What is the best time of year to visit Amsterdam?
The Dutch capital is great all year round, but April to May and September to November are the best time to visit Amsterdam. Just imagine balmy weather during canal cruising, or a trip to the tulip fields of Keukenhof in spring! In saying that, Winter can be magical and quiet, and a great way to avoid the summer crowds. Accommodation is often cheaper in the cooler months as well!
What do I need to wear in the city?
It of course depends on the season, but wear comfortable shoes to navigate through the small, cobbled streets. We don't recommend high heels on those uneven streets! Light layers in Spring and Autumn are best. Winter can be very cold so come prepared for the snow and the wind! The locals are very up with the trends and you notice that they are generally dressed quite smart.
How do I use the metro and trams in Amsterdam?
The public transport in Amsterdam is excellent. The trams and metro run between every 4-6 minutes. You can buy tram/metro tickets (tickets can be used on both) on the trams, at the machines in the metro and Central Station. The trams only accept credit cards (no cash). You can buy a 1 hour ticket, or a 24 hour pass. You can also buy all public transport tickets from Amsterdam Central Station.
Find all the information for buying tickets for public transport here.
How do I get tickets to the Anne Frank House?
Be sure to plan WELL in advance! You can only buy tickets to the Anne Frank House online. You cannot buy them at the entrance or line up for tickets. No other third party sells tickets, they are only available here.
80% of tickets are released exactly two months in advance at noon, and 20% are released on the day itself. Every day at 9:00 am, the tickets for the day are made available on this site. Tickets are not sold at the door. Tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded. The tickets are non-transferable and only valid on the specified date and time.
Do I need to book Van Gogh Museum tickets?
You need to buy Van Gogh Museum online in advance. They are attached to a time-slot so you need to choose a day and a time. Some tickets may be available at the 'museum shop' at Museumplein on the day itself, however to avoid disappointment, book in advance. In the summer months, tickets do sell out (June – September).
You can also book a guided tour of the Van Gogh Museum with us, and we will take care of the tickets for you.
When can I see the tulips in Amsterdam?
Tulip season signals the start of spring. So you need to be here from the 21st of March – 19th of May. The Keukenhof gardens are 32 hectares of incredible tulips, you can also cycle through the tulip fields and around the countryside. It is best to see these sights with a tour which can make the most of your experience so get in touch if you want a day in the countryside admiring the flowers!
It all depends where you eat and sleep! Accommodation in the city centre is expensive and can range from cheap hostels to 300 Euros a night! Eating in Dam Square and other tourist traps are expensive and generally not that good. We recommend staying further out of the city, and eating in local areas (De Pijp, The Jordaan, North Amsterdam). Not only will this save you money, you will get a more authentic Amsterdam experience.
Coffee is always a good guide to the cost of a city! A flat-white will be around 3.6-4 euros. A main meal could be between 15-40 euros. A beer should be around 2.5-4 euros!
There are around 1 million bikes in the city (thats more than there are residents)! And around 12,000-18,000 get thrown in the canals every year.
In 2019, the population of Amsterdam was only around 950,000. Compared to the 19 million tourists who visited the city in 2018, it isn't a highly populated place.
Is the Red Light District safe?
Amsterdam is the 6th safest city in the world. The Red light District well policed and has CCTV cameras. Of course on the weekends and late at night, it can get very busy with nightlife. Do be mindful of pick-pockets, and never take photos of the girls in the windows. Common sense prevails in all cities at night!
Where are the best place to go shopping?
The shopping in Amsterdam is fantastic. For small, boutique shops, visit the Nine Streets. If you are looking for Antiques and Collectables you can visit Waterlooplein Markets, and Spiegelgracht. If you want to see where the locals shop check out De Pijp and the Albert Cuyp Markets.
Hopefully you find these questions helpful. If there is anything else we can help you with you can email Sarah's Tours at sarah@sarahstours.com.
We hope to be able to host you in Amsterdam soon.