Famed for being one of Europe’s most liberal minded destinations, Amsterdam attracts an eclectic range of visitors all year round.
Like Venice, Amsterdam was founded on water and is criss-crossed with tranquil canals and waterways. But that’s where any similarity ends for unlike Venice, which is a stunningly preserved masterpiece, Holland’s largest city is alive with hustle, bustle and excitement.
There really is something for everyone here. If food’s your thing you can choose from a veritable united nations of restaurants serving cuisine for almost every taste. For something a little more informal, simply pause and chill out at a pavement-side café or bar.
If it’s culture you’re looking for, try one of the many museums packed with masterpieces by Dutch artists like Van Gogh or Rembrandt. Or visit the house where Anne Frank hid and wrote her famous diaries during the Second World War.
Any visit wouldn’t be complete without a boat trip along the canals, or a bicycle ride through the streets. You can hire bikes at reasonable rates at it’s a great way to see the city. Another option is a gentle walking tour, and you can join one of the New Amsterdam Free walking tours and enjoy three hours of discovery.
Of course, Amsterdam also had its other less wholesome attractions and for the liberally minded a meander through the famous red light district can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Summer is the best time to visit and during the Holland Festival in June Amsterdam enjoys four weeks of cultural activities. Winters can be cold and the canals often freeze, but if you can cope with the drop in temperature you’ll see locals ice skating their way around the city.
Read the full Amsterdam guide
