Flights to Amsterdam, Netherlands

 

Explore the city where bicycles almost outnumber people and canals are the best way to take in the sights. Made up of 90 islands joined by 1,200 bridges, the winding narrow passageways, cobblestone streets and 17th century homes spread along the canals set the scene in this waterway city. Steeped in history, Amsterdam contains nearly 7,000 buildings and homes that are protected monuments dating back to the 15th century.

When you fly to Amsterdam, rent a bike and explore the city for yourself. With many buildings and churches boasting unique architecture, you’ll discover a feeling of coziness and history that permeates each block. Stop in museums that vary from historic to eclectic, savor local specialty beer and coffee, or simply discover the beautifully curated parks and gardens dotting the city between the canals. You’ll find much to discover in the old and new parts of this beloved European treasure.

Located 9 miles southwest of the center of Amsterdam, the Amsterdam Airport Schipol serves as a major international hub connecting many regional European airports with international destinations. Over 100 airlines serve as carriers at this airport and high passenger traffic led to the airport’s continued growth.

Organized in a unique ‘one-terminal’ concept, the entire airport sits under one roof divided into departure halls and concourses called piers. Departure hall 1 houses piers B and C, departure hall 2 houses piers D and E, departure hall 3 offers piers F, G, H and M. If you stop in, the Rijksmuseum operates an annex in the airport with a small collection of classical and contemporary art.

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)

  • The train to the city sits directly below the airport in Schipol Station, where you can purchase a single ticket or reloadable ‘OV-chipkaart’
  • Taxis and some shared ride services like Uber offer pick up from the airport, though more passengers take the train
  • Hotel shuttle and shared shuttle services are available in the airport’s ground transportation area
  • Several rental car companies offer service from the Amsterdam Airport Schipol

People travel to Amsterdam from Europe and throughout the globe. The city’s growing as a tourist hub not just for its renowned nightlife but also as a family-friendly destination filled with history and endless things to do. Selecting what to see can be a challenge, so if possible, take time for a longer stay to savor everything that Amsterdam has to offer.

Art & Culture

Central to Amsterdam, the city’s love of art and culture permeates through centuries from the Dutch Masters to today. See the masters at work at the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh House or Rembrandt House. Or visit the breathtaking Stedelijk Museum of modern art and design. Also find a variety of other museums, including the Tropenmuseum ethnographic museum and even a museum just for purses. 

Neighborhood Overview

A large city with historic infrastructure, each Amsterdam neighborhood offers its own own features and attractions. Visit the expansive greenspaces in Westerpark or delight in the diverse Oosterpark, home of trendy clubs and the Tropenmuseum. Wander Amsterdam Centrum in the heart of the city or look for oddities at the shops in Spiegelkwartier. Plan out your visit so you’ll be able to catch it all.

Drinking & Dining

Pull up a chair at a canal-side café, order a koffie verkeerd (or café au lait) and settle in. Dotted with cafés, bars and many different restaurants, you’ll never go hungry in Amsterdam. From Michelin-starred restaurants to casual fare, there’s much to try. Find modern Dutch cuisine, Turkish bakeries, Indonesian tapas, Mediterranean snacks, Persian kababs and much more.

Attire (What to Pack)

Whenever you visit, bring seasonally-appropriate clothing with layers for chillier evenings and mornings. Also pack a raincoat, umbrella and shoes appropriate for Amsterdam’s cobblestone streets.

Similar to U.S. cities on the coast of California, Amsterdam enjoys mild summers and mild winters. Expect summer highs to hit the 70s, with winters dipping in the 30s and 40s. Expect humid temperatures and precipitation throughout the year.