Amsterdam city breaks
TravelSavvy travel guide to a short city break in Amsterdam
Amsterdam city breaks offer variety if nothing else. Amsterdam is also a city that makes a virtue out of canals and cannabis and comes out smiling from bleak, north European winters. So what do Amsterdam city breaks have going for them?
Well. Amsterdam has a street cafe society that openly defies the city's 230 annual rainy days. And while upmarket art galleries tout the best in European art, the downmarket Amsterdam Red Light District has eye-popping girls pouting and posing behind neon-lit windows.
As if that weren't enough, there's an annual contest for the Amsterdam Cannabis Cup, with a prize for the coffee shop that grows the best weed; a beer factory tour that's world famous; and, of course, bikes, bikes and more bikes - 700,000 at the last count, nearly one for every person.
Not everyone on an Amsterdam city break is there to sample the sex and drugs. Steer clear of the Red Light District and you'll discover a city with an unrivalled holiday reputation for art, shopping and entertainment. The restaurants alone make Amsterdam a great city breaks destination.
The city has a wide range of accommodation to suit every budget. Our hotel page lists all latest hotel deals, and we recommend checking out 'Short Stay Group' if you're after a quality Amsterdam Apartment. First rate hostels are also available for those on a budget Amsterdam city break.
The galleries and museums are among the best in the world and the cobbled, canal-lined streets, with gabled houses and quiet gardens, are irresistible. There are things to do at every turn. You can marvel at the 17th century architecture or poke around scores of curios shops and designer boutiques.
The delightful network of Amsterdam canals creates a cosy atmosphere, while the city's compact centre makes it ideal for exploring on foot. Everything is within easy reach and an inviting cafe or bar is always nearby for a lunch break or welcome drink.
Amsterdam may have a great reputation as a city break destination but it is not without modern problems. Bike thefts top a rising table of petty crime, racially driven street riots are not unknown and the Protestant city fathers are clamouring for a clean-up of the Amsterdam Red Light District.
Whatever your thoughts on Amsterdam's unique culture and relaxed lifestyle and despite the less than perfect Amsterdam weather you cannot help but rank Amsterdam city breaks highly as a holiday destination.
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