AMSTERDAM HOLIDAYS
Top museums, picturesque canals and vibrant nightlife all year round.
Best in: Spring
Perfect for: Couples
Average temp: 11°C
Language: Dutch
Currency: Euro
Amsterdam is the perfect place for a holiday, with its great choice of museums and galleries, picturesque winding streets and canals, diverse food scene and lively nightlife. Whether you're looking for a romantic weekend away or fun-filled group trip, Amsterdam is the ideal destination to suit a variety of interests and appeals at any time of the year. Explore the compact city on foot or by bike and soak up the local culture - whether that means shopping, eating, late night entertainment or coffee shops. Take time to relax but don't waste a minute - Amsterdam is a city to enjoy.
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There's an endless choice of things to see and do in Amsterdam, all contained within a small and scenic area that's easy to walk (or cycle!) around. Whether you're planning an action-packed itinerary or prefer a more relaxed holiday, there are some top sights and activities worth making time for during your stay. And if you plan in advance, you can even make sure your trip to Amsterdam coincides with some of the annual festivals. This vibrant, cosmopolitan city always has something going on, from the Amsterdam Light Festival, to music festivals like Sensation.
Why visit Amsterdam?
From its world-class museums and galleries, to beautiful open, public squares bordered with stunning architecture, the capital of Holland is a perfect destination for those looking for fun-filled holidays in Amsterdam. It’s a lively city throughout the year, so you’ll always be able to find something different and entertaining to experience during your trip.
Art & History
One of the best ways to spend a relaxing afternoon in Amsterdam is to take in one of the many museums and galleries dotted throughout the city. Our top picks would have to be Rijksmuseum and Stedelijk Museum, with both being set in grand 19th-century buildings, adding to the experience.
Entertainment
During the evenings, why not go to see a live band at Heineken Music Hall or have a night out at vibrant local venues like Paradiso and the Melkweg? A more cultured night can be had at the Dutch National Opera & Ballet or seeing a musical at the Royal Theatre Carré.
Cafe culture
If you’re looking for a more relaxing break, take time to explore the café culture of the city, popping into the lovely restaurants and coffee shops during your wanderings through the streets, and soaking up the views from the picturesque canals interlacing Amsterdam.
Food
Exploring the restaurants in Amsterdam is a must during your stay. There are so many great places to dine in but also great street food and snack options for eating on-the-go. Foodhallen Amsterdam is the perfect place to try dishes from different vendors and diverse cuisines, all under one roof.
Cycling
You can't imagine Amsterdam without picturing bikes along the canals. With cycle lanes and bike paths all across the city, what better way to explore Amsterdam than on two wheels. There are plenty of options for bicycle hire, so take inspiration from the locals and do your sightseeing by bike.
Markets
Amsterdam is famous for its floating flower market, Bloemenmarkt. The colourful blooms are a sight to be seen, especially during spring. Wander round the city's flea markets and farmers' markets and maybe pick up some gifts from the eclectic mix of art, vintage fashion and homewares.
Art & History
One of the best ways to spend a relaxing afternoon in Amsterdam is to take in one of the many museums and galleries dotted throughout the city. Our top picks would have to be Rijksmuseum and Stedelijk Museum, with both being set in grand 19th-century buildings, adding to the experience.
Food
Exploring the restaurants in Amsterdam is a must during your stay. There are so many great places to dine in but also great street food and snack options for eating on-the-go. Foodhallen Amsterdam is the perfect place to try dishes from different vendors and diverse cuisines, all under one roof.
Cycling
You can't imagine Amsterdam without picturing bikes along the canals. With cycle lanes and bike paths all across the city, what better way to explore Amsterdam than on two wheels. There are plenty of options for bicycle hire, so take inspiration from the locals and do your sightseeing by bike.
Your Amsterdam questions answered
When's the best time to visit Amsterdam?
Amsterdam is a fantastic place to visit at any time of year because, no matter the weather, you'll find attractions and events to enjoy in every season.
Spring is the best time to experience the Netherlands in full colour - April is peak tulip season when flowers bloom and vibrant colours fill the parks and market stalls. It's also the month of King's Day (27th April) when locals celebrate with open-air parties.
During summer in Amsterdam, it's sunny but not too hot, so you can explore the city centre on foot or by bike and soak up the atmosphere at waterside cafes and bars. Amsterdam Pride in August sees the canals come to life with rainbow-coloured celebrations for the LGBTQ+ community. The city also hosts several festivals with people visiting Amsterdam from across the globe to enjoy music, theatre, film and dance events throughout the summer.
In the lead up to Christmas, Amsterdam becomes a winter wonderland with glittering lights illuminating the canals and cobblestones. Explore the city's Christmas markets and parks where ice-skating is a fun outdoor activity. Prefer to stay warm? Winter is the perfect time to visit Amsterdam's museums with fewer crowds than in the peak summer months.
What's the weather like in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam weather varies throughout the year, with highest temperatures from June to August, peaking around 22°C but with an average of 16°C during the day.
January and February are the coldest months when the temperature can drop as low as 1°C.
Daylight hours are shorter from October-December and it can feel colder after dark.
Snow is not common every year, but there is a chance of snow from December till March and in recent years the canals have occasionally frozen with the cold weather!
You can expect the most rainfall in October-November, but it's wise to pack an umbrella whenever you visit Amsterdam, as there are often odd rainy days in April, May and July as well as during autumn and winter months.
What language do they speak in Amsterdam?
In Holland, the official language is Dutch and this is spoken throughout the Netherlands. However, in Amsterdam almost everyone speaks English as a second language. Locals will happily talk to you in English and it's easy for tourists to get by without knowing any Dutch - although basic phrases like "hallo/dag" (hello) and "dank u" (thank you) will be appreciated. Menus and signs at the airport are provided in both Dutch and English.
Does Amsterdam have a beach?
While there is not a beach in the centre of Amsterdam, you will find beaches just outside the city. On the west coast, about 30 minutes' train ride from Amsterdam Central, you'll come to Zandvoort and Bloemendaal aan Zee. These sandy beaches with sports facilities, restaurants and bars make a popular day trip from the capital. At the mouth of the river IJ which feeds Amsterdam's famous canals, the beach at IJmuiden is another great option. A port town with wild coastline, perfect for windsurfers, is about an hour away - although it's quickest to drive. There is also an urban beach, built around a lake on the outskirts of Amsterdam: Sloterplas Strand. Connected by the city's transport network and surrounded by parkland, Sloterplas is a great place for children to play outdoors.
Which part of Amsterdam is best to stay?
Wherever you choose to stay in Amsterdam, you'll never be far from the main sights and transport links. The city's neighbourhoods each have their own charm, so it's all about finding the best location and atmosphere for the holiday you're planning. Here are a few top suggestions of where to stay depending on your travel interests:
The Old Centre - perfect for sightseers, a convenient location with great choice of cheap hotels.
Jordaan - for trendsetters, away from the main tourist drag where you can enjoy local bars, restaurants and hip hotels.
Museum Quarter - for culture vultures, hotels close to the city's museums and Vondelpark.
Amsterdam Noord - for a different view of Amsterdam, the northern districts offer modern and unique accommodation options.
Grachtengordel - for a true Amsterdam experience, canalside hotels sit in amongst the shops, bars and clubs at the city's centre.
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