Car Hire Amsterdam

A quick guide to Amsterdam

Watching the world go by is part of the Amsterdam experience. But when you hire a car and travel outside the city you can truly immerse yourself in the rich variety things to do and see in this astonishing country.

A historical adventure

Don’t miss the classic Amsterdam attractions. The Rijksmuseum, the Amsterdam equivalent of the Louvre, is just as opulent as its French counterpart, containing more than 7,000 masterpieces from the likes of Rembrandt and Vermeer.

Here you can experience a journey through Dutch history from the Middle Ages to the modern day through the works of baroque masters, as well as Oriental and decorative arts.

You can see the 17^th century house where Rembrandt lived and worked for 20 years or, for something more modern, the streets of Jordaan are dotted with art galleries in between trendy cafes.

Feeling a bit hungry after soaking in all that culture? The luxurious Rijks brasserie in the Museum Quarter has a Michelin star to its name and a menu boasting well-crafted dishes made using the finest local ingredients.

An architectural delight

Amsterdam’s 17^th century canals have been bestowed with UNESCO protected status, but they aren’t the only stars of the show. Amsterdam is home to classic monuments including the Royal Palace at Dam Square and the Oude Kerk, a 13^th century church featuring a rainbow of stained glass windows.

Any lover of architecture couldn’t visit Amsterdam without driving the short distance to Rotterdam, a city that was destroyed in the Second World War and rebuilt with a focus on the future.

Incredible architecture can be found on every corner in this vibrant and lively city, including De Markthal, a reimagining of a traditional market hall with an arch of modern apartments draped over it that has to be seen to be believed.

Fields of colour

When you leave the city you’ll travel through breathtaking landscapes that epitomise the beauty of Holland. Bursts of colour spring from every corner and nowhere can this be seen better than at Keukenhof Gardens, thought to be the world’s largest flower garden, just one hour from Amsterdam via the A4.

Another must-see sight are the Windmills of Kinderdijk, which can be found just over 100km away via the A2. This world heritage site has become synonymous with Holland and comprises a series of 19 monumental windmills, each with a character of its own.

The foodie side of the Netherlands

From the cheese markets and syrup waffles of Gouda to the Dutch pancakes of Zaanse Shans, the Netherlands has so much to offer in the culinary stakes.

Street food is a big deal in Amsterdam, with ‘snackbars’ dotted all around the city serving piping hot chips covered in creamy mayonnaise. Try the patatje oorlog, a mix of mayo, nutty satay sauce and onions for a twist on the Dutch classic.

Fishmongers specialise in broodje haring, a Dutch specialty. This raw herring delicacy is nestled between a white roll with onions and pickle for a salty treat.

Just two hours away from Amsterdam, you can visit Yerseke, a fishing village famed for its annual mussel harvest – try cosy Nolet’s Vistro for the perfect pot of shellfish.

Car hire in Amsterdam will allow you to get a true taste of this extraordinary European capital, as well as the freedom to venture out and explore more of the Netherlands outside the city limits.

Driving in and around Amsterdam

As you would expect in a major city, the roads around the centre of Amsterdam can get busy, while you’ll also need to keep an eye out for trams and the city’s legions of cyclists.

Once you journey out of Amsterdam you’ll find driving is easy in this scenic and tranquil country. There is an excellent road network that’s simple to navigate, and the roads are well maintained and clearly signposted.

Watch out for speed limits – which are generally 130km/h on motorways and expressways, reducing to 50km/h on urban roads. Speed cameras are used widely across the country so be sure to keep an eye on your speed, whether you’re taking a day out to see the iconic windmills of Kinderdijk or heading to the tulip fields of Lisse.

Travel down the A4 highway for an hour and you’ll arrive in Rotterdam, the home of futuristic architecture, including the supersized, psychedelic Markthal.

An hour in the other direction on the A2 will take you to the city of Utrecht, which rivals the beauty of Amsterdam with its medieval levels and music cellars.

To download a guide of the rules and regulations of driving in Amsterdam and surrounding areas, click here.