Experience the treasures of Amsterdam. For a little city, the Dutch capital packs in plenty of fun. Here, traditions are proudly maintained, history carefully preserved and the future firmly embraced.
Whether you like an hour-by-hour itinerary or are more of a ‘let’s see where this takes us’ kind of traveller, allow Amsterdam to capture your imagination.
Go treasure hunting
Turn the city centre into a personal playground and create a hit list of must-sees. Begin your cultural exploration at the Van Gogh Museum. Admire the epic collection of the painter’s work, feasting your eyes on iconic pieces such as the yellow-tinged Sunflowers.
Back outside, make your way across the tree-lined plaza to the Rijksmuseum. On your way, snap a selfie with the ‘I heart Amsterdam’ sign before making your way inside to marvel more art.
Wander the halls and gaze at masterpieces from Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh. Don’t miss the Night Watch Gallery, exhibiting Rembrandt’s show-stopping civic guard portrait.
Stroll along the city’s famous waterways to the Anne Frank House on the edge of the Jordaan district. Prepare yourself for a powerful experience inside this carefully preserved 17th century townhouse on the Prinsengracht canal.
Scale the ladders into the secret annexe where the Frank family hid from the Nazis and see Anne’s famous diary up close.
Get a taste for local traditions
Spend an afternoon exploring different districts of the city to get a true feel for life in Amsterdam. Meander through Grachtengordel, passing romantic bridges, glittering canals and pastel-hued townhouses.
Eventually you’ll reach Vondelpark – this lush expanse of green is the perfect place to relax in the sunshine, enjoy a picnic or simply sit back and people watch.
Refuel at Albert Cuyp Market in the neighbouring district of De Pijp. Teeming with street food stalls, it’s the ideal spot to indulge in local dishes. Sample poffertjes, small pancakes slathered in butter and sprinkled with sugar, or opt for a raw herring fish sandwich.
There are plenty of other goods being peddled in the market, with everything from homewares to clogs to buy. Venture north to the Bloemenmarkt, another bustling market place along one the city’s many canals, to choose an armful of fresh flowers.
Take a day trip
Discover a mini version of Amsterdam in nearby Utrecht, park up and venture into the medieval heart of this historic city.
Make for Dom Tower, the 14th century church tower dominating the skyline and climb more than 400 steps to the top where you can enjoy spectacular views of Utrecht.
Back down on the ground, wander the cobbled lanes, marvelling at the beauty of the crooked houses and glittering canals.
More urban grandeur can be found in Rotterdam, just over an hour away from Amsterdam.
While away a day amid the contemporary architecture peppered throughout this port city. Admire masterpieces from Rembrandt, Monet, Dalí and Van Gogh at Museum Boijmans van Beuningen, before soaking up the futuristic design of the Cube Houses.
For a complete change of pace, head for Texel, an idyllic island off the coast of Noord-Holland.
Cross the North Sea by ferry and make your way to the Texel Dunes National Park. Wander across the golden shoreline and breathe in the fresh sea air at this tranquil beauty spot.
Car rental in Amsterdam is an ideal way to explore more of the city at your own convenience, as well as discover the delights that lie within easy reach of the Dutch capital.
