Amsterdam City Guide

Local dishes like stroopwafels and bitterballen are must-tries. The city offers many international cuisines and vegan/vegetarian options. Some late-night food spots are open in nightlife areas.

A lively nightlife with clubs, live music, and LGBTQ+ friendly bars mainly around Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein.

Strong coffee culture with many specialty shops and roasters alongside traditional cafés.

Tipping is appreciated but not required. Rounding up or 5-10% in restaurants is common. Taxi tips are small.

Buy local SIM cards at Schiphol, electronics stores, or city phone shops. Major providers are Vodafone, KPN, and T-Mobile. Registering your ID is required.

Generally clean, especially in tourist areas, with good waste management. Some litter after busy times.

Limited 24/7 services. Late pharmacies and minimarts exist. Late-night food mainly in entertainment zones.

Supermarkets like Albert Heijn, Jumbo, Lidl, and Aldi cover most needs, including international products. Fresh markets like Albert Cuyp Market offer produce and fish.

Most places take card payments. Small shops and markets may not accept cash at all.

ATMs are common, especially at major banks like ING, ABN AMRO, and Rabobank. Using these reduces extra fees.

International schools like ISA and British School exist. Local schools teach in Dutch. Admissions can be competitive.

A growing digital nomad scene with meetups, co-living options, and many cafes with Wi-Fi. Good networking through events.

Access to large parks and many green areas throughout the city.

Good running routes in major parks and along the Amstel River. Safe and supported by local running groups.

Many gym options with affordable and premium choices, group classes, and personal training.

Many tennis and padel clubs with online bookings and rentals. Coaching is available.

Padel courts are available with similar access as tennis clubs.

Numerous studios offer various yoga styles and English-speaking instructors. Drop-in classes common.

Many gyms offer BJJ, Muay Thai, Boxing, Judo, and Karate training with English-speaking instructors.

No nearby ski resorts; indoor skiing available about an hour away at SnowWorld Zoetermeer.

Kayaking and paddleboarding on canals and lakes are common. Sailing and windsurfing available nearby during warm months.

Surf near Amsterdam at Zandvoort and Bloemendaal. Water is cold outside summer; wetsuits needed. Waves suit both beginners and advanced surfers.

Limited diving around Amsterdam; better options further away. Certification and rentals mostly outside city.

High-quality healthcare with English-speaking staff at hospitals like Amsterdam UMC and OLVG. Pharmacies include Etos and Kruidvat with regular and after-hours service.

Tap water is safe to drink and of excellent quality.

Lots of parks and kid-friendly spots, including Vondelpark, NEMO Museum, and Artis Zoo.

Very LGBTQ+ friendly with safe, inclusive venues and strong legal protections. Pride is a major event.

Pet-friendly with parks, cafes, and veterinary services widely available. Dog walking areas are designated.