Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > Europe
Reload this Page >

Amsterdam...1.5 days...what would YOU do?

Search

Amsterdam...1.5 days...what would YOU do?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 12th, 2009, 01:21 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 431
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Amsterdam...1.5 days...what would YOU do?

My husband and I will be in Amsterdam for 1.5 days on a short layover. In that time frame...what would you do/see/experience?

*background: mid 30's...love amazing food/restaurants...adventure...shopping

We are looking for places to see, places to eat at, and a wonderful hotel to stay at.

Thoughts?
travelmom13 is offline  
Old Sep 12th, 2009, 11:29 PM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 9,422
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
If you are at all into shopping, Amsterdam is one of the most fun and inexpensive places to shop in Europe in my experience. Amazing food and restaurants are much harder to come by. As for adventure, rent a bike, or at least a bike taxi, a pedal boat on the canal (weather permitting), and I love going to the Tuschinski theater for a movie, or getting my hair cut at a tony shop (like tony and guy's!).

There is also no end of legal vice in Amsterdam, but can't give you any personal recommendations.
zeppole is offline  
Old Sep 13th, 2009, 07:20 AM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 637
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Bookmarking for spring '10. Have fun!
melissa19 is offline  
Old Sep 13th, 2009, 08:07 AM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 15,770
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
agree with zeppole about food.
Canal tour is always a good idea. Weather permitting - just walk around...
danon is offline  
Old Sep 13th, 2009, 08:14 AM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,056
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Indonesian food is the thing in Amsterdam, there are many restaurants, from basic to posh. I would stay in a centrally located hotel converted from old canal houses, maybe the Pulitzer or the Canal House Hotel. Adventure abounds, and it is legal in Amsterdam!
tarquin is offline  
Old Sep 13th, 2009, 08:21 AM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 97,182
Received 12 Likes on 11 Posts
With a short timeframe I'd also suggest making your own walking tour... Central area, RLD, then Leidseplein and Vondelpark areas. I didn't have very good luck with food in Amsterdam so can't help there. A boat canal tour is one thing I didn't do that I would definitely add next time.
suze is offline  
Old Sep 14th, 2009, 09:36 AM
  #7  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 431
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Awesome start! Thanks for your tips! I will keep researching based on your advice and be back with more questions soon
travelmom13 is offline  
Old Sep 14th, 2009, 07:12 PM
  #8  
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,713
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I have taken candlelight cruise 3 times and loved it.
http://www.grayline.com/Grayline/des...d=1054&sid=586

the core of Amsterdam isnt that big so it is walkable if you are reasonably fit. There is area called 9 streets that is fun shopping. http://www.theninestreets.com

Have you decided where you are staying?
I love the Jordaan area.
jetsetj is offline  
Old Sep 15th, 2009, 10:01 AM
  #9  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 431
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
haven't decided yet where we are staying...still looking. Would it make sense to stay close to the airport since we get in at 10:30am and leave the following day at 8:45pm? Or could we swing staying in the city for a more in depth feel to the city?
travelmom13 is offline  
Old Sep 15th, 2009, 10:10 AM
  #10  
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 8,351
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Stay in the city. It will be cheaper and much nicer than staying out at the airport. It is only a short train ride away, but with only one night you may want to explore the city and it's nightlife - and you can't do that if you have to get a train back to the airport. Only hotels actually at Schiphol make sense if you do opt for staying out there - others will be hard to reach by public transport from the city.
Make sure you are back at Schiphol in plenty of time fro your flight.
hetismij is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
DMBTraveler
Europe
37
Jul 27th, 2013 11:38 PM
nicolino
Europe
8
Aug 27th, 2007 10:27 AM
Alexia561
Europe
6
Apr 26th, 2007 03:04 PM
aspir4more
Europe
9
Aug 31st, 2006 03:00 AM
echo1967
Europe
11
Aug 15th, 2003 12:55 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On



Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -