Amsterdam: where canals are the new streets, bikes are the new cars, and tulips are the new... well, they're just tulips, but they're everywhere, and we love them 🌷

Holidays to Amsterdam 2026

• There's a museum for pretty much EVERYTHING (we're not kidding)

• Home to iconic canals for boat rides and waterside strolls

• Coffee shops on every corner ('cafés' are something a bit different over here, FYI 👀)

• Inclusive culture - it's the gay capital of Europe! 🌈

Good to Know - Amsterdam Holidays

• ☀️ Summers hit around 20-22°C with long daylight hours, but Amsterdam can be rainy year-round - pack layers and a light waterproof whatever month you go

• 💶 A pint in a local bar runs about €5-6, a meal out for two around €50-70, and a canal cruise from about €15pp - not the cheapest city break but proper good value for what you get

• 🧀 The Netherlands produces over 650 million kilos of cheese per year - Gouda, Edam and Leerdammer all originated here, so you're basically duty-bound to try them all

Best Day Trips to make on your Amsterdam holidays

Amsterdam is a 10/10 city break, but the Netherlands is actually tiny, meaning you can swap the canals for windmills or the beach in less than an hour. If you fancy escaping the hustle for a bit, these day trips are a must-do on your holidays to Amsterdam...

• Zaanse Schans - the postcard-perfect Dutch experience with spinning windmills, clog workshops, and the smell of chocolate in the air (seriously).

• Keukenhof Gardens - only open in spring (March-May), this place is an explosion of millions of tulips - your Instagram feed will never level up like this again (probably).

• Zandvoort aan Zee - ideally located just 30 mins by train, this is "Amsterdam Beach" - think golden sands, beach bars, and chilling by the North Sea.

• Haarlem - known as "Little Amsterdam," it’s got all the pretty canals and cobbled streets but with zero crowds and way chiller vibes.

• Utrecht - a university city with a buzzing cafe culture and unique split-level canals that make for the perfect alfresco pint spot.

• Rotterdam - if you want something totally different, head here for futuristic architecture, massive food markets, and a proper modern city feel.

🏘️ Where to Stay in Amsterdam 2026/2027

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families

• Museum Quarter (Museumkwartier) - home to the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum, with leafy Vondelpark right on the doorstep for when the kids need to run around. Quieter than the centre but still super walkable. Browse Museum Quarter hotels

• Amsterdam City Centre (Centrum) - Dam Square, Central Station and all the main sights are here. First-timers with kids will love having everything within walking distance, plus trams on every corner for tired legs. Browse Amsterdam City Centre hotels

• Zaandam - a direct train ride (15-20 mins) from Centraal, close to the Zaanse Schans windmills, and hotel rates are noticeably cheaper than the city centre. Brilliant for families who want a bit more space and don't mind the short commute. Browse Zaandam hotels

💑 Couples

• Jordaan - Amsterdam's most romantic neighbourhood, with cobbled streets, indie boutiques, candlelit restaurants and cosy brown cafes. The Pulitzer and Anne Frank House are both here. Absolutely made for two.

• Museum Quarter - culture by day, restaurant-hopping by night. The Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum and Vondelpark are all within a few minutes, and the dining scene around here is top-notch. Browse Museum Quarter hotels

• Amsterdam City Centre - if you want canal views, rooftop bars and everything on your doorstep, Centrum is hard to beat. Dam Square, the Nine Streets shopping area and some of the city's best cocktail bars are all right here. Browse Amsterdam City Centre hotels

🎉 Groups

• Amsterdam North (Noord) - across the free ferry from Centraal Station, Noord has a cool, arty vibe with A'DAM Tower (and its famous swing), the EYE Film Museum, and waterfront bars and restaurants. Trendy and great for a mates' trip. Browse Amsterdam North hotels

• Amsterdam East (Oost) - an up-and-coming area with a more local feel, great food scene around the Dappermarkt, and easy tram access to the centre. Better value hotels and a nice escape from the tourist crowds. Browse Amsterdam East hotels

• Amsterdam City Centre - for groups who want to be right in the action. Leidseplein, Rembrandtplein and the Red Light District are all here, so nobody has to travel far after a night out. Browse Amsterdam City Centre hotels

🏨 Amsterdam Hotels 2026/2027

Amsterdam's hotel scene is brilliant for city breaks - whether you want canal views, museum quarter culture or a central base near Dam Square, there's something for every type of traveller.

💑 Couples

• Pulitzer Amsterdam - spread across 25 restored 17th-century canal houses in the Jordaan, this is one of Amsterdam's most romantic stays. Gorgeous interiors, a buzzing cocktail bar, and its own private canal boat for tours along the Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht.

• INK Hotel Amsterdam - MGallery - a proper stylish spot near Dam Square with sleek interiors inspired by the building's history as a former newspaper HQ. Great location for couples who want to be in the thick of it.

• Clayton Hotel Amsterdam American - a gorgeous Art Deco landmark on Leidseplein with a famous cafe, cocktail bar and beautifully designed rooms. Very well reviewed and walkable to all the main sights.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families

• Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Centre - right in the city centre near Dam Square and Central Station, with spacious rooms including wellness and spa options. Brilliant base for families who want everything on the doorstep.

• NH Amsterdam Museum Quarter - right by the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum with Vondelpark practically on the doorstep for when the kids need to burn off energy. Rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and a proper loaded breakfast buffet.

• Leonardo Museumhotel Amsterdam City Center - close to the Museum Quarter and Vondelpark, with modern, comfy rooms and a location that works brilliantly for families balancing culture with green space.

✨ Luxury

• Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam - very well reviewed and set across six 17th-century canal palaces on the Herengracht. Guerlain Spa, a two-Michelin-star restaurant, and rooms that make you feel like Dutch royalty. Genuine 5-star in every sense.

• Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht - very well reviewed 5-star designed by Marcel Wanders with genuinely quirky interiors, epic canal views and a game room. Right in the canal ring near the Anne Frank House.

🎉 Groups

• Inntel Hotels Amsterdam-Zaandam - the building itself is an Instagram moment - stacked traditional Dutch houses piled on top of each other. Indoor pool, spa, waterfront restaurant and a quick train ride into the centre. Great for groups who want a base with character.

• Leonardo Royal Hotel Amsterdam - big, modern hotel in Amsterdam East with a proper selection of room types, a lounge bar and easy access to the centre by tram. Good for larger groups who need flexibility.

💰 Value

• CC Hotel - a no-fuss, well-located 3-star right near Dam Square and Central Station. Air-conditioned rooms, breakfast on offer, and you're within walking distance of pretty much everything.

• New West Inn - a budget-friendly option away from the busiest streets with its own pizza corner, pool table and air hockey. Not central, but well connected by tram and a solid pick if you're watching the pennies.

👉 See all Amsterdam hotels

🗺️ Amsterdam Holidays 2026/2027 - Travel Guide

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families

• 🔬 NEMO Science Museum - five floors of interactive, hands-on exhibits right on the waterfront. Kids can build, experiment and learn without realising they're doing it. The rooftop terrace has cracking views too.

• 🦒 Artis Zoo - one of Europe's oldest zoos with giraffes, elephants, a planetarium and an aquarium all on one site. Central location near Oosterpark makes it easy to fit into a day.

• 🚤 Canal cruise - a brilliant way to see the city without wearing out little legs. Most cruises last about an hour and loop past all the big sights, with family-friendly options that include activity sheets and audio guides.

• 🎨 Rijksmuseum family route - the museum runs a dedicated kids' trail that keeps younger ones engaged with the art through interactive games and scavenger hunts. Free with entry.

• 🧇 Albert Cuyp Market - the biggest street market in the Netherlands, running six days a week. Grab fresh stroopwafels, poffertjes and Dutch cheese, and let the kids soak up the atmosphere.

💑 Couples

• 🛶 Evening canal cruise - the city looks completely different after dark, with the canal houses lit up and the bridges glowing. Plenty of operators run wine-and-cheese or dinner cruises for two.

• 🌿 Vondelpark - Amsterdam's answer to a romantic stroll. Pack a picnic, rent a tandem bike, or just find a bench by the pond and watch the world go by.

• 🍽️ Jordaan dining - the neighbourhood is packed with intimate, candlelit restaurants and wine bars. Wander until something catches your eye - you honestly can't go wrong here.

• 🏛️ Van Gogh Museum - book a late-afternoon slot when it's quieter, then head to one of the Museum Quarter restaurants for dinner afterwards. Proper date-day material.

• 🍸 Brown cafe crawl - Amsterdam's traditional pubs are centuries old, cosy as anything, and serve proper Dutch beer. Start at Cafe Hoppe (going since 1670) and see where the evening takes you.

🎉 Groups

• 🍺 Heineken Experience - the full brewery tour with interactive exhibits and tasting sessions at the end. Book ahead, especially on weekends - it's one of Amsterdam's most popular attractions.

• 🎡 A'DAM Tower - the lookout and swing on top of the tower in Amsterdam North is a proper group buzz. Over-the-edge swing, panoramic views and a revolving restaurant underneath.

• 🎭 Red Light District tour - guided walking tours give you the history, the stories and the context behind Amsterdam's most famous neighbourhood. Way better with mates than solo.

• 🚴 Group bike tour - hire bikes and explore the canal ring, Vondelpark and the Jordaan together. Amsterdam is flat as a pancake so even the least sporty member of the group will manage.

• 🎵 Leidseplein nightlife - the main square for going out, with clubs, live music venues and late-night bars packed in tight. Paradiso (a former church turned music venue) is a standout.

🗣️ Local Lingo

• 👋 Hello - Hallo (ha-LOH)

• 🙏 Please - Alstublieft (al-stoo-BLEEFT)

• 😊 Thank you - Dank je wel (DAHNK yuh vel)

• 🍻 Cheers! - Proost! (PROHST)

• 💶 How much is this? - Hoeveel kost dit? (hoo-VALE kost dit)

• 🧾 The bill, please - De rekening, alstublieft (duh RAY-kuh-ning, al-stoo-BLEEFT)

• 🧀 Delicious - Lekker (LECK-ur)

• 🌷 Beautiful - Mooi (MOY)

🌍 More Destinations

Amsterdam areas

• Amsterdam City Centre - the tourist hub with Dam Square, canal ring and all the big-name attractions

• Museum Quarter - Amsterdam's cultural heart with the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Vondelpark

• Amsterdam North - the trendy, up-and-coming side across the IJ river with A'DAM Tower and waterfront dining

• Amsterdam East - local vibes, great food markets and easy tram access to the centre

• Zaandam - close to the famous Zaanse Schans windmills with some cracking hotels

Explore the Netherlands

• The Netherlands - the parent destination with everything from windmill-lined canals to seaside towns and buzzing cities

• Eindhoven - the Netherlands' design capital, powered by innovation, craft beer and street art

• The Hague - the seat of Dutch government with grand architecture, world-class museums and the beach at Scheveningen