Amsterdam

AMSTERDAM

Did you know that Amsterdam has 2500 boathouses? Or that the entire city is built on 11 million wooden poles? While Amsterdam has a reputation for being "Sin City" where tourists can live out their wildest fantasies, participating in legal drug use and visiting the Red Light District, this city has so much more substance to it than that.

FACTS ABOUT ...

LANGUAGE

The official language of Amsterdam is Dutch, but there are also plenty of English speakers, too!

CURRENCY

Similar to many other European countries, Amsterdam's main currency is the Euro (EUR, €).

TIME DIFFERENCE

Since Amsterdam is on Central European Standard Time, they are 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST).

FOOD

From the famous stroopwafel to herring and cod, Amsterdam for a vast array of interesting cuisines.

Prepare for Your Next Visit to Amsterdam!

YOUR GUIDE TO THE MOST FAMOUS CITY IN THE NETHERLANDS

amsterdam in daytime

Downtown AmsterdaM

amsterdam train station

Amsterdam Centraal

To most tourists, Amsterdam is the epitome of "anything goes". Locals and visitors alike roam the streets from dusk to dawn, high on adrenaline, freedom, and a number of other substances legal in this city. Bare women fill the crimson-lined windows throughout the Red Light District while passersby gaze every so often, drawn to the rebellion of it all. But is that all that Amsterdam has to offer? While it's the laid back attitude towards marijuana and magic mushrooms that draws many tourists, there is no denying that the city is also full of history, beauty, and, at times, serenity.

Learn What Amsterdam Can Offer You

If you are considering traveling to Amsterdam and learning about what makes it such a famous city, you're going to need a guide. Lucky for you, The Traveling Twin is here to share all the tips, tricks, and secrets necessary to ensure that you have the trip of a lifetime! I love to travel and have years of experience planning low-budget trips with a mix of exciting excursions and stops at the must-see tourist spots. Take a look at what I've come up with after visiting the city for myself!

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You Ask & I Answer

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why is Amsterdam so popular?

    Amsterdam is a very popular city for many reasons. One of the main reasons it is so popular is because of its beautiful architecture and historic buildings. There are also many cultural attractions in Amsterdam, such as museums and theaters, which draw large crowds to the city every year. Additionally, Amsterdam has a thriving nightlife scene that draws people from all over the world. Finally, Amsterdam is also a very convenient city to visit, as it is easily accessible by train, plane, and boat.

  • Why is Amsterdam called "Sin City"?

    Amsterdam is often referred to as "Sin City" because of its relaxed attitude towards drugs and prostitution. Although these activities are technically illegal, they are tolerated in Amsterdam and can be found in many areas of the city. This tolerant attitude has made Amsterdam a popular destination for people from all over the world who want to experience its unique nightlife and culture. Additionally, Amsterdam has a thriving arts scene and is home to many iconic attractions, such as the Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank House. Overall, there are many reasons why Amsterdam is considered to be "Sin City", making it one of the most popular cities in Europe.

  • What drugs are legal in Amsterdam?

    Amsterdam has a reputation for being a liberal city and this is reflected in the drug laws that are in place. The Netherlands have some of the most relaxed drug laws in the world and many people travel to Amsterdam specifically to use drugs here. However, it's important to note that not all drugs are legal or tolerated by Dutch law. Drugs that are legal to use in Amsterdam include:

    • weed
    • hash
    • truffles

  • Is Anne Frank House worth it?

    Anne Frank House is definitely worth it. It is located in the city center and easily accessible by train, bus, or car. Plus, the museum itself is incredibly interesting and educational, and gives you insight into both Anne's life during WWII as well as what happened to her after she was captured. You really get a feel for how difficult it was for Anne and her family, as well as how brave she was. Overall, it's an emotional but definitely worth-while experience. Make sure to book your tour in advanced because spots fill up quickly! 

  • Is 3 days in Amsterdam long enough?

    If you plan on visiting Amsterdam to just party, 3 days is enough. However, if you want to see everything that the city and surrounding areas have to offer, then 3 days is not long enough. If that is the case, try to visit some of the city's most famous attractions, such as the Anne Frank House and the Rijksmuseum, and take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful canals and parks. If you have more time, consider taking a day trip out of the city to explore some of the charming nearby towns and villages. Whatever you decide to do, be sure to take advantage of all that Amsterdam has to offer and make the most of your time there!