rtwin80days

Hi,

I intend to spend 4N in Amsterdam. Apart from the obvious like the canals, Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank house, what are the other places of interest that you would recommend? I like natural beauty, stunning landscapes, local neighborhoods, biking, art & culture, gastronomy (but I am a vegetarian & teetotaller), people-watching, live music, etc. Any particular plaza or public spaces for people-watching/picnic/open concerts? Any great day-trip you'd recommend?

I have read that Amsterdam is famous for its biking-friendly infrastructure. Is it like velib in Paris where one can use bikes parked in public parking spots & pay nominal charge for long usage? Are there any scenic routes I should definitely bike around?

Considering my interests, Amsterdam's layout & my profile (young, use public transportation, like walking/biking around), which area should I stay in? If budget influences area choice, to clarify, I am ok to stay in a modest place as long as it is safe, clean & convenient to get around.

rtwin80days

I clicked on preview but the post got published nonetheless. I wanted to add:

I have heard Amsterdam is a suitable & safe place for staying in hostels, for a solo female traveller. Any info on that front would be welcome

hetismij2

No velib type construction. You can rent a bike from the station or elsewhere, but I suggest you read the other ongoing topic about cycling in Amsterdam. You might be better off going for a ride out of the city.

Vondelpark is the place for picnics. You could have a look online and see what places like Melkweg and Paradiso have on for music concerts. If you want classical that is a different matter.

Being a vegetarian won't be a problem in Amsterdam.

People watching - just do it. Walk around and you have plenty of people to observe. Sit on a terras somewhere and enjoy the world going by.

Have a look at the new Volkshotel www.volkshotel.nl. That may appeal to you. It is a little out of the centre but only a short walk away really, or you can get the metro.

IMDonehere

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ike-v-tram.cfm

There was a protracted and somewhat wandering discussion about bikes in Amsterdam last week.

LucyStanmore

This thread is of great help for me too, as I intend to go in Amsterdam at the beginning of 2015. I was also thinking of spending 3 or 4 nights in the city. Do you think this is enough to see the city's attractions? Thanks.

suec1

for hostel check out The Shelter / Shelter Jordaan - run by Christians, but not preachy, one is central, red light district, the other probably better location for you, in the Jordaan.

Find a cafe that has tables along a canal - great for people, boat and bike watching. I think watching the A'damers on their bikes is one of the best activities in the city.

For a bike ride, I'd suggest going to Haarlem and getting a bike there. You can ride all the way to the coast - as Rick Steves says "easy breezy ride".

PatrickLondon

For classical music, check out what's on at the Concertgebouw - they sometimes have free lunchtime concerts, but obviously those can be very popular so you'd need to queue early.

rtwin80days

Hi all, thanks for your inputs. I am in the process of consolidating what I want to do/see in Amsterdam.