48 HOURS IN AMSTERDAM
There’s so much you can pack into a weekend in the Dutch capital
DID you know that Amsterdam is home to 881,000 bicycles? And, because of the gusty winds, 12,000 of them are pulled out of the city’s canals each year.
Known for its artistic heritage and impressive gastronomy, it’s a city of great wonder and one that can be well explored in a short amount of time. Only an hour from most major UK airports, it’s a popular destination for Brits, with 2.2 million of us visiting in 2018.
The IHG’s Kimpton de Witt is the perfect option for your home from home. Located in the heart of the city and a five-minute walk from the impressive Amsterdam Centraal Station, it is equidistant to most visitor highlights.
Globally, the hotel industry is at the forefront of the fight against climate change, and IHG is a leading trailblazer. The group has ditched plastic straws and is banishing small toiletries from its fleet of hotels, which is reducing waste by more than 200 million plastic bottles a year.
Soho House, W Amsterdam and The Hoxton are also some very respectable accommodation choices – three hotels for three different tastes!
Food is fuel when it comes to exploring, and they also say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so Bakers & Roasters, Dignita Vondelpark or Hans Egstorf are very good options – but brace yourself for an explosion of patisserie genius with the Egstorf almond croissant.
It is easy to be overwhelmed with a plethora of dinner options, so combine them all and head to Foodhallen. Located in Amsterdam’s Oud-West district, Foodhallen is a chic indoor food market and bar that serves a range of street food and drinks. Easily accessible by tram, it’s a great option for lunch and dinner.
If you’re feeling a little extra saucy, head to Eddy Spaghetti and try the spaghetti vongole, or go a tad further at Cecconi’s and indulge in their legendary cacio e pepe. Looking for an after-dinner tipple? Hiding in Plain Sight or Hannekes Boom might quench your thirst.
There is a lot to do in the Dutch capital: discover the ancient beer brewing techniques on a tour of the Heineken Experience, visit one of the many striking art galleries and museums – the Moco Museum, Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum to name a few – grab a bike and cycle through Vondelpark and Westerpark, and definitely stop off at waffle shop Van Wonderen for its world-famous stroopwafels. You won’t be disappointed.