car park amsterdam

Parking in Amsterdam - Advice on Best Car Parks

Car parks are a simple fact of life in today's vehicular society. So, if you're renting a vehicle or simply a car-owning resident, you may want some advice about the best car parks in Amsterdam? Well, never fear, we're here with our guide to parking in Amsterdam. Our aim? To answer one simple question - which are the city's best car parks?

Nieuwendijk

Parking in Amsterdam

Nieuwendijk

Located in the heart of Amsterdam, Nieuwendijk is ideal if you're spending a lot of time exploring the city center. One of the city's best shopping areas on Kalverstraat is also a stone's throw away. You'll find countless clothing, shoe, cosmetics, and electronics brands there, if you can brave the crowds on busier days!

However, the great location of this parking garage comes at a cost, as it's in the higher range on this list cost-wise.

It's the perfect car park if you drive an electric car, as it contains 7 charging spots you can utilize. And, given the rising popularity of electric and hybrid cars, they'll surely be expanding that number at some point soon!

Price per hour: €7.50

 

De Bijenkorf

Parking in Amsterdam

De Bijenkorf

This is another car park you'll find in the center of the city. Similar in price to Nieuwendijk, De Bijenkorf is just off of Dam Square. Named after the famed department store where it's located, it's ideal if you want to do some upmarket shopping!

It's worth noting that it does get incredibly busy during sales or other peak shopping times, so go early if you want to beat the crowds. Otherwise, you may be waiting in line longer than you'd like!

Price per hour: €7.50

 

Markinstraat

Parking in Amsterdam

Markinstraat

Markinstraat is found on the border of southern Jordaan and the Da Costabuurt district of Oud-West. Given the prevalence of CCTV, you're likely more than safe parking here.

The location is ideal if you're looking to partake in the awesome restaurant scene you'll find in the area, as well as the many bars (as long as you don't partake - someone needs to be the designated driver, after all!).

Plus, you're not far from the Nine Little Streets, arguably Amsterdam's best shopping area, thanks to its kooky boutiques and unique brands you won't find anywhere else!

However, it is worth noting that this is on the pricier side of things, so bear that in mind before you drive all the way there! Ideal for shorter stays, then!

Price per hour: €10 - max of €55 per day

 

Rembrandtplein

Parking in Amsterdam

Rembrandtplein

Rembrandtplein is one of the smaller car parks on this list, as it can only hold just over 100 cars. However, it's the closest car park to the nearby Pathe cinema, so it's really ideal if you're driving in to catch a flick. Thankfully, you get a discount on your parking if you are a cinema-goer, which is nice!

You can also pay by cash or card, making it one of the only car parks in the city where cash is a possibility!

Price per hour: €6.50

 

Kalverstraat de Kalvertoren

Parking in Amsterdam

Kalverstraat de Kalvertoren

You'll find this car park on the southern edge of Kalverstraat, the busiest shopping district in the city. That means that, while you might not be a hop, skip, and jump away from the shops, you will be paying slightly less for the privilege.

It's newly built, so expect all the security and CCTV bells and whistles that come with modern things! It also closes at 11PM, which is ideal for after-work shopping trips.

And hey, you could even stop off for a bite to eat if you fancy it.

Price per hour: €7

 

Markenhoven Waterlooplein

Parking in Amsterdam

Markenhoven Waterlooplein

One of the cheapest car parks on this list, you'll find Markenhoven Waterlooplein east of the city center. While it may not be serving you too well if you plan to spend a lot of time in the city, you could always walk in if you want to squeeze some cents. It depends on if you plan to carry lots of bags back with you!

Location-wise, while it may be a bit of a trek to the center, you will be close to Amsterdam's Zoo and the onsite Micropia exhibit, if you want to brush shoulders with nature. There are also some nice cafes and restaurants around that way, if you need to refuel.

Price per hour: €4.30

 

P1

Parking in Amsterdam

P1

Located right in front of Centraal Station you'll find this reasonably priced car park. Location-wise, it may not be as close to the center as some of the other pricier options on this list, but you'll only be a 5-10 minute walk from Dam Square.

In fact, P1 may serve you best if you're planning to take public transport to other parts of the city that have fewer parking opportunities, as there are lots of amazing travel connections right outside the car park!

Again, it really depends on how much you'll be carrying. At the end of the day, you'll need to weigh up the cost/distance and decide for yourself!

Price per hour: €5

 

Olympisch Stadion

Parking in Amsterdam

Olympisch Stadion

If you're heading to Amsterdam-Zuid, then this could be the perfect car park for your wheels. At just over €3, Olympisch Stadion is one of the cheapest, and it's close to southern highlights such as the Ajax soccer stadium.

However, one of this car park's unique features is its Park & Ride system. If you travel to the center of Amsterdam from here on public transport, the fee crashes to a single €1 an hour! Bargain hunters our there are probably shivering from all the savings as we speak.

Price per hour: €3, or €1 with Park & Ride

 

Albert Cuyp

Parking in Amsterdam

Albert Cuyp

A stone's throw from the trendy Albert Cuyp markt in Amsterdam's De Pijp, this is an ideal car park for anyone wanting to explore the surrounding area too.

De Pijp is arguably the hottest district in the city, with plenty of kooky bars, quirky restaurants, and more boutiques than you can shake a stick at. So, if you're coming for the fresh food at the market, why not stay and see what's about in the area too?

Price per hour: €4.20

 

And that's our advice on the best car parks in Amsterdam. Parking might not be fun, but it is necessary! But what is fun is Amsterdam and all the things to do there! See them all with an Amsterdam pass, and find things to do between every park space!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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pancakes amsterdam
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Best Pancake Houses in Amsterdam

Who doesn't love a tasty pancake? Not you, that's for sure, or you wouldn't be here reading these words. Those fluffy, sweet, tasty treats are championed in lands far and wide, including the Netherlands. So, if you're vacationing in Amsterdam, you'll want to know which are the best pancake houses in the city? Right you are, and read on to find out our picks! Including: Pancakes Amsterdam The Pancake Bakery Moak Pancakes The Breakfast Club Coffee & Coconuts and more!   Pancakes Amsterdam If you're looking for the best pancake houses in Amsterdam, why not first try one that's literally named after the city? That would be Pancakes Amsterdam, and their selection of tasty battered treats will nd easily sort your fix. Rather than sticking to the tried and tested Dutch style of pancakes, they take influences from pancake styles across the globe. That's just as true for their kitchen too, which is opened up to visitors. That way, you can see your delicious sweet treats being created in real-time, just how the gods intended. Oh, and why not indulge in a free pancake tasting session - on us, of course. You're free to choose anything from their massive selection. And, if one's simply not enough, go grab a table and tuck into many, many more.   The Pancake Bakery After nearly 50 years in the egg, flour, and butter business, it's no wonder that The Pancake Bakery has made quite the name for itself in Amsterdam. Offering a selection of international pancakes from the likes of America, Chile, Norway, and Mexico, in a variety of sweet and savory varieties, you're certainly not spoiled for choice. Couple that with a massive omelet menu, starters, desserts, and even a kid's menu, and you've got yourself one handy pancake paradise. Oh, and if none of the menu options take your fancy, you can even create your own masterpiece. Ham, mushrooms, and cherries? Why not, you absolute grot monster.   Moak Pancakes Moak started out in Oud-West, but has now made its way to multiple locations across Amsterdam. Its humble facade may betray its awesomeness, but the inevitable queue outside should put those fears to rest. Over two floors, you'll find packed tables full of guzzling pancake fanatics. A relatively new joint, having only popped up in 2016, they still smash it left, right, and center. The focus here is on the classic American pancake, with an entire subsection of the menu dedicated to various sweet and savory American delights. If you're feeling fruity, you can also partake in a glass of Champagne, or mix it up with a Mimosa. Their piece de resistance is unarguably The Gold Digger - a huge stack of pancakes topped with three 22-carat gold leaves, Champagne on the side, and served with Versace cutlery. This testament to American extravagance will set you back €100, mind. Definitely one of the best pancake houses in Amsterdam!   The Breakfast Club Cheekily named after the classic 80s hit, The Breakfast Club is a worldwide brand at this point. You'll find them in cities all over the world, so it's hardly surprising they've made their way to Amsterdam's shores. With a massive offering of breakfast treats, from full English breakfasts to eggs of all shapes and sizes, you can really take your pick. But we're talking about pancakes here, so focus, guys. They have a pretty solid offering of American-style pancakes, with a bevy of toppings to get your sweet tooth truly tweaked. However, it's worth mentioning that pancakes is hardly The Breakfast Club's specialty, so you won't have the limitless options you do at the other places on this list. Having said that, if you're with a group and they're not looking to dip their toe in the pancake game. The Breakfast Club will likely serve their needs too.   Coffee & Coconuts One of the fancier joints on this list, Coffee & Coconuts is one of De Pijp's trendy hotspots. The setting - an old 20s theater. The cuisine - divine. Like The Breakfast Club, Coffee & Coconuts caters to feeders of all sorts, and their pancake offerings may amount to a single choice. However, this choice is one of the best on this list. The appropriately named Coconut Pancakes mix almond and buckwheat flour for the base, then dollop on some banana, berry compote, coconut chips, coconut cream, and top it all off with lashes of maple syrup. Sign us up. Plus, with three pages of menus dedicated to coffee, teas, wines, beer, and anything else worth drinking, you can be sure to pair your pancake with the perfect beverage.   Photo courtesy of StudioPortoSabbia/Shutterstock The Pancake Boat Yes, you read that right. They didn't just pick that name out of a hat. It's called The Pancake Boat because it's located on a freaking boat. But wait, there's more! Not only will you sail the seven seas (or canals in this case) while you eat, you'll be eating whatever you can, because this bad boy is an all-you-can-eat cruise. Set your phone's stopwatch to 75 minutes, start your engines, and then eat, eat, eat. Just make sure you're belly is seaworthy - the last thing anyone wants is for you to bring all the fluffy, syrupy goodness back up. What a disappointment you'd be. Easily one of the best pancake houses in Amsterdam, if you can call a boat a house. Well, houseboats exist...so, yes?   Bakers and Roasters With locations near the Rijksmuseum and in De Pijp, Bakers and Roasters are just getting started. The brainchild of a New Zealander and a Brazilian, the franchise's great food and commitment to hospitality will surely see them reach all corners of the city and beyond before long. But enough flirting, what about the pancakes? Well, they only have room on the menu for one choice, but it's a choice you won't soon forget. American-style blueberry pancakes cooked to perfection, glazed with syrup, and topped with blueberries and chopped bananas. Feeling fancy? Add an unusual side to go with it. Sure, you can lean on the ol' reliable bacon. But why not try chorizo, jalapenos, and cottage cheese? Or don't, you know, you do you.   Carousel Pancake House Located on a former fairground carousel, and a stone's throw from the Heineken Experience, you'll find the appropriately named Carousel Pancake House. A unique setting, for sure, but what about the pancakes? Well, they have a delicious menu full of the beauties, including a whole section dedicated to Nutella variants. Delightful. Couple that with a burgeoning menu of waffles, baguettes, burgers, and beers, and you've got yourself a top place. And that's our list of the best pancake houses in Amsterdam!
Dom Bewley
Family cycling through flower fields in the Netherlands
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Amsterdam to Keukenhof Transport and Best Time to Visit

Keukenhof opens to the general public between March and May every year. Dates vary a little year on year but, in general, we’re talking roughly March 21 to May 12. During this period, the gardens open daily from 8AM-7.30PM, with half hourly entry slots available to book in advance here. The best time to visit kind of depends on your point of view. If you’re looking to dodge the larger crowds, the official website recommends pitching up on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday when the gardens are at their quietest, though bear in mind it’s all relative and you’re unlikely to have completely unobstructed views of the exhibits at any time. Arrive before 10.30am or after 4pm for some of the least busy times and for Insta-perfect snaps courtesy of that special morning and evening light. The flowers themselves bloom when they’re ready. That means daffs, crocuses, hyacinths and some types of tulip will be at their best early in the season while others, like the bigger tulip varieties, bloom later. Keukenhof’s visitor numbers peak during the Easter holidays and in April, when you’re most likely to catch the largest selection of bulbs in full flower. There’s also a one-day flower parade in the middle of the month, when beautiful floats crammed with fragrant flowers weave their way along a 42-kilometer route between Noordwijk to Haarlem, passing Keukenhof along the way. While obviously a great time to be at Keukenhof, this does mean multiple road closures, and its recommended you’re in the park by 11am on the day of the parade. Discover more about the flower festival and parade here. How to Get to Keukenhof There’s a bewildering variety of Amsterdam to Keukenhof transport options, from straightforward coach-and-ticket packages to going it alone on two wheels. We break down the options below. Amsterdam to Keukenhof by Coach This is hands-down the most straightforward way of getting to Keukenhof from Amsterdam and it doesn’t take a Googling genius to discover that there are almost as many tour operators offering coach+entry packages as there are tulips in the bulb fields. It’s also an option to book direct via the official Keukenhof website, here. Prices are competitive, too. You’ll only pay a premium of around €2 (vs paying for your transport and ticket separately) for the priceless privilege of having someone else do all the organizing for you. All you have to do then is pitch up at the departure point (RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre) on time, and you’re good to go. It’s also worth noting that this is the only way to travel direct from central Amsterdam to Keukenhof via public transport as all other options require a combination of train and bus. There’s a coach+entry package included with the Go City Amsterdam attraction pass, which can save you money if you’re in town for a few days and plan to avail yourself of several tours, attractions and other activities, such as an Amsterdam canal cruise, the Rijksmuseum, and Madame Tussauds. Find out more about the Amsterdam pass here. Amsterdam to Keukenhof by Public Transport There are a couple of other ways to get to Keukenhof via Amsterdam’s reliable public transport system, depending where you’re traveling from. These include Keukenhof express buses from Schiphol Airport, Leiden and Haarlem, again available via the Keukenhof website. Alternatively, savvy travelers can save a euro or two by catching the 397 bus from the city center and connecting to the Keukenhof express bus at Hoofddorp, the cheapest way to make the journey. Amsterdam to Keukenhof by Car If you want to beat the morning crowds, having your own set of wheels will definitely give you the edge over your fellow flower fanatics. The 40-minute drive to Keukenhof, sandwiched between Amsterdam and The Hague, is a fairly straightforward one, and the gardens are of course well signposted. However, there’s a reason most Amsterdammers favor getting around on two wheels (or indeed legs). Parking in the city comes at a premium and it’s very easy to rack up an eye-watering bill if you have a rental car for even a few days – all of which assumes you can find a parking spot in the first place. In happier news, it's possible to pre-book a parking spot for your visit to Keukenhof via the official website, for a relatively acceptable €7. Amsterdam to Keukenhof by Bike The Netherlands is one of the world’s best countries for cycling, with an excellent infrastructure and relatively flat landscape that makes it easy and convenient to bike to most destinations. There are 400km of lanes in Amsterdam alone, where driving is positively discouraged and most of the population gets around on two wheels. That said, it’s around 25 miles from Amsterdam to Keukenhof so this option is really only for those with a working knowledge of Dutch road regulations, who are also fit and healthy enough to make the journey there and back. It’s well worth doing though: the experience of arriving in the sensory saturnalia that is the Keukenhof flower fields, the air heavy with the scent of a million blooming tulips, crocuses, orchids (and the rest), is not one you’ll forget in a hurry. There are plenty of bike rental stores dotted around Amsterdam and your hotel may also operate its own rental service. Save on Tours, Attractions and Activities in Amsterdam Save on admission to Amsterdam attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
View of the Rijksmuseum from across a canal
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Amsterdam in February

Those harboring some winter wanderlust may find Amsterdam in February to be the ideal trip to scratch that itch. Offering all of the city’s best gems without the summertime or festive season crowds, February serves as a fantastic time to experience the Dutch capital at its most genuine. Just be prepared to dress for the weather! Visiting Amsterdam in February Average Temperature: 31 – 45°F • Average Rainfall: 11 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 2 hours/day If you’re looking to visit Amsterdam in its true low season, this is the time for it. Amsterdam in February sees some of its lowest tourism rates of the year, owing to the natural absence of peak-season travelers and the European winter chill. That can be a huge boon for those looking to get their fill of Dutch delights. Amsterdam’s core attractions are evergreen – think picturesque canals, cultural hubs and nightlife – which means the city is never truly without its crowds. However, the off-season lull means you’ll get to experience many of its top sights at one of their quietest times. Add to that low-season accommodation prices and airfare, and you’ve got a pretty solid, budget-friendly trip on your hands. Seeing out the winter season, February makes sure to keep things cool right up to the end. With averages ranging between sub-zero and pretty cold, you’ll want to wrap up just as much as for the rest of the winter period. Be sure to pack an umbrella and some waterproofs too, as you’re almost guaranteed at least a couple days of rain per week. Things to Do in February Amsterdam’s cooler and wetter weather in February may put somewhat of a dampener on many plans of spending your trip exploring the iconic canals and squares of the city, but that also makes it a perfect time to explore the inner world of the Dutch capital. Known particularly for its cultural hubs, Amsterdam has a wealth of art galleries to offer. Taking pride of place is the famous Rijksmuseum, where you can explore the Netherlands’ largest collection of art and historical artifacts, including many pieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer. No exploration of Amsterdam’s artistic fortune would be complete without visiting the Van Gogh Museum, housing the largest public collection of the renowned Dutch artist’s works. Fans of contemporary art should also spend some time at the MOCO Museum, where you’ll find the works of such visionaries as Damien Hirst, Jeff Koons and many other modern artists. On the other side of the culture coin sits Amsterdam’s impressive collection of historical hubs. Among some of the most popular destinations are the Amsterdam Museum and the Maritime Museum, offering insights into the respective histories of the city and of Dutch nautical endeavors. Anybody with a keen interest in local and continental history will also be well aware of the famous Anne Frank House. Once the home where the famous Jewish wartime diarist managed to evade capture, the site now serves as both a museum to her life and writings and a monument to the endurance of discriminated groups throughout the darkest time in recent European history. Events in February Carnival The one exception to the Netherlands’ tranquility in February is Carnival. Originally a pagan celebration held in the lead-up to Lent, the modern-day festival began in Italy and spread to the likes of Spain, Portugal, France and, of course, the Netherlands. While primarily only recognized in the majority-Catholic provinces of North Brabant and Limburg, smaller events can be found dotted around the country. For all its religious symbolism, Carnival is anything but a modest celebration. Over the course of several days in mid- to late-February, a number of major Dutch cities engage in all-out city-wide street parties. The event is usually kicked off with some form of ceremony, often involving the burning of an effigy and a speech by the so-called Prince of Carnival and other local authorities. The largest celebration is held in Maastricht, which sees thousands of visitors flock from around the country and even the continent for up to a week of day drinking and partying. Other major events take place in Den Bosch, Breda, Tilburg, Eindhoven, Venlo and Enschede, though the exact dates of celebrations may differ between locations. Although Amsterdam itself doesn’t typically engage in Carnival celebrations, you’re still likely to find some localized parties and events throughout the city. But for the true Carnival experience, make your way to a participating city in your choice of fancy dress and prepare for the street party of the year. All of the above cities are reachable within a few hours by train – though be aware that public transport will be jam-packed on festival days. Chocoa Chocolade Festival This indulgence-focused event is a must for visitors with a particularly sweet tooth. Held over two day in the heart of Amsterdam, the Chocoa Festival brings together renowned chocolate makers, industry experts and chocoholics to celebrate their shared passion for our favorite sweet treat. With over 85 unique stalls piled high with free samples, the festival encourages visitors to try out new chocolate flavors. Various types of wine, coffee and craft beer are often also on offer to help you discover the perfect indulgent pairing. Expert-led lectures and presentations are also mixed into the program to provide insights into the history of chocolate, how it’s made and the state of the industry in the modern day. Those with a keen interest can also engage in debates surrounding the ethics and practises of the industry, while also learning about developments in sustainable practises throughout various aspects of production.
Robert Heaney

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