Why Amsterdam is a Must-Visit for Soccer Fans
Amsterdam isn’t just the city of Ajax—it’s the capital of the Netherlands, a place where history, culture, and football blend seamlessly. The city’s famous canal belt, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site¹, reflects centuries of innovation and trade, while landmarks like the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum showcase its artistic heritage. Beyond its cultural appeal, Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most accessible cities. Schiphol Airport offers direct connections worldwide, thanks to an efficient public transport network. Ready to explore what the Ultimate Amsterdam Soccer Travel Guide has more to offer? Let’s go.
But make no mistake—football is at the core of Amsterdam’s identity. This is the city where Total Football was born, where Johan Cruijff revolutionized the game, and where Ajax built one of the most successful youth academies in the world. Walk through Amsterdam, and you’ll see murals dedicated to Dutch football legends, sports bars packed with fans on matchdays, and stadium tours that bring you closer to the city’s footballing soul. Whether you’re here to experience a live match, dive into the rich history of Ajax, or simply soak up the atmosphere, Amsterdam delivers a football trip that seamlessly bridges the past, present, and future of the beautiful game. And we want you to find out everything you need to know about Amsterdam.
Hotel tips near Johan Cruijff Arena: Hampton by Hilton and Holiday Inn Express.
Amsterdam’s Landmarks – A City of Football and History
We’ve walked these streets, explored its hidden corners, and witnessed firsthand how football and city life blend seamlessly. Whether you’re soaking in the atmosphere of Dam Square, cruising through the UNESCO-listed canals, or standing inside a legendary stadium, Amsterdam has a way of making every visit special.
The Must-See Landmarks of Amsterdam
Every visit to Amsterdam should start with its most famous landmarks. We’ve done some of these ourselves, and trust us—they’re absolutely worth it.
- The Canals of Amsterdam – Seeing the UNESCO-listed canal belt from the streets is one thing, but experiencing it from the water is something else. We took a canal cruise, and it’s the perfect way to take in the city’s beauty—especially at sunset.
- Dam Square – The beating heart of Amsterdam. Standing here, surrounded by the Royal Palace and the National Monument, you can feel the city’s history come to life.
- The Jordaan – We’ve strolled through this neighborhood multiple times, and every time, it surprises us. It’s full of cozy cafés, hidden courtyards, and an authentic Amsterdam atmosphere that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Amsterdam’s Football Landmarks: Where History Meets the Beautiful Game
Of course, we didn’t just come for the history—we came for the football. Amsterdam is a city where football is everywhere, from the murals on the streets to the stadiums that shaped legends. Here are the spots every fan needs to visit:
- Johan Cruijff ArenA – We’ve been here, and nothing compares to the feeling of walking into this stadium on matchday. Whether it’s a league match or a Champions League night, the atmosphere is unforgettable.
- Betondorp & Watergraafsmeer – Johan Cruijff grew up in Betondorp, just across from Watergraafsmeer, where Ajax’s legendary De Meer Stadium once stood.
- Olympisch Stadion – We’ve stood inside this historic stadium, which hosted the 1928 Olympics and remains an iconic part of Dutch football history. Even though Ajax moved to De Meer and later the ArenA, this place is still worth visiting for any football fan.
- Football Murals in De Pijp – Amsterdam’s love for football isn’t just in stadiums—it’s in the streets. Head to De Pijp to see some of the best football murals, celebrating Ajax legends.
- Cafe Johan & Other Football Pubs – We’ve had drinks in some of Amsterdam’s best football cafés, where fans gather to relive Ajax’s biggest moments. If you want to experience real football culture, this is where you go.
Football in Amsterdam isn’t just something you watch—it’s something you feel. That’s why we put together the Amsterdam Football Bucket List, filled with must-do experiences for every football fan.
AFC Ajax – The Club That Put Amsterdam on the Football Map
If you still consider to visit Amsterdam, you have to visit AFC Ajax. So in this Ultimate Amsterdam Soccer Travel Guide we have to dive a little deeper in this historic club. Few clubs in the world are as synonymous with their city as Ajax is with Amsterdam. Founded in 1900, the club has grown into one of the most successful and influential teams in European football. Ajax is more than just a football club—it’s a football philosophy, shaping the way the game is played worldwide.
AFC Ajax Today: A Club That Continues to Defy Expectations
Even in today’s football landscape, where financial powerhouses dominate, Ajax continues to punch above its weight. The club’s remarkable Champions League run in 2018-19, where they defeated Real Madrid and Juventus en route to the semi-finals, was a reminder that Ajax’s footballing DNA is alive and well ². Much of this success can be credited to the Johan Cruijff Plan, a strategic restructuring in the early 2010s designed to keep Ajax competitive while staying true to its philosophy.
Ajax remains a powerhouse in developing world-class talent, with its youth academy, De Toekomst, producing stars like Dennis Bergkamp, Clarence Seedorf, Patrick Kluivert, Wesley Sneijder, and more recently Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt ³. Watching Ajax play today is still a masterclass in technical brilliance, tactical intelligence, and attacking football. Whether you’re attending a match at the Johan Cruijff ArenA or discussing Ajax’s latest wonderkid in a football café, the club remains at the heart of Amsterdam’s football culture.
Total Football and the Golden Era
Ajax’s influence on football goes far beyond the present—it revolutionized the game in the 1970s with Total Football, a tactical system where players seamlessly switch positions, creating a fluid and attacking style of play. Under Rinus Michels and later Johan Cruijff, Ajax dominated Europe, winning three consecutive European Cups (1971, 1972, 1973)—a feat only a handful of clubs have ever matched ³.
Cruijff later brought this philosophy to FC Barcelona, where it became the foundation of tiki-taka football, shaping Spanish dominance in the 2000s. His legacy lives on in Ajax’s playing style, its youth academy, and even in the very name of the stadium—Johan Cruijff ArenA. The influence of this golden era is still visible throughout Amsterdam, from the murals in De Pijp to the way young kids play on the streets.
From its glorious past to its modern resurgence, Ajax remains the beating heart of football in Amsterdam. No trip to the city is complete without experiencing the club in some way, whether that’s watching a game, taking a stadium tour, or simply soaking in the atmosphere in an Ajax-packed sports bar.
Getting to Amsterdam: The Best Ways to Travel
We think you are convinced by now, so let’s start about heading to Amsterdam. Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most well-connected cities, making it easy to reach whether you’re flying, driving, or taking the train. If you’re coming from abroad, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) is your gateway to the city. From the airport, you can reach the center in just 15-20 minutes by taking a direct train to Amsterdam Centraal Station. Alternatively, taxis, Ubers, and airport shuttles are available, though they come at a higher price. For a budget-friendly option, the Amsterdam Airport Express (Bus 397) runs frequently and takes you to key locations like Museumplein and Leidseplein, making it a convenient choice for visitors.
For those driving to Amsterdam, parking in the city center can be expensive and limited. A smarter option is to park outside the city in a P+R (Park and Ride) facility such as Amsterdam Arena P+R or Sloterdijk P+R, where you can park cheaply and take public transport into the center. If you’re traveling from another Dutch or European city, Amsterdam Centraal Station is your best entry point. High-speed trains like the Thalys from Paris, Brussels, and London, as well as the ICE from Germany, make reaching Amsterdam by rail fast and comfortable. Once you arrive, the city’s extensive public transport with trams, buses, ferries, and metro lines ensure that getting around is seamless. The Ultimate Amsterdam Soccer Travel Guide will help you navigate the city with ease.
Where to Stay in Amsterdam: Finding the Perfect Accommodation
Choosing the right accommodation in Amsterdam depends on your budget and how close you want to be to the football action. If you’re here to experience Ajax at Johan Cruyff Arena, staying in Amsterdam-Zuidoost is a smart choice. This area offers a mix of mid-range hotels like Jaz Amsterdam, which is just a stone’s throw from the stadium, making it ideal for matchday convenience. With easy metro connections to the city center, you can explore Amsterdam’s historic landmarks while staying close to the football buzz. For those looking for a more authentic Amsterdam experience, neighborhoods like De Pijp and Oud-West offer boutique hotels and stylish apartments, placing you near the city’s best cafés, bars, and nightlife.
If you want to live like a football star, Amsterdam has plenty of luxury options. Five-star hotels like W Amsterdam and De L’Europe provide high-end comfort in the heart of the city, where footballers and celebrities often stay. On the other hand, budget-conscious travelers can find great hostels and affordable hotels in areas like Amsterdam-Noord and Jordaan, where you’ll be close to vibrant local culture without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking for matchday convenience, luxury, or a budget-friendly stay, the Ultimate Amsterdam Soccer Travel Guide ensures you’ll find the perfect place to rest after an action-packed day.
Hotel tips near the city centre: Hotel Wiechmann and Hotel Highlander.
Getting Around Amsterdam: Public Transport and Sightseeing Options
Exploring Amsterdam is effortless thanks to its efficient public transport system. The city’s trams, buses, metros, and ferries, operated by GVB, connect all major districts, including Johan Cruyff Arena and key tourist spots. A GVB day pass allows unlimited travel, making it the best option for visitors. If you prefer a more scenic way to explore, the hop-on-hop-off bus and boat tours provide a relaxed experience, stopping at must-see landmarks like the Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House, and the Heineken Experience. Whether you’re heading to a football match or cruising along the canals, getting around Amsterdam is as smooth as Ajax’s tiki-taka football. And if you love cycling as we do, you can also rent a bike on many places. An absolute must for you, if the weather is nice.
Enjoy Your Ultimate Amsterdam Soccer Trip!
We hope this Ultimate Amsterdam Soccer Travel Guide has given you everything you need to plan an unforgettable football weekend. Whether you’re soaking in the atmosphere at Johan Cruyff Arena, exploring the city’s rich football history, or celebrating in one of Amsterdam’s legendary nightlife spots, this guide ensures you won’t miss a thing.
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