Amsterdam, any advice
Discussion
The Ice Bar is fun. https://www.xtracold.com/?utm_term=amsterdam%20ice...
If you're feeling cultural the the Rijksmuseum is well worth a visit; The Night Watch is impressive.
If you're feeling cultural the the Rijksmuseum is well worth a visit; The Night Watch is impressive.
I work regularly in Amsterdam. I wouldnt hang around Amsterdam for 5 days, there isnt really much to see. It depends on what you like really
Rijksmuseum
Anne Frank house
Van Gogh museum
Heineken brewery
To be fair Amsterdam is mainly the canals, you may as well do a boat tour but go with a smaller operator, food and beer. To try real Dutch traditional food Moeders (mothers) is the place to go. There is a small chain of craft beer pubs called Cafe Gollem, there are about 6 of them around the centre, all slightly different. If you like heights then go do the the ADAM lookout swing on top of the old shell building.
In terms of where to stay you dont need to stay in the centre as the train and tram nextwork is really good. Dont bother with a tourist ticket just use your contactless to tap in and out as thats the cheapest way. The ferries are free.
I would get out of amsterdam for a couple of days and see other stuff. Eindhoven as mentioned and Utrecht are easy journeys on the train from Amsterdam as is Zandvoort but being a beach town is not recommended in December!
Rijksmuseum
Anne Frank house
Van Gogh museum
Heineken brewery
To be fair Amsterdam is mainly the canals, you may as well do a boat tour but go with a smaller operator, food and beer. To try real Dutch traditional food Moeders (mothers) is the place to go. There is a small chain of craft beer pubs called Cafe Gollem, there are about 6 of them around the centre, all slightly different. If you like heights then go do the the ADAM lookout swing on top of the old shell building.
In terms of where to stay you dont need to stay in the centre as the train and tram nextwork is really good. Dont bother with a tourist ticket just use your contactless to tap in and out as thats the cheapest way. The ferries are free.
I would get out of amsterdam for a couple of days and see other stuff. Eindhoven as mentioned and Utrecht are easy journeys on the train from Amsterdam as is Zandvoort but being a beach town is not recommended in December!
A few years ago I sent this to my cousin who was going for a long w/e:
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My number one recommendation is a private canal trip. I booked through BoomChicago - it was about €100 - and we had a picnic as you get to see the city from the canals pass by and you get to boat down some small canals and under bridges the biggies can’t manage.
Have a cocktail in the cocktail bar of The American hotel.
If you only have time for one museum do the Van Gogh, book tickets in advance, arrive at opening time, take the lift to the top floor and work your way down.
If you have time for two museums go to NEMO
The antique shops on the road in front of the Richsmuseum are a fantastic wander.
The seven streets shopping area must also be explored.
Go to Cuypstraat street market or the flea market. Or both.
The zoo, if you have no moral objection, is a fabulous place to while away an afternoon.
If you’d rather observe animals of your own kind the Vondelpark is a great space - especially if it’s the weekend and the sun is shining.
The Heineken brewery tour is touristy but fun.
The cake counter in De Bijenkorf is outstanding.
At the other end of the scale you have to end a night out with frites from FeBo.
And finally, if you don’t mind hanging around naked, go the Sauna Deco and book yourselves a massage for after the sauna/steam session.
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I love Dam. I could spend days just wandering round centrum - it's absolutely gorgeous (unless it's raining!)
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My number one recommendation is a private canal trip. I booked through BoomChicago - it was about €100 - and we had a picnic as you get to see the city from the canals pass by and you get to boat down some small canals and under bridges the biggies can’t manage.
Have a cocktail in the cocktail bar of The American hotel.
If you only have time for one museum do the Van Gogh, book tickets in advance, arrive at opening time, take the lift to the top floor and work your way down.
If you have time for two museums go to NEMO
The antique shops on the road in front of the Richsmuseum are a fantastic wander.
The seven streets shopping area must also be explored.
Go to Cuypstraat street market or the flea market. Or both.
The zoo, if you have no moral objection, is a fabulous place to while away an afternoon.
If you’d rather observe animals of your own kind the Vondelpark is a great space - especially if it’s the weekend and the sun is shining.
The Heineken brewery tour is touristy but fun.
The cake counter in De Bijenkorf is outstanding.
At the other end of the scale you have to end a night out with frites from FeBo.
And finally, if you don’t mind hanging around naked, go the Sauna Deco and book yourselves a massage for after the sauna/steam session.
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I love Dam. I could spend days just wandering round centrum - it's absolutely gorgeous (unless it's raining!)
Windmills Zaandam (a little cold)
NDSM
Indoor roller skating
Outdoor Ice skating - hope for frozen canal
Christmas Markets (Haarlem, personally wouldn't bother)
Brown Cafe culture
Food wise lots of great places depending on budget - REM, Yuzu Dining bar, Loetje (Nice location in the central harbour), high tea (smallest tea house)
NDSM
Indoor roller skating
Outdoor Ice skating - hope for frozen canal
Christmas Markets (Haarlem, personally wouldn't bother)
Brown Cafe culture
Food wise lots of great places depending on budget - REM, Yuzu Dining bar, Loetje (Nice location in the central harbour), high tea (smallest tea house)
It is an Indonesian way of eating, bowl of rice in front of you and they put small dishes onto the table as well. A bit like dim sum,
You should try it, delicious food. The more people the better , more varied dishes.
We found a pub which was recommended and they served this, just cannot remember the name, maybe even shut now.
You should try it, delicious food. The more people the better , more varied dishes.
We found a pub which was recommended and they served this, just cannot remember the name, maybe even shut now.
My resounding memory of Amsterdam (granted on a night) was a grotfest of drug pushers everywhere, prostitutes and the smell of weed. It's a shame as it's a pretty place. My second memory was just how long it took us to escape Holland and get in to Germany, the speed limits and road network just felt like Lincolnshire with similarly interesting scenery albeit tulips and not sugar beet.
Of all the fantastic places in Europe to visit someone would really have to want to go to Amsterdam for me to not advise against it. And then I think you might be best off using Hull ferries and doing a day there and back on the boat.
Of all the fantastic places in Europe to visit someone would really have to want to go to Amsterdam for me to not advise against it. And then I think you might be best off using Hull ferries and doing a day there and back on the boat.
Mercdriver said:
It is an Indonesian way of eating, bowl of rice in front of you and they put small dishes onto the table as well. A bit like dim sum,
You should try it, delicious food. The more people the better , more varied dishes.
We found a pub which was recommended and they served this, just cannot remember the name, maybe even shut now.
sorry I wasnt paying attention I thought it may have been a typo. The only place I have ever done that in Amsterdam was here https://tujuhmaret.nl/ I will ask my locals if they know of a pub that serves itYou should try it, delicious food. The more people the better , more varied dishes.
We found a pub which was recommended and they served this, just cannot remember the name, maybe even shut now.
Amsterdam is trying to clean up its tourist image,
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-66264226
Ban large cruise ships - too many tourist, over crowding
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-64591394
ban cannabis smoking in Red Light District
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-65107405
Try to discourage British stag do
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-66264226
Ban large cruise ships - too many tourist, over crowding
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-64591394
ban cannabis smoking in Red Light District
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-65107405
Try to discourage British stag do
Ej74 said:
All Indonesian places serve Rijsttafel
My fanvs are : blue pepper or Sari Citra (it's basic !), mama makan
Avoid : the large venues in Downtown cant remember the name
Did not know Rijsttafel was a rice table, you learn something new every dayMy fanvs are : blue pepper or Sari Citra (it's basic !), mama makan
Avoid : the large venues in Downtown cant remember the name
Thanks for the tip, the menus all look good, filed away for next visit to Amsterdam
I was there for 2 days at the end of June.
For a canal tour we did a Stromma small boat tour - we were the only ones on it. I’d recommend it as it gives a different view of the city.
Visited the Van Gogh museum which was interesting and the Ajax stadium (which is a 20 minute Metro ride out of the centre).
Stayed at the NH City Centre on Spuistraat which is out of the very centre but close to tram lines.
Public transport is great - we used a 3 day pass.
Watch out for bikes - they are all mental and there don’t appear to be any rules!
I’d go back and do some other things in the city / trips to other bits, but I’m not sure 5 days mid-winter would be the time to do it.
For a canal tour we did a Stromma small boat tour - we were the only ones on it. I’d recommend it as it gives a different view of the city.
Visited the Van Gogh museum which was interesting and the Ajax stadium (which is a 20 minute Metro ride out of the centre).
Stayed at the NH City Centre on Spuistraat which is out of the very centre but close to tram lines.
Public transport is great - we used a 3 day pass.
Watch out for bikes - they are all mental and there don’t appear to be any rules!
I’d go back and do some other things in the city / trips to other bits, but I’m not sure 5 days mid-winter would be the time to do it.
Edited by Jader1973 on Tuesday 25th July 22:54
Following with interest ...
I've got a work trip for one day in September. Will finish work Thursday afternoon and me and GF will stay for 2-3 more nights
Went to Amsterdam about 15 years ago and really didn't like it.
Tempted to go to Rotterdam but had some great suggestions here. It may be hot so the beach sounds a possibility
I've got a work trip for one day in September. Will finish work Thursday afternoon and me and GF will stay for 2-3 more nights
Went to Amsterdam about 15 years ago and really didn't like it.
Tempted to go to Rotterdam but had some great suggestions here. It may be hot so the beach sounds a possibility
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