Why Amsterdam?
Amsterdam is compact, bike-friendly, and packed with culture. It's slightly pricier than southern Europe, but the experience is completely different — canals instead of beaches, brown cafés instead of tapas bars, and some of the best museums in the world. Direct flights from most UK airports are cheap, and the city is also reachable by Eurostar (via Brussels) for a more scenic journey.
Highlights
Canal ring
Walk or cycle along the UNESCO-listed canals. Free and beautiful at any time of day.
Rijksmuseum
€19 entry (no student discount, but worth it). The Night Watch alone is incredible.
Anne Frank House
€13.50 — book online at least 6 weeks ahead. Tickets sell out fast.
Vondelpark
Amsterdam's central park. Free to enter, great for a picnic or afternoon chill.
Jordaan neighbourhood
Quiet canals, indie shops, and brown cafés. The most photogenic part of the city.
Albert Cuyp Market
The biggest outdoor market in the Netherlands. Street food from £2.50–4.
Getting there
Direct flights from London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Bristol — often £25–50 one-way with easyJet, KLM, or Transavia. Schiphol airport connects to Amsterdam Centraal station in 15 minutes by train (£4.50). You can also take the Eurostar via Brussels (about 4 hours total from London). Our cheap flights guide has more booking strategies.
Where to stay
Hostels in Amsterdam are pricier than southern Europe — expect £21–38/night for a dorm. The Jordaan and De Pijp areas are great for location. Try The Flying Pig Downtown, ClinkNOORD (across the river, great views), or Generator Amsterdam for reliable options. Check our hostel tips for choosing the right one.
Ready to plan your trip?
Grab our day-by-day Amsterdam itinerary with timings, budget breakdowns, and local tips.
3 Days in Amsterdam →