Amsterdam city breaks

Made up of shimmering canals interlinked with white drawbridges, you’ll find beauty in the townhouses and open green spaces of Amsterdam. Soak up the atmosphere in the lively squares and stack up the pancakes in a cosy café. It’s a glowing city all lit up at night, too.

Amsterdam City Breaks: Things to Do

Amsterdam City Breaks , Dam Square, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Canals lined with culture

Just two metres above sea level, the Dutch capital is a picturesque labyrinth of Gothic buildings and canals just waiting to be explored. Whether you peruse the attractions on bike or foot, you will be taken aback by the diverse range of sights that leave most visitors eager to return.

A trip back in time

Soak up the history of a time-gone-by as you meander through the maze of Amsterdam. With over 100 museums to choose from, following in the footsteps of Amsterdam’s famous is as easy as can be. Whether you’re a fan of film or inspired by science, this is the city to learn about it!

Discover nature

Synonymous with Amsterdam itself, tulips are world-renowned for their link to Holland. Naturally this means you’ll find this bold bloom sprouting up all over the city. From the bold beds in the city centre, to the pretty parks that sit on the outskirts, you won’t go far in Amsterdam without finding these flowers!

No.15 – TripAdvisor’s Top 25 Destinations

All eyes on Amsterdam! The Dutch capital is popular with cyclists, museum-goers and foodies, so it’s scooped number 15 in TripAdvisor’s Top 25 Destinations in Europe.

Amstel Botel Hotel

Amsterdam City, Amsterdam

Our rating

Based on 2067 reviews

Complimentary ferry connection to Centraal Station
Floating hotel
4km from De Wallen
Located in the trendy NDSM Shipyard
Great for stag and hens

Estherea Hotel Amsterdam

Amsterdam City, Amsterdam

Our rating

Based on 4269 reviews

Beautiful, historic building
150m from the nearest tram stop
500m from Dam Square
1.5km from Rijksmuseum
800m from Anne Frank House

Die Port Van Cleve

Amsterdam City, Amsterdam

Our rating

Based on 2049 reviews

Great for shopping
200m from Dam Square
50m from the nearest tram stop
Authentic Dutch bar on-site
Traditional style

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Albert Cuyp Market

Amsterdam

Try some traditional Dutch street food, like delicious, caramel-filled stroopwafel at the Albert Cuyp Market, a vibrant daily street market, in multicultural De Pijp. Look behind the stalls filled with fresh...

Amsterdam Museum

Amsterdam

Visit the Amsterdam Museum, located in the old city orphanage, to discover the interesting history of this vibrant, historic city. The huge exhibition follows a timeline from the Middles Ages to the present...

Anne Frank House

Amsterdam

A moving but must-see experience is a visit to Anne Frank House. It’s hard to imagine what life was like hiding from the Nazis in the family’s Secret Annex but the collection of audio clips, photographs and...

Language

Dutch

Currency

Euro

Time difference

+1hr

Cost of a beer

£4 / €4.50

24-hour public transport pass

£29.50 / €33.10

Three course meal

£53 / €59.40

Sightseeing

Amsterdam is bursting at the seams with magnificent museums, amazing architecture and historical gems. Head to Dam Square in the hub of the city and you’ll be spoilt with 360-degree views of the sights on offer. Feeling cultural? Why not spend the day ticking the top attractions off your to-see list.

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Eating and drinking

Did someone say pancakes? Whether you enjoy them stacked and drizzled or rolled and filled, Amsterdam’s got these sweet treats covered. Prefer something savoury? Pizza fiends can grab a slice of the action at one of the stands! While in town, make sure you check out the cheese shops.

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Shopping

Visit Dam Square to pick up authentic souvenirs, like colourfully decorated wooden clogs. The Nine Streets in the canal district is excellent for vintage stores and home to boutique designers putting their own spin on Dutch fashion. Kalverstraat is the main thoroughfare, where you’ll find high-street faves such as Urban Outfitters and Zara.

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Getting around

Amsterdam is famed for being very flat, making bike hire a joyful way to see the sights. There’s also an excellent tram and metro system, and you can take advantage of special chipkaarts (chip cards) for timed travel. Probably the best way to get around Amsterdam, however, is still by foot.

01 July – 31 August 2018 – Robeco Summer Nights

Summer Nights series is an integral part of Amsterdam's summer cultural calendar pushing the boundaries with classical concerts, swinging jazz and lively pop offerings.

24-26 August 2018 – Mysteryland

With fairy-tale surroundings, open fields and intimate spaces, Mysteryland has built a reputation as one of the most unique dance festival locations in the world.

07-08 September 2018 – Heritage Days

For a few days in September, the doors are open to some of the city’s most important buildings, monuments and private homes. And best of all, it’s free of charge.

18 – 27 October 2018 – Cello Biënnale Amsterdam

Say ‘cello’ to a music event with a difference! Held every two years and spanning over ten days, Cello Biënnale Amsterdam is the world’s largest cello festival. Stay tuned fellow cello fans, these international musicians are not to be missed.

26-28 October 2018 – Bokbier Festival

This annual beer festival allows you to sample over fifty varieties of beer. Not only that, there's loads of live music to add to the party atmosphere.

30 November 2018 – 21 January 2019 – Amsterdam Light Festival

This spectacular showing of light and sculpture transforms Amsterdam into a dazzling carnival of colour every evening. Take the Illuminade walking route by light installations created by famed artists, or ride the Water Colours route on the River Amstel.

December 2018 – Christmas markets

The main markets are located at either end of the Leidsestraat, but with over 26 markets areas to choose from, you can take your pick! The ice rink and food stands are usually at Leidseplein until early January.

21 March – 19 May 2019 – Keukenhof Gardens

Watch as the world’s largest flower garden bursts into a kaleidoscope of vibrant colours. A unique way to say hello to spring that has to be seen to be believed. Don’t forget your camera!

08-14 April 2019 – Museum Week

For one week each year, museums around the Netherlands put on a programme of unique events for a reduced price. Amsterdam’s the place to be with almost 20 of its museums taking part, including the sensational Science Center NEMO.

Please note, the event dates above are just a guide and could be subject to change.

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Leeds Bradford

No flights
Summer only
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All year round

*Flight guide dates subject to change.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam city breaks