Amsterdam is a great place to celebrate spring; locals spill out from inside the smoky cafes and onto canal-side terraces to soak up those first welcome rays of sunlight and the city literally blooms with the colourful flowers that Amsterdam is so famous for. Spring is the time to hop on your bike in the Dutch capital and make the most of the mild weather, cycling along the canal paths, shopping in outdoor markets and picnicking in the parks. Spring is also when some of Holland’s most important national holidays are celebrated, so be aware of when they are in case you want to join in the festivities or avoid them and pay less for your accommodation in Amsterdam and your flights to and from the city. Queen’s day or “Koninginnedag” is on the 30th of April and is a huge event, with the streets decorated in orange and street parties and concerts everywhere. Another big public event in spring to be aware of is Liberation Day or “Bevrijdingsdag” which takes place on the 5th of May; many local businesses may have limited opening hours on this day.

As with many other Northern European cities, spring weather can be very changeable in Amsterdam. You are just as likely to get a gloriously sunny weekend as you are a rainy or even chilly one. Come prepared with layers and an umbrella as the locals do. If horticulture is your thing, you shouldn’t miss the Keukenhof Gardens which only open in spring (from mid-March till mid-May) in the nearby town of Lisse to show off its incredible floral displays.

If you do get rain during your trip to Amsterdam though, do not despair! Head to the World Press Photo Exhibit at the old church, “Oude Kerk” to check out some incredible photography. Alternatively you could time your visit with the Art Amsterdam festival designed for fans of contemporary art and held in mid-May throughout 100 galleries and at the KunstRAI convention centre.

Spring has already sprung in Amsterdam this year, but there are still plenty of cheap deals out there for a last minute getaway so, go on, be spontaneous!

Amsterdam, city of canals, coffee houses, tulips and bicycles; can you think of anywhere better to spend a delightful weekend? With so much to see and do in Amsterdam, I’ve selected a few personal favourites to help you get the most out of your precious 48 hours there!

Shopping: The Negen Straatjes, which literally means “nine little streets”, is a wonderful area for quirky boutique shopping. It is full of cool little independent houseware and clothing shops as well as beautifully decorated cafes. It’s a lovely place for a wander around or even to stay if you can find a hotel in Negen Straatjes. Simply bursting with eccentric Dutch character!

Musuems: Naturally, the Van Gogh Musuem and the Anne Frank House are two of the most popular places with tourists in Amsterdam, and with good reason. Although often crowded and a little pricey, they are very interesting and worth dedicating half a day too. They are also fairly close to each other so you visit one after the other. There are plenty of hotels near to the Van Gogh Museum too, so finding accommodation here shouldn’t be a problem.

Something different: If you are more of a drinker than a smoker, the Heineken Experience is a classic Amsterdam attraction and can be a lot of fun as well as actually quite educational. It is a musuem located in a former Heineken factory where you can sample different beers and learn a little about the history of the company and the beer making process.
Wandering: The Old City Centre is the best place for an aimless wander. Here you can take in the Red Light District, the Royal Palace, Madame Tussaud’s, the canals and their boats as well as the coffee shops. If you want to be in the thick of things, look for accommodation in the Red Light District or any other part of the old centre.
With a musuem, a stroll, a bit of window shopping and a few beers, you’ve got yourself a fun-filled weekend in Amsterdam. Just enough to whet your appetite and come back for a week long stay the next time!

Of all the capital cities you could choose to visit in Europe, Amsterdam is one of the most expensive. While it is possible to visit the Dutch capital on a shoestring, you’ll do better if you plan your trip in advance. So, if you want tips on budget beds, free entertainment, cheap eats and money saving advice on getting around, read on!

First and foremost, rent a bike! Amsterdam is the perfect place for cyclists and you can rent them for as little as 10€ a day. The main bike rental companies are Macbike and Frederic. If you are not the cycling kind, it’s good to know that Amsterdam’s public transport network (GVB) has all inclusive (tram, bus, metro and ferry) 15 trip tickets for under 7 euros or 72 hour tickets for 13 euros; you can buy them at most major supermarkets or at the booth opposite the main train station. Another great penny saving option if you plan to move around a lot during your stay is the I Amsterdam Card. It costs roughly 55 euros and allows you unlimited access to all public transport and major museums as well as discounts at certain restaurants.
Another major drain on your wallet when in Amsterdam is accommodation.
B&B’s in Amsterdam are widespread, generally speaking of a decent standard and by far the most economic option. If you want the freedom to come and go as you please, are staying for more than just a weekend or are travelling with more than one other person, there are some budget apartments in Amsterdam which would suit you better.
And if, after renting your bike and paying for your bed you’ve run out of cash, there are plenty of totally free things to keep you happy and entertained: Stroll in Vondelpark, visit Dam Square, sneak a peek at the Red Light District, Stroll along the Jordaan Canals, take the free ferry from behind Centraal Station and take in views of the city from the water or stop of at Amsterdam’s Bloemenmarkt, the city’s unique floating flower market. The first week of August when the Gay Pride parades take place and the 30th of April, the Dutch queen’s birthday are particularly festive times to visit Amsterdam, ideal for budgetless backpackers looking for free street parties!