Berlin to Amsterdam train

What to see and do during a weekend escape to Amsterdam

If you’re thinking about planning a weekend city break, Amsterdam is the perfect travel destination. Popular with visitors from far and wide, the Dutch capital is famed for its canals, bikes, museums and eclectic cultural attractions. This cosmopolitan centre is easily accessible via rail, with 18 Berlin to Amsterdam train services departing daily. Travel times are also relatively short, with journeys between the two cities taking as little as 6h 40m.

First day: Enjoy Amsterdam’s vibrant nightlife

Catching the late train from Berlin to Amsterdam? Why not defer sightseeing for a day and enjoy the city’s bustling nightlife scene instead? As you’d expect from any major European capital, there’s something for everyone in Amsterdam. Sip on a freshly-poured glass of Amstel at canalside bars, enjoy a late dinner at Michelin-starred restaurants, or party the night away at one of Amsterdam’s many nightclubs.

If it’s your first time visiting the city, you’ll need to get acquainted with the best districts for nightlife in the city. Keen to avoid the usual tourist traps? Beat the crowds and sky-high bar prices by heading to the Leidseplein area of the city. This central square is easy to find on foot and caters to every taste. Here, you’ll find a generous selection of bars with outdoor terraces, plenty of eateries serving up international cuisine, and several live music venues.

There’s also Rembrandtplein to consider. Another of Amsterdam’s major city squares, this corner of the city is packed with bars, eateries, and live entertainment venues. There’s also a good selection of clubs here, making it the perfect destination for those looking to party until the early hours.

Prepared to head further afield? Jump on the Metro for a short trip to Amsterdam Noord and you’ll find even more bars and clubs waiting to be discovered. A good shout if you’re looking to escape the crowds of the city centre, you’ll find a good selection of waterside establishments that are perfect for a relaxing drink, alongside late-night venues playing the best of techno.

Second day: Discover Amsterdam’s museums, galleries, and cultural heritage

Culture vultures have plenty to get excited about when visiting Amsterdam. The Dutch capital is home to an eclectic mix of cultural attractions, ranging from collections of fine art from the European greats to offbeat museums housing some of the weirdest exhibitions around. In short, there’s a lot to discover in this city, so it’s best to put together an itinerary before you arrive, especially if you’re only in town for the weekend.

The Rijksmuseum is one of Amsterdam’s finest cultural attractions. A celebration of Dutch history and arts, you’ll find this must-visit venue in Museum Square in the south of the city. The museum actually originated in the Hague in the late 1790s, before being shifted to its current home in Amsterdam in 1808. The museum has a permanent collection of more than a million pieces, with around 8,000 items on display at any one time. Alongside priceless historical artifacts, the Rijksmuseum is home to thousands of paintings from some of Europe’s finest artists, including works from the likes of Johannes Vermeer and Rembrandt.

If your artistic tastes are more contemporary, pencil in some time for a visit to the Moco Museum. Easy to find thanks to its central location, this museum has proved incredibly popular with locals and tourists alike since opening its doors in 2016. Explore exhibitions from major names in modern art like Andy Warhhol, Damien Hirst, and Banksy, or enjoy immersive digital art experiences from prominent Dutch artists like Studio Irma.

If you’re a lover of history, make some time in your itinerary for a visit to the Anne Frank House. During the Second World War, this building served as the hiding place for Anne Frank and her family for more than two years. Since 1960, it’s served as a biographical museum to the teenage diarist and remains one of Amsterdam’s most-visited attractions.

Third day: Cap off your stay in Amsterdam with sightseeing and shopping

Only got a day left to take in the sights of Amsterdam? Although there’s plenty to see in Amsterdam, the city’s relatively compact size and excellent public transport system make it easy to tick plenty of landmarks off your list.

Dam Square is a great place to start any sightseeing tour of the city. Peppered with some of Amsterdam’s most iconic landmarks and monuments, this historic square is just a short stroll from Centraal Station. Here, you’ll find some of the most beautiful buildings in the city, including the Royal Palace with its neoclassical facade and the Gothic-inspired New Church. The National Monument, an impressive stone pillar erected to commemorate those lost in World War II, can also be found in Dam Square.

Amsterdam’s narrow canalside homes are iconic, but some are more famous than others. Take a walk down Damrak, and you’ll find the Dancing Houses. Constructed during the 17th century, these instantly recognisable townhouses have shifted over the centuries, giving them their distinctive tilt. With a canal network stretching more than 62 miles, it’s no surprise that Amsterdam is home to many bridges. There are more than 1,200 in all, with many of them boasting unique designs and architectural styles. One notable spot on the waterways is the so-called 15 Bridges at the intersection of two of the city’s most important canals. Here, you can see 15 bridges align in one perspective, provided you’re taking in the sights from the water.