Amsterdam is waiting: The perfect weekend trip for NRW travelers!

Amsterdam is waiting: The perfect weekend trip for NRW travelers!

Amsterdam presents itself as a picturesque destination known for its picturesque canals, old crooked houses and colorful bicycles. With an area ideal for a weekend getaway, the city center is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. The Dutch capital can be reached quickly from North Rhine-Westphalia, which makes it particularly attractive for short trips. Particularly striking are the numerous photo motifs, including the famous stroop waffles, romantic canals and impressive sunsets, which visitors share on Instagram and TikTok.

For 2024, the number of overnight stays in Amsterdam is estimated to be over 23 million. Despite its popularity, many Amsterdammers want to get a grip on the city's overcrowding, which they describe as "overload." Interestingly, the city center has a population of under 100,000 people, which illustrates the contrast with the high number of visitors. The information about these trends is based on a film that was produced in 2024 and reflects the facts at that time. The city's multicultural population, about 50 percent of which were not born in the Netherlands, gives Amsterdam a special cultural diversity.

Accommodation options in Amsterdam

Travelers visiting Amsterdam have many accommodation options in different parts of the city. The travel blog author first visited Amsterdam during a backpacking trip in 2006 and loved it so much that he stayed for a month and has returned to the city many times since. The following accommodation options are suitable for different needs and budgets.

• De Wallen (Budget Reisende)
  • Hosting: Durty Nelly’s Inn – kleines, gemütliches Hostel mit Frühstück.
  • Mittelklasse: Hotel Rho – einfaches Hotel in einem ehemaligen Art Deco-Theater.
  • Luxus: Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky – luxuriöses Hotel mit Michelin-Stern-Restaurant.
• Centraal/Centrum (Budget Reisende)
  • Hosting: The Flying Pig Downtown – bekanntes Hostel mit lebhafter Atmosphäre.
  • Mittelklasse: Park Plaza Victoria – Hotel in einem 19. Jahrhundert Gebäude.
  • Luxus: W Amsterdam – Hotel mit Dachpool und Michelin-Stern-Restaurant.
• Museum Quarter (Kunstliebhaber)
  • Hosting: Hostel Van Gogh – kunstinspiriertes Hostel.
  • Mittelklasse: Max Brown Museum Square – Hotel mit gutem Preis-Leistungs-Verhältnis.
  • Luxus: Conservatorium Hotel – luxuriöses Hotel mit vielen Annehmlichkeiten.
• Leidesplein (Partyliebhaber)
  • Hosting: Amsterdam Hostel Leidseplein – einfaches Hostel mit Frühstück.
  • Mittelklasse: Hotel La Bohème – sauberes Hotel mit freundlichem Personal.
  • Luxus: Weber Studios – Boutique-Hotel mit großen Zimmern.
• De Pijp (Einheimische)
  • Hosting: The Arcade Hotel – einfaches Hotel mit Videospiel-Thema.
  • Mittelklasse: Sir Albert – Hotel mit japanischem Restaurant.
  • Luxus: Hotel Okura – hochklassiges Hotel mit Blick auf den Kanal.
• Jordaan (Charme)
  • Hosting: Melrose Hotel – modernes Hotel in der Nähe des Anne Frank Hauses.
  • Mittelklasse: Bed & Breakfast WestViolet – gemütliches B&B mit freundlichen Besitzern.
  • Luxus: Hotel Mercier – stilvolles Boutique-Hotel mit schöner Lobby.

The city is small and well connected by trams, so longer stays are recommended to fully experience Amsterdam's diversity. The charming neighborhoods invite exploration and offer a wide range of cultural and culinary experiences.

In summary, Amsterdam is a fascinating city full of history, culture and picturesque views. The combination of ancient traditions and modern life makes the city a special place for travelers from all over the world.

Further insights into Amsterdam can be found here ARD media library as well as an overview of accommodation options Nomadic Matt.