Amsterdam is a vibrant Dutch city known for its picturesque canals, narrow gabled houses, lively cycling culture, and remarkable museum scene.
The city blends centuries of history with a modern creative spirit, offering visitors charming neighborhoods, bustling cafes, waterfront scenery, and cultural landmarks at nearly every turn.
Travel to Amsterdam
By air, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has direct flight connections to a wide variety of cities. The airport has a railway station below the terminal, with train connections into Amsterdam.
By rail, Amsterdam is reachable by international train services from many European cities. Major Amsterdam rail and public-transport stations include Amsterdam Centraal, Amsterdam Zuid, and Amsterdam Amstel.
Getting around
GVB is Amsterdam’s public transport operator, running metro, tram, bus, and ferry services; its visitor information covers current ticket options and practical travel advice. Walking and cycling are also common ways to get around the city, especially for shorter trips.
For public-transport tickets, visitors can use OVpay with a payment card without downloading an app: check in and out with a debit card, credit card, mobile phone, or smartwatch, using the same card or device each time. Visitors who prefer a day ticket can buy one in the GVB travel app.
CAV 2027 takes place at KIT, formerly the Royal Tropical Institute, beside Oosterpark and east of Amsterdam’s city center. The venue can be reached by public transport within Amsterdam. For venue-specific directions, see the Venue page.
Museums and city life
Amsterdam’s museum scene is one of the city’s main draws. It includes the world-renowned Rijksmuseum, home to masterpieces by Dutch Golden Age painters such as Rembrandt and Vermeer. Art lovers also flock to the Van Gogh Museum, which holds the largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh and provides a deeply personal look into his life and artistic evolution.
One of the city’s most moving historical landmarks is the Anne Frank House, where visitors can explore the secret annex in which Anne Frank and her family hid during the Second World War.
Beyond its famous attractions, Amsterdam offers vibrant street markets, cozy canal cruises, diverse international cuisine, and an atmosphere that feels both relaxed and culturally rich.