Cheap flights to Amsterdam
Culture, canals and coffee shops, Amsterdam is not only Europe’s capital of fun, but is a great place to unwind and take things easy. Tolerant, welcoming and a lot of fun, Amsterdam is a city that likes to take things at a leisurely pace during the day but gets into party mode at night. So, whether you’re looking to recharge those batteries or wear them down a little more, you’ll find Amsterdam has options for both. And what a setting! Beating Venice in the canal stakes, cities really don’t get much more picturesque than this. The old town and the centre, which is where you’ll want to base yourself, is a delight of arched bridges, 17th century narrow gabled houses, houseboats decked with flowers and canal-side cafes and eateries.
Packed with museums and galleries, Amsterdam is a jewel in Europe’s cultural crown. The Rijksmuseum is one of the best art galleries in the world, including paintings from the Dutch Golden Age and art lovers will also enjoy the Van Gogh Museum. Visit Anne Frank’s House to see where the famous diarist and her family hid from the Nazis during the Second World War.
March 2013
Tanja Deurloo, owner of Annindryia Perfume Lounge (25 Cornelis Krusemanstraat, tel: 020 679 8043), has helped major-league brands develop their signature scents. She does the same for private clients, via personal consultations that will leave you with an evocative reminder of your stay.
March 2013
It may have all started 400 years ago, but the legacy of the Dutch Golden Age is visible all over the place in Amsterdam, from the trading warehouses to the stately canals. Amsterdam Museum (92 Kalverstraat) is currently host to an intelligent reassessment of the era and its consequences, including the theory that the period gave birth to the idea of the rebellious "teenager".
April 2013
Next month the shuttered Van Gogh Museum reopens its doors after extensive renovations. Too late for your visit? Then follow the amazing Van Gogh Mile - 4km of red thread that leads through significant points in the city to the temporary "Vincent" exhibition at the Hermitage Amsterdam. Runs until 25 April (vangoghmile.com).
January 2013
Rotterdam is in the throes of its annual International Film Festival this month. Take the half-hour train journey and you'll be rewarded with groundbreaking features and documentaries from all over the world (filmfestivalrotterdam.com).