When to Go & Travel Tips
Amsterdam works year-round. Spring is the showpiece, and it books up accordingly. Trains, tickets and entry for Canadians are here too.
When to go
Spring (late March to May)
Keukenhof’s gardens open for about eight weeks each spring, and the tulip fields usually peak around mid- to late April, depending on the weather. King’s Day on April 27 turns the city orange — fun, crowded, and worth booking early.
Summer (June to August)
Long daylight, café terraces and busy canals. It is peak season, so expect higher hotel rates and book museum slots ahead.
Autumn (September and October)
Fewer crowds and more rain. A good fit for museum-heavy trips and travellers who don’t mind packing a rain jacket.
Winter (November to February)
Short days and damp cold, but quieter streets and festive lights in December. Often better value outside the holidays.
Getting there
- Non-stop flights from several Canadian cities to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), about 15 to 20 minutes by train from Amsterdam Centraal.
Getting around
- Walk, take the tram, or use the train. Driving in central Amsterdam is rarely worth it.
- Bike lanes are for bikes — they are often red and run between the sidewalk and the road. Look both ways before you step off the curb.
- You can tap a contactless credit or debit card to ride trains, trams and buses. Remember to tap out when you get off.
Practical notes
- The currency is the euro (€). Plugs are type C and F, 230 V. Cards are used almost everywhere, and a few places are card-only. Carry a credit card and a little cash.
- Amsterdam adds a percentage-based tourist tax to hotel stays, among the highest in Europe, so I include it when comparing hotels.
- Book the Anne Frank House, and ideally the Van Gogh Museum, before you fly.
- Canadians do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days in any 180 days in the Schengen Area, with EU Entry/Exit System registration at the border. ETIAS is not in operation yet.
Entry rules and advisories change. Before you book and again before you fly, check travel.gc.ca.
The Netherlands planning questions
How many days do I need in Amsterdam?
Three full days covers the canals, two major museums and a relaxed day trip. Add a night or two if you want Utrecht, Delft or the Canadian liberation sites, or simply want a slower pace.
How do I get Anne Frank House tickets?
Only through the Anne Frank House website. Timed tickets are released every Tuesday for the week six weeks later, and they often sell out quickly. There are no tickets at the door and no waiting list, and other sites offering “Anne Frank House tours” do not include entry.
When is tulip season in the Netherlands?
Keukenhof gardens are open for about eight weeks each spring, typically from mid- or late March into May, and the bulb fields usually peak around mid- to late April. Bloom depends on the weather, so a week in the middle of April is usually the safest bet.
Is Amsterdam the capital of the Netherlands?
Yes, Amsterdam is the constitutional capital. The government, parliament and the King’s working palace are in The Hague, about 50 minutes away by train — an easy day trip.
Back to the Netherlands overview
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