About.com

Day Trip Destinations

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 09:00:27 +0000

While Amsterdam may be the most popular destination in the Netherlands - by far - there are droves of other cities that are worth a visit, even for time-pressed tourists. The Netherlands' small size and excellent rail network makes it possible to visit even the extremities of the country as a day trip from Amsterdam. Check out this round-up of day trip destinations from Amsterdam for ideas on where to head from the capital.

Affordable Amsterdam Accommodations

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 09:00:31 +0000

In my last post, I offered advice on cheap international coach tickets to Amsterdam from within Europe - but once cash-strapped travelers reach the Dutch capital, they may find that other necessities like accommodations and food can also put lots of strain on the wallet. Fortunately, Amsterdam has a slew of affordable accommodation options in the form of hostels, each with its own character - from quintessential party hostels to lakeside retreats. Read more about the top hostels in Amsterdam.

Nab the Cheapest Tickets to Amsterdam from Within Europe

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:00:25 +0000

For travelers who have time to spare (for example, travelers on an extended European tour, students on a year abroad and others) - and can sacrifice a bit of luxury - international coaches can be one of the cheapest, and most versatile, ways to reach Amsterdam or one of several other Dutch cities. Book ahead for the best deals, and you may find that your tickets to Amsterdam cost less than dinner. Read more about international coach travel to Amsterdam.

All About Dutch Tourist Visas

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:00:29 +0000

A United Arab Emirates national recently wrote in to ask me how s/he could obtain a Dutch tourist visa - a question that's on the minds of potential visitors from dozens of countries worldwide. Here's the lowdown on which nationalities need a tourist visa to enter the Netherlands, and how to obtain one.

Practical Tips: What Souvenirs Am I Allowed to Take Home?

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:00:17 +0000

Visitors to Amsterdam usually want to take home a piece of the city, either to relive their memories later on or to share a taste of the city with friends and loved ones back home. But not all souvenirs are equally smiled upon by each country's customs officials. For American readers, here is a list of which Dutch products can and can't be imported into the U.S. - from cheese (pasteurized is fine) to tulips (subject to conditions).

February in Amsterdam

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:00:14 +0000

Dress warm and have your umbrella at the ready in February, Amsterdam's coldest month of the year - but don't let the winter chill deter you from all the fantastic events that happen both in Amsterdam and in day-trip-friendly cities, like the De Koninck Blues Festival in Delft (February 10-11) and the Ice Sculpture Festival in Roermond, near the southeastern city of Maastricht (now until February 27). And don't miss the opportunity to treat your Valentine to chocolates from some of Amsterdam's best chocolatiers! Read more about February in Amsterdam....

Read Full Post

Focus On: The Plantage

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 09:00:49 +0000

Just a 30-minute walk from Central Station - or a 15-minute ride on tram 9 - is a leafy district whose name translates to "Plantation", and which started off in the 17th century as a residential zone where no one wanted to live. But that didn't mean that no one wanted to spend time there; rather, it became a fashionable entertainment district that reached its peak before the Second World War. Nowadays, the district is associated with nature, history and culture, not to mention plenty of family-focused fun. Read more about the Plantage neighborhood in Amsterdam.

Focus On: The Eastern Docklands

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 09:00:33 +0000

Just east of Amsterdam Central Station, the Eastern Docklands spread out over several interconnected islands of various shapes and sizes, each of which have their own special attractions. Family-oriented museums, spectacular city views, iconic architecture and more await visitors who make their way to this northeastern nook of the city. Read more about Amsterdam's Eastern Docklands.

Tourists Can Still Toke in Amsterdam

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 09:00:54 +0000

Far and wide, the most popular question I've received from prospective visitors in the past year has been about the hot-button issue of whether the Netherlands has adopted a "weed pass" that bars anyone who isn't a Dutch resident from the country's cannabis coffeeshops. The answer, in short, is no (or rather, not yet): tourists are still welcome in coffeeshops nationwide - Amsterdam included - with the exception of the southwestern city of Maastricht. Even if the "weed pass" is approved, tourists can still visit Amsterdam's coffeeshops until at least 2013. Read more about the prospective weed pass and the controversy around it.

Focus On: The Jordaan

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 09:00:46 +0000

Many tourists who visit Amsterdam soon realize that there's much more to the city than the historic center and, moreover, that much of it takes only a few short minutes by foot or bike to reach. The Jordaan is one such neck of the woods: located just outside the Western Canal Belt, this artsy enclave appeals with its quaint, canal-side streets, abundant artists' studios, irresistible restaurants and more. Learn more about the Jordaan in Amsterdam.