When you should arrive

The ideal time for a trip to Amsterdam is autumn. It is still warm, but the summer crowds start to dwindle. Winter is cool, but cozy – there's always a dry and interesting place to explore, from top-notch museums to cozy corners and warm Brown Bars (local pubs).

Movement in the city

The I Amsterdam City Card combines free entry to the main attractions (after paying for the card) with unlimited travel on public transport. It’s best to buy the pass online before you arrive in Amsterdam. Or, if you feel like it, rent a bike at your hotel and cycle through the streets like a local. But avoid blocking the bike lanes when you stop, as the locals really dislike that.

How to spend your Friday

Start the day at the Bakkerij Mater in De Pijp. The mere smell of fresh sourdough lures you inside, and the bread-and-butter pudding, still warm from the oven, chases away the lingering travel fatigue. Grab a coffee to go and then relax by the canal. After that, stroll through the exciting neighborhood of Negen Straatjes. It is full of small, independent shops and galleries, each offering something different.

How to spend your Saturday

Go to the Stedelijk Museum, where contemporary and modern art is the focus – keyword: Piet Mondrian and de Kooning in all their bold, abstract glory. The Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum are both just a short walk away, and you can marvel at the sheer size of Rembrandt's "The Night Watch." Afterwards, enjoy one of the great restaurants with local specialties.