Need to Know About Amsterdam
Wondering where to visit on your next European holiday? To experience history, culture, a great food and drink scene, and beautiful architecture, consider booking flights to Amsterdam. Amsterdam is the capital and largest city in the Netherlands and is a favourite among many travellers to Europe. This Dutch city is set on a series of canals that will have you feeling like you stepped into a fairytale. Alongside Amsterdam’s historic canals and its infamous Red Light District, the city is known as one of the best cultural hubs in Europe, thanks to its amazing art galleries and museums. Booking flights to Amsterdam is the perfect way to start off an adventure around Europe.
Book cheap flights to Amsterdam with Webjet for your next holiday to ensure you’re getting a great deal, then use Webjet’s Amsterdam guide to start planning your Dutch adventure.
When is the Best Time to Book Flights to Amsterdam?
Amsterdam is a stunning place to visit year-round. From Amsterdam’s tulip season in the spring to the remarkable Christmas markets in December, you’ll enjoy this dreamy city no matter when you decide to go.
One of the best times to visit Amsterdam is in April, May, or between the months of September and November. Summertime is peak tourist season, so flights to Amsterdam may be pricier and museum wait times can be long. If you’re looking for a great deal on airfares to Amsterdam and hotels, you may want to visit Amsterdam in the winter. Temperatures from December through May typically range from 0 to 5 degrees Celsius, so you’ll have to dress warmly to battle the cold weather, but you can’t beat the price you’ll find on flights and accommodation.
Travelling to Amsterdam Airport
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) is one of the busiest airports in Europe. It is situated 17 kilometres (10.5 miles) from the city centre, and this location makes it easy for visitors to travel between the airport and their accommodation. Depending on which airline you take, you will most likely need to use Hall 2 or 3 for international travel to and from Amsterdam.
A variety of airlines offer cheap airfares to Amsterdam from Australia, including Virgin Australia, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways and Singapore Airlines. While there are currently no direct flights to Amsterdam from Australia, you can get there with just one stopover from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide. Including a stopover, flights to Amsterdam arrive in about 20 hours when departing Perth and about 23 hours from the cities on Australia’s east coast.There are hundreds of daily cheap flights to Amsterdam from Australia, so you can be on your way to experiencing the culture and history of the Netherlands in no time.
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)
Travelling by train is the most convenient and cost-effective way to get into the city centre from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. The Nederlandse Spoorwegen is a Dutch train system that runs 24 hours a day, bringing passengers from the airport into the country’s major cities, including Amsterdam. Single train tickets to Amsterdam Central cost less than €6 ($9.80AUD). This is the fastest route, as it takes 15 to 20 minutes to get to the centre of Amsterdam.
If you’d prefer to travel by bus to and from Amsterdam’s airport, you’ll need to take Express Bus 397 to Amsterdam Elandsgracht. The bus costs €5 ($8.15AUD) to ride and takes about 30 minutes to get from the airport to the city centre.
If you don’t mind paying a higher price for the easiest route, you may want to take a shuttle bus, which will take you directly from the airport to your hotel. For a one-way ticket, you’ll pay €17.50 ($28.50AUD), and you can pay €28 ($45.65 AUD) for a return ticket. It takes between 30 to 45 minutes to get from the airport to your hotel on a shuttle bus, depending on traffic.
What to do in Amsterdam
Anne Frank House
This historical landmark was the home of Anne Frank, whose diary of her life as a Jewish girl in World War II became one of the most famous books of the 1900s. Anne and her family hid from Nazi persecution in the secret annex of the home. Tourists visiting the Anne Frank House can walk through the hidden rooms and see an exhibition that explores the lives of the Frank family and the millions of Jewish families that were persecuted during World War II. Tickets to enter the museum cost €10 ($16.30AUD) for adults, €5 ($8.15AUD) for visitors between the ages of 10 and 17, and free admission for children under 10 years old.
Van Gogh Museum
This museum houses many of the most famous works by painter Vincent Van Gogh. Some of the paintings in the museum include Sunflowers, Almond Blossoms, The Potato Eaters, and Van Gogh’s famous self-portrait. The museum also contains pieces from other Van Gogh contemporaries, including Auguste Rodin, Paul Gauguin and Claude Monet. Admission for the museum costs €17 ($27.70AUD) for adults and is free for visitors under 18 years old.
Vondelpark
If you’re looking to spend some time outdoors, a stroll through Vondelpark makes for a great afternoon. Named after 17th century playwright Joost van den Vondel, this park attracts about 10 million visitors every year. Once you enter Vondelpark, you’ll understand why. The lush grass, and trees lining the park are beautiful year-round, especially in spring, when flowers are blooming, and in autumn, when the leaves turn to shades of orange and yellow.
Red Light District
One of Amsterdam’s most notorious districts. The Red Light District is a legendary part of the city known for its dabbling in prostitution and adult theatre. Walking tours of the area are available for those wanting to learn more about the district’s scandalous history. Many tour guides used to work in the Red Light District themselves and can give an interesting insight into the area.
Royal Palace of Amsterdam
This elaborate palace was built in the 17th century, during the Dutch Golden Age. It originally operated as the Town Hall of Amsterdam, but was converted into a palace to house Louis Napoleon, King of Holland in 1806. The Royal Palace has hosted several important Dutch events over the centuries, most notably royal weddings. The palace is open to visitors, as long as there are no royal events being held. Visitors can take a guided tour for €10 ($16.30AUD). This admission cost includes an audio guide, which is available in several languages, including English.
Heineken Experience
One of the most popular beers in the world, Heineken, is brewed in Amsterdam. Visitors to the Heineken factory can discover brewery equipment, sample Heineken beers, and engage in interactive exhibits. Admission costs are €18 ($29.30AUD) for adults, €14.50 ($23.65AUD) for visitors between the ages of 12 and 17, and free entry for children under 12 years old. Adults receive two drink tickets with their purchase, which gives them two free beers.
Rijksmuseum
Rijksmuseum is the largest art museum in the Netherlands and the site is dedicated to Dutch history and art. Artefacts in the museum date as far back as 1200 AD. The Rijksmuseum attracts millions of visitors every year from the Netherlands and around the world. Admission to the Rijksmuseum is €17.50 ($28.50AUD) for adults and is free for visitors under the age of 18.
Getting Around Amsterdam
Ride Bikes
Amsterdam is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world. 60% of trips through Amsterdam’s city centre are taken on bicycles. For €10 ($16.30AUD) a day, you can rent a bicycle to ride around the city. Riding a bike will allow you to see more of the city than you could on foot. Make sure to stay in designated bike paths (or walk your bike along pedestrian areas), and look both ways before crossing tram tracks. Your rented bike will most likely come with a lock and it’s not just for show. If your bike is stolen, it’s your responsibility to pay the bike rental shop for this loss.
Public Transport
Throughout Amsterdam, there are a variety of buses, trams, and a metro to get you anywhere you need to go in the city. If you plan to take public transport regularly during your trip, you can purchase a transport card for unlimited travel for one day or for a week. A daily transport card costs €7.50 ($12.20AUD), and a week-long transport card costs €34.50 ($56.15AUD).
