Amsterdam

Getting there

Schipol airport in Amsterdam is a major hub for connecting flights around the world. I’ve certainly spent many a time racing through the airport from one terminal to another to get a connecting flight. The train station is within the airport terminal building making it easy to get into the city. The Eurostar train also runs to Amsterdam, giving another option if you’re travelling within Europe. All of this makes Amsterdam a really accessible city.

Getting Around

There are up to 400 kilometres of cycle paths in Amsterdam and about 800,000 bikes making Amsterdam one of the world’s most cycle-friendly cities. It’s a quick way to get round the city and navigate the narrow cobbled streets. You can rent a bike for around €10 per day.

If you don’t want to cycle, there’s an efficient tram service that will get you round the city centre sights. However whenever I’ve been there I’ve been happy to wander alongside the leafy canals. Amsterdam is a really walkable city and best explored on foot.

What to see

Anne Frank’s House

Seeing where Anne and her family hid during World War II and hearing her story being retold was a profoundly moving experience and I would definitely recommend it. Just don’t wait until you get there to buy tickets. The tour sells out quickly and you’ll need to plan your visit well in advance.

Museums Quarter

The 17th century was known as the Dutch Golden Age for art and Dutch Masters such as Vermeer and Rembrandt were prominent during this time. Take a tour of the Rijksmuseum to see Rembrandt’s famous painting ‘The Night Watchman’ and ‘The Milkmaid’ by Vermeer.

The Museum is open every day and an adult ticket costs €25.

Van Gogh Museum

Skip on a couple of hundred years from the Dutch Golden Age and Vincent Van Gogh was prolific for artworks such as ‘The Bedroom’ and ‘Sunflowers’. You can see both of these original paintings and many others at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.

Adult ticket: €25.

Canal Boat Cruise

Strolling alongside the canals is one thing but if you want to learn a bit more about the city take a canal boat cruise. There are several boat tour operators in Amsterdam, mostly dotted along the Singelgracht canal.

Dam Square

In the heart of Amsterdam is Dam Square, a central meeting point and usually lively with tourists and street performers. At one end of the square is the Royal Palace while at the other side is the National Monument. You’ll also find Madam Tussauds here and if you’re in need of some retail therapy you’ll find lots to buy in the grand upmarket department store De Bijenkorf.

Shopping

If you prefer smaller, independent boutiques rather than a big department store head to Nine Streets. This scenic shopping area is a hub for vintage shops, arts galleries and jewellery shops. You’ll also find loads of bars and restaurants here. It’s where the locals go and has a very authentic vibe.

Where to Stay

The Jordaan

A short walk from Amsterdams Centraal Station is The Jordaan, a bohemian area of the city. With hotels, boutiques, trendy bars and restaurants, the area is also full of small museums including The Houseboat Museum and The Tulip Museum.

De Pijps

South of the city centre is the trendy area of de Pijp. Many of the streets in this area are named after Dutch painters. Alongside the tourist accommodation you’ll also find The Heineken Experience and the Albert Cuyp Market which is the largest outdoor market in the Netherlands.

What to eat and Drink

Herring - typically eaten raw, loaded with onion and pickles and you can find it at local food stalls.

Meatballs (bitterballen) - delicious little deep fried meatballs with a thick meaty filling,

Stroopwafels - two large waffles sandwiched together with caramel

Dutch apple pie - no explanation needed. I’ll have another slice thanks.

Dutch Beer

While the biggest name in Dutch beer is Heineken, there’s a thriving craft beer industry which you can sample in one of the many brown bars in Amsterdam.

Dutch Cheese

Gouda and Edam are the most well known cheeses from Holland. However other varieties such as Leyden which are equally delicious. In fact the Dutch are so proud of their cheese that there is a museum dedicated to it. Check out the Cheese Museum in Jordaan.

Finally

I really like the relaxed vibe of Amsterdam and if you want a few days to chill and unwind then Amsterdam is a great choice.

If you want to explore a different city in the Netherlands check out my blog on The Hague.