Amsterdam is a vibrant capital city of the Netherlands renowned for its perfect blend of rich history and modern living. The city promises to provide you with a world-class lifestyle and quality education. With home to some of the top-tier prestigious universities, diverse culture, and a welcoming atmosphere, the capital city will never disappoint you.
Whether you’re planning to escalate your career in Amsterdam or want to explore the city, this blog is just for you. In this blog, we will provide you with a handy Amsterdam city guide that will help you live life in Amsterdam like a local.
Table of contents
Amsterdam City Guide: Key Attractions
Amsterdam is a beautiful city with various ethnicities and residents from over 180 different nationalities. It is renowned for its artistic heritage, elaborate canal system, and narrow houses with gabled facades, legacies of the city’s 17th-century Golden Age. The gigantic Rijksmuseum is Amsterdam’s most popular attraction and must be included on top of your to-do list. Amsterdam’s main attractions include its historic canals; the Rijksmuseum, the state museum with Dutch Golden Age art, the Van Gogh Museum, the Dam Square, where the Royal Palace of Amsterdam and former city hall are located, the Amsterdam Museum, and many more. Exploring and identifying the key attractions is the first step of Amsterdam city guide
Amsterdam City Guide: Food and Dining
Next in Amsterdam city guide is all about food and dining. Don’t miss out on trying traditional Dutch foods like stroopwafels, bitterballen, and poffertjes. Weekly markets like Albert Cuyp Market and the Dappermarkt are perfect for tasting local delights. Amsterdam’s diverse population means you can find cuisine from all around the world. From Indonesian rijsttafel to Surinamese roti, there’s something for every palate. As a student, this Amsterdam city guide is all about budget-friendly options. Look for Eazie for healthy fast food, Maoz for vegetarian falafel, and FEBO for a unique Dutch fast food experience.
Amsterdam City Guide: Getting Around
Now, as you know about key attractions and food and dining, next in Amsterdam city guide is all about transportation and how you can get around in this beautiful city. With trams, buses, and the metro, Amsterdam’s public transportation network is efficient and well-connected. Go for a personalised or anonymous card and load it with credit to explore and travel across the city. You may also choose biking as a convenient and eco-friendly option. Biking is one of the most amazing things to do in Amsterdam as it has dedicated bike lanes and parking spots dotted throughout. Amsterdam is a compact city, making it perfect for walking. Exploring on foot allows you to discover hidden gems and picturesque canals that you might miss otherwise and you will end up spending less on transportation.
Also Read: Planning to study abroad? Well, check out our blog on best places to study abroad in the US to avail world-class education.
Amsterdam City Guide: Lifestyle
Next in the Amsterdam city guide is the Amsterdam lifestyle. It includes all the things like nightlife, social life, culture, events, and festivals. Amsterdam’s nightlife is diverse, catering to all tastes. Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein are hotspots with numerous bars and clubs. For a more alternative scene, check out areas like De Pijp and NDSM Wharf.
The city is renowned for hosting various kinds of events throughout the year. You may get a chance to witness the local culture in various festivals like King’s Day celebrations, and Amsterdam Light Festival. Keep an eye on the city’s event calendar to make the most of your stay.
You will find people in Amsterdam speaking both Dutch as well as English. Try to learn some Dutch phrases as it can be very helpful and appreciated by locals. Consider taking a Dutch language course offered by your university or community centres. However, it is advised not to speak Dutch until know it as it is one of the things not to do in Amsterdam. Dutch is a difficult language; if you try to talk to local people in Dutch, they might get annoyed. Surprisingly, 90%–93% of Dutch people are good at English.
Also Read: If you are looking for accommodation in Los Angeles, Check Out our blog on Cheapest Student Accommodations in Los Angeles!
FAQs on Amsterdam City Guide
The average cost of living for a student in Amsterdam is around EUR 900- EUR 1,500 per month. This includes accommodation, food, transportation, and other expenses.
While most Dutch people speak excellent English and university courses are often in English, learning basic Dutch can enhance your experience and help with everyday interactions. Many universities offer language courses for beginners.
Amsterdam has an excellent public transportation system, including trams, buses, and metros. The OV-chipkaart is used for all public transport. Biking is also a popular and efficient way to get around. Walking is another great option due to the city’s compact size.
Join university clubs, attend orientation events, and participate in student organizations like ESN Amsterdam. Social media groups and university forums are also great places to connect with fellow students.
Popular and preferable study choices include university libraries (UvA and VU), the Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam (OBA), and various cafés like Coffee Company and Back to Black.
Amsterdam is a city that is never going to disappoint you. As an international student, you’ll find a blend of academic excellence, cultural richness, and an inclusive environment. Hope this Amsterdam city guide will serve your purpose. Enjoy your stay in this amazing city!
Hope you liked reading our blog about the Amsterdam city guide. For a stress-free stay during your study abroad adventure, choose Fly Homes. Call 1800572118 to reserve your ideal accommodation abroad with ease.
Related Blogs
Follow Us on Social Media
