Amsterdam Tour Packages

Amsterdam is an unusual mix of traditional and contemporary. Each day spent here is different and each experience, unique. You can enjoy a hot cup of tea marvelling at the quaint architecture or head out for a fun evening exploring the city’s bars and nightclubs as part of your Amsterdam tour package. Home to an enthralling network of canals, every corner in Amsterdam offers an unexpected surprise and the best way to explore the city is by booking the right Amsterdam tour package for yourself. One evening you may stumble upon a hidden museum while the morning can bring breakfast in a cosy cafe. The capital city of the Netherlands has fascinated backpackers for years and offers you exactly what you seek. It’s almost as though the city can hear you and takes it on itself to fulfil your wish list. 

There are many ways in which you can explore a city, but if you are short on budget and time, we suggest booking an Amsterdam tour package to explore this beautiful city. Another reason why it’s recommended to book an Amsterdam tour package for your trip is so that you have an opportunity to explore the city as per your budget. Since Amsterdam is extremely popular among backpackers and budget travellers, the popular spots in the city offer major discounts and museum passes. The renovation of the popular Museumplein which is home to the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh museum and the Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art has brought back the city’s architectural heritage and should feature in your itinerary when you are booking Amsterdam tour packages. Besides exploring the museums, you can explore Amsterdam’s bustling spots on a bike or walk across the picturesque streets to enjoy the vibe.

There is no better place to begin your tour in Amsterdam than Rijksmuseum. Rijksmuseum is also known as Dutch National Museum and is located in Museumplein. The museum is home to more than 8,000 artefacts and you’ll find artwork by painters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer and Frans Hals. Rijksmuseum has stood the test of time for 200 years and is a favourite with art enthusiasts. The museum is famous for art pieces like Rembrandt's 'Night Watch' and Vermeer's 'The Milkmaid'. It will take approximately three to four hours to explore the museum so ensure that you keep aside sufficient time in your itinerary while choosing from Amsterdam tour packages. You should also spend sufficient time in the beautiful garden located within the museum premises. On some days, there are numerous exhibitions that take place in the garden that offer a glimpse into modern art. You can enjoy many such exhibitions if you book a tailor made Amsterdam tour package.

The next stop in your Amsterdam tour packages should be the Van Gogh museum. The museum houses a collection of paintings, drawings and letters by the Dutch artist. The museum opened its doors in 1973 and has seen numerous renovations since. Van Gogh is a world-famous artist, credited for a number of beautiful paintings. Another reason that the Van Gogh museum should be on the itinerary when booking  an Amsterdam tour package is that it offers a glimpse into his life. With more than 500 drawings, 700 letters and 200 paintings, the museum takes about three to four hours to explore. If you’re an art lover, you must include this in your Amsterdam tour package. You will find research facilities in the museum that cover all aspects of his life including his inspirations, early works and development of his artistic abilities. 

Vondelpark is another beautiful spot that is a permanent feature in Amsterdam tour packages. If you enjoy natural beauty and culture, then this is a must include in your itinerary while booking an Amsterdam tour package. The park is a bustling hotspot for travellers and locals. If you are in the mood for a picnic in the morning, you can expect a bright, sunny day to greet you. Vondelpark was earlier known as Nieuwe Park and opened in 1865. The park is home to an open-air theatre, restaurants and bars where you can enjoy a hot cup of coffee or sit down for a lavish lunch. Art and heritage won’t be too far away from you either since the park is home to 'Joost van den Vondel' by Louis Royer and 'The Fish' by the world-famous Pablo Picasso. By booking an Amsterdam tour package, you can get an insight into Amsterdam’s majestic art scene. Vondelpark is the venue for numerous musical and dance events that take place throughout the year and it keeps the entire city hooked and culturally charged. 

Amsterdam’s unique network of canals is synonymous with the city. In fact, if one were to describe the beautiful city of Amsterdam, canals would be an intricate part of the description. To enjoy this amazing network, you can set out on a canal cruise. To save money, it’s best to book one beforehand when you are choosing your Amsterdam tour package. The canal tour takes you across the mesmerising city. Set up in the 17th century, it offers a glimpse into the local way of life. If you are in the mood for a romantic evening out, you can choose to include a dinner cruise underneath the star-lit skies while booking your Amsterdam honeymoon package. 

Anne Frank House is another place that is synonymous with sightseeing in Amsterdam tour packages. During the Second World War, Anne Frank hid in this house and penned down her experiences in a diary. The house has now been converted into a museum and you will be able to see various documents and other possessions that belong to that time. Stedelijk Museum, Bloemenmarkt, Albert Cuypmarkt, Jordaan and Begijnhof are a few other places that should feature in your itinerary when you book yourself an Amsterdam tour package.

Planning a trip to Europe demands time and research. If you are planning to visit Amsterdam and would like to choose from Amsterdam tour packages, it’s best to conduct cursory research beforehand. It’s also a good idea to go through personal experiences of travellers who have visited Amsterdam before. To help you plan better, here are a few snippets that you can take a look at:

“Amsterdam is a fairly small city and is quite well connected. I took the GVB tram pass which cost me 14 euros for 48 hours. And most remarkably, cycling seems to be the most popular mode of transport in the city. However, since they cycle really fast here, I wouldn't suggest cycling unless you are a really good cyclist! If you love to walk, you may be able to reach a couple of attractions by walk(not all of course!)” – Preethika Pilinja

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“For fuss free travel, always plan your budget. For a city like Amsterdam your daily spending limit shouldn’t exceed more than €50 to 80 per day. Thankfully, Amsterdam is not that costly. Time of stay and where to stay? 3 days is a good time to enjoy the brick buildings and the vast skyline wrapped around the rich history of this ancient European city. Throw in a day or two more if you fall in love with the relaxed tone of this city. Hostels or serviced apartments in Amsterdam could be a good option for a backpacker on a budget.” – Brandon Jones

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“Europe is expensive no doubt. It's advisable to decide on your budget before the start of your travel. With a family in tow, it's difficult to live on a backpacking budget, so do a mental calculation on the spending beforehand. With five days in Amsterdam, it's advisable to invest in the I Amsterdam City Card, which costs approximately 90 euros for 96 hours. You get free entry to museums, canal rides and a host of other things.” – Sharmistha Chaudhuri

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The weather in Amsterdam is relatively mild throughout the year, though it does change quite frequently. Owing to the mild weather, you can book Amsterdam tour packages throughout the year. However, April to May and September to November are the best months to book an Amsterdam tour package. During these months, the weather is pleasant and perfect for a trip down to the tulip fields or a charming canal ride. 

This time is just before and after summer when the city is bustling with tourists. You can experience the city without worrying about expensive hotels and overcrowded tourist attractions if you book an Amsterdam tour package. If you don't mind the cold (temperatures ranging from 5 degrees to minus 1 degrees), the winter months from December to March offer great deals on airfare and hotel prices. It’s, in fact, the ideal time to book an Amsterdam tour package on a budget.

The best thing about Amsterdam tour packages is that no matter which month you book one in, the city offers a packed calendar of festivals.

Amsterdam tour packages are ideal if you are visiting with friends or your loved ones. There are a plethora of things to do and places to explore that are remarkably different than the rest of Europe. You can explore the city on a bike or book a few walking tours that show you a different side of the city. Bimhuis is a beautiful place to visit in Amsterdam if you enjoy music. At Bimhuis, your Amsterdam tour package can take you to be a part of more than 300 jazz shows that happen in a year. The Bimhuis Cafe also hosts an improvisation workshop every Tuesday. 

Bollenstreek or Bulb District is another wonderful site that should be on your itinerary when you book your Amsterdam tour package. Spanning more than 30 kilometres of flower fields, spring is the best season to visit. You will be able to see flower fields of tulips, crocuses and daffodils. The best way to explore Bulb District is on a bike.

If experiencing local food culture is what drives your Amsterdam tour package, don’t forget to indulge in local delicacies. Stroopwafel, herring, cod, bitterballen, erwtensoep, goudse kaas or cheese from gouda are some of the dishes that are available across the city. There are numerous cafes and restaurants in the city that are an integral part of the city’s culture. In fact, some travellers claim that the best part of their vacation was spent enjoying the vibrant cafe culture in Amsterdam.

Some of the dishes that you can try in Amsterdam are poffertjes that are mini Dutch pancakes, satay, frikandel speciaal, patat or flemish fries, tompouce or a cream-filled sandwich, kibbeling, croquettes, ontbijtkoek and rijsttafel that is mostly served in Indonesian restaurants.

As the Netherlands is part of the Schengen area, travellers need to apply for a short-stay Schengen visa to visit Amsterdam. The short-stay visa allows travellers to stay in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. The earliest that one can apply for the visa is 180 days before the intended travel date, however, one should apply no later than 15 working days in advance. It’s best to book your Amsterdam tour package before you apply for a visa to ensure you stay within your budget.

Typically, it takes a maximum of 15 days for visa approval. However, sometimes the process may take up to 45 days if extra documents are required, so you should book your Amsterdam tour package accordingly. The short-stay visa fee is 80 Euros for adults and 40 Euros for children aged 6-12. The visa application form can be filled online on the official Dutch Government website. After the form is filled, a print out has to be taken to the Visa Application Centre. Visa Application Centres for the Netherlands are located across metros including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kolkata. When you submit your application your biometrics will be taken. If you are applying for the visa through an agency, an additional fee may be applicable.

The key documents required for Netherlands visa include; passport issued within last 10 years, with a validity of at least three months past the return date, two passport size photographs, medical insurance coverage of at least € 30,000 or Rs. 23,52, 560, flight reservations, hotel reservations or proof of sponsorship, bank statement for the last three months and income tax returns for the last two years. The passport should have at least two blank pages, one copy of the identification page and one copy of all visa pages is also required.

How many days do I need to explore Amsterdam?

If you are backpacking across Europe or exploring the continent, then you must keep aside three to four days for Amsterdam. It is best to customise your  Amsterdam tour package depending on the time you have and your budget. 

What are the things I should pack for a trip to Amsterdam?

Packing is an integral part of planning your trip. Some of the things that should definitely be in your packing list are:

1. Two to three pairs of sturdy shoes, especially if you have booked a cycling tour as part of your Amsterdam tour package.
2. A light jacket
3. Rain ready slippers
4. Prescription medicines
5. Waterproof coat

Suggest three tips for planning a trip to Amsterdam.

Three tips that you should keep in mind when booking an Amsterdam tour package are:

1. Buy a city pass that will help you save money and will also ensure you see all the important spots.
2. Spend time in local bars and cafes so that you learn more about the local culture.
3. Get an unlimited tram pass. This will give you access to all major tourist spots. 

Which are the lesser-known places to visit in Amsterdam?

Every place is home to a few lesser-known spots that are ideal to explore if you are visiting for the first time. While booking an Amsterdam tour package, here are a few lesser-known places that you can include: Westergasfabriek, REM Eiland, Torensluis, Blijburg aan Zee Beach, EYE Film Museum, Poezenboot and a Buddhist temple in the heart of the old town.

How do I reach Amsterdam from India?

Schiphol International Airport is the main airport in Amsterdam. It is considered to be one of the busiest airports in the world and is situated 15 kilometres from the main city. The airport is connected to all major airports in the world and you can either book a flight through KLM, that is the national carrier for the Netherlands or choose another carrier when booking an Amsterdam tour package. It’s best to your Amsterdam tour package in advance so you can save money on travel or even book a customised Amsterdam tour package from India. The flight from India to Amsterdam takes about nine hours depending on the stopover.

Written by Kirat Sodhi. A proud mom of three cats who lives for lemon tea, a good book and spontaneous travel plans.