molaussen

I am traveling to Amsterdam for the first time in early April with my boyfriend (arriving Thur 12:00PM and leaving, now 2:00PM Sunday)

The airline has contacted us about a change in our return offering us a flight the following day. When we originally scheduled the return, it was late in the evening so we could still have use of our day.

With that being said, is Thurs afternoon to Sunday afternoon enough time or should we stay an additional day? The things I would like to do during the day is the Van Gogh museum, Heineken Brewery, Anne Frank House, Gardens (if the tulips are in bloom) and some shopping. Any other places I should visit as well?

lisacc

I am leaving for Amsterdam for the first time in 10 days. I will let you know!

Wayne

Assuming Amsterdam is the only place you are going,you should try to stay as long as you can. Honestly, 3 days or a week would not be enough if you really want to explore the city thoroughly. My allocation of time for a first-time visit would be at least 3 days, but preferably 5 or more.

I'm surprised that you didn't mention seeing the wonderful art in the Rijksmuseum, but you should certainly go there if you enjoy art as indicated by your interest in the Van Gogh museum. I can easily spend at least half a day in the Rijksmuseum. Other than that, just wandering around, catching the tram, or even renting bikes to explore the city would be fun.

quicksilver

Stay as long as you can. In my opinion, Amsterdam is a very relaxing city (except for Kalverstraat and the Damrak, which I found to be *nuts*!) and it takes a few days to really acclimatize to its pace. Allow yourself enough time for wandering and hanging out in cafes, especially in the western canal belt area, my favorite part of the city.

Take a boat tour, too--I thought this would be cheesy, but I ended up loving it. Finally, I second Wayne's recommendation of the Rijksmuseum, especially for the Sculpture and Decorative arts section, which has fascinating Flemish textiles, metalwork, etc.

Have a great time!

jsmith

Stay the extra day. It's Van Gogh's 150th birthday so the museum has a special exhibition. The Rijksmuseum is a must for Rembrandt's Night Watcher if nothing else and there is at least one Vermeer. I'll second the canal ride also.

We were there a few years ago on the Queens's birthday at which time Damrak (the main street)is paved green with empty Heineken cans. They do know how to party.

The Keukenhof Gradens are open from March 21 to May 18 so you should make that one of your stops. There are a number of posts on the best way to get there. We just took the tourist method which included a stop at a nursery where you could pick your bulbs for shipment home.

Have fun.

Janine

Should be enough time. Make sure you get to the museums early - especially Anne Frank House. The queues only get longer.
I would recommend doing as the Dutch do, and hiring bicycles while there. Wander through the Jordaan, the Begijnhof and the Vondelpark. A good way to orient yourself is to catch the circle tram around the city.

suze

Where are you coming from? Is this your entire trip or one part of it? Or just a long weekend from somewhere close by?

I was in Amsterdam for the first time last summer for five days and that was about right for me. But I didn't do any of the museums, and loved Vondelpark and the Leidseplein district best. Mostly I just walked and walked and walked around the canal districts.

Danna

Check out Keukenhof Gardens outside of Lisse. It should take the good part of one easy 3/4 with travel hither and yon, but is well worth the time. When you think of flowers this will be the standard! Have a grand time!