Flights from Seattle (SEA) to Amsterdam (AMS)

About Amsterdam

Discover Amsterdam

Why visit Amsterdam?
Amsterdam blends historic canal houses, creative neighbourhoods, and a relaxed waterside lifestyle. You can explore world-class museums, cycle quiet backstreets, and discover leafy parks, all within a compact and welcoming city.

What to expect
The city is defined by its semi-circular canals, narrow gabled buildings, and a dense network of cycle paths. Neighbourhoods such as the Jordaan and De Pijp offer independent boutiques and cafés, while the Museumplein area is home to major cultural institutions and open green spaces.

Plan your trip
Amsterdam is an ideal base for exploring the Netherlands and wider Europe thanks to excellent rail and air links. With a reliable public transport system and many attractions within walking or cycling distance, you can experience a lot in a short stay, then continue onwards with ease.

Top sights in Amsterdam

Rijksmuseum

Discover Dutch art and history, including masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age, in this landmark museum on Museumplein.

Van Gogh Museum

Explore the world’s largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh, tracing his artistic evolution in an intimate setting.

Canal belt (Grachtengordel)

Stroll or cruise along the UNESCO-listed canal ring, lined with elegant townhouses, bridges, and atmospheric streets.

Jordaan neighbourhood

Wander through narrow lanes filled with galleries, small shops, and cosy cafés in one of Amsterdam’s most charming districts.

Vondelpark

Relax in the city’s best-known park, ideal for walking, cycling, or picnicking among ponds and lawns close to the centre.

NEMO Science Museum rooftop

Head to the rooftop terrace of this striking museum for city views, playful installations, and a relaxed urban hangout.

A’DAM Lookout

Take the ferry across the IJ to this tower for panoramic views of Amsterdam and an eye-catching swing at the top.

Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes)

Browse a cluster of small streets filled with boutiques, vintage shops, and canalside cafés in the heart of the canal belt.

Experience Amsterdam’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Cycling is one of the most convenient ways to move around Amsterdam, with extensive cycle lanes connecting all major districts. Trams and metro lines cover longer distances quickly, while canal cruises offer a scenic perspective on the city. For short hops, walking between canals is often the quickest option.

Local life & culture
Life here often revolves around the water, with residents meeting along canals, on terraces, and in neighbourhood parks whenever the weather is pleasant. You will find a rich cultural calendar, from exhibitions and concerts to design fairs and theatre. Smaller districts such as Oost and Noord showcase creative spaces and converted industrial sites.

Where to unwind
Green spaces like Vondelpark, Westerpark, and Oosterpark provide welcome calm close to the centre, ideal for a morning run or an evening stroll. Along the IJ waterfront, renewed quays and promenades invite you to sit by the water and watch boats glide past. Sunset walks along the canals reveal the city’s bridges and houses softly illuminated for a relaxed end to your day.

A taste of Amsterdam

Street food & local specialties
You can sample local favourites such as stroopwafels, fries with sauces, and freshly made pastries from street stalls and bakeries around the city. Neighbourhood markets and small cafés in areas like De Pijp and the Jordaan are good places to try traditional snacks alongside modern twists.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Across central Amsterdam, lively streets and canalside terraces offer casual eateries serving a mix of Dutch, European, and international flavours. Food halls and contemporary dining districts make it easy to share small plates or order several dishes, so you can taste a wider variety in one sitting.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, consider restaurants with canal views or venues set in historic buildings that showcase the city’s architecture. Some rooftop and waterfront locations provide a striking perspective over the skyline or harbour, turning dinner into a relaxed way to take in Amsterdam’s evening atmosphere.

Retail therapy in Amsterdam

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Amsterdam offers several central shopping streets and centres that combine international brands, Dutch labels, and lifestyle stores. These areas often include cafés and cultural venues, creating social spaces where you can shop, meet friends, or take a break between sightseeing.

Markets & local crafts
Neighbourhood markets and small boutiques are ideal for finding locally made design pieces, prints, and homeware. Districts such as the Jordaan, De Pijp, and the Nine Streets highlight independent designers and smaller concept stores where you can discover unique items to bring home.

Evening retail scene
After dark, main shopping streets and canalside areas take on a softer, illuminated character, with many boutiques and restaurants open into the evening. Seasonal markets and late-opening events add to the atmosphere at certain times of year. Trams, metro services, and cycling paths make it straightforward to reach these areas and return to your accommodation.

Best time to visit Amsterdam

Spring (lente), March to May, is shoulder season, with average temperatures around 8–15°C (46–59°F). Trees and parks come back to life, canalside terraces reopen, and you can enjoy longer daylight hours with generally manageable crowds.

Summer (zomer), June to August, is peak season, with temperatures typically between 17–22°C (63–72°F). The city feels lively, outdoor events are common, and parks and waterfront areas become popular places to relax and people-watch.

Autumn and winter (herfst en winter), September to February, are low season, with temperatures ranging from about 3–13°C (37–55°F). Cooler days bring a quieter, more reflective atmosphere, and clear evenings can be especially atmospheric along the softly lit canals and narrow streets.

Frequently Asked Questions