Amsterdam Short Trip
Aug 30th, 2012, 10:18 AM
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Amsterdam Short Trip
Thank you to everyone for making our quick trip to Amsterdam the BEST! It went like clockwork with all the tips. Our hotel, The Owl, was wonderful. The staff couldn't have been more helpful. It is situated near Leidseplein Center and convenient to everything we wanted to do. Tram and bus stops near. We did, however, walk to most places.
So, upon arrival: departed plane into a huge, bustling area and just followed signs and people. Got some Euros and a map at airport and went outside to stand at the B9 bus stop for the 197 bus (red) to Leidseplein. Walked to hotel (located behind the Marriott and across street from Best Western). Bus ride was very good way to go - cost 4 E each. We bought our tickets from a man stationed right at bus stop but could buy them on board as well.
Took a shower and headed out to explore. The people were the very best thing about Amsterdam. They love Americans - we were even told that so I'm not deceiving myself! The only thing we had to watch - those bicyclers - holy cow! Pedestrians are dispensable. Only had one time where I was almost run over and even though he was a bit disgruntled, never was rude to me - just kind of rolled his eyes!
Went to the Anne Frank Huis - what a place. I felt like I was back in the era outside with the cobblestone streets, old houses and that police siren that makes you feel like Nazis are coming. We stood in line and toured building - took approx. two hours for all. Well worth it.
Went on a canal cruise - fun - saw stuff we normally wouldn't have. It rained part of the time so good to be under shelter. The weather was weird - would rain hard for ten minutes and then have sunshine for a couple of hours and then back to rain and then back to sunshine - for two days. The last day was wonderful. Just take a raincoat and umbrella.
Went to the Van Gogh Museum - everyone should go - so wonderful to see all the works but especially the famous ones - The Bedroom, The Yellow House, Sun Flowers, and his self portraits. Good gift shop also.
Do not buy tulips at any place other than airport to bring home. Or maybe can elsewhere but have to have a seal. Mine were taken away in Chicago. Just wanted to see red tulips in yard next spring as a perpetual souvenir.
Bought a red purse at open air market - can't remember the name - it's by dePipj (not sure of that spelling) neighborhood - several blocks long. Good deals and no one hassles you.
Food was sooooooo good. Best meal was chicken sate at Toom Cafe/Restaurant (on Overtoom). It was near our hotel. That is what chicken is supposed to taste like - so tender and juicy.
There are MANY places to eat and we just looked to see if it was cozy and not pricey. Had good house white wines everywhere. Trebbiano Rubicone was to my liking.
People just always had a smile (except for that one biker!) and went out of their way to answer questions. Would like to return and go into the countryside one day.
There are so many small hotels in every district and the whole area is walkable so don't overthink which district to stay in unless you have specific requirements. We didn't see any area where we wouldn't have liked....well, maybe we wouldn't stay in RLD. The 20 somethings would though.
To sum it up: can get around easily, food is good, many places to eat, plenty of small hotels (ours had breakfast included), and the people are welcoming.
So, upon arrival: departed plane into a huge, bustling area and just followed signs and people. Got some Euros and a map at airport and went outside to stand at the B9 bus stop for the 197 bus (red) to Leidseplein. Walked to hotel (located behind the Marriott and across street from Best Western). Bus ride was very good way to go - cost 4 E each. We bought our tickets from a man stationed right at bus stop but could buy them on board as well.
Took a shower and headed out to explore. The people were the very best thing about Amsterdam. They love Americans - we were even told that so I'm not deceiving myself! The only thing we had to watch - those bicyclers - holy cow! Pedestrians are dispensable. Only had one time where I was almost run over and even though he was a bit disgruntled, never was rude to me - just kind of rolled his eyes!
Went to the Anne Frank Huis - what a place. I felt like I was back in the era outside with the cobblestone streets, old houses and that police siren that makes you feel like Nazis are coming. We stood in line and toured building - took approx. two hours for all. Well worth it.
Went on a canal cruise - fun - saw stuff we normally wouldn't have. It rained part of the time so good to be under shelter. The weather was weird - would rain hard for ten minutes and then have sunshine for a couple of hours and then back to rain and then back to sunshine - for two days. The last day was wonderful. Just take a raincoat and umbrella.
Went to the Van Gogh Museum - everyone should go - so wonderful to see all the works but especially the famous ones - The Bedroom, The Yellow House, Sun Flowers, and his self portraits. Good gift shop also.
Do not buy tulips at any place other than airport to bring home. Or maybe can elsewhere but have to have a seal. Mine were taken away in Chicago. Just wanted to see red tulips in yard next spring as a perpetual souvenir.
Bought a red purse at open air market - can't remember the name - it's by dePipj (not sure of that spelling) neighborhood - several blocks long. Good deals and no one hassles you.
Food was sooooooo good. Best meal was chicken sate at Toom Cafe/Restaurant (on Overtoom). It was near our hotel. That is what chicken is supposed to taste like - so tender and juicy.
There are MANY places to eat and we just looked to see if it was cozy and not pricey. Had good house white wines everywhere. Trebbiano Rubicone was to my liking.
People just always had a smile (except for that one biker!) and went out of their way to answer questions. Would like to return and go into the countryside one day.
There are so many small hotels in every district and the whole area is walkable so don't overthink which district to stay in unless you have specific requirements. We didn't see any area where we wouldn't have liked....well, maybe we wouldn't stay in RLD. The 20 somethings would though.
To sum it up: can get around easily, food is good, many places to eat, plenty of small hotels (ours had breakfast included), and the people are welcoming.
Aug 30th, 2012, 10:34 AM
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It's one of the few places I've ever visited where not only did most of natives we met spoke English, but did so with an AMERICAN accent as opposed to a British one.
Sort of made me feel as though I was in EPCOT, Disney World at times.
Sort of made me feel as though I was in EPCOT, Disney World at times.
Aug 30th, 2012, 12:57 PM
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We loved Amsterdam and The Netherlands. It was the only place where we were often offered seats on the public transportation. We were in our late 60s, but not "old looking." My husband just couldn't bring himself to take the seat of a young women, but it was heartwarming to be offered.
Aug 30th, 2012, 03:33 PM
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I was pretty sure I was speaking to natives--I kept asking, "Are you SURE you aren't American?"
But I must also observe that we have a huge business exchange of folks from the Netherlands and Belgium in my US city. It's quite common here for them to spend 3-5 years here before they go back. There's probably a business-related accent emphasis.
But I must also observe that we have a huge business exchange of folks from the Netherlands and Belgium in my US city. It's quite common here for them to spend 3-5 years here before they go back. There's probably a business-related accent emphasis.
Aug 31st, 2012, 12:38 PM
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I'm leaving for Amsterdam in two weeks. I was about to cancel due to some severe emotional upheaval in my personal life but I decided to go for it instead. Everyone seems to have great things to say about this city. Unfortunately, I feel completely unprepared, as I have not planned anything other than my air and hotel. I suppose i will just "wing it". Just looking forward to seeing the city and experiencing all it has to offer.
Aug 31st, 2012, 12:46 PM
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Elcon, it is very easy to wing it in Amsterdam. Unlike some other European capitals, it is very welcoming to tourists and relatively small in its epicenter.
A great place to heal some emotional wounds, I would imagine. Just as the OP points out, everyone is so nice and accommodating. It is also our experience that there are a lot of expats there from English speaking countries.
A great place to heal some emotional wounds, I would imagine. Just as the OP points out, everyone is so nice and accommodating. It is also our experience that there are a lot of expats there from English speaking countries.
Aug 31st, 2012, 05:14 PM
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Agreed--Great place to wing it. My youngest and I were scheduled to visit, had the air and hotel, and both of us were deathly ill in the weeks prior to our leaving.
I think the only real work I put into it the first time was researching a tram pass.
We had a great time.
If you have a bit of time and are pretty sure you want to see the Anne Frank house, do buy tickets online ahead of time. I did not our first time, and we had to wait in a long line (at a so-called "off" hour).
The second time, I ordered the tickets and we were inside in a flash.
Here's the link: http://www.annefrank.org/en/Museum/P...-ticket-sales/
I think the only real work I put into it the first time was researching a tram pass.
We had a great time.
If you have a bit of time and are pretty sure you want to see the Anne Frank house, do buy tickets online ahead of time. I did not our first time, and we had to wait in a long line (at a so-called "off" hour).
The second time, I ordered the tickets and we were inside in a flash.
Here's the link: http://www.annefrank.org/en/Museum/P...-ticket-sales/
Sep 20th, 2012, 06:43 AM
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I was only in Amsterdam airport for 4 hours but now I want to do a long trip. http://www.private-guides.com/guide-...-309/index.php - this site suggest private guide services, how do you think, do I need it there?
