Visit Amsterdam

Thinking about a quick city break to get you through autumn, here’s our top tips for when you visit Amsterdam.

Amsterdam is known for its liberal nature, but it if often overlooked as one of the most beautiful European cities. The Dutch capital is a destination included in many European road trips, but it is also perfect for a short city break. You can reach Amsterdam in under an hour flying from the UK, which makes the city’s natural charm even more appealing.

While many Brits heading for the Dam only visit for one obvious reason, there is so much more to do in this city than sitting in coffee shops and getting high. The red light district and the availability of marijuana makes Amsterdam notoriously known as the city of decadence and debauchery, but it is in fact a city steeped in history and unique culture and actually has a romantic atmosphere. There is so much to see and do that sometimes a ‘short break’ simply isn’t enough. For all you serious travellers out there, here are the absolute must-dos for soaking up the culture:

Get On Yer Bike
Bicycles rule the road in Amsterdam (along with the streets, the parks and the canals) so travel around the city like a local on two wheels. The bikes chained up everywhere are permanent features which add to the allure of the gorgeous cityscape. You’ll come across a bike rental shop every few minutes in the city so no need to worry about finding a bike – just enjoy the ride! If you feel apprehensive about joining the army of cyclists in the street, enjoy a leisurely ride around Vondel Park instead.

Visit Anne Frank Huis
Amsterdam is full of interesting museums, but if you only have time to squeeze in one then the Anne Frank House is a must. Bringing the story of Anne Frank and her diaries to life, the museum gives an unparalleled emotive experience like no other. Imagine visiting a museum about the First World War located in a real life trench on the frontline – this is the immersive experience achieved at Anne Frank Huis. As the very building the Frank family hid from the Nazis in for two years, and the same location Anne wrote her world famous diary, this museum puts you in the shoes of the girl who became the symbol of the Holocaust.

The museum has a set route for visitors to follow, telling the story along the way with quotes, photographs, videos and artist impressions of how the top secret hiding place used to look. One of the most harrowing moments is stepping into Anne’s old bedroom, which still has intact the original posters and drawings Anne decorated the room with herself. The Anne Frank Huis is an unmissable part of Amsterdam, but be prepared to queue – average queue time is 2 hours!

See the Sights by Boat
Amsterdam boasts more canals than Venice, and what better way to see them and the beautiful sights of the city than by boat or barge. There are countless boat tour companies to choose from, all offering similar tours around the veins of the city. Decide whether you’d prefer a day or night time cruise as these will both offer a different perspective. Sit back, relax and enjoy the smooth ride whilst learning about the history of Amsterdam and its canals. Alternatively, you can event rent your own boat and have a go at navigating the canals yourself.

Whatever you are looking for in a destination – art, history and culture, shopping, a social atmosphere, fine cuisine, or a relaxing ambience, Amsterdam has it all.

Images and words by Jade Cayton

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