What is important to you? Shopping in characteristic shopping streets? A green city where you can discover parks, walk and have a picnic? Do you want to explore museums and admire fine art? Or just a bit of everything? No worries. We have put together the best tips for the best city break here. Choose whatever suits you and enjoy whatever you feel like doing. And there is always a hostel nearby where you can stay. Simply in the Netherlands, at Stayokay.
1. THE HAGUE: PICNIC IN THE PALACE GARDEN
The Hague is a city full of history and royal sites. And the nice thing about it is that you really don't have to daydream behind gates from a distance. You can easily take a stroll around the Binnenhof or, for example, have a picnic in the palace garden. On a summer's day here you'll see lots of locals relaxing with a well-stocked picnic basket. And that, while King Willem-Alexander might be working just a few metres away.
2. A CITY TRIP FULL OF ROYAL HOTSPOTS
Are you also intrigued by the stories behind all those regal buildings in the city? Go for a historical walking tour aided by an online tour guide. You get to walk approximately 4 kilometres past palaces, monuments and beautiful palace gardens. Besides the major hotspots, you will pass other royal secrets too. After this tour, you'll know where Queen Máxima once ate an ice cream and Prince Bernard used to buy his cigars.
More inspiration for a city break in The Hague?
3. ROTTERDAM: DISCOVER WITTE DE WITHSTRAAT
This city is full of architecture and art! So, do you like a bit of quirkiness? Then this is your place! One of the streets that testifies to this is the Witte de Withstraat. In this very popular street you will find popular cafés, shops that are slightly out-of-the ordinary, outdoor cafés and loads of art galleries. Start with a coffee and a newspaper at the Nieuw Rotterdam Café. Café De Witte Aap is right across the street, where fun can be had at any time of the day!
4. CYCLE THROUGH THE CITY WITH THE WILD WEST TOUR
We know: during a city break, you want to see as much of the city as possible in just a couple of days. Rotterdam is pretty big, and feet sometimes get tired. The bicycle is therefore your lifeline. Book a bike tour at Inside Rotterdam and discover the highlights and hidden places where even a lot of locals have never been. From Rotterdam-West to historic Delfshaven, you'll get to cycle past iconic buildings and cool street art.
More inspiration for a city break in Rotterdam?
5. UTRECHT: CLIMB THE DOM TOWER
Utrecht is a popular city break for lots of people because it is easy to travel to from any other faraway place. The city has everything you need: beautiful canals, atmospheric restaurants and creative hotspots. But the eye-catcher is surely the famous, 112-metre high Dom Tower. The magnificent view will quickly let you forget the 465 steps. Not much of a climber? Then you should visit the hidden Pandhof courtyard of the Dom. Where you can enjoy the beautiful flower garden. And that in the middle of the city!
6. CANOEING THROUGH THE CANALS
The city looks completely different from the water. In your canoe, you can paddle along the charming canals where people are enjoying the summer alongside the jetties. Or you can float past charming restaurants and outdoor cafés where it is easy to moor. If you stay within the city limits with your canoe, you should definitely paddle over to the Vaartsche Rijn. This area is booming and more and more hip businesses are opening their doors there. Prefer to venture into nature? Then cruise towards Fort Rhijnauwen or Amelisweerd, where you will also find Stayokay Utrecht-Bunnik!
More inspiration for a city break in Utrecht?
7. AMSTERDAM: BOAT HIRE 2.0
The Amsterdam canals: great for sitting on the side with a local lunch, strolling across one of the many bridges and cruising the waterways. Are you with a group? Then it is definitely a fun idea to plan a boat trip. But ... ummmm... do you tend to find a standard boat tour a bit boring too? Then Those Dam Boat Guys is where you need to be. The name already suggests that it won't be a boring boat trip. True that! The route that you take depends on the Boat Guy. And they will follow anything but the traditional script, and this trip with all its spectacular spots will certainly stay with you.
8. SHOPPING IN THE HAARLEMMER NEIGHBOURHOOD
Are you the kind of person who likes to wander around the streets and peek into every shop window? Then the Haarlemmerbuurt (Haarlemmer neighbourhood) in Amsterdam should be on your map. Within walking distance of Central Station, you will find a couple of the city's nicest shopping streets: the Haarlemmerstraat and the Haarlemmerdijk. From boutiques to speciality shops and from salons to restaurants. There is a weekly organic market on the Haarlemmerplein and you will discover special treasures in the side streets of this neighbourhood. From creative decorations to clothing items that you won't easily find anywhere else.
More inspiration for a city break in Amsterdam?
Staying overnight in Amsterdam can be arranged at several places. We have 3 hostels to choose from, one of which will always be right for you. How about right in the middle of the Vondelpark or the lively neighbourhood of East?
9. MAASTRICHT: SOAK UP THE ATMOSPHERE!
The thought of a city break in Maastricht already makes your tummy rumble. Can't wait to sample all the local delicacies? There is so much to look forward to! One of our favourite places is Adriaan de Smaakmaker (Adriaan the Flavour-Maker) You'll find this shop in the Sint Pieterstraat, which is one of the most vibrant streets in the city. Take your time and let your taste buds do their job during a tasting. From jars of chutney and jam to mayonnaise, vinegar and olive oil: everything is made on the spot.
10. A HISTORIC CASTLE TOUR
Maastricht is encircled by a hilly landscape and in the centre you will find beautiful little streets with the loveliest boutiques. That promises plenty of romance during your holiday! What makes the scene even more romantic are the castles that are just a stone's throw away from the city. With a Stayokay bicycle and a well-stocked lunch bag, you can spend the whole day discovering the most beautiful castles. For example, cycle past the impressive Hoogenweerth Castle on the banks of the River Maas or Château Neercanne on the border with Belgium.
More inspiration for a city break in Maastricht?
AND, STAYING THE NIGHT?
You can do that at one of the following top locations:
Amsterdam Oost
Stay in the lively, cultural neighbourhood of Amsterdam East. This old school building has been completely renovated and is great for groups of friends, but definitely for families as well. This is the place to be for a hearty breakfast, an extensive lunch or a nightcap at the end of the day. The hostel organises lots of fun events such as film nights or intimate concerts. Prefer to go into town? The Stayokay bike, or tram, will take you to the centre of town in just 15 minutes.
Choose your own private room or go for a shared room. Either way, each room has its own shower and toilet. You can also choose between a double bed and a bunk bed. Whatever you prefer!
Amsterdam Vondelpark
This hostel is one of the biggest internationally renowned hostels in Europe. This is where you meet travellers from all over the world. Moreover, it is located next to the famous Vondelpark; the green heart of the city! You will be staying right in the centre, so you can easily reach the Leidseplein, Museumplein and various well-known shopping streets in no time. You can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner in our restaurant. But also for a drink after a wonderful day or to enjoy a special event.
You can also choose your own private room or a shared room at Amsterdam Vondelpark.
The Hague
This hostel is close to the Holland Spoor train station. You can get to Scheveningen by tram in no time and the lively city centre is within walking distance. The outdoor terrace is on the waterfront, where you can enjoy a refreshing drink. The building has recently been renovated and our restaurant offers an extensive menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Choose your own private room or go for a shared room. Either way, each room has its own shower and toilet. You can also choose between a double bed and a bunk bed.
Stayokay Maastricht
This hostel is situated in a fabulous location: right on the Maas river and within walking distance of the vibrant city. We think our outdoor terrace is one of the best spots in town! The hostel was renovated in 2020 and designed so that you can unwind after your city trip.
Choose your own private room or go for a shared room. Either way, each room has its own shower and toilet. You can also choose between a double bed and a bunk bed.
Stayokay Rotterdam
Located in the famous Cube Houses of Piet Blom is where you will find Stayokay Rotterdam. This hostel is located right next to the charming Oude Haven and on the other side you have a great view of the Markthal and Blaak station. You can treat yourself to breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks at the restaurant. Since you are staying in the Cube House, every room is different and that makes your stay super special!
Choose your own private room or go for a shared room. Either way, each room has its own shower and toilet. You can also choose between a double bed and a bunk bed.
Stayokay Utrecht Centrum
This hostel is found on the most famous square in Utrecht: 't Neude. The first floor of the hostel is where you will find The 5th: the place for delicious food, drinks, working, studying and chilling out. We regularly organise fun events and sustainably-minded activities. Need an energy boost for your city break? Downstairs on the way in, we have a bright pink coffee cart where you can score the best coffee!
Choose your own private room or go for a shared room. Either way, each room has its own shower and toilet. You can also choose between a double bed and a bunk bed.
Ideal for your group!
Want to go on a trip with a friend or a group of friends? Then choose a private room and sleep all together in one room. Each room has its own bathroom and you can make your stay as comfortable as you like. For example, go for a lazy checkout, choose a discount package or add meals. Breakfast is already included!
We have different types of rooms: there is something for everyone. Do you want to know which room suits you best?
