Weekends in Amsterdam Guide: 13 X local tips for this weekend

The Amsterdam Canal District is perhaps the most visited area in town. It’s a neighbourhood where almost every view is a picture perfect. Don’t be surprised if even locals stop to take a photo on a beautiful day. Because the canals are so much more than a touristic attraction. I really enjoy riding my bike in the Amsterdam Canal District. It still makes me realize how much I love Amsterdam!

The Amsterdam Canal District is the area for the ultimate Amsterdam feeling. A bike tour is a must, but you should also see Amsterdam from the water! On this page I listed the nicest things to do along the canals in Amsterdam for every season to save you time. Shop until you drop in the Nine Streets located in this district. And go for dinner to many of the great restaurants along the canals of this Unesco Heritage area.

The most famous streets in the Amsterdam Canal District are the Prinsengracht, Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Singel. Although you should not miss these authentic streets, there is so much more to discover! Wander around in the side streets like the Spiegelstraat for some special and exclusive (art) shops. Satisfy your appetite at one of the great restaurants and book a room at The Hoxton or Pulitzer Hotel that are located in canal houses. Photography lovers should definitely visit photo museum FOAM.

Are you visiting Amsterdam during the weekend? Make sure to check the one and only Amsterdam Weekend Guide that is updated with new weekendtips every week! And did you know there’s a complete complete neighbourhood guide and an amsterdam bucketlist to experience Amsterdam like a local.

If you are looking for the best hotels in the Amsterdam Canal District, just check out our complete list below. Enjoy!

Our favourite hotels in the Amsterdam CANAL DISTRICT:

TOP LUXURY // €€€
☾ Pulitzer Amsterdam: on the canals at the border of the Nine Streets and the Jordaan.
☾ L’Europe: recently renovated, this hotel has the best spa with a view in Amsterdam.
☾ Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam: if you have something to celebrate this is the one.
VERY VERY NICE // €€
☾ The Hoxton: favourite lifestyle hotel right on the canals with great all day bar.
☾ Hotel Mercier: pretty new hotel in the cosy and historic Jordaan district.
AFFORDABLE (FOR AMSTERDAM PRICES) // €
☾ CitizenM: all you need is that XL bed (location near Amstel is great).
☾ Motel One: budget design hotel with several locations in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam CANAL DISTRICT Guide – our shortlist with the best things to do

MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS IN THE AMSTERDAM CANAL DISTRICT:
⋙ Historical Highlights Walking Tour plus Tasting
⋙ Private Canal Boat Tour
⋙ Museum of the Canals (visit a Canal House)
⋙ FOAM Photography Museum
⋙ Make a Canal Cruise in the evening
⋙ Anne Frank Walking Tour
⋙ Our House (Electronic Dance Music Museum)
⋙ Rembrandts Amsterdam Experience
⋙ Visit the Museum Square: Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum
and Stedelijk Museum
FOOD EXPERIENCES IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Food Tasting Tour of Jordaan area
⋙ Sightseeing Boat Cruise with unlimited drinks
⋙ Amsterdam Ice Bar
⋙ Pancake Cruise
BEST BIKE TOURS IN AMSTERDAM CANAL DISTRICT:
⋙ Fatbike e-bike tour (also to Amsterdam North)
⋙ Rent a bike by yourself and explore like a local
⋙ 3 hour biketour: backstreets & hidden gems
SPIRNG / SUMMER IN AMSTERDAM CANAL DISTRICT:
⋙ Paddle board tour on the canals
⋙ Go for a kayak-tour in Amsterdam
FALL / WINTER IN AMSTERDAM CANAL DISTRICT:
⋙ Amsterdam Light Festival boat tour
⋙ Amsterdam Light Festival bike tour 
DAY TRIPS FROM AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Get out of town and into the Dutch country side of Giethoorn
⋙ Drive-it-Yourself Tulip Fields GPS Audio Tour
⋙ Outside of Amsterdam: windmills & Zaanse Schans
⋙ Catch a direct train from Amsterdam to Antwerp, Brussels, London or Paris, starting at € 20,-! Check tickets & prices >>

| TIP: Buy an I amsterdam City Card. Save money on entrance fees to museums and attractions, public transport and profit from discounts on everything from restaurants to concerts. You can also skip some lines to make the most of your time in Amsterdam! You can buy a card for 24 hours up to 120 hours. Check the prices here >>

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I really hope you enjoy your time in town with this Amsterdam City Guide! On my Instagram account @yourlbb and @yourlbb.amsterdam you can find more recommendations and new hotspots in town.