Destinations
Rail Holidays to Amsterdam
Amsterdam's picturesque canals, elegant merchant houses and charming bridges create one of Europe's most distinctive cityscapes. Explore world-famous art museums, wander through characterful neighbourhoods and discover independent shops, waterside cafés and lively markets. Compact and easy to explore, the Dutch capital is perfect for a short break, but also makes an excellent starting point for a longer rail holiday through the Netherlands and beyond.
Our favourite rail holidays to Amsterdam
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Why visit Amsterdam?
Amsterdam combines the intimacy of a historic city with an extraordinary wealth of art, culture and experiences. Its UNESCO-listed canal ring is best appreciated on foot or from the water, with narrow streets, graceful bridges and handsome seventeenth-century houses providing a beautiful backdrop.
Art lovers can explore the Rijksmuseum, home to masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer, and the Van Gogh Museum, while the Anne Frank House offers a moving insight into the city's wartime history. Beyond the major attractions, the Jordaan is known for its independent boutiques, traditional cafés and picturesque streets, while De Pijp offers a lively mix of restaurants, bars and the popular Albert Cuyp Market.
Amsterdam is also a city of green spaces, from the expansive Vondelpark to the quieter gardens and courtyards tucked away from its busiest streets. A canal cruise, a visit to a historic brewery or an afternoon exploring the city's distinctive neighbourhoods can be just as memorable as its famous museums.
With its relaxed atmosphere and convenient location, Amsterdam suits everyone from first-time visitors and art enthusiasts to couples looking for a romantic city break. It also combines beautifully with other Dutch destinations, including Haarlem, Delft, Rotterdam and The Hague.
Things to see and do in Amsterdam
Amsterdam canal cruise
Cruises wind past 17th-century merchants' houses, houseboats and humpback bridges. It is one of the best ways to get your bearings on your first day in the city.
Tip: Evening cruises are quieter and the bridges are lit after dark.
Destinations to combine with Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a natural starting point for a rail holiday exploring the Netherlands and neighbouring countries. For a shorter break, combine the Dutch capital with the historic canals and charming streets of Delft, or discover more of the country on our Dutch Delights holiday, visiting Utrecht, Breda and The Hague. Each offers a different perspective on Dutch culture, architecture and history, with convenient rail connections between destinations.
Travelling south, direct trains connect Amsterdam with Antwerp and Brussels, making it easy to combine the Netherlands with Belgium. Our Amsterdam, Brussels and Luxembourg itinerary continues beyond the Belgian capital to Luxembourg, bringing together three contrasting European cities in one holiday.
For a longer adventure, Amsterdam is also a departure point for Nightjet sleeper trains to Zurich and Vienna. These overnight journeys offer an appealing way to travel further into Europe, opening up opportunities to explore Switzerland, Austria and destinations beyond.
Whether you're planning a short Dutch escape or an extended journey across several countries, Amsterdam offers plenty of possibilities for a tailor-made rail holiday.
Accommodation in Amsterdam
Amsterdam offers a wide choice of accommodation, with different neighbourhoods suiting different styles of holiday. Hotels near Amsterdam Centraal are particularly convenient for travellers arriving by train or planning day trips to other Dutch cities. For first-time visitors and those wanting to be close to Amsterdam's historic heart, the canal district is an appealing choice, with picturesque streets, waterside restaurants and many of the main attractions within walking distance. Meanwhile, the leafy Vondelpark area is ideal for travellers seeking a quieter setting, particularly art lovers wishing to explore the nearby Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Museumplein. We can recommend hotels in each area to suit your preferences and budget.
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Amsterdam
Pulitzer Hotel
Occupying neighbouring canal houses along the famous Prinsengracht canal, the Hotel Pulitzer offers luxury and style in the heart of the city. All 230 bedrooms feature marble bathrooms with heated floors as well as flat screen TVs and typical Dutch decoration. Enjoy classic dishes at the canal-view restaurant or a drink in the courtyard bar.
Why book your train holiday to Amsterdam with us?
Placeholder text. Every holiday is planned by a rail specialist who knows the routes first hand. We arrange your trains, hotels and transfers, and stay on hand throughout your journey.
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