My last trip of my time abroad was to Amsterdam. One tends to know
of Amsterdam, but not really anything
about Amsterdam bar the beautiful canals, the presence of the Anne Frank Huis, and its use as a setting in
The Fault in Our Stars. Oh and that one Imagine Dragons' song called "Amsterdam"
.
Transportation
There are so many cheap flights to Amsterdam from all over Europe - we got ours for about $60 round trip on EasyJet from Gatwick. We arrived to a rainy evening and had only a bit of trouble navigating the train and trolley system. We would've been fine but the trains were under construction and there were no signs conveying that information. Otherwise, the trolley and bus systems are easy to navigate and once you're in the city there's no need to even use public transportation.
Within the city we walked most everywhere - the longest walk being a half an hour (when we were strolling and taking photos). You can also rent bikes for a few hours and bike through Vondelpark and around the canals. The biking was only slightly precarious due to all the local bikers and the cars and again the lack of signage - so be careful. And don't drop and break your bike or else you'll have to walk it back (just a thought, nothing from personal experience obviously).
We also rented paddleboats for a morning and that was one of the highlights of the trip. They're actually
much more difficult to paddle than you'd think so you'll definitely get a workout in. And you can take them one way so you can actually use them transportation to a destination. They provide you with some stunning views as well.
Accommodation
We stayed at the Hans Brinker Hotel (Hostel) in the center of Amsterdam. The only two things it had going for it were the location, and the dirt cheap price. If you have a bit of money to spare, I would suggest an air b'n'b or any other hostel as this one had little in the way of amenities, or even wifi.
Things to Do
Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum
Both of these are on the pricier end - about $20 entry each. We ended up picking one - the Van Gogh Museum - and upon further inquiry I think we would've liked the Rijksmuseum better. The Van Gogh museum is actually quite small, and I got a little bored as every painting began to look the same (similar styles and themes). The Rijksmuseum has a lot more variety and artists. If you're into art, and museums, they are both wonderful though.
The Amsterdam Sign
Situated right outside the Rijksmuseum, this free attraction is always teaming with tourists. It's always a struggle to figure out how to fit the entire sign into a single photo, or how to pick which letters to feature.
Bike / Paddle Boat Rentals
I already mentioned this above, but each of these activities would take up half a day and they provide a different way to tour the city. I would even suggest picking up some food and having a picnic in Vondelpark if the weather holds.
The Cheese Museum & Tulip Museum
These "museums" are right next to each other. The Tulip Museum perfect for smelling and taking photos, and the cheese museum perfect for the multitude of samples at your fingertips. I kid you not, we spent half an hour in there sampling every cheese in the building.
The Anne Frank Huis
Lines at the Anne Frank Huis can last for hours, we lucked out on a Monday afternoon by only having to wait about half an hour before entering the 45 minute tour. The tour didn't focus so much on the overall Holocaust, but rather on the individual lives of the people in hiding before and during the war. It wasn't a powerful memorial to all those who died, but it wasn't really meant to be. It showed how everyone, regardless of religion, background, age, sex
is human. Everyone has hopes and dreams, and to destroy those dreams is a terrible action.
Wandering the Canals
We also spent a good amount of time wandering the canals and taking photos. They are so beautiful lined with trees and flowers and filled with the quirkiest houseboats.
Places to Eat
The Magnum Store
You have to stop here to make your own Magnum bar for only $5. It will literally be the best Magnum bar you ever eat....and you get to see them make it too.
Sla
A quirky, modern salad bar with the calmest vibe and decor. It was the perfect respite from all the junk food one usually eats on vacation.
The Pancake House
Any pancake place is a must in Amsterdam. They're known for their beyond extravagant pancakes and I'd have to agree.
Until next time, happy adventuring.
