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City break holidays to Amsterdam are rich in museums and landmarks, cafés and restaurants, all built on a network of picturesque canals.

Where is Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands in northwest Europe. It’s a port city connected to the North Sea.

The city on the water

Thanks to its network of over 150 canals, its beautiful architecture and its wealth of history, Amsterdam is often called the Venice of the North. The city is easy to get around, whether on foot, by bicycle, or on public transport. Wherever you are, you’ll find a bus, tram, metro or ferry to get you where you want to go.

In the historic centre, you’ll find many amenities clustered along the famous canals. There are loads of boutiques, cafés and souvenir shops. Many of the hotels in our Amsterdam collection are near the canals, too. No matter which one you pick for your holiday to Amsterdam, you won’t be more than a 15-minute walk away from the centre.

Historic and modern

Today’s Amsterdam is a modern, forward-looking capital famous for its inclusive values. But it’s got lots of historical attractions, too. The city’s most famous sights include the 17th-century Royal Palace, the residence of the King of the Netherlands, and the Anne Frank House where Anne and her family hid for two years during the Second World War. Rembrandt, Van Gogh and Vermeer all lived and worked here, and you’ll see lots of their work in Amsterdam’s museums.

At a Glance

  • Kick back with a cup of coffee in a canal-side café
  • Have a gander around the 300-year-old Royal Palace
  • Ogle world-famous paintings at the Van Gogh Museum
  • Prep for your trip with our Holiday Extras

Best time to go to Amsterdam

Summer weather in Amsterdam hovers around the 17˚C mark, with an average of seven hours of sunshine per day. Temperatures tend to be in the low teens in spring and autumn, and dip down to 3˚C in winter. You might need to pop your coat in your suitcase at this time of year, but the slightly cooler temperatures make it easier to explore the city.

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Top things to see and do in Amsterdam

Although Amsterdam isn’t famed for its beaches, they’re actually a bit of a hidden gem. You’ve got natural strips of sand that are favourites with in-the-know watersports fans. And, man-made city beaches are open for business during the summer.

It takes less than 30 minutes to reach Zandvoort aan Zee by car. This beach is popular with locals and tourists alike – looking at the wide swathes of sand, you can see why. Besides sunbathing, there’s plenty to do here, too. It’s known as a prime spot for watersports, including surfing, kayaking and kitesurfing. Plus, you’ve got loads of choice when it comes to bars and restaurants – the edge of the beach is peppered with them.

Pllek, meaning ‘the place’, is set on the NDSM wharf. The wharf began life as a shipyard, it closed down in the 1980s, and artists began to use the space. Now, it’s a cultural centre of Amsterdam. Pllek is a restaurant, made out of old shipping containers, with an outdoor terrace. But, the jewel in its crown is its summertime urban beach. The sand is dotted with giant beanbags for you to relax on with a drink in hand.

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The IJ Hallen flea market is the place to go if you’ve got the knack for finding a bargain. This monthly market is massive – it’s set inside an old shipbuilding warehouse on the trendy NDSM wharf. Here, you’ll find anything from antiques to furniture, and a goldmine of vintage clothing. There are some real treasures to be found here, as long as you’re willing to dig around a bit.

The Kalverstraat is one of Amsterdam’s main shopping streets. Here, you’ll find all the European high street classics. Think H&M, Zara, and Esprit. There’s a nice selection of independent Dutch shops dotted in between the big brands, too, so you can discover some new favourites.

The P.C. Hooftstraat has been a big name in Amsterdam’s shopping scene since the 1970s. It’s in a prime location, set near the Museumplein. Loads of high-end designers, including Hugo Boss, Dolce and Gabbana, and Hermes have set up shop here.

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Rembrandtplein square started out as a butter and dairy market in 1688. It’s changed quite a lot since then – it’s now made a name for itself as one of Amsterdam’s best clubbing hotspots. You’ve got a massive selection of bars and clubs here, with enough options to satisfy every partygoer. It’s in a great location, too – many of Amsterdam’s night buses leave from here.

Concertgebauw is your best bet for a classy evening in Amsterdam. It’s been a must-visit destination since its opening in 1881, and is now the second most visited concert hall in the world. Because of its top-notch reputation, it attracts big names from the classical music scene. If you like your entertainment a little more unusual, head over to the Supperclub. In this restaurant-cum-theatre, you’ll lie back on a double bed while you’re served a chef’s-choice menu. The entertainment does its best to surprise you, and often succeeds.

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When you’re wandering around Amsterdam, you’ll come across lots of street-side kiosks selling these thick Dutch fries. They’re served up in a paper cone – perfect for keeping your hands warm while you explore. Ask for Patatje oorlog and your chips will come drenched in a mix of satay sauce, mayo and raw onions. It might be an unusual combination, but it really works.

Bitterballen are the perfect snack to accompany your drink. Sort of like the Dutch version of peanuts and crisps, you can order these at most bars alongside your chosen tipple. They’re like meatballs, made up of seasoned beef or veal mixed with butter. They’re deep-fried in breadcrumbs, and then served with mustard for dipping.

Walk into any bar in Amsterdam and you’re sure to find its favourite beer on tap. This lager was first brewed in the city in the 1800s. If it’s served properly, you won’t get a full glass. It’s topped with a foam hat, which has confused many a tourist into thinking they’ve been ripped off. But the Dutch insist that this keeps it extra-fizzy for longer.

For something sweet, try these little doughnut-pancake hybrids. You’ll get about a dozen bite-sized treats in a portion – they’re served topped with melted butter and generously dusted with icing sugar. Try them in a Dutch pancake house, or on-the-go from a kiosk.

You get a real taste of the Netherlands’ cultural history with the rijsttafel, or rice table. It’s a fusion of Dutch and Indonesian food, which dates back to when Indonesia was a Dutch colony in the 19th and 20th centuries. If you order a rijsttafel, you’ll get a massive selection of small plates – almost like Dutch/Indonesian tapas – served up with rice.

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