Amsterdam holidays

Herring is an Amsterdam speciality, enjoyed as a street food throughout the city. Locals eat it with a cocktail stick and a side of pickles, but you’ll also find it in sandwich form (broodje haring) – ideal for refuelling on the go when you’re checking out the city’s top sights. Bitterballen are another ‘dam delicacy that’ll keep you going when out and about. Juicy meatballs are breaded, deep-fried, and served with a spicy mustard – they’re as good as they sound, and go perfectly with a glass or two of Amstel lager, brewed just down the road. When it’s time for a café stop, be sure to order local favourite stroopwafel. These thin cookies with a creamy caramel centre are always a bit hit with tourists, and they make excellent souvenirs for friends and family. To eat them the ‘right’ way, place your stroopwafel on top of your coffee cup until the caramel starts to melt.

Anne Frank’s House: Perhaps Amsterdam’s most famous building, and a sobering reminder of the past. Once a shelter for Anne Frank – who famously kept a journal whilst in hiding – the house is now a museum, allowing visitors a close-up look at Anne’s living quarters and diaries.

Van Gogh Museum: If you’re an art fan, you won’t want to miss a visit to the Van Gogh Museum – the world’s biggest collection of artworks by the Dutch impressionist. The permanent collection includes masterpieces The Bedroom, Sunflowers and Almond Blossom.

The Rijksmuseum: Another top Amsterdam gallery which showcases the most important paintings by the Dutch Masters. Highlights include artworks by Vermeer, Rembrandt and Van Gogh. You’ll also find an excellent section for kids, (free for ages 18 and under) a gift shop, espresso bar and café.

EYE Film Institute: If you’ve got a film buff in the family, put a visit to the EYE Film Institute at the top of your list. This futuristic-looking building houses not only a museum but interactive displays and a cinema showing the latest indie releases. There’s also a restaurant with a terrace, giving excellent views of the Amsterdam waterfront.

A’dam Toren: Right next door, you’ll find A’dam Toren, a 22-story tower with a revolving restaurant. It’s the best place in Amsterdam for high-up views, where you can enjoy dinner and a cocktail as you look out over the city skyline. The building is also home to Over the Edge, Europe’s highest swing – not for the feint-hearted!

Electric Ladyland: In the heart of Amsterdam’s tourist district, Electric Ladyland is a fascinating visit for all ages. Inside, you’ll discover a unique display of fluorescent minerals from all over the world, along with stunning artworks by the museum’s curator. You can even have a go at your own brightly-coloured art pieces – time to get creative!

Int' Aepjen Bar: Amsterdam has no shortage or weird and wonderful bars, but one of the best – and oldest – has to be Int’ Aepjen. Dating back to the early 1500’s, this medieval watering hole once accepted monkeys as payment (hence the monkey artwork) before suffering a flea infestation. The pub donated a number of it’s simian dwellers to a regular, whose animal garden would later become the city zoo.

Botanical Gardens: Starting life in 1638, Hortus Botanicus is one of the world’s oldest botanical gardens, and makes a great afternoon out for all ages. The gardens feature over 6,000 species – everything from rare palms to carnivorous plants. Right next to Artis Zoo, it’s easy to combine two of Amsterdam’s best attractions in a single visit.

Flea Market: Shopaholics – make a beeline for Waterlooplein Markt, a bustling flea market with over 300 stalls. It’s the perfect place to bag yourself a holiday souvenir, whether you’re after an antique clock, leather handbag, or fridge magnet for the collection. When it’s time for a break, stop at one of the many food stalls offering hotdogs, falafel and Dutch pancakes.