Where to stay: canals first
| Hotel | Setting | Area | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Pulitzer | several linked 17th-century canal houses | Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht | Historic charm and the garden |
| Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam | six patrician houses with a garden | Herengracht | Top luxury on the canal |
| Hôtel de l'Europe | luxury hotel on the Amstel | Centre, near the Munt | River views |
| The Dylan | boutique hotel in a former theatre | Keizersgracht | A design-led, intimate feel |
| Conservatorium | renovated former conservatoire | Museum Quarter | Spa and closeness to the Rijksmuseum |
Prices vary a lot by date: compare on Booking.com and tell the hotel it is your honeymoon. A canal-side room is quieter and prettier than a street-side one but costs more; check the steep stairs if you travel with heavy luggage. More ideas in our guides to luxury hotels and boutique hotels.
The private canal cruise
The highlight of the stay: a boat for the two of you, a glass of champagne, the evening light on the bridges. Leave 1 to 2 hours before sunset, which comes early from November to February. To compare other options, see the sunset cruise and the dinner cruise.
A 3-day plan
- Day 1: arrival, a walk along the canals, the Magere Brug at night.
- Day 2: Rijksmuseum in the morning, Vondelpark in the afternoon, private cruise then dinner in the Jordaan.
- Day 3: a trip to Haarlem or the Zaanse Schans, or to Keukenhof in spring (tickets).
For more ideas read romantic Amsterdam; if you are planning a proposal, see the marriage proposal in Amsterdam.
FAQ
What is the best season? April to June (tulips, long evenings); December and January for the light festival, see Amsterdam in winter.
Do we need bikes? No: the centre is easy on foot and by tram, and cycling takes practice in the traffic.
