Planning note
Choose a neighbourhood before a room
Amsterdam and Edinburgh reward a trip built from small areas rather than a race between landmarks.
Alexandra BeaumontResearch edition · 15 October 2026A few things to keep in mind
Amsterdam: choose your city rhythm
A canal-side base and a station-oriented base solve different problems. Put the places you want to visit on a map before choosing a district, and include the journey with your luggage. Compare central addresses, canal-side areas and the journeys in your city break.
Edinburgh: read the slope as well as the map
Old Town and New Town create different walking days. A short distance on a map can include steep streets or steps; check the route from the arrival point and the hotel entrance. Choose deliberately between the Old Town, Grassmarket and New Town.
Test the arrival before the itinerary
Put the actual arrival point beside the hotel address. Compare the luggage journey, check-in timing and any need to store bags. A beautiful district can still be the wrong base for an early departure.
Compare two addresses, not two photographs
Choose one hotel from each base and write down how you would spend an ordinary day from it. Compare the journeys, meals and return in the evening. Keep the room category and booking conditions beside that plan.