Amsterdam

markwilkinson

I've wanted to go to Amsterdam ever since reading the Anne Frank diary, more years ago than I care to remember. Recently we booked a 3 night city break there, we are going in about 3 weeks I think.

My wife and I have no interest in the red light district, nor the hash bars (which I think tourists are barred from now anyway?).

Any must see's/do's? We are staying centrally. Any restaurant/bar recommends would be welcome too!

Thank you all in advance.

Mr_Wang

zagubov wrote: »

If it's still there the Heineken Brewery does a tour called the Heineken Experience for 16euros (but you get two drinks at the end). Kills 1.5 hours. Did it years ago (it was cheaper then and they kept on topping up your drinks and didn't sling you out until you got loud/rowdy)! :beer:

I went and you now get 2 free pints, that is all.

I'd suggest Anne Frank Haus and a walking tour done by yourself. It's a great city to walk, and really beautiful in parts.

markwilkinson

Anne Frank is a must see for us both and I like the idea of the Heinekan brewery, really enjoyed our trip round the Guiness place in Dublin a few years back.

jandk

Not sure if it's your thing, but we loved Zaanse Schans. It's a typically Dutch village which is a tourist attraction. It felt so peaceful.

We jumped on a train (Dutch trains are sooooo much better than English ones) and found it easy to get there and back

http://www.zaanseschans.nl/

daveyjp

Free ferry from behind the railway station gives is worth the trip.

The Indonesian restaurants are legendary and Cafe Corso, whilst in the red light district is very friendly pub and club house to a rugby club.

McKneff

there is so much to see in Amsterdam,as already mentioned there is also the Zoo and an arboretum.

We go twice a year and its a brilliant place. It just buzzes.

Go on a tour boat, that the way you will see more of Amsterdam but pay as you get on the boat, the booking shop is about 2 or 3 euros more.

Down the main drag is the Sex Museum, its blumming hilarious in places, for about 4 euros its worth the money.

Eating is quite expensive but what the hell.
No one can make an English Breakfast apart from the Irish bars so dont even attempt one.

joerugby

McKneff wrote: »

there is so much to see in Amsterdam,as already mentioned there is also the Zoo and an arboretum.

We go twice a year and its a brilliant place. It just buzzes.

Go on a tour boat, that the way you will see more of Amsterdam but pay as you get on the boat, the booking shop is about 2 or 3 euros more.

Down the main drag is the Sex Museum, its blumming hilarious in places, for about 4 euros its worth the money.

Eating is quite expensive but what the hell.
No one can make an English Breakfast apart from the Irish bars so dont even attempt one.

You won't need an english breakfast - just ask for an uitsmeiter

http://dutchfood.about.com/od/eggdishes/r/Uitsmijter.htm

Enjoy!

squirrelchops

We really enjoyed using the canal boats to get around the city for a day - a nice way to see the city.

We went for a drink in the American Hotel just to see the shining example of art nouveau. Here you are right in the leidesplein and the tulip market.

I also enjoyed the Van Gogh museum as I have a particular liking of the sunflowers.

Stop for lunch in one of the little cafes that sell shwarma (kebab) with knoflooksaus or falafels. I crave falafels from Amsterdam as the best I have ever had!!

C_Mababejive

Amsterdam is a lovely city to walk around. The train from schipol whisks you right into the heart of the City. Dont worry about the red light area. It is very tightly bordered into a particular area an d really, its nothing like the streets full of crack !!!!!s that you might see in seedy parts of our big cities. In fact ,the girls in the windows dress normally and its more like a model parade. Some of the shops are a bit obvious. Aside from that,when visiting the Anne frank haus,get there early as they can have big queues.

kiss_me_now9

The Van Gogh museum is definitely worth a visit - 4 hours we spent in there! See if your hotel offers a discount for tickets booked in advance.

The Bols museum is also really good, you get a free cocktail and two free shots - if you go with someone else you can get different shots and try even more flavours.

Personally we found the Anne Frank house really boring and disappointing...

gadjah543

If you do want to go to Anne Frank's house then pre -book your ticket online then just bypass the queues.It is definitely worth going and is NOT boring.

You can also hire your own boat instead of going on a tourist boat.We got ours through the local tourist board.Another alternative is to hire bikes or to go on an organised bike trip.Ours was with the little yellow bike company and took us to windmills,cheese factory etc. Great fun. You need to have your passport with you to hire bikes or boats and a credit card.