Holiday lettings & accommodation in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is made up of several districts, each distinct and easily accessible. The Old Centre is favoured by first-time visitors and backpackers - it’s very easy to get around and features the best parts of old and new Amsterdam, from the Royal Palace to the Red Light District. The neighbouring Grachtengordel and Jordaan districts are more upmarket residential areas, and are sure to be loved by art and design lovers. Their winding streets are lined with lovely old terraces housing hip galleries and boutiques. Families will find they have more room to move in the Oud-Zuid, as it’s more quiet and green than the central districts, and only a short walk from some of Amsterdam’s best parks and museums. Most locals in Amsterdam live in either the old-style terraces or trendy modern apartments. It’s also possible to stay on a traditional Dutch houseboat on the canal if you’re looking for something a bit different.

Take a stroll through the streets of Amsterdam, wandering along the city’s famous canals and beautiful old streets, or try exploring on a bike as the locals do. If the weather is nice, take a cruise along the canals or just chill in the Vondelpark - this city oasis is the perfect spot for a picnic or indulging in a bit of sunbathing. Museums are another drawcard here and are mostly based in the city centre or at Museumplein in the Oud-Zuid. See paintings by the Dutch masters at the Rijksmuseum, expressive modernist works at the Van Gogh Museum, or learn about the life of Anne Frank at the Anne Frank House. In the Jordaan, check out modern galleries and Dutch designers. Amsterdam is known as a nightlife capital and there is plenty to do after dark in the many bars and clubs across the city.

Amsterdam is a multicultural city, and the dining scene here combines both traditional Dutch and international flavours. There are fifteen Michelin starred restaurants, but there’s no need to get star-struck, as the city is full of great dining options for all budgets. To get into the Dutch spirit, sample the traditional snacks on offer from streetside vendors such as frites with mayonnaise, or a very Dutch frikandel: a fried mince-meat hot dog. Another popular local lunch is Pannekoek - the Dutch version of a pancake. At night, check out the city’s bar scene. Beer lovers will enjoy the Heineken Brewing Experience in the original Heineken brewery, before sampling other local craft ales nearby. Mingle with the locals at one of Amsterdam’s many wood panelled ‘brown cafe’ bars, or do a spot of people watching in the converted warehouse venues of the hip Plantage and Oost areas.

Amsterdam is not a huge city, and it’s easy to walk between most attractions. The locals are famously keen cyclists, and most own at least one bike and ride regularly. The city is flat, and has a good network of paths, so it’s one of the easiest ways to get around. Despite the overwhelming preference for bicycle commuting, there are plenty of other efficient options for those who aren’t too steady on two wheels. Buy a public transport chip card (OV-chipkaart) and access the extensive metro, bus and tram networks that criss-cross the city. To travel on water, catch a ferry or book a ride on a small canal boat for a picturesque ride through the old town. It’s also easy to take a day trip out of Amsterdam - catch a train to a pretty Dutch town, or hire a bike to explore the (extremely flat) countryside.