Grand city views and recreation in the Amsterdamse Bos: experience it from a holiday home in Amsterdam!

Amsterdam is a city of cosy and illustrious squares and a favourite place for terrace-goers. But don’t miss the panoramic hotspots! From A’DAM LOOKOUT you can enjoy the widest view over the Canal Belt, and from various rooftop bars you’ll gaze out over iconic buildings such as the Basilica of Saint Nicholas. Want to round off a weekend or midweek in the capital with visits to tranquil spots? Rent a holiday home in Amsterdam and take a walk in Ouderkerk aan de Amstel and the Amsterdamse Bos!

Holiday home Amsterdam: discover the capital with a City Card!

One of the tips that gives you the most value during your visit to Amsterdam is to purchase an Amsterdam City Card. It gives you free entry to museums and attractions. Public transport, a canal cruise and bike rental are even included. You can rent the latter for 24 hours—perfect for a day in Amsterdam! With the discount card you can also explore attractions in the surrounding area such as the Zaanse Schans and the island of Marken.

Take time to unwind on Museumplein and in Vondelpark

Blend in with the locals as if you live in the capital and explore the historic centre at your own pace. For example, cycle via Leidseplein and the city theatre to Museumplein, where you can relax with views of the Rijksmuseum and the Concertgebouw. A short hop by bike—and a brief walk from Museumplein—lies Vondelpark, a beloved refuge with occasional peeks at some of Amsterdam’s most expensive homes. Water features and sunbathing lawns are dotted throughout the park. In the middle of the park you can also grab something to eat and drink on a pleasant terrace.

A’DAM LOOKOUT: the best view over Amsterdam!

Our capital may be the ultimate destination for enjoying many different panoramic views. Across the IJ you’ll find A’DAM LOOKOUT, a tower offering an impressive vista over Central Station and the old city. A popular attraction on the roof terrace is the swing that sends you soaring over the edge. Prefer to gaze into the distance and count all the church towers? Order a bite or a drink at the panorama restaurant and linger over the view of the IJ and the striking skyline!

Order a drink at a rooftop bar!

A great place to escape the bustle is a rooftop bar. LuminAir, for instance, is a sky bar with a fantastic view over the historic centre, including the Basilica of Saint Nicholas. Want to be even deeper in the centre with a fine outlook? From the rooftop at W Lounge on Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal you can see the rear of the Royal Palace on Dam Square and the towers of Magna Plaza.

Visit the NEMO museum from your holiday home in Amsterdam

Another lookout point with beautiful views of the old city and the classical building of the National Maritime Museum is the roof terrace at NEMO. It’s also one of the city’s most fun and popular museums, making science approachable in an interactive way. You can try out lots of experiments and learn through play—experiment with sound and electricity, or create a giant soap bubble. In the Factory you can also watch coloured balls roll ingeniously through a large frame, complete with moving robotic arms.

Grab a terrace along the Amstel

On a gorgeous day, taking a canal cruise in Amsterdam is always a treat. But there are also plenty of ways to chill by the water. Along the quays of the River Amstel you’ll find many inviting terraces, such as café-restaurant De Ysbreeker—a shady spot beside a row of splendid townhouses. At L’Osteria you can reportedly order above-average-sized pizzas, and for a truly atmospheric experience, claim a terrace at the Amstel Hotel. This five-star landmark is one of the most beautiful national monuments along the Amstel.

Ouderkerk aan de Amstel: picturesque charm on the edge of Amsterdam

Have you filled one or two holiday days with museums and attractions but want to see more beyond the city? Pay a visit to Ouderkerk aan de Amstel, a village with protected status set in the polder landscape between Amstelveen and Amsterdam-Zuidoost. For a refreshing break or an extra outing, this quiet village is a lovely choice. The old houses along the water, the church and the drawbridge paint a picturesque scene, and because it’s usually not crowded here, you can almost always find a spot on one of the terraces.

Be surprised by the Amsterdamse Bos

Can’t imagine a holiday without nature? From a holiday home in Amsterdam there are plenty of options to surprise you! Between Schiphol and the city lies a vast green space where you can enjoy all kinds of recreation. No fewer than six walking routes, ranging from 5 to 7 kilometres, introduce you to Amsterdam’s green lung. Stroll through the blossom park that in spring is filled with snow-white cherry trees, or spot storks along the path of the Oude Polderwandeling. You can even embark on a 1.5-hour boat tour and finish with a pancake at Restaurant Meerzicht.

Rent a holiday home in Amsterdam

The Amsterdam metropolitan area offers a mega amount to discover! But you can also easily set aside a whole day for pure relaxation—from a terrace along the Amstel to a rooftop bar or a walk through the Amsterdamse Bos. Put your wishes into words and Amsterdam will deliver! And don’t hesitate to explore the city with children. They’ll never forget the rooftop swing at A’DAM LOOKOUT and will be fully absorbed at the NEMO museum! Want to enjoy the most beautiful skylines and take time for relaxed recreation by or on the water? Rediscover the capital from a holiday home in Amsterdam!