aMSTERDAM
Whenever you mention Amsterdam, people minds go to the red district and magic mushrooms. The truth is different. There’s much way more than that. Amsterdam is one of the most picturesque European cities that you can probably see. Although it is quite cold during the winter season but you go so many other months to find beauty at this city. It is not important where do you stay since it is smaller than you expect and calmer. Biking is a major way of transportation and you need to watch out while walking. I suggest 2 night stay would be enough to explore Amsterdam and see the main sights.
what to do?
day 1
My stay wasn’t very central but it was walking distance to the central station. I started my walk across the Dam Square & the Royal Palace. While walking to the canal at the Rokin where I picked up one of the canal boats. The good thing in this doing it first is that it gives you a sense of orientation to the city. The canals are UNSECO World Heritage (Rederij Kooij Cruises). After the 1 hour cruise, walk to the Rijksmuseum, known for its Rembrandt and Vermeer collection. During the afternoon, visit Van Gogh Museum. For this museum, you need to buy your tickets ahead of time and book a slot, otherwise, you might end us missing it.
day 2
I’m a fan of local markets and here I went for the Albert Cuyp Market. You can find food and non food stalls. If interested, you can do the Heineken Experience (I didn’t do it). There’s no way to leave Amsterdam without seeing the floating flower market, Bloemenmarkt. One of the nicest neighborhoods is around the Hotel de l’Europe. It’s full of cafes and restaurants. Shopping during the afternoon. The area is known as the 9 streets: Reestraat, Hartenstraat, Gast-Huismolensteeg, Berenstraat, Wolvenstraat, Oude Spiegelstraat, Runstraat, Huidenstraat and Wijde Heisteeg.
day 3
I had a late day train so I stayed walking through the canals and enjoying the city but if you have one more day then I suggest going for a trip out of the city to any of those:
-Visit the windmills in Zaanse Schans
-Cheese making & tasting in Volendam
-Clogs making in Marken
where to stay?
The ED
The Student Hotel
Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky
where to eat?
Room Mate Aitana
