Cheap Amsterdam City Breaks 

Go on, add a bit more pink to your life. There is no better time to experience the intrigue of Amsterdam. Explore the city easily via bicycle, take part in the city's unrivalled café culture, and enjoy the beautiful tree-lined canals. This picturesque, hip city has something for everyone, from beautiful canals and architecture to fascinating museums and galleries. Enjoy coffee and culture with a city break in Amsterdam.

Things to do in Amsterdam

Whether you’re with friends, family or your other half, an Amsterdam city break is sure to seduce!

Very well served by the tram, you can easily get to the city’s different neighbourhoods framing the historic centre, around the central station and the famous red-light district. Take a stroll along the canals that make up the city and stop by at the famous Bloemenmarkt Flower Market or Vondel Park for a free concert. We have negotiated some top-secret offers for you in this quarter, as well as in the rest of the city, so that you can take advantage of the best offers available! 

Museums and Galleries 

Amsterdam has an abundance of museums. At the same time, we often pass by the Amstelkring, a beautiful building that conceals a church in its… attic. For an unforgettable moment during your weekend in Amsterdam. 

• The city has a number of important museums and galleries that are a must-see during a holiday in Amsterdam. The Van Gogh Museum is the most visited museum in the city and contains a large amount of the artist’s paintings, including the Aardappeleters (The Potato Eaters) and Zonnebloemen (Sunflowers).
• The Stedelijk Museum is right next door and houses the largest collection of modern art in Amsterdam by renowned artists such as Piet Mondriaan and Karel Appel.
• The house where Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazis during the war and wrote her famous diary is now a museum dedicated to her memory. The house contains her original diary, photographs and personal possessions and attracts many visitors so be prepared to queue.

Nightlife 

With more than 1,400 bars and cafes, Amsterdam is without a doubt one of Europe’s party hotspots. Trends change quickly, but some places have retained their notoriety over the generations. Amsterdam has a vibrant and eclectic nightlife, from traditional bars serving beer and snacks, to popular nightclubs such as the Escape, Club Home, and Panama. Trance music is really big here and attracts world-class DJs such as Armin van Buuren and Tiesto.

The Leidseplein is one of the epicentres of Amsterdam’s nightlife, with two unmissable nightclubs, and the birthplace of its counter-culture: Paradiso for its concerts, and Melkweg (a former dairy) for its eclecticism. It is definitely worth a night out here during your weekend in Amsterdam. 

Jazz fans will love the live performances at clubs such as Bimhuis and Café Alto, while The Ziggo Dome caters to pop tastes, hosting big names such as Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Tom Jones. 

Shopping 

Albert Cuypmarkt is Amsterdam’s oldest market and popular with the locals for its tasty snacks, such as doughnuts, egg rolls, and stroopwafels.

For souvenirs, Bloemenmarkt, by the Singel covers all your tulips needs, and Delftware, the famous blue and white Dutch pottery, can be bought at Jorrit Heinen Royal Gifts and Collectables in the Munt Tower. 

Things to see in Amsterdam

Canals

Amsterdam is famous for its beautiful 17th century canals that run through the heart of the city. Awarded World Heritage status, these meandering waterways, scattered with sleepy houseboats, are a highlight of an Amsterdam city break.

Public transportation

Of course, there are buses, tramways and metros… But during your short stay in Amsterdam, do as the locals do and take a bicycle! You can also stroll around on foot. Amsterdam’s ever-lively streets alone are worth the trip.

Typical food and gastronomy

During your short stay in Amsterdam, you will have the chance to eat fish. You will find salted herring on every street corner – it’s a local institution! Try the erwtentsoep (split pea soup), stamppot (a sort of hotpot), or rijsttafel (a colonial dish with rice and various side dishes). And then, of course, there are the old favourites, such as the Dutch beers and cheeses (gouda, edam). Bon appétit!

For coffee: a good weekend in Amsterdam is incomplete without popping into De Jaren cafe. The ultimate student meeting point. Housed in a former bank, people flock here for its contemporary design and its superb terrace, as well as to meet others. 

Pancakes and Waffles 

Dutch pancakes are delicious, and an essential part of an Amsterdam holiday - try Pannenkoekenhuis Upstairs for favourites such as bacon and syrup. Just as tasty are Stroopwafels (two thin waffels with syrup in the middle) that can be eaten fresh or bought packaged as souvenirs. Head to the vendor at Albert Cuypmarkt for fresh Stroopwafels made throughout the day. 

Best time of the year to visit Amsterdam

If you’re planning Amsterdam city break in spring, you can admire the city in full bloom, and why not check out the National Holiday (Koningsdag) on 27 April? In summer, Amsterdam goes into relaxation mode, and its residents make the most of its terraces… But you’ll have fun whatever time of the year you choose!