Holidays in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is not only the capital of the Netherlands, it’s also the country’s cultural, economic and historic heart. From its huge array of museums, world-class galleries, buzzing nightlife spots and laid-back cafés, there’s something for everyone in this energetic destination.

The city is perhaps best known for areas like the lively Red Light district, with its bars and clubs, making it one of the best party destinations in Europe. But there’s so much more to see and do in the beautiful city. From taking a boat out on one of the various, picturesque canals, to strolling through the streets, stopping to relax al fresco with a drink at the various cafés along the way and watching the world go by.

 

Top Amsterdam sights

To the most from your holiday in Amsterdam, it’s worth doing a bit of forward planning before your go.

Culture fans will definitely want to see some of the city’s museums and art galleries, whether that’s the Van Gogh Museum or Anne Frank House. For families and big kids of all ages, you could even pop to the NEMO Science Centre on the Eastern Docklands and explore the different exhibitions there, or even bask on the beach on the building’s sloping roof in the summertime.   

If shopping’s your thing, head to Amsterdam’s high-end department store De Bijenkorf for a really indulgent experience, or the quirky, medieval street Kalverstraat to pick up a bargain. 

To completely relax, we’d definitely recommend spending time in some of the city’s beautiful green spaces. Vondelpark with its open air theatre is a must-see, and there are four different city beaches to unwind on too. 

Dining and bars

Music is a big thing in Amsterdam too, so whether you’d like to visit one of the local venues for a fun night out, or go to a dance festival like Dance Valley or Loveland, it’s worth checking out what’s on for your holiday.

One of the best ways to settle into your holiday in Amsterdam is to take to the bars and dine at some of the city’s lovely eateries.

To really splash out, try one of local Michelin starred restaurants like Librije’s Zusje or Restaurant Sinne. For a more relaxed experience, pop to a great local eatery like De Hoop Op D'swarte Walvis or Hap-Hmm. And you can unwind with a drink at pubs like The Bierfabriek or trendy cocktail bars like Twenty Third.

More from Amsterdam