car hire amsterdam
Pick up your hire car at Amsterdam airport and prepare to chill out in Europe's most laid-back city. Book car hire amsterdam now
the 60-second guide to amsterdam
in its own head
"Like the ultimate girl next door, we're beautiful and cool, with hidden depths. No wonder everybody loves us!"
but more realistically
To say the whole world is in love with Amsterdam might be pushing it, but most people who visit are smitten by what is probably the most laid-back capital city in the world.
the vibe
There's always the feeling that anything's possible in Amsterdam. Twenty minutes after arriving, you'll seriously consider moving here.
the natives
Friendly, chilled and blessed with seemingly endless patience. Even the police are polite.
the weather
Technically, the weather follows northern European seasons but it can be rather unpredictable, with torrential downpours in the heat of summer, so pack a brolly.
the local speciality
You haven't lived until you've tried the chips and peanut butter/mayonnaise combo on offer in Amsterdam.
the celebrity
Dutch painter Rembrandt is Amsterdam's most famous former resident, while footballers Dennis Bergkamp, Johan Cruijff, Ruud Gullit and Patrick Kluivert all hail from the city.
did you know?
Amsterdam has more than a million bikes but only 700,000 people.
they say
"In Amsterdam the water is the mistress and the land the vassal. Throughout the city there are as many canals and drawbridges as bracelets on a Gypsy's bronzed arms" - Spanish author Felix Marti-Ibanez
5 to see in town...
Amsterdam has the world's largest collection of the one-eared wonder's works. Most of them can be found here, along with lots of other 19th-century works of art.
where to park?
The nearest car park is the Q-Park Museumplein, which costs €3.40 an hour.
5 to see in town...
This museum tells the story of Anne Frank in a way that gives you a real insight into what life was like for people both inside and outside the Secret Annex during the Nazi occupation.
where to park?
You can park your hire car at the Q-Park Europa car park in Marnixstraat for €2.60 per hour.
5 to see in town...
This skinny bridge over the river Amstel appeared in the James Bond film Diamonds Are Forever - a photo opportunity not to be missed.
where to park?
You can park your hire car at the Parking Amsterdam Centre car park, next to the central train station, for €3.40 an hour.
5 to see in town...
Built as city hall during the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century, this enormous building dominates Dam Square in the centre of the city. It's closed until June for renovation, but the imposing classical exterior is still worth a look.
where to park?
Park at the De Bijenkorf Car Park for €3.40 an hour.
and 4 to drive to...
If you're into pottery, you'll go for this town like a bull in a china shop. Otherwise it's the perfect place to get gifts for Gran.
how to get there?
Head south-east on the A4 for around 30 miles. It'll take you about an hour.
and 4 to drive to...
In contrast to the edginess and excitement of Amsterdam, The Hague has a more genteel feel, with large areas of green, seven miles of coastline and attractive shopping streets. It's home to the International Court of Justice - definitely don't commit a crime here.
how to get there?
Head south-east on the A4, then north-west on the A12. It's about an hour's drive.
and 4 to drive to...
A skip over the border into Belgium is the unassuming and quietly beautiful capital of Europe. And it's not all politics - there's also the world's largest collection of Iguanodon skeletons at the excellent Royal Museum of Natural History. And did we mention the chocolate?
how to get there?
Head south on the A2 then join the A27, heading towards Antwerp. Enter Belgium on the E19, then head for Brussels on the A1. The drive will take you around two hours.
and 4 to drive to...
Coffee shop? Done. Clogs? In the bag. Next stop on the must-see tour of Holland is this tulip farm, where a whopping 70 acres are dedicated to bulb growing.
how to get there?
Go south-west on the A4, heading towards The Hague, then take the N207 towards Lisse. Keukenhof is a few miles from Lisse. It's a 40-minute drive.
ask a Amsterdam cabbie!
Local taxi driver Paul Jansen on car hire in Amsterdam: "Hiring a car is a great way to explore the sites outside Amsterdam, but when driving round the city you'll need to bear in mind that most people walk, so you need to drive slowly and be on the lookout for pedestrians - they are everywhere. So are bikes, but they have got their own dedicated lanes and should not cause you any problems. Remember, though, that in Amsterdam, bicycles have right of way over cars. If you're going to park on the streets, make sure you have the exact money, as the machines don't give change. Alternatively, you could park at one of the big city car parks, which are cheaper than street parking."