houses by the canal in amsterdam

Amsterdam Holidays

Hotels

Amsterdam - a city of colour

Amsterdam holidays transport you to a city of wonderful waterways, where distinctive architecture lines the cobbled streets and a great museum is never far away.

The Dutch capital’s love of art and culture is reflected in its array of attractions. The Van Gogh Museum has the world’s largest collection of the famous post-impressionist's work, while the walls of the Rijksmuseum are filled with Golden Age masterpieces.

Browse one-off shops showcasing emerging Dutch designers in the Nine Streets area and luxury boutiques in Oud Zuid. By evening, dine in restaurants offering local specialities and cuisines from around the world. 

This is a place for adventure, too. Join the locals by taking to two wheels as you explore the many green spaces and picnic spots, enjoy a boat tour along the canals or head to the nearby coast.

Discover all this and more on a holiday to Amsterdam with Etihad.

amsterdam bridge with bicycle at sunrise

Things to do in Amsterdam

Whether you want to visit its galleries and museums, hit the shops or simply unwind on the water, there’s something for everyone in Amsterdam.

bunch of tulips in amsterdam

See Amsterdam in bloom

From the famous Bloemenmarkt, where flowers are available all year round, to the city’s many parks which fill with tulips each spring, Amsterdam is always a floral wonder.

Visit in April for the annual Tulip Festival and you’ll see petals in every shade sprouting across the city.

Find out more about these flowers, and why the tulip has become a national symbol, at the Amsterdam Tulip Museum.

For an insight into the historic tulip economy, head to Aalsmeer, just south of the city, for the world’s largest flower auction.

Where to stay in Amsterdam

Relax in the city 

For a modern stay with a touch of refinement, consider the Kimpton De Witt Hotel.

Close to Amsterdam Centraal Station, this elegant hotel is a great base for exploring the city or venturing further afield.

The boutique feel is ideal for a romantic Amsterdam holiday, with quirky design touches, Frette robes in the rooms and complimentary bike use.

amsterdam woman with bag of tulips
amsterdam central square

Swimming in the centre

Pools are relatively rare in city-centre hotels, but the indoor pool at the Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam means you can take a break from city life or keep up on your fitness regime.

It’s also a great space for the kids on a family holiday to Amsterdam. Even better, you’re only a short stroll from Dam Square, in the very heart of the city. 

Spacious luxury

For spacious and opulent rooms, book a stay at Amsterdam’s Waldorf Astoria.

The hotel delivers all the trappings you’d expect from a world-class establishment and is the perfect choice for an Amsterdam honeymoon.

Relax in its Guerlain Spa and treat yourself to gastronomic delights at Goldfinch Brasserie, while your 24-hour concierge is on-hand to see to your every need.

tranquil canal scene in amsterdam
amsterdam city tram

All you need to know about Amsterdam

Local currency

The local currency in Amsterdam is the euro. You’ll usually find ATMs outside banks and major credit cards are widely accepted.

Getting around

Bike is the most common mode of transport in Amsterdam. Canal tours also popular, while you can hop on a tram to travel between neighbourhoods.

Languages spoken

The official language in Amsterdam is Dutch. Most residents are bilingual with many speaking English or German.

Public holidays

Amsterdam observes the standard Christmas public holidays, but also celebrates Ascension Day on 21 May and King’s Day on 27 April.

More about Amsterdam

Local cuisine

Amsterdam offers an eclectic and mouth-watering choice of dining experiences. Menus showcase some of the world’s best dishes alongside authentic Dutch favourites for a fusion of flavours. 

To experience this cuisine at its best, head to Librije’s Zusje, an upscale restaurant that serves up innovative modern food.

On days when you can’t decide, visit Foodhallen for a mix of international cuisines and Dutch cheeses, such as Edam.

After a day at the Rijksmusuem, try Rijks, the on-site Michelin-starred restaurant where artistic dishes rival the exhibits. Head to Yamazato at Hotel Okura for world-class sushi and kaiseki.

traditional breakfast in amsterdam
canal passes the ann frank house in amsterdam

Culture and museums

The Dutch capital's many museums, galleries and exhibitions are part of what makes a holiday to Amsterdam so special.

As well as great works by the Dutch Masters, its museums also cover contemporary art, photography and plenty more. 

The Anne Frank House is a must-see – and worth booking in advance to avoid the queues. The Rijksmuseum is the most popular attraction for classic paintings, especially its Van Gogh gallery.

For a great experience most will miss, seek out Amsterdam’s smallest museum – the Museum Perron Oost.

This tiny attraction charts the fascinating history of Amsterdam’s Eastern Docklands.

History

Amsterdam is a dream-come-true for history buffs. As the name suggests, the city was initially founded on a dam, which was built on the river Amstel in the 13th century. 

But it wasn’t until the 17th century that it started to flourish, becoming a global trading hub and headquarters for the Dutch East India Company.

Explore this history at the National Maritime Museum, which has a life-size version of one of the original trading ships.

You can also learn about how the famous Canal Ring was built to accommodate its growing population in the Amsterdam Museum.

amsterdam river amstel
amsterdam cafe pancakes

Why we love Amsterdam

“There’s always so much to experience in Amsterdam, from landmark art to sobering 20th-century history. There’s nothing better than finding a hidden gem and feeling like it’s your spot.”

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