritime and military history of the area with its fortresses and lakes. This region is especially rich in historical estates and extravagant castles, such as the Muiderslot Castle in Muiden.

Kitchen & Bar Van Rijn on the Rembrandtplein is inspired by the beauty and the masterpieces of Rembrandt van Rijn. In a cosmopolitan atmosphere with open kitchen, you can enjoy authentic Dutch cuisine for lunch and dinner. At weekends there is even live music and a DJ.

Michelin-starred restaurant Sazanka at Hotel Okura invites to a dinner and a show — skilled chefs prepare the finest Japanese dishes right before guests' eyes. The extensive menu features meat, seafood, and vegetarian dishes. Book in advance to ensure being seated.

The first Dutch omelettery offers a great selection of egg-based dishes for breakfast, lunch, or weekend brunch. Omelettes come in a plethora of varieties, from BBQ to banana & peanut butter. Fresh juices and an assortment of hot and cold drinks are served.

The impressive food court housed inside De Hallen contains 21 international restaurants, with offerings ranging from dim sum to steaks to tacos. Some reputable local restaurants have branches here. The common dining area is always buzzing, and live DJ sets are hosted Friday and Saturday nights.

At the restaurant Olijfje, Mediterranean meat or fish delicacies will be prepared for you on the restaurants charcoal grill. In the meantime, you can start off your dinner experience with some Spanish tapas, Mediterranean meze, Turkish feta cheese or Greek dolmas.

De Kas is a chic garden conservatory serving Mediterranean dishes. This restaurant housed in a collection of greenhouses that date to 1926 serves a fixed daily menu prepared with vegetables and herbs grown in their own nursery. Their motto is "Harvested in the morning, on your plate in the afternoon".

Chefs Onno Kokmeijer and Arjan Speelman and their team will serve you daring original dishes inspired by French cuisine while you take in the panoramic view of Amsterdam. A selection of classic and innovative wines completes this unparalleled culinary experience. The restaurant is the proud holder of two Michelin stars.

Moeders is characterized by an informal atmosphere and friendly service and is known for several Dutch specialities (beef stew, Flemish stew and stamppot), but there are plenty of other things to choose from the extensive international menu. The walls here are filled with hundreds of framed and unframed pictures along with antique pans, plates and biscuit tins, which will complete your culinary experience.

The IJ-Kantine is more than just a canteen on the IJ. This striking and transparent brasserie with its fabulous terrace on the NDSM harbour has just about everything: in the morning you can go there for coffee, during the day you can have a royal lunch, in the evening enjoy a cocktail next to the fireplace in the lounge and at dinner time, eat dishes such as wild sea bass, potato cannelloni and half lobster.

A cosy pancake house (former warehouse) located in a 17th-century Dutch East India Company canal house at the Prinsengracht in Amsterdam. The famous 'international' pancakes are based on various dishes from all over the world. Both sweet and savoury varieties are available.

Located in the Park Hotel and not far from the Leidseplein, the ultra cosmopolitan Momo has been decorated in such a way that Amsterdam’s in-crowd and visiting international beauties don’t look out of place. This cafe-restaurant boasts some of the best chefs and barmen from all over the world. Come here and try their great cocktails and pan-Asian dishes.

Located in the Old Church, the oldest building of Amsterdam, this coffee bar serves daily breakfast, organic coffee, tea, hand-made pies and freshly baked cakes to be enjoyed in a relaxing and historical ambiance. For the ones who prefer other refreshments, homemade lemonade and fresh juices are also on the menu.

Café de Jaren is one of the largest cafes in Amsterdam. The building features a spacious cafe on the ground floor with an international press reading-table, a pleasant restaurant with large salad bar on the first floor, as well as a superb terrace with a canal view.

If you would like to treat yourself, Melly's Cookiebar pairs sweet recipes from Latin America with traditional Dutch specialties. Get yourself a Dutch stroopwaffel with different toppings, a cookie, a piece of cake or try one of the Argentinian alfajores or some dulce de leche alongside a cup of coffee or traditional mate tea.

Across from the Westerkerk (Western Church) and the Anne Frank House, on the edge of the Jordaan, this cafe is surrounded by history. Although the Prins has retained its typical 'brown cafe' character, its kitchen has become one of its most important features in recent years. Stop by beer, fondue and cheese plates, as well as sweet and cute mini-pancakes — poffertjes.

This unusual construction in the centre of the 19th century Vondelpark and its large surrounding terrace (700 places) attract crowds of creative Amsterdammers at the first ray of sunshine. You can even enjoy yourself here in the winter thanks to the outdoor electric heaters. On Sundays, DJs spin laid-back music.

Winkel 43 stands not only for a friendly atmosphere, but also for its straightforward menu served for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Spends some time on the terrace and enjoy a piece of their homemade apple pie while absorbing the surroundings of the Jewish quarter Jordaan.

The Screaming Beans will make sure to find the best coffee blend in their assortment to match your individual taste. Relish one of the carefully sourced and roasted single origin coffees (or the cafe's own house blend), together with a croissant, on their terrace.

Located on the 7th floor of the former office building of the Volkskrant newspaper, this club/cafe/restaurant is characterised by an easy-going vibe. Canvas is renowned for its affordable yet lush cocktails and a stunning view of Amsterdam which, in the summer, can be taken in fully from the spacious roof terrace.

As well as being a nightclub with great theatre shows, live music and popular club evenings, Panama also offers a trendy dance studio and a cafe-restaurant with a grand terrace to the south for those mid-summer nights. It frequently hosts renowned DJs from all over the world.

This American comedy troupe is renowned for their English-language comedy, theatrical shows, improvisation, stand-up and burlesque. Improvisation comedy, good food and tasty cocktails have long been Boom Chicago’s recipe for success. This venue. which also features a bar and a restaurant, is regularly transformed into a nightclub with local electro and house DJs filling the dance floor until the small hours.

For a fun night out, especially with a group of people, the Karaokebar 24K is a location to uncover hidden talents or to simply enjoy singing along to one of your favourite songs. Fetch yourself a drink and choose one of more than 80,000 songs, available in several languages.

Find The Waterhole in the centre of Amsterdam and listen to live music in different genres (but mostly rock) every day, play pool or ask the staff to turn on your desired sports match on one of the 7 available screens. Make sure to join the daily happy hours for cheaper beer and mixed drinks.

De Trut is a queer disco that has been organized 100% by volunteers for 35+ years. The profits from the parties go to LGBTQAI+ projects worldwide. The party is held every Sunday evening from 8pm. Expect a long line! It's definitely worth the wait.

Cafe de Druif — ‘The Grape’ — has been a local institution for at least 400 years. Wooden casks line the walls and plenty of earthenware jenever bottles can be found behind the bar. Virtually unknown to tourists, De Druif feels like a glimpse into Amsterdam’s past.

The name says it all: everything in the XtraCold IceBar is made of ice. The walls, the bar, the couch, the fireplace and even the glasses. When entering the bar, you are given special clothing to cope with the icy cold temperature. The beautiful ice sculptures by world-famous artists provide the ultimate ice experience.

Bourbon Street Blues Club is hard to miss when strolling down Leidsekruisstraat — the Blues Brothers are dancing on the roof. The program here ranges from rock to soul and even reggae, with live music every night of the week. Over the years, this amazing venue has hosted many local and international artists, including some big names such as Toto and B.B. King.

If you are looking for an unusual dinner experience in an unexpected place and are not afraid to discover the creative corners of your personality then knock on Supperclub’s door. Freedom is the keyword at Supperclub. It’s a mix of food, music, performances and art.

One of Amsterdam’s biggest and most popular night clubs, situated on the lively Rembrandtplein, Escape is always teaming with pretty young things. Musically speaking, expect all popular styles of dance music: house, electro, techno and pop by both Amsterdam’s finest and world-famous DJ like Tiësto, Kevin Saunderson and Todd Terry.

Paradiso has been a centre for pop culture since the 1960s. Today, after thousands and thousands of concerts, the pop venue has reached worldwide recognition. Though national and international pop music is the primary focus, programming has now been expanded to include other disciplines such as classical, world music, festivals and spoken word.

Located in the bustling heart of Amsterdam, the Melkweg is one of the city's leading entertainment venues with two halls, a cinema, a theatre and a cafe. The venue offers a varied live programme ranging from up-and-coming bands to established names and to seated concerts as well.

The Rijksmuseum is the largest and most important museum in the Netherlands. It boasts a collection of nearly 8,000 pieces spread over 80 galleries. Dive into the history of Dutch art and marvel at the magnificent oeuvres from medieval times through the Golden Age. See iconic paintings by Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Vermeer.

The Jordaan is a neighbourhood of the city centre of Amsterdam, west of Prinsengracht canal. Originally a working-class neighbourhood, the Jordaan has become one of the most expensive, upscale and desirable locations in the country. It is home to gorgeous historical residential buildings with cute hofjes (inner courtyards), numerous modern art galleries, speciality shops, cafes and restaurants. Rembrandt spent the last years of his life in the Jordaan, on the Rozengracht canal. The Anne Frank House is located on the edge of the Jordaan, on the Prinsengracht canal. Many houses in the Jordaan have a stone tablet on their facade, displaying the profession or family sign of the inhabitants, such as scissors for tailors and a piglet for butchers. See how many you can spot!

The Negen Straatjes (nine little streets) intersect the main canals between the Leidsestraat and the Jordaan district, and are dotted with great restaurants, cafes, art galleries, jewellers, boutiques and vintage stores. With an exceptional array of styles, trends and prices, this area is truly a shopper’s paradise.

The Vondelpark is one of the most popular parks in the Amsterdam, right next to the Rijksmuseum. Locals and tourists alike come here to spend some time in the sun, play games together, bike, stroll hand-in-hand, read a book or simply enjoy the serene ambiance that this cozy park has to offer. It is a favorite haunt of dog owners and their pets. Don't miss the colony of about 4000 wild parakeets that is flourishing in the park since the mid-1970s.

The Van Gogh Museum goes well beyond the traditional permanent collection: the exhibition Van Gogh at Work is the culmination of seven years of fastidious research into his oeuvre and development as an artist. More than 200 paintings, works on paper, sketchbooks and letters by Van Gogh and his peers offer manifold insights into the fascinating creative processes behind his paintings and drawings.

The Koninklijk Paleis (Royal Palace) on Amsterdam’s Dam Square is one of three palaces still in use by the Dutch royal family. When not used for state visits, award ceremonies or other official functions, visitors can explore the magnificent interior and discover the rich history of the building.

You won’t see so many celebrities gathered together anywhere else. From film stars to sporting heroes, from the Golden Age to modern times, national and international artists, Madame Tussauds truly has something for everyone.

The Anne Frank House is the hiding place where Anne Frank wrote her famous diary during World War II. Now a museum, it recreates the war and holocaust years. Quotations from the diary, photographs, films and original objects belonging to the people in hiding and those who helped them all serve to illustrate the events which occurred at this location. Anne's original diary is on display in the museum as well.

A'dam is the iconic and controversial tall building next to the Eye Film Institute and opposite Central Station. It calls itself "a tower of many talents": you can grab a bite, work in a coworking space, rave at the club and spend the night at the hotel here. The tower hosts some major creative labels, so the crowd is always interesting. For some adrenaline, check out the A'dam Lookout — an observation deck with an panoramic view of Amsterdam,an interactive exhibition and free audio tour about Amsterdam’s history and culture. A swing that lets you dangle your feet off the edge of the building is the cherry on top.

The Rembrandt House Museum will be interesting for people who want to know more about the painter’s life, his work and about the Dutch Golden Age in general. The painter lived and worked in the house between 1639 and 1656 and these days visitors can see the reconstruction of the 17th-century interior. In addition to the main attraction, Rembrandt House has great temporary exhibitions as well as an interactive one for kids. A worthy cultural destination for the entire family.

Every visitor is aware of the existence of Amsterdam's red light district, locally referred to as De Wallen. Some head there straightaway while others prefer to walk around it — the choice is yours. The truth is, you will likely end up wandering through the area simply because of its location smack in the city centre. The best way to get acquainted with this infamous area and get a balanced view of the complex subject is by going on a private guided tour with a retired sex worker. Don't miss this educational, humanizing and stereotype-busting experience.

Once the city's gasworks, the late 19th-century industrial buildings of Westergas are now one of Amsterdam's most vibrant creative hubs. At its core, Westergas is an event venue surrounded by hip tempting bars, restaurants, coffee roasters, an artisanal microbrewery, a small arthouse cinema, and a whole lot of creative businesses.

The former Heineken Brewery in Amsterdam offers some 3000 square metres of special exhibition space. Learn more about Heineken's rich history, the tradition and craft of brewing, and the people behind this multinational company at this monumental building located at the Stadhouderskade. Good to know: two drinks are included in the admission price.

When visiting the Jewish Quarter, make sure to make time for its several attractions — the Jewish Historical Museum, Children's Museum, the Great Synagogue and the Dutch Theatre (Hollandsche Schouwburg). All of these are located within a short walking distance from one another.

Hortus Botanicus is one of the world's oldest botanical gardens established in 1638 as an herb garden with medical plants for Amsterdam doctors and pharmacists. The plants were brought here from all over the world by the traders of the Dutch East India Company (VOC). Today, Hortus Botanicus holds more than 6 000 different plants, including unique ones, like the 2000 years old agave cactus and a 300-year-old Eastern Cape giant cycad. The garden's orangery has a beautiful cafe with large outside terrace open to the garden. Find some peace and quiet here, especially on a drizzly day.

Located in the city centre, the Amsterdam Diamond Museum grants visitors an insight into the development of diamond production (from billions of years ago to modern times), and showcases some rare exhibits such as the incredible Rembrandt Diamond, the Katana and the Ape Skull.

The New Church (or Nieuwe Kerk) isn't just a regular 15th-century church. It played an important role throughout history, and hosted the inaugurations of multiple Dutch kings and queens. Today's royalty — the Dutch king and queen — exchanged vows here, too. These days the church frequently hosts various exhibitions.

NDSM, the renovated shipyard in Amsterdam Noord is a live music performances space with a strong industrial vibe. The complex houses creative businesses, small workshops, clubs, bars and eateries. Take one of Amsterdam's free ferries and come here for hip waterside hangouts, frequent festivals and events. The famed Botel and Crane Hotel Faralda are located nearby, so consider spending the night in the neighbourhood.

The Amsterdam Museum tells the compelling story of the growth and heyday of the Dutch capital. Discover seven centuries of the city's history — once a small settlement on the banks of the Amstel, and now a bustling, diverse metropolis. The rich collection of works of art, objects and archaeological finds brings to life the fortunes of the Amsterdammers of days gone by.

The Singel Flower Market is one of Amsterdam’s most colourful attractions. The small shops are located inside a row of floating barges — a holdover from the days when flowers arrived in Amsterdam every day from the countryside by boat. At the flower market you’ll find tulips of every colour — either in bouquets or as bulbs to plant at home. If you plan to buy bulbs to take out of the country, be sure they have a "customs cleared" stamp on the packet so you won’t have trouble at the border.

The National Maritime Museum invites its visitors to discover how the Dutch culture has been shaped by the sea. The building has been completely restored and modernised, the courtyard now covered by a glass roof. The museum includes a restaurant, a waterside terrace and even a replica of the Dutch East India Company ship "Amsterdam" moored outside.

The Amsterdam Dungeon brings 500 years of dark history to life with 12 shows, 7 actors and 1 terrifying experience. Can you survive the horrific plague during the 80 minute tour? Make sure you don’t get tortured by the executioner Peter Titelmann from the Spanish Inquisition or get lost in the mirror labyrinth. There is also a roller coaster for the really brave visitors.

The Hermitage Amsterdam is the Dutch branch of the world-famous Hermitage in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Located on the banks of the Amstel River, the Hermitage Amsterdam is an exhibition space and cultural education centre with a focus on Russian history and culture.

A visit to Het Grachtenhuis (the Canal House) is the perfect way to learn more about the history of Amsterdam’s canal ring. The museum looks at the 17th-century city expansion projects that led to Amsterdam’s ring of canals which received UNESCO world heritage status in 2010. After seeing the interactive displays, you’ll look at Amsterdam in a whole new light when wandering through the city’s streets or taking a canal cruise.

The EYE Film Institute screens classic and art-house movies on a daily basis. If you love films and cinematography, be sure to visit this new ultramodern building along the IJ waterway, which is home to an internationally-renowned collection of films covering the whole history of cinema. The museum’s extensive programme includes exhibitions and events examining the history of film and contemporary cinematographic developments. Pop in to see their collection of film posters!

One of the oldest zoos in all of Europe, Artis Royal Zoo contains multiple species of land and marine animals, as well as an aquarium and a planetarium. The zoo grounds invite for a pleasant stroll among the trees and give the visitors the opportunity to admire a myriad of animals ranging from chimps to elephants.

Haarlem’s Frans Hals Museum is home to the largest collection of paintings by Frans Hals in the world. Hals, the most famous Haarlem painter of the Golden Age, specialised in portraits. In addition to paintings by Hals, the museum has works by his predecessors and his contemporaries, as well as furniture, ceramics, glass and silver.

Built in 1888, the Concertgebouw is a world-famous concert hall located in the city centre. Take a guided tour and discover some of the hidden areas of this magnificent building, such as the backstage and the attic above the Main Hall, while listening to some interesting anecdotes.

The famous Amsterdam Exchange index (AEX) throws open its doors to the public with this new attraction taking visitors on an exciting interactive journey from the beginnings of the Dutch East India Company right through to today's modern electronic trading floor.

NEMO is the largest science centre in the Netherlands. With five floors full of exciting things to do and discover, this is the perfect place for anyone with an inquisitive mind. Exhibitions, theatre performances, films, workshops and demonstrations: you will smell, hear, feel and see how the world works.

Allard Pierson Museum narrates stories of ancient civilisations via informative displays which include artefacts from the Great Roman Empire, ancient Egypt, ancient Greece, Etruria, and Near East. This archaeological museum is sponsored by the University of Amsterdam.

See Amsterdam the way locals see it — by bike. Familiarise yourself with the city with its diverse neighbourhoods and architecture, cycle along the waterfront and enjoy a local beer across from an iconic windmill. Thanks to the many bike paths in the city, pedal power is all you need to discover the city’s gems on your own, or as part of a guided bike tour.

At Canal Motorboats you can hire a specialised boat for an hour or more. Make your way around the city taking tons of photos and making fantastic memories with friends and family. The company’s marina is just 10 minutes from Central Station and five minutes from the beginning of the Prinsengracht. Each boat can carry up to seven people and naturally larger parties can hire multiple boats. If you don't feel like piloting the boat yourself, hop onto one of the many cruise boats that take you on. a long loop of the winding canals.

Besides providing a stunning backdrop to the city's historical centre, floating down Amsterdam's canals is one of the most memorable ways to discover the city. Whether you're a first-time or frequent visitor, everything in Amsterdam seems a bit more magical when viewed from a boat.

With distinctive buses and friendly staff, the choice in selected cities between multi-lingual commentary or live guide sightseeing has never been so much fun. Hop on and hop off as much as you like at any of the bus stops on the route and see all the best sights and attractions that Amsterdam has to offer. There are combination tickets that let you switch between busses and boats at will.

With its vast number of exciting places close together, Amsterdam is a great city for a long walk. Nowhere else will you find so many points of interest within a single square kilometre. Join one of the various 'Mee in Mokum' walking tours, or discover the areas beyond Amsterdam’s city centre on your own by using the walking tour maps available at the official tourist information centres.

The Last Minute Ticket Shop (LMTS) sells tickets to events in Amsterdam for just 50% of the regular price. A new selection of tickets for concerts, theatre performances and other events at a huge assortment of Amsterdam goes on sale every day at noon.

In the historical heart of Amsterdam, rough diamonds are transformed into dazzling jewels every day. Book a free 1-hour tour and delve into the exciting world of diamond cutting at Gassan Diamonds, where four centuries of craftsmanship and tradition are brought to life.

Each year, about 340,000 visitors come to see the Royal Coster Diamonds craftsmen at work. Free guided tours demonstrating the process of cutting and polishing diamonds are led by Coster’s accommodating staff. The tours are available in more than 24 languages.

A good location to start your shopping are the main shopping streets Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat. Here you will find all the shops you would expect to find in a large European city like H&M and Zara, along with a few local stores and excellent boutiques.

There are more than 300 unique stalls at the Netherlands oldest flea market, Waterlooplein — a beautiful place to walk, explore or shop. Haggle for books, clothing, art, jewellery, antiques or vinyls, or buy food and drinks from one of the available food trucks on the market.

De Bijenkorf is an inspiring, trend-setting and dynamic department store at Dam square. The city’s largest department store offers international brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Burberry, Hugo Boss, Apple and Chanel. The surprising and creative decorations in de Bijenkorf’s unique shop windows make them one of Amsterdam’s real attractions. Live theatre, dance and music performances can be seen there on a regular basis.

Magna Plaza means indoor shopping pleasure in a historical building, right behind the Royal Palace. Built by the end of the 19th century, the former post office of Amsterdam is nowadays an exclusive shopping centre with more than 40 brand stores.

The Negen Straatjes (nine little streets) intersect the main canals between the Leidsestraat and the Jordaan district, and are dotted with great restaurants, cafes, art galleries, jewellers, boutiques and vintage stores. With an exceptional array of styles, trends and prices, this area is truly a shopper’s paradise.

The Fashion and Museum District is one of the most beautiful areas in Amsterdam, and many historical buildings, such as Amsterdam's famous museums and the Royal Concertgebouw, define its impressive character. Spend hours in the stylish boutiques of P.C. Hooftstraat and Van Baerlestraat; exclusive brands have their flagship stores in these beautiful shopping streets. The Fashion and Museum District's official websites has several suggested walks based on your interests and the amount of time you have.

Situated in the heart of the 19th century Latin quarter De Pijp, the Albert Cuyp street market fascinates visitors since 1905 with its laid back atmosphere. Everything can be found here: from exotic shops to local craft businesses, cafes and restaurants. Whether you are a bargain hunter or a foodie, here you will surely get what you are searching for.

The Haarlemmerdijk is a long, trendy shopping street, stretching from east to west towards Central Station. It is a lively strip where you will find everything from shoes, independent labels and second-hand clothes to speciality food products, interior design items and Dutch collectables.

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) is a modern, efficient and traveller-friendly airport. 90 airlines depart from Schiphol to over 250 destinations worldwide. The easiest and cheapest way to travel from the airport to Amsterdam is by train. This takes about 20 minutes to the Central Station and trains leave at least every 15 minutes during the daytime (less frequently at night). The train station at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is located directly below the airport. Tickets are for sale at the NS service desk or ticket machines. Taxis to the city centre cost significantly more and can take a while, depending on traffic conditions.

The Netherlands can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are not sure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend you to contact the embassy or consulate in your country. In order to enter the Schengen zone, international (non-Schengen) travellers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip. Citizens from Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but they must bring with them a valid ID during their stay.

Most tourists tend to plan their trip to Amsterdam for the summer, so if you want to avoid crowds — come in April–May or September. You'll get mild temperatures, blooming flowers in spring and golden trees in autumn. Be ready for rain regardless of the season. April and May are considered part of peak tourist season. Locals use websites like buie.nl to predict when the weather down to minutes. Summer is high tourist season in Amsterdam, so be prepared to wait in long lines when visiting popular attractions. The summer months are also the most expensive when it comes to accommodation. Hotel prices and tourist population drop in autumn and winter months, as does the temperature. This is the best time to visit Amsterdam's many indoor attractions, such as museums and cafes. The city covered with a white blanket of snow is a marvellous sight. If the winter happens to be particularly cold, you can ice-skate on the frozen canals. Some cafes set tables and chairs straight on the ice.

Public transport is the perfect way to visit all attractions and to explore the city. Visitors arriving by car are advised to park the car at the P+R sites at the city limits and to use public transport. In Amsterdam, 15 tram lines, 41 bus lines, 7 ferry connections and 4 metro lines take you to a wide range of destinations throughout the city. The most convenient transport ticket is the GVB day or multi-day ticket. These tickets entitle holders to transport on all GVB lines, including the night buses, and are available at GVB Tickets & Info and tourist offices. Drivers and conductors also sell 1-hour and 24-hours disposable OV chip cards on trams and buses. No cash is accepted on busses or trams.

Taxis can be handy when travelling to and from the airport, late at night when the trams have stopped running or when you're running late. Depending on the traffic during peak times however, public transport may get you there even quicker. Just hail a taxi, or catch one at the designated cab-stands near tourist hotspots such as Dam square, Leidseplein and the Rembrandtplein. Uber is operating in Amsterdam.

At the main post office, you can phone, fax (retro!), buy maps and stamps, in addition to the usual services. Stamps can also be bought in most convenient stores. Post-office boxes are red. There is a convenient service point at the Amsterdam Central Station

Pharmacies (Apotheek in Dutch) are usually open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5:30 pm. At night and at weekends pharmacies are open in rotating shifts, so you'll have to look around a bit. Mediq Apotheek and Kring-apotheek are popular drug store chains. Dam Apotheek is centrally located on the Dam square and DA Apotheek on Leisestraat has one of the best opening hours. Call the central number for pharmacies to find out which ones are open in your area:

Country code: +31 Area code: (0)20

The Netherlands uses the Type F electrical plug with two round pins, same as in many countries in Continental Europe. The standard voltage is 230 volts, but some hotels have special plugs for 110 or 120-volt shavers.