An Amsterdam City Break Guide
Capital of the Netherlands and just an hour flight from the UK, a city break in Amsterdam is easy, inspiring, educational and so much more. Nicknamed the Venice of the north because of its 60 miles of impressive canals and waterways, the city is made up of multiple areas.
From its trendy cafes and bars to its historic museums and beautiful parks, Amsterdam is an ideal city break destination. In the summer, the city's Vondelpark hosts a range of activities including an outdoor cinema and open air theatre. In winter, the streets light up and the cold air fills with the smell of Christmas markets.
Hotels In Amsterdam You Don't Want To Miss
Iconic Things To Do In Amsterdam
Stedelijk Museum
Located on Museumplein, the Stedelijk Museum is a seriously impressive contemporary museum. Similar to the Tate Modern in London, this gallery is home to works of modern art and design of a more contemporary nature.
Canal Boat Trip
A unique and relaxing way to see the city, a boat trip on the canals of Amsterdam is a wonderful tour, especially if you've got commentary you can follow along with so you know where you're going and what you're going past.
Van Gogh Museum
A must-visit for any trip to the Netherlands, be sure to check out the Van Gogh Museum in the city's museum quarter. Home to famous masterpieces, these priceless works of art are part of a permanent exhibition in the art gallery.
Red Light District
There's far more to this historic part of the city than you might think. It's Amsterdam's oldest neighbourhood, boasting plenty of daytime treasures to discover. Expect a VERY different vibe as evening comes around.
Amsterdam By Eurostar
You can now travel by Eurostar to Amsterdam from London in less than 4 hours. The benefits of travelling from city centre to city centre easily can mean limiting the amount of time travelling to and from airports. Arriving into Amsterdam Centraal Station, you've got easy access to the rest of the city via tram, metro and even walking. If you're conscious of your carbon footprint, Amsterdam holidays can be enjoyed in a more sustainable way via train.
Frequently Asked Questions
Top Hotels
There are some fantastic hotels dotted around the city like the Monet Garden Hotel (pictured) which is actually rated second best hotel in Amsterdam by TripAdvisor reviewers. Picking the right area is important in Amsterdam depending on your plans for the trip. While you might expect Centrum to be the place to be, which is true if you love to be central, love your nightlife and don't mind being close to the red light district.
How To Book An Escape
There are two ways you can book a break. The way we always recommend is an ATOL protected flight and hotel package. Brands like British Airways, Jet2CityBreaks, Expedia and Barrhead Travel, all offer financial protection through the ABTA and ATOL schemes when booking your train or flight with your accommodation. THe alternative is booking your travel arrangements separate to your hotel or apartment, like flights with Ryanair and then an Airbnb home. This can help save money and suit your travel requirements, but just bear in mind you should have travel insurance to help protect your arrangements should anything happen.