![Icon [object Object]](/_next/static/media/icon-copy-url.3ada483d.svg?w=16&q=90){kind=icon}
![Icon [object Object]](/_next/static/media/icon-check.bc62b17c.svg?w=15&q=90){kind=icon}
Curator’s statement
In March of 2024, I visited Amsterdam for the first time. Spending just a long weekend in Amsterdam felt like a brief escape, especially after a marathon 34-hour journey from the Ngorongoro Crater. It was the perfect respite to recharge and rest after 12 days in Africa.
The Fora Difference
Book with Joelle to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
![[object Object]](/_next/static/media/icon-travel-perks.a0f68fb9.svg?w=42&q=90){kind=icon}
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
![[object Object]](/_next/static/media/icon-recommendations.4eafc2de.svg?w=42&q=90){kind=icon}
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
![[object Object]](/_next/static/media/icon-inside-knowledge.e706581a.svg?w=42&q=90){kind=icon}
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay
Hyatt Regency Amsterdam
Hyatt Regency Amsterdam combines contemporary luxury with sustainable design, offering a serene urban retreat in the vibrant heart of Amsterdam.
Amsterdam is famous for its "anything goes" reputation, evident from the influx of American college students who seem to have made it their weekend retreat of choice.
Yet, Amsterdam has a way of captivating you. The city is incredibly walkable and easy to navigate, inviting exploration through its charming alleys and picturesque canals. My weekend was full of happy moments. I took a peaceful canal cruise, had delicious food and visited The Anne Frank House, which was very moving.
Weekend Tips for Amsterdam
Sunset Canal Cruise: Take in the mesmerizing views of Amsterdam at sunset from a canal cruise. Sip your favorite drink as you glide along the narrow canals. Pro tip: Use apps like Photo Pills to check sunset times and book your cruise accordingly based on the season.
The Anne Frank House: Plan and secure tickets early, as they sell out fast. The experience of visiting Anne Frank's hiding place is poignant and unforgettable. Learn about Anne's life as a journalist and typical teenager. Then, think about the experience over drinks and snacks at Café Wester, just across the street.
Dining Highlights
Incanto: It's on the second floor of a historic building that looks out over the Amstel River. It serves real Italian food that reminds people of Boston's North End, and it's a must-visit for food lovers.
- De Belhamel: For a romantic evening, reserve a table at this hidden gem of a French restaurant. Located away from the tourist crowds, it's favored by locals for its intimate ambiance and exquisite dining experience.
What to Skip
-Zaanse Schans: Despite its proximity and windmills, Zaanse Schans can feel overly touristy and commercialized. With many other charming towns around Amsterdam to explore, you might find your time better spent elsewhere.
In Amsterdam, every corner tells a story, every meal is an experience and every moment is worth savoring. Whether you're visiting historical sites or taking a relaxing cruise, Amsterdam promises a weekend full of amazing moments and discoveries.
Need to know
Tickets to the Anne Frank Museum go on sale six weeks ahead and tend to sell out within hours. If you have to set an alarm and get up in the middle of the night to buy tickets because of the time difference, do it.
Look for Stolpersteine on the ground -- these ten-centimeter bronze plaques honor the known location where a Jew was forcibly removed during World War II. They are throughout Amsterdam as well as other European cities.
This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Amsterdam. In need of further inspiration? Check out Travis Tanner’s guide, Discover Amsterdam: A Guide to the Best Sights and Food.
