Beloved Amsterdam

Just returned from a brilliant family holiday in Amsterdam - and the 2 degree days didn't stop us cycling around. It's such a cool city - striking architecture and beautiful canals are the backdrop to designer shops, cosy bars, soulful cafes. Yes winter is freezing but they make up for it with a stunning display of lights and illuminations installed all along the canals.

TOP PICKS

Accommodation: 

Recommend staying in an apartment rather than a hotel - you really feel like a local. We stayed in one we found on Airbnb - very centrally located and beautifully designed and decorated airbnb.com.au/rooms/8999669

Food/drink

Lots of cool bars and cafes near our location on Herenstraat, and all throughout the Jordaan and Centrum areas. 

Shopping

Lots of quirky one-off designer shops in an area called "9 streets" just south of Jordaan

Museums

Highly recommend a visit to the Van Gogh museum - currently there's a brilliant and interesting exhibition comparing his works with Edvard Munch.

Anne Frank Museum is a must - a calm, thought-provoking place.

Getting around

Make sure you hire bikes - we used Green Bikes but there are plenty of bike hire places.