Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands and one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations, is a city that's known for it's festivals and parties. It's not just the local, unusual street food, vibrant festive nightlife or the open drug policy that puts Amsterdam on the top of so many people's bucket lists. There's a great deal more to Amsterdam than you might think.
Dance and music festivals that are popular each year in Amsterdam include the Nassau Festival in April, Festifest in June, Welcome to the Future Electro Festival in July, Loveland Festival in August and the AMF Amsterfam festival in October. In addition to this you might want to visit the top tourist attractions which include:
- Rijksmuseum
- Van Gogh Museum
- Ann Frank's House
- Royal Palace of Amsterdam
- Heineken Beer Museum
- Rembrandt House Museum
- Dam Square
- Amsterdam Dungeon
- Efteling Amusement Park
What's There To Eat in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam offers hungry travelers a rather unique culinary experience. The dutch meals and snacks range from pancakes to mini croquettes. Much of the food you will find while exploring the city is in “street food style” and there are a few traditional Dutch foods that you should try. These include:
- Bitterballen – deep fried crispy meat balls that are traditionally served with a mustard dipping sauce. These are typical pub fare treats.
- Stroopwafel – this is a sweet sticky treat consisting of two waffles pressed together with a decadent layer of syrup between them. You can find these readily available at street markets and bakeries.
- Patat / Frites – these are thick cut fries that are topped with various sauce and mayonnaise based sauces.
- Raw Herring – this is served rolled into pieces usually on the streets from “haringhandels” which are herring carts.
When To Book Cheap Flights To Amsterdam
The average flight from Johannesburg to Amsterdam is around 11 hours. Most flights to Amsterdam from South Africa originate from Johannesburg or Cape Town. The best time to visit Amsterdam for the summer weather is from June to August. While the summer and spring months can be mild and warm, winter can get a bit cold.
The winter months may mean fewer crowds and cheaper flights and accommodation options, but won't be as comfortable as the warmer months. Christmas and school holidays can also get busy. If you are looking for the lowest rates, it's best to consider the shoulder seasons. The shoulder season is between April and May or September and November which is just before or just after the summer peak tourist season.
Visa Requirements for South African Travelers Visiting Amsterdam
As a South African traveler, you will need to have a valid SA passport and Schengen visa in order to enter Amsterdam. A Schengen visa can be applied for at the embassy no less than 3 weeks before the intended departure date and no more than 3 months prior.
Where To Stay & How To Get Around Amsterdam
When booking your flight to Amsterdam, make sure that you book your accommodation and transport options too. The city offers a variety of upmarket hotels, short stay apartments, canal houses, houseboats and guest houses. Travelers can also search for suitable accommodation on Airbnb.
To get from one point of interest to the next, there are various transport options available. The public transport system in the Netherlands is exceptional. Travelers can make use of trains, buses, trams, ferries or car hire to get around. Most tourists to the area hire a bicycle to explore the city. In fact, the city has a bike culture and all travelers should spend a day cycling around the city. Rent a bike or join a guided cycle tour to explore the city. This provides you with the opportunity to blend in with the locals.
Book Flights To The Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam
When flying from South Africa to Amsterdam, you will land at the Schiphol Airport, which is the third busiest in Europe. While this airport is small, it is well-serviced and offers travelers a selection of restaurants, bars, coffee shops, clothing stores, book stores and gift stores. The airport also offers a spa, peace and relaxation facilities, lounges, piers and activities for children. The Schiphol Airport is just 9km from the centre of Amsterdam and well serviced by public transport.
Compare Flights To Amsterdam Online
If you want to ensure that you get the cheapest flights to Amsterdam, make sure that you search and compare flights from leading carriers online. Online travel bookings allow you to find a flight that suits both your travel preferences and budget. If you are looking forward to exploring Amsterdam, waste no more time. Book your flight to the city online today.
Martin Wynn
