Happier things - Amsterdam recommendations?

On to a happier topic - B. and I are traveling internationally in two months, and we couldn't be more excited.

We are going to Ireland with a large group that we all know; it's a tour that is already planned, and we're quite excited for it.

B. and I are also going to spend several days on our own in Amsterdam, and as we are getting closer to our travel dates, we're trying to plan out what to do. I know I'd really like to see the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House. I see the Rijksmuseum has just re-opened, and it looks like it would be really neat.

For those of you familiar with Amsterdam, what should we absolutely NOT miss?

We are also very open to recommendations for places to stay or to eat. B. and I are not looking for some place especially fancy; honestly, I've even though about going the youth hostel route as some of my friends have done, but I'd like to hear your recommendations.

When I had asked Angie a couple months ago, Angie added that we should take a tour by the canals, ride bikes, visit the red light district, enjoy the local food, think about taking a day trip, and of course SHOP!

12 years ago

sarah

Veteran

Well, you've already listed the things that I would see - the Anne Frank House was terribly moving and sad and incredible all at once. I think that was my "favorite", although that word doesn't really seem appropriate. I also very much enjoyed the Van Gogh Museum, although if you have time, I would suggest taking the train to the Kroller-Muller Museum, which has an outstanding collection of Van Goghs, among other works, and a sculpture garden. The best part is that it's all within a national park and there are free "white" bikes to cycle around with - so Dutch.

annagybe

(website)

Van Gogh museum was amazing. Anne Frank was depressing but worth it.
We did a bike tour that had a option of keeping our rented bikes for a few days, that was worth it. Just be careful on the bikes, it's very easy to get lost on them.
I've heard the Indonesian food is quite good, but honestly my friend and I were trying to save money.

ramya

Amsterdam???? I am just an hour away...
I will find things and get back Kari, coz DH and I are planning our trip there in few days:)

Inge

Moderator

Kari, that's fantastic!! I'll come back to this thread later with a few suggestions, but might I suggest Antwerp for the day trip?-) FYI: about 2 hours by train. We have good shopping here too;-)

I just came across this blog post by a lass who recently visited Amsterdam (and Antwerp:-), it has some good tips for restaurants etc. I was about to suggest the Albert Cuypmarkt and the Noordermarkt, and see the second one is in her write-up too.
http://www.sproutedkitchen.com.....utm_medium

http://www.albertcuyp.nl/languages/english/

If you are interested in Marks & Spencer, but are not going to the UK: they opened a shop again (the only one on the European mainland) in the Kalversstraat:
http://www.dutchamsterdam.nl/2.....-amsterdam

Negen straatjes shopping area:
http://www.theninestreets.com/

Dille & Kamille for fun stuff for around the house:
http://www.dille-kamille.nl/nl/

Hema - quintessentially Dutch:
http://www.hema.nl/

Because I know you love to read:-)
http://www.athenaeum.nl/vestig.....andel-spui
http://www.amsterdam.info/bookshops/waterstones/
http://www.selexyz.nl/winkel/4/selexyz-scheltema/

The Vondelpark to relax or picnic surrounded by trees:
http://www.amsterdam.info/parks/vondelpark/

Handbag museum - featured on several "best fashion museums in the world" lists:
http://www.tassenmuseum.nl/

I'm sure I'll think of more later.

Ginkgo

Kari, my husband and I stayed at La Boheme Hotel in Amsterdam last October and were quite happy with it. It's a reasonable price for Amsterdam (which is expensive), the location and room was fine, and breakfast was provided. It's located just off the Leidseplein Square and we able to take a tram from the airport directly there, then it was about a two minute walk to the hotel.

As a history major I found the Dutch Resistance Museum fascinating, but I realize that not everyone is interested in WWII; however it would explain a lot more about the Netherlands than you'll learn at the Anne Frank house. I also really enjoyed the handbag museum and wish now I'd bought something in their gift shop.

Dana

Kari, I was so excited when I saw your post. I was in Amsterdam for just 2 days last June, but I loved it! We stayed at Maes Bed & Breakfast. It was amazing! (Tripadvisor is a great way to find lodging, etc.)

I don't know how long you'll be there, but I agree that the Rijksmuseum isn't to be missed, nor the Anne Frank House. Buy tickets on line to avoid lines!! And absolutely the handbag museum was fab! Oh, and on the way there, stop by the flower market.

Cafe De Reiger was a really great restaurant! I hope all this helps.

Isis

So much fun; I love Amsterdam! Definitely rent a bike; it's the best way to get around the city and so much fun. We kept bikes for our entire stay in Amsterdam.

Eat appel taart with whipped cream and coffee at Winkel 43, a great cafe to sit outside and people watch.

Eat raw Herring with onions and pickles from a stand, there is one near the train station.

Our favorite restaurant was an inexpensive vegetarian restaurant Vliegende Schotel.

We loved the Van Gogh museum, missed the Anne Frank as the lines were too long and we hadn't prepurchased tickets.

All kinds of great Belgian beers to try in pubs, each with it's own beautiful glass! Tripel Karmeliet was my favorite and the glass is beautiful!

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