On Location with Nikki Findlay…
Some cities shout for your attention. Amsterdam simply waits for you to slow down. On my recent weekend break, I went looking for the real city behind the postcards: the cafés, the canal-side conversations and the little bars where locals have been ordering the same drink for decades. What I found was one of the most rewarding short breaks I have ever taken, and one that suits couples who prefer a good gallery and a glass of wine to a pub crawl. Here is my guide to a grown-up cultural weekend in Amsterdam.
Why Amsterdam Is Perfect for a Cultural Weekend
Forget the stag and hen reputation. Step a few streets away from the busiest squares and Amsterdam reveals a city of 17th-century merchants’ houses, world-class museums and a canal ring that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is compact, flat and wonderfully walkable, so you can see a great deal in two days without ever feeling rushed.
I did pop by the big tourist hotspots briefly, but the real joy came from slowing down and living like a local.
Wander the Nine Streets (De 9 Straatjes)
If you only have time for one neighbourhood, make it the Nine Streets. These nine charming lanes link the grand Singel, Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht canals, and they are packed with independent boutiques, vintage shops, galleries and cosy cafés. There are no big chains shouting at you here, just beautifully dressed windows and owners who are happy to chat.
My tip: Go mid-morning, before the lanes fill up, and give yourself permission to simply browse.
Visit the Anne Frank House
No cultural weekend in Amsterdam feels complete without the Anne Frank House on Prinsengracht. Stepping behind the famous bookcase into the Secret Annex, where Anne and her family hid for more than two years, is a profoundly moving experience. It stayed with me long after I left, so allow yourselves a quiet moment afterwards.
My tip: Tickets are sold online only, in timed slots, so book several weeks ahead, especially for weekends.
See the City from the Water on a Canal Cruise
Amsterdam has more than 100 kilometres of canals, and there is no better way to understand the city than gliding along them. A canal cruise shows off the gabled houses, elegant bridges and colourful houseboats from angles you simply cannot see on foot. An evening cruise, when the bridges are lit up, is especially romantic.
My tip: If the weather is kind, choose a smaller open boat. It feels far more personal than the larger glass-roofed vessels.
Planning your own Amsterdam escape? With 115 years of collective experience, the ETW Travel team can tailor a cultural weekend around the way you like to travel. Get in touch and let us do the planning.
Eat and Drink Like a Local
This is where Amsterdam truly won me over.
- The famous Dutch waffle: A freshly made stroopwafel is two thin, crisp wafers sandwiching warm caramel syrup. Eat it while it is still gooey. Pure bliss.
- BagelBoy: This much-loved sourdough bagel spot came highly recommended, and it did not disappoint. While I was there, I bumped into none other than Scottish singer Lewis Capaldi. Amsterdam clearly has good taste! With branches in the Jordaan, De Pijp and on Weteringschans, it makes a perfect breakfast or lunch stop.
- A hidden traditional bar: My favourite discovery was a tiny local bar with a classic Wurlitzer jukebox glowing in the corner. The staff were fabulous, the atmosphere was warm and it felt like stepping back in time. Amsterdam’s side streets are full of these old-fashioned gems, so do not be shy about stepping inside.
My brother Nigel James captures Lewis enjoying a Bagel Boy!
Where to Stay: Amsterdam Canal Hotel
I stayed at the Amsterdam Canal Hotel, a charming boutique hotel on the Lijnbaansgracht, part of the historic canal ring and a short stroll from the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. My room was comfortable and full of character, and the breakfast buffet set me up perfectly for a day of exploring.
The real highlight was the complimentary happy hour. For two hours each evening, guests can enjoy free drinks and nibbles while looking out over the canal. It is the perfect way to swap stories of the day before heading out to dinner.
Fancy staying here yourselves? ETW Travel is independent and family-owned, part of the Barrhead Travel family, and our team would love to build your Amsterdam weekend around it.
Getting There: Fly from London Luton in 50 Minutes
One of the best things about an Amsterdam weekend break is how easy it is to reach. I flew from London Luton, and the flight takes just 50 minutes. Leave on a Friday and you could be sipping coffee beside a canal the same day, with a full weekend of culture, food and discovery ahead of you.
Before you go, check the latest UK government travel advice for the Netherlands for entry requirements. Then pack comfortable shoes and an appetite for waffles. Amsterdam, I will be back.
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