Amsterdam holidays

With more bicycles than residents, the Dutch capital might sound like the perfect place to coast for a few days. But the best holidays to Amsterdam put sightseeing in high gear. From its famous tulip gardens and windmills to stately museums, inventive restaurants and an arts scene that’s been pushing boundaries since the days of Rembrandt, see why the city is on the verge of a new Golden Age.  

Amsterdam holiday highlights

De Pijp

One big history lesson

History lessons go hand in hand with a city break in Amsterdam. Start at Dam Square and visit the Royal Palace and New Church. Then take to the city's iconic canals on a hop-on-hop-off cruise. Stop at national museum Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank House, where Jewish girl Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazis during World War II.

City of snacks

Amsterdam is famous for fries smothered in mayonnaise, but don’t stop there. Street market stalls serve up sweet doughy treats like ‘stroopwafels’, ‘poffertjes’ and ‘pannenkoeken’. For something savoury, we recommend the herring and diced onion rolls. In the city’s bars, deep-fried croquettes and meat-filled ‘bitterballen’ ensure you’ll never have to drink on an empty stomach.

Better by design

The Dutch eye for design is admired the world over, and a city break in Amsterdam is the perfect chance to collect something special for your own home. Head to Droog, The Maker Store and X BANK to check out the handiwork of local designers. For travellers looking for smaller and more affordable local gifts, our pick is the Spiegel shop.  

Amsterdam: Know before you go

Language

Dutch

Currency

Euro (€)

Time zone

UTC+1 (CET) and UTC+2 (CEST)

High season

July – August

Low season

January – February

Find the best time to go to Amsterdam

Weather in Amsterdam

March – May: Spring in Amsterdam can be drizzly, but millions still flock to Keukenhof for the brief tulip season in April.

June – September: Expect summers to be warm and sunny yet milder than many European capitals. Escape the crowds at sprawling parks and trendy urban beaches.

October – November: The increasedrisk of rain, wind and chilly nights rewards travellers with shorter queues at top attractions like the Van Gogh Museum.

December – February: Amsterdam is at its prettiest under a layer of frost and strung with fairy lights. With a bit of luck, you might even be able to skate along the frozen canals.

Events in Amsterdam

King’s Day (April): Wear your brightest shade of orange to celebrate the King’s birthday, when the city transforms into one lively street party.

Tulip Festival (April): The country’s most famous flower blooms for only a few short weeks. See them in all their glory at the Flower Parade between nearby Noordwijk and Haarlem.

Amsterdam Open Air (June): In the country where dance music reigns supreme, boogie to everything from techno to trance at lakeside Gaasperpark.

Amsterdam Light Festival (November to January): Dark winter nights glow with electrifying art that moves out of museums and onto the streets. See it on a heated canal cruise or a self-guided walking tour.

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The best neighbourhoods in Amsterdam

Canal Cruise

De Pijp

Creative types wondering where to stay in Amsterdam will feel right at home in De Pijp. Long known as the city’s Latin Quarter or bohemian district, De Pijp is a short tram ride from central station. This multicultural neighbourhood is filled with cafes, restaurants, bars and clubs. Beer lovers will love the Heineken Experience, especially the pints at the end!

Good for: Nightlife, beer tastings, multicultural cuisine

Red Light District

Centrum

Where to stay in Amsterdam to be in the heart of the action? Choose Centrum, an area made up of smaller neighbourhoods spreading out from Dam Square and Centraal Station. Look beyond the Red Light District revellers and tourist traps and you’ll find plenty of class. The area is home to the Royal Palace, Rembrandts Amsterdam Experience and the Old Church.

Good for: Sightseeing, historic architecture, convenience

Vondelpark

Oud West

To experience Amsterdam like a local, head to Oud West. It’s a 30-minute walk from Dam Square but feels a world away from the tourist bustle. The area is bordered by Vondelpark, a lake-filled expanse where the city comes to picnic, sunbathe and de-stress. Oud West offers great galleries, bars and restaurants too. For diverse eats, don’t miss multicultural food court Foodhallen.

Good for: Local life, parks, art galleries

Things to do in Amsterdam

Vondelpark

Family friendly things to do

You’ll find plenty of things to do with family in Amsterdam. Get hands-on at NEMO Science Museum or uncover the city’s darker side at the Amsterdam Dungeon. Show the kids how some locals live at the Amsterdam Houseboat Museum. Cool off in summer in the many splash pools, and in winter hit the outdoor ice rinks. 

Shopping

Splurge on designer fashion in department stores around Dam Square or head to Amsterdam’s most exclusive shopping street, P.C. Hooftstraat. Shopping in Amsterdam for home decor or a special souvenir? Explore 70 antique stores and galleries in the Spiegelkwartier (antiques quarter). For jewellery, boutiques and vintage stores, shop the nine narrow streets of De Negen Straatjes.

Take in the culture

The galleries and museums in Amsterdam are among Europe’s finest, and most varied. While the Stedelijk Museum, Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum shouldn’t be missed, specialty museums await beyond these big three. Interested in pianolas, washed-up beach finds, death, microbes or sex? You’ll find museums dedicated to these unusual subjects and more.

Nightlife

Amsterdam has long been a magnet for fun-loving travellers. This city is full of places to go after dark, whether you want to kick back in a smoke-friendly cafe or hit the underground techno clubs. You’ll find some of the best nightlife in Amsterdam in the clubs around Rembrandtplein. If you’re looking for LGBTQ+ focused clubs, head to nearby Reguliersdwarsstraat.

Places to eat

Restaurants in Amsterdam are serving up some of the most exciting dishes in Europe. From classic Dutch fare in family-run restaurants to innovative Michelin-star hotspots, foodies will love exploring the city’s booming gastronomic scene. And thanks to its spice-trading past, Amsterdam’s menu options are wonderfully multicultural too, from Indonesian ‘rijsttafel’ (rice dishes) to Ethiopian ‘beyaynetu’ (a veggie platter with flatbread).

Free things to do

There are plenty of free things to do in Amsterdam, from visiting the floating flower markets known as Bloemenmarkt to simply wandering the network of canals. Explore the outdoor and urban art in areas like NDSM Wharf and De Jordaan. Hop on one of the free ferries behind Centraal Station to get to and from NDSM and Amsterdam Noord.

Plan your holiday to Amsterdam

Budget

Keep holidays to Amsterdam cheap by travelling midweek, opting for shoulder-season months and using discount cards for transport and attractions. Beyond that, you’ll usually be able to find a meal at an inexpensive restaurant for approximately 21 euros (€) and a beer for about €6. Need a lift? Short taxi rides cost around €14.

Day trips from Amsterdam

Catch the train for a half-hour journey to see the famous windmills at Zaanse Schans, whose power has produced goods like flour and cocoa for centuries. Or head west to Keukenhof to witness the ‘Garden of Europe’ in full bloom. And nearby Tulip Barn offers an escape from the crowds and freedom to wander sprawling fields.

Getting around Amsterdam

If ever a city was made for walking, cycling and getting around on public transport, Amsterdam is it. For visits between one to five days, we recommend picking up an I Amsterdam City Card, which includes unlimited public transport, admission to attractions like the Rijksmuseum, a canal cruise, bike rental and other discounts.

FAQs about Amsterdam holidays

While on your trip to Amsterdam, you'll be using the euro (EUR) for everything you buy. You may want to carry a mix of cash and cards to avoid any payment issues.
The locals primarily speak Dutch here. Every city has its own unique lingo, so consider picking up some common phrases to use during your city break in Amsterdam.
A three-day city break in Amsterdam allows time to take in star attractions, such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House. You’ll also have time to explore the Canal Ring and Vondelpark, as well as the city’s cafes, bars and nightlife. Longer stays allow you to delve deeper into city life at a much more leisurely pace.
Plan your Amsterdam trip for February and you'll be there when the weather is at its coolest. 0ºC (32ºF) is as cold as the city gets.
Amsterdam is one of Europe’s safest destinations. Still, the city has its fair share of pickpockets, and bicycle theft is common. Use common sense if venturing into the Red Light District and resist the temptation to take photos. And watch where you’re walking! Being run over by a bicycle or falling into a canal can ruin an otherwise great day.
The warmest month in Amsterdam is August, when temperatures reach a maximum of 24ºC (75ºF).
The cost of your city break in Amsterdam will vary based on things like where you're travelling from, when you go, and your chosen stay. Amsterdam flights and hotels typically cost more during busier times, but you can save money by travelling in the off-peak months.
With an average rainfall of 10 cm, August is the rainiest month to go on an Amsterdam holiday. When the weather shifts, head indoors and enjoy the city's restaurants, shops, museums and more.
Anne Frank House and Van Gogh Museum are just a glimpse of the adventures waiting for you here. Check out all the things to do in Amsterdam and find out why you have to go.
June to September is peak season for holidays to Amsterdam for good reason: the sun is out and the festivals like Amsterdam Open Air are in full swing. October to February is the official low season, which means cheaper room rates and much shorter museum queues. March to May is when the tulips come into bloom and the entire city dresses in orange for King’s Day.

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