London to Amsterdam by Eurostar: A Fun 3-Day City Break with a Teen
A Quick Escape from London
If you fancy a short break from London, Amsterdam is one of the easiest and most exciting cities to reach. My 13-year-old and I decided to make a Monday-to-Wednesday getaway during October half term, hopping on the Eurostar from King’s Cross St Pancras and gliding straight into Amsterdam Centraal in under four hours. We booked the tickets way back in May making our journey a bargain compared to last minute tickets, at just £50 each way per person.
No airport hassle, no baggage drama — just a relaxed ride through scenic countryside, Wi-Fi, snacks, and plenty of anticipation for our mini adventure.
Checking In at The Hendricks Hotel
Once we arrived, our first stop was The Hendricks Hotel, a stylish and welcoming boutique spot near the city centre. I found great deals on Opodo and Booking.com, so it’s definitely worth comparing prices before booking. They allowed us to check in a little earlier and gave us a nice coffee on arrival. One of the great treats here is a voucher for a free drink at the bar – of course I had a Hendrick’s !
The rooms are modern yet cosy, and the staff were full of friendly advice on nearby restaurants and canal walks — exactly what you need after a long journey. After a short reset we got make a quick online booking for a canal cruise and headed out.
Exploring Amsterdam’s Must-See Sights
We set off to explore on foot. Amsterdam is a dream for walkers — flat, compact, and filled with beautiful bridges, cosy cafés, and colourful canal houses – the city is buzzing and has a really friendly vibe.
Our top pick? A Lovers Canal Cruise, which we booked in the hotel bar. This one-hour tour is an absolute must-do for first-timers. You’ll glide past landmarks like the Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, and Magere Brug, all while learning fascinating snippets of Dutch history.
It’s fun, relaxing, and surprisingly informative – you get some headphones to plug in too – a great balance for adults and teens alike.
Pro Tip: Go for an evening or sunset cruise to see the city lights reflect on the water — pure magic.
When the evening came we decided to walk the streets and enjoy the hustle and bustle. Lots of shops are open late and there is a positive energy all around. We decided to get takeaway fries from a place called Fabel – choose your chips and toppings – so good !
Day Two: Discovering the Dutch Countryside
On Tuesday, we wanted to experience more than just city life, so we booked a Dutch Countryside Tour via GetYourGuide
It turned out to be one of the best parts of our trip. We explored charming windmill villages, tasted fresh Dutch cheese, and watched some unique clog-making demonstrations. It’s a fantastic, family-friendly way to see authentic local life outside Amsterdam.
The tour was around 6 hours and our host was really upbeat and full of interesting facts. It gives you a chance to catch a glimpse of a more traditional side of Holland.
When you get dropped back, you’re in town, so take in a few more sites, get back to the Hotel and then perhaps take an evening stroll for some more delicious food !
Wrapping Up & Heading Home
By Wednesday, we were a little sad to leave but grateful for such a fun-filled few days. The Eurostar back to London was just as smooth and comfortable — the perfect time to rest, snack, and scroll through photos of canals, windmills, and cheese wheels!
Final Thoughts: Why Amsterdam is Perfect for a Short Break
Amsterdam really does tick all the boxes for a quick European getaway — beautiful scenery, friendly locals, delicious food, and easy transport. Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with kids, it’s a city that’s endlessly enjoyable and full of surprises. There’s so much more to do on a return visit, so we’ll definitely get back when we can.
Quick Tips for Your Amsterdam Trip
✅ Book Eurostar tickets early for the best prices.
🏨 Stay central — The Hendricks Hotel is a brilliant option.
🚤 Take a canal cruise (Lovers is highly recommended!).
🧀 Add a countryside day trip for a taste of traditional Dutch life.
👟 Wear comfy shoes — you’ll be walking (and biking!) a lot.
Ready to go? Amsterdam is just a few hours away — the perfect blend of culture, charm, and adventure, all wrapped up in one unforgettable short break.
