Things to do

-Museums. Amsterdam features some world-class museums, especially if you’re interested in art. No trip would be complete without a visit to the Rijksmuseum, boasting works by Dutch masters like Vermeer and Rembrandt. The Van Gogh Museum is also essential, with the largest collection of the post-impressionist artists’ work in the world.

-Dining. Amsterdam has a diverse population, with lots of immigration in the 20th Century from Southeast Asia and South America. Surinamese and Indonesian Cuisine are both excellent, with countless snack bars and restaurants to choose from. If you want to try something more old-school then raw herring is a delicacy and best enjoyed in spring and summer.

-Sightseeing. The city has one of the largest historic centres on the continent, with the Canal Rig district preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are plenty of beautiful old buildings to see, including mansions and canal houses dating to the Dutch Golden Age in the 1600s. The Anne Frank house is on Prinsengracht and is maintained as a museum.

-Canal trips. A fabulous way to experience the city is to head onto the water along one of the city’s 165 canals. They were dug to protect the city from the sea and are wonderful to explore, either under your own steam on a rental boat, or via a canal bus or cruise.

-Nightlife. Amsterdam’s nightlife is notorious, though a little more staid now than in decades gone by. Many cafes and bars stay open well into the early hours, and the live music scene is particularly vibrant here. Popular hotspots include the Leiseplein and Rembrandtplein in the Canal Ring.

Weather in Amsterdam

Amsterdam holiday apartments are in a part of Europe with an oceanic climate, which results in mild weather for most of the year. Winters are cool, without extreme lows, with temperatures usually getting well above zero during the day in December and January. The spring months see highs in the middle or upper teens, with lots of sunshine and usually a little less rainfall than other seasons. Summers are moderately warm, with average highs in the low-20s, while autumn conditions are mild and damp.

Travel to Amsterdam

Amsterdam Schipol Airport (AMS) serves the city, and is one of the busiest in Europe. You can reach this destination from across the continent and cities around the world via both flag carriers and low-cost airlines. The airport is only 20 minutes from the heart of the city by rail. Amsterdam is best discovered via public transport, with a range of options including buses, trams, waterbuses and railways. As road traffic is discouraged, bicycles are a fantastic way to get around this compact city.