When you think of Amsterdam, you instantly think of canals, the Red Light district and “coffee” shops, right? Perhaps tulips, clogs and windmills might ring some bells, too. Well, there’s plenty more to this charming port town to be discovered in hidden nooks and crannies and away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
If you’re planning on a summer jaunt to the Dutch hotspot, get all of the stress out of the way early on by booking online. Flybe offer low-cost flights from the UK as well as invaluable tourist information and advice, while sites like Hotel Direct make sourcing accommodation a doddle as well. Then, all you need to do is unwind in Amsterdam away from the crowds and canals with these hot tips.
Two wheels is better than no wheels
Car rental can be a good idea for exploring the outer limits of most cities, but in Amsterdam this is not really necessary. Perhaps the most cycle-orientated city on the planet, Amsterdam has literally hundreds of rental businesses operating at competitive rates and a vast system of bike lanes. This handy page from Iamsterdam lists a handful of the better locations throughout the city.
Duck into the Begijnhof
This hidden gem is found right off the busy shopping thoroughfares, but once you sneak down the narrow passageway to Begijnhof square, the city will feel a thousand miles away. Surrounded by stunning architecture from a collection of historic buildings, the Begijnhof has at its heart the Englese Kerk. This tiny chapel is a functioning place of worship, well worth checking out for its ornate interior and calming atmosphere.
Pack a picnic for the Vondelpark
The largest green space in the city, the Vondelpark is the perfect spot to kick back and relax with a good book or a group of friends. It’s named after Joost van der Vondel, the most celebrated bard of Amsterdam and often plays host to theatre, music and dance shows in the summer time. Though easily reachable due to its central location, it offers a tranquil oasis in the centre of the city.
If you go down to the woods today…
If Vondelpark didn’t quite satisfy your nature cravings, Amsterdamse Bos (Amsterdam Woods) surely will. As well as horse-riding and canoe-renting opportunities, the park/forest is awash with all the charms of Mother Earth. Witness friendly Aberdeen Angus cows munch serenely on the plentiful grass, as bluebells dance in the breeze and sailboats drifts lazily by on the picturesque lake. It doesn’t get much more idyllic than this.
Market day
Aside from its pretty canals, Amsterdam is also famous for its copious marketplaces. Of course, the floating Bloemenmarkt flower market is world renowned as the only one of its kind in the world, but heading out of the city will bring you to the charming suburb of De Pijp, home of the Albert Cuyp market for cheap groceries. Jordaan also offers a variety of fantastic foodie markets, such as the Noordermarkt farmer’s market, fit to burst with delicious organic fare.
Ferry across to Amsterdam-Noord
Crossing the IJ not only brings you within reach of the quaint villages and pastoral paradise to be found in the north, but also offers fantastic views of the city. Avoid overpriced tours which will clog up the canal ways and instead hop on one of the free waterfront ferries from behind Centraal station.
This post was written in partnership with Flybe.
