Discover Amsterdam
Hotels, halal food, prayer spaces, things to do, and itineraries in Amsterdam.
Live suggestions could not load. Press Search to view results.
Must-see attractions in Amsterdam
From headline landmarks and heritage icons to parks, waterfronts, and major museums, discover 12 standout sights to build into your time in the city.
Of all the cities in Europe, Amsterdam is one of the most delightful, its bustling markets, magnificent art galleries, olive-green canals and gabled houses famous throughout the world. One of its special charms is its small-city feel with all the key attractions within easy walking distance.
Explore Amsterdam
Muslim travel planner
Plan a Muslim-friendly trip in Amsterdam
Halal restaurants in Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s food scene is part of the city experience. Choose from 19 restaurants and food districts with location notes and planning tips.
amsterdamBurger Bar
Burger Bar is another popular restaurant with reasonable prices that is the ideal choice for anyone who loves a good old fashioned burger.
amsterdamDe Orient
Ever tried Indonesian cuisine? If not, then head for De Orient which brings the taste of Indonesian food to your palate.
amsterdamGarry's Muffins
A cafe that has over-sized almost everything! You'll find giant cups of coffee, muffins, bagels, cheesecake, cookies, and brownies which bring a sense of New York and California together.
amsterdamLos Latinos
For those who crave a bit of South American food, Los Latinos a South American grill Steak House is the place which offers some of the finest steaks in town.
amsterdamDe Bamboeseur
The Bamboeseur is a small cozy bar serving snacks and lunches. Evenings see the mezzanine turned into a small restaurant that serves a limited European menu of vegetarian and non vegetarian dishes. The younger crowd generally frequents this place creating an ambiance of jovility and cheer. Loud modern music adds to the spirit of bonhomie and merriment. The service at the bar is mostly female.
amsterdamDimitrij
It is more of a deli that has the best sandwiches and salads in town. So if you are weight conscious or a salad freak just ask someone to show you the way to Dimitrij.
Amsterdam masjids and Muslim travel
Landmark masjids and prayer-aware notes for visitors planning salah, family movement, and halal-friendly days.
Where to stay in Amsterdam
Choose where to stay by trip style, from landmark luxury and family bases to central, airport, and neighborhood-led stays.
amsterdamAvenue Hotel
This modern 3 star hotel is centrally located in the heart of Amsterdam. The building that is now the Avenue Hotel was in the Golden Age used as a warehouse for the United East India Company. The hotel staff is warm and hospitable and the service is very good. The 80 rooms of the hotel are cosy and comfortable.
amsterdamBilderberg Garden Hotel
The Garden Hotel offers tasteful luxury among serene surroundings. Located in close proximity to chic shopping streets, splendid museums and welcoming pavement cafes, it is a popular choice with visitors who like to be in the midst of it all. Guests can enjoy enticing culinary fusion of French and Mediterranean cuisine at the famous hotel restaurant, De Kersentuin.
amsterdamHotel Flipper
This south Amsterdam situated 3 star hotel is very affordable and perfect for those travelling on a budget. South Amsterdam or Amsterdam Zuid is best known for its colourful Albert Cuypmarket, which is walking distance from the hotel. Go shopping at the market for everything from vegetables and fruits to clothes and accessories. The Amstel train station is a walking distance away and the tram and bus stops are close to the hotel. The hotel has rooms with both sharing and private shower and toilets. All rooms are equipped with a television phone, wake up service, free wireless internet and central heating.
amsterdamRho Hotel
The Rho is a 3 star hotel located just off Dam Square. Built in 1908, the building originally housed a theatre, remnants of which can still be seen in the hotel's halls. The staff at the hotel is friendly and the hotel offers good value for money.
amsterdamThe Grand
The building that houses The Grand was originally a 16th century royal inn and later the City Hall. The building has since been restored magnificently to make way for this 182 room deluxe hotel. The hotel has a dedicated business centre and 19 conference rooms, making it ideal for business travellers. World renowned chef Albert Roux has set up a canal side cafe called Cafe Roux at The Grand.
History and today in Amsterdam
Read the city today, its history, residents, culture, and character before planning your route.
When to go
It enjoys a climate warmer than its sister-cities due to the Gulf Stream (the global air current which draws tropical air from the Caribbean area up to the north-west of Europe).
City Information
Fast Facts
Location: Amsterdam is located in the province of North Holland; Dialing code: Country Code: 31 Amsterdam Area Code: 020; Emergency numbers: Police: 112 Fire Brigade : 112 Ambulance Service: 112 Pharmacy : 694 8709 Doctor: 592 3434/0900 1515 Car Breakdown: 0800 0888 Amsterdam Information: 09 00 84 18 (Int )/ 09 00 80 08 (Local) Police ( Non Emergency) : 0900 8844 Emergency Dentists Amsterdam: 0900 321 2230 / 0900 821 2230 / 020 686 1109 Public Transport Information: 0900 9292 Sea Rescue / Coast Guard: 0900 0111 Population: 735,000
DiscoverCity Information
Public Holidays
Public Holidays 2011; 01 January New Year’s Day: 22 April Good Friday 24 April Easter 25 April Easter 30 April Queen’s Day 04 May National Remembrance Day 05 May Liberation Day (official holiday every 5 years) 02 June Ascension Day 12 June Pentecost 05 December Sinterklaas (not an official holiday) 25 December Christmas 26 December Christmas
DiscoverCity Information
Annual Temperature
January: High: 4°C (39°F) Low: -1°C (30°F); February: High: 6°C (43°F) Low: -1°C (30°F); March: High: 9°C (48°F) Low: 1°C (34°F)
DiscoverCity Information
Amsterdam Residents
The people of Amsterdam are warm, generous and wild depending on who you meet and for what purpose. They are always ready to lend a helping hand and are crazy about their food, dancing, beer, history and diamonds!
DiscoverCity Information
Visa Information
If you reside in Dubai and the Northern Emirates you can submit your visa application at Consulate General of the Netherlands in Dubai
DiscoverCity Information
Amsterdam today
Amsterdam is a soothing site for sore eyes as it gives you a feeling of old and new Europe. From its canals, meandering through the city like grapevines, to the latest designs gracing the ramps at the city's fashion week, Amsterdam is certainly a city of contrasts. It is filled with warm people who are relaxed and laid back and are ready to give tourists a real taste of Amsterdam whether it be partying until dawn or appreciating the city's historic beauty. Amsterdam has become one of the most important places to trade in and is at the forefront of diamond and finance businesses.
DiscoverCity Information
Amsterdam History
Amsterdam is believed to have been a small fishing village. It is said that the villagers who were settled on the banks of the Amstel built a bridge across the river to cross over to the other side. The wooden doors of the bridge served as a dam that held back the IJ bay. This is how Amsterdam derived its name (Amstel-Dam). Amsterdam gradually grew as a trading city, mainly the in the trade of salted herring and more famously, beer.
DiscoverUseful information
Shopping in Amsterdam
Explore 21 shopping stops, from malls, markets, and book bazaars to fashion streets and souvenir finds.
amsterdamPremsela and Hamburger
Step into a world of exquisite antique and contemporary jewelry and gorgeous antique silver at this elegant shop situated opposite the Allard-Pierson Museum in the historic and beautiful heart of Amsterdam. This establishment, opened in 1823, specializes in European silver, antiques and second hand jewelry. The splendid collection showcased in brocaded display cases and richly carved cabinets is a tribute to fine craftsmanship. The antique jewelry displayed alongside the variety of sterling silverware vies for your attention as does the silver plaque depicting the entrance to an Amsterdam hospital or the 18th century perpetual calendar. In 1973, this establishment became suppliers of the Dutch royalty. Jewelry is also designed, made and repaired in the workshop located on the premises.
amsterdamBloemenmarkt
Another market unique to Amsterdam is the Bloemenmarkt, the world’s only floating flower market.
amsterdamWebers Holland
Expect an explosive and unique combination when a hip, trendy, artistic, avant-garde and a wee bit loud store for women is set in a protected historical monument, the 17th century Klein Trippenhuis. This counter-intuitive setting sets the mood of this store where co-proprietor Desiree Webers showcases her designer fashions along with other Dutch and international designers.
amsterdamLa Savonnerie
Want to wash away your worries or wash away your sins; there's soap aplenty to do all of that, plus more. You'll be amazed that a simple commodity like soap could be an object of artistic creation. Enter the shop and your senses will be assaulted with the fragrance of vanilla, rose and other essential oils. The variety of shapes and sizes of soap available here is astounding. Imagine a chess set made of soap, soap alphabet blocks and soap in the shape of a cow! At la Savonnerie you can buy personalized soaps and even make your own customized soap with oils and perfumes of your choice.
amsterdamGalleria d'Arte Rinascimento
Unassuming and modest, the exterior of this emporium belies the content loaded within. High quality Makkumware porcelain from Koninklijke Tichelaars is available at this shop which stocks all kinds of everything related to Delftware. Genuine articles as well as imitations are available in elegant designs. Funky shapes are available as well like ceramic clogs, Christmas decorations, misshapen vases, etc.
Signature sights in Amsterdam
A curated pick of the city's standout sights, led by the strongest editorial recommendations.
Festivals and events in Amsterdam
Plan around 7 festival seasons, public events, Ramadan/Eid periods, book fairs, art cycles, and winter food activity.
amsterdamJumping Amsterdam
For those who love horses, Jumping Amsterdam is the event for you! It is considered the best equestrian event in the Netherlands. It is an international indoor horse show featuring high-level jumping and dressage competitions. The year 2009 sees the very special 50th edition of this event with visitors being entertained by the performances of famous artists.
amsterdamInternational Fashion Week
The Amsterdam International Fashion Week takes place in January. The event showcases the talent of young designers, wanting to make their mark on the fashion world. The week guarantees to be an interesting mix of fashion, photography, parties and fun!
amsterdamAmsterdam Fantastic Film Festival
The Amsterdam Fantastic Film Festival takes place in April from the 18th to the 25 th and brings to the audience a mix of anime, fantasy, thriller, cult, horror, and sci-fi movies.
amsterdamKwakoe Festival
The Kwakoe Festival takes place on 30th June and is all about having a good time and relaxing. The festival offers an enticing combo of theatre, music, film, literature, sports and more!
amsterdamThe Amsterdam Festival
The 5 Days of The Amsterdam Festival are all about lots of electronic music combined with an indoor dance event and a massive concert with bands coming together from across the globe.
Amsterdam tours and experiences
Heritage walks, food crawls, coastal trips, museum circuits, family days, and guided ideas for an easier day out.
amsterdamPanoramic City Tour (BUS)
Prices: from € 19 per adult and € 9.50 per child (4 to 12 years), infants 0 to 3 years free of charge Duration: 2.5 hours Departure: Daily at 14:30 In summer (Mar20- Oct31) also at 10:00 am and 12:00 pm In winter extra departures only on Saturdays and Sundays at 10:00 am and 12:30 pm Blackout dates: Tour does not operate December 25, January 1, or April 30. Location: Tour departs from Damrak 26, Amsterdam 150-200 meters from the Central Station. Time: 10:00am Return Details: Tour concludes at original point of departure.
amsterdamCanal Cruise
Prices: from € 7, 50 per adult and € 5 per child (4 to 12 years) infants 0 to 3 years free of charge
amsterdamDaily WOW Tour
According to an old Dutch saying, in Netherlands you Walk on Water. Water is everywhere and everywhere you stand there was once water.
amsterdamCity Tour from Schiphol Amsterdam Airport
Prices: from € 39 per adult and € 19.50 per child (4 to 12 years) infants 0 to 3 years free of charge
The Irhal city file
Amsterdam travel guide sections
Focused sections for articles, directories, maps, and trip planning.
