Finding Your Way in Amsterdam: Life-Changing Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Inbal Tur-Shalom ענבל טור-שלום
- Dec 4, 2016
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
A Friendly Local’s Guide to Navigating Amsterdam
Planning your first or second trip to Amsterdam? Maybe you've heard glowing recommendations, but you're still wondering where to begin. What should you see first? How do you plan your route logically without zigzagging across the city? This guide is here to help you explore Amsterdam with confidence and ease—like a seasoned local.
Explore Amsterdam by Area
Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is a small, compact city that contains a large variety of attractive areas in a small radius. On one hand, Amsterdam is all about the breathtaking canals, lovely bridges, crooked houses, cafes and restaurants, and on the other hand, each area has its own unique magic with different attractions. For your convenience, I have divided the Amsterdam city map into areas.
For each area I've marked some attractions and places that you might find interesting.
Click the attraction names below to book your tickets directly and skip the lines.
Centraal
Amsterdam Central station including a shopping center
Dam Square marked with ♥
de Bijenkorf department store
Red Light District
Sex services
Sex shows and Sex Shops
Bars, pubs, clubs, restaurants
China town
Golden Belt
Anne Frank House
The 9 Streets
Leidsestraat shopping street
Floating Flower Market
The Jewish Quarter
Waterloo Square Flea Market
Hortus Botanicus
De Pijp
Albert Cuyp Market
Bars, pubs, restaurants
The inner city - Old City
Kalverstraat shopping street
Begijnhof
North Amsterdam
Rembrandt Square
Bars, pubs, clubs, restaurants
Rembrandt monument
Jordaan
Northeren Market
Winkel 43 cafe/bar
Narrow streets with independent shops
Traditional Jordaan bars
Restaurants
Leidse Square
Bars, pubs, restaurants
Concerts and dancing clubs
Cinema and theater
Holland Casino
Museum Square
The concert building
Smart Planning = Easy Exploring
Knowing what to see is step one. But how do you link it all together efficiently?
Many attractions are within walking distance of each other, but some belong to the same district and are still quite spread out. Use Google Maps to plan logically. Search for each attraction in your own language—Google will translate and guide you.
Mark favorites by clicking “Starred” or “Want to Go”
Create a custom "Amsterdam List"
Plot your hotel and each attraction for visual planning
💡 Pro Tip: Download your map for offline use so you never get lost—even without data.
* Pay attention to the LIVE notification - how busy the Anne Frank House is now (pictured above, bottom left).
Enable location services and real-time public transport info. With just a few taps, you'll:
See walking or transit routes with live ETAs
Find nearby restaurants, cafes, or hidden gems
Check opening hours, reviews, and popular times
✅ Save time. ✅ Reduce stress. ✅ Feel like a local.
Use This Tech Like a Pro
Install Google Maps before your trip
Practice using it while planning
Add your hotel, restaurants, and must-sees as "Favorites"
Choose directions by transit, walking, or biking
Tap "Start" to get turn-by-turn navigation
No need to ask for directions—unless you want a chat!
Before You Go
Read my full Guide to Public Transport in Amsterdam and the Netherlands to ride trams, trains, and buses like a local.
Check out How to Experience Amsterdam Like a Local: 6 Essential Tips for insider-only experiences.
Need help planning a seamless itinerary? Book a private tour with me and let’s tailor it to your pace and interests.
Let’s Wrap It Up
With smart planning, offline maps, and some insider tips, navigating Amsterdam becomes a joy—not a stressor. You’ll save time, avoid tourist traps, and discover spots many visitors miss.
Thanks for reading. I hope you found this helpful! Now it’s time to start planning your unforgettable Amsterdam adventure.
🧭 Ready to explore Amsterdam? Discover my unique tours now!
🧳 Planning a trip to the Netherlands? Let’s plan your perfect vacation!
Disclosure: If you book through the links in this post, I may earn a small commission—usually at no extra cost to you. In fact, you might even get a discount!
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