Start your cultural immersion by visiting the Rijksmuseum, which houses an extensive collection of Dutch art and history. Afterward, check out the Van Gogh Museum, which features the largest collection of Van Gogh's paintings in the world. Then take a stroll through the Vondelpark, Amsterdam's largest park and a popular spot for locals to relax.
Start the day with a canal boat tour, where you can see the city's iconic architecture and learn about Amsterdam's history as a trading port. Afterward, head to the Jordaan neighborhood and visit the Noordermarkt, a farmer's market that sells fresh produce, organic cheeses, and textiles. For lunch, try traditional Dutch dishes like stamppot or bitterballen at De Silveren Spiegel, a restaurant set in a 17th-century canal house.
Take a guided tour of the Red Light District, which provides a glimpse into the cultural and historical aspects of Amsterdam's legal prostitution system. Then, head to the Heineken Experience, a brewery tour that offers a glimpse into the history of one of the world's most famous beers. End the day by relaxing at a brown cafe, traditional Dutch pubs popular among locals.
Public transportation in Amsterdam is convenient and easy to use. Purchase a €17.50 3-day ticket for unlimited travel on trams, buses, and metros. Biking is also a popular mode of transportation in Amsterdam, and there are plenty of bike rental shops throughout the city. A 24-hour bike rental costs around €10. Taxis are available but can be expensive, with a 10-minute ride costing around €15.
If you have extra time, consider visiting the Anne Frank House, the Stedelijk Museum, or the Hermitage Amsterdam. For a unique shopping experience, check out the Jewish Quarter, home to vintage shops and artisanal boutiques. If you have less time, consider skipping the Red Light District and substituting it with a visit to the Rembrandt House Museum.
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) is located approximately 9 km (5.6 mi) from the city center. The airport is the primary hub for KLM and other international carriers and handles over 70 million passengers annually. The airport is well-connected to the city by train, bus, and taxi, with a taxi ride taking around 20 minutes and costing approximately €45.