Return Trip Ticket on Amsterdam Airport Express Bus 397
Whilst we work hard to be accurate, and provide the best information possible, we also encourage you to please always check before heading out.
One of the three ways to get to Amsterdam city from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is to take the Express Bus 397. The Amsterdam Airport Express Bus 397 is operated by Connexion/R-Net, providing eight services hourly. The bus depart from Bus stop B15-B17 with several stops including Olympic Stadium, Museumplein and Leidseplein. The route terminates at Amsterdam Elandsgracht station. The journey time is estimated to be 35 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic.
A single-trip costs: € 6.50. However, if you buy the money saver return ticket, it costs you just € 11.75 per person (prices correct at time of writing, May 2021)
It is worth noting that the Amsterdam Airport Express Bus 397 does not go to Amsterdam Centraal.
Pro-tip:Taking the Amsterdam Airport Express Bus 397 is particularly useful if you are staying around Leidseplein or the Museum Quarter area.
If you are planning to take the Amsterdam Airport Express Bus 397 to reach your destination in Amsterdam, buy the money saver ticket offered by our trusted partner, Get Your Guide. You must pre-order this ticket and collect upon arrival at Schiphol Airport from the designated collection point.
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Information from Get Your Guide
The Amsterdam Airport Express, bus line 397, takes you 24/7 from Schiphol Amsterdam Airport directly to Amsterdam city center with stops at Museumplein, Rijksmuseum and Leidseplein.
Full Description
The Amsterdam Airport Express provides a quick and easy transfer from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to the city center of Amsterdam.
Departing every 8 minutes from bus platform B17.
Sit back and relax during the trip while you charge your smartphone, use the free WiFi and check your bus stop on one of the screens.
This bus takes you directly to Stadionplein, Emmastraat, Museumplein, Rijksmuseum or Leidseplein. From there, you can get to many hotels in Amsterdam very easily.
If you travel at night the same bus N97 goes twice per hour between 1 AM and 5 AM in both directions.
The bus has a low entry so you can bring your luggage inside the bus and keep it with you.
Whilst we work hard to be accurate, and provide the best information as possible, we also encourage you to please always check before heading out.
Take a European city break and visit the modern city with a rich cultural history that never fails to inspire its visitors. Amsterdam is a city of historic buildings, impressive architecture, golden age canals, world class museums, joyous festivals, plenty of restaurants and bars for dining and drinking. Along with these multitude of options, there are beautiful places to stay in Amsterdam as well.
Exploring Amsterdam
A popular destination for Europeans, Amsterdam is conveniently connected to continental Europe and easy to get to by air, rail and car. The city itself is a compact city and easily explored on foot or by bike. You could hire a bike to get around the city – there are plenty of places to park your bike and explore on foot or join a bike tour and discover Amsterdam seamlessly. As well, hop onto the city tram if you need to rest your feet. The I Amsterdam City Card is great value for money, giving you access to public transport and discounts to museums and many local attractions.
Whichever way you choose to explore this city of endless canals and bridges, you are sure to have unforgettable experiences.
Best time to visit Amsterdam
In addition, Amsterdam is a city that is good in all weather – be it the bursting colours of tulips in spring, sugar golden leaves in fall, the bright sparkles of the festivals or the longer days in summer, it is a city that has abundance of things to do throughout the year and around the city.
Above all, Amsterdam exudes one-of-a-kind atmosphere where some say it is a city of sin while others, it is a city of freedom. Sin or freedom, there is no European city quite like the Dutch capital.
Peruse our selection of beautiful places to stay in Amsterdam – from weekend breaks to week long stays, from boutique and chic getaways, city central or a neighbourhood you like. A simple stay with a brilliant base to explore or mesmerising views over the city from the rooftop – there is a place curated just for you. Browse through, select and secure your stay.
Our recommendation of beautiful places to stay in Amsterdam
Wake up to the sights and sounds of the city of canals from the 4-star superior Radisson Blu Hotel Amsterdam City Centre. Located close to the popular Canal Belt, the Radisson Blu hotel is a unique base to explore the legendary waterways, the historic and unique architecture and savour the traditional Dutch delicacies.
Park Plaza Vondelpark Amsterdam |Image courtesy Park Plaza Radisson Hotels
Park Plaza caters for both leisure and business travellers with stylish guest rooms.
Conveniently located within 5 minutes of Amsterdam Central Station, Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam offers contemporary accommodation, whereas Park Plaza Vondelpark Amsterdam is located within steps of the beautiful leafy setting of Vondelpark, in the uptown neighbourhood Oud-Zuid,
Rated as Superb with a rating of 9.1 by travellers of booking dot com, Pulitzer is a prestigious hotel and offer remarkable views of two of Amsterdam’s most picturesque canals, Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht. Embodying quintessential Dutch elegance and luxury with a touch of history, Pulitzer is the perfect base to explore this endlessly captivating city.
A modern architectural design set within the historic city centre and a stone’s throw of Amsterdam Centraal Station is the newly built DoubleTree Hilton Centraal Station Amsterdam. With floor to ceiling windows featured in each guest rooms, the hotel provides plenty of daylight and remarkable views over the city. In evenings, enjoy the sunset with drinks from SkyLounge or the mesmerising views of the city from the rooftop bar.
Amsterdam in a Nutshell – 18 Experiences in 48 Hours
Amsterdam in 48 hours – A perfect European City break
Amsterdam bridges and canals – an inviting scene
Take a trip to Amsterdam and you will find that it is a city like none other! Amsterdam is a City that portrays the “anything goes” image – from prostitution that is tolerated openly and the use of cannabis in fashionable coffee shops. Amsterdam is also a seductive City, often referred to as the Venice of the North because of its canals and bridges. It is popular for its fairy-tale landscape which offers so much to see and experience from windmills,gingerbread houses and museums to marijuana,cheese and tulips. It makes a perfect destination for an amazing European City Break, and in this article, Amsterdam in a nutshell, brings together 18 experiences which can easily be had for a memorable 48 hours.
Where is Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the capital of Netherlands, a country in northwestern Europe. The country is more popularly known as Holland.
Amsterdam can be found at:
52° 22′ 12.7776” N and 4° 53′ 42.6048” E
Above > Locations of key attractions in the city of Amsterdam for a weekend trip.
Best time to visit Amsterdam
Amsterdam makes a perfect destination at any time of the year. Visit during Spring and the city bursts with colours of the tulip season or experience the sparkles during the festive season. In Fall, the streets of Amsterdam portrays a charming atmosphere as the leaves in Vondelpark turn golden, while in Summer the whole city is alive with so many options for open-air drinking, dining and partying.
Amsterdam in a nutshell
Here is a little background to Amsterdam.
Amsterdam – Venice of the North
Amsterdam in a Nutshell – Central Amsterdam | Image: georgina_daniel
This endlessly fascinating city, Amsterdam, often referred to as “Venice of the North” is the capital of Netherlands. It originated from its growth as a city around a dam in the river Amstel. It is a progressive City which boasts an elaborate canal system that extends over 100 kilometres, 90 islands and has 1500 bridges. The are three main canals here which are Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht that forms a concentric belt around the city, known as the Amsterdam Canal Ring – for the locals, it is known as the grachtengordel. The Canal Ring is basically an intersection of waterways which were dug during the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century.
There are 1550 monumental buildings alongside the main canals. The City is unique in that it offers a beautiful sight of gabled houses which line the streets on both sides of the canal and a unique experience (depends how you look at it) of witnessing little red neon lights, emanating from the infamous ‘Red Light District’ when the sun sets down.
Amsterdam – A City of Art, Bicycles and Beer
The City has a rich artistic history and is home to the Van Gogh Museum, works by Rembrandt and Vermeer at the Rijksmuseum. The modern art is displayed at the Stedelijk. Outside of these, there are museums about cats, collection of handbags and photography, as well as archaeology. Amsterdam has dedicated cycle paths as cycling is key to the City’s character. We learnt that the number of bicycles in the City, of approximately one million outnumber the City’s approximately 750,000 residents, which seems incredible for a City that is quite small. Alongside all of these, the City’s long tradition of beer is being revolutionised by craft brewers, tulips flood the market streets and the Dutch cheese shops appear at every corner of the City.
Amsterdam – Getting around the City
The City Centre itself is small and it is easy to walk to many of the attractions if you do not want to hop onto the trams or buses. I list two choices here for your perusal.
It is worthwhile purchasing The I Amsterdam Card for the duration of your stay, for example for 24, 48 or 72 hours. The Card offers you unlimited rides on all public transport within the City and free entry to almost all the museums.
You can purchase a value for money public transport pass for the duration of your stay, anything from 1 to 7 days. This public transport pass affords you the space and time to explore Amsterdam at your leisure, at your own pace during your stay. The pass gives you unlimited rides on all trams, buses, ferries and the metro (day and night) for the number of days that best suit your schedule – allowing you to hop and off with ease.
Our adventure in Amsterdam began soon after we checked-in into our hotel. Equipped with our I Amsterdam Card, we made our way to Dam Square, the heart of the City, to explore and everything else just followed on…
1 | Dam Square
Central Amsterdam – Canals, pubs, restaurants and Oude Kerk, towering in the distance.
The Dam Square is the heart of Amsterdam City and it should be everyone’s first stop because it is from here that you can get to many places around the City.
Dam Square is located at the original Amstel River Dam which was built in 1270. It connects the Kalverstraat and the Nieuwendijk, which is a pedestrian-only street. It is one of the oldest streets in Amsterdam and is the main shopping street of the City. There are shops lined on both sides with major labels and chain stores. (Running parallel to Nieuwendijk is Damrak, which is the north-south route from the Dam Square to the Central Station).
From this Square, you can access the Royal Palace which became the royal residence in 1808 but the building itself was built in 1655 as City Hall. You can also access the Nieuwe Kerk, (New Church) which was built in the 15th century. The National Monument was constructed in 1956 to honour the victims of WWII. You could access Madame Tussaud from here and for those of you who want a little luxury shopping, head over to De Bijenkorf which is opened till late.
2 | The Oude Kerk
Amsterdam -The Oude Kerk
This is the Old Church that was built around 1213 and it is the oldest building in Amsterdam. It is huge, magnificent and boasts a Gothic architecture which features characteristics of Catholic cathedrals.
It is ironic that this spiritual building dominates the Red-Light District! We stood at the church’s main entry and in-front of it, across the canal, we could see windows with sex workers in it.
3 | The Red Light District
It was our first experience to step into a Red-Light District. Personally, I did not know what to expect. I was a little apprehensive because Red Light areas are often associated with shady businesses like sex trafficking, drugs and gangs, where premises are often disguised as bars, massage parlours or clubs. So, yes, I was a little afraid of pimps!
3.1 | A place where transparency has no bounds
Well, on both sides of the canal, we saw that there were plenty of sex shops, with prostitutes sitting in glass cubicles, like shop windows, and these were lit with red neon lights. There were also plenty of peep shows, brothels, an elaborate condom shop, a sex museum and live sex shows. Nothing was hidden. Everything was transparent and straight forward.
As evening fell, the crowds started to build-up and soon was bustling with visitors and tourists. There were families, couples, groups and some seedier characters too, so you need to be careful of pickpockets etc when you are visiting here. As darkness fell, the ‘shop windows’ were beginning to fill, the long queues for the live sex shows were getting longer and the streets were getting more “neon-red” as darkness fell. So, too the increased scent of potent cannabis floating in the air.
3.2 | Safety and security
Although we did not witness any incidents and there was a heavy police presence with 24-hour video security surveillance, we would highly recommend travelling in pairs because of the sheer crowd that this area attracts. One thing to remember though, is that photographing the prostitutes are forbidden and this rule is strictly enforced. The Red Light District is not for everyone, and this is one place we will not be re-visiting.
4 | The Rembrandt Square | Amsterdam in a Nutshell
Here, you will find the statues reflecting Rembrandt’s famous work, “The Night Watch” and it is well-worth a visit. The Square is also significant as it is the centre for some of Amsterdam’s best restaurants and the many ‘trendy’ coffee shops which you could visit.
5 | Amsterdam coffee shops
The “Coffee Shops” in Amsterdam offer a range of cannabis in small quantities to adults over the age of 18. It is perfectly legal for tourists to buy and enjoy weed, hash and marijuana in a safe environment. If you like the smell of weed, then you may think that the environment is pleasant, but I beg to differ, unfortunately.
6 | The Flower Market in Amsterdam
Amsterdam in a nutshell | Amsterdam flower market
The Flower Market in Amsterdam is a unique market that has existed since 1862. It is the most colourful and most fragrant part of the City. There are all sorts of tulips in all sorts of colours, which comes prepacked, singular or in bouquets. You can get them in bulbs too. There are also narcissus, geraniums and many other types of flowers that adds to the vibrant colours of the tulips.
7 | Albert Cuypstraat
If you want to experience a little of the local lifestyle, then head over to the Albert Cuyp Market because this is where the locals go! This market has been trading since 1904 and over 300 stalls line both sides of the street. You can find basically anything and everything here, from fridge magnets, key chains, souvenir clogs to chocolates laced with cannabis, fruits, spices and cheeses.
8 | Canal boat tour in Amsterdam
When in Amsterdam, a canal boat tour is a Must as it offers visitors a unique window on the history of the City and the lifestyle of the people of Amsterdam. The canals are lined with pretty, gabled houses as well as 17th and 18th century mansions and many canal cafes. A canal cruise is an easy way to get acquainted with the City and learn its history.
8.1 | Choice of canal boat tours
Amsterdam in a Nutshell – The hop-on hop-off canal bus | Image: georgina_daniel
There are many canal cruise-stops along any of the canals. Regardless of the season, you can do either a 1.5 hours or 2 hours tour. There are boat tours throughout the day with large boats that has plenty of seating with covered tops and there are smaller boats that take fewer visitors but with open tops.
The Canal bus is the hop-on, hop-off canal bus, which you may wish to consider as it stops at strategic places around the City Centre.
8.2 | Sunset canal cruise
Amsterdam in a nutshell – sunset canal cruise | Image: georgina_daniel
There was a canal cruise-stop right in front of the hotel we were staying at. We opted for a sunset tour of the canals, a smaller open top boat which included snacks and drinks for the duration of the one-and-a-half hour, journey plus a good narration of Amsterdam’s history. The evening cruise was very pleasant and mesmerising as the sun began to settle-down. The City looked different in the sunset, very pretty.
This is a popular part of Amsterdam because it had undergone transformation in the 1970s. In the 17th century it was an area for the working class community but post 1970s, it has attracted the young professionals and the upper-middle class families. You will find trendy cafes, bars and galleries.
10 | The National Holocaust Memorial
Although we did not have a list of places to visit, we definitely wanted to visit the National Holocaust Memorial, at The Plantage, Amsterdam.
National Holocaust Museum, he Plantage | Amsterdam in a nutshell | Image: georgina_daniel
Our visit to the Holocaust Memorial was a sombre moment. It was heart-breaking to see the courtyard with messages attached to tulips placed on the wall. The courtyard was formerly, a luxurious theatre, in an affluent Jewish neighbourhood. Today it stands as a permanent reminder to the atrocities committed by the Nazis during WWII here. There is an exhibition on the first floor and an eternal-flame on the ground floor to honour the memories of those who had lost their lives.
Photography is allowed here but I did not take any, as a sign of respect in memoriam. Just as this is a personal choice, I respect those who chose to take photographs.
The Museum and the Memorial is supported through donations. If you are visiting Amsterdam and if you can, please visit this war memorial.
11 | The Westerkerk
In the most western part of Central Amsterdam, next to the Jordaan and the Canal Belt, you will find the Westerkerk – The Western Church. It was built between 1620 and 1631, in the Dutch Renaissance style, designed by Hendrick de Keyser (1565-1621). The Westerkerk is the largest and the most important Protestant Church in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam in a nutshell – The Westerkerk | Image: georgina_daniel
The Westerkerk has a tower which was built in 1638, known as the Westerkerk Tower. It stands at 85 metres (275ft) high and dominates Amsterdam’s Old City. It is regarded as the City’s symbol and a pride of Amsterdam.
12 | The De Gooyer Windmill
The De Gooyer Windmill stands at 26.6 metres high and is the tallest windmill in Amsterdam. This large wooden, octagonal shaped windmill was originally built as a flour mill in 1725. The mill was moved to its current location at Funenkade in 1814, and it sits on a stone foundation which is part of a water mill that was destroyed in 1812.
Amsterdam in a nutshell – The De Gooyer Windmill | Image: georgina_daniel
The De Gooyer no longer serves its original purpose, however, it remains a distinctive feature of Amsterdam and is listed as a National Monument. It is one of the last of the 26 corn mills remaining in the Netherlands.
13 | Food and Drink Experiences – Heineken
When in Amsterdam, having the locally brewed Heineken is an essential experience. Even though Heineken is available in 192 countries but experiencing it here, in Amsterdam, makes it a somewhat different experience.
In addition to Heineken, you must also try the local craft beer by Brouwerij’t IJ
14 | Food and Drink experiences – Craft Beer
The IJ Brewery which is famous for its craft beer is located next to the De Gooyer Windmill. The brewery was opened in 1985, and offers a nice selection of beers, organic and dark. The brewery offers guided tours and tastings.
Amsterdam in a nutshell – IJ Brewery next to the De Gooyer Windmill | Image: georgina_daniel
What impressed us was the large outdoor terrace, but as it is popular, finding a place all to yourself will be a problem.
15 | Food and Drink experiences | Seafood + Cocktails
It is always interesting to try the different cuisines of the City you are visiting. In Amsterdam, what stood out for us were the oysters!
Oysters, beautifully presented, fresh from the seas
Cocktails to go with fresh oysters
16 | Food and Drink experiences – Stroop waffles or Pancakes or both?
We tried both!
The Pancakes were tastier, crispier and freshly made – we tried this at the Old Dutch Pancake House in Amsterdam Centrum.
It was quiet inside when we visited, because everyone opted to sit out in the sunshine. Service was quick and we enjoyed a quiet time, no rush at all.
17 | Food and Drink experiences – Dutch Cheese
Amsterdam is famous for its cheese! There was a cheese store on every street, every corner and within a few hundred feet of each other! Our favourite was the Henri Willig.
Amsterdam – Henri Willig
The Henri Willig offers an extensive range of their cheese products and dips. We found their range of herb cheeses rather unique and they had a new one with chillies, rather unusual. When you are here, Henri Willig is worth exploring.
18 | Just watch out…
For bikes! In a City where the bicycles outnumber the local population, you may want to look both ways when crossing.
Amsterdam in a Nutshell – 18 Experiences in 48 Hours
Look out for them! They are everywhere!Amsterdam: Bicycle parking in style.
As an experience though, it is amazing to find how effortlessly people take on to riding their bicycles, with their shopping and bags, without a fuss or discomfort. With dedicated bicycle lanes, it is one of their primary mode of transport.
Practical information
Anne Frank’s House
Amsterdam – Anne Frank’s House
If you are planning a visit to Amsterdam and you wish to visit Anne Frank’s House, then I would suggest that you pre book your visit as tickets for a tour of Anne Frank’s House usually sells out months in advance. Although a handful of tickets are released each morning, there is always a long waiting list and the chances are slim to get one of these tickets. So, if you want it, pre-book it!
2. Where will you stay in Amsterdam?
When travelling, accommodation is key to a good vacation. I have often used booking and sometimes booked directly with hotels as well – depends what suits my needs.
Stay at Radisson Blu Amsterdam City Centre for a luxury 4-star stay within a stone’s throw of the Canal Belt and makes exploring the city convenient.
Alternatively, if spacious and fully equipped suite is more of what you need, then stay in Radisson Hotel & Suites Amsterdam South and enjoy the best of nature and the city.
For elegance and luxury, embodying history and authentic Dutch style, Pulitzer Amsterdam is the place to be!
3. What will you do in Amsterdam – sights and attractions
There are more than one way to experience Amsterdam and for me, my go to place is Get Your Guide, a trusted source that offer thousands of sightseeing tours, attractions and transfers worldwide. You can also find theatre and show tickets and city passes to suit. Have a look and see if you like what they offer.
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