Weekend in Amsterdam

Looking to visit Amsterdam? Take a look at some of our recommendations for spending a weekend in the Dutch capital.

By Robert Heaney
Published: July 18, 2024
Bridge in Amsterdam illuminated at night

Home to some of Europe’s most important cultural hotspots and one of the best nightlife scenes on the continent, Amsterdam truly offers something for everyone. With many of its top attractions and best venues housed within a compact city center, you’d be hard pushed to find a better European city break than a weekend in Amsterdam.

Nightlife

Image of Light, City, Metropolis, Urban, Neon, Lighting, Person,

Few destinations in Europe are as lauded for their vibrant nightlife scene as Amsterdam, and that isn’t without good reason. Much of the city center is replete with charming restaurants, classy bars and bustling clubs, making it a perfect weekend destination for young tourists looking for some of the best evening atmosphere on the continent.

One of the most popular areas to start a night of drinks is the infamous Red Light District, known officially as De Wallen. Aside from renowned after-dark shows and other such hedonistic appeal, the area is also home to a host of popular pubs and bars. Most notable are the Café Hill Street Blues, with its grungy, street-art interior, and The Old Sailor, adorned with all manner of traditional nautical instruments.

Another regular haunt at the beginning of the evening is the Jordaan area, for its vast selection of trendy bars and cafés. Among these are the vibrant speakeasy Bar Oldenhof, the warm and cosy De Zotte and the stylish JD William’s whisky bar for more of an intimate evening.

If you’re looking for a true weekend of partying in Amsterdam, then you’re bound to find yourself looking for some of the city’s most vibrant clubs. Some of the most bustling and tourist-packed clubs can be found on Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein, with the likes of Paradiso, Melkweg and Escape truly taking the cake.

Retail Therapy

Image of Flower, Flower Arrangement, Plant, Flower Bouquet, Shop, Shopping Mall, City, People, Person, Urban, Handrail,

A weekend in Amsterdam is the perfect opportunity to try to pick up some local bargains, a souvenir or two or even some high-class European fashion. Spread throughout the city are a number of spots where you can quench your shopping thirst, from quaint streets lined with traditional independent stores to sprawling malls populated by top brands and retailers.

While exploring the city’s famous canal district, you’re bound to stumble across the Negen Straatjes, or ‘Nine Streets’. These narrow, historical streets are home to a variety of charming cafés and restaurants, alongside a variety of stores from unique independent businesses to chain boutiques.

If you’re serious about shopping, though, then Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat are the places to be. Undisputedly the beating heart of Amsterdam’s retail offerings, the two are also connected by the Kalverpassage shopping mall, offering smooth passage between streets alongside a variety of top retailers.

For more of a typical mall experience, the Magna Plaza is a stunning building inside and out, lined with a handful of charming shops offering everything from souvenirs to fashion products. De Bijenkorf is your one-stop shop for all things luxury, with its vast collection of haute couture brands complemented by a selection of luxury beauty treatments.

Cultural Hotspots

Image of Art, Painting, Mural,

While many come to Amsterdam for a weekend of partying and pleasure, that isn’t to say you can’t enjoy more of a quiet and cultured trip away from the raucous crowds. One of Amsterdam’s greatest boasts is its vast selection of world-class museums and art galleries dedicated to its wealth of complex national history and celebrated artistic output.

Taking pride of place is the renowned Rijksmuseum, whose sprawling Renaissance- and Gothic-style halls boast an impressive collection of historical artifacts and famous artworks. The most important museum in the Netherlands, its collection chronicles over 800 years of Dutch history, complemented by the works of such artistic legends as Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh.

Nothing reflects Dutch artistic accomplishment quite like the Van Gogh Museum, standing as a tragically ironic juxtaposition to the artist’s anonymity in life. The museum houses over 1,400 of the Post-Impressionist painter’s works, from paintings to letters, amounting to the most complete collection in the world by far.

The various grand artistic claims of the Netherlands often overshadow its extensive and complex history. The Amsterdam Museum serves to remedy that, documenting the development of the Dutch capital from original settlement to the modern metropolis we know today, exploring periods of nautical domination and ground-breaking progressiveness.

Easily the most visited historical site in Amsterdam, though, is the Anne Frank House, housing a museum dedicated to the victims of Nazi persecution within the very same canal house in which the family of the famous wartime diarist escaped German capture. Although the site now stands empty of most original furnishings, it remains a potent reflection of life during one of the darkest periods in recent European history.

Iconic Activities

Image of Water, Waterfront, Vehicle, Watercraft, Boat, Canal, Outdoors, Barge, Person, Nature, Scenery, Car, Neighborhood, Boating, Water Sports,

Although Amsterdam is largely famous for its iconic streets, squares and waterways, it also offers a variety of engaging activities for visitors of all shapes and sizes. Whether you’re a family looking for a great day out or a couple with a taste for Dutch pilsners, there’s plenty on offer to keep your weekend trip jam-packed.

On the topic of Dutch pilsners, few have quite the same worldwide reach and rapport as Heineken. Those with an interest in the brand or Dutch beers in general are likely to find the Heineken Experience a real thrill. Visitors are offered a tour of the Heineken brewery along with insights into its entire production cycle, rounded off in style with a refreshing bottle of the beer at the heart of it all.

If you’re looking to explore the best sights in the city, there are few better ways to do so than atop its iconic canals. Various operators offer canal boat tours throughout the popular canal district, complemented by local insight into some of the city’s top attractions. Alternatively, a hop-on, hop-off boat tour offers much the same, with the added benefit of allowing you to get on and off at various points to better discover the areas that most interest you.

Something bound to offer families, couples and individuals alike a great day out is the ARTIS Royal Zoo. Combining a gorgeous botanical garden filled with endangered plant life with a vast zoological garden housing over 900 animals from all corners of the globe, the site is a great place to discover many of the wonders of the natural world, or simply sit down for a picnic and rest on a pleasant day.

Robert Heaney
Go City Travel Expert

Continue reading

New Year's Eve fireworks over Amsterdam
Blog

New Year's Eve in Amsterdam - Things to do

New Year’s Eve is a magical time in Amsterdam. Trees festooned with fairy lights glitter along the canal paths, the streets are filled with happy people munching traditional oliebollen (little Dutch donuts), and fireworks light the sky from morning till midnight, and indeed beyond. It’s party central here, with dozens of club nights, warehouse raves and unofficial street parties taking place right across town, and you’re never far from the fun.  Pro-tip: don’t go anywhere in Amsterdam on New Year’s Eve without a booking. Make reservations for dinner and book ahead for any ticketed events. Oh, and be sure to sort your accommodation well in advance if you don’t want to end up paying top dollar for some suburban shack miles from the action. With that in mind, dive in for our whistlestop guide to spending New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam. New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam: Things to Do in the Morning That old saw about the early bird catching the worm has perhaps never been truer than when sightseeing in Amsterdam on New Year’s Eve. Our advice? Rise with the lark and be prepared for attractions to close early (or indeed not open at all). This is a great time to see Amsterdam from the water on a classic cruise, with Christmas lights shimmering and rippling across the surface of the canal as you sail serenely past landmarks including Anne Frank’s House and the Westerkerk. At this time of year, there will also be cruises specifically designed to route past highlights of the enchanting Amsterdam Light Festival (of which more later). Amsterdam isn’t short of a museum or two either. The Rijksmuseum – five floors of European masterpieces including Vermeer’s The Milkmaid and Rembrandt’s Night Watch – is certainly the most essential. But there are plenty of weird and wonderful alternatives if you’re just not that into staring at old paintings. Hit up the Amsterdam Tulip Museum for a fragrant dive into one of the country’s national emblems. Peruse the private collection of one of the most dedicated pipe enthusiasts on the planet. You’ll be feline just fine at cat-crazy KattenKabinet and you can check out art of a more contemporary stripe at the bleeding-edge Moco Museum.  Staying in town a little longer? Consider an attraction pass from Go City to save $$$ on things to do in Amsterdam, including top tours, attractions, activities and more. Afternoon: Seasonal Events in Amsterdam There are two essential activities to get involved in when spending New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam. First up: the humble oliebol. This scrumptious little Dutch snack literally translates as ‘oil ball’, so you just know it’s not going to be a health food. You’ll find street vendors hawking these fried dough balls dusted with sugar on every square, by every canal and on every street corner. Well, almost. They’re a favorite festive snack of the Dutch so expect queues that only get longer as the day progresses. It’s also customary to stuff your face with handfuls of oliebollen at midnight on New Year’s Eve, so while this afternoon oliebol might be your first, we can guarantee it won’t be your last. This tasty tradition is said to ward off evil spirits so, if you need to justify that second bagful to yourself, now you can! Look out too for the oliebol’s fruitier cousin, the appelbeignet, also available just about everywhere in Amsterdam at this time of year. It gets dark early in Amsterdam in December – perfect timing, in other words, for the visual extravaganza that is the annual Amsterdam Light Festival. Brightening the long Dutch winter between December and January, this eye-popping open museum of illuminated artworks and installations takes place in and around Amsterdam’s historic center and includes unique pieces by contemporary designers, artists and architects from the Netherlands and beyond. Join a guided walking tour or take a gentle stroll around the exhibits at your own pace. Simply wait until the sun starts to set and follow the light…  Evening: New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam What you’ll also have noticed is that, come dusk, there are firecrackers, rockets and roman candles going off everywhere. Amsterdam’s fireworks laws are, shall we say, more relaxed than other parts of the world, so don’t be surprised to see kids and adults setting them off in the street. Fear factor aside, it makes for quite the spectacle, especially as the clock ticks inexorably towards midnight. It also means you can skip the official midnight display – usually held at the Kop van Java – because, trust us, you can see fireworks literally everywhere already. In fact, you’ll likely see some of the very best on the banks of the Amstel, as locals go wild with their own colorful launches. The Dutch dress to the nines for New Year’s Eve, so no slouching in baggy pants and sweaters! Bust out the glad rags and glam it up for a night out at some of Amsterdam’s glitziest addresses. Start with one of the decadent dinner packages at the likes of the opulent Grand Café Krasnapolsky or the Michelin-starred White Room. These and many other flashy (and not so flashy) Amsterdam restaurants offer multi-course packages that come (more often than not) with a glass of fizz to toast the New Year at midnight. And remember: advance booking is essential! There will be literally hundreds of club nights and parties to choose from in Amsterdam on New Year’s Eve. Dance yourself dizzy at Madam on the 20th floor of the iconic A’DAM Tower (Amsterdam’s highest nightclub, no less), shimmy the night away at the annual Awakenings bash at Gashouder, or just hit up the nearest public square. You’ll find some of the best unofficial New Year’s parties taking place on Leidseplein, Nieuwmarkt and Dam Square. Don’t forget to bid fellow revelers a hearty ‘Gelukkig Nieuwjaar!' through mouthfuls of oliebollen as the bells peal out. And Finally… It’s the morning after the night before, so what could be more natural than joining thousands of brave Dutch men and women in the time-honored tradition of dashing into the icy waters of Zandvoort aan Zee. Anyone can take part in this crazy New Year’s Day activity – you just need to register online first. Shivering participants are rewarded afterwards with a certificate and a much-needed cup of hot pea soup. Enjoy! Save on activities and attractions in Amsterdam Save on admission to Amsterdam attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Windmill and colorful bulb fields in the Netherlands
Blog

Keukenhof Guide: Amsterdam's Main Spring Attraction

Tulips are as synonymous with the Netherlands as windmills, clogs and stroopwafels. The Keukenhof botanical garden in Lisse, an easy day trip from Amsterdam, allows you to tick off as many as three of these national emblems in one fell swoop – they’re not quite so big on clogs here, in case you were wondering. Read on for our expert guide to visiting this essential Amsterdam spring attraction, including when to visit, how to get there, and what to see in the gardens (disclaimer: may include tulips)...  Keukenhof Guide: The Gardens in Brief Keukenhof is a sensory fiesta, where great carpets of brightly colored blooms dazzle the eye and the air is heady with intoxicating floral aromas. At around 79 acres, Keukenhof is one of the biggest flower gardens on the planet, with something in the order of seven million bulbs planted here every year. We’re talking tons of tulips of course, but that’s not all. You’ll also find many other spring favorites growing here, including daffodils, irises, hyacinths, crocuses and orchids. This ‘Garden of Europe’ is open between March and May when spring’s best blooms are at their sensational best, and you could easily spend a day here, exploring the themed flower shows, wandering the manicured woodland-style paths, boating silently along canals flanked by great flamboyant fields of tulips, and snapping Keukenhof’s Insta-perfect windmill. Keukenhof Guide: When to Visit Dates vary a little year on year, but as a general rule Keukenhof's floral fiesta runs between the spring equinox in March and the middle of May. It’s open every day throughout this period from 8AM to 7.30PM so there’s plenty of opportunity to immerse yourself in its painterly landscapes and to pack a picnic and make a whole day of it. Popularity of this Amsterdam spring attraction peaks over the Easter holidays and through April, when the flowers are at their absolute blooming best, a one-day flower parade takes place mid-month, and busloads of flower-loving tourists arrive hourly from Amsterdam, Leiden, Haarlem and beyond. Keukenhof Guide: Don’t Miss… Flower Shows This is where Holland’s expert growers really come into their own, with eye-popping themed zones and pavilions that showcase the nation's best blooms. Themes change year on year to keep things bud-fresh, but previous years have paid homage to 1960s flower power, graffiti art and tropical beaches. Art at Keukenhof As if the glorious displays of flowers weren’t eye candy enough, Keukenhof also boasts several cool visual art pieces including sculptures and installations that juxtapose beautifully with the vibrant blooms.  Canal Cruise Hop aboard an electric-powered whisper boat behind Keukenhof Windmill for a relaxing 45-minute cruise through the bulb fields that surround the gardens. Cameras at the ready for buttery yellow daffodils by the dozen, tulips by the truckload and sweet-scented hyacinths in a rainbow of colors. An audio guide will fill you in on the history of the region as well as helping novices to distinguish their tulips from their crocuses. An extra charge applies for cruises, on top of the standard Keukenhof entry fee. Keukenhof Windmill Bag that quintessential Netherlands selfie in front of Keukenhof Windmill, afloat on its ocean of vibrant spring tulips, before taking a peek inside this 19th-century treasure. It’s not just photogenic from the outside, you know: climb to the top for stunning views across the technicolor gardens. Keukenhof on Two Wheels You can rent bikes (and tandems!) right outside the entrance if you want to explore the bulb fields and canals that surround Keukenhof at your leisure. But note that you can’t cycle through the gardens, only around them. Kids’ Stuff Once the little people in your life have been suitably wowed by the flowers and windmill, let them lose themselves in the hedge maze, let off steam in the playground and say hey to the peacock, pigs, goats and rabbits in the animal meadow. Stroopwafels! We teased you with these sweet syrup-filled treats way back at the beginning of this blog so it’s only fair we elaborate further here. There are several restaurants throughout the park, serving hot and cold meals (including options for kids) all day. You’ll also find a variety of snack and coffee vendors scattered around the gardens and its these you should make a beeline for if you’re in the market for a classic Dutch stroopwafel, as well you should be. Keukenhof Guide: Ticket Options Keukenhof is no different to most popular attractions, in that you’re likely to bag the best prices by booking online in advance. For example, a pass bought direct from the ticket office on the day will set you back €23. The online price meanwhile is €19.50, saving you a tasty €3.50 to put towards those delicious stroopwafels. You can also pay for parking as well as pre-booking bicycle rental and rides on the whisper boat via the official website here. You can also find plenty of tour operators offering one-price tickets that include return coach transfers and entry to the gardens. Alternatively, pick up a Go City Amsterdam attraction pass, which includes return transfers and entry to Keukenhof as well as access to many more Amsterdam attractions, tours and activities, including the Rijksmuseum, Madame Tussauds, and the famous Amsterdam canal cruise. Find out more about the Amsterdam pass options here. How to Get to Keukenhof There’s a plethora of ways to get to Keukenhof from Amsterdam, from the straightforward (coach+entry package) to the rather more complicated (train+bus) to the adventurous (cycling 25 miles from the city center to the bulb fields, anyone?). There’s no right or wrong way to do it, and how you get there will likely depend on budget and personal preference. We take a deep dive into the various transport options here – check it out! Save on Tours, Attractions and Activities in Amsterdam Save on admission to Amsterdam attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Entrance to Vondelpark in Amsterdam
Blog

Amstelpark or Vondelpark Comparison

Amsterdam’s flat terrain, picturesque canals, attractive architecture and pedestrian-friendly streets makes it a fine city for strolling (and indeed cycling). But did you know the ‘Dam is also home to some of the most perfect parks in Europe? We’re talking the Vondelpark, the Westerpark, the Amstelpark and the Rembrandtpark, to name just a few. But which is best? We pit glorious green gems Vondelpark and Amstelpark against each other, taking a deep dive into their various attractions, family friendliness and more, to find out. Read on for the lowdown in our Amstel park and Vondelpark comparison… Vondelpark Name: originally named Nieuwe Park (New Park), it was quickly renamed Vondelpark in honor of Joost van den Vondel after a statue of the 17th-century writer and playwright was erected here, on a plinth designed by celebrated Rijksmuseum architect Pierr Cuypers, no less. Age and location: Vondelpark opened in Amsterdam-Zuid borough in 1865, west of the Museumplein and Leidseplein. Vondelpark in brief: an urban oasis par excellence, Vondelpark covers some 120 acres of prime Amsterdam real estate in the heart of the city, making it the largest park in town. Beloved of locals and visitors alike (it attracts around 10 million visitors annually), it’s a sprawling green gem, crammed with statues, sculptures, manicured gardens, tranquil lakes, cute cafés, picture-perfect footbridges, and recreational opportunities galore. The park was originally designed by 19th-century landscape architect Jan David Zocher and his son Louis Paul Zocher, and has undergone oodles of additions, expansions and improvements since opening as a green space for strolling and horse-riding over a century-and-a-half ago, in the summer of 1865. Unmissable Vondelpark Highlights The jewel in Vondelpark’s considerable crown is the Openluchttheater, a wonderful open-air stage that hosts events every year between May and September, from stand-up comedy to classical music, as well as plays and kids entertainers. There are something like 70 statues and sculptures dotted around Vondelpark. A towering concrete piece, Picasso’s abstract 1965 masterpiece Figure découpée (aka L’oiseau aka The Bird), is perhaps the most celebrated, and was donated by the artist himself for the park’s centenary. Follow your nose to the splendid rose garden in the middle of the park. The garden was added in 1935 and contains some 70 species of the romantic blooms. Of course, relaxation and recreation are key here, and there are plenty of paths for strolling, cycling, jogging and rollerblading. You can also do as the Amsterdammers do: grab a picnic lunch and a spliff, and find a shady spot beneath the poplars to while away the afternoon. How Family-Friendly is Vondelpark? Vondelpark’s ace playgrounds feature great treehouse-like structures that are manna for adventurous kids (and parents looking for a break). Besides these, there are plenty of wide open spaces to roam, trees to climb, and spots to play hide and seek. Heck, there’s even a maze to get lost in. Hit up the Swiss-chalet-style Het Groot Melkhuis on the edge of the Vondelpark Forest for casual café food and drinks – the playground and sandpits here make it the ideal go-to for hungry families. Note that Vondelpark is open 24 hours, but somewhat less child-friendly after dark, when courting couples are legally permitted to get, ahem, jiggy on the lawns. Amstelpark Name: Amstelpark is named after the river on which it sits. Age and location: opened for the Floriade 1972 garden festival, Amstelpark is a mere whippersnapper compared to Vondelpark. It also lies a little further off Amsterdam’s main drag than its elder cousin, around six kilometers south of Centraal Station. Amstelpark in brief: Though lacking some of the spectacle of Vondelpark, Amstelpark still packs a decent punch. Its origins as a horticultural garden shine through to this day and you’ll find plenty of rhododendron and rose gardens that burst into color, providing Insta-perfect selfie backdrops during the season. A cute train, a petting zoo and the biggest playground in Amsterdam also makes this one a top choice for family days out. Unmissable Amstelpark Highlights The Rosarium and Rhododendron Valley are Amstelpark’s standout botanical highlights. Around 140 species of rhododendron burst into fragrant bloom in April and May, providing one of the most colorful flower shows in town (no mean feat in the tulip capital of the world!). Meanwhile, the Rosarium showcases over 400 varieties of rose in summer, when the riot of bright colors and heady scents is liable to leave your head spinning. Fans of all things Dutch will find much to enjoy at the Riekermolen windmill, set next to the Amstel River on the park’s southern edge. The sails of this 17th-century beauty are set spinning again on some weekends in summer, and there’s a statue of Rembrandt nearby, in homage to his love of the landscapes around the Amstel River. The miniature train that weaves through Amstelpark is one of its most popular attractions. Hop aboard in summer to make the best of all those wonderfully verdant vistas. How Family-Friendly is Amstelpark? It’s fair to say Amstelpark trumps Vondelpark when it comes to facilities for children. That miniature train is a guaranteed hit, for starters, And that’s before we even get to the mini-golf, labyrinth, and petting zoo with rabbits, goats, sheep and chickens. The Speeltuin playground here is also really quite something. Kids could spend hours here, taking on the adventure zone, going bumper to bumper on the disco boats, riding the merry-go-round, and racing the super trucks. Save on Tours, Attractions and Activities in Amsterdam Save on admission to Amsterdam attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.