Page last updated: 10 November 2025
Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands, is renowned for its picturesque canals, historic architecture, and lively cultural scene.
How many tourists visit Amsterdam each year?
Over 7 million international tourists visit Amsterdam in recent years.1
- In 2019, Amsterdam welcomed 7.57 million international visitors. When the pandemic began in 2020, this number dropped by 72% to 2.09 million.
- By 2021, Amsterdam experienced a further 17% decline in international tourism with 1.74 million visitors.
- Inbound tourism increased to 5.64 million visitors in 2022. This trend continued into 2023, with visitor numbers rising to 6.97 million, marking a 23% increase from 2022, but still 8% less compared to 2019.
- In 2024, Amsterdam welcomed 7.5 million international visitors, approximately an 8% increase from 2023.

How many people visited Amsterdam in 2024?
- Amsterdam welcomed 9.5 million tourists in 2024, with international tourists making up the majority at approximately 79% (7.5 million), while domestic visitors accounted for 21% (2.0 million) of total tourists.
How many people visited Amsterdam in 2023?
- In 2023, Amsterdam welcomed 8.87 million visitors, with 6.97 million being international tourists and 1.9 million domestic travellers. This marked an increase of 208% from 2021, but still 4% less than the 2019 figures.
How much do tourists spend in Amsterdam every year?
Tourists (both international and domestic) spend over €21 billion in recent years in Amsterdam.
- Tourists spend over €19 billion during trips to Amsterdam in 2019. This number decreased by 53% to €9 billion in 2020 due to coronavirus travel restrictions and fewer international visitors. It increased by 22% in 2021 to €11 billion. 2
- Annual spending reached approximately €19 billion in 2023, an increase from €17 billion in 2022.
- In 2024, tourists generated approximately €21 billion in spending, representing 11% growth from 2023.

How much does it cost to visit Amsterdam?
The average cost to visit Amsterdam is approximately €242 per international trip in 2024.
- Domestic visitors: Approximately €150-200 per trip (averaging €75-100 per day for 2 nights)
- International visitors: Approximately €242 per trip (averaging €139 per day for 2.5 nights)
Which countries visit Amsterdam the most?
The USA is the leading source of foreign tourists to Amsterdam, followed by the UK, Germany, and France.
- The USA dominated with a 35.2% market share, recording 2.4 million visits in 2023.
- The United Kingdom followed with a 16.1% market share, contributing 1.1 million visits.
- Germany held a significant 13.3% market share, with 910,000 visits recorded.
- France maintained a notable presence with a 6.8% market share, amounting to 470,000 visits.

When is the best time to visit Amsterdam?
The best season to visit Amsterdam depends on weather preferences and crowd tolerance.
- April-June (Spring/Early Summer): Ideal conditions with tulip season, mild temperatures, King’s Day celebrations, and moderate to high crowds.
- July-August (Summer): Peak season with the warmest weather, festivals like Pride Amsterdam, but the highest crowds and prices.
- September-October (Autumn): Pleasant weather with fewer crowds, cultural events like Amsterdam Dance Event, and good value.
- November-March (Winter): Christmas markets and off-season atmosphere, cold weather, but lowest crowds and better hotel deals.
What were Amsterdam’s peak tourist months in 2024?
July was the peak tourist month in Amsterdam in 2024.
- July was the busiest month with approximately 1.02 million visitors in 2024, followed by August with 950,000, June with 890,000, and May with 870,000.

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Why do people visit Amsterdam?
Amsterdam attracts visitors with its rich cultural heritage, including museums like the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Anne Frank House, as well as historical landmarks such as Dam Square and the Royal Palace.
- Culture and sightseeing (museums, historic sites) account for approximately 53% of visitors, making it the primary travel purpose
- Business travelers represent approximately 7% of visitors, attending conferences and professional meetings
- Visiting friends and relatives accounts for approximately 5% of visitors
- Other purposes (including nightlife, events, and general city experience) account for approximately 35% of visitors
- The city offers unique experiences, including canal tours, extensive biking paths, and green spaces like Vondelpark.
Visitors enjoy diverse culinary options, festivals, and cultural events like Amsterdam Pride, showcasing its inclusive and vibrant atmosphere.

How popular is Amsterdam as a tourist destination?
Amsterdam continues to rank among the top European destinations for international travelers, known for its scenic canals, world-class museums, and vibrant culture.
2025 Rankings, Awards & Accolades
- European Best Destinations (2025): Ranked 6th Best Holiday Destination in Europe, recognized for its unique mix of culture, architecture, and eco-friendly tourism.
- World Travel Awards (2025): Nominated for Europe’s Leading City Destination and City Break Destination.
- Michelin Guide (2025): De L’Europe Amsterdam earned the prestigious Three Michelin Keys rating — one of only a few hotels in the Netherlands to achieve this honor, reflecting exceptional luxury and service.
- Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice (2025): Featured among the Top 10 Trending European Destinations for its visitor satisfaction, local experiences, and accessibility.
2024 Rankings, Awards & Recognition
- Global “Bucket List” Ranking (2024): Amsterdam ranked 10th worldwide and #1 in Europe as a must-visit city for travelers.
- World Travel Awards (2024): Recognized as a finalist for Europe’s Leading City Destination and Cultural City Destination.
- European Green Capital Initiatives (2024): Amsterdam was highlighted for its commitment to sustainable tourism and urban mobility, maintaining its reputation as one of Europe’s greenest cities.
Amsterdam Tourism Statistics 2024 – International & Domestic Tourism
Approximately 9.5 million visitors were recorded in Amsterdam in 2024, with 7.5 million (about 79%) from international visitors and 2.0 million (about 21%) from domestic travelers.
- In 2023, Amsterdam welcomed 1.9 million domestic visitors, indicating a recovery and growth from the pandemic years.
- The COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant drop in visitor numbers. Domestic visitors fell to 870,000 in 2020, while international visitors decreased to 2.09 million. The numbers slightly improved in 2021 but remained far below pre-pandemic levels.
- 2022 and 2023 showed signs of recovery in domestic and international tourism. Domestic visits increased to 1.77 million in 2022 and 1.9 million in 2023. International visitors rose to 6.97 million in 2023.

Laws for Tourists in Amsterdam
- Tourist Restrictions: Amsterdam caps annual visitors at 20 million, with actions taken if numbers exceed 18 million.
- Cannabis Rules: Public cannabis smoking in areas like the Red Light District is banned, with violators fined €100. Coffee shops are restricted from targeting tourists.
- Nightlife & Noise: Bars and clubs have earlier closing times in some areas, and fines for disturbances like noise or littering range from €100 to €150.
- Accommodation: New hotels are banned, and the number of B&Bs in the city centre have been reduced by 30%.
- Behaviour Campaigns: Initiatives like “Stay Away” and “Stop the Madness” promote respectful tourism and discourage disruptive behaviour.
Why did Amsterdam create this law for tourists?
Amsterdam’s laws for tourists aim to balance tourism’s economic benefits with preserving the quality of life for residents and protecting the city’s cultural and environmental heritage:
- Managing Overcrowding: With millions of visitors annually, restrictions like the visitor cap help prevent overcrowding that strains infrastructure and public spaces.
- Maintaining Public Order: Rules on cannabis use, nightlife, and noise aim to reduce disturbances and ensure the city remains safe and enjoyable for locals and visitors.
- Protecting Local Life: Limits on accommodations and behaviour campaigns address issues like housing shortages, excessive commercialisation, and the disruption of residential neighbourhoods.
- Promoting Sustainable Tourism: These measures encourage responsible tourism that respects the city’s environment, culture, and community.
Explore Amsterdam’s approach to managing overtourism.
Most-Visited Attractions in Amsterdam
Canal Boats attracted 3.5 million visitors annually, offering scenic tours through Amsterdam’s iconic waterways and providing a unique perspective of the city’s historic architecture.2
- Van Gogh Museum welcomed 2.3 million visitors, showcasing the extensive works of the famous Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh and offering insights into his life and art.
- Rijksmuseum (2.1 million visitors) features a vast collection of Dutch art and history, including masterpieces from the Golden Age such as Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch.”
- Artis Zoo hosted 1.4 million visitors. The zoo provides a family-friendly experience with diverse animal exhibits and educational programs about wildlife and conservation.
- Anne Frank House (1.2 million visitors) is popular among tourists. It presents the poignant history of Anne Frank and her diary, allowing visitors to reflect on the impact of World War II and the Holocaust.
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