Holidays to Amsterdam: Discover the Dutch capital

2. The canals

We've all seen photos of the gorgeous canals in Amsterdam. While there are only three main canals, there are over 150 in total. The city has an impressive 100km of canals with about 90 islands and around 1,500 bridges to help you navigate the city and explore.

The three main canals are Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht. The canals are mostly used for boating and it's worth enjoying a boat ride during your stay. Don’t try taking a dip though - the water isn't suitable for swimming.

3. Red Light District

Whether you end up loving it or not feeling so sure, the Red Light District is one of Amsterdam's most unique sights.

In the Red Light District, you'll find many things that you would never see in the UK. There are brothels, sex shops, museums and even a Red Light District pub crawl. Prostitution is legal in Amsterdam (although not on the street), and the Red Light District gets its name from the neon lights in the windows of the 'storefronts'. In general though, the Red Light District is friendly and safe - although perhaps not the best spot for families or the faint-hearted!

4. Heineken Experience

Of course, drinking beer can be a fun experience in itself! You might not think that learning the history of beer or how it's made would be as interesting as drinking it - but the Heineken Experience sets out to prove you wrong. The Heineken Experience takes you on the journey of Heineken, which started out as a small brewery and ended up being the world-famous beer brand it is today.

Each tour lasts about 90 minutes. You can take it at your own pace, and it all ends with a chilled beer or two. To receive a discount, book the Heineken Experience online.

5. The Avocado Show

The Avocado Show is a cafe dedicated to serving you sit-in and takeaway meals containing - you guessed it - the most famous of all the superfoods. But don’t be fooled into thinking that only vegetarian or vegan food is served here! There are plenty of dishes that include your favourite proteins, such as chicken, bacon and salmon.

The Avocado Show is not just a dining experience. You can also buy some merchandise during your visit, including cookbooks, clothing, accessories and even a giant avocado inflatable pool float.

6. The 9 Streets

This quaint and quirky small neighbourhood is home to funky shops, cosy cafes, artisanal food shops and loads more. This is Old Amsterdam at its best with plenty of beautiful places to get that perfect holiday snap; simply grab a pastry and your camera and go for a little wander. The 9 Streets are located right in the middle of Amsterdam's UNESCO World Heritage Site canal belt. Highlights here include the Bloemenmarkt, the floating flower market, and the Anne Frank House is just around the corner.

7. Vondelpark

Known as the lungs of the city, Vondelpark is a huge 120-acre public park in Amsterdam-Zuid. First opened in 1865, the park currently welcomes around 10 million visitors each year. The vibe here is super relaxed and it's a great place for a stroll and to feel like you're far away from a built-up urban scene.

Between June and August, there's an open-air theatre that hosts live entertainment and music events.

8. Grab a coffee, Amsterdam-style

Once you've been there for a while, you may be feeling more open to what Amsterdam has to offer. In this city, after all, a coffee shop might not only be a place to get a cappuccino but also to participate in the recreational use of cannabis. While cannabis is not legal in the Netherlands, you are permitted to use cannabis sold from and in licensed coffee shops. Whether you'd like to participate or are simply curious, you could always join in on a coffee shop tour of Amsterdam.

🏴‍☠️ Pirate tip: Keep in mind that the rules around cannabis usage in Amsterdam can and do change, so it's worth reading up on the latest guidance.

9. Take the kids to the Science Museum

For those on a family holiday in Amsterdam, you'll be pleased to know that there are kid-friendly venues that appeal to a wide variety of interests. To enrich your kids’ minds and reward their curiosity, take them to the NEMO Science Museum, where they can participate in science experiments and discover how things work. A visit here normally lasts 2.5 hours and costs around 17.50 euros per person. As an extra bonus, the museum is only a 10-minute walk from Amsterdam Centraal Station, which means that you can throw in some additional exploration of central Amsterdam.

10. Travel back in time

Located to the southeast of the city, the Castles and Gardens region is a spectacular spot that transports you back in time to the medieval age of wealthy Dutch merchants. Conveniently located only 30 minutes from Amsterdam Centraal Station and well within cycling distance, some must-see towns in the Castle and Gardens region are Muiden, Naarden and Weesp.

If you love all things Game of Thrones or fairy tale movies, then you are in for a treat with the region's majestic castles and gardens. If you only have time for one, take a guided tour of Muiden Castle, believed to date back to the 10th century.

11. Escape the city

Most holidaymakers rarely get beyond the magic you can find in central Amsterdam, but there is much more to this city than its centre. Found on the other side of the IJ River, the NDSM Wharf is an old shipyard that's become a hub for good food and entertainment.

Known as a cultural hotspot, the wharf is filled with bars, live music venues and markets; it also plays host to festivals throughout the year. You can even do some bungee jumping from a crane or simply catch some sun on the beach. It's an unmissable venue for spending the day with family or friends.

12. Be romantic

While the city certainly has its wild side, Amsterdam also happens to be a top choice for a romantic getaway or even a honeymoon.

The first thing you'll need to do is find the right hotel. There‘s no shortage of romantic places to stay in Amsterdam, ranging from high-end accommodation like the Amstel Hotel to more affordable options such as the Volkhotel.

Discover the city's romantic side by taking lengthy walks through the beautiful parks or enjoy an idyllic bike ride through the city and its surrounding countryside. Complete your romantic Amsterdam city break by watching the sunset on top of the A’Dam Lookout observation deck.