Amsterdam Holiday Information
Amsterdam, capital of Holland and The Netherlands, is a beautiful city known as the “Venice of the North” set within the three canals of Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht. An ideal city break location, Amsterdam is not only frequented by visitors and locals exploring the copious number of bars, pubs and nightclubs, but also by those looking to appreciate the wonderful architecture, fascinating markets and stalls, charming history, beautiful jewellery and impressive museums.
Taking a canal cruise should be on the must-do list of first time visitors to Amsterdam, but even if you’ve travelled to Amsterdam before, a canal boat trip is a fabulous way to view much of the city with its diverse surroundings and tree lined streets.
Shopping in Amsterdam is a dream! Designer, budget, trendy and lavish; you’ll find it all in Amsterdam’s shops and markets. Visit the Leidsestraat between Spui and Leidseplein or the Kalverstraat and Nieuwendijk near the Central Station.
There is a vast selection of cheap Amsterdam hotels available, which is why weekend breaks to Amsterdam are so popular. The hotels in Amsterdam, like the surrounding buildings, are generally tall and thin but full of character.
Families with children will love the Amsterdam canal boat bikes which seat four, so the kids can do the pedalling! Hire a cycle and ride around the picturesque Vondelpark or Amstel Park, or for the more adventurous, purchase a cycling map and follow the many bicycling routes through the city of Amsterdam. Toddlers and older kids will enjoy the hands-on Science Museum Nemo.
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Explore Amsterdam
The best way to explore Amsterdam is by foot and there are many self-guided walking tour books available. Make sure you take a good road map of Amsterdam too!
The three main museums to visit when on a short holiday in Amsterdam are the Rijksmuseum, the Anne France House Museum and the Van Gogh Museum, although Amsterdam is actually home to over 50 museums. If it’s raining or you don’t wish to travel far then head to the eastern area Amsterdam for the Museum Van Loon, the Museum of Bags and Purses and the photography museum, FOAM.
An eclectic combination of cultures and styles, wander the streets of Amsterdam and you will find something to suite everyone; from glamorous diamond museums to the Hemp Museum.