Amsterdam city breaks
When you think of Amsterdam, what comes to mind - canals, cyclists, great museums, cool coffeeshops and the red light district? Amsterdam is much more than a destination for stag weekends and hen parties, there is so much to do and see that Amsterdam is perfect for either a city break or a longer holiday.
If you want to immerse yourself in culture there are 44 museum to choose from, many of which are world class, or you can explore the canal ring – a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you fancy a shopping break, there are over 6,000 shops and 32 markets to browse.
Night owls will find plenty to amuse them in the city’s 1,500+ bars, cafés and clubs. While for families, there are 40 parks, a fabulous zoo in the heart of the city and, when the weather is good, a great selection of urban beaches accessible by public transport.
With Eurostar’s new direct service, you can be in the heart of Amsterdam in under 4 hours.
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Where to stay
Centrum district
Stay in the heart of Amsterdam with all the top things to do and see on your doorstep.
Leidseplein/Jordaan
For plenty of buzz and your choice of bars restaurants and shops, this is a great base in Amsterdam.
Oud West
This western part of Amsterdam has become home to upmarket shops and restaurants.
Nieuw-West
This up and coming area is great for budget travellers with a choice of affordable hotels and places to eat.
Amsterdam hotels
When to go
Amsterdam in winter
In a city with this many museums, cafes, bars and restaurants the weather is never an issue.
Spring in Amsterdam
With the tulip festival, King's day and the weather getting warmer, spring sees Amsterdam start to move outside.
Summer in Amsterdam
When the weather gets sizzling hot, Amsterdam calls for a day by the water
Autumn in Amsterdam
As the nights draw in, dance, drink and eat your way around the ‘Dam.
'Don't miss' addresses
Shopping in Amsterdam
Some of the hottest addresses for a bit of retail therapy in the Dutch capital
Amsterdam’s best bars and nightlife
The ultimate guide to Amsterdam’s best bars
Three days in Amsterdam
Not enough time and so much to see? Our pick of Amsterdam's 'Don't miss' sights.
Where to escape the cold in Amsterdam
Five ways to keep toasty warm in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam’s best (actual) coffeeshops
5 unmissable addresses for serious coffee connoisseurs.
The Van Gogh Museum
A must-visit museum in Amsterdam for any art and architecture lover.
Refuel in De Pijp
The lively student district of De Pijp is the ‘Latin Quarter’ of Amsterdam.
Five feel good addresses in Amsterdam
Get gezellig in the Dutch capital on a wellness break.
Where to eat in Amsterdam
Tuck into the best of the Dutch capital’s diverse dining scene.
The Heineken Experience
Talking about beer, drinking beer - what's not to love?
Amsterdam’s best museums and galleries
The museums and galleries for an Amsterdam culture fix
Five ethical addresses in Amsterdam
Explore Amsterdam’s greener side with vegan eats, Fairtrade fashion and mindful hangouts...
Amsterdam’s coolest rooftop bars
From gravity-defying swings to hidden pools, discover Amsterdam’s rooftop highs this summer.
Amsterdam’s top 5 urban beaches
When it comes to water, Amsterdam isn't just about canals.
Amsterdam landmarks
Some of the top sights to visit on a trip to Amsterdam.
Amsterdam - new journeys
Three Amsterdam residents: James Veenhof, designer and founder of House of Denim, Anouk van der Laan who runs design and textile company, Winter in Holland, and Peter Ong, baker and founder of Baked in Amsterdam, share their favourite address in the city that has started them each on a new and exciting personal journey.
What's on in Amsterdam
All the main events and exhibitions happening in Amsterdam over the next few months.
Rembrandt – Velázquez
They didn’t know each other but Velázquez and Rembrandt’s oeuvres shared some traits, as shown in this exhibition. Moreover, it compares 17th-century Dutch and Spanish masters (Vermeer, Hals, Ribera).
Sinterklaas Arrival Parade
Sinterklaas is coming to town! The magical boat and horse parade of the patron saint of children (looking a lot like Santa Claus), is highly anticipated by kids, who line up to receive special treats.
Winterparade
Do you like your Christmas turkey with a side of extraordinary? Head to this church and sit down at the 120-metre-long table-cum-stage, where bonkers performers roll up amongst festive dishes.
Ask a local
Dutch blogger, Anne de Buck (yourlittleblackbook.me/), shares some of her favourite addresses in Amsterdam.
Some tourists think Amsterdam is a city of sin, but in truth it is a city of freedom. And in freedom, most people find sin.
Amsterdam’s food scene
Amsterdam is awash with food trends, including vegan restaurants, Scandinavian cafés and ramen hangouts. For veggie lovers, try Betty’s – a little out of town but worth the trek (even if you’re a meat eater). Those looking for Nordic cuisine should head to Selma’s for their excellent coffee and unpronounceable lunch dishes. Umaimon is not to be missed for authentic ramen – don’t let its Leidseplein location put you off. Failing all that, stick with a Dutch classic: apple pie!
amsterdamfoodie.nl / @AmsterdamFoodie
Amsterdam’s bars and nightlife
Amsterdam's nightlife comes in every shape and sound you can imagine, and some you've probably never even heard of. Stay classy with a trip to Bubbles and Wines Champagne Bar, or go all hipster underground at the Door 74 speakeasy nearby. If you'd rather take your life and liquor cheap and cheerful, try Cafe Cuba, or Cafe Soundgarden, where cheap cocktails and beers flow respectively. After hours live music lovers flock to Melkweg, while techno heads have a smorgasbord of late night / early morning clubs to choose from – try Warehouse Elementenstraat for starters.
vickyflipfloptravels.com / @VickyFlipFlop
Spending Christmas in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is full of holiday cheer in the wintertime, with Christmas markets set up in the main squares, the Amsterdam Light Festival sculptures glowing along the canals, and plenty of other cosy activities.Head to the skating rink at Museumplein and strap on your skates for a festive spin on the ice. Then warm up from the inside with traditional Dutch treats like oliebollen and poffertjes and spiced glühwein or hot chocolate.
AwesomeAmsterdam.com / @AwesomeAMS
Autumn in Amsterdam
As the nights draw in, dance, drink and eat your way around the ‘Dam.
Christmas in Amsterdam
There's nowhere better for a fun, festive Christmas break.
New Year's Eve in Amsterdam
If you want to see the New Year in with a bang - head to Amsterdam.
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