Cheap Flights to Amsterdam, Netherlands

When is the best time to fly to Amsterdam?

The most popular time to take a flight to Amsterdam is from the start of the warm weather, when the tulips bloom, through to the early fall. Everyone—including locals—wants to be out and about and tourists from around the globe abound. From April through August, the weather is usually good, with plenty of open-air dining on sidewalks and canal boats to enjoy. Consequently, accommodations are hard to come by and the city is very crowded, especially in July and August If you do take an Amsterdam flight at this time, be prepared for both cool and very hot weather. September and October are less crowded, the rates are lower, and the weather is often quite lovely. This is an ideal time for the beautiful low-angle light depicted in Dutch landscape paintings.

Most cultural events are scheduled from September through June, but if you go during the cold months of December through March, there will be plenty to do and fewer people trying to do it. Plus, if one of the canals freezes during your trip, you can join the Amsterdam residents on skates—a lovely way to see the city.

Amsterdam overview

Head to the land of tulips, windmills and red light attractions with one of our cheap flights to Amsterdam. Fans of this small but bustling city in the province of North Holland have a lot to appreciate, from world-class museums to nearby tulip fields bursting with color in the spring. Dubbed the "Venice of the North," this cozy metropolis is built around a labyrinth of picturesque canals dotted with tour boats, paddleboats and houseboats that serve as permanent dwellings.

The museums alone are worth the price of a flight to Amsterdam. Home to more museums per capita than any other European city, Amsterdam boasts the Rijksmuseum, where hometown hero Rembrandt's "The Night Watch" is on permanent display. Located on Museumplein, or Museum Square, the Rijksmuseum's neighbors include the Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk Museum with its contemporary art and other renowned cultural attractions. Musical performances at the Concertgebouw and concerts at Paradiso and the Melkweg are the inspiration for many Amsterdam flights as well.

When you get tired of the highbrow culture and crave something a little more down to earth, Amsterdam has plenty of other options. Sidle up to the bar at a neighborhood dive and order a ginever for a uniquely Dutch experience. This Dutch gin may be the drink of choice for an older generation, but ordering it alongside locals gives you a sense of gezellig. loosely translated as the coziness that embodies Dutch culture. The allure of this unique atmosphere is at least partially responsible for the popularity of cheap flights to Amsterdam.

Of course, Amsterdam's nighttime activities inspire many a reservation for a cheap flight to Amsterdam from nearby European countries and abroad. The Red Light District's infamous attractions motivate even the most mild-mannered tourists to pop in for a peek. If your curiosity takes you to this old Amsterdam neighborhood, don't fear for your safety. Its many hotels and the families who live there make it just another busy part of the city.

Getting around Amsterdam

It’s easy to walk around Amsterdam in just a few hours. You need to keep an eye out though – cars have the right of way and bikes, trams and buses crisscross the city. Rent a bike to speed up your pace without turning the city into a blur.

Amsterdam is a very bike-friendly city. Bike lanes and bike racks are plentiful. Make sure the light on your bike is working; you can be fined for riding without a light after dark. To travel beyond the city, it’s easy to take the train or bus. It can be cheaper to rent a car in the city and the Netherlands road network is very good.

Getting from the Airport to the City

The main airport that services the city is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, located about 5.6 miles southwest of the city. The city is easily reached from the airport, thanks to direct rail and bus routes. Taxis and car rental services are also available.