Amsterdam

Amsterdam's canals

During the Dutch Golden Age the city grew to four times its original size, and the canal system built then is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

That Canal Belt is why a boat is such a good way into the city, and why the walking tours below spend so much time on bridges, courtyards and merchant houses.

Travelling the City: Boats, Bikes, and More

The city is practically made to be explored, with so many narrow lanes branching from the Canal Belt leading to everything from humble monasteries to vibrant clubs.

The preferred mode of travel is by boat or bike, as bikes in the city roughly match the number of people living there. With flat terrain and plenty of dedicated bike lanes, Amsterdam is one of the easier cities to explore on two wheels.

The bike lanes are busy, but a guided ride is a gentler start for anyone who hasn't cycled in a city before.

From the Van Gogh Museum to the Rembrandthuis

Home to the Van Gogh Museum and the Museum Het Rembrandthuis, the city is an art lover’s paradise.

The Van Gogh Museum shows over 200 paintings and 500 drawings, so visitors can follow the evolution of his work through his tumultuous life.

The Rembrandthuis, or Rembrandt's House Museum, is an intimate look at the painter's life, with his personal belongings, his studio and period artefacts that show how he worked.

Both are worth a visit, but for an art-loving friend the guided Rijksmuseum tour further down is the one to look at, because a good guide ties the paintings together.

Taste of Amsterdam: Food and Drink Culture

Amsterdam is known for its diverse culinary scene, reflecting its multicultural population and history as a trading hub. From traditional Dutch cuisine to international fusion, the city offers something for every palate.

For a taste of traditional Dutch fare, head to one of the many "brown cafes" scattered throughout the city. These cosy pubs offer classic dishes like stamppot (a hearty potato and vegetable mash) and bitterballen (deep-fried meatballs). Try some local cheeses while you're there.

If you're feeling adventurous, the food scene has influences from all over the world. From Indonesian rijsttafel (rice table) to Surinamese roti, there's no shortage of unique and delicious options.

Finish with a few of Amsterdam's famous beers.

The Red Light District

The Red Light District is on most first-timers' lists, and it makes more sense with someone who knows the stories.

This area, while not to everyone's taste, has become an enduring symbol of Amsterdam's culture.

Beyond the nightlife, the district's narrow lanes are lined with historic buildings, each with its own story to tell, and hidden courtyards that most people walk straight past.

It's a gift for adults who are curious about the city's past, not one for families.

Amsterdam's Ever-Evolving Charm

Constantly reinvigorating itself, trendy Amsterdam has been the city to go to since its counter-culture eruption of the 1960’s. Scattered through the city are niche boutiques, ultra-hipster cafes and more famously, marijuana-selling 'cafes'.

Some of Amsterdam’s most popular attractions include The Anne Frank House, the lush Vondelpark and the impressive Rijksmuseum. If you know a friend, family or couple visiting the eccentric city, the experiences below are a good place to start.

Which gift suits who

The 2 Hour Private Amsterdam Family & Friends Bike Tour suits families and mixed-age groups. The Unique Street Food Tour Of Amsterdam is for foodies and couples who like to wander.

The Rijksmuseum tour and the small-group history walk suit art lovers and history buffs. The Amsterdam Photo Tour is for anyone with a camera and a bit of patience, and the Red Light District walking tour is for adults who like their history with a cheeky edge.

If you can't decide, the canal cruise is the easy yes, because it's a relaxed way to see the city for almost anyone.

Think of the voucher as a gift card for the experience itself: your recipient picks the tour, books a date and turns up.

Explore Amsterdam like a local

A fantastic introductory tour perfect for any age group is the 2 Hour Private Amsterdam Family & Friends Bike Tour.

Immerse your giftee in Amsterdam’s intense cycle culture with this entertaining tour great for families and couples. From the city’s top attractions to its best-kept secrets, a local guide will introduce your giftee to Amsterdam while disclosing captivating stories of its unique past.

Guests will get the chance to zip and zoom through the canals, narrow laneways and lush inner-city parks. It's private, so it suits a family or a group of friends who want the guide themselves.

Red Light District walking tour

Another standout option for adults is the exciting Amsterdam Red Light District Walking Tour. Your giftee gets a knowledgeable guide armed and ready to answer all of their curious questions about the city’s most titillating neighbourhood.

These cobbled streets make up Amsterdam’s heart of sin and vice, with stops at the Condomerie Wander, the Tower of Tears and the Cannabis Information Centre.

Delectable walking food tour

If your giftee happens to be a self-proclaimed foodie, the Unique Street Food Tour Of Amsterdam is the one to pick. Originally from Latvia, Artur loves to introduce travellers to a diverse range of tantalising foods to be devoured in the Old West neighbourhood of Amsterdam.

Your giftee will learn about the lives of locals and hear their stories all while eating their heart out on this charming two-mile tour.

Photography tours for budding amateurs

Alternatively, if your giftee is a budding photographer or simply loves capturing the perfect travel moments, the Amsterdam Photo Tour is an excellent choice.

This engaging experience is suitable for photographers of any level, allowing them to explore the charming city while honing their skills behind the lens.

With both day and night options available, your giftee will have the opportunity to capture the essence of Amsterdam from different perspectives.

They'll come home with shots of the canals, the historic architecture and the street scenes, plus a few they'll want to print.

Serene Canal Cruise

Amsterdam is a city built around water, and a canal tour is one of the easiest ways to see it.

Whether you're a first-time or frequent visitor, Stromma’s Amsterdam Canal Cruises are a relaxed way to see the city from the water.

The guides take you past numerous highlights, sharing fascinating stories about the bridges and buildings along the way.

Routes can change with city works, so the experience page is the place to check what your giftee will see. It suits a couple, parents who are visiting, or anyone who would rather sit down and look.

Guided Tour of Rijksmuseum

On this tour the expert guide meets your giftee outside the Cobra Cafe at Museumplein, holding an orange umbrella for easy identification.

Skip-the-line entrance is included, so they can dive right into exploring the highlights of the Dutch Golden Age. Marvel at stunning still-life paintings, Vermeer's interiors, and Rembrandt's iconic "The Nightwatch".

Learn about the social and historical context that shaped the art market of the Dutch Republic. After the tour, feel free to continue exploring the museum's vast collection or unwind at the cafe or museum shop.

Unravel Amsterdam's fascinating history

This tour traces Amsterdam's transformation from a modest 12th-century fishing village to a vibrant cosmopolitan capital.

It's a small-group walking tour of a leisurely 2 and a-half hours, taking in everything from Oude Kerk to historic pubs.

Knowledgeable guides lead you along the meandering canals, across charming bridges, and into serene courtyards.

Capture postcard-perfect moments while exploring the leaning houses and other architectural wonders that grace the city centre and the scenic banks of the Amstel River.

The local guides share insider tips on making the most of time in the city, which makes it a smart first-day gift for someone who's just arriving.

Ultimate Full-Day Trip from Amsterdam to Keukenhof & Zaanse Schans

This 1-day trip takes your giftee out into the Dutch countryside.

Immerse yourself in a world of vibrant flowers, marvel at the iconic Zaanse Schans windmills both from the outside and inside, and indulge in delicious traditional Dutch cheese at a charming farm.

The route runs through picturesque landscapes, with a stop en route at the Kaag Lakes.

Zaanse Schans, nestled in the Dutch town of Zaandam near Amsterdam, is a neighbourhood that replicates the charm of an 18th/19th-century village, complete with historic windmills and distinctive green wooden houses.

Keukenhof gardens, also known as the Garden of Europe, is a flower garden located in Lisse, Netherlands. The gardens usually bloom from March to mid-May, so this one suits a spring visit.

Check the experience page for dates before you choose it as a gift, and contact us if you're unsure what suits the time of year.

When to go

Amsterdam weather can turn quickly, so a rain jacket is a good idea whatever the month.

Spring in the Netherlands (March to May) is usually when Keukenhof is in flower. Canal cruises and bike rides tend to be more comfortable outside the coldest months, while the Rijksmuseum tour and the food walk work in most weather.

Amsterdam gifts for every type

Whether your loved one is a foodie, history buff, adventure seeker or art lover, there's an Amsterdam gift here for them. Pick one experience, or give a voucher amount and let them choose.

An Amsterdam gift card from us is really a voucher the recipient spends on whichever experience they pick, with any leftover balance staying on their account. Not sure which one fits? Contact us and we'll point you to a few.