Here are my best tips for a first time visitor to Amsterdam.

🛬 Arrival:
In Schipol, take train on lower level to Centraal Station. Purchase tickets at blue and yellow kiosk
To exit Centraal Station, swipe the ticket you used to board
 

🚊 Getting Around:
Amsterdam is very walkable and connected by train, tram and bus. Always look both ways twice for trams and bikes when crossing street
Consider a 24 hr GVB ticket for unlimited rides on the metro/tram/bus. (BTM) Can purchase from Blue kiosk in train station or from ticket office in front of Centraal
If staying several days, consider multi-day GVB ticket. Compare to single ride, tap to pay.
Tram -buy ticket on board or tap to pay. Must tap in and out.
Download the GVB app for train/platform/metro times info

🧀 General:
Consider Iamsterdam card - price it out
Carry euros to use bathroom
Tap water is free
Cafe sells coffee
Coffeeshop sells 🍃

🚲 Must See and Do:
Visit Keukenhoff Tulip Gardens in Spring for tulip fields
Hop on a canal cruise right in front of the Anne Frank House
Rent a bike and ride around Vondelpark
Take a daytrip to Zaanse Schans - free
Visit “9 Streets” - De Negen Straatjes
Narrowest house in Ams - only 5 ft wide - 245 Prinsengracht
Begijnhof - oldest courtyard/oldest house
Red Light District stroll
Visit the Jordaan neighborhood
Albert Cuyp Market
Seven Bridges
Prisdengracht canal’s

🖼️ Museums:
Most require timed reservations in advance
Anne Frank House tickets go on sale the 1st Tues of the month for the following month.
Rijksmuseum
Van Gogh Museum (under 18 free)
Resistance Museum
The zoo is fantastic

🥞 Dining/Treats:
Try Dutch pancakes poffertjes

🌅Best Views:
Top floor of the library - free
NEMO Science Ctr - rooftop
Sky Lounge - Double Tree
Blue Amsterdam

📌 Pro Tip: If you’re flying out of Amsterdam, don’t forget you can reserve your spot in the security line on Clear Reserve!

❓Have you visited Amsterdam yet?