Amsterdam for Indian Travellers: Canals, Museums and Tulips
Description
Canals, the Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank House, the tulip fields of Keukenhof in spring, and direct flights from India: an easy two or three days on the classic route.
Amsterdam is the second stop on many Indian Europe trips, usually after Paris and before Switzerland. Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru land at Schiphol, which is 15 minutes from the centre by train, so it also works as the first or last city. Two or three nights is enough for a canal cruise, the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum and an evening walk along the lit-up canals.
In spring, from mid-March to mid-May, the Keukenhof gardens outside the city are the highlight. Hindi film fans know the tulip fields from Silsila, and Jab Harry Met Sejal shot scenes in Amsterdam too. Outside the tulip season, the windmills of Zaanse Schans make a good half-day trip.
Food is easy for vegetarians: Dutch cheese, fresh fries, pancakes and plenty of Indian and Surinamese restaurants. Amsterdam is one of the pricier cities, especially for hotels, so book early and consider staying a short train ride outside the centre. Anne Frank House tickets sell out weeks ahead and are only sold online.
Activities
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Damrak Canal HousesThe most recognizable row of skinny, beautifully crooked 17th-century buildings reflecting perfectly in the water.Free
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Classic Amsterdam Canal CruiseAn essential boat tour showcasing the city's charming architecture, historic bridges, and daily waterway life.Book
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Dam SquareA busy central hub bursting with life, street performers, and grand historic architecture.Free
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Royal Palace AmsterdamA 1600s landmark featuring large halls, elaborate sculptures, and stunning historical artwork from the Dutch Golden Age.Book
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BegijnhofOne of Amsterdam's oldest inner courtyards offering an immediate sense of calm and historic architecture.Book
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Top things to do in Amsterdam
Gallery
What others say
“I did Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum on separate days.”
“Stayed at a town called Haarlem (what the place in NY was named after) which is about a 25 min train ride from Amsterdam”
“Gives you a much wider selection of cultures, architecture, food, and language.”
Where to eat
Mid-range Hearth
Vegetarian-friendly restaurant in Amsterdam, rated 4.8 on Google by 3,248 guests.
Fully vegetarian- 1.2 km from Dutch National Holocaust Memorial of Names
- 1.4 km from Heineken Experience
Mid-range Vegan Temple Bar
Vegetarian-friendly restaurant in Amsterdam, rated 4.6 on Google by 2,359 guests.
Fully vegetarian- 500 m from De 9 Straatjes
- 510 m from Rijksmuseum
Mid-range SOIL Vegan Café
Vegetarian-friendly restaurant in Amsterdam, rated 4.6 on Google by 1,363 guests.
Fully vegetarian- 910 m from De 9 Straatjes
- 1.1 km from Anne Frank House
Mid-range TerraZen Centre
Funky, family-run cafe with communal seating offering vegan versions of Caribbean & Japanese dishes.
Fully vegetarian- 330 m from Oude Kerk
- 350 m from Our Lord in the Attic Museum
Mid-range Golden Temple
One of the top-rated vegetarian restaurants in Amsterdam, in a dining room covered with murals and dishes from around the world.
Fully vegetarian- 630 m from Heineken Experience
- 840 m from Dutch National Holocaust Memorial of Names
Mid-range De Waaghals
Changing menu of vegetarian dishes plus organic wine, served in a relaxed setting with outdoor area.
Fully vegetarian- 200 m from Heineken Experience
- 400 m from Rijksmuseum
Mid-range Kitchen Impossible Amsterdam
Vegetarian-friendly restaurant in Amsterdam, rated 4.8 on Google by 502 guests.
Fully vegetarian- 700 m from Heineken Experience
- 1.1 km from Rijksmuseum
Mid-range Morris & Bella
An intimate plant-based restaurant focused on sustainability, with slow fine dining.
Fully vegetarian- 1.8 km from Anne Frank House
Mid-range
Small World Catering
A small deli-meets-cafe offering a range of incredible sandwiches and fulfilling salads.
Mid-range Lourens
Famous bakery known for originating the cookie croissant, or crookie, packed with flaky layers and cookie dough.
Mid-range Chun Café
Popular cafe specializing in heavily stuffed, buttery Korean egg toast sandwiches with garlic shrimp and ribeye bulgogi.
Where to stay
CityHub Amsterdam
Hotel Jakarta Amsterdam By Westcord
Hotel Jakarta
Warm rooms & suites in a relaxed hotel offering river views, plus a restaurant & a bar.
Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam
Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam
Luxury Pulitzer Amsterdam
Beautiful hotel located on the most expensive street in Amsterdam in an 18th-century canal house.