What Did We Do In Amsterdam?
Here’s a quick list of what we did in the great city of Amsterdam. Click on the links below to go straight to that section, or just start at the top and read your way through.
How Did We Get There?
We travelled to Amsterdam from Brussels as part of our 30 day European tour. As they are so close, we found it easiest to catch a train. Even easier when we had a centrally located hotel in Amsterdam, so we could walk there from the train station. The train departed Brussels Central and took just over two hours to get to Amsterdam. Our trip was direct, but had a stop in Antwerp.
We booked through SNBC before leaving home at a cost of 45 Euros each. There is no seating allocation, but as we had an early train (5:45AM) there were plenty of seats available. Travel time was around three hours, so we arrived just after 9:00AM. This gave us time to drop our bags at our hotel before setting out to explore.
Where did we stay?
As most of Amsterdam’s attractions are located around the old city, we chose a hotel in the centre. The NH Collection Amsterdam Doelen looked like a good choice, being an up-market property within walking distance of everything we planned to visit. From arrival to departure, the staff were some of the best we have met. They were attentive to our needs without smothering you. The check-in procedure is at a desk, where the guests can sit down, while the paperwork is carried out. Fantastic, as you really don’t feel like standing after your trip to get there.
The rooms were very nicely appointed. Unfortunately, street noise from parties at nearby pubs kept us awake, so sleeping was not great, even though the bed was fantastic!
Breakfast was fantastic. Great wait staff and a good selection off the menu or buffet.
Getting Around
We found the easiest way to get around central Amsterdam was to walk. When you first look at the map it looks a bit daunting, because of the canals and bridges. However, we used Google Maps and found it quite easy. When you walk you also get a better sense of the city and experience it better. Remember that bikes get right of way! If you don’t pay attention, it’s easy to get in their way.
To visit attractions further afield like Zaanse Schans, we used public transport. This was very easy to use, with the buses leaving from Central Station.
What did we do?
Dam Square
This is a large public area next to the Royal Palace and the National Monument. There are a lot of cafes around it and we grabbed a snack and a drink and watched the people walking by.
Royal Palace
As with most attractions we visited, where possible we bought a skip the line ticket. This wasn’t really needed here as there was no huge queue out the front, but as the cost was the same, it just meant we could walk straight in.
There is a cloak room for backpacks and coats and a desk where you can get a map and an audio guide. The guides are great and give detail of each stop on the map, along with some optional extra stops if you are interested.
Not as magnificent as some palaces we have seen, but a beautiful building none the less and worth taking the time to see and have a detailed look around.
Canal Cruise
This is one of the must do activities in Amsterdam. As the city is designed around canals, the historical and modern city can be seen to advantage from them. The cruise we took lasted an hour and navigated many, many canals. We saw house boats, old warehouses, modern architecture and more. Unfortunately, the boat had a closed roof which severely limited the views and photo opportunities. We thought this was a major problem. I can understand that in winter, an enclosed, heated boat would be required, but in summer, the lack of viewing areas is very disappointing. So, if you can, get an open-topped one.
Anne Frank’s House
Another of the must-see places in Amsterdam. I don’t use the word attraction, as that is not really its intent. There was a massive line up. Groups go through every 15 minutes. You are rushed through, no photos are to be taken, and you are going through so fast you don’t have time. However this was an amazing experience to see this.
Rijksmuseum
If you are an art connoisseur, then the Rijksmuseum is a must. The collection of Dutch masters is fanatic and no to be missed. Rembrandt, Vermeer, and many more. Even if you are not into art, a visit is worthwhile, even if just to say that you have seen masterpieces like The Night Watch and the Milkmaid.
To avoid the queues, buy you ticket online and skip straight to the entrance.
Van Gogh Museum
A fantastic museum containing most of the great artist’s best works. Buy your ticket online, to avoid the huge queues that can form outside. It can also be very crowded inside so don’t expect solitude to contemplate any of the art works.
No photographs allowed, although this didn’t stop a lot a people from taking them. If you do take photos, expect a stern telling off by the guards.
I Amsterdam Sign
Located near the Rijksmuseum, this is one of the must do tourist places in Amsterdam. Unless you get there very early, don’t expect to take a photo of just yourself, as the crowds can be quite large, with many people more interested in getting their own photo, than staying out of yours.
We saw the afternoon crowds, but came back at 6AM and had it all to ourselves.
Zaanse Schans
Zaanse Schans houses a collection of windmills, most of which still operate. If the wind is strong enough, they will be working as they were designed, producing the products they were designed for. When we visited, the wind was too light, but were still able to go inside them and look around.
Entry to each windmill and museum must be paid for, so when you walk around, you do not have to go to all of them, and only one you could walk up to the roof and take a good picture, all the rest you were not allowed to do this. You can buy a Zaanse Schans card which gives you:
- Free admission to the Zaans Museum
- Free admission to the Weaver’s House and Cooperage
- Admission to a windmill of your choice; extra windmills with a 50% discount. You can choose from: paint mill De Kat, sawmill Het Jonge Schaap, oil mill De Zoeker or oil mill De Bonte Hen.
- Free access to the Zaan Time Museum (peak season + Sundays)
- 30% discount on admission to the Honig Breethuis and the Windmill museum
- 10% discount in souvenir shops and catering establishments (when you spend more than €10.00)
- Parking Zaanse Schans daily rate for cars of €7.50 (instead of €10.00)
The card can be purchased for 15 Euros at the information centre.
We spent the morning looking around tasting cheese, trying on clogs, (which you can buy) and then had a nice lunch at one of the restaurants on site. The site is massive, but well worth the walk. You can also walk over the bridge at the other entrance to the museum area and see the amazing houses on the water front and have a nice look around.
We travelled there and back by bus. A 50 minute trip, departing about very 15 minutes from Amsterdam Central.
What Did We Think?
Amsterdam is one of those places to visit, it has something for everyone, but there was more to see and do in other places that we visited. The old city and canals are very nice and we enjoyed the Van Gogh Museum. However, we found the city was very noisy at night and sleeping was difficult.