Aheli Wanders: Amsterdam

   

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ABOUT Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a city of canals. Prepare to walk, eat and repeat. Spend your time digesting at one of the many museums or taking a (romantic) stroll through the canal.

Best for: Couples, Solo Travelers, First Time Euro-travelers, LGBTQ friendly

Avoid If: Craving a Non-English experience, Hate Water

Can’t Miss List:

  • Dutch pancakes
  • Dutch Cheese – the Old Amsterdam aged cheese in my favorite
  • Indonesian Rijsttafel
  • A Sunset Canal Tour
  • At least one museum

WHERE TO STAY

We rented a houseboat  dream in Amsterdam Oud-West, which was truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Every morning I’d wake up, make a cup of tea and step out onto a floating terrace to watch the neighborhood ducklings swim by. Our houseboat was parked in quiet residential neighborhood so it felt like we were coming home after a long day of walking. Hots can be very expensive in Amsterdam so try searching Airbnb before you commit.

Stay in: Jordaan, Amsterdam Oud-West, Everywhere on the “crescent shaped” canals is nice (Lijnbaansgracht, Prinsengracht, Heerengracht, Singel).

Avoid: Any place more center than the Singel River (so de dam, Redlight District, Damrak, Rookin, Rembrandtplein etc) because it will be too touristy.

WHERE TO EAT:

Cafe de Klepel

Eat with: Partner, Best Friend
Eat When: You want to feel like a local and munch on really lovely cheese and meats.
Avoid When: You are in a rush and hangry

Bakers and Roasters

Eat with: at least one other person…so you can share
Eat When: You can’t decide healthy or guilty-pleasure
Avoid When: You are in a rush and hangry, You will have to wait.

Conservatorium Hotel‘s Brasserie & Lounge
Eat with: Partner, Best Friend
Eat When: You’re feeling fancy
Avoid When: If you are in a rush

de Foodhallen
Eat with: Small Groups
Eat When: None of you can decide what to eat
Avoid When: You want a fancy sit down meal

Restaurant Blauw
Eat with: Small Groups
Eat When: None of you can decide what to eat
Avoid When: You want a fancy sit down meal

WHAT TO SEE/DO:

KINBoat

Do with: Small Groups
Do when:  You want to avoid super touristy hop/on boats, want to see the sites while drinking nice rose.
Avoid When: You want the super touristy/large crowd canal experience

Bloemenmarkt Flower Market

Best for: Green thumbs, Touristy Goods
Alternative:  Near Schiphol Airport is the Aalsmeer Market. Monday – Friday 7-9AM, you can watch the flower auctions. Just make sure to get there super early.

Van Gogh Museum

Do with: HArt Lovers, Novices, Families, Solo travelers
Do when: You want a comprehensive look at single artist
Avoid when:  You hate museums, you want to see the old world dutch masters

Anne Frank House

Do with: Families, By Your self
Do when you: Read Anne Frank’s Diary, Historical Appreciation
Avoid when:  You haven’t bought your tickets 3 months in advance

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