Amsterdam – A unique city break

For a city break with more chill, choose Amsterdam.

Whatever pace you choose to take in the Dutch capital, you’ll find a cultured city that’s happy to accommodate. Packed with world famous art, delicious food and drink, and plenty of activities, Amsterdam has everything you could wish for, waiting to be discovered. 

If you’re an art and history lover, then you will easily lose track of time whilst visiting Amsterdam. Explore the Rijksmuseum and immerse yourself in more than eight centuries of Dutch and international history. It’s home to world-famous pieces such as ‘The Night Watch’ by Rembrandt and ‘The Milkmaid’ by Johannes Vermeer. If you like your art a bit different, there are three dollhouses to gaze at in wonder. Dating back to the 17^th century, these houses weren’t children’s toys but were in fact an extravagant hobby for the wealthy. Decorated with glass, silver, china and fitted with textile furnishings, they were made exactly to scale. Interesting fact for book lovers - one of the dollhouses on display inspired Jessie Burton’s 2014 award-winning book ‘The Miniaturist’. Once you’ve finished inside the museum, step outside and take in the stunning and colourful gardens with installations and exhibitions scattered throughout.

Stand and gaze in wonder at masterpieces including ‘The Bedroom’ and ‘Sunflowers’ in the Van Gogh Museum and read about his legacy and how it has inspired future generations.

Travel through time and learn the history of one of the world’s most inspirational girls with a trip to The Anne Frank House. Her story is told through photographs and film along with her checkered diary and some of her original writing. Top Tip: If you’re interested in attending The Anne Frank’s House, tickets can only be bought online and should be purchased in advance.

Feel like a true Amsterdammer, and hop on a bike to enjoy one of the city’s many cycle routes. Add a bit adventure to your bike trip and take the ferry to Noord before travelling to the Waterland village where you’ll find breathtaking views of the windmills.

With its many canals and beaches, there’s no shortage of water activities in Amsterdam. If you fancy some SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) you can rent boards from Canal SUP in Oudwest. What better way to explore the city than with a new perspective away from the crowds? Choose from a huge range of boat adventures, whether it’s along the canals in the city or further afield. Enjoy the stunning countryside on a boat trip on the River Amstel, or if you prefer urban boat trips check out the winding River Spaare in Haarlem.

There’s a plethora of bars and restaurants to discover in Amsterdam. If you like to wine and dine in the sun, then a terrace setting is perfect for you. Popular terraces to try are Waterkant, Hannekes Boom and De Tulp which is family friendly. And how about dining like an Amsterdammer? Try a Herring sandwich called Broodje Herring, Rijsttafel which is a variety of rice dishes with smaller side dishes, or treat yourself to deep fried balls filled with meat and coated in breadcrumbs called Bitterballen.

Visit Keukenhof Gardens and see over seven million flowers blooming in a wash of colours and shapes. Snap a pic for your social of this sight and you’ll be getting plenty of likes! Children will enjoy participating in treasure hunts, visiting the petting zoo or taking on a hedge maze.

The Netherlands has been voted the happiest place for kids, so it’s ideal for a family holiday and is easy to navigate with kids in tow.

Pack up the car, leave the city and discover Zaanse Schans. Located north of Amsterdam, this preserved area offers an insight into the Netherland’s industrial history and is simply picturesque with its traditional houses and sweeping windmills. Fun for all ages, explore the Zaanse Schans open air museum, whilst the Zaanse Schans is open all year, most of the windmills are only open for visitors from April to October.

If you’re looking for a back-to-nature experience, go to the National Park Zuid-Kennemerland in Haarlem and enjoy some wildlife spotting. Watch Highland cattle, Konik horses, Fallow deer and European bison roam free.

With its bustling energy and majestic landscapes, Amsterdam is a city rammed with experiences. Whether it’s by foot, on water or on wheels, an adventure in Amsterdam is just a sail away.