Amsterdam city guide for business travelers

Are you traveling to Amsterdam on a business trip? Not sure the best way to get around, what to eat, or where to visit in your free time? Then you’ve come to the right place. This Amsterdam city guide is for those intrepid business travelers that want to be sure they have the must-know information to make the best of their trips. Keep reading to get the insider tips and tricks.

How to get around Amsterdam

Most likely if you’re visiting Amsterdam, you’re either arriving by flight or by train. If you’re already in a nearby country like Belgium or Northwestern Germany, then you might also arrive by car. The Schipol airport is conveniently located just 15 or 20 minutes by train to the city center. Trains leave regularly and are a great way to get to and from the airport. The Amsterdam Centraal Station, as the name suggests, is located in the most central point of Amsterdam, making arriving and departing via train super convenient for business travelers.

Once in Amsterdam, you can move around the city by foot, bike, or by the GVB system, which is made up of trams, buses, metros and ferries. As one of Europe’s most walkable cities, walking is a great option to get around. Trams are by far the most popular and convenient way to get around the city if you need to move in a greater radius or are restricted on time. They not only run frequently, but will also take you to the major sites and places like Centraal Station. When a tram is not available, buses are also a great option. 

Where to stay

Zuidas business district

If you’re traveling for business, chances are you’ll want to stay in the Zuidas business district. A hub with an international vibe that is strategically located to the south of the city center, just 8 minutes from Amsterdam Schiphol airport. 

Canal district

If you’re looking for a picturesque area right out of a postcard, then the Canal District or Grachtengordel is the place to stay. It’s centrally located, beautiful and is oh-so-Amsterdam. Of course, you will have to battle with the hoards of tourists to get into your hotel room and pay premium prices as well. 

Jordaan district

The Jordaan area is adjacent to the Canal District, and a great option away from the over touristy De Dam area, and just outside the Canal District. It’s also a good idea for business travelers to be in the heart of the city so when the busy business day ends, you can get city vibes without going far from your hotel. 

Top business industries in Amsterdam

This European business capital is a hub for big international companies like Booking.com, Netflix, Uber, Microsoft and Google. It is a huge market for professional and business services for the following industries: 

• Technology and AI
• Professional and business services
• Finance and Financial technology
• Logistics and transport
• Tourism and hospitality 
• Creative industries

Start by wandering around the Nine Streets (named after its nine narrow streets) and located at the edge of the canal ring. Here you will also find the Herengracht canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From here, head to the Jordaan neighborhood, a picturesque local neighborhood that’s great for wandering around. If you have time and feel like checking out two popular museums in the area, the Amsterdam Tulip Museum and the Amsterdam Cheese Museum. 

From there head to the Floating Flower Market (season permitting – summer is the season). No trip to Amsterdam would be complete without stopping for a stroopwafel and other delicious Dutch snacks on your way. Then it’s time for a visit to a museum. In one day, you won’t have time to see all the wonderful museums Amsterdam has to offer, but you can choose from: 

• The Anne Frank House
• Rijksmuseum – home to Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh
• The Van Gogh Museum

Then navigate to Damrak Waterfront where you will get a great picturesque view of some of Amsterdam’s most picturesque and instagrammable sites alongside the Damrak canal. If you have time, you may consider taking a cruise down the canals as well.