My Weekend in Amsterdam: Canals and Culture
Amsterdam is one of those cities that never gets old.
It was my first time there, but I could tell that even if it’s your second, third, or tenth time there, the canals still charm you, the food still surprises you, and there’s always something new waiting around the corner.
I recently spent a weekend in the Dutch capital and wanted to share the highlights, little moments, and a few lessons I learned along the way. Whether you’re planning a short city break or just love living through someone else’s travels, here’s what my 48 hours in Amsterdam looked like.
🚆 Getting There: Eurostar Vibes
We travelled in on the Eurostar from London, which is one of my favourite ways to start a trip. No airport stress. Just a smooth, city-centre-to-city-centre journey with countryside views and space to relax.
Honestly, if you’re thinking of visiting Amsterdam for a weekend, the train is a game changer.
We arrived early afternoon and tried to check into our hotel, ready to make the most of every hour. However, our room was not ready so we had to take our bags with us for lunch. No big deal.
We stayed at the Grand Hotel Amrâth, a five-star hotel just a short walk from the station and the centre of everything.
The suite was spacious, the service was spot-on, and the views over the water gave us that classic Amsterdam feel as soon as we opened the curtains. Although a 5 star hotel, it was very unnecessary when we had a full itinerary and allowed no time to enjoy the facilities.
After dropping off our bags, we headed straight out for a walk along the canals. There’s something about Amsterdam at night, the way the lights bounce off the water, the quiet buzz in the air, and the constant hum of cyclists whizzing past. ,
We had made dinner reservations at Moeders, a quirky little restaurant that’s part eatery, part museum to mums everywhere. The walls are packed with framed photos of mothers from around the world, and the mismatched plates and cosy vibe make it feel like you’re dining in someone’s living room. Known for its traditional Dutch home cooking, the menu features hearty favourites like stamppot, beef stew, and ribs. I had the ribs (and they were fall-off-the-bone good), while Bev wasn’t too impressed with her dish, so it was a bit of a mixed experience for us. That said, the atmosphere is warm, the service is friendly, and if you’re after a proper Dutch food experience with a side of charm, Moeders is worth checking out. Just make sure you book in advance, it gets busy, especially on weekends.
☕ Sunday Morning: Pancakes & People-Watching
We kicked off Saturday with one goal in mind: pancakes.
Amsterdam is known for its breakfast scene, and we weren’t about to skip it. We went to a local spot near the Nine Streets, ordered the good stuff (Dutch-style with syrup and powdered sugar), and sat by the window just people-watching. It’s one of my favourite travel rituals.
The pace of life in Amsterdam on a Saturday morning is calm, relaxed, but quietly buzzing, perfect for easing into the day.
Without a doubt, the standout moment of the trip was the Anne Frank and World War II walking tour. We’d booked it in advance, and I’d recommend it to anyone visiting the city.
Our guide, Claire, was phenomenal - passionate, knowledgeable, and respectful of the history she was sharing. The tour walked us through stories of survival, resistance, and the real human impact of what happened here.
It wasn’t just a tourist activity, it was an experience that made us stop, reflect, and connect with the city in a deeper way.
We grabbed lunch in Dam Square and just sat for a while, taking it all in. No rushing, no schedule, just enjoying the moment before heading back to the hotel to collect our bags and make our way to the station.
🚆 The Journey Home
Eurostar back to London was smooth and relaxing and gave us time to reflect on the trip.
We packed a lot into 48 hours without ever feeling rushed, which is a sign of a trip done right.
Amsterdam has a way of being both lively and laid-back at the same time. You can fill your days with tours and culture or just wander and let the city unfold in front of you. Either way, you’ll leave wanting more.
📝 Final Thoughts & Tips for Your Own Trip
If you’re thinking about a weekend in Amsterdam, here are a few quick tips based on our visit:
✅ Book walking tours in advance — the good ones fill up fast
✅ Use trains instead of flying — more time in the city, less stress
✅ Walk or cycle as much as you can — it’s the best way to see the city
✅ Try the local food, but read recent reviews
✅ Leave some room to wander — the city is best discovered without a strict plan
Want a personalised Amsterdam travel pack with itineraries, food tips, hidden gems, and walking routes? I create them for travellers who want to make the most of a weekend without the planning stress.