Holiday rentals and lettings in Amsterdam

Table of Contents

• At a glance: what should you know about renting a holiday letting in Amsterdam?
• Holiday rentals and lettings in Amsterdam: find your perfect retreat
• Exploring Amsterdam: our top recommendations
• Activities: what are the top things to do and see in Amsterdam?

• Choice of accommodation: From canalside apartments to characterful houseboats, Amsterdam suits couples, families and city-breakers.
• Where to stay: The Jordaan and canal ring for charm, or the Museum Quarter for galleries and Vondelpark.
• What guests love: Picture-perfect canals, world-class museums, and exploring the city by bike.
• Best time to visit: Spring for the tulips, summer for the long days, and cosy, festive winters.
• Things to do: Cruise the canals, tour the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, cycle Vondelpark and see the tulips.

Amsterdam's holiday lettings put you right in the heart of the city, from bright canalside apartments in narrow 17th-century houses to characterful houseboats moored on the water. There are cosy B&Bs and stylish flats to suit couples, families and groups, many within walking or cycling distance of the main sights. Whether you are after a romantic weekend or a longer city break, there is a self-catering base to match, and most come well equipped for a comfortable stay. Expect features such as:

• Wi-Fi to plan your days out
• A canal or city view from many properties
• A balcony or terrace for warm evenings
• A fully equipped kitchen for longer stays
• Options ideal for a short break or a last-minute getaway

Wherever you base yourself, a canal, a museum or a café is only a short stroll or cycle away. Planning to see more of the Netherlands? You can also compare apartments in Rotterdam for a change of scene.

What are the best areas to stay in Amsterdam?

It depends on the trip you have in mind: the canal ring is best for classic charm, while the Museum Quarter suits culture. The table below details areas for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Guests booking holiday lettings in Amsterdam through Holidu often highlight the magic of staying beside a canal, the ease of reaching the museums and sights, and how enjoyable it is to explore the city by bike. Many mention the cosy cafés, the markets and the relaxed atmosphere, and return for the rare mix of historic charm, world-class culture and easy-going village feel.

The capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is a uniquely charming city that blends historic elegance with an easy-going, liberal spirit. Its famous ring of canals, lined with narrow gabled houses and crossed by countless bridges, gives it a picture-postcard beauty, while its wealth of museums, cafés and green spaces makes it endlessly rewarding. Compact and easy to explore on foot or by bike, it is a perfect base for a city break.

✈️What is the best way to get to Amsterdam?

Most visitors arrive by plane or by direct train from the UK. Here are the most common ways to get to the city:

• By plane: Amsterdam Schiphol is one of Europe's biggest airports, with frequent flights from across the UK taking around an hour. A direct train whisks you from the airport to the city centre in under 20 minutes, making it a quick and easy way to arrive.
• By train: Direct Eurostar services run from London to Amsterdam Centraal in around four hours, arriving right in the heart of the city. It is a relaxed, scenic and low-hassle alternative to flying, and leaves you perfectly placed to explore on foot or by bike.

🥗Where to eat in Amsterdam?

According to Google Maps data and reviews, Restaurant De Kas is one of the best rated restaurants in Amsterdam. Below is a table showing top highly-rated restaurants hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest traveller Charlotte recommends a traditional bruin café in the Jordaan: a cosy, wood-panelled spot for a Dutch beer and bitterballen while watching the canal boats drift by.

☀️When is the best time to visit?

There is no bad time to visit, but spring brings the famous tulip season and the reopening of café terraces, while summer offers long days and lively canals. Autumn is atmospheric and quieter, and winter is cosy and festive, with lights along the canals.

Spring (March–May)

• Best for: Tulips, blossom and terrace season
• Weather: Mild and fresh, with bright days
• Atmosphere: Cheerful, as the city comes back to life

Summer (June–August)

• Best for: Canal cruises, cycling and festivals
• Weather: Warm and pleasant, with long daylight hours
• Atmosphere: Lively and busy across the city

Autumn & Winter (September–February)

• Best for: Museums, cosy cafés and festive lights
• Weather: Cool to cold, sometimes crisp and clear
• Atmosphere: Quiet and snug, with a festive glow in winter

⭐Our Hosts' recommendation: Our Amsterdam hosts recommend hiring bikes and exploring the quieter canals of the Jordaan away from the crowds, then pausing for coffee and apple pie at a canalside café. Ask your host which local market is best for lunch and how to book museum tickets in advance to skip the queues.

1. Cruise the canals
2. Go museum hopping
3. Wander the Jordaan and Old Town
4. Cycle through Vondelpark
5. See the tulips

1. Cruise the canals

   The best way to appreciate Amsterdam's beauty is from the water. A canal cruise glides you past elegant merchant houses, humpback bridges and houseboats along the UNESCO-listed canal ring. Choose a hop-on hop-off boat, a relaxed evening cruise or a small open boat for a more intimate trip. With over 100 kilometres of waterways to explore, it is a magical and quintessentially Amsterdam experience for all ages.

2. Go museum hopping

   Amsterdam boasts one of the highest densities of museums in the world. Marvel at Rembrandt and Vermeer in the grand Rijksmuseum, trace a genius's story at the Van Gogh Museum, and reflect at the moving Anne Frank House. With art, history and quirky specialist collections around every corner, culture lovers are truly spoilt. Book the big names ahead of time to skip the queues and make the most of your day.

3. Wander the Jordaan and Old Town

   The charming Jordaan district is Amsterdam at its prettiest, a network of narrow canals, independent shops, galleries and cosy brown cafés. Nearby, the historic Old Town reveals tall 17th-century houses, hidden courtyards and lively squares. Wander without a plan, browse the boutiques and stop for coffee and apple pie by the water. It is the perfect way to soak up the city's relaxed, village-like atmosphere.

4. Cycle through Vondelpark

   There is no more Dutch way to see the city than by bike, and leafy Vondelpark is the perfect place to start. Amsterdam's best-loved green space is criss-crossed with cycle paths, ponds and open lawns, buzzing with locals in fine weather. Hire a bike, join the flow of two-wheeled traffic and pedal between the sights like a true Amsterdammer. It is fun, easy and a lovely escape from the busy centre.

5. See the tulips

   In spring, the Netherlands bursts into colour, and Amsterdam is the gateway to its famous tulips. Visit the historic Bloemenmarkt, the city's floating flower market, any time of year, or take a short trip to the spectacular Keukenhof gardens, open from late March, where millions of bulbs bloom in dazzling ribbons. It is an unforgettable, uniquely Dutch spectacle and a highlight of a springtime visit.