The Elephant Hostel
At a glance: 2-star · 120 rooms
Near: Oude Kerk Amsterdam · 14 min walk
Oude Kerk Amsterdam
1.1 km away · Oudekerksplein 23, 1012 GX Amsterdam, Netherlands
(12,392 reviews)
Dungeon Amsterdam
1.3 km away · The Amsterdam Dungeon, Rokin 78, 1012 KW Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Royal Palace Amsterdam
1.5 km away · Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 147, 1012 RJ Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Heineken Experience
1.6 km away · Stadhouderskade 78, 1072 NV Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Amsterdam Luxury Canal Cruise + Unlimited Drinks and Bites Option
60 min
(31,880 reviews)
From $20
Amsterdam Classic Saloon Boat Cruise with Drinks and Cheese
60 min
(33,575 reviews)
From $19
Day Trip to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken from Amsterdam
6h 30m
(6,581 reviews)
From $40
Amsterdam Food and Cultural Tour with 10 Tastings
3h 30m
(6,809 reviews)
From $91
The best time to visit is May through September, when temperatures are mild and pleasant, ranging from 17°C to 22°C. June and September are especially nice, with fewer rain days and lower humidity. July is the wettest month, while October and November are the rainiest and coolest stretches. Spring brings the famous tulip season, though the exact bloom varies.
The Canal Ring, especially around the Nine Streets, suits first-timers who want to be near the main sights and shops. The Jordaan is a quieter, charming residential area with cafes and galleries, ideal for a relaxed stay. The Museum Quarter is best for art lovers, close to the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum. The city center around Dam Square is convenient for sightseeing and nightlife. Hotels like Hotel Estheréa, Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht, and Pulitzer Amsterdam are in the Canal Ring.
Start at the Rijksmuseum for Dutch masters and history, then the Van Gogh Museum next door for his iconic works. The Anne Frank House offers a powerful, personal look at WWII. Relax in Vondelpark, the city's main green space. For a different view, head to the for panoramic skyline views, or explore NEMO Science Museum for hands-on exhibits.
Full-day tours from Amsterdam head to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken for windmills and fishing villages; Bruges for its medieval canals; Keukenhof for tulips and windmills; Rotterdam, Delft and The Hague for modern architecture, Delftware and government sights; and Giethoorn for its car-free, canal-side village.
Plan 3 days for the main sights: the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, Vondelpark, and the Royal Palace. Add a fourth day for NEMO Science Museum or ARTIS, and a fifth if you take a day trip to Zaanse Schans or Giethoorn. Two days would feel rushed for the top museums alone.
