Discover the Charms of Amsterdam Again
Amsterdam has been a global influencer since what began as an inauspicious herring-fishing settlement went on to inspire international seafaring, trade, engineering, art, and culture.
A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
Amsterdam has been a global influencer since what began as an inauspicious herring-fishing settlement went on to inspire international seafaring, trade, engineering, art, and culture.
GoTravelDaily’s Tom Hall traveled from his native London across the heart of Europe on an overnight train. Here’s how it went.
There is no doubt that Amsterdam is one of the premier cities to visit in Europe. From the expansive and picturesque Vondelpark to its charming canals and distinctive Dutch architecture, it offers an extraordinary experience for visitors.
If you ask us, one of Amsterdam’s most enticing attractions is a good old-fashioned bar crawl. The Dutch capital is famous for raucous partying and over-the-top nightlife—but the pubs here beat out the clubs just about every time. This is largely thanks tobruin cafés(brown cafes), traditional taverns that have been at the heart of Dutch drinking culture for centuries and which are still loved by locals today.
With priceless artworks by some of the most important artists and invaluable historical collections, Amsterdam’s museums and galleries astound visitors with their quality and variety. Despite the Dutch capital’s compact size, there are numerous options across all genres, offering a wealth of choices for art and history enthusiasts alike.
Of Amsterdam’s trove of museums, the twin standouts are the monumental Rijksmuseum, the Netherlands’ national museum, crammed with treasures spanning more than eight centuries, and the streamlined, modern Van Gogh Museum, containing the world’s largest collection of works by seminal Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh.
The world has long been awake to Amsterdam’s charms, and ever-skyrocketing visitor numbers mean the city can feel uncomfortably crowded in summer. While you might not be guaranteed good weather in winter, it can be a more pleasant time of year to discover this atmospheric European gem. Here are the best things to do in Amsterdam in winter.
Amsterdam’s parks are much more than prime places to experience the Netherlands’ famous gardening skills – they embody the freedom, tolerance and laissez-faire attitude that this particular European city is all about. The city’s green lungs are highly egalitarian, spread out in size and packed with activities that bring people delight – whether it be sun-bathing, picnic-partying or encountering wildlife, there is always more than enough room for everyone to mix, mingle and harmoniously coexist. These are the best city parks in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam has made a decision to ban Airbnb and similar holiday rental platforms from three districts in the city. In the remainder of the city, holiday rentals are now only permitted with a permit, which limits renting homes to tourists for a maximum of 30 nights per year.
When the kids are too old to be enticed by ice-cream shops and petting zoos, but not so big they can explore cities on their own, family holiday destinations need planning with care.
Enchanting Golden Age canals lined by gabled buildings, rambling parks, cozy bruin cafés (traditional pubs), magnificent museums, diverse cuisine, and some of Europe’s best nightlife make Amsterdam a captivating place to spend a weekend. Its compact size and flat terrain make it easy to explore its vibrant neighborhoods as the locals do – by bike (rental companies are everywhere). Here’s our guide to the perfect weekend in Amsterdam.
Coffeeshops are one of Amsterdam’s biggest draws, with one in four tourists visiting one. Pro puffer,Gavin Haines, has spent years researching the finest establishments to present to you his top tips for first-time tokers.
Amsterdam’s infamous Red Light District is a carnival of vice, with skimpily-clad commercial sex workers in brothel windows, raucous bars, haze-filled ‘coffeeshops’, strip shows, and mind-boggling museums. It’s not for everyone.
Navigating Amsterdam’s vibrant artwork, bridges, and canals can indeed be thirsty work. While traditional lagers served with a hefty head of foam are widely available, an ever-growing selection of cool craft beer bars offers something more unique. From hip microbreweries to charming canal-side hangouts, here are the top spots for ale enthusiasts in Amsterdam.
De School nightclub in Amsterdam is so blindingly dark that your eyes don’t adjust until after you’ve descended the stairs. Deep in its basement, where techno pounds through a thicket of tall, black-clad revellers, a corridor leads to a giant rotating light-emitting orb, the highlight of a late-night art exhibition. Welcome to the new face of clubbing.
In 2014, GoTravelDaily Local Claire Bissell jumped on a plane to Amsterdam to be with her partner. She bought a bike, developed a taste for raw herring, and never looked back. The Dutch capital is now the place she calls home, and she loves the city’s relaxed atmosphere, cycle lanes, and never-ending choice of eateries.
Amsterdam is one of the most popular destinations in Europe, and with good reason, it’s one pretty epic city! Brimming with amazing culture, incredible nightlife, world-class museums, and historical gems, Amsterdam is one city not to miss when thinking of a European city break; especially when visiting the Netherlands.
Amsterdam’s labyrinthine canals are what this brilliant Dutch city is famous for… well, one of the things it’s famous for, and so getting to drive a boat for the first time ever, and through the canals of Amsterdam nonetheless was a pretty special experience!
Here’s a concise overview of the best things to do in Amsterdam:
People who assume Amsterdam isn’t an appropriate place for children don’t know the city very well. There are plenty of fun and educational things to do with kids in Amsterdam, from letting them cook their own meals to exploring the canals and museums.