Amsterdam Holidays

Things to do in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is brimming with things to do and sights to see. If you enjoy visiting museums and getting to know the culture and history, there’s plenty of that to go around. If you prefer landscapes and natural sights, Amsterdam is full of it. If you’re choosing Amsterdam for its nightlife, there’s a lot to choose from. All in all, Amsterdam has something for everyone.

Amsterdam has museums for all types of interests. The Van Gogh museum and the Rijksmuseum are great attractions for art lovers. Whilst the Anne Frank House is perfect for those who wish to go back in time and explore the conditions that the diarist lived in when in hiding during the second World War. A visit to Dam Square is wonderful to admire some of the architecture around the city. Why not participate in the Dutch’s favourite mode of transport? Cycling, of course. Vondelpark is a huge park, so it’s worth having a cycle around.

When to go

The best way to make your trip to Amsterdam more adventurous is with a tour on a bicycle. It’s the best way to get around the city. It’s also a fantastic way to see the sights. Why not head down to the city’s coastline on your bike, where you can ride along the coastal paths and admire the beach views. Whilst at the beach, become adventurous and give water sports a go. Kite-surfing, windsurfing and land yachting are all fun beach activities.

Places to eat

Amsterdam has got a food scene to be excited about. You can find glamourous restaurants, traditional coffee houses or street vendors selling typical Dutch dishes. Either way, there is a huge variety of cuisine on offer in the city. You can enjoy everything from raw herring and Dutch chips, to their amazing stroopwaffel, a classic for those with a sweet-tooth. Stroopwaffel is a thin waffle which has a layer of caramel or syrup in the middle. You can find these at food stalls or even souvenir shops will sell these, so you can take them back home with you.

Amsterdam Nightlife

If you’re visiting Amsterdam for its nightlife, you won’t be disappointed. The city is home to a wide variety of clubs and bars. If that’s not your scene, perhaps a trip to a traditional coffeehouse is better. There are many venues which have live music events, like jazz venues. Whatever the time of the year, there is sure to be great events going on in the city. Rembrandtplein and Leidseplein are popular nightlife spots in Amsterdam. Other nightlife venues can be found around the edge of the city centre.

Amsterdam for families

Taking the kids with you on a trip to Amsterdam? They’ll definitely be kept busy as there are plenty of family friendly activities and days out in this city. Vondelpark is a great place to start. This huge park is one big playground for kids. They can ride bikes around the park, go for walks or perhaps the whole family can enjoy a picnic on a nice sunny day.

Amsterdam also has their very own Madame Tussauds located in Dam Square. Kids love finding their favourite sports starts and singers made out of wax and no doubt they’ll have a fun time sifting through all the modern celebrities that be found here.

Another fantastic activity is going for a boat ride down one of Amsterdam’s many canals. This is another great form of transport to see the sights around the city. With a hop on, hop off ticket, you can get off when you want to visit attractions as you make your way around the city.

Amsterdam for couples

Amsterdam is the perfect city for couples, due to its romantic backdrop and sights. Narrow houses make the city look like a tiny town, great for evening walks with your partner. If that doesn’t float your boat, try hiring a couple of bikes and riding around the city together. Visit some of the museums whilst on your journey. The Van Gogh museum and Rijksmuseum are wonderful options to witness some famous art pieces. In the evenings, enjoy a night out at a fancy restaurant wining and dining. Then head to a bar where you can have a few drinks together.

Culture and history

Amsterdam is a historical city and still has many buildings which date back to the 16^th and 17^th centuries. Amsterdam is well known for its intricate network of canals. These play a huge part in the beauty of the city and its uniqueness. In fact, the canals are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another vital aspect of Amsterdam’s history is reflected within its museums. The Rijksmuseum which is the national Dutch museum and the Stedeljik which is a contemporary art museum are fantastic places to brush up on some artsy knowledge. Whilst Anne Franks House, is an interesting insight into World War II and those who were in hiding.

Canal cruises in Amsterdam

Travel around Amsterdam through its twisting and winding canals, which are so significant to the city that they are even a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There's no better way to soak up the sights and the city than to travel via a canal cruise. These cruises are great as there are various ones to enjoy. Choose to travel in the evening on a candle-lit tour or embark on a day tour where you can delve into the city, which is even better when the sun's out.