Amsterdam is one of the greatest cities in the world. Despite its size, it is a quiet city with relatively little car traffic. Walking, cycling, public transport and the canal system are more commonly used to move around the city. It has a rich cultural heritage with an array of museums. These include the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, and Stedelijk Museum. The house where Anne Frank remained hidden for more than two years wrote her famous diary is in Amsterdam. It is now a museum with exhibitions depicting the persecution of the Jews during WWII.
Restaurants, cafes - including the famed cannabis-selling cafes - offer diverse options for dining out and experiencing the liberal and accepting atmosphere of the city.
Airlines flying to Amsterdam
Flights depart regularly from Australia to Amsterdam. Booking early will help you get the best deal on your flights to and from Amsterdam.
Qatar Airways, KLM Dutch Airways, Air France, Emirates, Qantas and Etihad Airways all offer regular flights with the option of one or two stops. The flight from Australia to Amsterdam is lengthy with a transit time of at least 24 hours. Stop-over options can help break up the flying time, or you may prefer to take the most direct flight available. We can help you to select the best flight option to suit your needs and preferences.
Stop-over destinations include Dubai, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur as well as European cities such as Zurich and Berlin. To make the most of your holiday, consider spending a day or a few at one of the stop-over destinations.
Getting to and form the airport
Taxis are available in front of Schiphol Plaza and are the quickest way to reach Amsterdam and your accommodation. Taxis offer door to door service to your hotel or other accommodation - a smooth and stress-free transit.
Amsterdam has an excellent public transport system with trains, buses and trams. Trains run regularly from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Central Station. The train platform is directly beneath the airport terminal and can be reached using the escalators or lifts. Tickets can be purchased using ticket machines on the platform, or you can purchase a ticket online before arriving. The journey to Amsterdam Central Station takes approximately 15 minutes. From here you can board a train on the metro line. Buses also operate a regular service between Schiphol and Amsterdam leaving from outside Schiphol Plaza.
If you plan to use public transport regularly to get around Amsterdam, consider buying an I Amsterdam ticket. This entitles you to full use of public transport around the city, a canal trip and entry to the cities many museums. You can purchase an I Amsterdam ticket prior to arrival or at Schiphol Airport.
Getting to Amsterdam
Most of Amsterdam's attractions are within easy walking distance, so you may prefer to stroll around at your ease, soaking in the history and culture of this remarkable city. Cycling is popular in Amsterdam with the locals as well as tourists. Bikes are available for hire throughout the city, or you may prefer to join a cycling tour. With very little motorised traffic and numerous bike paths, Amsterdam is very bicycle-friendly. Bike rental is relatively cheap at fewer than 10 Euros per day, and many hire shops offer discounts for longer hire periods.
Public transport is readily available and widely used in Amsterdam. If you decide to use public transport regularly throughout your stay, an I Amsterdam ticket is an economical and easy alternative. I Amsterdam cards are available for 1-5 days with costs from 50 Euros for one day to 115 Euros for five days. An I Amsterdam card gives you unlimited access to public transport for the duration of the card, access to Museums and other attractions, and discounts at theatres and restaurants.
What to do in Amsterdam
A trip to Amsterdam wouldn't be complete without visiting at least some of its many museums. These are very popular and tend to be crowded. To avoid the queues, it's best to book a time slot in advance. For a different museum experience, the Heineken Experience operates at the old Heineken brewery and tells the story of the making of this famous beer.
You might enjoy a visit to the Madame Tussauds famous wax-works, and if you are lucky enough to be in Amsterdam during tulip season (from March till May), you will find colourful displays throughout the city. If you're feeling adventurous, you might enjoy a tour of the red-light district with its vibrant nightlife, or a visit to one of Amsterdam's 'cafes'.
What to eat in Amsterdam
Amsterdam boasts over 1,000 restaurants offering a range of cuisine - from Dutch and Italian to Indian - so you certainly won't go hungry! Most restaurants are open for dinner between the hours of 6 and 11 pm local time with some also offering lunch earlier in the day. Numerous cafes are open throughout the day for breakfast, coffee or a snack. There is something to suit every taste and budget. Although it is not necessary to make a reservation, restaurants can be busy as the locals, as well as tourists, like to dine out.