Amsterdam
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A harmonious blend of ancient and modern, Amsterdam is a city of peaceful canals, cobbled streets, artistic heritage and colourful nightlife.Whatever you're looking for in a city break, you'll find it here.
Looking for a cheap flight to Amsterdam? You'll find some of the best Amsterdam flight deals at thomascook.com. With a range of UK departure airports and leading airline partners, we offer great airfares and flight options for your trip to Amsterdam. Book your flight to Amsterdam with thomascook.com, today.
Getting around
Amsterdam has an extensive transport system, including trams, buses and the Metro, with frequent services from early morning until about midnight.The strippenkaart, a multi-journey ticket, is a convenient fare system that can be used on all modes of transport for all standard fares. You can buy one from railway stations and post offices. Multi-journey day tickets and multi-day tickets are also available.The GVB office in front of Centraal Station provides information and maps. Canal boat round-trips are a great way of getting your bearings and getting to see the city from a different viewpoint. Bicycles and 'canal-bikes'can be hired by the day.
Must sees
For a compact city, Amsterdam is bursting at the seams with sightseeing attractions.You may want to put some of the following at the top of your list.
Dam Square
Standing on the site of the original dam on the Amstel, Dam Square is at the heart of the city.The focal point is the Royal Palace - built in 1648 as a town hall, it attained royal status when Louis Napoleon declared himself king in 1808. No longer used as a palace, it's still well worth a visit for its maps set in a marble floor and golden ship weather-vane.Varied attractions surround the square and the flower market is a short walk away - a floating fixture on the Singel where barges sell seeds, bulbs and flowers. Also close to the square is Anne Frank's house - a poignant reminder of Nazi occupation. The original diary of Anne Frank has a permanent place here, but be prepared to queue as it's a popular attraction.
Museumplein
This area, as its name suggests, is home to some of Amsterdam's major museums.There's the beautiful Rijksmuseum, where Rembrandt's 'The Night Watch'is the most famous exhibit, along with works by Frans Hals and Vermeer.You'll also find a collection of porcelain dolls and dolls'houses here.The specially built Van Gogh Museum, dedicated to the artist, houses the world's largest collection of his work.Within easy walking distance of Museumplein is the multicultural, cosmopolitan Albert Cuypmarkt, selling everything from dubious Delft pottery to casual clothes.
Rembrandtplein and Waterlooplein
Celebrating the work of Holland's most famous son, Rembrandtplein is the artistic hub of Amsterdam. Rembrandthuis, a museum dedicated to the artist, is partly housed in the building that was Rembrandt's home from 1639-1658 and has been refurbished to its original 17th-century style. It has a permanent display of etchings and temporary exhibitions, but none of the artist's major works. Rembrandtplein is also a lively entertainment area with a host of bars, restaurants, nightclubs and cinemas. Waterlooplein's claim to fame is its atmospheric flea market.
Vondelpark and bulbfields
The 70-acre Vondelpark, built in 1865, has lakes and lawns and plays host to open-air concerts, theatre and poetry readings. If you're here in spring, perhaps enjoy an excursion to the tulip-filled bulbfields and the Keukenhof Gardens that offer a more formal alternative.
Must buys
If you're looking for souvenirs, clogs, Dutch dolls, Delft pottery and miniature windmills are popular buys, although they vary in authenticity, quality and price. Cheeses, cigars and liqueurs are also excellent, and sellers at the Singel flower market will pack flowers for you so they are travel-proof.
Must tries
Take a coffee break at one of the grand cafes or sample haring (garnished herring) and broodjes (bread rolls overflowing with the filling of your choice) from the street stalls. For something a little more substantial try traditional erwtensoep (pea soup) with bacon and pumpernickel at one of the pub-style 'brown'cafes.
Looking for a cheap flight to Amsterdam? You'll find some of the best Amsterdam flight deals at thomascook.com. With a range of UK departure airports and leading airline partners, we offer great airfares and flight options for your trip to Amsterdam. Book your flight to Amsterdam with thomascook.com, today.
Getting around
Amsterdam has an extensive transport system, including trams, buses and the Metro, with frequent services from early morning until about midnight.The strippenkaart, a multi-journey ticket, is a convenient fare system that can be used on all modes of transport for all standard fares. You can buy one from railway stations and post offices. Multi-journey day tickets and multi-day tickets are also available.The GVB office in front of Centraal Station provides information and maps. Canal boat round-trips are a great way of getting your bearings and getting to see the city from a different viewpoint. Bicycles and 'canal-bikes'can be hired by the day.
Must sees
For a compact city, Amsterdam is bursting at the seams with sightseeing attractions.You may want to put some of the following at the top of your list.
Dam Square
Standing on the site of the original dam on the Amstel, Dam Square is at the heart of the city.The focal point is the Royal Palace - built in 1648 as a town hall, it attained royal status when Louis Napoleon declared himself king in 1808. No longer used as a palace, it's still well worth a visit for its maps set in a marble floor and golden ship weather-vane.Varied attractions surround the square and the flower market is a short walk away - a floating fixture on the Singel where barges sell seeds, bulbs and flowers. Also close to the square is Anne Frank's house - a poignant reminder of Nazi occupation. The original diary of Anne Frank has a permanent place here, but be prepared to queue as it's a popular attraction.
Museumplein
This area, as its name suggests, is home to some of Amsterdam's major museums.There's the beautiful Rijksmuseum, where Rembrandt's 'The Night Watch'is the most famous exhibit, along with works by Frans Hals and Vermeer.You'll also find a collection of porcelain dolls and dolls'houses here.The specially built Van Gogh Museum, dedicated to the artist, houses the world's largest collection of his work.Within easy walking distance of Museumplein is the multicultural, cosmopolitan Albert Cuypmarkt, selling everything from dubious Delft pottery to casual clothes.
Rembrandtplein and Waterlooplein
Celebrating the work of Holland's most famous son, Rembrandtplein is the artistic hub of Amsterdam. Rembrandthuis, a museum dedicated to the artist, is partly housed in the building that was Rembrandt's home from 1639-1658 and has been refurbished to its original 17th-century style. It has a permanent display of etchings and temporary exhibitions, but none of the artist's major works. Rembrandtplein is also a lively entertainment area with a host of bars, restaurants, nightclubs and cinemas. Waterlooplein's claim to fame is its atmospheric flea market.
Vondelpark and bulbfields
The 70-acre Vondelpark, built in 1865, has lakes and lawns and plays host to open-air concerts, theatre and poetry readings. If you're here in spring, perhaps enjoy an excursion to the tulip-filled bulbfields and the Keukenhof Gardens that offer a more formal alternative.
Must buys
If you're looking for souvenirs, clogs, Dutch dolls, Delft pottery and miniature windmills are popular buys, although they vary in authenticity, quality and price. Cheeses, cigars and liqueurs are also excellent, and sellers at the Singel flower market will pack flowers for you so they are travel-proof.
Must tries
Take a coffee break at one of the grand cafes or sample haring (garnished herring) and broodjes (bread rolls overflowing with the filling of your choice) from the street stalls. For something a little more substantial try traditional erwtensoep (pea soup) with bacon and pumpernickel at one of the pub-style 'brown'cafes.
Traveller Guide Book
Our guide provides all the latest information on accommodation, eating out and local attractions in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam Traveller Guide Book
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(Discount code = TC25)
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