Surprise Trip Away

davidw123

Hi,

I am considering booking a weekend away with my wife to Amsterdam. I've been told its a lovely city and shes always wanted to visit , I appreciate there is quite allot to do there with regard to Museums, Anne Franks etc.

With the reputation of this city, could anyone advice where to stay, where to avoid; things to definitely go see etc.

Would love the money-saving help too!

Thanks:j

bradders1983

Anne Frank museum ideally needs booking in advance and the timeslots only open up around 2 months before, so keep checking the website

Katiehound

The official website:
https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/see-and-do/things-to-do/top-20-things-to-do-in-amsterdam

HOHO bus/ canal boat trip
City Card gives you free entrance to museums & free transport.

Have no idea about hotels but many years ago we used to stay in b&bs which were in the tall narrow houses alongside the canals.
I always came down next day with trepidation wondering if my car had rolled into the canal!

Kayak has prices from £20 pp per night.
If possible get a central location as much of the city is walkable

Don't miss the Begijnhof- tiny peice of tranquility right in city centre- dates back to 14th C.

martindow

Katiehound wrote: »

Have no idea about hotels but many years ago we used to stay in b&bs which were in the tall narrow houses alongside the canals.
I always came down next day with trepidation wondering if my car had rolled into the canal!

I find staircases in older Dutch houses terrifyingly steep. I would never take a car into central Amsterdam - public transport is excellent and cheap. I doubt if you would be able to park outside a city centre hotel at all now.

Katiehound

martindow wrote: »

I would never take a car into central Amsterdam - public transport is excellent and cheap. .

This was many many years ago, and it was far easier to drive to Amsterdam from Germany than go by train- so- had to parkthe car somewhere! Once in the city we walked or sometimes used the tram. I can't remember how many cars are hooked out of the canals each year by the -fire brigade?- but it's a great many!

Now? no , there are cheap flights.

gettingtheresometime

I think tickets for Anne Franks' house is actually open 3 months in advance.

We also booked a tour of the diamond factory which was free.

If you're reasonable fit, you can walk to most places quite easily.

Personally, I thought Amsterdam was seedy and dirty and have been to nicer cities on mainland Europe.

maman

On my last trip to Amsterdam in November we stayed in Leiden. It's like a miniature Amsterdam (canals, pretty houses) about 20 minutes from Schiphol on the train and 40 minutes from Amsterdam. It has an interesting history linked to the Mayflower. I've been to Amsterdam before so wanted to try something different. Loads of good value chain hotels right opposite the station. We stayed in the ibis which was excellent, far higher standard than many I've used in France.

We had a day in Amsterdam and I'd definitely recommend a canal boat trip. I find the gables of the canal houses fascinating. We spent half a day at the Rijkmuseum as it had been refurbished since my last visit. It's a beautiful building and a bit like a mix between the National Gallery and the V&A. Full of Old Dutch Masters as you'd expect.

Pollyflinders

The Flower Market is one of my favourites. Hugh brunches of beautiful tulips.

bradders1983

gettingtheresometime wrote: »

I think tickets for Anne Franks' house is actually open 3 months in advance.

Nope. Two.

https://www.annefrank.org/en/museum/tickets/

Online ticket sales

80% of tickets are released exactly two months in advance at 12:00 hours (Amsterdam time/CET), 20% on the day itself.

peachyprice

Museums in Amsterdam are incredibly expensive, €15-25 per person, do your research and choose wisely

peachyprice

gettingtheresometime wrote: »

Personally, I thought Amsterdam was seedy and dirty and have been to nicer cities on mainland Europe.

I have to agree. Haarlem, 20 mins away by train, is a much nicer town, I would rather go there.