48 Hours in Amsterdam: Beer, Cheese & Chasing Sunsets

Amsterdam is a gorgeous, picturesque city, with the city centre located just minutes away from the airport by public transport. If you’re looking for a great destination for an affordable, walkable European mini-break, this is the one.

These are my highlights of 48 hours in Amsterdam…

1. The canals

Meandering down the streets of Amsterdam on a little boat, mulled wine in hand, has got to be one of the best ways to spend an afternoon! You don’t have to book ahead either – just find one  you like the look of, jump on, and pay at the end of your trip.

2. The night markets

Wander around Amsterdam at dusk and take your pick from the second-hand book markets, flower stalls and food stands all setting up for the evening. A great spot is Nieuwmarkt, where the Weigh House or Waag sits (pictured above). Originally built in 1488, this characteristic monumental structure now houses a nice Restaurant-Café.

3. The cheese

 

It’s everywhere! There are practically cheese shops on every corner – and even a cheese museum or two. You might be familiar with Gouda, Holland’s most popular cheese, but there are plenty more local varieties just waiting to be discovered.

4. The sunsets

This is really just an extension of point number one, but Amsterdam  is just so picturesque, it’s impossible not to be enchanted by the reflections on the water every time the sun sets. Your Instagram will be full of it, trust me.

5. The beer

We visited an awesome little craft beer bar, Arendsnest, thanks to a recommendation from a Dutch man who follows my blog and had seen I was going to be in town – thanks Guido! With over 52 beers on tap at any given time, this cosy little spot is a beer-lovers dream. If the bar is too busy when you arrive, head to the little room out the back where efficient table service awaits you.

---

• Planning a Dutch adventure of your own? Get a discount off your next Airbnb booking with this link: https://www.airbnb.co.uk/c/jcook?s=4&i=1
• Offset your carbon emissions each time you travel by visiting climatecare.org/calculator. 
• Can you really cancel out the whole impact of flying with carbon offsets? Find out here.