Amsterdam is the capital and the largest city in the Netherlands. From canals to museums, historical sites to shopping, this compact city really does offer it all. If you’re travelling to Amsterdam or the Netherlands, check out our article all about your Travel Money in the Netherlands. <br> <br>
<br>
Hotel Check-In
<br>
<br>
If you’re looking to treat yourself whilst enjoying your quick trip to Amsterdam, consider booking into the luxurious Hotel Estheréa. The rooms are normally around £450, but in May they are slightly discounted starting at £360 but be quick to book as this hotel is filling up fast, and that’s no surprise. It’s a beautifully decorated hotel right by the canal, 500m from Dam Square, so you can truly enjoy being in the heart of the city and not miss out on any time travelling from your hotel to attractions. Guests love the breakfast here, and make sure to request a room with a canal view!
<br>
<br>
If your budget is a bit more at the forefront of your plans, take a look at Motel One Amsterdam- Waterlooplein. This gorgeous 3-star hotel is only a 500m walk from the Rembrandt House, and offers a modern and contemporary setting to start your holiday. Also, with staff speaking German, Greek, English and Spanish at the reception, you’ll always be able to get the help required.
<br>
<br>
<br>
Shopping
<br>
<br>
Amsterdam has a great range of shopping possibilities, with different areas of the city offering different experiences. In the canal district, there is an area called De Negen Straatjes where you can find art galleries, restaurants, jewellery shops, boutiques and vintage stores. If you only have enough time to check out one area to go shopping in, this is the one as it has something for everyone!
<br>
<br>
The most famous shopping street is the Kalverstraat, which is also close to the most famous department store in Amsterdam, De Bijenkorf, where you’ll find both local and international designers as well as your classic highstreet stores like H&M and Zara.
<br>
<br>
If you’re in the mood for antiquing, Spiegelkwartier is home to over 70 antique stores and galleries! This area boasts impressive collections of paintings, ceramics, glass, jewellery, furniture, and tribal and Asian collectables. Whether centuries old or completely modern, you're bound to find something here that strikes your fancy.
<br>
<br>
And finally, if luxury shopping is more your style, Beethovenstraat offers luxury fashion, perfumeries and upscale patisseries that you can enjoy at your own pace. Located in the Zuid district, you can truly enjoy a relaxing and leisurely shopping experience.
<br>
<br>
<br>
Drink + Dine
<br>
<br>
For a spot of lunch, have a look at Pignig which is a favourite amongst locals. They serve both traditional Dutch fare and international classics.
<br>
<br>
Or if you want to add a bit of a gourmet twist, visit Truffle Boutique, which as the name suggests, serves comfort food with an elevated truffle twist.
<br>
<br>
For dinner, Moeders serves Stamppot which is a combination of mashed potatoes, sausage and meatballs, and could be called the national dish of the Netherlands, depending on who you ask.
<br>
<br>
If you’re looking for a bit more of a sophisticated evening out, book a table at Jansz. Offering dishes inspired by modern Dutch cuisine and featuring locally sourced ingredients, Jansz has a classic yet delicious menu to pick from. You can look at both their lunch and dinner menus here.
<br>
<br>
If you’re looking to go our for a tipple afterwards, the coolest place to have a drink is ’t Nieuwe Diep Distillery, where you can have traditional Dutch jenever, juniper flavoured gin. If you’re not feeling bold enough to try the juniper gin, they also have a range of fruit versions to try.
<br>
<br>
If you’re not a gin lover, Brouwerij ’t IJ serves beer in an old windmill – you can’t get any more Dutch than that. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 3:30pm they offer a tour of the brewery which lasts about 20 minutes, and you pay what you feel the tour was worth.
<br>
<br>
<br>
Discover
<br>
<br>
Muiderslot Castle is a 700 year old castle just 45 minutes from central Amsterdam via public transport, or just over 20 minutes in the car. It’s one of the oldest and the best preserved castle in the Netherlands and has been a national museum since 1878. You can book a guided tour of the castle and the grounds to learn all about the history Muiderslot Castle has to offer.
<br>
<br>
Though you wouldn’t be able to bring any flowers home with you, the Amsterdam Flower Market has been open since 1862 and is the only floating flower market in the world. Fear not though, if you do find yourself wanting to grow your own Dutch tulips, the Amsterdam Flower Market offers pre-orders online so you can order the bulbs straight to your door.
<br>
<br>
<br>
Explore
<br>
<br>
Whilst on the topic of flowers, if you’d like to see all the tulips in bloom, check out this Keukenhof & Windmill Village Guided Tour. You could fill an entire day with this tour, enjoying a guided tour of the Keukenhof Gardens, a clog-making demonstration, a cheese-making demonstration plus a cheese tasting afterwards! You can also upgrade your tour to include a canal cruise, so you can see the cities hotspots straight from the water. Prices start from £75 per person, but at the time of writing tickets are currently on sale down to £67 per person.
<br>
<br>
<br>
Wherever you go this Easter, stay safe, and make sure that you’re getting the best rates and fee-free spending abroad by using your Caxton currency card. Apply for yours today, or top up your existing card.
