£35 can’t get you much these days, but thanks to Eurostar’s latest offering, you can hotfoot to Amsterdam for the same price as your weekly commute. Ticket costs vary of course, but avoiding the hassle of a city centre departure and skipping those airport queues makes for a quick and easy weekend away this spring.
To make life even easier, we’ve road tested a 48hour itinerary to keep you busy, well rested and well fed, for a weekend in one of Europe’s quirkiest and friendliest cities. Hello Amsterdam!

 

WHERE TO STAY IN AMSTERDAM
Boutique hotels have been popping up across the city, setting up home in some of the trendiest neighbourhoods. First up is Sir Adam, located slap-bang in the centre of Amsterdam Noord. Nestled inside one of the city’s tallest buildings, the hotel is a haven for music lovers, including boutique rooms with record players and electric guitars.
The Hoxton Hotel can provide a little slice of home, providing the usual perks of free breakfast bags, and a choice of cosy, concept and shoebox rooms.
On a budget, or travelling en masse? Then look no further than Generator Hostel. Part of a larger European chain, Generator offers clean, comfortable and reasonably priced dorms, as well as smart private suites. Housed in a former zoological university building in trendy Oosterpark, this place is ideal for young couples or best buddies.

HOW TO SPEND YOUR SATURDAY MORNING: After a good night’s sleep, you’ll be ready for a decent breakfast. Start your weekend early with a trip to the Café Restaurant De Ysbreeker, right on the Amstel River. If the sun’s out, grab a seat by the water and fill up on their selection of bread and sausages. Spend
the morning exploring The Tropenmuseum, a fascinating insight into ethnographic art and culture, before fitting in a tour of the area. If you want to save your pennies but see the best of the city, make like a local and grab yourself a bike. There’s plenty of tours to choose from, but if you’re keen to save a few euros, go it alone and follow one of the four recreational bike routes. Prefer an easy ride? Give The Blue Boat Company a go, for a 75 minute guided boat tour. They allow a maximum of ten passengers, so you won’t be shoulder to shoulder with dozens of other tourists.
AFTERNOON: If you’re cycling, head across to De Pijp, the city’s trendy Latin Quarter. Make Sarphatipark your first stop, either for a picnic or a mooch around the lake. From here, head across to Albert Cuyp Market, the biggest of its kind in The Netherlands for all of your food, clothes and souvenir buys. If you’re hungry for lunch, try Paksamer for small plates, The Butcher for burgers, or Baskets of Steamy Goodness for dim sum.
You’ll probably want to burn a few calories post-lunch, and spring is the perfect time for a trip to Vondelpark, one of Amsterdam’s largest open spaces. Home to regular outdoor theatre performances, check out the listings in advance because free tickets disappear fast. Ready for a beer? Try Café De Pijp for a low-key drink, or Wynand Fockink for a spot of gin tasting.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO ON SUNDAY MORNING: Jordaan is the perfect neighbourhood to explore, and has no shortage of great breakfast and brunch spots. We’d recommend their pancakes for starters! Once you’ve had your fill, head across to Anne Frank’s house. Whether or not history is your thing, it’s undeniable that this little girl shaped much of our education around the Holocaust, so it’s not to be missed. Just make sure you buy your tickets online to beat the queues. For a little light relief, take a walk through Jordaan, and make the most of the shops and nearby boutiques – Six and Sons, and RESTORED are both good places to start.
AFTERNOON: Food markets mean serious business in Amsterdam, so hotfoot to Foodhallen and fill your boots. Located in an old tram shed, the space is bursting with street food from all over the world, not to mention a list of great bars. There’s a cinema here too, so if you’ve had enough of sightseeing, settle down here for the afternoon. Any last remaining energy should be spent strolling through Rijksmuseum, one of the finest art and history museums in all of Europe.
Amsterdam makes the perfect cheap and cheerful getaway. Just take the Eurostar after work, enjoy your weekend and be back on the sofa in time for your Sunday night takeaway.