Netherlands, North Holland, Amsterdam, Jordaan,© Ben Pipe/4Corners Images
Discover the city’s lesser-trodden neighborhoods
Prioritise visiting some of Amsterdam’s lesser-known neighbourhoods, which ooze charm in spades compared to the tourist-trodden streets around Centraal and De Wallen, the city’s seedy Red Light District. Cycle over to trendy Noord, which boasts a clutch of stylish restaurants loved by locals, such as listening bar come Asian-fusion restaurant Cornerstore, sourdough pizza spot Euro Pizza, and stylish all-day eatery Cafe-Restaurant Metro. Or head south to De Pijp for vintage shopping, making sure to amble through leafy Oosterpark and residential Oost along the way, which is home to a smattering of modish boutiques and cafes. For wide open spaces and greener pastures, steer your course through Vondelpark and Westerpark. Meanwhile, over in the city’s eastern Docklands, The Hoxton’s second hotel opening marks a new era for this industrial quarter of the city that was previously relatively untouched. On its doorstep, the surrounding neighbourhood, Czaar Peter Kwartier draws creatives from across the city with its stylish boutiques and cult bakeries.
Take a day trip to see the tulips
Tulip season is taken very seriously in The Netherlands, and if you’re visiting in springtime, an excursion to nearby flower fields makes an enjoyable respite from the bustle of the city. Head to Bollenstreek, a 20-kilometre long rainbow of daffodils, hyacinths and, of course, tulips, that erupts in colour from late March, and reaches full blossom in mid-April. Alternatively, visit Annemieke’s Pluktuin, one of the city’s nearby picking gardens to pluck and create your own bouquet. Both destinations are less than an hour outside the city.
Things to know
Weather: High season, between June and September, usually sees temperatures averaging around 24 to 30 degrees celsius. For milder temperatures, visit in shoulder season (April/May and October/November) – for winter visits, be prepared for snow, with the canals occasionally freezing over.
Currency: Euro
Transportation and how to get around: Catch the train from Schiphol Airport and you’ll be within the heart of the city in just 20 minutes – alternatively, the Eurostar pulls in directly at Centraal Station. From here, the tram and metro networks run like clockwork, and are incredibly straightforward to navigate. You can purchase tickets, or use an OV-chipkaart, which is topped up as you go. This is a compact city, so exploring by foot is just as easy – or do as the locals do, and hire a bicycle to pedal around.
Visa requirements: None, but stays are subject to the EU’s 90-day policy.
