Amsterdam 30th Birthday Long Weekend Celebration

T8RSP

Hi all,

As the title suggests I am thinking about going to Amsterdam for my 30th for a long weekend to celebrate/commiserate...

I was after suggestions of things to do but before anyone says the obvious, I'm going with my fianc!e so the District with Crimson Lights and cakes that circumnavigate the globe are out of the the question. :money::A
She will be happy for me to go to the Ajax Amsterdam Arena and the Heineken Experience but other than the other touristy things - has anyone got any experience of fun things to do that don't cost mega bucks?

Thanks for any suggestions in advance!

Peccary

The House of Bols, my kind of museum! It's nice to take one ofvthe canal cruises too. Otherwise, if the weather is good amsterdam is a great city to walk around, ducking into some lovely bars and coffee shops that sell coffee. the "obvious" is easy to avoid.

McKneff

The sex museum on the main drag from the central station is great fun and only a few euros.


You should go on one of the tourist boats too, its the only way to see Amsterdam if you haven't been before.


Its great, we have been countless times.


Visit Rembrandtplein and have a meal at L'Opera. Lovely setting and a short tram ride from central station.


Buy a strippenkart each if you are planning on using the trams, they are half the price of paying for your journey on the tram itself. Strippenkarts are a strip of tickets that the tramdriver stamps when you get on the trams. And be care ful of the traffic, they are mad....

totallybored

Strippenkaarts were fazed out a couple of years ago I believe and replaced by ov chipkaarts. I normally buy a day card on the tram (buy it from the man in the box in the middle of the trams on new trams or from the driver at the front on old trams).

I rented a houseboat last year and it was fab. Fantastic view of canals, in a lovely area with not too many tourists but only 5-10 minutes from the main tourist sights by tram. Far more fun than a hotel. I've also rented a lovely apartment near the Albert Cuyp market. I'd definately recommend either over hotels.

maman

I'd recommend this Italian restaurant


http://www.pastaebasta.nl/


The waiters all double up as singers between courses. It's great fun and the food's good. Take a look on Trip Adviser.

T8RSP

Thanks all

May earn some "brownie" points if we go to the House of Bols!

I've seen this: http://www.iamsterdam.com/en/visiting/i-amsterdam-city-card

which looks decent enough so I hope to make good use of it!

[Deleted User]

Amsterdam is not as fun and alternative as it was in the 80s/90s. Last time I was there I found it boring and unsafe. Why not Cologne instead? It's great for a weekend, you can visit the biggest music store in Europe (on a Saturday, near the main station). It's great for shopping and has a cool vibe. Very good restaurants. I can suggest a cheap but decent hotel for the weekend.

samsmoot

The Poezenboot (cat boat) is fun for cat lovers.


You could feed the ducks in the Vondelpark then grab some delicious cakes from Bakkerij Simon Meijsson down the road.


The Waterlooplein market is cheap and cheerful.

hollydays

ciaccino wrote: »

Amsterdam is not as fun and alternative as it was in the 80s/90s. Last time I was there I found it boring and unsafe. Why not Cologne instead? It's great for a weekend, you can visit the biggest music store in Europe (on a Saturday, near the main station). It's great for shopping and has a cool vibe. Very good restaurants. I can suggest a cheap but decent hotel for the weekend.

Why was it unsafe?
Like many cities , around the station is more dodgy . I've never felt unsafe there.
Boring, well the Dutch are very laid back, but boring , never! You can't beat it for cool relaxed vibe.
There are pretty districts with lots of restaurants ( the Jordaan) and gorgeous areas to stay ( within the canal ring) with lots of unique shops and cafes.
Try " stroopwafels" or take some home ( syrup waffles/ biscuits ) .

I'm sure there are some amazing clubs there too.

A local snack is uitsmijsters, ham egg and cheese on toast or variations . Be aware, Dutch breakfast is very light, if it exists at all in cafes.

DKLS

ciaccino wrote: »

Amsterdam is not as fun and alternative as it was in the 80s/90s. Last time I was there I found it boring and unsafe. Why not Cologne instead? It's great for a weekend, you can visit the biggest music store in Europe (on a Saturday, near the main station). It's great for shopping and has a cool vibe. Very good restaurants. I can suggest a cheap but decent hotel for the weekend.

Bored in amsterdam? you must be the boring one. I travel to AMS every month and find it to be very safe as long as you pack some common sense.

Voyager2002

I have great memories of Amsterdam... the Ann Frank house of course, and all the sights of old Jewish Amsterdam; many bars with good live jazz (even the buskers often provide outstanding live music); and the classical concerts. At the heart of the old Red Light District there is a beautiful little Catholic church called 'Our Lord in the Attic', well worth a visit.