A Long Weekend in Amsterdam Cool Canals and Arty Neighbourhoods

Arriving by train or plane, settle into the heart of Amsterdam for four days of art, fine dining, boat tours and cycling alongside canals. This taster of the Netherlands’ iconic capital is the perfect bite-sized getaway that’s sure to leave you hungry for more.

This trip is all about stepping into the shoes of an Amsterdam local. Stay in a boutique hotel in a residential neighbourhood, cycle around the city and cafe-hop along the cobblestoned canals. History and culture are woven into the city’s fabric, from a Portuguese synagogue in the old Jewish Quarter to the Oude Kerk, a historic church in the red light district. During your stay we’ll pair you up with a local resident for a tour of Jordaan, a characterful neighbourhood home to the Anne Frank house, museum and secret annex. We can also arrange a guided bike ride and a trip down the canals in a traditional wooden boat, called a ‘salon boat’. When nighttime rolls around, microbreweries, ‘brown cafés’ (traditional pubs) and gourmet restaurants take centre stage, the perfect settings to reflect on the day’s highlights.

Your Home in Amsterdam

Nestled in the heart of the historic centre along the Herengracht canal, your home for the next three nights is a stylish hotel spanning several traditional houses. This neighbourhood flourished during the Dutch Golden Age of the 17th century and was favoured by the wealthiest residents of the city. As a result, the hotel’s interiors reflect the best of Dutch design: vintage heritage with a flare of contemporary Scandi style. The restaurant is captained by a talented chef who puts a modern spin on traditional recipes and, on request, cooks up exquisite veggie options. You’ll also be armed with our coveted Dossier of the finest restaurants in the neighbourhood.

On the Agenda

JORDAAN LIKE A LOCAL

A former hub for artisans and immigrants, Jordaan preserves the true Amsterdam spirit. The Anne Frank house can be found here, as well as the Homomonument, a memorial to the Nazi persecution of the LGBTQ+ community during WWII. There are still ‘brown cafés’ and traditional Dutch pubs where you can kick back with a cold beer or a G&T. Picturesque and full of history, Jordaan is best explored in the company of a knowledgeable guide.

AMSTERDAM BIKE RIDE

Join the city locals who have ditched four wheels in favour of two. Choose between a classic or electric bike and set off for a day of sightseeing along the pretty canals and bike lanes that weave through Amsterdam.

SAIL DOWN THE CANALS

Nicknamed the ‘Venice of the North’ for its network of famous canals, Amsterdam is best explored from the comfort of a salon boat, an elegant wooden vessel designed for navigating these very waterways. Your English-speaking captain knows the city inside out and will explain the myths and legends of Amsterdam and its enchanting canals.

THE RIJKSMUSEUM & THE VAN GOUGH MUSEUM

Delve into the world of Dutch art with visits to the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, two prestigious galleries housing some of the nation’s finest paintings. At the former, admire The Night Watch and The Jewish Bride by Rembrandt, The Alley by Vermeer, The Merry Drinker by Hals and The Linen Cupboard by Hooch. Then head to the Van Gough Museum with its legendary canvases of Bedroom in Arles and Wheatfield with Crows. Read more