Amsterdam for 5 days - HELP
 

Surprising husband Feb 2017 with bucket list trip to Amsterdam- seems PALENQ is pretty knowledgable and hoping he will lead off in sight, restuarant and hotel recommendations for mid lifers
Naturally we need to cover the highlights of sights, wondering about trip to Hague and maybe even a private tour guide who can drive us around for a day. Help? And thank you

Great idea for a gift. We loved Amsterdam. We were there as a family, for 5 nights in May a few years ago.

We stayed at the Hotel Residence le Coin, which we liked a lot. We had our two teenagers with us, in two, large connecting rooms. Each room had a kitchenette, and nice tile bathrooms. The hotel is new-ish and very clean. Loved the location for walking everywhere.

If you want to stay at a more special hotel, we were across the street from the Hotel de l'Europe. It looked really nice.
http://www.deleurope.com

Not Palenq, but... We stayed at http://www.ambassade-hotel.nl/ and loved it. We had a view of the canal which was infinitely interesting. A huge room and bathroom by European standards. Easy to walk to most things, lots of restaurants close by.

We saw the Hotel de l'Europe. My only concern is that it is on a busy corner where some of the canal tours leave.

What interests you? We were there 5 days and never left Amsterdam, although I had planned doing a day trip. We enjoyed the museums (the Rijksmuseum was on my bucket list), exploring, and people watching.

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ite-things.cfm

thanks for your confidence in me but I know a lot only about sights and very little to nothing about hotels or restaurants but several A'dam experts do - in the thread I started some time ago others have chimed with it such recommendations - I always loved the Rijstafel or Rice Table meal in Indonesia-Chinese restaurants that are a favorite with the Dutch all over Holland it seems - in the thread some locals were not all that excited by it.

Anyway there is a lot of info on sights in the thread and though a bit dated still valid in general. Like the National Museum Pass which for 5 days is a no brainer IMO - 3-4 museums pay for the cost and you can get priority entry at ones with long lines - even the Anne Frank House is now covered.

Cheers!

Two corny things we did, which were fun:
Took evening batobus ride on the canals, and drank Heineken.

Took a bus tour w/2 stops: tour of windmills, and a small cheese-making business; then a terribly quaint town on the water (which name I have to look up) where we stopped long enough for people to eat a meal.
From there, a nice boat ride took us from that town back to the bus.
Bus back to Amsterdam.

Anne Frank house is probably a must. Then choose a museum or two. We found the museum area is really pleasant to walk around.

We enjoyed just walking in Amsterdam. It's so picturesque and the people were friendly. Most speak English. As I recall, the stores don't want to take credit/debit cards for purchases under about $25. Don't know if that's still true, but I made a mental note to bring more cash next time.

Also, taxi drivers at the airport can be rough. Try to get a hotel which will arrange a driver for you. The last thing you want after a long day of travel, is to be hassled by aggressive taxi drivers, which we were.

There's a block of shops near the Le Coin, the Paradiso is a classic rock/contemporary music venue, the restaurants we found were really fresh and fantastic. I remember one was named "Stout!" We all four really liked it. Very different menu, great service, cool lighting and decor. But that was about 10 years ago, so you never know.

We loved Amsterdam, and really like the Hotel Brouwer for what felt like an authentic experience.
http://www.hotelbrouwer.nl/index.html

Agree that Ann Frank house is not to be missed -- be sure to get tickets online in advance; lines are unbelievable otherwise.

Also very much enjoyed the Van Gogh museum.

Have fun!

I just spent two weeks with my son who lives there. So a different type of holiday, however I did take him out for a special lunch at De Kas... All organic 'home grown' produce, a menu of what they have prepared for the day but they do check if there is anything you don't like and they will make you something else. It is set in a giant greenhouse, all renovated of course. The park and allotments near by are great to walk through afterwards. Might be worth a Google for something different. Night time is very busy so we went for lunch.

Please do not touch Heineken. If you want decent beers there are a lot of micro breweries around the city.
here are just a few suggestions.
http://www.iamsterdam.com/en/visitin...lity-beer-bars
Head for a bruin café (brown café)Maybe Café ‘t Smalle, in Jordaan.
At that time of year there are aplenty of hearty winter Dutch dishes to try.
Pannenkoeken which are delicious Dutch pancakes,made sweet or savoury.
Erwtensoep is a thick pea soup­.
Appelltaart or apple pie.
Bitterballen a savoury snack.
Oliebollen, best purchased from a street seller.
Stroopwafels can be purchased from any supermarket, but really at their best when purchased from a street vendor, and slightly warm.
A good list of suggestions of what to avoid.
http://www.expatica.com/nl/out-and-a...am_107950.html

If you're on a canal boat, you don't have micro-brewery onboard.

I looked up "Stout!", and while it still looks good, it's very different than when we were there.

Once again I'm recommending

Pension Homeland for a wonderfully laid back hotel experience for a very moderate sum at a formerly top secret location (so top secret that it was masked on google maps, yet it is very central in Amsterdam)

https://www.google.nl/maps/place/Ams....8951679?hl=en

[still fuzzy]

Cafe Bern for an atmospheric Swiss dinner experience, an "in the know" address for Amsterdam inhabitants, started by a former nuclear physicist.

There are NO oliebollen after january 1st. It's a seasonal thing for the days leading up to new year's eve

For great beer: Brouwerij het IJ, in a former windmill in the eastern part of the city

Het Smalle, yes, certainly, but Papeneiland, corner Prinsengracht and Lindengracht is doubly as authentic and when we lived in Jordaan, we always headed to Kat in de Wijngaard, which is even better.

Instead of the Anne Frank house (people tend to forget that the site is as much about Dutch betrayal of jews) the Resistance Museum and the Jewish Historical Museum (added bonus to that is that you can visit the Portugese Synagoge and its library Ets Haim)

Tabernash's information is inaccurate re paying with debit/credit cards and the taxi business at Schiphol has been entirely cleaned up now.

Do try to catch a concert at the wonderful Concertgebouw

Going to The Hague:

Mauritshuis of course. But for a once (really) in a lifetime experience, I recommend going to Panorama Mesdag. I'm not going to say what it is, and I urge you not to look anything up on google. It will take your breath away. Truly something that must be seen to be believed.

A good coffeestop in The Hague is the Wiener Konditorei at Lange Poten, a hotspot of secret agent meetings between the world wars, and with coffee and pastry to die for.

Hoping the weather is kind to you: february can be anything, from balmy spring days to harsh siberian winter: there's no telling what you'll get.

Even Heineken tastes good with bitterballen ;)

HI, for a good mid priced hotel check out the Delphi Hotel on Apollian 101-105. It is a Best Western Hotel, which are much nicer in Europe than US. I think it is listed as 4 star. I've stayed there about 4 X. It is in a nice upscale neighborhood, quiet, nice breakfast big fancy hotel across the street down a few doors, hotel on a boulevard (can book day trips there at big hotel). Get a Best Western card for extra specials/free card. If you are mobile, trolley runs 1/2 block away from hotel, get a good map and some trolley tickets/hotel will tell you where nearby to get them. Ride trolley during the day, they go everywhere. Use hotel across the street to book some day trips to fishing villages/windmills/cheese etc. See Van Gogh Museum, right on trolley route as is Reichsmuseum nearby. Use taxis at night, loop thru red light district in taxi. Great city. enjoy. Sue

Another option for a day-trip (though you have plenty to keep you occupied as it is) would be to Utrecht to see the museum of mechanical musical instruments: plenty of opportunities to join in, or even have a dance at the end:

http://www.museumspeelklok.nl/lang/en/
http://autolycus-london.blogspot.co....d-to-have.html

In Amsterdam, you might enjoy a visit to the Tuschinski cinema, even if it's just to have a coffee in the foyer:
http://autolycus-london.blogspot.co....sterdam-2.html

"Use taxis at night, loop thru red light district in taxi."

No. Taxis can't go there, it's too narrow plus you'll be mildly ripped off. Really amazed at the tourists who are hell bent on visiting it. WHY?

Why use taxis at night at all though? Amsterdam is perfectly safe.

You can easily walk thru the red-light area canals without danger- many tourists do it - day or night- from a taxi can't see much.

Why is the Amsterdam Red-Light district called the 2nd most visited site in Amsterdam? Because it is world-famous and unique and eye-opening - like it or not?

It is always on my walks- just want to see the city and its thinks not pass whether I personally approve or not- if the City of Amsterdam allows it to be legal why not see it?

I thought the Mayor of Amsterdam was bent on getting rid of the red-light district and turning its ancient canalside facades into upscale hotels and office buildings like the rest of the old canals have been transformed- but it is still there?

I cycled through there, last weekend, was on my route. I totally fail to see the attraction. it doesn't say anything that it's most visited whatever. McD are wildly popular restaurants, all over the world. does that say anything about the culinary value of that chain? of course not!

the legality of it is a hotly debated issue in city council meetings though, because a lot of it is NOT legal and there is a lot of human trafficking going on behind the façade. Not something you want to support, even by going there and making it a viable tourist "sight".

It's not eye opening at all in that sense, because it, and many tour guides tout the myth that women working there somehow "choose" that. That's patent nonsense.

There's a city project to appropriate vacant properties and to push out the sex trade and that is succeeding, kind of, but at a slow pace.

Coffeeshops and cannabis: same issues. It keeps in place a huge criminal infrastructure, with a spate of liquidations in organized crime circles that have grown ever more violent and grotesque. The difficult thing is that popularity as tourist a destination keeps all of this in place.

And I must confess, the crowds were just crazy, especially in the red light district. People stoned out of their skulls, drunk, letting go, because Amsterdam has the reputation of being a city where anything goes. There's been a right backlash against all of this. The filth, the provision to the munchies, to the exclusion of everything else, the commercialization of the inner city, AirBnB and how it steals social housing from Amsterdam citizens. It's all a plague, clearly visible for those who don't go for "sights by popular demand".

the legality of it is a hotly debated issue in city council meetings though, because a lot of it is NOT legal and there is a lot of human trafficking going on behind the façade. Not something you want to support, even by going there and making it a viable tourist "sight".>

Shame on the city of Amsterdam for allowing such terrible things - what wrong with Amsterdam to allow and thus condone such stuff - if true. Blame the tourists for going there rather than the city that allows its existence.

The A'dam red-light district has been around ever since Amsterdam was a port - the Sailors'Quarter - not sure all the women are exploited - you read different versions about that but if trafficking, etc occurs shame on the city of Amsterdam and the country of The Netherlands for allowing it.

the exploiters active in the RLD cater to customers and would be customers.

from Wikipedia:

In 2009 the Dutch justice ministry announced the appointment of a special public prosecutor charged with closing down prostitution windows and coffee shops connected to organized crime syndicates.[18]

A law proposal[19] was introduced in the House of Representatives of the Netherlands in 2009 and amended in 2010 which would ban prostitution by people younger than 21. Prostitutes are required to register; they receive a registration pass with a photograph and a registration number, but no name or other personal data. Clients are required to check this pass. In addition to municipal rules a national rule is introduced requiring sex companies to have a license, including prostitution companies such as brothels and escort agencies, but also, for example, adult movie theaters. Under the proposed amendments, an advertisement of an individual prostitute should contain his or her registration number, an advertisement of a sex company should contain its license number. The premises for public access of a sex company (if any) should have on the outside a sign showing that the company is licensed, while inside a copy of the license has to be displayed. A vote on the law has been deferred to allow both sides to examine the matter more closely.

Menachem, just because YOU don't like McDonald's does not mean there is no "culinary value." Perhaps it would be a LOT more reasonable if you would try to realize that your "culinary value" may not be the same as everyone else's and that yours isn't necessarily any better.

bookmarking. Amsterdam is on my list!

Lots of folks in Amsterdam do love MACDonalds as I see they are perpetually busy - not just here but all over NL and Europe- I agree with Dukey.

It may be too cold in February but Vondelpark is very beautiful. One fun & somewhat "off the beaten path" thing to do if you get a rainy day is... Tropenmuseum
https://tropenmuseum.nl/en

Again not sure about winter-time but there were some amazing street performers in Leidseplein in the evenings/night.

I've only been to Amsterdam once, stayed 5 days, and barely scratched the surface of the inner city.

<i>Amsterdam for 5 days - HELP
Posted by: travelbuff127 on Aug 21, 16 at 3:12pm
Surprising husband Feb 2017 with bucket list trip to Amsterdam- seems PALENQ is pretty knowledgable and hoping he will lead off in sight, restuarant and hotel recommendations for mid lifers
Naturally we need to cover the highlights of sights, wondering about trip to Hague and maybe even a private tour guide who can drive us around for a day.</i>

I'm not your PalQ but I've lived and worked in Holland and have been back many times. Here are some ideas.

For sights get the Michelin Green Guide to Amsterdam. Whatever you like you can find it in Amsterdam, except a warm sunny beach.

There are several restaurants on Spuistraat south of the castle, including a couple of my favorites. Try the Luden and Five Flies ($$$), and the Cafe Luxembourg for lunch at the Spui. After business hours try the Cafe Hoppe at the Spui. You'll have friends in minutes.

Hotel Ambassade on Herengracht is a unique classic.

A day trip to Haarlem will give you a truer sense of Holland. It is mostly locals with a great town square, the Grote Markt. I'm partial because that's where I lived for four years.

Take the train, but use individual tickets and not that rip-off OV-chip card. You will need the OV-chip card for trams and buses.

As Menachem says, be ready for raw weather in February. Dress in layers. It won't get bitter cold, just real nasty and can turn on a dime.

Be on guard against pickpockets at all times. This is especially true in the train station and busy streets like Kalverstraat and Damrak.

Do not walk on a bike path. Be nimble crossing tram lines.

Bookmarking for an upcoming trip.

WOW! You all have been so insightful. I have sincerely enjoyed (and appreciated) all of your replies!!!i have no doubt they will serve me well in my planning.

Although you have all been so thorough, no one has really spoken of private tour guides. Why?

Sights we will see are:

The Hague
Anne Frank House
Van Gogh Museum
Canal cruise
Resistance Museum
Vondelpark
Red light district
Beer tour

Did I miss any other good highlights.

My husband is a simple man who never really does anything for himself. Whenever we talk about our bucket lists, he always says, "the two places I wish I had experienced in my younger years are Amsterdam and Rio!" He is madly curious about seeing the red light district and drinking a lot of Amstel/Heineken beer. Hopefully he enjoys and appreciates this once in a lifetime experience.

Thank you to all of you and keep them coming.

Dukey, PalenQ, hahaha!

travelbuff, vondelpark in february is no fun!

also, go north of the IJ to NDSM and/or Noorderhoek for the "alternative" experience. That's where quirky Amsterdam is now, not in the city center anymore.

One place where I would employ a private guide is around the RLD, because this is one of the oldest, and most beautiful parts of Amsterdam. Visit the Old Church, and the catholic secret chapel Our Lord in the Attic, a buddhist temple on Zeedijk, the Waag, where Rembrandt painted Dr Tulp's Anatomical Lesson. But also the area beyond, to the east, Kromboomsloot, Lastageweg, Schans: all canals that are as interesting as the "official" canals but far quieter.

google translate the page and book a walk in English: Oude Binnenstad is the code name for roughly the RLD

http://www.gildeamsterdam.nl/stadswa...e-binnenstad/9



Tropenmuseum, lots of people have memories of this, the reality now is that it's underfunded, soon to be not funded and is in the process of closing down bit by bit, while real estate developers are already eyeing it to convert it into - you guessed it - a luxury hotel.

Meachem: thank you for your post. However, can you specific how one goes about employing a private guide.

To all other posters: has anyone had any experience with the the following hotels? And can you speak of their location in terms of sights and safety:

Amsterdam Marriott
Hotel Okura
Grand Amrath

Thank you all.

Frankly, the A-dam Marriott puts you physically close to sites like the Rijksmuseum and even Vondelpark but it gets very mixed TA reviews.

Be aware of the places you want to visit AND the location of the various tram lines.

These days if we are not "splurging" on places to stay we have ended up at the Crown Plaza since it is close to Centraal Station, on two major tram lines, etc.

Am sure others will comment as to the exact neighborhood you simply <B>must stay in or else!</B>

Just to point out that there is a lot more to Dutch beer than Heineken and Amstel. There are many places which have a variety of good beers (some frighteningly strong!)

Gosh, yes! Amstel and Heineken are almost as bad as Budweiser. Please have him try some GOOD Dutch beers.

Thank you for the (sad) update on the Tropenmuseum. I will refrain from recommending it in the future. I have a very fond memory of walking there from the central area and seeing a new part of the city on the way.

Wit_Van_ Brug. I hear you loud and clear. Tell me, is Blue Moon or Shot Toop popular on your end?

Dukey1 I guess I should investigate the tram lines before booking. Vi aapreciTe your valid point.

Praying February 2017 will be a mild weather one for Amsterdam.

Thank you all. But if anyone out there can lead us to a tour guide please do so.

travelbuff, if you go the page I linked, you can book, stating your preferences re language, group size, duration.

this is the page linked to

http://www.gildeamsterdam.nl/bestellen/1/9

Suze, Tropenmuseum is still there and open, the building is gorgeous, but it's a shadow of its former self, sadly.

Sheesh, people, I wasn't claiming Heineken to be the world's greatest beer.

Simply saying that it was available, on the little boat, and I thought it was a fitting drink for our canal tour.

So you drank canal water on your canal trip? ;-)

Did anyone write about the Sex Museum?
More places to visit----
A'dam Look Out Toren:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJwwWWtmWdI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaIjFGIHtd0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKHKhHF45PQ
Some helpful tips some rubbish:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xnp2IkoOppY
A drive around AMS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6Qk5nN-yYQ

Did anyone write about the Sex Museum?>

Or Hashish Museum?

Sex Museum? Hashish Museum? Tame stuff

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VWy_XcvRJQ

Brussels now is today's Berlin of 10 years ago, Berlin was the Amsterdam of 2010, and Amsterdam was great back in 1991

...but the good times didn't last

funeral of Peter Giele

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Kw_NanaDps

travelbuff:

Should see the Rijksmuseum as well as the Van Gogh. It's just a short walk between them and the Rijks is filled with Golden Age Masterpieces.

Get the Museum Pass.