Get to know Amsterdam a little better with a staycation in Amsterdam. We’ll help you to discover the best places to eat, fun excursions and day trips, where to get that beach vibe and where to shop.
Greetings from… Amsterdam. Where we used to send a postcard from our holiday destination we now send a picture. We don’t know a place that’s more photographable than Amsterdam. It is one of the best places to spend your holiday.
Local cuisine
What is the best restaurant in Amsterdam? Most locals will find that a tough question to answer. They enjoy the cosmopolitan vibe and the ability to taste dishes from all over the world. If you’re in the mood for a Peruvian dish like ceviche you’ll go to Casa Peru. For a Friday or Saturday night filled with live jazz and modern Italian cuisine Aglio Jazz is your go-to. And when you’re in the mood for some Thai there’s only one place in town: Restaurant Bird which always has a line of people waiting outside.
Typically Dutch
In America they have pancakes, in France they have crepes and in The Netherlands we have pannenkoeken. They are as large a crepes, but a little more substantial. The possibilities with them are endless you can go sweet or savoury. Amsterdam is filled with “Pannenkoeken huizen”. If you ask us you can get some of the best pannenkoeken at The Pancake Bakery.
When Dutch people go out to eat they love to order steak. A lot of people claim you can get the best one at Loetje. What makes it special is their secret sauce. Order some bread with your steak to soak that delicious sauce up.
Another favourite past time in Amsterdam is “Terrasje pikken” which is when we sit outside on a terrace and just watch people, drink and enjoy some bites. Discover some of the best terraces in Amsterdam.
The most beautiful holiday pictures
“Say cheese”. While you’re on holiday you have to take some pictures. We collected the 10 best photo spots in Amsterdam for you. Are you already sure that you must take your picture on a bridge? There are over 1500 bridges in Amsterdam. To narrow it down we selected the 5 best bridges for you.
Have you seen those pictures of a decorated cookie with Amsterdam in the background? You’ll find those “Stroopwafels” as they are called within walking distance from Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Centre at Melly’s Stroopwafels. Their other cookies are also very delicious.
Excursions
Bus
Do you also spend the first day of your holiday with the tour guide to book your excursions? Our receptionists are also excellent tour guides. You can book your excursion to Dutch Highlights like Volendam or the Zaanse Schans with them. They also know the best places in Amsterdam and can arrange your tickets for the museums and attractions that Amsterdam has to offer.
By foot
Would you rather discover the city by yourself? The centre of Amsterdam is the perfect place to stroll through. Walk past the smallest house of Europe and the narrowest façade in Amsterdam with the most unique buildings route.
To the zoo
The oldest zoo in The Netherlands can be found in the heart of Amsterdam. Let the Artis zoo surprise you. Be amazed by the many species living side by side in the Forest House and Bird House. Discover the tiniest organisms at Micropia, the world’s only microbe museum. Take a trip through space inside the Planetarium. Watch the giraffes, zebras and springboks intermingling on the Savannah. Feel the fluttering of countless wings in the Butterfly Pavilion. Or admire the tropical fish swimming in the vast Aquarium.
Beach vibes
The famous Zandvoort beach is a mere 20 minutes from Amsterdam. However, it can get quite busy at this beach. It is also possible to get that Beach vibe in the city. In the article we highlighted 3 of Amsterdam’s’ city beaches. The best way to end a day at the beach is with some fresh fish. Visit one of the locations of The Seafood Bar for some delicious fish and seafood.
History and culture
There are many museums to be found in Amsterdam. Famous ones like the Rijksmuseum with the Night Watch painting and the Anne Frank House. And also a lot of lesser known museum like FOAM and The Cat Cabinet.
Do you already know which museums you’re going to visit? Make sure to buy your tickets and reserve a time slot online. No idea on which museums to visit? We know a few more!
Museums with a royal touch
When King Willem-Alexander receives visitors he does so in the Royal Palace Amsterdam. You can also feel like a royal guest and walk the halls of this palace.
The Russian Tsars had an enormous art collection. It contains so much that it cannot fit into one museum. Luckily the Russians have shared these precious items with the world. Visit the Hermitage in Amsterdam to admire the clothes, jewels and paintings of an art loving family.
Oddities, celebrity’s and house boats
The most unusual museum collection can be found at Ripley’s Believe it or not. The oddities you’ll find here are hard to find somewhere else from a piece of the Berlin wall to a shrunken head.
Would you like to take a picture with a celebrity? Visit Madame Tussauds and strike a pose with Madonna, Johnny Depp or Michiel Huisman.
Amsterdam has 2500 house boats. Are you curious as to what it’s like on one of them. Visit the house boat museum.
The best places to shop
Amsterdam has a fun shopping area for every type of shopper. Will you go for the large chains, unique boutiques or famous designers? Discover the best shopping streets of Amsterdam.
Would you rather get a new fridge magnet or a funny keychain? Throughout the centre of Amsterdam you’ll find plenty of souvenir shops. You can also get some souvenirs while browsing markets like the Albert Cuyp or the flea market on Waterlooplein. A lot of shopkeepers and traders will not haggle, but some will if you are fortunate.
An overnight stay in Amsterdam
Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Centre is the perfect place to wind down after sampling all that Amsterdam has to offer. The hotel has everything you need to relax from a wellness centre and wellness facilities in the spacious rooms to room service. To help you relax we created the perfect special. The Rest & Relax special includes an overnight stay in a Spa or Wellness room with whirlpool and/or private sauna and a international breakfast buffet and late check-out.
This was just a small sampling of all the things Amsterdam has to offer. There are so many fun things to do during a Staycation in Amsterdam. Also read 48 hours in… Amsterdam to get even more inspiration for a visit to Amsterdam.