Amsterdam

Although Dutch cuisine doesn’t have the same reputation as some of its European peers, Amsterdam is a city that loves its food.

Whether enjoying cheap and cheerful traditional Dutch pancakes (or pannenkoeken) at Upstairs Pannenkoeken, or a more fine dining experience at Vinkeles, you’re sure to get a sense of what Dutch food is all about.

In recent years, Amsterdam (like most cities) has been experimenting with fusion food, so don’t feel that, just because you’re in the Netherlands, you have to stick solely to Dutch food. Jamie Oliver has expanded his international food empire across the North Sea, and his restaurant Fifteen brings together British, Dutch and Italian food in a mouth-watering way.

As a modern European city, Amsterdam has a range of accommodation options to suit any budget.

If your wallet can stretch to a four-star boutique, you can’t go wrong with The Toren. This city centre hotel dates back to 1618, but with modern decor, you’ll be in the lap of luxury.

For a more wallet-friendly option, winner of a TripAdvisor ‘Traveller’s Choice Award 2014’, the Citizen M Amsterdam is a modernist take on a budget hotel. It’s a quirky and colourful hotel full of trendy design features.

If romance is what you’re looking for, Hotel Sebastian’s is a real gem, right next to the Haarlemmerstraat with its vibrant market.

The best time to go to Amsterdam is when the rest of the tourists aren’t.

Summer is the high season in Amsterdam, as school holidays encourage families to take breaks and are a popular time for rowdy lads’ weekends. Airfares are also high around the Christmas holiday, meaning a winter break can often break the budget.

Instead, plan your break for spring or autumn. Amsterdam has similar weather to the UK, so you’ll be well prepared. As you stroll through the blossoming tulips, or the red and orange leaves of the Vondelpark, you’ll have the place (relatively) to yourself.

In the spring, you can also take advantage of the wonderful Keukenhof tulip festival just outside of Amsterdam, as well as the annual King’s Day celebrations, a city-wide outdoor festival, that takes place each year at the end of April.