Amsterdam...

Laurie

Hey Fabbers - I am starting a new job on Monday, just in time to attend an all-company event in Amsterdam. I'll be there 8/24-30. I'm so excited! I will have almost 2 full days at the beginning to explore. I haven't been to Amsterdam since 1983. I wish my husband were coming, but I'm not sure if others are bringing spouses. Maybe next time.

So- Angie, and all who know and love Amsterdam, would love your suggestions for sites and shopping. Unfortunately I think some of the museums are already sold out as the company was including tickets as part of the event and the sign up site indicated there were none left. I have been to the Anne Frank House, but would have loved to go back. I am not looking for the super touristy stuff. And, I would love to ride a bike!
Awaiting your collective wisdom!

6 years ago

Off Topic

8 replies

Latest reply was from Laurie

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I will be in the NL the same time! But not in Amsterdam. I will be in Arnhem with my Dad. Exciting for you! Congrats on the new job.

I know Amsterdam well. You will not get into the Anne Frank House unless you book ahead of time. And even then the queues go on FOR BLOCKS. It's incredible though. I've been a few times too.

You MUST go to the Museum shop and the Van Gogh museum.

My favourite areas are de Jordaan and de Negen Straatjes. Take the time to walk OFF the beaten track.

I can't stand the tourist areas in Amsterdam so I'm a bit grumpy about that. Biking can be hairy so be careful! My suggestion is NOT to eat in the tourist areas.

Things are often closed on Sunday and Monday morning so I'm warning you.

And also, I don't find the locals very polite, friendly or helpful. They are annoyed with all the tourists - so take the rudeness with a big pinch of salt

6 years ago

Runcarla

Veteran

Visited Amsterdam early September 2017. DH and I walked a lot just to take in the sights. Lots of interesting architecture. I second the Jordan and the Western Canals. We also liked Old Town, the Plantage, and the Southern Canals. I particularly liked the Hortus Botanicus (botanical garden) and we had a nice lunch there.

Here is a post from that trip.

https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....-amsterdam

Laurie, Angie - might we get some packing posts?

6 years ago

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Wow, what a great way to join a new job! It’s worth contacting the museums directly—the company having filed out its allotment doesn’t mean the whole thing is sold out.

The weather is going to be “fun” to pack for, with very warm and quite cool temps possible. I second Carla’s request for a packing post.

6 years ago

Toban

Veteran

I’m in Utrecht (3 minutes by train to Amsterdam) for the same period for a work conference. On previous trips I’ve really enjoyed the Van Gogh Museum and the Dutch Resistance Museum. This time I am going to the Rijksmuseum with my boss on my one tourist day.

6 years ago

SarahD8

Veteran

If you are interested in museum-going but the "big ones" are too crowded/sold out, consider Het Rembrandthuis (Rembrandt's home, near Waterlooplein), Tropenmuseum (surprisingly progressive ethnographic museum, in the eastern part of the city/Plantage), and Kattenkabinet (small and quirky museum dedicated to art featuring cats, with resident cats too -- in the Canal District). Bonus is that the first two will take you a bit out of the most heavily touristed areas.

If you need groceries or a quick deli meal to eat in, Marqt is a nice Dutch organic, slightly upscale grocery chain (sort of like Whole Foods, but local/independent).

I haven't done much clothing/accessory shopping when I've been in Amsterdam though.

6 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Albert Heijn is my favourite Dutch grocery store, and Amsterdam has a big one.

Also, go to the farmers market if it's open. The Dutch make the BEST bread, cheese and butter in the world. Best cookies, apple tart and friet too.

6 years ago

RobinF

Veteran

Love Amsterdam! We went there a couple of years ago and stayed in a house right on the Herengracht canal. Walked everywhere and just loved it. I wouldn’t ride a bike there, hair raising! But maybe you’re braver than me haha. Rijksmuseum was fabulous, and the Van Gogh museum but I just loved wandering the streets, sipping wine at little cafes. I have millions of pics of the canals because they were so gorgeous. Enjoy!

6 years ago

Laurie

Veteran

Checking back in on my way home from my 2 day on-boarding at the new company in Palo Alto. Thank you all for these great suggestions! I really want to cycle - a friend recommended riding to Voldendam and Edam. I am a little terrified of riding in the city based on this feedback, but would love the chance to see the small towns on the ride once out of the crazy part. Or does the crazy part not end?

I have been to the Anne Frank House twice - once as a very impressionable 12 year old the summer I read the diary and learned about the Holocaust for the first time. Again in 1983. No crowds. I think I'll keep my memories. As a cat person Kattenkabinet sounds like JUST the thing! Rembrandthuis - yes. And the grocery and markets. I think I have my plan.

This job is going to be a lot of work in the early months, major learning curve, but I'm pleased with the choice and am hopeful this is a place to stay for at least 3 or 4 years.

6 years ago

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