Holiday houses & accommodation in Amsterdam

You’ll find no shortage of holiday lettings in Amsterdam, ranging from houseboats to modern apartments to quaint and cozy cottages. Staying in a vacation rental will grant you the freedom to enjoy all Amsterdam has to offer before retreating to your comfortable and private accommodations at the end of a long day.

Schipol Airport: Gateway to Amsterdam

For most visitors the most convenient way to reach Amsterdam is via Schipol Airport. It’s one of Europe’s busiest travel hubs with several flights a day to many international destinations. The single terminal design also means the airport is incredibly easy to navigate. Multiple trains an hour serve downtown Amsterdam, and the journey takes a little over twenty minutes to the central station.

If you’re arriving by train then your terminus will also be Amsterdam Centraal, from which point you can access the metro, extensive tram network or simply hop in a cab to reach your Amsterdam holiday letting . There is also a well-served bus station to the east of the city centre.

Only in Amsterdam: Vending machine dining

For a taste of Amsterdam’s top culinary delights, visit the Albert Cuyp Market in De Pijp, a trendy neighbourhood. Among the clothing and flower stalls, you'll find vendors serving up classic Amsterdam staples such as fresh stroopwafels, wheels of cheese, and bitterballen. Another market, Nieuwmarkt, has been in operation since the 17th century and features vendors selling freshly prepared food as well as local produce.

On Amstelveenseweg in Amsterdam Old South, a foodie heaven of quaint patisseries, pizzerias, and cafés awaits. And fine diners will be thrilled to hear that Amsterdam's food scene is among the world's best, with more than 20 Michelin-starred restaurants. Restaurant De Utrechtsedwarstafel has welcoming staff and a top-notch wine selection, and rotating Restaurant Moon offers a 360-degree view of the city as you dine.

If you're feeling adventurous, try FEBO, Amsterdam's beloved fast-food vending-machine restaurant. High on novelty, (and not to mention calories), FEBO could be your saviour after a night out. You could also pick up burgers, croquettes, and hot chips here to enjoy in the comfort of your holiday cottage. Or try the health-conscious version, Health Food Wall, which offers vegetarian food in 30 seconds or less.

Visit historic residences such as Anne Frank's house

Culture comes alive in Amsterdam, where you'll encounter a perfect blend of contemporary and classic art. Dutch-born painter Rembrandt’s former house, now a museum, is certainly worth a visit, as is the Moco Museum, which pays tribute to modern icons such as Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, and Banksy. Wander through its collection of exhibitions, many of which are social-media-friendly feasts for the eyes.

History buffs will appreciate Anne Frank’s historic house. Stop by to see a touching piece of history up close and join a guided tour to learn about Anne and her family's time in hiding. Make sure to stop in at the Rijksmuseum, home to Amsterdam's largest collection of historical items – 1 million pieces to be exact. At any given time, they'll display up to 8,000 items, including masterpieces by artists such as Vermeer and Rembrandt.

Also worth seeing is the Royal Palace, which has housed royalty since 1648. The palace staff gives tours daily, allowing you to see the stunning furniture collection, ceiling paintings, and marble sculptures.

Amsterdam's nightlife: Cocktail bars and adult arcades

Amsterdam’s famous nightlife has something for everyone. Whether you’re into techno clubs hosting some of the world’s biggest DJs or quaint cocktail bars, you’ll find something to tickle your fancy in Amsterdam. Many bars are open until the wee hours, with some operating 24 hours a day.

Start your night off with a relaxing drink by the water at Hannekes Boom before heading to the TonTon Club, an arcade serving up classic drinks at its sprawling bar. Check out Hiding in Plain Sight, where you'll be greeted by the charm of a speakeasy and a wide selection of craft cocktails, wine, and beer. You'll feel right at home at this award-winning bar.

Sugarfactory, a former sugar factory (go figure!), still stimulates the senses as a classic nightclub. Located in Amsterdam’s city centre, this club fits 500 but feels intimate, even on its most packed nights. It hosts cabaret shows, jazz nights, club nights, and theatre events.

Clogs, tulips, and Rotterdam are only a drive away

Head to Zaanse Shans, a quintessentially Dutch district complete with wooden clogs, brightly coloured tulips, and functioning windmills. This charming area, an open-air museum, is just a 15-minute train ride (followed by a 20-minute walk) from Amsterdam. You'll be smitten by the 18th- and 19th-century wooden houses lining the roads and the traditional Dutch treats offered up by the vendors.

Amsterdam’s ‘little sister’, Rotterdam, is a buzzing city and just a 35-minute train ride away. It holds its own when it comes to food, nightlife, and entertainment, and because it's so close, makes for the perfect day trip from Amsterdam. Likewise, the city of Gouda is only 55 minutes by train from Amsterdam. Between April and August, you can visit the cheese market there and watch cheesemakers demonstrating their craft.

If you have a bit more time, travel to Keukenhof, the world's largest flower garden. The tulips, in full bloom from March through May, spread across nearly 80 acres of land. You can also take in flower shows, art exhibits, and other events during your visit.

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