Hop-On Hop-Off Bus in Amsterdam – Tips & Info

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Amsterdam | Probably the most popular and most beautiful way to discover the Dutch capital Amsterdam is by hop-on hop-off bus. The characteristic red buses with the distinctive viewing platform can be seen everywhere in the city. Online Tickets

Many visitors to Amsterdam also decide to combine a trip on one of the buses with a boat trip. Both are great alternatives to the classic canal cruise, which should of course also be on the agenda during a visit to Amsterdam.

Concept of the Hop-On Hop-Off bus

The hop-on hop-off buses in Amsterdam are so popular because they take you on a discovery tour to the most famous sights of the canal city. The unique feature: you can hop on wherever you like. The buses depart approximately every 20 minutes all year round, so you are flexible in time. Another advantage of such a city tour by bus is that there is no audio guide available on the bus, available in 18 different languages.

The popular hop-on hop-off bus tour can be booked as a 24/48-hour ticket, which means you can hop on and off as often as you like for 24/48 hours. It’s best to get on the panoramic roof because you have the best view of the Dutch capital’s countless sights from here.

Not only can you benefit from free WiFi on all buses, but you also receive a free city map of Amsterdam when you book. Sometimes, you can benefit from discounted admission to numerous museums and sights. Please note that the buses do not run on 27 April, as this is the day on which the bank holidays are celebrated every year.

✅ Otherwise, the buses run from 9:15 to 18:00 in summer. In winter only from 9.30 am.

Hop-On Hop-Off bus Online-Tickets

Children from 0-3 years travel for free.

*The current price of the provider always applies. Prices are subject to change at any time.

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour – Stops

Here is an overview of all the stations where the buses stop:

Stop 1: Central Station

Amsterdam Central Station is the first stop on the hop-on hop-off bus tour. You should definitely get off here and take some photos of the impressive building. Central Station is often referred to as the heart of the city, as 250,000 people pass through it every day. Directly in front of the station there are not only many moorings for boats that set off on a canal tour. Some top hotels such as the Ibis Amsterdam Centre or the Renaissance Hotel are also within walking distance.

Stop 2: Amrath Hotel

The Grand Hotel Amrath is a 5-star hotel and one of the most luxurious accommodations in the Dutch capital. The impressive Art Nouveau building is particularly popular due to its central location close to numerous famous sights. From here, for example, you can reach the Royal Palace in just 15 minutes on foot.

Housed in a former warehouse, the Amrath Hotel has 200 spacious rooms and over 20 suites. A visit to the Seven Seas restaurant with a direct view of one of Amsterdam’s canals is highly recommended.

Stop 3: Windmill

The De Gooyer windmill in Amsterdam’s Oost district can be seen from afar, as it is the most giant windmill in Amsterdam. Built in 1725, the mill was used as a flour mill for a long time. It is one of six windmills that can still be visited in Amsterdam today. It has the advantage of being particularly close to the city center.

Incidentally, there is now a brewery right next to the windmill. You should definitely pay it a visit during your tour of the city. Every day between 14:00 and 20:00, you can take part in one of the tastings. Guided tours of the brewery, however, are only offered on Fridays and at weekends. However, you should make sure you get your tickets in good time, as the places are popular. Brouwerij`tij

Stop 4: Artis Royal Zoo

You should plan some time for the Artis Royal Zoo, which is of course a special experience, especially for families with children. After all, it is not only one of the oldest, but also one of the most beautiful zoos in Europe. You can discover more than 700 animal species on an area of 14 hectares. You will notice that some of the buildings are over 100 years old. But that’s not all: the trees and beautifully laid out paths also make a visit to Artis Royal Zoo – tickets – an unforgettable experience.

In addition to the aquarium and the savannah, the zoo offers another highlight: it is the only zoo in the world where a gay penguin couple lives. Free guided zoo tours are offered on Saturdays and Sundays at 11.00 am.

Stop 5: Gassan Diamonds

As Amsterdam is not only known as the city of canals, but also as the city of diamonds, you will naturally find a diamond cutting centre here. Gassan Diamonds was founded shortly after the Second World War in 1945. Today, Gassan is still one of the world’s leading diamond dealers. During a free guided tour, which is offered in no fewer than 27 different languages, you will learn everything you ever wanted to know about diamonds.

Of course, you also have the option of purchasing a diamond yourself. You can also create your jewel by choosing the setting and cutting yourself. You can also buy the famous Swiss Rolex from Gassan Diamonds.

Stop 6: Jewish Historical Museum

Amsterdam is known for its diverse museum landscape. The Jewish Museum is one of the highlights that you should not miss. Located in the former Jewish quarter of Amsterdam, it houses a permanent exhibition that mainly deals with the persecution of Jews during the Second World War. An audio guide in various languages is of course available.

✅ Tip: Two attractive combination tickets for the Jewish Cultural Quarter or the Jewish Cultural Quarter and Gassan Diamonds.

✅ By the way: If you are interested in this period of Amsterdam’s history, you should definitely pay a visit to the Anne Frank House in the Prinsengracht (stop no. 11). In the immediate vicinity of the Jewish Museum Amsterdam, you can also visit the Hermitage Museum or get to know the Ice Bar.

Stop 7: Sarphatistraat

Sarphatistraat is a street in Amsterdam that is actually reserved for cyclists and where cars are only tolerated. You can discover a number of sights along the street, so it’s well worth a stop. The Magere Brug, for example, is a Dutch bridge and one of the most famous photo motifs in Amsterdam.

Not far away, you can pay a visit to the legendary Amstel Hotel. This classicist-style hotel is an exclusive 5-star establishment with a swimming pool, fitness room, brasserie and a restaurant that has even been awarded a Michelin star.

Stop 8: Heineken Experience

Heineken beer is the export hit from the Netherlands par excellence. You should take part in a guided tour of the former brewery building, even if beer is not necessarily your favorite drink. Experience the exciting history of beer during the interactive tour. Not only do you get to learn about the brewing process, but you can also taste the cool blonde; a small sample is included in the admission price.

The Heineken brewery in the heart of Amsterdam was closed back in 1988. The demand for the legendary beer was simply too great and another location had to be chosen. However, you can still marvel at the huge copper tanks today at the Heineken Experience. Just a few minutes’ walk from the Heineken Experience is the Rijksmuseum, another absolute must-see in Amsterdam.

Stop 9: Museum Square

Museum Square is another stop on your hop-on hop-off bus tour in Amsterdam. Museum lovers will get their money’s worth here, as there are several of the city’s famous museums within walking distance. In addition to the Rijksmuseum, you can visit the Van Gogh Museum, the Diamond Museum or the Stedelijk Museum. Of particular interest is the popular Moco Museum, also on Museum Square.

The Museums of Modern Art and Design are already something extraordinary from the outside thanks to their unusual architecture. You can marvel at top works by the world’s greatest artists here. The Van Gogh Museum, on the other hand, specializes entirely in the life and work of Vincent van Gogh. The Amsterdam Imperial Museum should also be on your to-do list during your city trip to Amsterdam. After all, it is the largest museum in the Netherlands and is home to numerous works of art and sculptures.

Stop 10: Vondelpark

With an area of 47 hectares, the Vondelpark is the second largest park in Amsterdam and a green oasis in the city’s center. The green lung of Amsterdam is popular with locals and tourists and an excellent opportunity to take a breather from the sightseeing tour.

A network of 15 kilometres of avenues runs through the entire park, which is very popular with joggers and cyclists. You will also find a variety of cafés in the park where you can make yourself comfortable. If you’re not too tired after a visit to Vondelpark, you can pay a visit to the Hard Rock Café or the Holland Casino. From here you can also explore Amsterdam on a bike tour.

Stop 11: Westermarkt

You should get off at Westermarkt if you want to visit the Anne Frank House. This is definitely one of the top sights in Amsterdam; be sure to buy tickets online beforehand, as tickets have not been available on site since 2018. Due to the extremely high demand, purchasing tickets can be difficult. Find out more at Anne Frank House.

The Westerchurch in the immediate vicinity of the Anne Frank House is another worthwhile church in Amsterdam. A highlight here is that you can walk 42 metres around the outside of the church tower, giving you a beautiful view of Amsterdam.

Stop 12: Amsterdam Museum

✅ Amsterdam Dungeon and Madame Tussauds are two highlights that you can visit on your last stop of the Amsterdam bus tour. The Amsterdam Dungeon in particular is a spectacular attraction and a unique combination of theatre, special effects and culture.

Learn about the history of Amsterdam in a fun and exciting way. Each show lasts about 60 minutes and is an unforgettable experience.

Overall experience of the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

The hop-on hop-off city tour in Amsterdam is an offer you should take advantage of. Especially if you are visiting the Dutch capital for the first time, it is a beautiful way to explore the most important sights in the shortest possible time.

These city tours are unique, as they also help you plan your sightseeing tour of Amsterdam to experience all the sights. The ride lasts around 60-75 minutes for those who don’t get off.

Combi tickets with Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour

✅ Especially with the combination of tickets in conjunction with the Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour, there are a few ways to save money if you want to combine your bus tour with a visit to some of the sights and attractions mentioned. Here are some interesting suggestions:

*The provider’s current prices always apply. Discounts and reductions for children and young people can also be found on the provider’s website.

It should also be noted that purchasing pre-booked online tickets is also generally recommended for the sights mentioned in connection with the Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour. The combined tickets also help avoid the expected queues in front of these most essential attractions in Amsterdam.

Is the Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour worth it?

Overall, the hop-on hop-off bus tour is an all-round successful experience. During this tour, you will get to know all the famous sights of Amsterdam, such as the Vondelpark, Heineken Experience, or the Amrath Hotel, as the bus makes twelve stops.

It is also a very relaxed way to explore the Dutch capital. So if you are not so good on foot, you should opt for this type of city tour.

*The current price of the provider always applies. Prices are subject to change at any time.