Flights from New Zealand to Amsterdam (AMS)

Discover Amsterdam

Discover Amsterdam

Why visit Amsterdam?

Amsterdam blends canals, historic gabled houses, and modern creativity, giving you a compact city that feels welcoming from the moment you arrive.

What to expect

You can explore by foot, bicycle, or tram, moving easily between waterside cafés, world-class museums, and lively neighbourhoods along the canals.

Plan your trip

Use Amsterdam as your base to explore the Netherlands and wider Europe, with efficient train links and regional flights extending your journey beyond the city.

Top sights in Amsterdam

Rijksmuseum

Admire Dutch masterpieces, grand galleries, and serene gardens at this landmark museum at the heart of the Museumplein.

Anne Frank House

Step into the historic canal house where Anne Frank wrote her diary, preserved as a poignant and carefully curated museum.

Van Gogh Museum

See the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh’s works, tracing his life through vivid paintings, drawings, and letters.

Canal cruise

Glide along Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canals for a relaxed view of bridges, merchants’ houses, and cosy houseboats.

Jordaan neighbourhood

Wander narrow streets filled with boutiques, galleries, and waterside cafés in one of Amsterdam’s most atmospheric districts.

Vondelpark

Join locals relaxing in this expansive city park, ideal for walking, jogging, or simply pausing on the grass with a book.

Bloemenmarkt

Visit the floating flower market, where stalls along the canal are filled with bulbs, plants, and colourful seasonal displays.

NEMO Science Museum roof terrace

Climb to the rooftop of NEMO for city views, open-air steps, and playful installations above the eastern docks.

Experience Amsterdam’s everyday rhythm

Getting around

Use trams and metros for quick journeys between major areas, then rent a bicycle or walk to see the canals at a slower pace. For the last mile, taxis and app-based rides are easy to find at stations and key squares.

Local life & culture

Life in Amsterdam plays out along the water, with residents cycling to work, chatting on canal-side terraces, and gathering in parks and squares. Cultural life is strong, with galleries, live music venues, and theatres clustered around central districts.

Where to unwind

Relax in Vondelpark or the green spaces around the Museumplein during the day, or stroll the quieter canals of the Jordaan at sunset. For a calmer escape, head to the Eastern Docklands and waterfront promenades in the early evening.

A taste of Amsterdam

Street food & local specialties

Try dishes such as fries with sauces, sweet stroopwafels, and herring from compact stands across the centre, especially around Dam Square and near the Albert Cuyp Market.

Casual & modern dining hubs

You will find relaxed eateries in De Pijp, Foodhallen, and around the canals, serving Dutch, Mediterranean, Asian, and plant-forward menus, with portions that make it easy to share and sample several plates.

Signature & scenic dining

Book a table at a canal-side restaurant, a converted warehouse by the water, or a rooftop venue near the city centre, where large windows frame the skyline and lights reflecting on the canals.

Retail therapy in Amsterdam

Malls & lifestyle hubs

Browse international brands and lifestyle stores at Magna Plaza near Dam Square and other central shopping centres, where cafés and food courts turn shopping into a social outing.

Markets & local crafts

Look for local labels and handmade goods in the Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes), at the Albert Cuyp Market, and around the Jordaan’s smaller boutiques and weekend markets.

Evening retail scene

Kalverstraat and nearby streets stay lively into the evening with illuminated shopfronts and busy side alleys, while seasonal markets and late-opening stores add atmosphere, all easily reached by tram or on foot from Central Station.

Best time to visit Amsterdam

Spring (April to June, shoulder season) brings mild weather around 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F), with blooming parks and longer daylight. Summer (July to August, peak season) is warmer at about 17°C to 23°C (63°F to 73°F), popular for outdoor terraces and canal walks. Autumn and winter (November to March, low season) are cooler, typically 2°C to 9°C (36°F to 48°F), with quieter attractions, crisp days, and a cosy atmosphere in cafés and museums.

Frequently Asked Questions