nz101

Finally, after four years dreaming about it, am heading back to Germany for Christmas )))

We have an opportunity to visit Amsterdam for a day (not been before) by train from Germany - staying with a friend who lives close to the border. Could have 5 or 6 hours there. Would you do it?

I would want to visit the Anne Frank house (can pre purchase tickets to avoid the queue) and would like a canal ride, and just general walking about.

Should we, shouldnt we. I can't make up my mind

Tulips

Depends. Where do you come from? Are you likely to get back to that area soon? What else are you doing in Germany, and how long do you have? Where exactly on the border are you staying? Lots of other nice places in the Netherlands to visit.
Impossible to answer really! Only you know if it's worth it to you.

nz101

Coming from New Zealand, dont know when I will get back. Staying in Steinfurt, Germany, its about 2.5 hours by train to Amsterdam. We will be there for three weeks in total, but quite tight schedule, visiting Frankfurt (two nights for arrival, Christmas market and a day trip somewhere from Frankfurt), then travel to Muenster and Steinfurt for Christmas itself, next Bremen and Hamburg (to catch up with people in both areas), then Bamberg for two nights for New Years, Rothenburg (one night), then staying with friends near Ulm for a few days, then heading to Mittenwald for a night (not definite yet), then one night in Innsbruck, followed by three nights in Venice, and fly home. In general, does this itinerary sound good? Comments, good or bad, appreciated.

I have been to Germany previously, including Bamberg, but loved that town so much, taking the hubby there this time as I know he will love it too. I have also been to Frankfurt and Ulm, but not the other places I have mentioned. My friends in Ulm have said its possible that we will take 2 or 3 days to visit the area of Strasbourg, Colmar, Black Forest etc.

So, is it too much to squeeze a day in Amsterdam, it would be right at Xmas, on 26 December. Or am I wanting to much, and should just add the extra day say in north Germany, such as Bremen?

PalenQ

Amsterdam is so so exceptional that if you may never see it again go for it - just to see this unique city is a treat and the activities you are doing can be done in that time frame.

Are you driving around Germany or taking the train - roads can be icy in winter - trains go everywhere all the time city center to city center - if doing all that by train then be sure to look at the German Railpass (Twin if two people traveling) as with so many days of rail travel (if not taking car) the per day price on the pass can be cheaper than even discounted rail fares that must be booked weeks in advance to guarantee as they are sold in limited numbers.

The pass lets you hop virtually any train anytime - complete flexibility and such full fare tickets can cost a fortune. If going by rail check out these IMO superb sites: www.bahn.de/en - the German Railway site with schedules and prices; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.seat61.com and www.ricksteves.com.

You can buy a German Rail pass on www.bahn.de/en or upon arrival at main train stations in Germany.

Tulips

If you really want to see Amsterdam, then go for it. 26th is a holiday, don't know if all shops are open. Best to decide a few days before if you're going to do this, depending on weather.

Tabernash2

We loved Amsterdam, even more than we expected. It is charming, clean, friendly, safe, interesting, good museums, etc. Are you sure you can't manage to go there and spend one night, at least?

hetismij2

Most things will be open on the 26th. Remember there will be little daylight then, so try to do any outdoors things, such as the boat trip, early.
Book tickets for Anne Frankhuis and anywhere else you particularly want to see just in case there are queues.

nz101

Thanks so much for the replies. We cant stay a night in Amsterdam, firstly as we just dont have the extra time and secondly the hotel prices there are shockingly high even for a basic room. Seems to be the most expensive place to stay in all of Europe I reckon. And people say Venice is expensive. )

Thanks PalenQ, yes we will be on trains getting from A to B. I looked into the rail passes, and checked the point to point prices as well. Its very close in price when managing to find some special train fares. So I decided not to buy a pass. Instead, I found a couple of very good tickets on our long distance travel days, such as the Bremen to Bamberg route, a ticket for just 49 euro for two people on the ICE. I am looking at a good priced one now from Innsbruck to Venice for 78 euro for two people in second class or 98 euro in first class. With the rest of the travel, we will look at the Regional passes, though Im on the look out for a cheap deal from Frankfurt to Muenster - that route seems quite expensive if we want a fast train.

Tulips, I have looked into opening hours, and it seems most shops are even open on the 26th in Amsterdam))))

PalenQ

I looked into the rail passes, and checked the point to point prices as well. Its very close in price when managing to find some special train fares>

if the price is close why go for a potpourri of discounted and restricted tickets but just have total flexibility - I can see to save significant coint but if about the same price go for the pass and just hop on any train Frankfurt to Muenster.

KTtravel

I think you would enjoy even just a short visit there as Amsterdam is a great city and very walkable. Have a great time!

eigasuki

Myself, I definitely would. We spent about that amount of time in Helsinki a few years back. We did a bus tour that meets the ferry from Stockholm and does a photo op of the so-called highlights and then we had a abut four hours to ourselves. Of course we didn't do Helsinki justice and see all there was to see, but I am really glad we went.

As long as you don't feel pressured to see 'everything' I always feel it's worthwhile. I'm from Australia so I get that urge to see things because you're "so close" To me it's an opportunity cost - what would you be missing out on by giving up a day to see Amsterdam (or any place really)

ParisAmsterdam

Amsterdam can be very inexpensive for 4 and 5 star hotels if you familiarize yourself with Priceline's Name Your Own Price. Amsterdam is about the best place in Europe for this... deals as low as 100 euros a night or less for 4 or 5 star hotels. Can often be affected by dates though.

But even if you go for a day... go! ;^)

PalenQ

even for a 5-minute look go - just seeing this wonderful city will make you want to return for a proper visit. The Venice of the North but also a city not afraid to embrace change and modernity, well done but not a museum town like Venice seems to be more and more.

sanderskn

If it's important to you, i would go!

Sue_xx_yy

I'd go but I'd skip the canal boat ride. They too can be crowded, and frankly, the views aren't the best as the canal walls obstruct one's view somewhat. Amsterdam is a great city for walking and soaking up the atmosphere. With a day pass for the trams you can hop on when you're tired and just ride for a while.

cmeyer54

Given that the weather might be gloomy, I'd do Anne Frank and the Rijks museum if its open.

Tabernash2

I would stay outside, walking around the little canals, having a meal overlooking a canal, seeing the inner area, and around the Museumplein (sp?). Skip the red light district.

It's such a charming city. Very contemporary restaurants. One I remember is called Stout.

I also remember a nice cafe with tables on a canal, just down from the Hotel l'Europe, on the same side of the street.
And across from that same hotel is a funky coffee shop with pastries, that students like.

kja

Amsterdam is very special, so if you can fit it in and and won't regret the things you'll skip to make time for a day there, it makes sense to me to give it a try!

Tabernash2

We liked these restaurants and cafes:

“Stout!”, at Haarlemmerstraat 73 (www.restaurantstout.nl). Mentioned above.

“Restaurant Dining Eleven”, at Reestraat 11.

“frenzi”, at Swanenburgwal 232.

Across the street from frenzi—“Puccini”. Creative salads and sandwiches.

It's Cafe le Jarden that has canal-side seating, same street as Hotel L'Europe.

menachem

Shouldn't "Cafe le Jarden" not be Café de Jaren?

Anyway, isn't it at all possible for you to have an overnight 26/27 of december?

I'd also skip "museums" and Anne Frank house. Do you normally look at art much? There's nothing "essential" there. If you have 5 hours in the city, that's lunch and a stroll and that's it.

For me that would be too much traveling, but your mileage may vary.