Find your holiday
City breaks to Amsterdam are packed with museums, landmarks and easy‑going cafés, all linked by a series of scenic canals.
Venice of the North
With its network of more than 150 canals, striking architecture and long history, it’s easy to see why Amsterdam is often called the Venice of the North. Getting around is straightforward, whether you prefer walking, cycling or public transport – buses, trams, metro lines and ferries criss-cross the city, so it’s easy to move between neighbourhoods without spending too much time or money. The historic centre is where many of the main sights come together, all set along the famous canals. You’ll find independent shops, cafés and souvenir spots dotted throughout the area.
Old character, modern outlook
Amsterdam balances its historic roots with a modern, open-minded feel. The city is well known for its inclusive values and is a popular choice for LGBTQ+ travellers. At the same time, history is front and centre – key landmarks include the 17th‑century Royal Palace, which is still used by the King of the Netherlands, and the Anne Frank House, where Anne and her family hid during the Second World War. Amsterdam also has a strong artistic heritage – Rembrandt, Van Gogh and Vermeer all lived and worked here, and many of their paintings can be seen in the city’s museums today.
Amsterdam highlights
ARTS AND CULTURE
From laidback café culture and independent boutiques to the Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam is a city where art and everyday life naturally sit side by side.
INCLUSIVE HISTORY
Amsterdam’s open-minded reputation goes back a long way – homosexuality was decriminalised in the Netherlands in the 19th century, and same‑sex marriage has been legal here since 2001.
A CITY FOR EVERY SEASON
From Christmas markets in winter and golden tree-lined streets in autumn to tulips in spring and paddle-boarding down the canals in summer.
ICONIC NIGHTLIFE
Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein are your go-to areas for bars and clubs, and the festival calendar runs all year round here – there’s Pride, Amsterdam Dance Event and Mysteryland.
Your guide to Amsterdam
Sightseeing
Get to the heart and heritage of Amsterdam at these must-see spots.
The Canal Ring (Grachtengordel) – Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canals are straight out of a postcard. Hop on a boat tour to see the city from the water or rent a bike and cruise the cobbled streets like a local.
The Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum – Art lovers are in for a treat. The Rijksmuseum is stocked with Rembrandts and Vermeers, while the Van Gogh Museum is a deep dive into the painter’s wild and colourful world.
Anne Frank House – Step inside the hidden annexe where Anne Frank wrote her diary.
Royal Palace & Dam Square – Explore the city’s royal roots at this 17th-century palace, right in the centre of town. Or, get a picture by the National Monument and watch the street performers.
Adventure activities
Amsterdam is packed with ways to get out and explore – cycle the streets, paddle along the canals or head up high for rooftop activities.
Canal kayaking – See the city from a totally different angle by kayaking through its winding waterways.
A’DAM Lookout swing – Europe’s highest swing – you’ll swing out over the edge of a 20-storey building with panoramic views of the skyline and river below.
Urban zipline (seasonal) – When it's on, this temporary zipline down the Olympic Stadium is a thrilling ride.
Cycle the countryside – Hop on a bike and head out of the city to find windmills, tulip fields (in spring) and classic Dutch villages like Zaanse Schans.
Local life
These cultural gems are at the core of what Amsterdam city breaks are all about.
Albert Cuyp Market – This lively street market is your go-to for local eats, vintage clothes and Dutch treats like stroopwafels fresh off the grill.
Brown cafés – These traditional Dutch pubs are cosy, candlelit and full of history.
King’s Day, 27th April – The whole country turns orange for this one-day celebration to commemorate King Willem-Alexander’s birthday. Expect boat parties, open-air DJ sets and spontaneous street raves.
Ajax Stadium Tour – Football’s a big deal in Amsterdam, and this is where the magic happens. Whether you’re a huge fan or just curious, a behind-the-scenes tour of the home of AFC Ajax is a must. Walk through the players’ tunnel, check out the trophy cabinet and snap a picture pitch-side.
Why couples love Amsterdam
Golden hour on the canals, boutique hotels and candlelit dinners – Amsterdam has plenty to enjoy on a romantic getaway.
Canal strolls and boat rides – Whether you're cruising at sunset with a glass of wine or walking hand-in-hand across the bridges, the canals offer the ideal backdrop for a date night.
Chic stays – Amsterdam’s boutique hotels are about style and comfort. Look out for canal houses-turned-hotels with luxury interiors and rooftop views.
Culture and cosy cafés – Hit the museums by day, then share a slice of Dutch apple pie in a hidden courtyard café by night. Or, take a wine and cheese tasting together and call it a date.
Why families love Amsterdam
Easy to get around and packed with parks and museums – Amsterdam’s a win for all ages.
NEMO Science Museum – Hands-on fun for kids and grown-ups, with giant bubbles and DIY experiments.
Vondelpark – The city’s biggest park is perfect for bike rides, playground trips and lazy picnics. In summer, there's even a free open-air theatre.
Canal cruises – Float past famous landmarks while learning fun facts along the way. Some tours are kid-focused with treasure hunts on board.
Why groups love Amsterdam
Amsterdam combines culture and nightlife for the perfect city break with friends.
Range of nightlife options – From classy rooftop bars to wild clubs in old warehouses, you’ll find a variety of places for a night out. Leidseplein or Rembrandtplein are great areas to start.
Canal party boats – Bring your own drinks and music and enjoy a private boat cruise through the canals. A popular option for birthday trips, hen parties and stag weekends, though prices can rise at peak times.
Brewery tours and beer halls – The Heineken Experience is the classic, but smaller craft breweries like Brouwerij 't IJ are found in more unique settings like a former bath house under a windmill.
Why LGBTQ+ travellers love Amsterdam
Amsterdam has a long-standing track record of supporting LGBTQ+ rights, which helps make the city feel welcoming and easy to visit.
Welcoming atmosphere – Amsterdam isn’t just tolerant – it’s proud. The city has been a queer-friendly destination for decades, and it shows in everything from rainbow street crossings to gender-inclusive public spaces.
Reguliersdwarsstraat – This legendary nightlife strip is packed with queer bars and clubs, like Soho, Club NYX and Taboo. Whether you’re into drag shows, dancefloors or cocktails with a view, it’s all here.
Pride Amsterdam, late July-early August – One of the world’s most vibrant Pride events, with boat parades along the canals, open-air parties and cultural events across the city.
LGBTQ+ culture – Check out the Homomonument – the world’s first memorial to the LGBTQ+ community – and pop into IHLIA, the city’s LGBTQ+ archive and library inside the Public Library.
Why solo travellers love Amsterdam
Safe, scenic and easy to navigate – Amsterdam is ideal for solo travelling.
Everything’s close together – Amsterdam is compact, so you can walk or cycle just about anywhere. You don’t need to rely on public transport, so it’s ideal for solo exploring.
Hostel and co-living culture – Social stays like The Social Hub are full of fellow solo travellers – perfect for meeting new people over dinner or drinks.
Museums and relaxed cafés – You can wander at your own pace through the many museums, then relax with a book and a coffee in one of the city’s cosy cafés, or in the park if it’s nice and sunny.
Popular parks
These parks offer plenty of green space and sweeping city views – ideal for a slower, more relaxed afternoon.
Vondelpark – The city’s biggest and best-loved park, full of shady trees, open lawns and little cafés. Perfect for a slow morning or picnic stop.
Westerpark – A cool mix of nature and culture, with food trucks, art installations and weekend markets.
Sarphatipark – Smaller, quieter and ideal for a peaceful hour away from the city centre.
Best parks for activities
These green spots are made for active days out.
Amsterdamse Bos – A huge woodland just outside the city, with bike paths, canoeing lakes, and even a goat farm where you can pet the animals and eat cheese.
Oosterpark – Joggers, dog walkers and football games – this park’s full of local life. There are often live music and food events here in summer.
Rembrandtpark – Great for rollerblading, cycling and family fun. There’s also a city farm with goats and pigs.
Cycling experiences
When you’re in Amsterdam, the easiest way to get around is to follow the locals’ lead – hop on a bike and cycle everywhere.
Bike the canal belt – Cruise over pretty bridges, past leaning houses and along the tree-lined canals. It’s easy, scenic and impressive at sunset.
Vondelpark loop – A local favourite for a leisurely ride, especially in spring and summer. Bring snacks and stop for a mid-ride coffee at one of the park cafés.
Countryside routes – If you want to escape the city buzz, pedal out to the Waterland region – it’s got flat landscapes, pretty villages and grazing cows.
Easy train trips
These destinations are all less than an hour away – ideal for a day of exploring with less stress.
Zaanse Schans – A Dutch vision of windmills, clogs and cheese. Just 20 minutes away by train, this open-air museum-style village is full of history.
Haarlem – A mini-Amsterdam with cobbled streets, cosy cafés and a relaxed atmosphere. Visit the Frans Hals Museum, climb the church tower or shop the local boutiques.
Utrecht – With canals that sit below street level and a lively student energy, Utrecht’s creative scene is worth a wander. Grab a terrace table by the water for lunch.
Alkmaar – Famous for its traditional cheese market from April to September, but also great for canal cruises and quiet strolls through historic streets.
Nature and countryside
Get away from the city for a change of pace – with open green spaces, windmills and those wide Dutch skies.
Giethoorn – This car-free village is full of canals, thatched cottages and tiny wooden bridges. Rent a whisper boat and float your way through.
Waterland and Marken – Cycle or take the bus to this nearby region of peaceful villages, meadows and lakes.
National Park Zuid-Kennemerland – A coastal nature reserve just outside Haarlem, with sand dunes, wild ponies and forest trails. Great for hiking, cycling or beach walks.
Cultural and city escapes
If you’re looking for more museums, markets and a modern city feel, these spots are a good place to start.
The Hague (Den Haag) – Politics meets beach town. Visit the Dutch Parliament, tour world-class museums like the Mauritshuis, or head to the sea at Scheveningen.
Rotterdam – Bold architecture, edgy art and a totally different atmosphere from Amsterdam. Don’t miss the Cube Houses or the Markthal for food and photos.
Delft – Famous for its blue-and-white ceramics and old-world charm. It’s like stepping into a postcard, with canals and church towers.
Local dishes
Amsterdam classics are hearty, homey and perfect for fuelling your city exploring.
Stroopwafels – Two thin waffles filled with caramel syrup. Try one hot and gooey from a market stall.
Bitterballen – Deep-fried beef bites served with mustard. They’re the ultimate beer snack.
Haring – This unique Dutch classic consists of raw herring served with pickles and onions.
Poffertjes – Mini pancakes dusted with powdered sugar and butter.
Dutch cheese – Gouda, Edam, Leerdammer – there's a cheese for everyone in Amsterdam. Try a tasting session or pop into a cheese shop for samples.
Local drinks
When visiting Amsterdam you should try these classic drinks.
Jenever – A juniper-flavoured spirit that’s like gin. It’s traditionally sipped from a tulip glass.
Local craft beer – Amsterdam’s full of independent breweries serving everything from IPAs to saisons (a pale Belgian-style ale). Brouwerij Troost and Oedipus Brewing are top options.
Café culture – Flat whites, fresh pastries and stylish interiors come as standard here – just don’t confuse them with Amsterdam’s ‘coffeeshops’, which are something different altogether.
Fresh mint tea – You’ll see this on every menu – fresh mint leaves in hot water, often with honey on the side.
Types of cuisine
Beyond stroopwafels and cheese, Amsterdam’s food scene has plenty more going on.
Indonesian rijsttafel – A must-try culinary legend from Dutch colonial history. It’s a full spread of small, flavour-packed Indonesian dishes.
Street food at Foodhallen – An indoor food market in a converted tram depot – you’ll find everything here from dim sum and bao buns to tacos, burgers and local beer all under one roof.
Surinamese and Caribbean cuisine – Amsterdam’s multicultural roots shine through here. Try roti rolls, peanut soup or spicy chicken from a Surinamese takeout spot.
Michelin moments – If you want to go all-out, the city’s home to multiple Michelin-starred restaurants like Ciel Bleu and Restaurant 212.
Nightlife
Whether you want DJs, dive bars or an all-night dance session, Amsterdam has plenty of spots to enjoy after dark.
Paradiso – A church-turned-concert venue hosting everything from indie gigs to big-name DJs.
Pllek – This beach spot in North Amsterdam is made from shipping containers and has a a laidback feel to it with live music, fireside drinks and city views included.
Bar Botanique – Stylish interiors, tropical cocktails and a fun crowd – perfect for pre-drinks or a more laidback night out.
Bike
Amsterdam is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world. Locals cycle everywhere, and the city is flat with dedicated bike lanes. Rent a bike from shops like MacBike, Black Bikes or other local rentals. Only rent a bike if you’re confident cycling in busy traffic, and be sure to follow the rules and signal turns – and remember to never walk in the bike lanes.
Walk
The city centre is compact, and walking lets you soak up the charm of the canals, bridges and narrow streets. Plan neighbourhoods by foot – explore the Jordaan, the Nine Streets, or Museumplein at a leisurely pace. Wear comfy shoes and watch out for cyclists when crossing streets.
Tram
Public transport is efficient, clean and covers most of the city, especially if you’re heading further out. Use the GVB (city transport) system – get a single-use ticket, a day pass or load an OV-chipkaart for multiple rides. Trams are the easiest for tourists in the centre, but metros help if you’re heading to the suburbs or Noord. You can download the GVB app for schedules.
Boat or ferry
Canal cruises offer a unique, scenic perspective. Book a classic canal boat tour, evening dinner cruise, or rent a small electric boat. The free ferry from behind Amsterdam Centraal takes you to Amsterdam Noord, which is ideal if you’re on a budget.
Taxi
For late-night trips or when carrying plenty of luggage, a taxi or Uber can be the easiest option. Taxis can be pricey and sometimes hard to hail on the street, so it’s usually better to call one or use Uber or Bolt. Most locals don’t use taxis often because public transport and bikes are cheaper and faster.
Why we love Amsterdam
Here are some top tips from our team
Expert recommendation
“If you’re visiting in summer, a really cute event is ARTIS Summer Nights, held at the ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo every Saturday in June, July and August. The zoo stays open late to host live music performances on the bandstand, and you can bring your own alcohol and picnic. Then, for a treat-yourself dinner, the riverside vibes at Hotel de Goudfazant are fantastic.” – Lily Owen
Non-touristy activities
Instead of hopping on a canal boat cruise, take to the waters yourself on a paddleboard. SUP SUP CLUB make it easy, with paddleboards stored in self-service lockers. Book your SUP online, and you’ll get sent instructions about how to unlock your board, paddle and waterproof phone case, then you can store any other valuables in your SUP 2 GO locker while you explore.
Free things to do
For Amsterdam holidays in summer, Vondelpark is a beautiful green space for walking, running and cycling – there are even free festivals and open-air theatre performances. Then in winter, you can escape into the Open Space Contemporary Art Museum (OSCAM) for free, too.
Amsterdam FAQs
Amsterdam can be done on a range of budgets. You can find everything from luxury hotels to affordable hostels, fancy restaurants to street food stalls, and free or cheap activities like walking tours, markets and parks. A mid-range traveller might budget €100–150 per day, but you can probably manage on €60-80 if you’re looking to do it cheaper.
You can easily skip coffeeshops and the Red Light District if they’re not your thing – they only make up a small part of the city. If you are curious, both are generally safe, well‑managed and set up for visitors, though evenings tend to be busier with a livelier, more crowded atmosphere.
The fastest and most convenient option is the direct train from Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal, which takes about 15-20 minutes. Taxis are available but more expensive, while shuttle buses and rideshares can be a good option depending on your luggage and group size.
Amsterdam has many family-friendly museums, like NEMO Science Museum and the Maritime Museum, parks, canal boat rides and bike tours. Many restaurants welcome children, and the city’s compact size makes it easy to navigate with kids.
Absolutely – from late March to early May, you can visit the Keukenhof Gardens (about 40 minutes away) or the nearby flower fields. Join an organised tour, rent a bike in the area or take a train and local bus for a DIY adventure.
Venture beyond the central canal belt to see a more authentic side to Amsterdam. Explore neighbourhoods like De Pijp, Jordaan or Amsterdam Noord for local cafés, markets and parks. Skip overpriced souvenir shops and seek out independent stores, local breweries and street markets for a more authentic experience.
Amsterdam’s nightlife is diverse – with everything from late-night bars and canal-side cocktail spots to legendary clubs that go ‘til sunrise. Whether you're into live music, rooftop views or full-on raves, there's a scene and neighbourhood for everyone.
Amsterdam is vegan-friendly. Check out Vegan Junk Food Bar, Meatless District, or Mr.Watson for creative plant-based dishes. Many cafés offer oat or soy milk, and there are plenty of vegan bakeries and street food spots, too.
Amsterdam is like any big city, stay aware of your surroundings, and if you’re heading back from a club or party, travel back with your friends or take an Uber or tram. But generally, it’s considered a safe city by solo, female and LGBTQ+ travellers.
Yes, most cafés, restaurants and public spaces offer free Wi-Fi, and many shops and hotels have reliable connections. For quick and easy mobile data, get an eSIM or local SIM card if your plan doesn’t cover EU roaming.
Amsterdam is one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the world. You’ll find inclusive spaces, bars and events all over the city, especially around Reguliersdwarsstraat. Pride Amsterdam in summer is huge, but the city is welcoming and safe for LGBTQ+ visitors all year round.
Dutch is the official language of the Netherlands, but don’t worry – English is widely spoken in Amsterdam, especially in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants and museums. In smaller shops or local markets, a few Dutch words can go a long way, and locals generally appreciate the effort.
Tipping in Amsterdam is not mandatory but it’s appreciated. In restaurants and cafés, rounding up the bill or leaving about 5-10% for good service is common. For taxi drivers and tour guides, small tips are welcome if you’re happy with the service, but it’s never obligatory.
Amsterdam is very casual and laidback when it comes to fashion. Jeans, trainers and practical clothes work just fine for most outings. If you’re visiting fancy restaurants or the opera, a smart-casual look is a good idea. When visiting churches or religious sites, modest clothing (covered shoulders, no hats) is appreciated, but there are no strict rules.
Tap water in Amsterdam is among the cleanest and safest in Europe, so you can refill your bottle straight from the tap. Bottled water is obviously widely available, but not necessary.
Amsterdam uses the euro, making it easy if you’re already travelling through Europe. You’ll find banks, ATMs and currency exchange offices throughout the city, especially in tourist-heavy areas. ATMs generally offer good rates, and credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops.
Apple Pay, Google Pay and contactless credit/debit cards are commonly accepted, especially by major shops, public transport and restaurants. However, some small local cafés, street vendors or market stalls may prefer cash or debit cards, so it’s smart to carry a bit of cash just in case.
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