Amsterdam holiday packages

Flight and hotel Amsterdam

An introduction to Amsterdam

When it comes to city breaks, Amsterdam has it all. With 165 canals stretching for over 100km and over 1,500 bridges that cross them, there is no doubt that you will love exploring everything that the picturesque capital of the Netherlands has to offer. Once just a small fishing village, these days thousands of people flock to the city each week to spend a weekend in Amsterdam. Famous for its stunning architecture, fascinating history and its liberal way of life, Amsterdam has an atmosphere that people of all ages will love. So why not get a flight and hotel in Amsterdam and experience it all for yourself?

Things To Know Before Visiting Amsterdam

Whether you are looking for city breaks in Amsterdam or package holidays in Amsterdam there are no shortage of options. If you get a flight from Dublin to Amsterdam, a flight from Cork to Amsterdam or a flight to Amsterdam from anywhere else, you will fly into the main international airport in the Netherlands and the third busiest in Europe, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.

Amsterdam and the rest of the Netherlands is one hour ahead of the UK (GMT+1) and the currency used in the city is the Euro. The official language spoken in Amsterdam is Dutch but don’t worry, you will find that the majority of locals can speak excellent English.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Amsterdam?

The weather in Amsterdam is similar to our own, with hot and sunny summers and colder and wetter winters. For the best weather book your flight and hotel in Amsterdam for August, when there is an average temperature of 17°C which can easily creep up into the low 20s (°C) and beyond. January is the coldest month with an average temperature of 3°C, so you will want to wrap up warm if you are visiting around this time. April is also a great time to head to Amsterdam, as this is when the city’s famous and colourful tulips are in full bloom. It is also when the whole nation celebrates King’s Day and thousands of locals dressed in orange descend on the city to celebrate on its cobbled streets and party on the canal boats.

What To Do In Amsterdam?

If you are spending just a weekend in Amsterdam, there are a number of things that you should try and fit in. Bicycles are an iconic part of Amsterdam’s culture and renting one is a great way to get around and see more of the city. No trip to Amsterdam would be complete without taking a tour of the city’s canals, with the experienced knowledge of a local guide informing you of the area’s history. Alternatively head to the A’DAM Tower and enjoy the thrills and panoramic city views from across the river as you swing from the top of the building on ‘Over the Edge’. Amsterdam has a vibrant nightlife, with everything from classy cocktail bars to lively Irish pubs. Rembrandtplein, Leidseplein and anywhere around Dam Square are the best places to head at night time.

What Are The Best Places To Visit In Amsterdam?

There are plenty of things to do in Amsterdam that will allow you to immerse yourself in the local culture and history. Here are just some of the most popular sights and attractions:

• See the tulips at Vondelpark
• Pose for a photo in front of the iconic 'I Amsterdam' sign
• Step back in time at the Rijksmuseum
• Discover the works of art at the Van Gogh Museum
• Visit the world-famous Anne Frank House
• Sip a freshly-brewed beer at the Heineken Experience
• Explore the fascinating architecture and trendy boutiques in the Jordaan district
• Experience the colourful sights and fragrant scents at the Bloemenmarkt flower market
• Indulge in cheese and wine at the Reypenaer Cheese Tasting Room

What To Eat In Amsterdam?

Whether it you are looking for a short break or longer package holidays to Amsterdam you will need to make sure you can fit in as many of the incredible local delicacies as possible. Popular dishes and snacks to try include Raw herring, a real Dutch speciality available in restaurants and street vendors, Kibbeling, battered and deep-fried fish bites served with sauce and lemon, Stroopwafels, thin layers of dough with caramel in the middle and Oliebollen, deep-fried sweet dumplings, often containing fruit.

Almost every variety of cheese imaginable is sold at any of the 50+ speciality cheese shops in the city. The Winkel 43 café is famous for its apple pie and no visit to Amsterdam would be complete with out sampling a paper cone of french fries served with mayonnaise.

Things To Bring Home From Amsterdam

There are countless souvenir and gift shops dotted around the city, all tempting you inside to make purchases for yourself or your family and friends. If you have limited space you can’t go wrong with an Amsterdam fridge magnet, or perhaps a model windmill. You will see patterned clogs everywhere, from miniatures and slippers to real ones made of wood. Maybe you would prefer something you can consume? In which case, some cheese or traditional Dutch beer might be what you are looking for (just make sure you don’t pack the beer in your hand luggage). Another popular local item is the salty licorice. For something a bit different, why not buy some tulip bulbs, so you can grow your own bit of Amsterdam back home?