Amsterdam Vacations — The Venice of the North
Netherlands
Amsterdam is one of Europe's most charming and distinctive cities — a place where 17th-century canal houses line a network of waterways, world-class museums house extraordinary art collections, and the cycling culture creates a uniquely liveable urban environment. The Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Anne Frank House are among the most visited attractions in Europe.
Why Visit Amsterdam?
- ✓Rijksmuseum — the world's finest collection of Dutch Golden Age art
- ✓Van Gogh Museum — the world's largest collection of Van Gogh's work
- ✓Anne Frank House — a profoundly moving historical site
- ✓Canal ring — a UNESCO World Heritage network of 17th-century waterways
- ✓Keukenhof Gardens — the world's most spectacular tulip garden (spring only)
Things to Do in Amsterdam
Wendy can arrange any of these experiences as part of your personalised itinerary.
Rijksmuseum
Explore the world's finest collection of Dutch Golden Age art — Rembrandt's Night Watch, Vermeer's The Milkmaid, and thousands of other masterpieces.
Anne Frank House
Visit the Anne Frank House — the secret annex where Anne Frank wrote her diary during the Nazi occupation. Book tickets well in advance.
Canal Boat Tour
Take a canal boat tour through Amsterdam's extraordinary 17th-century canal ring — the most beautiful way to see the city.
Cycling Tour
Rent a bicycle and explore Amsterdam like a local — the city's flat terrain and extensive cycle paths make it the world's most cycling-friendly city.
Van Gogh Museum
Visit the world's largest collection of Van Gogh's work — 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and 750 letters in a beautiful museum.
Jordaan Neighbourhood
Explore the charming Jordaan neighbourhood — independent boutiques, excellent restaurants, and beautiful canal houses.
Ready to book your Amsterdam trip?
Wendy handles flights, hotels, transfers, and experiences — all in one place.
Where to Eat in Amsterdam
Wendy's recommended restaurants — from fine dining to authentic local cuisine.
Farm-to-Table
Restaurant De Kas
A celebrated restaurant in a beautiful greenhouse — exceptional Dutch cuisine using produce grown in the restaurant's own garden.
French-Flemish
Rijsel
A beloved Amsterdam institution in a former school — exceptional French-Flemish cuisine at reasonable prices.
Craft Beer
Brouwerij 't IJ
A craft brewery in a beautiful windmill — excellent Dutch craft beers and a lively atmosphere.
Where to Stay in Amsterdam
Wendy has personal relationships with these properties and can often secure upgrades and exclusive rates.
Conservatorium Hotel
LuxuryA stunning luxury hotel in a converted 19th-century conservatory — exceptional design, a beautiful spa, and a perfect location.
Pulitzer Amsterdam
LuxuryA beautiful hotel in 25 connected 17th-century canal houses — exceptional atmosphere and a perfect location in the canal ring.
Hotel V Nesplein
BoutiqueA stylish boutique hotel in the heart of Amsterdam — intimate, well-designed, and perfectly located.
Planning Your Amsterdam Trip
📅 Best Time to Visit
April through May (tulip season) and September through October — pleasant weather and manageable crowds. July and August are very crowded.
🌤️ Climate
Temperate with mild summers (18–25°C) and cool, wet winters. Rain is possible year-round.
✈️ Getting There
Connecting flights from Calgary to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) via London, Frankfurt, or direct. Total travel time approximately 10–12 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions — Amsterdam
Is Amsterdam good for families?
Amsterdam is excellent for families — the canal boat tours, the science museum NEMO, and the cycling culture are wonderful for children.
Do Canadians need a visa for the Netherlands?
No — Canadian citizens can visit the Netherlands (and the entire Schengen Area) visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period with a valid passport.
When is the best time to see the tulips in Amsterdam?
The tulip season in the Netherlands runs from mid-March to mid-May. The Keukenhof Gardens are open from late March to mid-May — the most spectacular tulip display in the world.
More Europe Destinations
Book Your Amsterdam Trip with Wendy
As your trusted travel consultant, Wendy handles every detail of your Amsterdam vacation — from flights and hotels to transfers and experiences. Get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote.
Book Your Amsterdam Trip with Wendy
Tell Wendy about your Amsterdam travel plans and she'll respond within 24 hours with personalised options and pricing.