A week spent in Amsterdam including a few day trips
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A week spent in Amsterdam including a few day trips
My DD and I just returned from Amsterdam. We had a wonderful time. Instead of giving a day by day summary I’m going to list information I hope will help anyone planning a trip.
Hotel
Dikker & Thijs Fenice
I picked it because it’s in the centrum area on the Prinsengracht. Also they provide you with a smart phone. We used it for google maps to help us navigate
Restaurants
I love to research my trips. I also prefer to have my meals planned. I ended up making a lot of reservations as many restaurants in Amsterdam are small. Here’s where we ate.
Gartine - they only take cash
Los Pilones Cantina Mexico
Winkel - the Apple pie is delicious
La Perla - we went for ther pizza
Casa di David - try to get seated in one of the upstairs tables by the windows that face the canal
Blushing Amsterdam. It’s right across the street from the Van Gogh Museum We had
breakfast there
The Pantry
Bagels and Beans. This is a chain. Good for a tasty what else - bagel
Pannenkoekenhuis Upstairs They only have 4 tables and only accept cash. They pancakes are delicious
Cafe Bern. We went for the fondue
Jottum Mediterranean Tapas
more info to follow
Hotel
Dikker & Thijs Fenice
I picked it because it’s in the centrum area on the Prinsengracht. Also they provide you with a smart phone. We used it for google maps to help us navigate
Restaurants
I love to research my trips. I also prefer to have my meals planned. I ended up making a lot of reservations as many restaurants in Amsterdam are small. Here’s where we ate.
Gartine - they only take cash
Los Pilones Cantina Mexico
Winkel - the Apple pie is delicious
La Perla - we went for ther pizza
Casa di David - try to get seated in one of the upstairs tables by the windows that face the canal
Blushing Amsterdam. It’s right across the street from the Van Gogh Museum We had
breakfast there
The Pantry
Bagels and Beans. This is a chain. Good for a tasty what else - bagel
Pannenkoekenhuis Upstairs They only have 4 tables and only accept cash. They pancakes are delicious
Cafe Bern. We went for the fondue
Jottum Mediterranean Tapas
more info to follow
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This was my first trip to Amsterdam so I can’t compare it to how it was in the past I grew up in NYC so I know how to deal with a crowded city. My daughter and I got up early to arrive st our first destination early. We had a great time.
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Freedam Tours
I like to start a visit to a city that's new to me with a walking tour. I picked this "free" 3 hour walking tour because of it's reviews. I was also happy to read that the tours were limited to 20 people. I booked it well aware that guides giving free tours expect a hefty tip. My daughter and I really enjoyed this tour even though we were very jet lagged. Our guide was Sergio, the owner of the company. He was very knowledgeable and funny.
Canal Cruises
I decided to take 2 cruises, 1 during the day and 1 at night. I picked 2 companies that used open boats, as opposed to glass enclosed ones.
Freedom Tours
This was our day tour. The comfortable boat fit about 20 people, the captain and someone who sold drinks. There are umbrellas and blankets available for use if needed. This pleasurable 1 hour cruise was informative - the sights were beautiful
Those Dam Boat Guys
We booked the last cruise of the night, which I think was at 9. This was a 2 hour cruise in a small boat, there were 10 cruisers and the captain. I know there were blankets as I used one, maybe there were umbrellas. We loved this cruise. The bridges are lit up at night. This cruise was very informal. Our knowledgable captain - Ollie - was a good conversationalist and had everyone talking.
more to follow
I like to start a visit to a city that's new to me with a walking tour. I picked this "free" 3 hour walking tour because of it's reviews. I was also happy to read that the tours were limited to 20 people. I booked it well aware that guides giving free tours expect a hefty tip. My daughter and I really enjoyed this tour even though we were very jet lagged. Our guide was Sergio, the owner of the company. He was very knowledgeable and funny.
Canal Cruises
I decided to take 2 cruises, 1 during the day and 1 at night. I picked 2 companies that used open boats, as opposed to glass enclosed ones.
Freedom Tours
This was our day tour. The comfortable boat fit about 20 people, the captain and someone who sold drinks. There are umbrellas and blankets available for use if needed. This pleasurable 1 hour cruise was informative - the sights were beautiful
Those Dam Boat Guys
We booked the last cruise of the night, which I think was at 9. This was a 2 hour cruise in a small boat, there were 10 cruisers and the captain. I know there were blankets as I used one, maybe there were umbrellas. We loved this cruise. The bridges are lit up at night. This cruise was very informal. Our knowledgable captain - Ollie - was a good conversationalist and had everyone talking.
more to follow
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You're welcome StCirq
Markets
I love to visit markets and always try to visit at least one. I ended up seeing three
Noordermarkt
This market is in the Jordaan area. We went to it on a Saturday morning as this is when the farmer's market is there. It was wonderful, We bought breakfast and had a great time browsing around. My daughter did some shopping.
Albert Cuypmarkt
We went here for lunch and to check out the merchandise. The food was good, the merchandise wasn't of interest to us.
Waterlooplein Flea Markt
Our visit hear was unplanned. We happened upon it when we were wandering. I don't recommend this market, nothing caught our interest.
more to follow
Markets
I love to visit markets and always try to visit at least one. I ended up seeing three
Noordermarkt
This market is in the Jordaan area. We went to it on a Saturday morning as this is when the farmer's market is there. It was wonderful, We bought breakfast and had a great time browsing around. My daughter did some shopping.
Albert Cuypmarkt
We went here for lunch and to check out the merchandise. The food was good, the merchandise wasn't of interest to us.
Waterlooplein Flea Markt
Our visit hear was unplanned. We happened upon it when we were wandering. I don't recommend this market, nothing caught our interest.
more to follow
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Museums
Anne Frank House
Wow what a moving experience! If you plan on seeing it make sure to buy your tickets in advance. This can be done on their website 2 months beforehand.
Van Gogh Museum
I was really looking forward to this visit and I wasn't disappointed. I also bought these tickets in advance. You specify a date and time when you make your purchase and I thought being there shortly after opening would beat the crowds. I was wrong as there were plenty of people with the same idea. Regardless I loved this museum, even though there's no photography allowed lol.
Rijksmuseum
This was another museum I was very excited about. This time arriving early was worth the effort. We got there at 9 and immediately went upstairs and found Rembrant's Nighwatch. What a thrill to view it in an almost empty room! We had a great time admiring all the beautiful paintings on display. After a few hours the galleries got pretty crowded. The museum itself is beautiful inside and out. Photography is permitted.
Rembranthuis Museum
This is the house he lived in until he was forced to sell it. The furniture is not original but a recreation of how it would have been. We saw a demonstration of how paint was mixed up and how a canvas was prepared. We enjoyed our visit.
Museum of Bags and Purses
I put this museum on our list to please my daughter. She is not as big of a museum lover as I am. She will go but doesn't want to spend as much time as I do. I thought this small museum would be right up her alley as she loves fashion and I was right. There are many beautiful items on display and the information given was quite interesting. Well worth a visit.
more to follow
Anne Frank House
Wow what a moving experience! If you plan on seeing it make sure to buy your tickets in advance. This can be done on their website 2 months beforehand.
Van Gogh Museum
I was really looking forward to this visit and I wasn't disappointed. I also bought these tickets in advance. You specify a date and time when you make your purchase and I thought being there shortly after opening would beat the crowds. I was wrong as there were plenty of people with the same idea. Regardless I loved this museum, even though there's no photography allowed lol.
Rijksmuseum
This was another museum I was very excited about. This time arriving early was worth the effort. We got there at 9 and immediately went upstairs and found Rembrant's Nighwatch. What a thrill to view it in an almost empty room! We had a great time admiring all the beautiful paintings on display. After a few hours the galleries got pretty crowded. The museum itself is beautiful inside and out. Photography is permitted.
Rembranthuis Museum
This is the house he lived in until he was forced to sell it. The furniture is not original but a recreation of how it would have been. We saw a demonstration of how paint was mixed up and how a canvas was prepared. We enjoyed our visit.
Museum of Bags and Purses
I put this museum on our list to please my daughter. She is not as big of a museum lover as I am. She will go but doesn't want to spend as much time as I do. I thought this small museum would be right up her alley as she loves fashion and I was right. There are many beautiful items on display and the information given was quite interesting. Well worth a visit.
more to follow
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A few more places we saw
Westerkerk
This is a lovely church in the Jordaan area. It is the one Anne Frank could see from her hiding spot and is where Rembrant was buried. You can climb up the tower but we decided against it.
Vondelpark
We walked here from the Van Gogh Museum. It's a lovely park which I gather is quite full on the weekend. We had a peaceful Monday visit.
Bloemenmarkt
This was a floating flower market. Now it is mostly just lots of souvenirs. Don't bother going.
Red Light District
We walked around here twice. Once was part of the walking tour we went on. We learned a lot of interesting facts about the area. The second time was the early evening. There were very few women in the windows, less than we expected. Maybe because there are stil plenty of tour groups walking around then. I guess customers visit later on.
I Am Amsterdam Sign
This is right outside the Rijksmuseum and every tourist takes photos there. We arrived around 830 in the morning to beat the crowd and there were already many posing people, However there are lots more later in the morning so get there early.
more to follow
Westerkerk
This is a lovely church in the Jordaan area. It is the one Anne Frank could see from her hiding spot and is where Rembrant was buried. You can climb up the tower but we decided against it.
Vondelpark
We walked here from the Van Gogh Museum. It's a lovely park which I gather is quite full on the weekend. We had a peaceful Monday visit.
Bloemenmarkt
This was a floating flower market. Now it is mostly just lots of souvenirs. Don't bother going.
Red Light District
We walked around here twice. Once was part of the walking tour we went on. We learned a lot of interesting facts about the area. The second time was the early evening. There were very few women in the windows, less than we expected. Maybe because there are stil plenty of tour groups walking around then. I guess customers visit later on.
I Am Amsterdam Sign
This is right outside the Rijksmuseum and every tourist takes photos there. We arrived around 830 in the morning to beat the crowd and there were already many posing people, However there are lots more later in the morning so get there early.
more to follow
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Shopping
When I travel with my 25 year old daughter I make sure to include shopping in our plans as she loves to do it. Here's what she enjoyed the most.
Denegen Straatjes - the nine streets
There are tons of small stores in this area, many of them selling clothing. It's in a nice part of town so you might enjoy walking here even if you don't want to buy anything
Jordaan area - this is such a great area to walk around. There are many interesting stores here
Noordermarkt
I mentioned this already but it's worth repeating. This is a great market. My daughter bought a dress and a top there
Museum of Bags and Purses - gift shop
There are many designer items on sale there. Happily they had a sale going on so my daughter bought a beautiful purse
more to follow
When I travel with my 25 year old daughter I make sure to include shopping in our plans as she loves to do it. Here's what she enjoyed the most.
Denegen Straatjes - the nine streets
There are tons of small stores in this area, many of them selling clothing. It's in a nice part of town so you might enjoy walking here even if you don't want to buy anything
Jordaan area - this is such a great area to walk around. There are many interesting stores here
Noordermarkt
I mentioned this already but it's worth repeating. This is a great market. My daughter bought a dress and a top there
Museum of Bags and Purses - gift shop
There are many designer items on sale there. Happily they had a sale going on so my daughter bought a beautiful purse
more to follow
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Want to stop for a snack or have a treat?
Winkel 43 - I already listed this with restaurants but it bears mentioning again - go for the fantastic apple pie
Reypenaer Cheese Shop - you can sample a lot of delicious cheese
Puccini Bomboni - this is a wonderful chocolate shop directly across the street from Reypenaer on Singel.
Wil Granstra Fritehuis - fries are a big deal in Amsterdam. You can have them will a variety of toppings
Van Stapele Koekmakerij - this bakery makes only 1 kind of cookie and there's a long line. Wow is it worth it! This chocolate cookie is delicious!
Van Wonderen Stroopwafels - stroopwafels are another must try treat. This shop tops them with a variety of delicious choices
Bars
My daughter requested that we go to the following
Xtra Cold Ice Bar - I never would have picked this overpriced bar but my daughter loved it. The ice bar is of course freezing and I hate to be cold.
Your drinks are served in an ice cup and yes there's ice everywhere..
Hilton Hotel/Doubletree Sky Lounge- the views from this 11th floor bar are beautiful and they have a menu of many fun drinks
more to come
Winkel 43 - I already listed this with restaurants but it bears mentioning again - go for the fantastic apple pie
Reypenaer Cheese Shop - you can sample a lot of delicious cheese
Puccini Bomboni - this is a wonderful chocolate shop directly across the street from Reypenaer on Singel.
Wil Granstra Fritehuis - fries are a big deal in Amsterdam. You can have them will a variety of toppings
Van Stapele Koekmakerij - this bakery makes only 1 kind of cookie and there's a long line. Wow is it worth it! This chocolate cookie is delicious!
Van Wonderen Stroopwafels - stroopwafels are another must try treat. This shop tops them with a variety of delicious choices
Bars
My daughter requested that we go to the following
Xtra Cold Ice Bar - I never would have picked this overpriced bar but my daughter loved it. The ice bar is of course freezing and I hate to be cold.
Your drinks are served in an ice cup and yes there's ice everywhere..
Hilton Hotel/Doubletree Sky Lounge- the views from this 11th floor bar are beautiful and they have a menu of many fun drinks
more to come
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Day Trips
Zaanse Schans
When I decided to go to Amsterdam I knew I wanted to get out of the city and see some "countryside" , especially windmills. I thought about booking a tour but realized I could see what I was interested in on my own. Zaanse Schans is in a neighborhood which is a 15 minute train ride from Amsterdam. Several windmills and green wooden houses have been relocated here to recreate the look of an 18th/19th century village.
Taking the train from Central Station was a pleasure. I love trains in Europe, they run on time and are clean. From the Zaanse Schans station, a 10 minute walk brings you to the back entrance. The walk is pleasant as you can see the windmills in the distance. I recommend you arrive earty, before the crowds get there.
We enjoyed our morning there. It is so picturesque and just a lovely place to walk through. We saw a clog making demonstration and sampled lots of cheese and chocolate. We decided to enter 2 windmills, which we paid for. Speaking of paying, there's a charge for using the restrooms. Anyway the windmills were interesting, one was a working saw mill and I think the other one produces dyes. We had a decent lunch there - pancakes..
Zandvoort Beach
This is something else I promised my daughter, she loves beaches! The train from Central Station takes 30 minutes. The beach is across the street from the station. This is a lovely beach with smooth clean sand. My daughter had a nice dip in the cold sea, I decided against going in with her - someone had to watch our valuables. This was out of character for me as I usually take advantage of a swimming opportunity. There were no lifeguards which really surprised me. We sat on the sand and enjoyed
Zaanse Schans
When I decided to go to Amsterdam I knew I wanted to get out of the city and see some "countryside" , especially windmills. I thought about booking a tour but realized I could see what I was interested in on my own. Zaanse Schans is in a neighborhood which is a 15 minute train ride from Amsterdam. Several windmills and green wooden houses have been relocated here to recreate the look of an 18th/19th century village.
Taking the train from Central Station was a pleasure. I love trains in Europe, they run on time and are clean. From the Zaanse Schans station, a 10 minute walk brings you to the back entrance. The walk is pleasant as you can see the windmills in the distance. I recommend you arrive earty, before the crowds get there.
We enjoyed our morning there. It is so picturesque and just a lovely place to walk through. We saw a clog making demonstration and sampled lots of cheese and chocolate. We decided to enter 2 windmills, which we paid for. Speaking of paying, there's a charge for using the restrooms. Anyway the windmills were interesting, one was a working saw mill and I think the other one produces dyes. We had a decent lunch there - pancakes..
Zandvoort Beach
This is something else I promised my daughter, she loves beaches! The train from Central Station takes 30 minutes. The beach is across the street from the station. This is a lovely beach with smooth clean sand. My daughter had a nice dip in the cold sea, I decided against going in with her - someone had to watch our valuables. This was out of character for me as I usually take advantage of a swimming opportunity. There were no lifeguards which really surprised me. We sat on the sand and enjoyed
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Delft
This was the town outside of Amsterdam I most wanted to fit into my trip. It's an hour train ride from Central Station. We had a wonderful time in this
smaller version of Amsterdam. It's such a beautiful town! The walk from the station to "old town" is about 10 minutes. We went into the beautiful Old and New Churches and looked around market square. Besides restaurants there are several shops there. We had a delicious lunch in the Grand Cafe Desjees. This was in a quiet street off the market square. It was kind of breezy so my daughter made use of one the blankets draped over the back of a chair. What we enjoyed most about Delft was just wandering around and sitting by the canals.
Some parting thoughts
The people in Amsterdam were quite pleasant to us. Everybody speaks English.
Bicycles are in fact everywhere. There are more bicycles than people. No one wears helmets. Just be careful!
Uber was a great way to get around when we were too tired to walk back to our hotel.
The trams were very efficient. There was a stop across the street from our hotel
Wander around the canals. This ended up being our favorite thing to do. Amsterdam is a great city to walk in and we did that endlessly. We often wandered around, found a bench by a canal and just sat. Watching the boats and admiring our surroundings was wonderful!
This was the town outside of Amsterdam I most wanted to fit into my trip. It's an hour train ride from Central Station. We had a wonderful time in this
smaller version of Amsterdam. It's such a beautiful town! The walk from the station to "old town" is about 10 minutes. We went into the beautiful Old and New Churches and looked around market square. Besides restaurants there are several shops there. We had a delicious lunch in the Grand Cafe Desjees. This was in a quiet street off the market square. It was kind of breezy so my daughter made use of one the blankets draped over the back of a chair. What we enjoyed most about Delft was just wandering around and sitting by the canals.
Some parting thoughts
The people in Amsterdam were quite pleasant to us. Everybody speaks English.
Bicycles are in fact everywhere. There are more bicycles than people. No one wears helmets. Just be careful!
Uber was a great way to get around when we were too tired to walk back to our hotel.
The trams were very efficient. There was a stop across the street from our hotel
Wander around the canals. This ended up being our favorite thing to do. Amsterdam is a great city to walk in and we did that endlessly. We often wandered around, found a bench by a canal and just sat. Watching the boats and admiring our surroundings was wonderful!