Flowers, fine art and food – how to spend a relaxing weekend in Amsterdam

Relaxing weekend: Visiting a city like Amsterdam doesn’t have to involve rushing around trying to tick dozens of sights off your list of “Things to do and places to go”. In fact, this is an ideal destination for a short relaxing break – with the most energetic activity being a gentle bike ride around this perfect cycling city. We’ve rounded up some of the ways you can enjoy a relaxing few days in Amsterdam that will help you recharge your batteries. Naturally, you can always come back to see more and we hope that you’ll do just that!

Hortus Botanicus

Relaxing weekend: There are few places more relaxing than a garden, so head to the Botanical Gardens. This is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world – the Dutch know a thing or two about plants and flowers! The gardens were established to grow medicinal plants, but nowadays are a delightful way to spend an afternoon. You can follow one of the suggested routes or simply wander at your leisure, enjoying the fresh air and greenery.

Keukenhof Gardens.

If you’re in Amsterdam during tulip season, a stroll through the Keukenhof Gardens is an absolute must. They’re just a short bus ride from the city, and you’ll be rewarded with a colorful array of flowers. After visiting the gardens, rent a bike for a gentle ride through the flower fields.

Rembrandt’s House

If you only have time for one art gallery, and the queues at the Rijksmuseum are too much for you, try Rembrandt’s House. As well as works by the master himself, you’ll find paintings by his contemporaries. Look out for demonstrations that show you how etchings are created or how paint was made in the artist’s day.

Museum van Loon

One of the pleasures of visiting a city is discovering a hidden oasis of tranquility amid the noise and bustle. The Museum van Loon possesses a delightful garden that will make you forget you’re in the middle of a busy city. You can also stroll around the house, which like many of Amsterdam’s historic houses was built in the 17th century. It now houses a collection of paintings, furniture and porcelain from the city’s trading heyday.

Or …

People-watch from a café terrace

Amsterdam’s café culture encourages you to take the weight off your feet and watch the world go by. Enjoy a coffee and some tasty Dutch cakes such as pannenkoeken, appeltaart, or stroopwaffel.

Visit a spa

Going to a spa may not seem to be the kind of thing you do on holiday, but the whole point of a weekend away is to relax and feel better, right? SPA du Sahara comes highly recommended, with facilities like a wet and dry hamam, massage room and a relaxation area.

Where to stay?

Accommodation in a popular city like Amsterdam can be expensive, but there are many excellent budget options that mean you can devote your funds to dining out and museums. Hostel Sarphati offers an affordable and comfortable stay, with a convenient location right in the Centre of Amsterdam.