Flights from Surabaya (SUB) to Amsterdam (AMS)

About Amsterdam

Discover Amsterdam

Why visit Amsterdam?
Amsterdam combines elegant canals, gabled canal houses, and world-class museums with a relaxed and creative spirit. You will find a compact city that feels welcoming, with leafy streets, waterways at every turn, and a rich maritime and artistic heritage.

What to expect
The city centre is easy to explore on foot or by bicycle, from the Museumplein cultural district to the atmospheric Jordaan neighbourhood. Historic streets sit alongside contemporary architecture, lively cafés, and a flourishing arts scene, giving each district its own character and rhythm.

Plan your trip
Amsterdam works well as both a weekend escape and a longer base for exploring the Netherlands. From here, you can reach nearby towns, windmill landscapes, and tulip-growing regions by efficient rail connections, making the city a convenient gateway to the wider region.

Top sights in Amsterdam

Canal Ring (Grachtengordel)

Stroll or cruise along Amsterdam's UNESCO-listed canals to admire elegant townhouses, arched bridges, and reflections of the historic cityscape.

Rijksmuseum

Explore Dutch masterpieces, including works from the Golden Age, in an impressive museum building set beside tranquil gardens.

Van Gogh Museum

Discover the world's largest collection of Van Gogh paintings and drawings, tracing the artist's life and evolving style.

Jordaan District

Wander through narrow streets filled with independent boutiques, canalside cafés, and hidden courtyards in this charming neighbourhood.

Vondelpark

Relax like a local in Amsterdam's best-known park, ideal for picnics, gentle walks, and people-watching in every season.

Museumplein

Spend a day in this cultural hub, home to major museums, an open green square, and seasonal events and installations.

Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes)

Browse stylish boutiques and cosy cafés along a photogenic cluster of streets crossing the canals in the heart of the city.

A'DAM Lookout

Take a short ferry ride across the IJ river for panoramic views of Amsterdam's skyline from a modern observation deck.

Experience Amsterdam's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Amsterdam's compact size and extensive tram, metro, and bus network make it easy to move between districts. Cycling is a popular way to experience the canals and parks from a different perspective, while walking is ideal for short distances and discovering hidden side streets.

Local life & culture
You will notice a relaxed, open atmosphere, with many residents socialising in canalside cafés or on terraces. Creative studios, galleries, and cultural venues are woven into residential neighbourhoods, so everyday life and the arts feel closely connected throughout the city.

Where to unwind
Green spaces such as Vondelpark, Westerpark, and the waterfront promenades along the IJ river offer calm corners to pause. Early mornings and late afternoons are especially pleasant times to enjoy quieter paths, soft light over the water, and a more tranquil side of Amsterdam.

A taste of Amsterdam

Street food & local specialties
You can sample local favourites such as piping hot fries, sweet stroopwafels, and freshly made herring from stalls and snack bars around the city. Neighbourhood squares and small local markets are good places to try simple, hearty bites between sightseeing stops.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Amsterdam offers an easy mix of cafés, bistros, and food halls where you can share small plates and international dishes. Areas such as De Pijp, Oud-West, and the Eastern Docklands are known for relaxed restaurants, making it simple to try several flavours in one evening.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, look for restaurants overlooking the canals, the IJ river, or leafy city parks. Some venues are set in historic buildings or former warehouses, offering views that change gently from bright daytime reflections to softly lit waterways after dark.

Retail therapy in Amsterdam

Malls & lifestyle hubs
The city centre offers several department stores and indoor shopping galleries with international brands, lifestyle goods, and homeware. These spaces often include cafés and services, making them convenient stops between museum visits or canal walks.

Markets & local crafts
Beyond the main streets, you will find neighbourhood markets and smaller shops specialising in design pieces, prints, and accessories. Districts such as the Nine Streets, De Pijp, and the Jordaan are known for independent labels and items that reflect Amsterdam's creative side.

Evening retail scene
After dark, central shopping streets and canalside areas remain lively, with illuminated windows and late-opening boutiques on selected days. Smaller markets may also host occasional evening events, and reliable public transport makes it easy to return to your accommodation afterwards.

Best time to visit Amsterdam

Spring (lente), March to May, shoulder season
Average temperatures range from 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F), with fresh air and gradually lengthening days. This is a pleasant time for canal walks and nearby flower fields, with fewer visitors than midsummer and a gentle sense of the city waking up after winter.

Summer (zomer), June to August, peak season
Temperatures typically sit between 17°C and 22°C (63°F to 72°F), with long daylight hours and a lively outdoor café culture. Parks and canalside terraces are especially popular, and it is a great period to enjoy open-air events, cycling, and relaxed evenings by the water.

Autumn and winter (herfst en winter), September to February, low season
Expect temperatures from about 3°C to 12°C (37°F to 54°F), with cool, crisp days and a cosy atmosphere indoors. Museums and cafés feel particularly welcoming, and festive lights brighten the canals, making this an appealing time if you prefer a quieter city experience.

Frequently Asked Questions