Flying from London to Amsterdam

Amsterdam is served by Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. After landing, travellers can use public transport to reach the city centre and Amsterdam Centraal.

Depending on your airline and departure airport, flights may be available from several London airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and London City.

For a short weekend break, check flight times carefully so that you can maximise your time in Amsterdam rather than spending most of the day travelling.

Getting from Schiphol Airport into Amsterdam

Schiphol has direct rail connections towards Amsterdam. Once you reach Amsterdam Centraal, many attractions in the historic centre are within walking distance, while trams, buses and other public transport services make it easy to explore further afield.

Where Can You Smoke Cannabis in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is famous for its coffeeshops, but visitors should not assume that cannabis can simply be smoked anywhere in the city.

The City of Amsterdam states that smoking cannabis in public is prohibited in the city centre and advises people who want to smoke cannabis to do so inside a coffeeshop.

Visitors should also avoid buying drugs from street dealers. The City of Amsterdam warns that street drugs can be dangerous and may be fake or contaminated.

If you choose to visit a coffeeshop, behave responsibly, follow the venue’s rules and do not drive or cycle while impaired.

Where to Eat in Amsterdam

Amsterdam has a huge choice of restaurants and cafés. Visitors can enjoy traditional Dutch dishes, breakfast, Italian food, international cuisine and plenty of snacks while exploring the city.

Breakfast

Start the morning with eggs, pancakes, coffee or a traditional breakfast. Central Amsterdam has many breakfast cafés, while De Pijp is another popular area for brunch.

Dutch Food

For traditional Dutch cooking, look for dishes such as stamppot, Dutch meatballs, herring and other regional specialities.

A central option is The Pantry on Leidsekruisstraat, where visitors can try traditional Dutch-style dishes.

Italian and International Food

Amsterdam also has a large international restaurant scene. Italian, Mediterranean, Indian and many other cuisines can be found throughout the city.

The Jordaan, De Pijp, the canal belt and the area around Leidseplein all offer plenty of places to stop for lunch or dinner.

Traditional Dutch Foods to Try

• Stroopwafels – thin waffles with a sweet syrup filling.
• Patat – Dutch-style chips served with a choice of sauces.
• Bitterballen – crispy fried savoury snacks.
• Herring – a traditional Dutch speciality.
• Poffertjes – small fluffy pancakes usually served with butter and sugar.
• Stamppot – a traditional mashed-potato dish often served with vegetables and meat.

Things to See in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is much more than its coffeeshops. The city is packed with historic buildings, museums, markets and canals.

• Amsterdam’s historic canal belt
• Rijksmuseum
• Van Gogh Museum
• Anne Frank House
• Jordaan
• De Pijp
• Albert Cuyp Market
• The Nine Streets
• Dam Square
• Vondelpark
• Amsterdam Centraal
• Canal cruises

A Simple Amsterdam Weekend

Day One

Fly from London to Schiphol, travel into Amsterdam and check into your hotel. Spend the afternoon walking along the canals and exploring the historic centre. Have a Dutch dinner and, if you choose to visit a coffeeshop, follow the local rules and consume cannabis only where permitted.

Day Two

Start with breakfast before visiting a museum. Continue towards the Jordaan or De Pijp for lunch and spend the afternoon exploring Amsterdam’s streets, markets and canals.

In the evening, enjoy a restaurant meal and explore the city’s nightlife.

Day Three

Have breakfast, buy a few Dutch souvenirs, take one final canal walk and then travel back to Schiphol for your flight to London.

Respect Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a busy city where visitors share streets and neighbourhoods with local residents. Keep noise down, dispose of rubbish properly and respect residents, businesses and public spaces.

Visitors should check current local regulations before travelling because Amsterdam’s tourism policies and local rules can change.

Amsterdam: A Great London City Break

Amsterdam is easy to explore over a long weekend. You can combine Dutch food, beautiful canals, museums, architecture, markets and nightlife with a visit to a coffeeshop if that is something you choose to do.

The key is to enjoy the whole city and respect the local rules. Plan your journey from London, check the latest travel requirements, choose your restaurants in advance and leave plenty of time to explore Amsterdam on foot.